An immoderate threat when representatives fail the people
February 25, 2008 by mlq3
Filed under Daily Dose
Yesterday, the Inquirer editorial asked if People Power represents An immoderate threat in the face of unmoderated greed. Besides Fidel V. Ramos’s stinging rebuke to the President last Friday, on Saturday, GMA News broke the following story: Arroyo: I know ZTE contract tainted but can’t cancel deal (see also Arroyo admits NBN deal was flawed ), which has raised more questions than it’s answered: not least, because in one fell swoop, the President’s own statement proves her officials have been lying all along.
The question remains whether it will temper the “reply or resign” call made by people like Martin Bautista. In her blog, smoke makes a decision flow chart and, well, the best that could be said was a negligent President (but maybe enough to keep the loyalists stouthearted).
Atty. Edwin Lacierda, in an email to me, put it this way:
The difference I think between the Garci tapes and the ZTE confession is that in the Garci tapes, there was this legal grey area of the admissibility of the wiretapped tapes. And so, GMA could legally wiggle out of it even if we know that the accent and inflections were distinctly GMA. In the ZTE deal however, her admission opens up more cans of worms.
In the first place, she lied as to when she knew of the irregularities. I think the first documentary proof of her knowledge of the irregularity would have been when NEDA changed the investments that could avail of the loans from the People’s Republic [of China] when the [military] housing units and the Angat water project were removed from the list and the NBN deal was inserted. I may be wrong but [isn’t it that the] President [alone] can change the Neda policy.
Orally, the testimony of Romy Neri informing the president that Abalos offered him a Php200 million bribe would also constitute knowledge of wrongdoing. Inspite of that information, the president told Neri to approve the project. So, I think we know she lied when she admitted she knew of wrongdoing only on the eve.
But be that as it may, her admission runs counter to the many pronouncements of those who defended the ZTE deal, as pointed out in the Inquirer editorial. Laglagan na is the order of the day just to save the president. I dont know how long will the factotums continue to defend her at the risk to their own life and liberty. But this strategy will have unintended consequences and I am not sure the president’s men thought this out well. It started out with releasing the Jun-Joey conversations in YouTube. We dont know what Abalos is thinking but I am sure he was not pleased with the revelation. His credibility has been further eroded, if there is any ounce of credibility left in that man.
Her admission also puts into question the statements of Formoso who the government has constantly paraded as the point man in the ZTE deal. I would love to see him wiggle his way out of this mess.
The lies and the cover-up continue and it is getting harder and harder to put out a credible yarn.
And so, as Mon Casiple points out, it’s a case of the fortress showing cracks in its walls even as the administration recycling its old scripts:
Within the Malacañang fortress, there are rumors of the heightening suspicions among the key players–with the First Couple directly handling all tactical decisions, trusting no one. Whispers of last-ditch plans for a “palace coup†keep on leaking out as well as the opening of succession negotiations with the vice-president. The FG unscheduled trip to Hongkong is being interpreted as either a cover-up for a major palace counter-offensive this week or the preparation for the GMA exile to Spain.
GMA’s admission of knowing the ZTE-NBN contract problems is reminiscent of her famous “I’m sorry†speech. It may have been directed to the bishops but it only added more fuel to the fire of disenchantment with her regime. It may be the last argument to convince the fence-sitters.
The President’s people accelerated something most people didn’t want to think about, just yet: the post-Arroyo maneuvering that most people continued hoping would take place, as scheduled in 2010. Now the maneuvering has taken on greater urgency as the President’s own people have bungled things so badly. The scandal just keeps getting wider and wider and people have started to think the previously unthinkable.
And so, my column for today is When our representatives fail. It makes reference to some of my past pieces, including my Manifesto on the Tapes, and my columns,Redemption and ‘Half a People Power’. Also, it’s a response to Solita Monsod’s People Power IV? No, thank you! and, in a way, Randy David’s Bonfire of institutions (which reminded me of my column, Scorched-earth governance from 2005):
The damage to government institutions has been the most extensive. Far from being a neutral arbiter of disputes and a source of normative stability, the justice system has become a weapon to intimidate those who stand up to power. Far from being a pillar of public security, the military and the police have become the private army of a gangster regime. Instead of serving as an objective referee in electoral contests, the Commission on Elections has become a haven for fixers who deliver fictitious votes to the moneyed and the powerful. Instead of serving as the steady backbone of public service through successive changes in administration, the government bureaucracy has been turned into a halfway house for political lackeys, misfits and the corrupt. Instead of serving as a check on presidential power, the House of Representatives has become its hired cheering squad.
The erosion of these institutions, no doubt, has been going on for a long time. But their destruction in the last seven years under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s presidency has been the most comprehensive since 1986. This is due not only to the particular gifts of Ms Arroyo as a politician — her survival instincts, her callousness, her readiness to set aside higher goals and principles for short-term personal gains. It is also due to the peculiar confluence of events that attended her rise to the presidency…
…But the damage is not confined to government; it has fanned out like a shock wave from the epicenter to the periphery. We have thus far only seen the debris of government institutions that have lost their standing in the public esteem. Now we are seeing how the tension is passed on and threatens other institutions. This happens when issues that are left unresolved by the institutions of law, politics and government spill over to other spheres of society.
The tremor spreads out and tests the strength of the remaining credible pillars of our society: the churches, the media, the universities, the business community, the family. Each one of these institutional spheres has their own unique operational system, code and medium. They are not organized, nor are they suited, for the processing of legal and political questions. Yet, they are compelled by the developing situation to address these questions from their own specific standpoints. Their members are called upon to lend their minds, their voices, and their bodies to a movement whose trajectory is still uncertain.
It is this uncertainty that needs to be addressed. And so, returning to today’s column, I’d like to start by reproducing, in full, the reflection by Bishop Francisco Claver, S.J. that I quoted in my column (sent to me by Billy Esposo):
An Infinite Series of EDSAs
(Ramblings of a retired bishop)
Is it possible to avoid firming up an extremely dangerous, if still inchoate, tradition?EDSA I was about restoring a system which had been destroyed by the introduction of a dictatorial system of governance. That is why most of us bishops had no qualms about taking part in putting an end to President Marcos’ stolen power.
EDSA II was the momentary failure of the restored system—it carried a sense of desperation that the system wasn’t working as it should. (The dancing lady senator was a perfect metaphor of its dysfunctional operation.) The Supreme Court’s act in confirming GMA, for all its disputed constitutionality, was basically aimed at stabilizing a dangerous situation?
EDSA III, if it happens, promises to be the institutionalization of an infinite series of EDSAs. This is what is scary about the present situation and I’m wondering if a vague fear of it is behind the apparent unconcern of most of our people today about all the agitation to come up with yet another EDSA rebellion.
_______________________________________________
Is the question a “purely†political one? Or precisely because the danger is there that, with another EDSA ousting of an incumbent President, we help firm up a tradition of unstable governments, the question becomes a deeply moral one?
For bishops in regard to this development: Is it a moral duty incumbent on them to see to it that we do not go the way of institutionalized instability? Or at least to speak on the problem and show how we must be aware of the possibly deleterious implications of whatever option we make in the solution people give it? As one of Philippine society’s basic institutions, is the Church being called today to be the—or at least a—stabilizing force in our society?
In a very true sense then, our problem comes down to this: how to correct the aberration that is the present administration without destroying the stabilizing structure that is our democratic system of government? We keep the structure but correct the aberration? But if the correcting destroys the structure—or weakens it immensely—what then?
People power was born to bring back stability. I think it should be used now to protect it, not to destroy or weaken it. The way things are now, it is being invoked again in the effort to correct what I called above an aberration, but I’m afraid its repetition in the present crisis will only lead to that unwanted world-without-end-series of EDSAs.If we do not go the way then of that infinite series, we still are left with what I call the aberration. We haven’t put our heads together yet to see how we go about correcting it without bringing the whole house crushing down on us. This is what we should be doing now?
____________________________________________
I wonder if the system of four-year terms for presidents and the possibility of another four is not after all the best for us. Suffering through six years of a bad presidency (more, if he/she comes in to fill the term of an ousted one—as we have now) is intolerable, and that is why it is easy for people to succumb to the temptation of using extra-constitutional means to end the present one. This is an argument for charter change?
In more established and mature democracies: In the United States, for instance, the Bush presidency is bad enough and highly unpopular, but somehow nobody there is thinking of doing something like an EDSA uprising.
__________________________________________
For some reason some folk proverbs keep intruding on my thoughts as I write this thing—like the one about lying on nests that one has feathered? (We tolerate corruption—and rigged elections—but we do not blame ourselves for their consequences too?) Or changing horses in mid-stream? (It’s akin to the principle in spiritual life: “In desolation, don’t changeâ€â€”but that’s what we do with every EDSA?) I guess we haven’t really learnt yet what these homely proverbs mean!
Francisco Claver, S.J.
February 19, 2008
Esposo says the piece is an attempt to clarify what the Catholic hierarchy meant by “communal actionâ€. It is a reflection that to my mind reflects the unease with which people view the escalation of political tensions. However at this point, it leaves a lot, perhaps everything, in the hands of the President who has gambled on the fear of the unpredictable consequences of People Power vetoing any widespread support for it as the instrument of last resort.
But the best-laid plans of mice and men… they also tend to go unexpectedly awry. The most unexpected development is how young people have decided, in increasing numbers, to get engaged.
Inday Espina-Varona tackled this development in her blog, scaRRedcat:
Dirty tricks unleashed in airports are embedded in our collective psyche. With apologies to that once great human rights champion, Joker Arroyo, there are some things you do not mess around with.
It’s a bit sad really but then all great lessons of history often come with a certain sadness. Barely a month ago, I wrote of how young Filipinos would rather roll up their sleeves to solve a problem than break out into song and prayers as is their elders’ wont. They’d still rather do that. But, as did good men and women when the Nazis were on the ascendance, Filipinos now see what they missed when they looked away as hundreds of activists were murdered or “disappeared†or when they accepted that cheating at the polls is preferable to getting another actor elected to the Presidency: Wait too long and there may be no one around to hear your cries for help. Now, Everyman is faced with the barrel of a gun…
…Ousting a corrupt and despotic leader is a right of every people as the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights underscores. Revolutions are not, in the strict sense, short cuts. They take time to wage and often come with messy results; that is why they are seen as a people’s last recourse.
But if we are to revolt in the name of democracy then there is no other way but to hew as closely as possible to constitutional change, as we did at EDSA 2. The fact that Mrs. Arroyo has grievously betrayed our trust is no excuse to shortchange ourselves more by anointing leaders outside of constitutional succession terms.
I do not know Vice President Noli de Castro. But he was elected by vast numbers of our people to that post, which comes with the responsibility to take over the Presidency if and when the incumbent Chief Executive can no longer fulfill the duties of that office. Whatever we may think of De Castro’s capabilities or lack thereof, we cannot simply sweep away a mandate conferred by the people.
If we can’t stomach him then we take our lumps and just give Mrs. Arroyo hell until her term runs out or until she institutes a belated regime of reforms, whichever comes first. We cannot decry corruption and officialdom’s penchant for playing fast and loose with the laws of this land and yet do the same in the name of democracy.
Agree! By the way, see another entry, He Said, They Said, a piece of Inday’s originally published in the Philippine Graphic, for a brilliant summary of why the government’s gotten itself into so much hot water. Well done, as well, is Patricia Evangelista’s She said. Over at Placeholder, you can see the La Salle Brothers’ chronology of the Lozadas seeking sanctuary in their school.
And indeed, that was the gist of my column for today: a last-ditch effort to kick-start our institutions into functioning properly might require the threat of People Power.
But people are wracking their brains (and searching their hearts) for ways not to have to resort to it, yet. Though there are those, as reproduced by onomatopoeia, who don’t think the threat should be invoked at all. Disagree!
While the threat of revolution that makes possible a return to the way things ought to be, such a threat, once made, risks having officials call the public’s bluff.
Which means the coming days and weeks requires even more soul-searching to take place.
How far will you go? Should we go? Even Business divided on another ‘People Power’ revolt.
tatsquiblat has some useful advice on what to do: or rather, a prudent approach to take. And review the emerging consensus on concrete steps to take, and the debate on the things that remain unresolved, in Sylvia Mayuga’s Firm Steps to the Light.
One proposal that’s gained wide currency, is for the President to immediately revoke her own Executive Order 464, but as one of many conditions; however,what Joaquin Bernas, S.J. proposes is that revoking the order is enough and all he really wants:
What do I support therefore? I favor attempting a rehabilitation of the presidency. To start with, I favor the complete dismantling of EO 464, the notorious gag which the President has clamped on the mouths of executive officers who are in a position to reveal incriminating truth.
True it is that the objectionable portions of EO 464 (Sections 2b and 3) have been declared unconstitutional. But the executive department continues to behave as if Senate v. Ermita never happened. You will notice that, whenever executive officers are called to testify in an investigation, rarely do such officers claim the lame excuse of executive privilege. They simply say that they are prevented by EO 464. EO 464, although constitutionally dead, remains the biggest obstacle to the discovery of truth. Its dark spirit remains.
How dismantle EO 464? The most efficient way would be for the President and the executive secretary to forget it. Easy, no; difficult, yes. Nevertheless this is a more viable goal than trying to persuade the President to resign and effectively jump into the fire. Moreover, the total abandonment of EO 464 can be the beginning of the rehabilitation of her ailing presidency. E.g., she should now allow the exposure of those who were involved in the corruption that caused her to cancel the ZTE contract. It would be a very concrete way of substantiating her loud cries against corruption. With political will, between now and 2010, much can be achieved toward rehabilitation of the presidency.
The kinds of minds he’s molded are best exemplified by this Ateneo blog. The Arroyo Presidential Library planned for the Ateneo will definitely be a suitable monument.
But what’s at stake and why, despite attempts by the good Jesuit to focus attention on asking for rehabilitation, or even the Senate President’s trying to propose an eventual impeachment, things seem to be coming gingerly to a point of no return, is best explained by Writer’s Block:
In light of all this, we are still obliged to be vigilant. Many people would ask: why continue? The elections are two years away; like her counterpart George W. Bush, she has only this one term left. But remember that we are talking about an “Arroyo governmentâ€. How are we to know that Czarina Arroyo would not control the Philippine government from the sidelines, the same way Lee Kuan Yew did in Singapore? There are also the earnest efforts among elements of her government to push through “Charter Reformâ€, to ensure their continued tenure in power. The point is, two years is two years away, and a lot can still happen in that span.
That’s why the Opposition continues to resist her, and find ways to overthrow her. Not only for the sake of vindication; it is also to ensure that they could sooner dismantle the “Arroyo government†and make sure that the next elections would indeed represent the people’s voice. No one can get her to quit. She, like Hitler before her, can always claim “divine appointmentâ€.
The D Spot worries about her kids, what happens if they decide to join rallies. But Noralyn Mustafa puts the choice in stark terms:
We fail to do this now, the wages of our apathy will be Charter change forced down our throats; we will never see an election ever again in our lives; and we will have the Arroyos and Pidals and Abaloses holding our souls in their hands to the end of our days. And even beyond.
This is the ultimate danger of trying to ease the pressure. It won’t strengthen institutions. It will give the President a second wind. Liling Briones says the economy shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction. Cielito Habito reviews economic prospects for 2008.
As for today’s commemoration, I’ll be at Baclaran, where the Comelec computer operators found refuge after their historic walkout from the PICC. Review The Road to Edsa I, and the events in The Edsa Revolution Website. And do some Reading up on Edsa. And looking back, a mere year ago, to Edsa at 21. And doing his own looking back is Lito Banayo.
And Life’s a Beach has that video that will make all the small-minded mean and sour people angry. Interesting tidbit, too, from One Hundred Eighty Degrees, on an attempt to censor the video.
Postcard Headlines says the real challenge of Edsa is sustaining public vigiliance. Philippine Commentary insists on impeachment or nothing. It will take at the very least a national strike to get that past the House. JB Baylon waxes eloquent:
As I type this while once in a while peering out of my Hong Kong hotel window to watch a gathered mass of Filipinas outside, I feel a rollercoaster of emotions as memories of Edsa 1 flash before me interspersed with images of a weeping Lozada, a grinning Estrada and a still-missing Joc Joc Bolante. I think of Francisco Tatad and how he went public with the declaration of martial law; then I think of Ignacio Bunye and how he went public with his “I have two discs” spin. I focus on how Enrile was “forgiven” his sins in recognition of his key role in Edsa 1, and wonder whether Chavit has been forgiven, too. I think of Clarissa Ocampo and remember Jun Lozada and then I think of Mike Defensor and Mawanay, Garcillano and Bedol. I think of Macapagal Avenue, and then I remember the Centennial Expo scam. I muse about Imelda’s glamor and greed, and think of FG and wonder where the glamor went. I remember Manny Villar’s maneuverings on the impeachment, then recall JDV’s maneuverings and also the maneuverings that led to his own ouster. I think of Fabian Ver and I wonder about Hermogenes Esperon; I think of Fidel Ramos and his relationship with Ver, and wonder who is the Ramos to Esperon. I recall a young and idealistic Gringo, and I imagine a new crop of young officers replacing the ideals of Trillanes and Company. And all of these come to a dead stop like a roller coaster car does when I think of the Filipinas outside my window, huddling under open umbrellas in the cold drizzle that is gripping Hong Kong, and I wonder how their lives will ever change if, at home, years go by and yet everything but the faces of power and greed stay the same?
And good news for all people who like to read: Pete Lacaba has a blog! He has an article on names derived from Martial Law, Edsa, etc. (hat tip to my lil’ red book for noticing that particular article). Another blog to check out is Republic of Pundits.
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Mike on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 3:41 am
But, Fr. Bernas, how can GMA revoke E.O. 464, when it was that same order that prevented Gen. Gudani from revealing the involvement of the military in the election fraud that enabled GMA to obtain the presidency? If she revokes E.O. 464, methinks she may as well resign.
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 3:56 am
Mike: Fr. Bernas is not asking GMA to revoke E.O. 464. The Jesuit is asking civil society to exert pressure on their representatives and on any other front so that Government revokes E.O. 464.
I agree with Fr. Bernas’ perception that a mob storming the gates of Malacanang will not force GMA to leave office, and the scenario of “withdrawal of support” is not likely. [That -- that a government should show steadfastness against thousands of people storming the gates -- is a lesson that political leadership learned from Tianamen.]
The military swears by the Constitution and will support whatever result is obtained from a July2008 impeachment.
magdiwang on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:15 am
It seems like the opposition are backing away from driving GMA from power. What gives? After stalking the flames for her ouster, why the sudden change of heart? Did they just suddenly realize that a serial revolution is not good for our country? They should focus on getting her out of office through constitutional means instead of crucifying her in the court of public opinion.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:28 am
Can’t EDSA be an immediate options when elections are stolen and politicians refuse to do their job, as the Congress under JDV refused to do after Hello Garci?
I understand the fear of such an anti-systematic and mob-like solution to the country’s problems, but such massive actions cut through the mafia culture and the systematic looting of officials and their cronies. Edsa is the bane of the politicians and the oligarchs and therefore give the people genuine power. Realistically, considering that elections can be rigged, easily, EDSA or People Power represents the true democratic spirit in the Philippine context.
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:56 am
BrianB… Monsod’s point is that it is less the people but more a group of PowerSeekers (oligarchs in sheeps’s clothing) that benefits from EDSA IV.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:00 am
Who is Monsod?
magdiwang on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:12 am
BrianB
Its because the leading protagonists are all cut of the same mold, the current crop of leaders who are positioned to take over are products of the same system we all disdain. Why change in the middle of the game when there will be no real upside, the consequences if it goes out of control will be significant.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:14 am
“Can’t EDSA be an immediate options when elections are stolen and politicians refuse to do their job, as the Congress under JDV refused to do after Hello Garci?
I understand the fear of such an anti-systematic and mob-like solution to the country’s problems, but such massive actions cut through the mafia culture and the systematic looting of officials and their cronies.” — BrianB
Don’t you see the IRONY in what you say here?
You say that it is this ‘mafia culture’ you want to combat with hare-brained street “revolutions”. But then it is the very nature of these ‘mafia cultures’ being OUTSIDE the framework of the law that we detest, right? So why combat it with a process that is also outside the framework of the Law?
We’ll be no better than the very bozos you detest at the end of all this.
It’s simple, really.
Btw, here is the transcript in words of our brilliant YouTube video (for the poor schmoes in the Third World who don’t have access to broadband — ayan kasi, sa kaka-kurakot!
):
http://www.getrealphilippines.com/agr-disagr/12-7-msg_to_cory.html
Happy reading (or viewing)!
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:24 am
Mafia is systematic, benigs. Never heard of “organized crime.” That is synonymous to mafia. Street protests are noble, they are open forums in motion (a la poetry in motion).
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:28 am
magdiwang, because we are not business people or pols who also have to go on risk assessments before we react. This is not about cost-effectiveness but about ending the long-term and escalating corruption by some of our people.
Benig0. So you’re a woman, big deal.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:02 am
“Mafia is systematic, benigs. Never heard of “organized crime.†That is synonymous to mafia. Street protests are noble, they are open forums in motion (a la poetry in motion).” — BrianB
Yeah. But they still operate outside the Law. That was the point I was ORIGINALLY making, dude.
And yes, they are systematic — which is a credit to them compared to the chaotic, nostalgia-driven, and appeal-to-emotion infested nature of moronic street “revolutions” incited by The Inquisition.
And by the way — EVERYTHING is about RISK ASSESSMENT. We are all at heart risk managers. The decision to revolt or not is always an assessment of the risks involved.
You say this is about “ending the long-term and escalating corruption”. Well guess what, allowing “long-term and escalating corruption” to endure has a risk associated to it. Using the proper channels to change leadership also has a risk profile.
See, it is all about measuring which option poses the most risk to the society and to our personal interests. Good risk managers take a long-term outlook. Which obviates the reality that Pinoys collectively suck at it (referring to our ape-like addiction to this ‘people power’ thing).
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:17 am
Teach EDSA to the youth- Cory.
After reading several books about the conjugal dictatorship of FM and Imelda, about edsa 1 and the powerful personalities both in politics and “civil society” that emerged from the so-called people power I can say that the only good thing in EDSA1 was the bloodless transition of one form of government to another and the people who converged with good intent had been tricked and used.
I can not say that it was patriotism that moved the key players in the people power to unseat the dictator.
JPE was afraid for his life because of Ver and Imelda. Ramos joined him not because, he’s condemning corruption of Marcos but he knew that he was also not in the favorite list of Imelda who had made Ver and his men as her own loyal army.
The two surrounded themselves with media people. Then multitude came. Perhaps due to the call of Cardinal Sin or to the plain curiosity of the people.
I got afraid for those computer operators who walked out from PICC. I was thinking whatever happened to them, only to find out later that one of them was related to a
military and it was planned after all.
There must be genuine concern for freedom from some groups because for twenty years their rights especially that of expression were curtailed. So many activists have died for the democracy they’re advocating for.
These days, those rights were never denied nor restricted. The people can call the President Bitch, Pandak, Evil without the fear of being arrested.
The civil society rode on the triumph of the person they put in the government. Thus born the Kamag-anak Inc. Tarlac was governed by Cojuangcos. A set of new cronies was born. This time, these cronies were wiser. They put their businesses in other countries so that in case of another crisis, their investments are safe.
No new project was ever implemented because of the lack of stability of the government. COup d’etats were dime a dozen. A critic was sued for libel and was imprisoned. Freedom of expression, my foot.
Buildings that were put up by Imelda were rotting. Kaniya-kaniyang agawan sa mga naiwang business interests.
The two people who initiated the revolution became disgruntled.
Former Ramos was saying that corruption is back.
When did it ever leave the country? Not even in his admin perhaps.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:24 am
For those who wish to know why this administration has to go, check updated list at bayanikabayan.blogspot.com under Blogswarmers of our race Unite! Gloria Resign! dated Feb 24, 2008 or Google “Gloria Arroyo Resign” and search. The Gloria Resign Blogswarm movement grows… thanks Jen.
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:47 am
To BrianB: Solita Monsod is one of those Bachelor of Arts graduate of Diliman-University of the Philippines.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:54 am
It’s quite amusing (and, actually encouraging) that there is now a lot of this PeoplePower?-no-thanks! attitude nowadays.
It’s amusing because it took three years for this idea to become a mainstream thought amongst the chattering classes.
Look back to 2005 when I wrote:
“So, in effect, Filipinos would have not accepted their duly constituted institutions and duly elected officials as the official authorities on the “Truth” yet would have easily relied on a street mob in yet another Fiesta Revolution to dictate and uphold said “Truth”. This is tantamount to arbitrarily voiding Congress and allowing street mobs to call the shots from hereon. That it seems is what many Filipinos want. However, Filipinos have a track record of never going the whole nine yards when it comes to “revolution” (or anything else for that matter). Thus we have nothing more than Fiesta Revolution — so much hate and tunnel-vision, but none of the conviction and wherewithal to go for the gold. The fact is, even in the happy sport of “revolution”, Filipinos exhibit their world-renowned mediocrity.”
See the full article here:
http://www.getrealphilippines.com/agr-disagr/18-6-majority.html
In that article I also cited some insightful observations from:
Belinda Olivares-Cunanan:
“Said this lady from the Visayas: ‘Cory was our icon at Edsa. Now, she marches arm-in-arm with the relics of the Marcos era, the ultra rightists and the leftists who sought to rabble-rouse the striking workers at Hacienda Luisita.’ In a recent column, Star’s Max Soliven also mourned Ms Aquino’s call to her ‘friends’ in the military to join their protests.”
Amando Doronila:
“[People Power's] potency has been depleted by frequent use. The sputtering of protests after the House vote [on the 2005 impeachment bid] should be a rude reality check to Cory Aquino. She has been deserted by people power. And nothing could be more pathetic.”
Think again folks. Too much chicharon and lechon tends to divert precious fluids from the brain. You’re best to dance the ocho-ocho instead to get a bit of fitness in the system.
Did I just say that??
-
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:04 am
UP n,
Solit Monsod is pro-Gloria because she is a woman and anti-EDSA III because she is afraid of men… the Junta. Doesn’t she have a Phd?
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:21 am
BrianB: Now I know a little bit
more about you. Cheers!
And no, you are not cvj.
Mita on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:22 am
Wait, wait…isn’t Edwin Lacierda Jun Lozada’s lawyer? I thought Jun Lozada said he doesn’t want to get political?
I’m not just asking…I’m trying to say, I think it would be really prudent of him if he refrained from making political comments at this time – for his high-profile client if not for anything else.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:23 am
She does not have a Phd?
JMCastro on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:24 am
Ca T:
“These days, those rights were never denied nor restricted. The people can call the President Bitch, Pandak, Evil without the fear of being arrested.”
Politicians corrupt the leaders of peoples’ organizations (POs) when they can. Those POs which are not coopt-ed by the establishment are then profiled and oppressed through covert operations by the military and the police, which they justify as counter-insurgency operations against communists. One PO I personally know of is considered communist. Their crime? Providing sustainable medical services to poor barrios in the provinces.
And what about those media critics which are permanently silenced through killings and assassinations? GMA’s continuing police and military operations against POs, maintaining a facade of democracy while oppression is carried out in the dark, is hardly the sort of freedom your statement implies.
If you want to know, check out the Alston report in this link: http://www.pinoypress.net/uploads/2007/10/16/alstonreport.pdf
Que Sera Sera Philippines on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:29 am
So be it!
justice league on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:33 am
BENIGNO,
I’M TYPING IN CAPS SO THERE IS LITTLE POSSIBILITY THAT YOU’LL MISS THIS!
THIS IS ABOUT THE 3RD TIME I’VE READ OR HEARD ABOUT YOUR PROPOSALS WHICH I HAVE ALREADY INQUIRED OF YOU.
I LOOKED UP THE EARLIER THREAD BUT YOU HAVE NOT BOTHERED TO REPLY YET YOU STILL GO ON WITH YOUR UNCLARIFIED PROPOSALS.
IF YOU CAN’T CLARIFY THEM, I SUGGEST YOU ASK YOUR LADY FRIEND. MAYBE SHE’S MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE!
AND DON’T BOTHER MISREADING FR. BERNAS TO ME (JUST IN CASE)
BTW, THERE’S THIS BLOGGER/FORUMER WHO ADMONISH PEOPLE FOR DOING THE SAME THING YET EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS. YOUR ARGUENTS ON THIS INSTANCE HAS BEEN PRETTY MUCH THE SAME.
IT’S EITHER YOU ARE SPAMMING, FORUM SHOPPING, THREAD SHOPPING, RUNNING AWAY FROM ME OR WHATEVER….
JUST IN CASE YOU ARE RUNNING AWAY; TAKE YOUR ARGUMENTS WITH YOU!!!
rego on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:38 am
I totally agree with Solita Monsod. No people power is necessary this time. And Cory should just stop deluding herself she can make another people power to happen again. She is even one the reason why people like doesn’t want power anymore.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:16 am
All this talk is very interesting, but there are duties to keep,… blog ya later, oh btw Gloria Resign!
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:16 am
People power is necessary, especially when elections ARE stolen.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:21 am
Uh before leaving for a “stroll” during this Original People Power celebration, from the blog of Paeng at akosipaeng.blogspot.com/
Electronic
Data
Swarm
Against Arroyo
wave 1.0
=EDSA 1.0
rego on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:39 am
“People power is necessary, especially when elections ARE stolen.”
But there is an existing system thats address electoral fraud and other and pther form of cheating. . There is an PET, SET, COMELEC and SC and supreme court. Loren Legarda went to PET to contest the results of Vice Presidential election. But she lost. FPJ unfortunately died before his case is resolve.
And if this system is still not enough them the most proactive aproach woudl be the creation of laws or offices that would better address all these election related issues.
I really cannot see how Peopel power can resolve election related disputes. With so many complaints of election cheating how can we do peopel power everytime there is an allegations of stolen election? How????????
Que Sera Sera Philippines on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:00 am
hear! hear!
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:19 am
Why do we have to overthink everything? Gloria cheated, corruption continues with her consent.
People Power is because the people need to the validation that they have power.
supremo on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:21 am
‘I got afraid for those computer operators who walked out from PICC. I was thinking whatever happened to them, only to find out later that one of them was related to a
military and it was planned after all.’
I have verified this with my friend who was one of those computer operators/programmers. I’m sorry but Cat is wrong as always. Keep up with your BS Cat!
jcrs on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:28 am
Unfortunately Monsod is in the leagues of Cunanan, Magno and others.
Bernardocarpio on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:30 am
Hohum, tara tulong tayo sa mga kapatid natin na nasalanta ng bagyo. Kaunting barya lang po. Dasal lang po para sa mga namatay.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:34 am
justice league, apologies for the oversight and I meant you no grief.
Presumably you refer to this whole thing about the multi-party nature of Pinoy elections and if I recall right, you cited the example of, say, five candidates and how one in such a contest need only to garner a 20% mandate to win the race, which is a possible tragedy if the other four happened to have the right solution or approach. Let’s call that example of yours Scenario 1
I can think of the opposite scenario where the four out of your five hypothetical candidates would be thinking of the RIGHT thing — in which case we’d have an 80% chance of the right candidate being elected (all things being equal). Let’s call my take on this Scenario 2
Firstly, my question is quite simple. Which scenario is the more PROBABLE scenario?
In that scenario you postulated, what would be the probability of four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution? If you ask me I’d say that Scenario 1 is an improbable scenario in the first place.
And even if THAT were the case, that is not really the issue.
The issue I highlight is Pinoys’ ability to discern good and bad politicians DURING ELECTIONS by understanding their platforms.
The factor at work during elections is more the dysfunction of Pinoys’ ability to vote for the right candidate — not the nature of our system as being multi-party as you argue. Case in point is the triumph of Erap and FPJ in the polls. You could have had a hundred candidates running for President and Pinoys will still vote for the bozo.
So I find it a bit of a waste of time focusing on the nature of the system when the reality is that Pinoys have a talent for screwing up ANY system whether it is bad or good.
Second, if you go by the idea that Scenario 1 is the more probable scenario (i.e. that the person with the RIGHT idea is generally in the minority), then why would one advocate entrusting the fate of the nation on a mob-like entity? Fans of Edsa “revolutions” build their case around the idea that a “people’s mandate” is formed when a reasonable number (we can’t even agree on what constitutes a “reasonable number”) of warm bodies dance the ocho-ocho on the streets of Manila. Kung baga popularity determines rigteousness according to these hollow-heads.
It’s simple, really.
Jon Mariano on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:45 am
Gloria exported to Spain? Wow, so that state visit to Spain was of benefit after all.
rego on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:50 am
jcrs :
Unfortunately Monsod is in the leagues of Cunanan, Magno and others.
======================================================
Even more unfortunate becuase you did not read her column and argue on the points and desseratation that she raised. It has nothing to do with Cunanan and Magno at all.
MLQ3 did the right thing when he wrote a response to that column. But I dont agree with him though.
Silent Waters on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 12:13 pm
BrianB
Solita Monsod is at Present a Professor of UP Diliman and if I remember correctly, used to be head of NEDA. SHe also hosts a number of public affairs program. DI ka ba nakatira sa Pilipinas at di mo siya kilala????
She’a a good professor of economics. If you don’t know who she is, you should not disparage somebody just because her opinion is different from yours.
Ay siyanga pala, marami pala ditong ganun. Tyranny in the form of Patriotism due to Superiority complex. (TPS SYndrome)
The Equalizer on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 12:49 pm
Student protesters at the University of the Philippines commandeered the campus radio station and broadcast a looped tape; soon the entire nation was listening in astonishment to President Marcos begging Dovie Beams to perform oral sex. For over a week the President’s hoarse injunctions boomed out over university loudspeakers. (The Marcos Dynasty, p. 225).
Si Marcos noon DOVIE BEAMS…SI Gloria naman LASER BEAM…
Every major scandal of Gloria Arroyo is followed by the “LASER BEAM” excuse.Expect the “Let’s Move On” Excuse “afterwards….
(2005)At The Height of The “Hello Garci”Electoral Fraud Scandal….
Jun 16th 2005
From The Economist print edition(UK)
GLORIA ARROYO, the president of the Philippines, claims to be focusing on economic reform “like a laser beamâ€.
(2008) At The Height of The ZTE-NBN Mega Scandal….
Arroyo won’t resign, to focus on economy like a ‘laser beam’
GMA News
justice league on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 12:55 pm
Benigno,
Apology accepted. And please do pardon my so very angry post.
Unfortunately I have little time right now so I just scanned your reply.
At which I already have some issues to state which unfortunately I will have to do later.
But first
“Case in point is the triumph of Erap and FPJ in the polls.”
I may have held suspiscions of my own (whether earlier or later) on the outcome of the 2004 elections but I didn’t know you actually held that FPJ won.
I stated possibility; you stated probability. Nevertheless I feel I still have a good chance of bringing up examples of my issue later.
And lastly for now, are you by any chance under the assumption that Erap won as a majority President?
The Equalizer on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:26 pm
Buyer’s Remorse – Did We Make a Huge Mistake with Gloria Arroyo?
We still remember those heady days of People Power II in 2001 when we felt that Gloria Arroyo was going to be a much better leader than Joseph Estrada.
We were so excited again about the future of this country.
After all, we were replacing a man with no real qualifications for the presidency with a person who was diametrically opposite of Erap.
Who would not be excited about Gloria Macapagal Arroyo back then in 2001 if you examined her credentials?
-A daughter of the “poor boy from Lubao†:We expected her to preserve the legacy of her great father by being honest and pro-poor .We expected her whole family to maintain a simple lifestyle even as “Temporary” occupants of Malacanang Palace.
-A person who had an impressive career as a Senator and as a Vice President. She was willing to accept the relatively less glamorous Cabinet position of Secretary of Social Welfare in Erap’s cabinet to directly help the poor.
-A person with impressive academic credentials: Undergraduate studies in Georgetown,Masters’ degrees in Ateneo and UP. College professor in Economics at the Ateneo.
HOWEVER…we started worrying. Did we make the right decision? Anxiety and stress set in. Were we deceived? Did we make a big mistake?
WHY the “Buyer Remorse†about Gloria Arroyo?
From overpriced highways to secret bank accounts, to gambling lords and thoroughbred horses, controversies have hounded the Arroyo administration long before wiretapped conversations implying election fraud and the ZTE-NBN mega scandal hogged the headlines. And it is not only the president who has more than once been asked to account for charges of improper behavior; so too have husband Mike, eldest child Mikey, and brother-in-law Ignacio Arroyo.
Que Sera Sera Philippines on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:33 pm
I was in EDSA 1! At Radio Veritas…Was BrianB there?
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:45 pm
Silent, I know her, read her almost every week. But there are other Monsods.
Don’t take this the wrong way, but I replied to UP n’s rather non sequitor namedrop
She a very influential economist and have a direct hand in the new Vat, I believe. I made the comment about her being paranoid about the Junta because she is.
On another matter, as an economist, do you know for a fact if she is published? I mean in a journal, where her ideas could be peer reviewed, and when I say peer I don;t just mean her UP friends.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:47 pm
Que Sera,
OK, I admit, you have more right than me and are definitely superior because you were at Radio Veritas. Were you working there or just happened to be hanging out with friends?
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:54 pm
Silent,
Tyranny? hat are you talking about. The only person who can be a tyrant here is MLQ3 and thank God he isn’t and he is publishing everyone.
And for the record, this was UP n’s comment
Now how was I supposed to know it was Solita Monsod he was talking about? In fact, I immediately assumed it was another Monsod. Probably not Christian Monsod. S. Monsod’s column was about the Junta probably taking over not a bunch of oligarchs, which the pro-Edsa people are against.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 1:57 pm
Heck, I even watched Debate religiously when it was on, especially before it turned out she was a Gloria loyalist. I think this was until late 2005.
She fancies herself capable of talking to the masa. Well, she isn’t and probably was tolerated like most gassy upper-middle-class types who really love lecturing the masa about stuff they know about and the masa isn’t supposed to know about… like voting well. Geez! Types who sincerely love to patronize their lessers.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 2:19 pm
justice league, no problemo. I’ve had that effect on people for ages.
I don’t hold that FPJ won. Quite frankly I don’t care who won in 2004. The fact that a character like Erap already blights our history books as one of this country’s presidents already resigns one to the likely possibility that another one like him will probably be occuping Malacanang within the next 10 years or so.
My point is more around the fact that NO ONE IS REALLY QUITE SURE who really won in 2004 or to what extent Arroyo’s alleged cheating contributed to her margin. For me it simply means that FPJ won enough votes to make the allegations sufficiently debatable (even to this day).
The poor sod is dead anyway and it seems everyone is CONVINCED that Arroyo cheated. So, who gives a sh1t what the facts are. The processes in place for establishing facts (remember those? the ones we pay taxes to maintain?) don’t seem to be the choice tool for shedding light on anything at the moment.
As to your last question, Erap probably followed your 80-20 rule — garnering enough votes to win. Whether it be 5 or 10 presidential candidates he competed with at the time, the fact is enough Pinoys voted for the man to win. simple. You read into it any further than that and all you get is trapped in circular arguments that skirt the invevitable truth about Pinoys.
But what does it matter? For many schmoes, the people’s “mandate” it seems lies in a street mob. It’s difficult to argue with people who’s minds are imprisoned by such a concept.
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 2:23 pm
BrianB: The Monsod article that Q3 linked to has the following:
But you — (you’re Ateneo business graduate, right?) — know all this, at least the part about election and impeachment through elected representatives.
UP n student on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 2:30 pm
BrianB: How did your congressman vote in the last impeachment attempt?
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 3:28 pm
BrianB,
Re: Winnie Monsod. Just wait. She’ll come around. I surmise she is only against the usual people power (i.e. forcing the President to resign with street rallies, seeing of course ATe Glo can’t be forced, for one, unlike Erap, she doesn’t give a damn with what the people feel or think). Apart from giving a thumbs down on Lozada’s version on the Fely Arroyo meeting, Solita basically believes Lozada’s testimony as a whole.
Don’t be too hard on Solita. I think she’s really a cool person. In Diliman, she would smoke in an overcrowded room (as many students would outdo each other to be able to enlist in her class) while telling studes, “now kids, don’t be like me.” My friends and I then would look up to her then, including her fashion statement. She would wear high high heels in school, unlike other many female profs and the usual aktibista types who thought wearing make-up and heels are indications of stupidity and the unliberated female.
John Christian Canda on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 4:02 pm
Erick San Juan mentioned in his book “Marcos Legacy Revisited: Raiders of the Lost Gold” that: “Representatives from the Philippines and Indonesia went to (Jonathan) May and disclosed that agents from Chase Manhattan Bank and other banks would ‘forgive’ the loans and interest payments if they would (1) eliminate their National Currency; (2) dollar-denominate their new money system; (3) use a debit card system instead of a currency system; and (4) grant the International Bankers (the Raiders) perpetual rights over all natural resources. Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines refused to accept these conditions, and was deposed shortly thereafter.”
John Christian Canda on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 4:12 pm
It is not at all surprising if Marcos felt betrayed by his longtime friend and all the U.S. when he told then-Senator Paul Laxalt that he was “very, very disappointed.” The same thing happened to China’s Chiang Kai-shek and Korea’s Park Chung Hee. Whether you believe it or not, the takeover of mainland China by the Communists in 1946 would have been impossible without the full aid of U.S. President Truman and General George Catlett Marshall. Meanwhile, the U.S. CIA is believed to be behind Park Chung Hee’s assassination by his KCIA Director and closest friend Kim Jae-kyu.
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 4:49 pm
Street protests asking GMA to resign nevertheless must continue to sustain pressure on her to tell the truth (the whole truth please complete with all the juicy details) and it will, unless a confluence of factors move the bozos in power, our so called respresentatives to jeez, finally listen to the will of their constituents.
I think each single congressman should sit in class called Representative Democracy 101 and those who fail to get a mark of 2.0 should not be allowed to claim their mandate. These clowns sit in their asses doing nothing substantial for the country (heck, prep school and kindergarten kids work harder than these clowns) who basically facilitate deals to line their pockets and look forward to another election.
Haay, mga congressmen (you know who you are) who have been nothing but prostitutes of Malacanang for the past three years, you better clean your ears, pray for discernment (yeah, the bishops’ call for “communal action” are basically for you boneheads, for the people have long known what is right or honorable) or you will have your Bastille moment right at the footsteps of Batasan.
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 4:59 pm
â€The world celebrated EDSA 1. The world tolerated EDSA 2. The world will not forgive an EDSA 3. — Ate Glo
OUTRAGEOUS! She’s concerned about what the world thinks — but she doesn’t care a bit for what her countrymen thinks. That’s loyalty for her.
Heck, if these were the middle ages, she should have been tried for TREASON — she was more concerned with what China would think on the eve of the contract signing that she said she discovered there was an anomaly in the NBN deal, prostituting the welfare of the country for a single company, ZTE. OUTRAGEOUS!!!!
Jon Mariano on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:02 pm
Gloria still believes that she can solve the country’s problems. She’s not going to step down voluntarily.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:09 pm
UP n,
Business grad? You have got to be kidding. The closest thing I came to an ME or Meco (they have new majors now, which I have no idea about) is dating someone from MECO freshman year.
UP n, my congressman is the son of Raul Gonzalez, same name, too. But I think he voted for.
Madonna. Solita is under the illusion that the masses understand her street-version economics. She just sounds like a bully. I don’t dislike her at all. I’m really one of those people who respect opponents who make more sense than I do. I prefer people who outrank me to be more responsible than I am. It’s only when I sense they are being irresponsible, abandoning rationally thinking, that I panic.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:11 pm
Jon,
Gloria is not going to step down because she KNOWS that if Erap fought all the way during the impeachment and the street protests, he wouldn’t have been unseated.
Jon Mariano on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:26 pm
Brian, I agree. She also believes that she has all government institutions behind her; the House, the Police, the Military, the Judiciary, except the Senate (which is powerless anyway). So she’s just going to weather the storm.
The only way she’s going to be removed is by force. There’s no such force at the moment.
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:27 pm
He, he. I made a mess of the english language there but you know what I mean.
benign0 on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:29 pm
“Haay, mga congressmen (you know who you are) who have been nothing but prostitutes of Malacanang for the past three years, you better clean your ears, pray for discernment (yeah, the bishops’ call for “communal action†are basically for you boneheads, for the people have long known what is right or honorable) or you will have your Bastille moment right at the footsteps of Batasan.” — Madonna
Hmmmm…
Sino nga ba bumoto sa mga Congressman na ito.
Sino nga ba…
Hmmmm…
BrianB on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 5:30 pm
Madonna, who’s going to call her kettle black when intellectuals, academics, writers, priests are of the same intellectual mold.
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:35 pm
It is easy to say that you have verified it with somebody else.
I have read it from a book and now here it is from the internet link.
Sundalo Tagapagtanggol ng Pilipino – Senga Waited for two hours
The concentration of military units around Red strongholds could also keep the …. led by RAM officer Kapunan’s wife, who walked out of the Marcos election .
http://www.sundalo.bravehost.com/The%20Struggle%20for%20Change.htm – 117k – Cached – Similar pages – Note this
The degree of emotion varies inversely with one’s knowledge of the facts-the less you know, the hotter (or shall I say more emotional) you get.–Betrand Russell
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:36 pm
Benigno,
Opps, there you go again with your reductionist mindset. But I now basically get your drift. Of course you are right that people are responsible for who they vote into office. It doesn’t mean you have to leave the analysis at that. Our representative democracy is a flawed one, patterned artificially from the United States (a society with the middle classes as the great majority, in complete opposite to our soceital makeup) and superimposed over a society that is still basically feudal in terms of social and power relationships.
But a political system, including ours could be dynamic and not be paralzed by a gridlock of social forces. Look at it from another viewpoint or theoretical perspective, a political system will also work when say, the elites take the initiative to crank up the institutions to work (assuming they really are committed to representative democracy) and addresses the cause for equality through economic policies. This viewpoint derives from the fact that power and resources are with them, not with the majority of masses who are poor and powerless.
We have elites who most often think that they are liberals (freedom, rights, all that jazz), but who are not democrats (stress on equality with their fellow men) in essence and in practice.
Personally, I think we could mix some aspects of socialism (where the state basically adresses the general welfare of society like in European countries; besides, we are Asians and Asians are communal people) as well as aspects of representative democracy, Philippine style (I think we have already a rich history that can serve as our bedrock — i.e. Edsa I and to a lesser extent Edsa II; of course they are not perfect but they are symbols of our development as a nation, just as the French Revolution had its excesses, but its lasting legacy to democracy remains).
frombelow on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:52 pm
The trouble with analyzing political situations is the tendency to think that a particular (curent) situation will be the same as what has happened before or will be different from form that point of reference.
No two situations are exactly the same and exactly different.
Each one political sitution or development will have a residue of what has happened before without being it a carbon copy of the same.
PEOPLE POWER, if demanded by history and the tide of events, will unfold before our eyes in whatever form, whether we like it or not (in this blog).
If the situation is not properly handled by the GMA forces, People Power will come. The same is true with people pushing for his ouster, if they failed to use the current political turmoil, then GMA will rule this country for a very,very long time.
biankita on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 6:55 pm
honestly, i want gloria to stay in the presidency. why??? before anyone else would start bitchin’ about that first statement. i am just wondering who will be replacing her. WHAT USE IS REPLACING A THIEF WITH ANOTHER THIEF??? at least this one can still keep the economy afloat.
frombelow on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:03 pm
biankita,
are you advocating that GMA run the country until her death? If that is a good advocacy, you can start enlisting supporters
SUPPORT GLORIA FOREVER, TILL HER DEATH. SHE IS CORRUPT BUT AT LEAST SHE CAN KEEP THE ECONOMY AFLOAT. WHY REPLACE AN EFFICIENT CORRUPT WITH AN INEPT CORRUPT.
GOOD IDEA. “Until the thougt of mortality comes into my mind.”
Karlo Mikhail on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:09 pm
Teach EDSA to the youth- Cory.
Ironically, an online buddy pointed out to me, Corazon Aquino was never present in EDSA 1.
She was in Cebu when the uprising broke out where was hidden by supporters in the Carmelites Monastery.
She returned to Manila at the peak of the protests but was barred from joining the mass action by her kin and family who feared for her safety.
Karlo Mikhail on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:12 pm
Wonderful insight! Reminds of a previous quote of the day from my blog by the French academic Regis Debray:
“We are never completely contemporaneous with our present. History advances in disguise; it appears on stage wearing the mask of the preceding scene, and we tend to lose the meaning of the play. Each time the curtain rises, continuity has to be reestablished. The blame, of course is not history’s, but lies in our vision, encumbered with memory and images learned in the past. We see the past superimposed on the present…â€
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:24 pm
Erap did fight to the last minute. It was the withdrawal of the support from the military which made him leave malacanan.
Obviously, the march of the PNP and military officers yesterday showed the support for GMA. Chess game.
Where are the thousands expected to join the demonstration? I read one blogger who is known to be militant wrote, tinatamad daw siya sa layo. Is this the attitude of patriotic Filipinos, layo lang tinatamad na.
Or they are turned off by the same old faces that emerged in masses and in rallies.
Karlo Mikhail on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:33 pm
If I remember it right, in an interview with the media, a BAYAN official said they will mobilize only 2,000 for todays’s affair in Mendiola.
Here in Cebu, aorund 500 people joined the mainstream Left’s protest action.
Mita on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:39 pm
CaT, sinabayan kasi ng Oscars…
Mita on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 7:42 pm
but seriously, with some members of the opposition poised to run for 2010, i don’t think this effort will gather steam. for one, they won’t want to find themselves in the same place as the current president.
... on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:10 pm
.
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:15 pm
hahaha. akala ko ako lang ang nanood.
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:16 pm
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:32 pm
GLORIA RESIGN!
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:35 pm
hi, mlq3, why is my latest comment, posted two hours ago still awaiting moderation?
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:35 pm
“WHAT USE IS REPLACING A THIEF WITH ANOTHER THIEF??? at least this one can still keep the economy afloat.” – biankita
Can’t we raise the bar higher? Why can’t we choose one that is not a THIEF?
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 8:56 pm
Any other leader faced with such scandals and censure would resign, out of Honor or Delikadeza or “kung ayaw nyo sa akin, ayaw ko na rin sa inyo” to give way to someone who can do a better job. Why does Gloria stay on? Either she’s a glutton for punishment or she’s the most patriotic person in the country. Eventually history will be the judge.
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:02 pm
Mendiola? Today? Why choose this day when its highly anticipated and all choke points set up to prevent critical mass? It has to be unexpected. Us spectators and leisuretime know-it-all bloggers will just have to wait while watching our favorite shows on cable TV.
Kamote on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:40 pm
Kasi nga me mga check points.
Alangan naman makapag rally ng malaki kung haharangan din sa expressway at kung san san ang mga mag rarally.
Hmmm maganda siguro kung hindi matapos yung concert sa ateneo ngayong gabi at dun na lang mag converge. Samahan pa ng mga madaming artista at merong mga free drinks at sandwich kahit paano (paging mga sponsors) tiyak dadami ng dadami ang mga tao dun pero parang hindi papayag mga taga ateneo kasi mga elite mga tao dun eh hindi katulad ng pananerong berde (animo!!) kung me lasalle lang nung panahon ni rizal malamang dun nagaral si loverboy.
Pero seriously, mahirap mag sustain ng rally. Kahit malaki pwera na lang talaga kung mag umpisa ang mga text brigade na nag uudyok sa mga kaibigan nang nag po forward ng message na sumali. I suggest sa mga me load diyan na gumawa nang message tulad nito:
Lagi na lang ba tayong manonood na ninanakawan tayo? Lagi na lang ba tayong hindi kikibo pag me namamatay, Paano na tayo kung tayo na ang maapektuhan? Walang tutulong sa atin kundi tayo lang. Make a stand now, sama ka sa rally bukas ha?
tapos forward sa mga butihing mga kaibigan.
Ano bang magandang pang hikayat para magkaroon ng buto ang ating mga kilala para manindigan?
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:42 pm
Reposting…
Benigno,
Opps, there you go again with your reductionist mindset. But I now basically get your drift. Of course you are right that people are responsible for who they vote into office. It doesn’t mean you have to leave the analysis at that. Our representative democracy is a flawed one, patterned artificially from the United States (a society with the middle classes as the great majority, in complete opposite to our soceital makeup) and superimposed over a society that is still basically feudal in terms of social and power relationships.
But a political system, including ours could be dynamic and not be paralzed by a gridlock of social forces. Look at it from another viewpoint or theoretical perspective, a political system will also work when say, the elites take the initiative to crank up the institutions to work (assuming they really are committed to representative democracy) and addresses the cause for equality through economic policies. This viewpoint derives from the fact that power and resources are with them, not with the majority of masses who are poor and powerless.
We have elites who most often think that they are liberals (freedom, rights, all that jazz), but who are not democrats (stress on equality with their fellow men) in essence and in practice.
Personally, I think we could mix some aspects of socialism (where the state basically adresses the general welfare of society like in European countries; besides, we are Asians and Asians are communal people) as well as aspects of representative democracy, Philippine style (I think we have already a rich history that can serve as our bedrock — i.e. Edsa I and to a lesser extent Edsa II; of course they are not perfect but they are symbols of our development as a nation, just as the French Revolution had its excesses, but its lasting legacy to democracy remains).
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 9:47 pm
what’s happening manolo? I reposted and again, awaiting moderation.
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:05 pm
kamote,
Shhhhh. Dapat nga surprise. Quiet ka na lang.
cvj on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:07 pm
Madonna, sometimes the automated spam filter is like that because it doesn’t like certain keywords.
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:11 pm
Madonna,
Baka ngalagay ka ng link with http:// in it?
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:11 pm
Madonna,
Baka naglagay ka ng link?
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:12 pm
ramrod,
The anti-corruption protesters punched through all the areas we wanted, even through the No-permit/No-rally zones; something that have not happened for a long time now. Mendiola, Ortigas People Power Monument, Redemptorist Church, Katipunan and Ateneo.
The “hakot” crowd of the administration at Liwasang Bonifacio dispersed when it rained at around 4pm while the anti-corruption protesters, stood fast. The steely conviction of the protesters carried them through while the pro-admin “hakot” crowd ran and went home early because they were afraid of getting wet
All can say to fellow protesters, well done, but as Hans Solo would say … Don’t get cocky, let’s keep it up and aim for slow steady sustained growth.
nash on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:13 pm
yung pro-arroyo rally, isa sa mga artista eh si Andre E.
Kaya siguro kay GMA siya dahil ayon sa kanyang hit song “humanap ka ng pangit”
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:17 pm
Tama ka nash, “Humanap ka ng Pangit (na ugali)” siguro ang pinagpipilitan ni Andrew E. sa hakot crowd, pero ganun pa rin, di talaga kaya nila ang Pangit dahil konting ulan lang takbo at uwian na sila… hahaha
ramrod on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:23 pm
Kabayan,
Tuloy ang laban!
juanito dela cruz on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:33 pm
Ang pinakitang show of force ng army at police kanina, at ng anti-GMA at pro-GMA rally ay nagpapakita lamang na talagang nagkakaroon na ng confusion at chaos sa ating bansa. Lumalabas na ang mga tao, kanya kanya ng panig. Wala ng pagkakaisa. Papunta na kaya tayo sa giyera sibil? Sana’y maisip ng mga politikong nagtatampisaw sa kayamanan na kapag nangyari ang giyera sibil, BALE WALA NA ANG PERA.
The Equalizer on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:39 pm
MLQ3 and Other Shareholders of Philippines Inc.
Should We Fire The CEO of Philippines Inc.?
The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland had a simple solution for anyone who displeased her: “Off with his head,” she would shout. The growing trend to fire CEOs quickly raises the question of when they should be let go. Should a chief executive be removed at the first hint of a difficulty, or should boards stand behind him or her, even if the CEO is responsible for a bad decision or an egregious error in judgment?
If we were the Board of Directors of Philippines Inc., is it right for us to ask for the head of Gloria Arroyo, the CEO of the Company?
Let’s review her performance:
A)One of the key responsibilities of a CEO is to drive growth, increase operational efficiency, and enhance profitability of the Company.
The Malacanang Argument: “2007 was the best year for the Philippine economy in over 30 years. Economic growth was 7.3 percent, as we have seen and you all know; a million new jobs were created; unemployment is down, poverty is down; the stock market is up; the peso is at its highest level in many, many years.â€
B) CEO is responsible for maintaining relations with employees, major customers, shareholders, stock analysts, congressmen, heads of governments, regulators, union officials, and, not the least, the media.
The “standard answer†of Malacanang during a Scandal: President Gloria Arroyo remains focused on the job of improving the economy and won’t be sidetracked by current political challenges. Ignacio R. Bunye said “The President’s schedule is consistently driven by her economic plan.”
In the same interview, Bunye reiterated his call on the Filipino people to unite and work together in improving the country’s economy.
“Disunity and political instability in the country would only send negative signals to potential investors…it is important that investors have confidence in our economy and we can only achieve that confidence if we unite,” he said. (July2005,at the height of the Hello Garci Scandal).
C)But the MOST IMPORTANT JOB of a CEO is to build the moral and ethical tone of a company and cultivate a culture of transparency. The CEO must be the role model .He or she must ensure that the Company will NOT tolerate an employee who will cut corners and jeopardize the company’s reputation or create enormous losses such as the rogue trader at Société Générale .
There is a difference between good CEOs who make mistakes and CEOs who commit REPEATED BLUNDERS particularly on the ETHICAL side.
If were the Board of Directors of Philippines Inc., we should initiate the ouster of Gloria Arroyo for a long litany of “Conjugal Greed†SCANDALS in 7 years as CEO of Philippines Inc.
The Equalizer
juanito dela cruz on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:44 pm
Ramrod asks: Why does Gloria stay on?
She doesnt want to stay on, but the generals and the trapos she fenced around her wants her to stay on. She now realizes that the monies she accumulated wont buy her a good long sleep or a nice sunday afternoon siesta. She did a MARCOS but will end up a HITLER.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:49 pm
Hi ramrod,
Kakapagod lang, meron na naman uli sa mga darating na araw, di ko pa alam kung kailan. Ang magandang basahin niyo sa mga balita ngayon ang kamalasan ng EDSA 1 celebration ng mga “sikat” na tao sa may shrine. Kaya siguro malas dahil nandoon ang karamihan ang karamihan sa mga alipores ng administrasyon at mga balimbing. Doon si Esperon, Ermita, FVR, at iba pa. Medyo matino lang doon si Butch Aquino.
Una yung flag raising, sumabit ang flag rope, ayaw umakyat, ewan ko kung naputol o ano dahil dami na nilang humihila eh, pero may ginamit na backup pero patapos na ang Lupang Hinirang.
Sunod nationalistic song nila na kinanta ng soloist, nasira ang background recorder, halos nag-acapela nang kumakanta, naawa ang mga nasa stage na karmihan e makakakapal mukhang Praetors ni Gloria kaya napilitan silang sabayan kumanta.
Tapos naghulog ng confetti yung helicopter. Yung una, hindi tumama, napalid ng hanging, humagikhik ang mga tao. Ang ikalawa hulog, nagkabuhol-buhol ang confetti at may bumabagsak na animo mo eh parang telephone book kalaki. Parang tinamaan yata ang isang network camera.
Maraming bulilyaso, tapos deploy na ang mga anti-corruption groups, binalak sirain ng alipores ni Gloria. Halos lahat ng lugar pinareserba o pinagbawalan pumasok ang rallyista. Tinuloy pa rin, hirap humabol yung ibang pulis dahil mabilis ang martsa at deployment ng mga anak mahirap. Yung pulis hirap bumitbit ng riot shield, baton, helmet, at kung ano pang dala nila.
Yung pinareserba ng Malacanang ang Redemptorist Church para masira ang mass for Truth, palpak rin at pinuno ng mga tao ang simbahan na galit na rin sa kurapsyon. Di ko alam kung kinansela o di pinayagan ang Malacanang na kunin ang Redemptorist church para sa aktibidad kuno nila, wala kasi sila doon. Konti lang nga pulis sa area at karamihan yata naka deploy sa Mendiola.
Naku marami pang nangyayari hanggang ngayon. Concert nga sa Ateneo. Umuwi ako bago mag-gabi at may ginawa pa akong brief account na rine-request sa akin.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:51 pm
Naku, my comment is under moderation, antayin niyo na lang yung kwento ko hehehe na-suspense tuloy
Mario on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 10:52 pm
Why does Gloria stay on?
That is like the question why did the chicken cross the road, to which Aristotle answered: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:00 pm
I think I used too much Pilipino language in a long storyline, that’s why my comment is under moderation. Oh well, what can we do but wait and hohum… it was a long day and I’m getting sleepy. One of the more fulfilling “vacations” I had in a long time.
jakcast on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:04 pm
If we think that GMA will soon resign, we might be in for a big wait. Remember, she is one shrewd, lucky bee. She knows that in any political debate, only 5% of the population are active participants and 15% interested public. The rest, 80%, are mere uninterested lookers. Even the Church, the lead in civil society, is divided. We should not have allowed Edsa Dos to happen. Now, people power, like religion, has become an opium. A narcotic or a cure-all. The heads of AFP and PNP are watching how big the crowds swell, before casting their lot. Let’s remember that in Edsa I and II, there was the military card. Unless, we could accelerate the process through civil disobedience, non-payment of taxes, etc.
Madonna on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:11 pm
cvj, keywords? spamtrap? that post was in reply to Benigno (hehe, could Benigno be the keyword?) hey benigs, just kidding
ramrod, no links in my post
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:12 pm
Why does Gloria stay on?
People condemn corruption but what they want are reforms.
The rallyists have only one objective –to oust GMA, nothing more.
Kumusta, meron bang mga sumamang marami? So what message does it give you?
Lozada’s tearjerking testimony is not enough to make the people unite as a group to make any change in the government leadership at this time.
The Opposition has used him. The Anti-GMA has used him.
After this, what happens to Lozada? Did you hear any legislation that concerns whistleblowers? nothing. They were busy parading Lozada as hero and icon for communal action. Sheesh.
The rallies in the last few days by elite schools will never attract common tao. Nandoon pa rin ang elitism. Ang labanan ng mga pangalan ng mga iskuwela.
Did I forget to say I told ya so about red flag carrying militant groups. People will shy away from them.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:13 pm
jakcast wrote:
———–
Better than waiting, steadily work for it in a measured pace. Excessive waiting for some “divine grace” to happen without working leads to laziness. We want it? Then we have to go out and reach for it. Does it take long? Doesn’t matter just as long as the effort is sustained. How should we do it? Steadily work towards what we want … namely, in fulfillment of eventually having an honest government geared towards good governance.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:16 pm
Why Cat, were you there? Do you even know what happened or do you depend on TV and radio broadcasts? Which segment of the rally were you in?
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:18 pm
The people who want to oust GMA does not offer any possible leader. Erap said that he’s willing to be back as President. Kapal. Then a photo in PHilstar showed that he was wearing a wristband with a Presidential logo.
The people must have interpreted that it is indeed Erap who is anointed to replace GMA. Takot sila.
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:26 pm
Well Cat? Were you actually there in one of the rallies or are you simply doing some armchair analysis regarding rallies and rallyists?
jakcast on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:37 pm
Surely, there will be inintended consquences of removing GMA. Are we prepared for the instability that will happen? Even the opposition senators who started this do not know where to take their investigation or the ending of this crisis. Their sound bites tell their dilemma. Imagine, Senate President saying “bahala na ang tao.” Naku naman, leader ka, tumulong ka sa pag-chart ng direction. I’m saying this because very soon, there will be big problems (brought by the U.S. financial crisis) will be coming to our shores: $100 per barrel oil, inflation of food prices, rice shortage and hyperinflation, etc.
The Ca t on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:38 pm
what about u? what’s ur objective in joining the rally if ur there?
Mario on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:42 pm
cvj: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! I was misled about the chicken’s intentions. I’ve been had!!!
Honasan: Come on, hire me already!!!! We will then wait for that chicken to cross another road, then…. wham!!!! But Customs and NAIA is mine.
Joma: yeah… and Negros is mine.
Ping Lacson: Hey… what about me?!!! I’m still a spring chicken, you know.
justice league on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:43 pm
Benigno,
The following is a self-quote from the previous thread:
“The initial part regarding the absence of power of recall is easy enough to understand but regarding the multiparty system; in an example of 5 candidates wherein 4 happen to be “right†but 1 happens to be “wrongâ€; there is all possiblity that the “wrong†candidate could win with as little as 20+% vote.”
At which you replied the following:
“In that scenario you postulated, what would be the probability of four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution? If you ask me I’d say that Scenario 1 is an improbable scenario in the first place.”
WTH, WHERE IN HELL did the idea of “four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution” come from when supposedly from my scenario the 4 candidates were supposed to be “right” candidates and only 1 was a
“wrong” candidate?
You’re supposedly culling your arguments from my statements. If you can’t tell me in what valid place from my statements the idea of “four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution” came from; then your JUDGEMENT that my scenario is improbable is WITHOUT BASIS.
And since your second to the last paragraph is also built upon an idea I don’t know from what place in hell was spawned; I may have scanned it but I didn’t bother to read seriously further.
It seems your statements don’t have much of any leg to stand on.
It could end here.
But I’m not finished with you yet!
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:44 pm
You were doing some slapdash analysis as you said;
Dead wrong. Where did you get your analysis?
For my why all of us were in rallies? Check out my link and you will know why.
As for operational objectives? Now why should I tell you that?
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:45 pm
Correction, should be: For why all of us were in rallies..
Kabayan on Mon, 25th Feb 2008 11:51 pm
For those interested; check out some of the interesting things that happened during the EDSA celebration rally, at my post a while ago February 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm (see above post)
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:03 am
Is Erap really proposing himself as “temporary Malacanang resident” if it becomes necessary? What is scary to me is that I think he – Erap — in fact still has a sizeable loyal following!!!!
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:07 am
UP n student said,
Heard that but we just laughed out loud at his proposal
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:09 am
What actually irritates me is the continual “balimbing” attitude of Ramos and de Venecia, they can never truly be trusted.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:11 am
To Mario (and anybody else):
So which side of the road is Noli de Castro on?
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:11 am
Looks like Fr. Bernas is molding future Benign0s, those whom Madonna refers to above (at 6:36pm and 9:42pm above) as liberals who are not democrats.
BTW, thanks for the link to my blog as well to the Republic of Pundits.
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:13 am
UP n student said:
His side
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:19 am
VP Noli has acquired the instincts of a good true politican. He will wait, bide his time, continue to support PGMA. But at the same time he will make statements like: “the ZTE investigation must continue, and those found guilty must be punished.” Spoken like a master of the game. He will ascertain the feelings of other cabinet members, especially the heads of the armed forces and police agencies, to see where these two crucial establishements go.
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:27 am
Benigno,
Continuing-
I’m quoting some of your previous posts for easier referral.
You stated:
“(3) Persistenly holding ourselves to account for the characters we VOTE for.â€
Wherein I asked you to clarify that and you stated that:
“I meant understanding clearly the implications of who we vote for; said implications include:
(1) How long it will take to rectify things if we vote for the wrong person (i.e. the next election);
(2) How well the person we are voting for keeps an open channel of communication with their constituents;
(3) Our responsibilities as citizens to work WITH our representative through the PROPER CHANNELS.”
At which I told that I hoped you have considered the strong nature of the multi party system here.
While in this thread you remarked:
“The factor at work during elections is more the dysfunction of Pinoys’ ability to vote for the right candidate — not the nature of our system as being multi-party as you argue.”
You seem to have misjudged the idea on the multi party system as I brought it up NOT to demean it per se but because of YOUR IDEA of “Persistenly holding ourselves to account for the characters we VOTE for”.
I gave you your chance to consider the multi party system in relation to your idea.
But it seems you squandered it away when you stated:
“So I find it a bit of a WASTE OF TIME focusing on the nature of the system when the reality is that Pinoys have a talent for screwing up ANY system whether it is bad or good.”
The fact is that ex-Pres. Estrada is NOT a Majority President. He carried even less than 40% of the vote.
So by your reasoning; not only the nearly 40% who voted for him then BUT ALSO THE REMAINING 60% ARE TO PERSISTENTLY HOLD THEMSELVES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE (LOSING) CHARACTERS THEY VOTED FOR.
Which is the reason why I stated that you might wish to revise your recommendation to “next time vote for the right people WHO WILL WIN!â€
You could have chosen the occassion then to clarify matters but it seems you squandered that one too.
In South Korea, more than anything else with party platforms, opposition members Kim Dae Jung and Kim Young Sam could not see personally eye to eye.
So they decided to run separately for the presidency and the result was catastrophic for the opposition.
The opposition vote was practically cut in the middle and the admin candidate Roh Tae Woo won.
A similar scenario of mine is possible, and if you even just consider JDV as a “right” candidate during the Estrada election, then my scenario has already happened.
And now to your hundred candidate scenario. So based on that scenario; the “Bozo” could be elected with as little as 1.1% with the other 99 candidates taking “equal” shares of the remaining votes.
So if we consider that the 99 candidates were “right” candidates; your advise would still be that the 98.9% of those who voted ARE TO PERSISTENTLY HOLD THEMSELVES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE (LOSING) CHARACTERS THEY VOTED FOR.
Hey, I gave you your chances so don’t go wimpy on me!
supremo on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:30 am
justice league,
you are wasting your time with benign0. he will dismiss your idea if he has no answer or twist it so even you can’t recognize it. that guy is a clown.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:34 am
There are only less than 300 men and women who make up the number who supposedly represent over 80 million people. They are bound by rules of the Basic Law. That is the theory of how democracy is applied. They are the supposed collective will that is supposed to protect the social contract which has at it basis- Property rights. (economic rights)We give up some of our property rights to fund the state. But the state in turn will use those funds to help us as “fisherman to learn and to fish.” The state is not there to give us the fish.
The state right to confiscate proerty is simply called taxes. From tribute to excise to income and entitlement taxes to consumption taxes.
Now when the administrators of the state steal for the benefit of the few in government and vested private interests something is fundamentally wrong. However most of the people in the country including certain famous educated people are supported by this system of direct and indirect state support for their fish.
The culture of dependency where human ingenuity and innovation becomes distorted for criminal ends. The control of the state apparatus becomes primordial since it becomes the source of power and wealth.
Go after the agents and sub agents of this anomaly. The Queen and King have strong and high Palace walls.
In chess you have the pawns, the rook, the horseman, then the bishop then the most powewrfull player the Queen in Big Mike and the King in GMA. It is Big Mike who is the actual Queen, free to move in the background pushing and pulling at all the levers of power. His illness caused this blowup. Faith intervened. If not I think this would have not happened.
Big Mike is the main consigliere to the King (GMA)look at Mikey and Dato. The heir apparent. But illness changed the equation. It gave Chairman Abalos free reign. I think he could not handle that much power all at once. Brought to the banquet he bit off more than he could chew.
The word moderation to a swine let loose is meaningless.
You see almost a complete paralysis in Congress. This giant pork barrel of the executive is mind blowing. All fo a sudden they see that the off budget transactions of the state is larger than the the budget itself.
These off budget transactions are a direct assault on the social contract. But the people who ARE BEING DEPRIVED ARE NOT YET ALIVE. Their property rights are being stolen and no one is aware of it.
How does one explain that to those less than 300 man and women who are deciding for the future.
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:38 am
Whats wrong with that? Even me, I am for the investigation and prosecution of the guilty parties no matter they are. What I do not like is trial by publicity and stopping investigation without closure just because they did not succeed in inciting people to revolt.
Is it not that was all the hype in last weeks demos and Lozada’s visit to several campuses?
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:41 am
Why all of a sudden the secrecy? Dahil napapahiya kayo sa mga forecast ninyo na the people power will be back ?
Sabi ng patay na si PP. Inilibing na. Not even Cory Aquino could resurrect that.
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:44 am
I should not have asked the objectve. It is there GLORIA RESIGN.
Pakigising ako pagnagresign dahil sa blog mo ha? Pramis?
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:48 am
HVRDS: The culture of political corruption (graft, kickbacks, cronyism, nepotism, spoils) had been in Philippine society since the First Republic, or even earlier if you consider how the Spaniards corrupted the principalia. The rent-seeking and patronage politics by the elite families are nothing new. You’ve heard of statements like the one by former speaker of the house Jose Avelino “What are we in power for?” Over the years, this culture of corruption metamorphosized into extreme, unmoderated greed. I think Nere was either naive with what he called oligarchic society. Hello? Remember the French saying ” Behind every fortune is a crime.”
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 12:57 am
Benigno,
Well well.
It seems you had a post before mine this evening.
Well if the “perception” is that you deliberately ignore queries to you while merrily posting the same arguments along; its very much understandable to have your kind of effect on people.
And it seems I already read further into Erap’s victory.
And so it seems I am going into a circular argument because I’m going back now to the hundred candidate scenario.
So even in that scenario with a bozo winning by just 1.1%; the fact is enough Pinoys voted for the man to win. simple.
And going to the bend of the circle, we go back now to idea that that the 98.9% of those who voted ARE TO PERSISTENTLY HOLD THEMSELVES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE (LOSING) CHARACTERS THEY VOTED FOR.
BTW, how can you say that you don’t hold that FPJ won when you clearly stated that “Case in point is the triumph of Erap and FPJ in the polls.”?
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:00 am
Supremo,
Thanks for the concern but I’ve crossed paths before with people like you stated.
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:01 am
The same families calling for PGMA’s accountability e.g. Cojuangcos, Lopezes, Osmenas, have their own stories to tell. Common guys, let us not look at this unfolding drama outside of its historical context. The right French quote is “Behind every great fortune is a crime.”
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:14 am
Randy David writes about the destructive presidency and “the Bonfire of Institutions”. In the article, he wails against where :
He also says:
And he ends with:
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:16 am
And Rina Jimenez-David wrote about the Oscars, “Juno” and “There Will Be Blood”.
hawaiianguy on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:05 am
UPnS, How do you take Randy David’s “bonfire of isntitutions?” He also believes that Gloria couldn’t have won the 2004 election.
That also seems to the recent line of Pangalangan, who is now calling upon Gloria to resign. Resign Gloria! is now a battlecry gaining ground among students and faculty, and many other sectors.
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:59 am
We saw in the news that the armed forces and police paraded in a unity march. I guess she is safe for the moment. For with civil society divided: (the bishops vs. the bishops), business (Makati Business Club vs. PCCI), labor (KMU vs. TUCP). etc. only the two organs of state with coercive powers (military and police) can tilt the equation. Unless these two establishments force her removal, then Lozada’s efforts will for naught.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:22 am
hawaiianguy: Randy never mentioned and he did not call for EDSA PeoplePower against GMA but a nebulous very badly defined “… we must keep the pressure on the Arroyo regime until it releases its grip on our government. At the same time continue to admonish the custodians of our Constitution to do their work faithfully and urgently.”
Could easily have been Solita Monsod’s writing, except Solita Monsod has very clear reference to (a) “elections, impeachment” as her preferred means to replace GMA and (b) to warn against conspirators wishing to take advantage of people-outrage against corruption so in ensuing chaos, they (the conspirators) can get themselves into Malacanang.
Bencard on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:45 am
…i think it would really be prudent of him (e. lacierda) if he refrained from making political comments at this time… for his high-profile client if not for anything else…” mita.
i think atty. lacierda’s political comments are personal
to him and the fact that he is a counsel of lozada is incidental. it is when the counsel’s point of view and actions become incompatible with his client’s position that i see a potential ethical, if not a legal problem. a believe a lawyer’s personal freedom of thought and expression is not diminished by his professional advocacy so long as it’s not inimical to the client’s interest.
having said that, i respectfully disagree with mr. lacierda’s position (expressed in a tv talk-show interview) that a preliminary investigation (in connection with lozada’s complaint of kidnapping, etc.) under the rules of court does not involve “fact-finding” and should not be a fact-finding inquiry. on the contrary, the process of determining initially whether a “reasonable ground” exists that “an offense has been committed and the accused is probably guilty thereof”, are matters of fact that can only be accomplished through a fact-finding process at which both the accuser and the respondents are provided an opportunity to be heard. it is not an empty formality where a complaint is automatically taken at face value and given due course without further ado.
contrary to lacierda’s contention, i think that the president’s “admission”, that she was made aware of the alleged “flaw” of the nbn project on the eve of signing (first one of a series of signing activities) it, made a lot of sense. as the highest official of the land, a president cannot be so irresponsible as to instantly nullify, or unduly delay, an international commitment on a mere unverified report of possible anomaly. it would require, at least, an investigation which, apparently she did when she said she took the necessary steps towards possible cancellation (if warranted).
even neri’s testimony that she told the president about an alleged bribe offer from abalos would not justify a precipitous action on the part of the president.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:50 am
Do you allow the inevitability of history to take its course or not?
Many are of a mind to bring down the ship of state. Regime change. Everyone resign. Or let history take its course. Let things be. Let here just go riding into the sunset in 2010.
It is the same thing as the crisis in the financial makets. Let it be and it will sort itself out. Allow history to take its natural course.
I for one am for letting the financial markets take their course. Let it fall. The only way to cure asset inflation is to let the bubble deflate. That means it will create a prolonged recession. But after excessess there will always be payback.
The same with Big Mike and GMA. The only group that can intervene to make her leave early is the military. But like in financial bailouts there could be a moral hazard. You could be throwing the baby with the bathwater. Can the country risk finally destroying the institutions of a weak state and move on the road to rebuidling a new one?
In the present ongoing financial crisis not doing anything could possibly not only bring down the financial markets but the entire global economy. The entire global economy could start to disintegrate with consequences that are unimaginable in this age of modern weaponry.
So the moral hazard. Do we risk a greater tragedy by limiting the fallout by not cutting the head the bad guys in the name of the bigger picture.
The present financial system is no longer tenable. The present government of the country will find it extremely difficult to govern. Also please note the ffg. Plus the fact that Philippine economic policy is also pegged to the same debt delusion.
“Indeed, adding up all these losses in financial markets, the sum will hit a staggering $1 trillion. Tighter credit rationing will then further hamper the ability of households and firms to borrow, spend, invest, and sustain economic growth. The risk that a systemic financial crisis will drive a more pronounced US and global recession has quickly gone from being a theoretical possibility to becoming an increasingly plausible scenario.” Nouriel Roubini
“WASHINGTON, DC — A second big American interest-rate cut in a fortnight, alongside an economic stimulus plan that united Republicans and Democrats, demonstrates that US policymakers are keen to head off a recession that looks like the consequence of rising mortgage defaults and falling home prices. But there is a deeper problem that has been overlooked: the US economy relies upon asset price inflation and rising indebtedness to fuel growth.”
“Therein lies a profound contradiction. On one hand, policy must fuel asset bubbles to keep the economy growing. On the other hand, such bubbles inevitably create financial crises when they eventually implode.”
“This is a contradiction with global implications. Many countries have relied for growth on US consumer spending and investments in outsourcing to supply those consumers. If America’s bubble economy is now tapped out, global growth will slow sharply. It is not clear that other countries have the will or capacity to develop alternative engines of growth.”
“America’s economic contradictions are part of a new business cycle that has emerged since 1980. The business cycles of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush share strong similarities and are different from pre-1980 cycles. The similarities are large trade deficits, manufacturing job loss, asset price inflation, rising debt-to-income ratios, and detachment of wages from productivity growth.”
“The new cycle rests on financial booms and cheap imports. Financial booms provide collateral that supports debt-financed spending. Borrowing is also supported by an easing of credit standards and new financial products that increase leverage and widen the range of assets that can be borrowed against. Cheap imports ameliorate the effects of wage stagnation.”
“This structure contrasts with the pre-1980 business cycle, which rested on wage growth tied to productivity growth and full employment. Wage growth, rather than borrowing and financial booms, fuelled demand growth. That encouraged investment spending, which in turn drove productivity gains and output growth.” Thomas Palley, The Debt Delusion
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:54 am
The Philippine scenario could be very well summed up as the “Delusion of a Philippine State.” The ship of state is a banca.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:56 am
Someone asked earlier on how to make money in this situation. Learn how to short the market. Short the peso.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:11 am
In the Philippines land and gold takes the primary place of most of the other forms of wealth. The reason is simple. It is a great and only store of value against the policies of weak state. Land values are once again going up in the Philippines. Gold is set to hit $ 1,000 an ounce. That means for the long haul inflationary expectations are rising.
“In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation. There is no safe store of value. If there were, the government would have to make its holding illegal, as was done in the case of gold. If everyone decided, for example, to convert all his bank deposits to silver or copper or any other good, and thereafter declined to accept checks as payment for goods, bank deposits would lose their purchasing power and government-created bank credit would be worthless as a claim on goods. The financial policy of the welfare state requires that there be no way for the owners of wealth to protect themselves.”
“This is the shabby secret of the welfare statists’ tirades against gold. Deficit spending is simply a scheme for the confiscation of wealth. Gold stands in the way of this insidious process. It stands as a protector of property rights. If one grasps this, one has no difficulty in understanding the statists’ antagonism toward the gold standard.” Alan Greenspan.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:54 am
For anyone wishing to end the Big Mike and GMA regime. Please note that the military men and police who were alingned with the victorious side became part of the establishment. Military and police retirement pensions are not sufficient. The group of military and police officers around the royal couple know fully well that their economic futures are guaraneed with the present family. They are not going to break their loyalty when their economic self interest is at stake. The leaders of the original RAM prospered after the fall of Marcos. Notables are Almonte and Honasan. After the fall of Erap you have Mendoza, Berroya, Reyes and many others all prospering very nicely.
Now on to Esperon and Razon the present in command. No Big Mike and GMA no more future unless they turn but who to turn to? Erap? Binay? De castro? The left- fugedabadit?
There is a void. Who is to contnue guaranteeing the futures of the military establishment that has become very much a part of the political process since Edsa I.
Or are we very close already to the idea of a civilian military junta in reality? The police and military have already become the fulcrum of the seesaw between the anarchy of the families fighting for power in the country.
If the Catholic Church this time backs down from getting involved then the road is wide open for an explicit military take over. Under the present constitution they have the right to intervene. No law was passed in Congress clarifying and setting out the rules in their intervention so they might make it up as they go along.
The military predominantly do not like Erap. They would probably take his money and jail him afterwards. They all know he is Erap para kay Erap.
The only group standing in the way of the military is the Church.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 6:43 am
hvrds… shorting is hard to understand, harder to execute. Here are simpler actions : benign0 is “long Australia”; “long USA” are CaT, hawaiianGuy and buddies Abe Margallo and Bencard; cvj is “long Singapore” and Jon Mariano “long Hongkong”. And docBautista is working on a straddle.
Bencard on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 6:51 am
the nefarious practice of some anti-arroyo oligarchs, bishops and priests to use the mass, community worship, and “prayer rallies”, to promote their partisan political agenda is getting more and more blatant and in-you-face. the people who are drawn to these gatherings, including the faithful whose only true interest is to pray to their God in the spirit of peace, love, and understanding, and not to prejudge, condemn, or inflame hatred upon another human being, are indiscriminately portrayed as among those agitators who are clamoring for gma’s resignation. for its part, the anti-arroyo media (with abs-cbn, the most virulent) is only too eager to bring the “mass action” to everybody’s living room, with hysterical accounts, in ominous tones, of its newscasters as though the presidency is on the verge of being toppled.
it is quite understandable why the oust-gloria crowd would resort to such a practice. it is no secret that recent past attempts to stir “people’s power” to depose gma have generated disappointing, if not totally embarrassing attendance, indicating people’s boredom and apathy towards such activities. about the only sure fire way, short of giving free food and money, to attract people is a public religious gathering or the sacred mass.
but the record shows, the vast majority of the people aren’t fooled, nor are they likely to be anytime soon.
benign0 on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 6:58 am
“You’re supposedly culling your arguments from my statements. If you can’t tell me in what valid place from my statements the idea of “four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution†came from; then your JUDGEMENT that my scenario is improbable is WITHOUT BASIS.” — justice league
Dude, you’re flying off the handle yet again in the typical way that you do. Here is again:
============start of quote
Presumably you refer to this whole thing about the multi-party nature of Pinoy elections and if I recall right, you cited the example of, say, five candidates and how one in such a contest need only to garner a 20% mandate to win the race, which is a possible tragedy if the other four happened to have the right solution or approach. Let’s call that example of yours Scenario 1
I can think of the opposite scenario where the four out of your five hypothetical candidates would be thinking of the RIGHT thing — in which case we’d have an 80% chance of the right candidate being elected (all things being equal). Let’s call my take on this Scenario 2
Firstly, my question is quite simple. Which scenario is the more PROBABLE scenario?
In that scenario you postulated, what would be the probability of four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solution? If you ask me I’d say that Scenario 1 is an improbable scenario in the first place.
And even if THAT were the case, that is not really the issue.
The issue I highlight is Pinoys’ ability to discern good and bad politicians DURING ELECTIONS by understanding their platforms.
The factor at work during elections is more the dysfunction of Pinoys’ ability to vote for the right candidate — not the nature of our system as being multi-party as you argue. Case in point is the triumph of Erap and FPJ in the polls. You could have had a hundred candidates running for President and Pinoys will still vote for the bozo.
So I find it a bit of a waste of time focusing on the nature of the system when the reality is that Pinoys have a talent for screwing up ANY system whether it is bad or good.
Second, if you go by the idea that Scenario 1 is the more probable scenario (i.e. that the person with the RIGHT idea is generally in the minority), then why would one advocate entrusting the fate of the nation on a mob-like entity? Fans of Edsa “revolutions†build their case around the idea that a “people’s mandate†is formed when a reasonable number (we can’t even agree on what constitutes a “reasonable numberâ€) of warm bodies dance the ocho-ocho on the streets of Manila. Kung baga popularity determines rigteousness according to these hollow-heads.
============end of quote
I did not have time to look up your original post and follow it word-for-word, but I did recall the essence of it.
So barring any erroneus verbatim reference to your original post, are you then able to comment on the INTERNAL CONSISTENCY of what i wrote above.
You’re right. You’re DEFINITELY not through here.
Stidi ka lang diyan.
-
hawaiianguy on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 7:19 am
hrvds: “The Philippine scenario could be very well summed up as the “Delusion of a Philippine State.†The ship of state is a banca.”
The banca is an indigenous means for travel, like its precursor “balangay.” Does it mean that the concept of state, apart from being a “delusion,” is reconceptualized and adapted to conform to the native?
Just wondering.
istambay_sakalye on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 7:28 am
the term people’s representative for the congressman is a misnomer, because the only representation they do is for themselves and their greed! who to blame? of course, us who elected them in exchange for a small change! we deserve what we got filipino people! unless we start changing in our thinking and start performing our civic duties and stop blaming other or the politicians for our misery then we have no hope!
our children and our children’s children will have no hope too.
ms. monsod’s position why she is against people power IV can be argued with exact same position she took for her stand. first, we have someone in malacanang whose very mandate is questionable for having cheated in 2004 elections as the “hello garci” tapes created a furor that nearly toppled her from her power.
second, the extra judicial killings being carried out with impunity. memebers of the so called “leftist” and media critical or the administration disppearing everyday.
what did gma do? she gave a commendation to jovito palparan, the very same person who is accused responsible for these extra-judicial killings and also known as the “butcher”
third, the massive corruption in the government and the fact that none of the big fish was ever convicted. abalos is still free despite the supreme court finding that there was a gross anomaly in the awarding of contact.
the argument that military authoritarianism will take over after a people power IV is just sowing unfounded fear. we had two military backed people power and non led to military authotarianism althogh the later led to dicatorial authotarianism which we are trying to get rid of by the way at present!
my fellow filipinos, the truth is already out! gma herself admitted to knowing and that the zte-nbn deal is indeed “flawed”, better put it a product of greed and corruption committed by abalos,fg and company with gma’s blessing!
let’s call black black and white white. not gray not silver. i really hope this time we will see real change in the government and in ourselves as individual too! choose our leaders wisely and truly elect someone who is really representative of the filipino people. not the crooks and criminals, liars and thief that are running our government today. get rid of the enriles, zubiris,
defensor(e)s, nograles and his comrades in the congress!
benign0 on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 7:50 am
justice league,
You’re all over the place, dude. Take some time to take a deep breath so you can structure your thoughts a bit better.
It turns out that you did get the point of that last post of mine when you said…
“And now to your hundred candidate scenario. So based on that scenario; the “Bozo†could be elected with as little as 1.1% with the other 99 candidates taking “equal†shares of the remaining votes.”
… which is actually an extreme extension of the 80-20 scenario I used to clarify your original issue about our multi-party system.
You’re right of course. The 98.9% in your hundred-candidate scenario will not have voted for the bozo who won. Common (and even popular) wisdom would give the “enlightened” 98.9% of Filipinos LICENSE to remark “e basta di ko binoto yan”.
And it is that attitude that serves as one of the fuels to do one of them hollow-headed People Power things (see? it is still consistent with my view that Pinoys are being manipulated by oligarchs even if we fancy ourselves to be a free-thinking people).
So while the hypothetical outcome here — a bozo president elected by 1.1% of the population — is not ideal. It does not diminish the fact that the ATTITUDE (‘di ko binoto yan!’) characterises that chicken-sh1t sense of accountability typical of Pinoys.
It’s not too different from Pinoys’ penchant for identifying with some bird who wins Miss L.A. crowing “galing talaga ng Pinoy!” on one hand, and then on the other saying, ‘di ako ganyan’ whenever we see compatriots of ours jumping queues in a McDonalds store.
The principle also applies to the reality (just like our multi-party system is a reality) that the Philippines is really an agglomeration of little bitty tribes into a political unit named after some obscure Spanish king. Tagalogs keep to themselves. Cebuanos keep to themselves. Mangyans keep to themselves. There is no sense of collective accountability for the overall outcome of the nation. So if, say, a horde of Mangyan’s suddenly take it upon themselves to terrorise a bunch of foreign tourists in El Nido, we can just as easily say, ‘mga Mangyan kasi yan e’, INSTEAD of feeling a sense of collective shame for an atrocity that happened within our sovereign national territory.
It’s also similar to the concept of command responsibility, ironically something ‘Patalsikin-na-Now-na!’ morons are pinning on Arroyo. Any commander knows that he is in principle accountable for the transgression of even one subordinate he’s never met. So a commander who would say, ‘I wasn’t part of that deal’ will not be too different from the 98.9% who would say ‘di ko binoto yan’.
And here we are trying to champion unity and build a collective identity. And here YOU are invoking the license to say ‘di ko binoto yan!’.
Where do you ACTUALLY see yourself then, Mr. “justice league”?
Whether 98.9% or 1% did not vote for a bozo like Erap, the REALITY is that the rest of the world sees Erap as a collective outcome of Pinoys’ discerning taste for politicians. The global community will simply laugh off an argument citing the ‘multi-party’ nature of our system or whatever lame excuse we may come up with to explain away a PHILIPPINE president such as Erap.
And THAT is the reality, dude.
nash on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:13 am
@benigno
“‘Patalsikin-na-Now-na!’ morons”
I’m proud to be a moron. I guess that makes you a genius.
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:40 am
I truly admire the bloggers here who continue to defend Gloria with a long history of deception,corruption and lying.
I have three theories:
1)You must know something which the great majority of the Filipinos do not know.
2)You truly believe that there is nobody else that can compare with Gloria,warts and all.
3)You are just joking or just playing the devil advocate’s roles in this blog.
Can the old geezer help me understand how your minds really work please?
I can still learn a few tricks from you guys.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:48 am
to the equalizer: in combat, him to whom you scream “… show your face, you who I will kill when I see you!”??? He will shoot you as you scream.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:53 am
and equalizer… if your chain of command did not teach you that, you have a lousy chain of command.
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:07 am
Benigno,
Well at least you got the “Mr.” part right.
I’m just waiting for the proverbial “other shoe to drop”.
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:12 am
A great morning to everyone.
Hehehe pro-corruption apologists here still try to deceive themselves … so much the better, the harder the fall.
Regarding divisions, well if some here say 80% of Filipinos from all professions (yes including the military, business and religious) wants Gloria out, and given that 8% to 5% doesn’t, while the balance are undecided, constitute the viewed “divided opinion”; I can live with that.
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:27 am
“Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?” Ninoy Aquino
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:29 am
Hi Cat,
It’s a great morning today, still fishing for info? Hehehe unless you join us you can’t have it.
Of course pro-Arroyo advocates would never understand the effort of a single person; you never will because it is the effort of every single person working together that makes the difference, a principle that we take to heart. In any case explaining it to Arroyo loyalists would be an exercise in futility.
I still remember yesterday’s events at the Liwasang Bonifacio area those Palace hired “hakot” crowd of pro-corruption loyalists. A simple rain and they ran like wet cats (no pun intended.) They scattered and went home around 4 pm instead of what they “courageously” to end planned 6 pm. Their loyalty is to their pockets that’s why they dissolved in the first sign of adversity.
My comment to your posts, avoid armchair analysis of people and events if you were not actually there to witness and study. Even if I post photos of the reality, Gloria fans will always find an explanation to the contrary, just like that funny man in the Department of Injustice and his colleagues.
Nice chatting with you, but there’s a schedule to keep, bye
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:36 am
hvrds,
i’m no economist or financial wiz, just another simplistic citizen trying to make sense of all that’s happening…
my question is, won’t it hurt the “delusion of a philippine state” even more if a new CEO is put in place at this point? Whoever that person/group is only has two years before the next elections to make a difference. not even considering their getting caught in the election fever, how much can be accomplished?
bencard, thank you for that input. no question about atty. lacierda’s right to voice his personal opinion on anything. my point was “prudence”, for the sake of his client. after all, his high-profile client, from the time he first presented himself to the public, said he didn’t want his actions to be politicized.
do you think the release of atty. lacierda’s personal opinion, now made public through this blog, was a prudent step? do you, as a lawyer, think it was inimical to his client’s interest?
hawaiianguy on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:44 am
Benigno: “So if, say, a horde of Mangyan’s suddenly take it upon themselves to terrorise a bunch of foreign tourists in El Nido, we can just as easily say, ‘mga Mangyan kasi yan e’, INSTEAD of feeling a sense of collective shame for an atrocity that happened within our sovereign national territory.”
Sorry, wrong example.
First, the Mangyans are unlikely to go to El Nido. That’s a Tagbanua territory, another tribe in your cultural taxonomy of bitty tribes who may not allow another tribe in their turf. Second, even if they are able to, they would not terrorize tourists there. They are basically a peace-loving people. I have yet to hear such an incident in the jungles of Mindoro where they live.
Maybe you’re thinking of the Abu Sayyaf for kidnapping tourists from Dos Palmas, a resort in Puerto Princesa. But didn’t Erap, a guy you detest so much, call them (as “Moros”) “hindi naman sila Pilipino?” And didn’t Gloria order her military commanders to “wipe” them out (“isang bala lang kayo”)?
So that insulates Filipinos from the collective shame you are talking about, right?
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:46 am
(The People Singing…)
“Oh devil woman
Devil woman let go
Devil woman leave us alone
We want to MOVE ON!â€
“Devil woman, you’re evil
Like the dark coral reef
Like the winds that bring high tide
You bring sorrow and grief!â€
rego on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:05 am
“The rallies in the last few days by elite schools will never attract common tao. Nandoon pa rin ang elitism. Ang labanan ng mga pangalan ng mga iskuwela.”
=========================================================
Hay, naku Ca T yan din ang iniisip ko. Nag research nga ako ng konti sa internet kung yung mag studyante ng Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Princeton sa US ay gumagawa ba ng mga ganitong hakbang laban kay George Bush? O kay yung Oxford laban kay Blair lalung lalo na nung kaiinit nga Iraq war. wala naman . If ever they there mas pianadera nila yung kanila personal na stand kesa sa dalhin ang pangalan ng mag school nila. Malakas talaga ang paniwala ko na eto ay kasama lang sa “elitism” sa Pinas.Why cant they just ko to the rallies na pangalan lang ang dala nila. Wag nag ipangalandakan pa na mag extudyante sila ng UP at Ateneo. In the first place most of our Presidents are products of these elite schools anyway.
Karl Garcia on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:07 am
maganda siguro kung katulad sa tate na pwede tayo sumulat sa mg congressman at me action d ba.
Sa tate pwede yata rumekta ang mga sundalo na di na kailangan dumaan sa presidente,dito pwede din kaya yun?
camry on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:07 am
Until the AFP & PNP leadership change sides GMA will remain the President.
No other group can kick out GMA from Malacanang.
Period.
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:12 am
hvrds, short the Peso? That means you think the current of appreciation of the Peso with respect to the dollar is unsustainable even with OFW inflows? I’ll be interested in how and when you believe the Peso will collapse (out of curiosity, not that i have any funds to short).
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:15 am
From Solita Monsod:
If Gloria is forced to resign, Noli takes over, correct? That’s what the constitution says. What then is this “Quest for Power” Ms. Monsod is talking about? Ms. Monsod probably is probably thinking of a coup of some sort, of which we all should be wary. But this groundswell of outrage isnt a “quest for power”. Certainly not about a quest for Noli’s power, who lest we forget is the people’s elected replacement no matter what we feel about him.
Ms. Monsod also makes the same mistake others have made: that of thinking those who want Gloria to resign are naive; that getting rid of Gloria would eliminate corruption. Gloria should resign or be impeached because she should be fighting corruption but isnt. She’s incompetent (or negligent as per smoke’s post) and an enabler. When pictures of congressmen walk out of Malacanang with bags of money, that’s incompetence right there. Or worse.
Bencard on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:23 am
“pro-corruption apologists”? what will these “do-gooders” think of next about those who don’t agree with their politics of hate? they are believing their own version of “truth”, riding on the crest of lozada’s bubble. but you know what happens to bubbles? they burst without a trace.
(btw, it looks like the con artist will be laughing his way to the bank, courtesy of the “patriot’s fund” set up by some very pleased patrons).
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:30 am
Manoy, I almost find it beneath you to impeach a person’s character based on innuendo. Youre one of the legal luminaries in this forum so your legal opinion matters, but to see you engage in innuendo, it’s disappointing. I expect that of the other in your ilk, but come on, man… youre the lawyer on GMA’s side here. Rule of law, sir. Youre a member of the bar. Leave the innuendo to C at and mang kiko.
Kabayan on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:30 am
Tut tut somebody’s getting cranky
Jon Mariano on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:34 am
How do you know whether a child is lying?
Inday, kinain mo ba ang tsokolate?
Hindi po!
Bakit meron kang dungis ng tsokolate sa iyong bibig?
Hindi ko po kasi napunasan. Pero sasabihin ko po ke yaya na punasan mamaya.
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:36 am
Jon Mariano: How does a lying child say “the case is closed.let’s move on!”
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:36 am
In fairness, that should be Mang Isko.
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:37 am
(btw, it looks like the con artist will be laughing his way to the bank, courtesy of the “patriot’s fund†set up by some very pleased patrons).
old geezer:you are so jaded!We are not in america!
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:38 am
Oops. Sorry. Mang Isko pala. Thanks, cvj.
Jon Mariano on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:39 am
Ate Glo, bakit po kayo pumunta sa Boao, China para mawitness ang pirmahan ng kontrata para sa sa NBN project kasama ng ZTE?
Ano iyong description nila noon? Like a thief in the night ba siya doon? Ano na nga ang timing ng pagpunta niya sa China? Di ba overnight lang siya doon? So doon lang niya nalaman na meron problema? Ang hirap naman intindihin oo.
mdbautista on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:42 am
mlq3, the reply of Arroyo is unsatisfactory. merely admitting to irregularities is insufficient. this might just be the opportunity for Raul Gonzales to redeem his honor–by launching an impartial investigation in an honest search for the truth. this whole elaborate tableau will crumble within a few days.
Jon Mariano on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:42 am
Equalizer, it will be too much for the lying child to say “prove it in court” no?
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:44 am
“they are believing their own version of “truthâ€, riding on the crest of lozada’s bubble. but you know what happens to bubbles? they burst without a trace.”
old geezer:scary;that’s was the plan when they abducted Jun Lozada fron the airport.
you really must know something.In the loop,eh?
what happened to Jonas Burgos?
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:46 am
Jon Mariano:”Nay,saan ang ebidensiya?”
Jon Mariano on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:53 am
I found the account of Gloria’s going to China to witness the signing:
The press release said Ms. Arroyo “came and went like a thief in the night” because she arrived in Boao “in the wee hours of Saturday,” April 21, and “left at 3:30 p.m. of the same day, but not after witnessing the signing of five landmark economic agreements…that, in her own words, would…raise the competitiveness of our country.”
Que Sera Sera Philippines on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:53 am
Oh Dear me BryanB I should have known better! We came out to Fairview, conditioned Martial Law babies as we were, scared that the military will retaliate and invade Radio Veritas so we were asked to defend it in numbers or so I thought.
But we were just “hanging out with friends”! I suppose we were also “hanging out with friends” when we went to what was it? GMA7 and were fired upon by Loyalist troops! Oh yes it was lots and lots of fun I tell you! And then on to EDSA, that was fun too!
Thanks for letting me know after all these years! I should have known better. We were so conditioned to be scared as people we know from UP were being shot in earlier rallies. All those Crame and Bicutan tortures we kept hearing about, Ninoy just got killed, Students were being shot with live bullets at rallies-Fidel Nemenzo (Fidel who?) was shot but survived, all these conditioned us to be afraid!
And I thought we were getting rid of a dictator so we can have the freedom to blog as you do now! And have democratic elections, and have an impartial judiciary etc. etc…But the most important bit was that Marcos have been there for 21 years almost all our lifetime! And there was no end in sight! And we were tired of being scared!
Gee Thanks Bryan, now that I know that we were just “hanging out with friends” I shouldn’t feel so bitterly dissillusioned and betrayed by the results of People Power. (Come to think of it, EDSA Uno did not stop Leandro Alejandro (Leandro who?) from being killed afterwards! Did it?
But at least Filipinos now get Elections – which needs fixing I agree! But my question is who voted those politicians in Congress in the first place?
But as you say, why overthink about this things – just go ahead and do it. Yeah go ahead, go and “hang out with your friends” and have as many People Power Street Party as you wish (or whenever you can’t wait for another election or bother to fix the electoral process and you hate the look of the tongressman who got voted in!)
Count me out though coz…No Salgo mucho no mas!
Good luck!
The Equalizer on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:54 am
The MOST IMPORTANT JOB of a CEO is to build the moral and ethical tone of a company and cultivate a culture of transparency.
The CEO must be the role model .He or she must ensure that the Company will NOT tolerate an employee who will cut corners and jeopardize the company’s reputation or create enormous losses such as the rogue trader at Société Générale .
There is a difference between good CEOs who make ordinary mistakes and CEOs who commit REPEATED BLUNDERS particularly on the ETHICAL side.
If YOU were in the Board of Directors of Philippines Inc., would you initiate the ouster of Gloria Arroyo for a long litany of “Conjugal Greed†SCANDALS in 7 years as CEO of Philippines Inc.???
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:00 am
Impeachment. with GMA saying she learned the NBN deal was flawed on the eve of signing – isn’t that an impeachable offense? are the crowds not going for that angle in preparation for the lifting of the 1-year ban on impeachment filing?
JDV. he’s calling for GMA to resign. he says he’s cutting his ties, but didn’t she beat him to the punch? also, there’s hardly any squeak about his own son’s involvement in the NBN deal – Joey was the son of the speakerman at the time he was going after the contract. are the crowds not going for that angle?
Erap. he’s offering himself as caretaker president?!
Ramos. Focus on reforms, not on an ouster. will reforms without constitutional change be enough?
just asking…
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:06 am
The most important job of a CEO is not for morale boosting – that’s Human Relations’ job.
A CEO’s main job is focused on earnings. His main responsibility is the success of the company. If he fails at that, he is usually replaced.
rego on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:09 am
“If Gloria is forced to resign, Noli takes over, correct? That’s what the constitution says. What then is this “Quest for Power†Ms. Monsod is talking about? Ms. Monsod probably is probably thinking of a coup of some sort, of which we all should be wary. But this groundswell of outrage isnt a “quest for powerâ€. Certainly not about a quest for Noli’s power, who lest we forget is the people’s elected replacement no matter what we feel about him.”
=========================================================
The thing is most people believe that this “quest for power” will not end with Gloria. Once Noli replaces her it will be the same “quest” all over again. It happened with Marcos, Cory, Erap and Gloria. Medyo nanahimik lang tayo during the term of FVR. Dont you realized it? Laging flop na yung mga attempts for people power. Because most people just wanted to quit this vicous habit!
rego on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:12 am
“If Gloria is forced to resign, Noli takes over, correct? That’s what the constitution says. What then is this “Quest for Power†Ms. Monsod is talking about? Ms. Monsod probably is probably thinking of a coup of some sort, of which we all should be wary. But this groundswell of outrage isnt a “quest for powerâ€. Certainly not about a quest for Noli’s power, who lest we forget is the people’s elected replacement no matter what we feel about him.”….
=========================================================
The thing is most people believe that this “quest for power” will not end with Gloria. Once Noli replaces her it will be the same “quest” all over again. It happened with Marcos, Cory, Erap and Gloria. Medyo nanahimik lang tayo during the term of FVR. Dont you realized it? Laging flop na yung mga attempts for people power. Because most people just wanted to quit this vicous habit!
Bencard on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:14 am
for the slow-brain only: what i said above is that lozada’s “bubble” (not lozada himself) will burst as one usually does. if you find it incomprehensible, i give up!
mita, speaking solely for myself, i try not to mix my personal politics with my professional practice (if i can help it). if i felt that my political belief, which i could not compromise, would get in the way of my duty to protect my client’s interest, i would seek to withdraw my representation.
jeg, even as a lawyer, i am entitled to my own perception, am i not? like they say: “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”. what i try not to do is misrepresent perception as fact, as a lot of gloria-haters do in this blog and elsewhere.
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:04 pm
Rego: Once Noli replaces her it will be the same “quest†all over again.
Only if Noli does the same thing, rego. If the does not, if he proves to be a worthy president, then there is no reason for the same “quest”. Correct me if Im wrong but you seem to be against Noli assuming the presidency?
jeg, even as a lawyer, i am entitled to my own perception, am i not? like they say: “what’s good for the goose is good for the ganderâ€. what i try not to do is misrepresent perception as fact, as a lot of gloria-haters do in this blog and elsewhere.
Yes but none of the other lawyers (Abe Margallo, Edwin Lacierda) engage in innuendo except you. If there is indeed innuendo on both sides, I would like to think they would cancel each other out, and members of the bar should be ‘above it all.’ But youre certainly free to be just one of the geese if that’s what you like.
BrianB on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:08 pm
Mita,
“Brian, why is the concept of an individual determining for himself what is right and wrong so alien to you”
That’s not what you said, you said there is no “specific right and wrong” and I asked you to clarify. I’m the last person who would resort to totalitarian thinking as much of what I’ve said here is about the infantilization of Filipinos. Yun nga eh, ayaw nang malalaking tao na mag-isip ang pilipino.
BrianB on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:11 pm
Que sera,
“All those Crame and Bicutan tortures we kept hearing about, Ninoy just got killed, Students were being shot with live bullets at rallies-Fidel Nemenzo (Fidel who?) was shot but survived, all these conditioned us to be afraid!”
These things are happening now. Try crossing someone with political connections and you might remember exactly how Martial Law feels like. The only difference is that today, the elite are spared this kind of treatment from the police.
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:12 pm
That’s why some CEO’s resort to window dressing.
(So i won’t be accused by anyone of innuendo, yes that means you, Gloria Arroyo!)
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 1:34 pm
Success is NOT defined by letter writers to the editor. The goals are defined by stockholders, not by the workers. Members of the board of directors wield the axe to fire (not the workers).
—————–
Question: So who are on the board of directors of GMA, Inc? This can’t be sole proprietorship… the run to Malacanang had cost a lot of money.
Wwhile we are on this thought…. who are on the board of directors of Noli de Castro, inc? of Mar Roxas, Inc? Ping Lacson, Inc? Manny Villar, Inc?
jackast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:33 pm
Manila is not the Philippines. The Senate is not the State. If civil society cannot gel, why should the majority suffer? We are in a pluralistic democracy. Everyone can speak out, but only the 300 we elected could decide. Even if the ruler is an outlaw, the rule of law should prevail.
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:33 pm
brian, that was in the last comment thread, not here…i don’t know what you want from me, but i answered you there.
cvj, yes some CEO’s do, but eventually they get caught!
TheColdKing on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:50 pm
BenCarding, Utak Ebak ka talaga, umamin na ang Reyna Demonyita na kunsitadora siya pero pinipilit mo pa na sinungalin si Lozada? Isa ka talagang gago at kalahati, para kang mga alagad ng Malacanang na napahiya dahil naperjure na sila ng kagagawan ng amo nila mismo, mantakin mo, halos mapaos na sa katatanggi na kahit isang anomalya wala doon sa kontrata ng NBN, tapos heto na si GMA, nagsasabi na alam niya ANG MGA ANOMALYA roon sa kontrata kaya nga niya kinansala. Ha ha ha, ang nararapat sa mga katulad mo ay pugutin ang ulo at iflush ito sa inidoro, wala kasing laman ang bungo mo kundi puro tae, kadiri ka talaga ha ha ha …
TheColdKing on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 2:51 pm
BenCarding, Utak Ebak ka talaga, umamin na ang Reyna Demonyita na kunsitadora siya pero pinipilit mo pa na sinungaling si Lozada? Na-vindicate na nga si JDV III eh. Walang duda, isa ka talagang gago at kalahati, para kang mga alagad ng Malacanang na napahiya dahil naperjure na sila ng kagagawan ng amo nila mismo, mantakin mo, halos mapaos na sa katatanggi na kahit isang anomalya wala doon sa kontrata ng NBN, tapos heto na si GMA, nagsasabi na alam niya ANG MGA ANOMALYA roon sa kontrata kaya nga niya kinansala. Ha ha ha, ang nararapat sa mga katulad mo ay pugutin ang ulo at iflush ito sa inidoro, wala kasing laman ang bungo mo kundi puro tae, kadiri ka talaga ha ha ha …
Que Sera Sera Philippines on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:19 pm
BrianB wrote:
“These things are happening now. Try crossing someone with political connections and you might remember exactly how Martial Law feels like. The only difference is that today, the elite are spared this kind of treatment from the police”
So what made you think People Power 5 or 6 or 7 or 99th (by the middle class and military again and again and again) will stop the military tortures from happening since People Power 1 did not manage to stop it as you said?
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:44 pm
Wow. Did you forget to rewind your clock? It seems it is affecting your brain. Slowing down a bit. mwehehe
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 3:49 pm
Yeah Mita, but some CEO’s just put on a thick face. (Yeah, that means you, GMA!)
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:02 pm
Right. The stockholders may not even care how he does it as long as they see that the value of their stock keeps going up or their divindends keep on coming.
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:04 pm
O di ba warning ko before the EDSA anniversary, walang pikunan pag walang nangyari sa sinasabi ninnyong people power IV.
Pikon, talo.
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:13 pm
The CEOs who got caught are put into trial.Then they are convicted.
Where’s the trial? by publicity?
Besides, the comparison of the Philippines to a corporation is flawed.
It shows that someone does not understand the corporate organization.
TheColdKing on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:16 pm
Ang bagong People Power ay sa paghanap ng katotohanan, bingi ka ba at hindi mo nadirig ang pari sa baclaran kahapon?
At bakit ako mapipikon? Wala naman akong sinabi kahit kailan na magkakaroon ng PP4, nagdedeliryo ka na ba? Pero ikaw naman, pinapatunayan mo na kampon ka talaga ng kasamaan dahil natutuwa ka pa na kahit nagsinungaling ng lantaran, garapalan, at harap-harap si GMA, pinapanigan mo pa ang putang iyon, tarantado ka. Dapat sa iyo, gawing siopao ng angkan ni lozada, you fucking pussy…
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:18 pm
cvj, thick or thin-faced, the dilemna is this: how to catch the CEO accused of window-dressing.
jackast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:30 pm
I must agree that a State is not similar to a corporation. The president is the sovereign (a king if in a monarchy). He/she does not just preside or manage. He/she governs and rules over the people and territory. How: through a social contract (as mentioned by HVDRS) with the ruled. In exchange for giving up certain rights, including being taxed, the people are provided safety and security. How to take back the mandate? Through constitional processes of impeachement, non-payment of taxes, or in extreme case, upheaval by civil society.
DevilsAdvc8 on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 4:38 pm
just a note to madonna, manolo filters all things related to the froggies’ r-e-v-ol-u-t-i-o-n before allowing it to be posted. i should know, i’m the one here with a lot of posts abt the subject. i must’ve experience being moderated dozens of times.
so dnt fret, your posts will eventually get posted once it clears moderation.
cvj on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:11 pm
Jackast, if i may add, GMA entered into a this ’social contract’ by way of Abalos, Garci, Esperon and company.
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:25 pm
I’m not saying GMA got the mandate fair and square. I’m just pointing out that comparison between the state and corporation tends to oversimplify things. Like you, I want to get to the bottom of this. But let the constitutional processes do it. I don’t know how, but there should be a way for the Supreme Court to intervene when the House of Representatives (knowing majority is pro-GMA) doesn’t move. A louder, bigger push from civil society might do it. A constitutional crisis, maybe?
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:40 pm
I don’t know how, but there should be a way for the Supreme Court to intervene when the House of Representatives (knowing majority is pro-GMA) doesn’t move.
Sue the House? Mandamus? Is that possible?
Jeg on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:43 pm
By the way, DJB’s blogsite is carrying live streaming of the hearing at the senate.
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:43 pm
This political crisis is happening again because the state is weak and the family strong. If we let this issue to be decided again in the streets, then we further weaken the state and its institutions: the bureucracy, civil service, courts, armed forces/police. Don’t think that because that the security agencies are beholden to one family, that the state is strong. Precisely, kaya na-arbor ng isang pamilya ang estado, dahil mahina ito. Strong family (micro) and weak state (macro) equals unmoderated greed and corruption. Civil society, the middle process, should address this anomaly.
Madonna on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 5:51 pm
Devils,
So what, you mean to say manolo partly censors any reference to the French Revolution? Let me play dumb, but is manolo afraid of having our own version of Storming of the Bastille? Interesting.
Hey, manolo, excuse me but i’m just speculating here.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:26 pm
From MLQ3 article:
We are a representative democracy: we elect officials, for a fixed term, to govern in our name. We are also a plebiscitary democracy: we have a long-standing political tradition of having leaders who periodically refresh their mandates, by finding means to sound out public opinion when unexpected, but great, issues arise. We have, therefore, democracy that unites these two concepts—of entrusting representatives with the governing power, but reserving for ourselves the right to take away that delegated power—by means of People Power.
Back in 2005 (June 16), I felt that the overwhelming majority of our people wanted the system to work, and were not rash to judge until the system had been given a chance to resolve things. Let the system be given a chance; but should it fail us, then we cannot deny ourselves the option of People Power. I do believe this: the targets of People Power in the past cannot be the beneficiaries of People Power in the future; and also that those who have participated in People Power in the past cannot claim that it should be denied anybody in the future. Most of all: People Power is peaceful, it is disciplined, it is idealistic, and it places the leaders and followers side by side and in the line of fire together.
Last year, I offered up a definition of People Power: it’s a phenomenon that requires certain givens for it to be recognized as such and not considered mob rule. The givens are: People Power must be anchored on moral outrage and moral principles; it must be peaceful; it must have wide support cutting across all classes and barriers of gender; it must at the same time be organized and yet spontaneous.
We know full well that People Power, too, is the instrument of last resort. The only question is not how and when, but rather, if enough of us have come to the conclusion that it must happen.
—
The only arms we have are the kind we link together when we stand side by side. The arsenal of tyranny should only be defeated by means of the peaceful arsenal of democracy: noise barrages, gatherings, marches, a national strike: in other words, People Power or the looming threat of it.
If we do not want People Power to be unleashed, our leaders must redeem themselves; but they are not only refusing to do it, they are pushing the public to consider other options. The only way to call the bluff of our officials is by willing to risk People Power.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 8:38 pm
From Q3 article:
If you are after accountability and responsibility, it begins with you making the choice to demand them, and insisting someone, somewhere, be held to account. Even as we all recognize the problems are getting deeper and more widespread by the day, which requires institutional solutions, too.
A system may lead people to be criminals but when a criminal is caught, you begin by punishing the criminal and then addressing the factors that lead people to commit such crimes. But to focus on the factors, to the exclusion of the criminals, is to embolden the criminals in our midst.
..
The only way to call the bluff of our officials is by willing to risk People Power.
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:19 pm
Then we risk tyranny by the minority imploding our nation in the process. I believe the best time to go out to the streets was in 2005 when there were strong evidence that the elections, the real expression of the sovereign will of the people, were stolen. Let’s see first how this thing plays out. The Senate is still hearing testimonies. Who knows, the House of Representatives might just send out the impeachment particulars? The Supreme Court might intervene.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 9:39 pm
Corporate for profit self interest are for their stockholders. Their main goal if they are businessess for profit is material gain.
Governments are totally different as they have to mediatate and arbitrate the conflicting and sometimes contradictory interests within a society. This is where the process becomes the most important issue. If the process is perceived to be unfair and unjust (institutions are created for this end) then you will have a breakdown and the loudest voices and the crazies come to the fore. We are highly evolved simians and emotions must be kept in check.
We had seen the case of Mandela. His people were brutalized and with the help of Bishop Tutu he set the example of turning the other cheek and probably prevented the transition to black rule from degenerating into violent chaos.
In a limited similar manner Cory’s religosity brought back a liberal democratic space after Edsa I. The only violent act seen was the ransacking of the Palace. However her family and others close to her simply with the 20/20 view of hindsight were not about to give up their rise from enriching themselves. Marcos had thoroughly destroyed the institutions of state (the process)so a new group simply took over. Mayor Lim proved that when they gunned down the farmers in Mendiola.
They were so myopic they forget about what their responsibilities were and by the time she left they forgot to keep the lights running.
Her family insisted on keeping the reins of power instead of allowing the professional politicos (Enrile & Co.)to take over the rest as they say is history.
Retributions and restitution was completely forgotten. The Luisita incident set the tone. The families on the other side then realized that it was not really a revolution but a changing of the guard at the top. Weather weather lang pala.
The feudal culture and the fuedal system held. Big Mike and GMA brought us almost full circle. The present day hacendera is on display. She became a micro manager at the top and her cabinet men and appointees simply “muchahchos.”
The culture very evident in the Garci tapes. The muchacho guaranteeing delivery to his senora and informing her that her other muchachos were on the job too.
Now with more details coming out on the ZTE she declares that she was told about the smell and totally separates herself from the actions of her muchachos. Her office is way above the fray. She has no need to get her hands dirty.
I have heard it said in some gatherings of some of the old rich. ” Ay yan si Mike walang pera yan magnanakaw yan.”
How many more Lozadas are there in her government. They all now each others “baho.” the speed in which the anomalies of Lozada was brought forward is proof positive.
The criminal impunity in which they operate in is simply astounding.
The glue that holds society together is the process of a just and equitable rule of law. Not a process for process sake.
This anarchy of families must be destroyed.
We have somehow made stealing a virtue to be emulated.
hvrds on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:15 pm
One of Barack Obamas suggestions for more transparent government is the google solution. States and the federal government will provide information on their expenditures and make it available on google.
As it is fiscal and monetary auhtorities in the U.S. and Europe make transparency of private and personal financial information mandatory of their civil servants and elected officials with almost everyone else. Law enforcers (including the tax man)have access to private and personal financial information when the need arises.
No Jose Pidal or Jose Velarde accounts are allowed. Information and transparency is the key to public oversight.
The only reason why FVR has a hard on for Lucio Tan is the fact that FVR did not receive any help for his campaign for President. Tan has his own private army composed of retired generals and their men. He also has a retinue of judges and other government functionaries on his payroll.
The men who run the PRC live and breathe class analysis. The local Chinese merchants are their guides. Anyone who has done business with the PRC knows the process of gaining influence. The corruption within the party is rampant. The achilles heel of the system , the bullet to head not withstanding.
Crime pays in the Philippines. Almost everyone knows it. Someone should simply write a book for foreign investors “Corruption for Dummies” in the Philippines. In the interest of price efficiencies, if more people know the process of buying judges etc, then you have more buyers and sellers and competition will ensue. Just like the fixers you meet in some government agencies.
Even the process of buying Supreme Court Justices is set in practice.
Certain law offices have institutionalized the process.
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:16 pm
Benigno,
Well somehow I expected you to confront the
“Case in point is the triumph of Erap and FPJ in the polls.â€
along the line with either an admission that it was just a mistake or even a spin in that you actually meant “survey polls”.
Instead it appears you want it to be just forgotten.
That was quite a silent shoe drop. But everyone is still awake!
And then you go on with
“Dude, you’re flying off the handle yet again in the typical way that you do.”
as if that meant much with your credibility.
And you had to quote an ENTIRE post of yours and YOU STILL COULDN’T show where you supposedly got from me your idea of “four out of five candidates espousing the wrong solutionâ€. There’s a particular term in your video (a derogatory description of former Pres. Cory Aquino) that best describes you right now.
And setting aside any verbatim reference to my posts; if you want a view of your INTERNAL CONSISTENCY (or more precisely the LACK of it), then read the following 2 paragraphs from YOUR OWN POST:
“Presumably you refer to this whole thing about the multi-party nature of Pinoy elections and if I recall right, you cited the example of, say, five candidates and how one in such a contest need only to garner a 20% mandate to win the race, which is a possible tragedy if THE OTHER FOUR HAPPENED TO HAVE THE RIGHT SOLUTION OR APPROACH . Let’s call that example of yours Scenario 1″
“In that scenario you postulated, WHAT WOULD BE THE PROBABILITY OF FOUR OUT OF FIVE CANDIDATES ESPOUSING THE WRONG SOLUTION? If you ask me I’d say that Scenario 1 is an improbable scenario in the first place.”
That was about a 540 degree turn in reasoning on your part!
As to your post on 7:50 AM, practically much of it has no relation to the issue I put forth.
However as to your insistence that “the rest of the world sees Erap as a collective outcome of Pinoys’ discerning taste for politicians.”; I’m sure if you take a poll here with regards Pres. GW Bush, a large enough number are going to remark that the rest of the world sees Pres. GW Bush as a collective outcome of American’s discerning taste for politicians.
UP n student on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:32 pm
Jeg said:
Hire hvrds!!!
jakcast on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 10:33 pm
Rightly analized Mr. hvrds! We cannot cure the cancer just by removing the biggest symptom. We should look at this political crisis in its historical context and try to find long term, lasting solutions. Let the state and its institutions strengthen. Let’s weaken the strangle hold of the rent-seeking elite and their patronage politics. Maybe its really time to amend the constitution to give bigger voice to the others. Because if we go to the streets again, after the smoke has cleared, we might just find ourselves ruled by a more evil one.
The Ca t on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:13 pm
O sige hindi ka na pikon BASTOS ka lang. bakit nakalusot ang word na F.
mlq3 on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:45 pm
madonna, the spam filter used on this blog is a cross-platform one used by many wordpress blogs. so it must mean that the word became a spamable one somehow.
Mita on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:50 pm
kelangan nang magpalakas ang maliit na middle class. the size will go up eventually…
justice league on Tue, 26th Feb 2008 11:56 pm
Benigno,
Seems you left out 2 sentences in your self quote.
Nevertheless, your term still best describes you.
cvj on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 12:01 am
I agree Mita. I do hope the Razon, Aboitiz, Alcantara families and other oligarchs join the middle class.
jakcast on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 12:22 am
I’m no Malacanang lackey, but I’d like to moderate the outrage. Nor am I a fool, although I chose a blogname that sounds like one.
Indeed, Jun Lozada, for his courage, intelligence, and wit is a hero in this unfolding saga. Romy Neri had shown the coward’s traits of self-preservation. But do you think Neri could be called a patriot for trying to protect the larger interest of the country? He tried to moderate the greed, reported “Sec, may 200 ka dito, testified in Senate.
cvj on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 12:35 am
Jackast, i believe Neri might be considered a patriot by Atenean standards.
jakcast on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 12:53 am
Please mga tsong, let’s try to avoid labels, namecalling and taglines. We don’t want to turn a possible good debate into a UAAP/NCAA intramurals.
cvj on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 1:07 am
Jackast, i made that observation in the context of the Ateneo blogger’s (the one whose mind was ‘molded’ by Fr. Bernas) entry that mlq3 linked to above which favors an elitist approach to these matters. Neri’s actions would be compatible with such a philosophy.
jakcast on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 1:11 am
Ok Doc! Thanks for the clarification.
jakcast on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 1:59 am
I have serious doubts in allowing the Catholic Church to lead civil society in the current quest to find out the truth. While the Church could lead us into what JDV calls the moral revolution, there are very serious issues that the Church, while trying to be part of the solution, is a biger part of the problem. The failure of Bush was that he allowed his administrations’s agenda to be hijacked by the Christian right. He brought the U.S. to its lowest ebb in terms of hard and soft power. Now every state in every corner of the world seems to hate them.
jakcast on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 2:14 am
I blogged this two days ago before CBCP issued its statement today. Issue no. 1 – the Church’s stand on population control: much poverty in RP could be alleviated with more aggressive population control. No. 2-the Church own vast lands that could be used more productively for the masses. No. 3 – the Chruch receives money from government that it knows came from gambling. I believe this is part of the reason why the Catholic Church has lost its credibility. It is a big part of the nation’s problem. (N.B. I was born and baptized a Roman Catholic. I still go to Holy Mass)
DevilsAdvc8 on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 3:11 am
jakcast, refusing to recognize church authority is not the same as disbelieving in God.
i believe in God, worship Him, and love him.
but i can’t say the same abt the catholic church which is so full of BS.
hawaiianguy on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 5:51 am
jakcast: “This political crisis is happening again because the state is weak and the family strong. If we let this issue to be decided again in the streets, then we further weaken the state and its institutions: the bureucracy, civil service, courts, armed forces/police.”
Going to the streets is not the popular option, but rather an option of the last resort (thanks to the lessons of Edsa 1 and 2). But it may serve some purpose now in light of this political crisis that grips the nation, if Gloria will heed it and resign rather than be ousted with dishonor.
Despite govt intimidations and other constraints, it looks like the pressure is mounting everyday since Lozada exposed the greed behind the NBN deal. Disaffected masses are swelling and swarming. The streets are getting clogged. The silent peripheries are now speaking out loudly, as more people notice the political problem that gets bigger. Lastly, the disenchanted public won’t be noisy, if the touted economic improvements have made a significant difference in the people’s lives.
hawaiianguy on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 5:54 am
jakcast: “This political crisis is happening again because the state is weak and the family strong. If we let this issue to be decided again in the streets, then we further weaken the state and its institutions: the bureucracy, civil service, courts, armed forces/police.”
Going to the streets is not the popular option, but rather an option of the last resort (thanks to the lessons of Edsa 1 and 2). But it may serve some purpose now in light of this political crisis that grips the nation, if Gloria will heed it and resign rather than be ousted with dishonor.
Despite govt intimidations and other constraints, it looks like the pressure is mounting everyday since Lozada exposed the immoderate greed. Disaffected masses are swelling and swarming. The streets are getting clogged. The silent peripheries are now speaking out loudly, as more people notice the political problem that gets bigger.
benign0 on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 6:35 am
“As to your post on 7:50 AM, practically much of it has no relation to the issue I put forth.” — justice league
Too bad you see it that way.
Kawawa ka naman.
-
justice league on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 8:07 am
Benigno,
Dapat sa sarili mo ikaw maawa. It seems you couldn’t even defend your so called “INTERNAL CONSISTENCY”.
It appears that that term of yours that best describes you is going to be appropriate for you for a very long while.
justice league on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 9:04 am
Benigno,
Ay nga pala.
Hindi dahil sa ang pananaw mo ay kawawa ako ay nangangahulugan na naaawa ka sa akin.
Subali’t, pantay pantay ang ibang bagay ay ganun parin na ikaw talaga ang kaawaawa.
benign0 on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 11:08 am
“Subali’t, pantay pantay ang ibang bagay ay ganun parin na ikaw talaga ang kaawaawa.” — justice league
Now you have me confused.
Is what you say a fact? Or is it merely opinion you state?
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anthony scalia on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 11:09 am
People Power IV or June 30, 2010. how to reconcile the two
heto ang sagot – The People will show their Power in May 2010 by not voting gloria’s chosen
gloria will extend? asus thats paranoia
for those paranoid about a gloria extension (including a PM gloria), kindly go over any article on amending the constitution
alas ka dora on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 11:30 am
mlq3, i noticed all my postings in this thread have been removed. may i ask your idea on this?
mlq3 on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 12:24 pm
alas ka dora, how? when???
justice league on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 1:10 pm
Benigno,
I would say that the status of what I stated greatly depends on whether you can indeed validly defend or not YOUR so called “INTERNAL CONSISTENCY”.
john marzan on Wed, 27th Feb 2008 5:00 pm
francis claver was also the author of the 2008 CBCP pastoral letter. you know, the one that john nery called “less than intellectually honest.”
http://bonlag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=9
Anne on Sun, 2nd Mar 2008 5:52 am
People power again? Since Edsa 1 we haven’t matured as a nation.
The world must be laughing at us.