Barangay Bansot’s Silent Majority

Floyd Buenavente on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 11:23 am 



WAHAHAHA this is hilarious Sir Manolo AYUZ!

rego on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 11:37 am 



I dont know , pero iba ang impression ko sa column. But Im sure this is intedended to entertatin your rabid anti Gloria fans. Indeed, they badly needed some entertainment these days.

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 11:49 am 



Heheh Manolo, I like this one….

“Santa Palanggana! Madam, there are destabilizers from… from… all your alma maters! In Putakti City! Evil, awful… what do you call them, oh, students!”

and also this

…Nexsht. Our latesht innovashionsh in fromoting the Rule of Lawleshnesh? Shec. Shiraulo?”

“Madam, since we are fighting the Truth, we decided that even if we have to sacrifice Executive Ordure 464 and Mambobola Circular 108, we simply issue new rules accomplishing the same thing.”

“Ish Monkey Gotme drafting them?”

“Yes Madam!”

With a few tweaks this story has a lot of possibilities, wish I was a cartoonist

Diego Torres on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 11:59 am 



No, this piece of Manolo can not outdo the entertainment we have been getting from the unelected president. Examples:

1. She was the first to refer to herself as the evil one. Before Jose Rizal’s grave, she remarked that “in this country, she was the cause of division” – only diabolus-the diabolical one is the cause of division!

2. She claimed that she will not run – and SHE DID!

3. She was sorry she talked to Garci – but not sorry to direct him to alter and the generals to influence the votes in her favor

4. She issued eo366 to streamline bureaucracy in 2003, happily , she has emaciated the agencies and bastardized the same with her predilection to extend favors to incompetent political appointees

The litany from the one with a permanent lisp, permanent scowl and very poor command of the Filipino language is more than just entertaining.

We do not have to fight over the numbers that attended the Makati rally, by the way, the physical count of bodies there is high enough. There are many venues now for protest movements-one is cyberspace.

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 12:10 pm 



I dont know , pero iba ang impression ko sa column. But Im sure this is intedended to entertatin your rabid anti Gloria fans. Indeed, they badly needed some entertainment these days- rego

hahaha. bato-bato sa langit matamaan huwag magalit! pikon!
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

Helga on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 12:11 pm 



Bwahahahahaha!!! Brilliant, Manolo. But wait – where’s the pea soup? Still in her gullet…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 12:39 pm 



let everyone call them every possible name – including apathetic, sleeping – but one thing still remains – they are the majority.

they are deciding with their silence

Will on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 12:42 pm 



hey, they gave nixon his victory.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:00 pm 



Hahahahaha! This is hilarious. I wanted to see articles like these last year pa. There are some sectors saying that Gloria will definitely not resign and worst, she will stay beyond 2010. Of course, I saw this coming the time Rev. Quiboloy proclaimed her as “God’s chosen one” as in God literally talked to him, Gloria was beside him saying “praise God, uhummm, praise God, uhummmm.” The video is on you tube…
If this happens what will the naysayers say, sorry, our mistake – ayusin nyo na lang dyan, nandyan lang din naman kayo?

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:10 pm 



let everyone call them every possible name – including apathetic, sleeping – but one thing still remains – they are the majority.
– Anthony Scalla

Majority? How did you know that? I suppose those who want to think than they belong to the majority must only speak for himself or herself. It doesn’t help if we would resort to twisting facts about what constitutes the “majority”.

The majority that GMA wants so desperately spin to the public is being done by assembling congressmen, governors, and other local officials. We don’t even know that these local officials who in fact go to Malacanang are really supporting her. She extrapolates that since she has the leaders, ergo she has the constituents. One thing is clear she is desperate to preserve a semblance of support from the public.

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:10 pm 



let everyone call them every possible name – including apathetic, sleeping – but one thing still remains – they are the majority.
they are deciding with their silence-a.scalia

what majority? maybe suffering in silence cause YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

what with the pro-gmas? even in their names they try to project that they are better than the rest of us here?
you good friend with clarence thomas?

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:17 pm 



The Tabako is namamangka na naman sa dalawang ilog.

“You must not jump to any conclusions just because it was seemingly well-attended. There was a lot of energy but if you’re looking at previous people power events that were successful, resulting in regime change, I think we are just beginning.” — FVR on the Feb 29 rally

Nakiki-”we”.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:23 pm 



“The majority that GMA wants so desperately spin to the public is being done by assembling congressmen, governors, and other local officials. We don’t even know that these local officials who in fact go to Malacanang are really supporting her. She extrapolates that since she has the leaders, ergo she has the constituents. One thing is clear she is desperate to preserve a semblance of support from the public.” – Madonna

Same findings on my end. The budget for “infrastructure” projects is really a profitable one for the local government officials who are “in the loop” hence even our governors, mayors from Mindanao will fly to Manila at a moments notice to show support. Actually, if these naysayers are as mobile as they sound, they can visit Mactan right now and look at the very expensive lamposts used for the ASEAN summit or something…even the tricycle drivers have a nasty comment – too bad they are part of the “silent majority” because they can’t afford to leave work even for 1 day, magugutom pamilya nila. The so called “silent majority” is not intentionally silent, they have not been given a voice thats all…I wonder why???

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:25 pm 



Oops, Manolo my comment is awaiting moderation again, and its moderate, honest.

DJB Rizalist on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:30 pm 



There is a big difference between a toothache and metastatic cancer. The people know the Truth is we have a social cancer. Their reaction to that knowledge, is what some mistakenly call “people power fatigue”. The people know the psychic dentistry of people power doesn’t work. They have a better appreciation of Rizal’s diagnosis than the Edsa Dos Diehards, who are still clueless about what really happened there, and can’t understand why the people refuse to rush to the dentist’s chair.

alwaysanxious on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:38 pm 



“Itrabaho natin ang panggugulo!”
“No. Shec. Hormiga?”
“Trabaho hindi gulo!”

Perfect. Sino kaya talaga ang nanggugulo? Anyone who’s seen the posters along EDSA (and even at the QC Circle) should feel agitated.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:44 pm 



istambay_sakalye

here’s one truth you can’t handle – NAKAUPO PA RIN SI GLORIA!

kaya okay lang – laugh all you want, name-call all you want, continue what-you-want

kasi nakaupo pa rin si gloria

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:48 pm 



DJB,
I’m looking at “people power” as a wake up call to everyone, if its loud enough, it will lead to attention, then to awareness, then “empowerment.” then we will to to the dentist – sometimes we need to feel some pain before we actually do that, regular visits for profilaxis etc., is not a common practice for the ordinary pinoy, unless its part of the medical/dental package in employment…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:52 pm 



Kung nakaupo pa rin si Gloria afer 2010, dyan tayo magkaproblema. Yung mga supporters niya kuno (in this blog) na hanggang sa blog lang – they will disappear I’m pretty sure of that. Rather than taking responsibility for their actions they’ll extricate themselves safely. What so you expect, they are not even taking action for their convictions? Thats the beauty of anonymity…

Silent Waters on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:54 pm 



DJB Realist

I agree with you. A lot of people are not saying we should really get to the truth of the matter first. People Power is not working. Two Leaders have been taken out and see where it got the country…NOWHERE!

Silent Waters on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 1:57 pm 



ramrod

if it’s a wake up call for the government to actually start discussion on what really happened to the different so called scandals…then I support your efforts. If it’s just to remove somebody and replace them with another set of monkeys dressed as politicians…then count me out

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:00 pm 



silent waters,
I beg to disagree with “nowhere” speak for yourself. There is a substantial number of us who benefited from leadership changes. We have a leadership crises, the solution – change in leadership, we deserve better. If you think mediocrity is okay or even below standard – don’t believe it applies to everybody…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:01 pm 



Madonna,

five words – nakaupo pa rin si gloria

kaya just continue saying anything and everything, kasi when all is said and done – nakaupo pa rin si gloria

di ba may kasabihan sa English – “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”? nakaupo pa rin si gloria. where’s your ‘majority’?

ano? malapit na? abangan! (if it will come at all)

one unsolicited advice – ban all politicians, including Erap, Tita Cory, and Lozada, from all rallies. baka that might convince your ‘majority’ to come out in full force

(take note – ang pinag-uusapan natin ay ang majority na ayaw ng people power, at hindi ang majority na ayaw kay gloria. maraming may ayaw kay gloria na ayaw din mag people power, na willing to wait till 2010)

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:03 pm 



silent waters, my only question: where is the pressure coming from, that’s been forcing the government to relent, and which has led the supreme court to intervene, despite its every effort not to do so?

the danger of “truth” is of course that may not even be what those demanding that it emerge, wanted. but when blocked with every possible obstacle it is reasonable to start thinking that what that “truth” is not complimentary, to say the least, to those conspiring to hold it back.

which brings us to the authorities fiercely wanting nothing at all to emerge, period.

reflect on this passage from here:

http://willshakespeare.wordpress.com/2008/02/29/inertia-sustaining-the-edsa-movement/

why do we keep forgetting that our continued resistance is actually working? No, Gloria’s still there, but we have made inroads. If Trillanes and the Magdalo, inspired by the resistance of the people, did not take to the hotel in Oakwood, would we have been warned of the plot to use the bombing in Davao as pretext for Martial Law? If we had not marched in 2005 amidst the Garcillano scandal, would we have inspired the members of the Supreme Court to trash the calls for “Constitutional Reform” by Arroyo elements? Would we have pressured Arroyo to distance herself from De Venecia when he called for the same “Constitutional Reform?” Would we have inspired elements of Arroyo’s government… to thwart the continued attempts of Arroyo to declare Martial Law, in 2005 and in the overt State of Emergency of 2006? We did not overthrow her in that year, or the other year, or even these first few months, but we certainly brought her enemies to the Senate seats almost unopposed in the 2007 elections. We even shook her political base in the local government and in Congress, as was evidenced by Among Ed.

Are those not results? Even at this very moment, EDSA continues to win the institutions of society, and government. Magdalo was an indication. So is the militancy of Oscar Cruz and Panlilio. The students amassing in the streets in a yearly basis and the impeachments are an indication. The sight of taxi drivers, jeepney drivers, and common vendors watching the Congressional hearings on Garci, and the Senate hearings on ZTE, is well an indication. Yes, some elements of government are well unfazed. Our supposed weapon against future Marcoses, COMELEC, has been compromised. They may be, and probably will be lost. Then again, this is the sad truth, when we “prune” the tree that is our nation, of the rot. It is always painful. We are shamed that many of our elders, these so-called vanguards for the new generation, are corrupting our future, justifying that this is for our own sake. Let us turn to them now, shame them, and reject their offers to be the leaders of their order. Let us shame them, and make a better order, replanting in our children’s minds the EDSA that they forgot. Let us replant in all of us the EDSA that men like Ramos, the Fallen Senators, and the “barons” of Congress and the provinces have conveniently neglected and forgotten….

…I am not naïve enough to say that demonstrations will assure Arroyo’s overthrow. It did not force Suharto or Thaksin out. The 1983 rising did not pressure Marcos to resign. But the sustained rebellion had an effect: the two autocrats of Indonesia and Thailand were forced out by the military under the pressure of continued civil disorders. Marcos was forced to hold snap elections when the mounting pressure of the Aquino assassination added to the weight that the International Community brought down on him. No, no, no, Arroyo will not listen, as Pharaoh did not listen to Moses, but we will howl nevertheless. In the two years she remains in power, we will howl her in the streets, howl her in the courts, and howl her out of office. We will howl like mad, and make all of government tremble with fear. We may not have the power to forcibly take her out, but we have the power to pressure the elements of her government to keep her from remaining one day more. If we sustain our EDSA movement, we can be vigilant enough to take hold of her that one last day and try her for crimes against the nation. If we sustain our EDSA movement, we can kill the Arroyo government by electing new, idealistic blood to the Senate, and the House of Representatives (fingers crossed!) and other elements of government.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:09 pm 



silent waters,
Yes. Remove EO 464. Let potential witnesses out of detention. Let everyone who wishes to speak out speak out. Let the “Jonas Burgoses” out, if there is nothing to hide, lets shed some light on all these issues. Once and for all lets get some closure on “hello garci”, jokjok bolante fertizer issue, etc.
I’m not for a “bastille” like change myself, and one of my fears honestly is that some influential politician hovering like a vulture will just swoop in and take advantage of the confusion (if there is one).
There is something that needs to be done, so lets do it, we can’t afford to be “teka-teka” we only need to have confidence in ourselves that this time we’ll do it right – but lets do it…

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:15 pm 



here’s one truth you can’t handle – NAKAUPO PA RIN SI GLORIA!- a.scalia

at edge of the chair! she will be sitting in jail for a very very long time soon! itaga mo sa bato! YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:18 pm 



anthony scalia,
Its a process, its hard work, sometimes its frustrating, but its getting there and I’m just glad some people are willing to stick it out…and I respect such people…With regards to old faces in the crowd, hey, past is past, we have to reconcile our differences, some have already paid for their transgressions, its time to sincerely forgive each other and join together to achieve a common goal. Gloria could have been part of it had she fullfilled her task as “transition” leader, but she chose to hang on to power. Its that “addictive?”

jepo on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:19 pm 



then howl all you want…AWOOOOOOOOO! Nation building at its finest, eh?

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:20 pm 



name-call all you want, continue what-you-want–a.scalia

nothing wrong with pointing out the obvious.right? don’t be onion skinned. there’s no crying here too!
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:22 pm 



jepo, yes, it is. our country was imagined by a real howler. read the noli and the fili. makes my barangay bansot stories look tame and kind.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:22 pm 



ramrod,

“Kung nakaupo pa rin si Gloria afer 2010, dyan tayo magkaproblema.”

agreed. pero speculation lang yan

“Rather than taking responsibility for their actions they’ll extricate themselves safely. What so you expect, they are not even taking action for their convictions? Thats the beauty of anonymity”

para namang di ka rin shadowed by anonymity…

the members of the kick-gloria-now school – how do they take action for their convictions? barking ‘patalsikin na now na’ ad nauseam? attending rallies? yun lang? realized convictions na yun?!?

job creation is much more important that kicking out gloria before 2010. in my modest way, i try to help create jobs. kahit konti. if everybody does his share, the ‘less’ add up

tutal, jobs naman talaga ang what matters.

yung pagsipa kay gloria before 2010, wala namang macre-create na jobs yan. magkakaroon pa ng collateral damage sa economy.

pero okay lang if the kick-glora-now school can put safety nets to cushion the collateral damage. but what can be expected from people who consider barking ‘patslsikin na now na’ ad nauseam and attending rallies as the best they could do for the country?!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:22 pm 



jepo,
Its HURAH!!!

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:23 pm 



istambay di naman kelangang mag *all caps*.

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:23 pm 



Anthony,

Who says I don’t see that nakaupo pa rin si Gloria. Why belabor the point?

I agree, re: politicians prominence. Lozada? He is being invited by students all the time.

All right. Re: majority, thanks for the clarifcation. See we must be careful about “facts”.

Re: people power. Consider for a minute. People power is not just confined to rallies or loud demos. This is 2008 and there are other avenues for people power.

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:25 pm 



the blog is drifting to name-calling

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:27 pm 



DJB,

I agree we have a social cancer which has not been cured despite the previous people power revolutions. If we are going to indict GMA, the system that bred her must be indicted as well — and I think that’s what most people who are not so loud in condemning her, want. What’s great is that there are opportunities for having a full radiation blast to cure this cancer, by taking the issue further and deeper to all Filipinos.

GMA is very smart because she employs divisive tactics all the time and would like people to think that it is for the long term advantage of the public if we let her finish her term 2010. However, her track record speaks for itself, she cannot be trusted because what matters to her as far her previous actions are concerned is her political survival and saving her ass from any charges of wrongdoing. The ball is in her court to prove otherwise.

After Hello Garci, most people I guess wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt because the upper and middle classes were parties to her cheating, by passive consent. But she has squandered it and has instead used the power of her office to loot and steal, afterwards. She has used the reservoir of trust and goodwill.

A surgical removal of GMA certainly would not do, that’s why people power this time must not be confined to another semblance of intra-elite power struggle. GMA is not only part of the cancer. She has hastened it and metastize it to its most malignant form.

frombelow on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:28 pm 



here’s one truth you can’t handle – NAKAUPO PA RIN SI GLORIA!

kaya okay lang – laugh all you want, name-call all you want, continue what-you-want

kasi nakaupo pa rin si gloria ( anthony scalla)

Anthony ilang taon ka na? Your commenT is very CHILDISH. Sorry po. Talaga lang po. Next time sana yun something will make us think.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:28 pm 



istambay_sakalye,

as of the posting of this comment – nakaupo pa rin si gloria. looks like she will step down at 11:59 am of June 30, 2010

for your sake, balikan mo ako kapag napatalsik na si gloria before 2010, okay?

pero since i cannot stop you from exercising your constitutional right to free expression, just continue.

for the meantime, handle the truth that nakaupo pa rin si gloria

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:31 pm 



if you believe, as i do, that most people are centrists, still, you carve out the public sphere by having minimum and maximum demands. minimum demands are: be happy with her, approve everything she does. maximum demands? throw her out together with everyone else. without the two extremes determining what’s at stake, you won’t even have any ongoing efforts, as is happening now, to chart a middle course.

this is true in politics as in any other human activity that involves negotiating between competing points of views and interests.

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:31 pm 



manolo, i sicerely apologize for my behavior recently! you are the host and i am just a guess. please understand that there are times that i have to stoop to their lowly standards when the arguments are filled with lies and more lies being bannered as truth.

when unable to refute the facts they resort to more lies and spin the truth and non sense.

still i apologize and will abide by your rules and etiquette ( hope some individuals will as well).



anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:33 pm 



frombelow,

“Anthony ilang taon ka na?”

i live in quezon city

“Your commenT is very CHILDISH.”

it takes one to know one

“Sorry po.”

sorry din.

“Talaga lang po.”

talaga din

“Next time sana yun something will make us think”

susmaryosep! as if what you wrote will make anyone think! don’t flatter yourself

ay oo nga pala. you have the constitutional right to free expression.

carry on my friend

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:34 pm 



as of the posting of this comment – nakaupo pa rin si gloria. looks like she will step down at 11:59 am of June 30, 2010
for your sake, balikan mo ako kapag napatalsik na si gloria before 2010, okay?–a.scalia

i’ll be in makati celebrating then, way before 2010! i’ll even send you pics!

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:35 pm 



istambay lahat naman tayo dito guilty dun. nakabanas talaga minsan, whether pro or anti or neutral or ano…

better one day red than three days blue kumbaga.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:36 pm 



anthony scalia,
Click my handle. I have never hidden my identity from anyone. I don’t want Manolo to have monopoly of character. Job creation is just part of it. If you’re in the business sector you might try looking at LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD by allowing market forces to freely grow then we can CREATE JOBS as you’re been saying all this time that can actually support the Filipino and not push him to find a job abroad. Examine your benefits and compensation package, take a look at the national norm in this regard? Get rid of these corrupt leaders, put in leaders that our people will feel responsible for (no gray areas like cheating) and reforms will follow.
The jobs that we create under current conditions will only benefit a few, we need something a lot better, and we can’t rely on economic reports that are easily manipulated by anyone well versed in powerpoint.
The strength of the chain is determined by its weakest link – when our weakest link are the call center agents in the national job spectrum (min 12,000Php/month) then I’ll congratulate you guys who are focusing on job creation! Right now its below mediocre, you need to work some more…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:37 pm 



Madonna,

“This is 2008 and there are other avenues for people power.”

abangan!

istambay_sakalye on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:41 pm 



ooops…” i am just your guest” what i meant to say.

frombelow on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:44 pm 



A. Scalla

“Next time sana yun something will make us think”

susmaryosep! as if what you wrote will make anyone think! don’t flatter yourself

Layu po yata nun. Di ko po naman sinabi n yung sinulat ko will make people think.

Yung sa inyo po yung sinasabi ko. Binalik nyo po naman sa akin yung pakiusap ko.

Pero salamat po sa pagtawag nyo sa akin as friend. Pare pareho po tayong tao at Pilipino.

Kung baga sa finals, tayo tayo din magkkita.

magdiwang on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:47 pm 



if you believe, as i do, that most people are centrists, still, you carve out the public sphere by having minimum and maximum demands. minimum demands are: be happy with her, approve everything she does. maximum demands? throw her out together with everyone else. without the two extremes determining what’s at stake, you won’t even have any ongoing efforts, as is happening now, to chart a middle course.

this is true in politics as in any other human activity that involves negotiating between competing points of views and interests.

This is rare that we get into Mr Quezon insight on such things.

hehehe….such uncompromising stand does not make you a good politician. It is commendable though in a way that you stick with your guns, but life and politics is just so complicated to not have a middle ground. Great leaders put things into perspective looking for ways to achieve harmony for the greater good.

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:51 pm 



Anthony,

Take it easy. You sound really exasperated. We are not banging into each other’s beliefs here. We are exchanging views. In fact, listening to all sides is better than being cooped in one’s own.

Ramrod,

Naka-friendster ka pala!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:53 pm 



“pero okay lang if the kick-glora-now school can put safety nets to cushion the collateral damage.” – anthony scalia

There will be no collateral damage. If the playing field is leveled, local industry will flourish…

frombelow on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:53 pm 



I see the wisdom of Jun Lozada’s view that the call must be elevated from mere “resignation.”

He said that GMA, anyway, will not resign.

My own view goes beyond that. Anti-Gloria forces always ask that the military join them in calling for Arroyo’s resignaton.

What if the military is really waiting for her resignation, too?

Kung baga, nag-aantayan lang. Sa wala.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:54 pm 



Madonna,
I don’t know how to make blog, this is what my son taught me to make, hehehe…

Floyd Buenavente on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:54 pm 



I observe that if there is one thing this country is heading to, it is gearing towards a possible civil war.

The signs are there:

1. Massive corruption.
2. Great distrust for the government.
3. Use of force against the people by military and police to those who are airing their grievances.
4. Seeming helplessness of the Justice system and the church.
5. Continuous decline of education and social services.
6. Harassment against farmers and peasants by landlords.
7. Continuous brain drain from the number of intelligent people leaving the country.
8. High number of murders in the name of the government done against activists and journalists.
9. Rising prices.
10. High unemployment and poverty rate.

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:55 pm 



magdiwang, because it’s for the whole to sort it out. and for the leaders to play their different roles. recently someone with long experience in politics reminded me a leader can play three roles:

1. advocate
2. administrator
3. arbitrator

the truly great leaders are those who can fulfill all three roles equally well. some leaders can only be one of the three. others of course, can’t be any of the three at all.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:56 pm 



frombelow,
Personally, I don’t want the military to get involved if we can help it. If they will be, its not a show of strength on their part but admission our weakness…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 2:59 pm 



Floyd,
Ikaw lang yata nakakita niyan. Some would like us to rejoice because of high GDP growth = 7.0+ % or something? Bottomline, I can’t make the street children eat GDP right?

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:08 pm 



mlq3, the maximum is the sticking point, because as far as i can see, most people will only go as far as calling for resignation (that’s still a legitimate activity). pushing for ouster has an unclear ending. beyond that, only the people with political agenda stand to gain. the ordinary people lose. that’s what is unacceptable.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:11 pm 



mindanaoan,
You of little faith. We have MLQ3 and company to make sure of that. We support the move with open eyes and ears…

magdiwang on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:14 pm 



MLQ3, well hopefully we can get someone elected with those attributes.

If I may pick your mind. When can the truly reform minded citizens achieve some sort of strength to push their own agenda. Will they lose their focus once again after GMA?

Jon Mariano on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:14 pm 



Kung hindi magreresign si Gloria and she finishes her term? Who will succeed her in 2010?

jakcast on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:22 pm 



mlq3 –

it’s good that piece didn’t get printed in your column. people might read name-calling at best, arrogance at worst. may not get the intended effect.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:24 pm 



mlq3,
I believe I met someone who has those qualities already. Unfortunately, if we have no electoral reforms, people like him won’t have a chance.
I would like to see a president who is really of plebian origins and succeeded in rising up the societal ladder without compromising integrity. If he runs, I’ll vote for him…

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:27 pm 



mindanaoan, indeed, if it’s the sticking point, it’s essential for people to push back and resist ouster calls, clarifying along the way what’s at stake. this is what is very heartening about how young people have entered the fray. of course it will leave other people sore. again my personal view though is that the more the administration resists all the many potential ways to the defuse the situation, it will drive people to hardening their positions. this is something entirely in the hands of the president.

think back to where we might be if she had created an honest to goodness truth commission, or submitted to an impeachment where evidence came first and then she could use her power of numbers later, or if she’d revamped her cabinet after the may 2007 polls, or fired people implicated in zte, or… or….

ace on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:29 pm 



“Personally, I don’t want the military to get involved if we can help it.” – ramrod

I don’t know and I could be wrong but I think the military is now polarized, many of them have taken sides already. A soldier that has been trained and molded to love and protect our country with their very lives cannot be neutral in times like these. They are just waiting for a clear signal and answers to some pertinent political questions.

“The problem with reform is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to reform from without.”

mlq3 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:29 pm 



magdiwang i think a reform constituency is being formed, which is composed both of those who decided to oppose the president and those who feel its too risky to exchange her for the vp now. if things calm down between now and 2010, it can be a formidable force in 2010. if things get radicalized even more, it will still be a formidable force.

which is not to say it will win in 2010 but it will gain valuable experience and possibly really start shaking up the landscape in the 2013 mid terms and in 2016.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:29 pm 



mlq3,
Good thing that wasn’t printed, its way out of your character. Leave the namecalling to us, hehehe. You might be Editor-in-chief someday…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:32 pm 



ace,
I think so too, but I’m hoping it won’t come to that, but if it does we’ll do what we always do, survive and build…

Floyd Buenavente on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:35 pm 



ramrod: Thing is I think ramrod the people are tired of People Power because they thirst for blood… Yes blood of those who bombed glorietta and killed innocent people, blood from jocjoc bolante, and blood from the activists and priests wo were murdered… I pray that I’m wrong… and talk about growth… yes the growth of the poor… =(

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:37 pm 



istambay_sakalye,

“i’ll be in makati celebrating then, way before 2010! i’ll even send you pics!”

promise ha? post them in a web site, then just post the link here so i can access them!

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:43 pm 



frombelow,

“Kung baga sa finals, tayo tayo din magkkita.”

sorry my friend, ako lang ang makakapasok sa finals

(congrats Realtors! sorry James! go Celtics! Kobe sucks!)

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 3:46 pm 



Calling all local execs:

Davao City’s Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte vows loyalty to the people, not Arroyo.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/83081/Duterte-vows-loyalty-to-the-people-not-Arroyo

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:00 pm 



mlq3, that’s why i like this blog. amid the frenzy, variant and even contrary opinions are still entertained.
the situation is also in our hands, though. we move because we want to get somewhere. check the blinding rage, or we might fall in a ditch.

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:07 pm 



2010! concentrate on 2010. that’s correct.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:11 pm 



ramrod,

****stands in attention****

sir yes sir! heil ramrod!

request permission to rebut your wordy reply sir!

anyway, even if not given, here’s my rebuttal (appearing after quotes from your post):

Click my handle. I have never hidden my identity from anyone. I don’t want Manolo to have monopoly of character.

good heavens! you have a friendster account! 8-0
(paano ba maging member?)

Job creation is just part of it. If you’re in the business sector you might try looking at LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD by allowing market forces to freely grow then we can CREATE JOBS as you’re been saying all this time that can actually support the Filipino and not push him to find a job abroad.

leveling the playing field is always part of the advocacy. yet a true entrepreneur never waits for a level playing field to start, and flourish.

it is dead wrong to wait for a level playing field before any effort to create jobs is started.

benignO would always cite that the Chinese Pinoys never had it going for them, yet how come they are business owners now.

Examine your benefits and compensation package, take a look at the national norm in this regard? Get rid of these corrupt leaders, put in leaders that our people will feel responsible for (no gray areas like cheating) and reforms will follow.

again, it is dead wrong to wait for the vaporizing of ‘corrupt leaders’, for the institution of reforms, before starting job creation efforts

The jobs that we create under current conditions will only benefit a few, we need something a lot better, and we can’t rely on economic reports that are easily manipulated by anyone well versed in powerpoint.

oh really? how sure are you that it will only benefit a few? unless you mean it will only benefit those who are prepared and are open enough to admit that opportunities abound here

The strength of the chain is determined by its weakest link – when our weakest link are the call center agents in the national job spectrum (min 12,000Php/month) then I’ll congratulate you guys who are focusing on job creation!

you can start congratulating the members of the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP) and the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) – some of the unsung heroes of the Philippine economy

Right now its below mediocre, you need to work some more…

whoever said that i have to do it alone?

yes, a lot more work has to be done, but you cannot deny the benefit enjoyed by someone who was previously unemployed.

because a lot more work has to be done that we don’t have time to senseless endeavors such as ‘patalsikin na now na’, rallies, people power, senate ‘investigations’ etc.

one thing is sure – no job can be created by ‘patalsikin na now na’, by rallies, by people power etc.

There will be no collateral damage. If the playing field is leveled, local industry will flourish…

asus! thats a dead wrong conclusion. the Chinese Pinoys have shown that they can flourish without waiting for the level playing field

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:11 pm 



madonna,

I met Duterte in one of the hotels in Davao once, he seems to be a decent person though a bit machiavellian in some respects. But as businessmen, we maintain a respectable distance…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:15 pm 



ramrod,

“8-0″

(di ko alam gawin yung emoticon na surprised)

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:17 pm 



anthony scalia,

I never said business did not flourish. If you read my previous comments, I said business will go on INSPITE of government.
When we say leveling the playing field, we mean honest and decent functioning customs, licensing departments, bir, etc. When businessmen don’t have to maintain two books – just to compete (cost wise).
Do this, and business will flourish. Right now the impression is “corruption in government is tolerable at a certain extent, but not at these levels.” this came from a prominent chinese businessman…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:18 pm 



mindanaoan,

this blog is a million light years a lot better than the mob blog of ellen tordesillas

and mlq3 personifies that famous statement of Voltaire – “i don’t agree with what you said, but i’ll fight for your right to say it!”

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:19 pm 



anthony scalia,

Pasensya ka na, I don’t know how to make a decent blog site (no time din). My son taught me how to make one, hehehe and don’t ask me how because I still don’t know.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:26 pm 



anthony scalia,

Look around you. Our businessmen are buying low grade material because the market can’t absorb high grade, and if they do buy high grade, some have to resort to a bit of manipulation depending on contacts in the government. You are aware of this aren’t you? And then how can these local industries compete regionally or globally if they don’t have access to these material?
I sincerely hope that you are one of those who actually is involved in the business sector so you will see the situation as it really is, not just reports from banco sentral or NSCB (as I did before), or newspapers or the government owned tv channels.

cvj on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:26 pm 



Ramrod, i also don’t think the military should be involved in the civilian leadership change. Their role should be limited to cleaning their own ranks of the corrupt officers (e.g. Esperon et. al). In that field, i think we should give them a free hand on how they think they should go about doing it.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:34 pm 



cvj,

My thoughts exactly, but it may not be shared by all. Anyway, I’m not in the service so I don’t matter probably. What I’d really hate to see is when this situation escalates and push comes to shove, I can’t imagine buddies, classmates, brothers killing each other just because they are situated on opposite ends…its a waste really…

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:40 pm 



Making things simple for one particular sticking point, some people want the blocks for a proper investigation installed or maintained while there are those who wants the blocks for a proper investigation removed.

There are those who wish to stick to the existing “system” so that they can control the flow of justice and redress of grievance and the others who are fed up of the hypocrisy of corrupt government officials and pro-corruption groups wishes to separate from the binding corrupt system this administration created.

One of the lesson of Manolo’s story is simple. If there is abuse of authority and corruption in high positions, this administration uses E.O. 464, MC 108, Executive Privilege and create other blocks to properly investigate what really happened. Therefore, the administration lack credibility and transparency, that is why it is in this sh*t now.

That is even currently lamely reflected on the flight ban of helicopters over rally events. Whatever is not seen, its not there… again a lesson in the story of Manolo.

Some keep on harping about 2010, but we cannot be deceived to concentrate on that year while currently the administration is making moves to extend their term through manipulation of Charter Change. Nor are we blind to the consistent corrupt practices being done, up to the point of literally selling out our country.

All the pro-corruption individuals are throwing smokescreens but they never really answered the 47 major known abuses of this government and this list is currently rising.

But no matter, the whirlwind grows stronger and those who abused the people shall reap it in full.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:42 pm 



ramrod,

I never said business did not flourish. If you read my previous comments, I said business will go on INSPITE of government.

you never said that idea in your reply to me, unless you were referring to your other posts in other threads

When we say leveling the playing field, we mean honest and decent functioning customs, licensing departments, bir, etc. When businessmen don’t have to maintain two books – just to compete (cost wise).
Do this, and business will flourish.

if businessmen are honest, they will pay the correct assessments, taxes, won’t maintain 2 books. this is already outside the sphere of government. if there are corrupt people, its because there are corruptors.

and leveling the playing field means opening up to competition. the local airline industry is not yet a level playing field, because its regulatory body is under ‘regulatory capture’

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:52 pm 



ramrod,

Look around you. Our businessmen are buying low grade material because the market can’t absorb high grade, and if they do buy high grade, some have to resort to a bit of manipulation depending on contacts in the government. You are aware of this aren’t you? And then how can these local industries compete regionally or globally if they don’t have access to these material?

it requires more creativity on the part of the local industries.

I sincerely hope that you are one of those who actually is involved in the business sector so you will see the situation as it really is, not just reports from banco sentral or NSCB (as I did before), or newspapers or the government owned tv channels.

i am. thats why i can say with full conviction that opportunities abound here, that one need not be an OFW or migrate to a first world country

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:54 pm 



anthony scalia,

So your’re now putting the blame on businessmen who are just trying to survive and still keep people employed at the same time. The business environment can be influenced by government, we have the institutions in place but they are not functioning as they should.
You blame the coruptors? Ever experienced being hailed by the MMDA? Even if you insist on getting a ticket because its your fault anyway, they will insist that you arrange with 100-200Php…What can ordinary people or businessmen do but pay up just to avoid hassles? The burden of responsibility lies heavily on the leaders’ shoulders not on the constituents…

benign0 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:55 pm 



Here’s a bit of fallacious logic just for laughs:

America granted independence to “the Philippines in 1946

40 years later Marcos was ousted by “people power” in 1986.

15 years later, Erap was ousted in 2001.

7 years later a pathetic attempt at “people power” was mounted in 2008 against Arroyo.

The trend seems to be a general halving of the period in between “revolutions”

So following this trend, the next “revolution” is due three years hence in 2011.

That’s good timing. We elect a new president in 2010 AND THEN oust him or her in a 2011 ‘people power’.

-

benign0 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 4:58 pm 



“Kaya join na lang kayo;
Let’s all have a good time…”

Above are lyrics from that famous song by Pinoy rocker Sampaguita that was a hit in the 70’s.

Maybe this would be the rallying cry for the next street “revolution” in 2011.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:02 pm 



Madonna,

Take it easy. You sound really exasperated.

really milady? i sound exasperated? how? paano?

maybe ‘exasperated’ applies to those expecting EDSA 4 out of last Friday’s interfaith rally (spoiled by the appearance of Erap, Lozada and Tita Cory!)

We are not banging into each other’s beliefs here. We are exchanging views.

whats wrong with ‘banging’ into each other’s beliefs? in the process of ‘exchanging views’ a ‘banging’ into a belief may be inevitable (though not deliberate)

In fact, listening to all sides is better than being cooped in one’s own.

God bless you milady! Sadly, the mob bloggers at ellentordesillasdotcom spoil the serenity of this blog!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:02 pm 



anthony scalia,

Its good to hear that you are in the local business community and in the “bullish” part of of town. I’m glad to hear from people like you, ever optimistic but “grounded.” I make it a point to be with such people as mush as possible.
I agree it takes some imagination, but I don’t blame you guys whatever course you take. I am in the supplier side, and I must say that the people in the local industry who are slugging it out are to be respected, even honored. I am supposed to be neutral to all these issues (as my boss requires) but I am first and foremost, a Filipino.
There are some cases where we lost our dominant foothold on some industries because of unchecked corruption strangling raw material sourcing etc. But I leave it to you to find out as you go on with your business…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:07 pm 



anthony scalia,

Sadly, you are so used to your “comfort zone” you are easily irritated by mob bloggers. Mob/mafia or the like goes where the money is, if you follow the money trail you’ll see it leads to Malacanang and not to mob bloggers. So you my try to visit Luli’s blog and stay there, you will be welcomed with open arms…

Anthony Pavia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:07 pm 



another good one… i couldn’t stop laughing…

cvj on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:09 pm 



benign0, check your math, one half of 40 is 20 (not 15).

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:12 pm 



benigno,

Yes. Join in, try to be Filipino for a change.

benign0 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:16 pm 



“benign0, check your math, one half of 40 is 20 (not 15).” — cvj

cvj, so sue me.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:16 pm 



ramrod,

So your’re now putting the blame on businessmen who are just trying to survive and still keep people employed at the same time.

only the corrupt businessmen

The business environment can be influenced by government, we have the institutions in place but they are not functioning as they should.

agreed. but they should not be an obstacle

You blame the coruptors? Ever experienced being hailed by the MMDA? Even if you insist on getting a ticket because its your fault anyway, they will insist that you arrange with 100-200Php…What can ordinary people or businessmen do but pay up just to avoid hassles?

ehem, we are talking about doing business, not getting apprehended by the MMDA.

whoever pays the MMDA a bribe is a ‘corruptor’.

you can contest the call of the MMDA. yun nga lang, you have to go through the hassle if going through the adjudication process, just to avoid paying a P300 fine. pero at least, you lived by a principle, and in a modest way, fought corruption by refusing to pay off an MMDA enforcer

The burden of responsibility lies heavily on the leaders’ shoulders not on the constituents…

thats the problem. everything or primarily on the government. a recipe for failure. worst, it becomes a lame excuse for not taking the initiative

the Chinese Pinoys have shown that ‘leaders’ are a negligible factor in growing and maintaining a profitable business

cvj on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:22 pm 



the Chinese Pinoys have shown that ‘leaders’ are a negligible factor in growing and maintaining a profitable business – Anthony Scalia

So how do you explain the failure of the Chinese Pinoys (as well as non-Tsinoy businessmen) to move into manufacturing and industry just like their South Korean (or Taiwanese) counterparts. Why are they still into trading, real-estate and/or rent-seeking activities?

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:24 pm 



ramrod,

That’s a nice idea

Manolo, would you consider including the Self-proclaimed Son of God Quiboloy in your Barangay Bansot Empire milieu?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:24 pm 



“the Chinese Pinoys have shown that ‘leaders’ are a negligible factor in growing and maintaining a profitable business” – anthony scalia

True. But we need to look beyond the current scenario, believe me, it could be a lot better is we can address this issue of “accountability” with our leaders…Why not put it to the test? Replace our corrupt leaders with decent and honest ones, see where we will be in the regional even global arena?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:30 pm 



kabayan,

I’m really wondering why no one in the church sector is rebuking Quiboloy for blasphemy? It was documented on video that he said god spoke to him, I don’t remember even our Pope saying such a thing?

alas ka dora on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:31 pm 



may i ask those who sneer about the rallies that had happened? What will you gain in keeping quite about the scandals that this administration had been in bind.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:34 pm 



anthony scalia,

The Chinese businessmen will always flourish, and so do some Filpino businessmen, some even better than others, ISO9000 certified etc. but look at them closely, iilan lang sila. Don’t you want to grow like our neighbors in ASEAN? You should hear what foreign businessmen say about our leaders also…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:35 pm 



ramrod,

Sadly, you are so used to your “comfort zone” you are easily irritated by mob bloggers. Mob/mafia or the like goes where the money is, if you follow the money trail you’ll see it leads to Malacanang and not to mob bloggers.

****falls a from seat****

****mouse falls from table and hits head****

how disappointing. we are having a great discussion, then you will insert comments such as that! tsk tsk tsk tsk

excuse me? comfort zone? how many bloggers here have i engaged in intellectual discussions!?!

So you my try to visit Luli’s blog and stay there, you will be welcomed with open arms

***sigh***

a usual expression from those mob bloggers from ellentordesillasdotcom

do yourself a favor. act your age. such comments are not expected from a 40-year old

haay naku. (memo to me – remember Voltaire and the Bill of Rights. freedom of expression includes the freedom to act half of one’s age)

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:35 pm 



ramrod, quiboloy is head of his own group, like villanueva. he’s not a catholic priest. that’s why.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:39 pm 



alas ka dora,

I can’t understand some people really. In my experience, during my college years, the really smart ones (deans listers, some even scholars, etc.) are the ones who led the rallies , “no to tuition fee hike, etc.” I take it because they are smarter than most of us, and with bigger hearts – they can handle school work and think of loftier ideals (and act on them) at the same time. I have a deep respect for people who go to these rallies. Even if its a jeepney driver, one day out of the road is a big sacrifice for this guy but he still joins, and he knows why…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:43 pm 



anthony scalia,

Its sad really. You may sound intelligent or sophisticated (as you try hard to be) but you are still childish in the way you you think…Words can be used as a smokescreen, but its whats real that counts…Question, are you for real? Are you willing to exchange credentials?

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:45 pm 



cvj,

So how do you explain the failure of the Chinese Pinoys (as well as non-Tsinoy businessmen) to move into manufacturing and industry just like their South Korean (or Taiwanese) counterparts. Why are they still into trading, real-estate and/or rent-seeking activities?

i don’t know.

number cruncher on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:46 pm 



what’s going on? is mlq3’s site being hacked again by the empress’s tailors??? (can’t capture the screenshot yet)

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:46 pm 



mindanaoan,

So you’re familiar with Quiboloy? My parents used to go to his services and watch his show on tv, I didn’t mind at first because its bible stuff but when I saw that video I called them up and threatened to stop paying the cable tv subscription if they didn’t.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:52 pm 



ramrod,

The Chinese businessmen will always flourish, and so do some Filpino businessmen, some even better than others, ISO9000 certified etc. but look at them closely, iilan lang sila. Don’t you want to grow like our neighbors in ASEAN?

the Chinoys have shown that it can be done! bakit iilan lang? dahil ang inaatupag ng Pinoy ay maging OFW o mag-migrate!

You should hear what foreign businessmen say about our leaders also…

asus! you also have fallen into the trap of just using anything to throw back at gloria!

haay naku! we are talking about doing business here! Not gaano kabango si gloria in the global community! (wala din naman akong ideya dyan)

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:54 pm 



anthony scalia,

Why don’t you know? Well, enough of this pseudo intellectual crap and lets get down to business. You lay out your scenario on maintaining the “status quo” and how it will be beneficial to us, lets see who agrees with you? If what you’re saying is we should be content on getting by with the way business is getting along, and that BPOs are the ultimate solution – try convincing the OFWs to come back?

mindanaoan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 5:57 pm 



ramrod, all i know is that he is like villanueva, velarde or soriano and that he has his ‘kingdom’ somewhere in davao.

kimosabe27 on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:00 pm 



What I think of the bastards who mock the actions of those who oppose the amoral existence of this fake presidency?

Reminiscent of those traitorous natives who shouted “Viva Espana” when Rizal was martyred at Bagumbayan, or those Makapili during the Jap years, or those blue ladies who poo poohed the crowd who gathered for Ninoy’s funeral, or the dancing senator during the Erap impeachment hearings.

The struggle is indeed generational.

Victory may not always be promised, but the names of those who heed the call of the times will always be remembered.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:01 pm 



ramrod,

Its sad really. You may sound intelligent or sophisticated (as you try hard to be)

asus! i cant believe im reading this from a 40-yar old!

pero if it will make you feel good that you are more intelligent and sophisticated, then be my guest! i won’t stand in the way of your happiness.

as a matter of fact, feel free to post in your friendster account (or elsewhere) that i am less intelligent and sophisticated than you.

but you are still childish in the way you you think…

it takes one to know one

Words can be used as a smokescreen, but its whats real that counts…

as if you’re not using words yourself!

Question, are you for real? Are you willing to exchange credentials?

wow! anybody! everybody! can you believe this?!

i wonder what showing credentials would accomplish?!?

don’t worry. i concede at this very moment – you have the more superior credentials!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:01 pm 



anthony scalia,

If you’re talking about business, please try to look beyond the buying and selling part, look at productivity, quality, GMP, sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness in the area even outside the country. You see, for as long as our local businessmen will think like you, we will be deluged with cheaper imports from more efficient producers, and you’ll say you don’t know why?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:04 pm 



anthony scalia,

Revealing ones identity, coming up front with who you really are for me is the ultimate form of sincerity…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:06 pm 



“that i am less intelligent and sophisticated than you.” – anthony scalia

I never said that and never will. I just wanted to know if you can walk the talk…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:07 pm 



anthony scalia,

For all we know you may even be Lucio Tan…I salute you…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:08 pm 



ramrod,

Why don’t you know?

well i don’t really know the answer to the great cvj’s query!

Well, enough of this pseudo intellectual crap and lets get down to business.

it takes a crap to know another crap

You lay out your scenario on maintaining the “status quo” and how it will be beneficial to us, lets see who agrees with you?

the correctness of an idea is not determined by the number of people agreeing to it

If what you’re saying is we should be content on getting by with the way business is getting along, and that BPOs are the ultimate solution – try convincing the OFWs to come back?

i don’t know.

being ‘content ‘ is far from what im saying. did i say that BPOs are the ultimate solution?

alas ka dora on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:09 pm 



Again, another impressive feedback from a taxi driver. This morning i took a cab from the ayala mrt station to my office. i noticed that the driver is tuned in to the program of Ted Failon @ Korina.

I was so impressed about the level of awareness of the driver with the present issues.

Sabi ko, mama, knowing those things ano na po ang gagawin natin. Sabi nya, sa totoo lang maam di ko na alam kung sino pagkakatiwalaan ngayon. Nung byernes maaga po akong naggarahe para pumunta dito. Ayoko na rin kay Gloria akala ko matino sya binoto ko pa naman sya. Sabi ko hindi mo binoto si FPJ? Hindi, sabi nya, kasi hindi naman bagay sa kanya ang politika.

If we can consider taxi drivers as masa, perhaps this taxi drivers sentiments represent tha masa’s

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:14 pm 



anthony scalia,

Then what are you really trying to say? Maintain the status quo? Stick with Gloria et al? Or change? Are you happy with the way business is going on? Are you content with our current productivity?

I rest my case. You are not in business. You are in Law or at least with a Law background of some sorts and one thing I learned is NOT TO ENGAGE A LAWYER IN A WORD WAR, for I will always lose…
No word wars for me…you win…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:17 pm 



anthony scalia,

That was not a difficult query to answer (cvj’s), really…if you were really in business hehehe…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:20 pm 



ramrod,

If you’re talking about business, please try to look beyond the buying and selling part, look at productivity, quality, GMP, sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness in the area even outside the country. You see, for as long as our local businessmen will think like you, we will be deluged with cheaper imports from more efficient producers, and you’ll say you don’t know why?

get a handle of yourself! you are putting words in my mouth!

all i ever said is i chose to concentrate on job creation! never have i mentioned productivity, quality etc.

what made you think that i am into trading? or into the importation of source materials? what if i tell you that the almost all the businesses i helped start are all on offshore outsourcing?

Revealing ones identity, coming up front with who you really are for me is the ultimate form of sincerity…

sorry, but my ideas are more important. besides, my identity isn’t necessary to validate my ideas

I never said that and never will. I just wanted to know if you can walk the talk…

susmaryosep! what does ‘walking the talk’ have to do with what i am writing about?!

For all we know you may even be Lucio Tan…I salute you…

thank you, pero i’ll appreciate it more if you used Henry Sy, George Ty, John Gokongwei or Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala instead

pero pwede na rin si Joey Gurango of Gurango Software, or Paco Sandejas of Narra Venture Capital

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:22 pm 



Anthony,

You know exasperation sometimes happen equally to those who are expecting too much that something will happen and those who are hell bent not to rock the boat or maintain the status quo.

It seems you want to maintain the status quo because the shenanigans of GMA has not really affected you or your business negatively. That’s a valid point of view, but so are the views of the rest who say otherwise and who look beyond themselves or their sub-grouping. Maybe it’s too much for you to make your scope of concern much wider than your business or industry.

What we have is a political crisis, and the more citizens make their say, the better we could ascertain the direction and dynamics of where it is all leading to.

I agree with manolo, there is a space when minimum and maximum demands could be weighed in and a state of equilibrium attained between contending contrary forces.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:29 pm 



anthony scalia,

Please try Humanity 101. Be human for one day, walk around, mingle with the vendors, drivers, etc., talk to NGOs…It’ll be good for you…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:32 pm 



ramrod,

Then what are you really trying to say? Maintain the status quo? Stick with Gloria et al? Or change? Are you happy with the way business is going on? Are you content with our current productivity?

iho, all i said is i chose to concentrate on job creation, and ‘patalsikin na now na’ does not result in job creation.

I rest my case. You are not in business. You are in Law or at least with a Law background of some sorts and one thing I learned is NOT TO ENGAGE A LAWYER IN A WORD WAR, for I will always lose…

if you’re thinking ‘anthony scalia’ is just another incarnation of another lawyer-blogger here, you’re mistaken

saka ang sabi ko i try to help in job creation.

No word wars for me…you win…

well who started it? why raise the white flag? Madonna didn’t, cvj didn’t. anyone-else-didn’t.

That was not a difficult query to answer (cvj’s), really…if you were really in business hehehe…

ang galing din naman ng logic mo, no? the great cvj is asking me why the leading businessmen of today didnt go into manufacturing

eh anong malay ko! why ask me?!? its their business decision to enter the fields they are now dominating.

ang hirap sa yo – you might have a different notion of doing business

iho take note – when these business leaders were just starting, they had no guarantee that they will succeed. they were, and still are, trail blazers, investing in areas which others avoid. Henry Sy began SM City in what could be the worst time to expand a business, the time between Ninoy’s death and EDSA 1.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:34 pm 



Madonna,

I have always seen the situation as affecting everybody, every Filipino. At times, I find it hard to understand how OFWs insulated by distance and lifestyle could even care, they’re not affected if we look at it cynically? But surprisingly more and more OFWs are putting their stake in the affairs of our country. I wasn’t concerned when I was away, only fairly recently when I joined this blog, less than a year ago…

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:39 pm 



Madonna,

You know exasperation sometimes happen equally to those who are expecting too much that something will happen and those who are hell bent not to rock the boat or maintain the status quo.

noted

It seems you want to maintain the status quo because the shenanigans of GMA has not really affected you or your business negatively.

milady im not denying those shenanigans. FYI, elsewhere in this blog, way back in 2007, i have floated the idea of working on each congressmen to impeach gloria in 2008.

That’s a valid point of view, but so are the views of the rest who say otherwise and who look beyond themselves or their sub-grouping. Maybe it’s too much for you to make your scope of concern much wider than your business or industry.

er, milady, aren’t we exchanging ideas here, like what you said earlier?

What we have is a political crisis, and the more citizens make their say, the better we could ascertain the direction and dynamics of where it is all leading to.

agreed. but be ready to accept reality if ‘more citizens’ didn’t join your school of thought

I agree with manolo, there is a space when minimum and maximum demands could be weighed in and a state of equilibrium attained between contending contrary forces.

agreed, milady. agreed

jakcast on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:39 pm 



the theory:

since we are in-between elections, if the main actors in politics (leaders, elites, parties), cannot resolve a political crisis, civil society must step in. the activist stand of resolving in the streets is valid. depends on the cause (search for truth, resignation, or ouster), symbols, passion of the leaders, and the convictions of the participants.

the reality:

the brazeness of GMA + coterie mixed with the “psycho” politics of some senators have pushed this country into another political crisis, not yet on the brink, but heading there. the people are much divided on the cause, that is why they are looking to their respective leaders to help them discern, take a position, and decide to participate.

the truth:

“one man’s meat is another man’s poison.”
huwag naman palakasan lang ng sigaw.

DJB Rizalist on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:41 pm 



People power is the great evil bred by FRUSTRATION, what Screwtape the Demon used to call an orchard of opportunity. It is a shortcut that gained respectability in the exceptional circumstances of Ferdinand Marcos’ downfall. It is a second wrong that does not make the first one right. It is a means that can never justify the ends.

I doubt however that the enchantment with it will vanish until the myth of its inherent peacefulness is blown up by something bloodier than Edsa Tres.

The Edsa Dos Diehards cannot accept a simple fact: People Power as practiced at Edsa Dos and as coopted now by the Left was the occasion for a brazen violation of the Rule of Law.

Edsa Dos was the very event that unbalanced the Machine of Democracy. Until the Surpeme Court recognizes its culpability in this matter, it cannot be fixed!

Only they can reverse their own Decisions–like the one that allows the Military to withdraw support and the Chief Justice to overrule the Senate. Such atrocities as the sainthood of Hilario Davide cannot stand.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:42 pm 



ramrod,

Please try Humanity 101. Be human for one day, walk around, mingle with the vendors, drivers, etc., talk to NGOs…It’ll be good for you…

i am doing those, and a lot more. it appears you haven’t.

iho, nasa edad kuwarenta ka na. try to act your age

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:43 pm 



anthony scalia,

If your focus is on JOB CREATION kudos! And you’re looking at offshore outsourcing so its BPOs, thats commendable, really!
But what we are talking here are about much needed reforms inorder for us to finally “take off” grounded on genuine productivity and competitiveness which can only be achieved by wiping the current slate clean and putting in place a system (with people) that will work for us…cvj will have a better way of formatting it. He’s laid it out before, last year if I remember, and in my casual talks with business contacts, seems an agreed format all around…

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:48 pm 



FYI, elsewhere in this blog, way back in 2007, i have floated the idea of working on each congressmen to impeach gloria in 2008. — anthony scalia

Glad to know. I myself want that to happen, impeachment rather than calling for her outright ouster. I support resignation calls however.

And by the way, Paco Sandejas is a great guy, brilliant and patriotic too. Hope we have more of him.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:49 pm 



“i am doing those, and a lot more. it appears you haven’t.” – anthony acalia

Its doubtful. You still sound immature, selfish, and oblivious…walk the talk…really

DJB Rizalist on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:56 pm 



People power is liberal fascism!

Jeg on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:57 pm 



DJB, I suppose a difference between a traditional conservative and a neo-conservative is that the neo-con thinks it’s a good idea for the State to have more power over the people? I see PP as a way to fix the ills of the State since sovereignty resides in the people. It is necessary when the State can’t be trusted to fix itself. In fact, the traditional conservative view is that the State CANNOT be trusted to fix itself.

That said, I agree with you on EDSA2.

Madonna on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 6:59 pm 



People power is liberal fascism! — DJB Rizalist

Only if it is led by the elite who are liberals but who are not true democrats, like what happened in Edsa Dos.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:05 pm 



DJB,

So you’d rather have a PEOPLE POWERless?

enchilada on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:11 pm 



mlq3:

Just an idea to make a big protest impact without being accused of violating any laws: Why not assemble a convoy of 150-200 cars that will pick circular route around malacanang. These cars will then on cue: blow their horn at the same time for 1 hour. The cops will have no idea what is happening and can’t do anyhting because the people are in their cars legally using a public road. They don’t need a permit to drive around malacanang don’t they? And we can call this the Jericho march of cars! ha ha ha!

Danielle on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:29 pm 



Why wasn’t your column in PDI today. Did I miss something?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:31 pm 



anthony scalia,

Or Antonio? I’m convinced you’re for real not a spam of some sort. When you click to friendster account, it will register on the site on “who’s viewed …” and your friendster or multiply account will show…sorry for what I said, its easy to be disrespectful to people you don not see, that was uncalled for…

Silent Waters on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:40 pm 



CVJ

Sumabat ka na naman? WRONG for you to make a comment since you’re not chinese pinoy and don;t know what is going on since you’re in Singapore.

The Chinese pinoys was into manufacturing and then branched out to other economic activities as they became more lucrative. Manufacturing in the Philippines is dying because you have all sorts of problems: high electricity, unstable labor situation (unproductive and strike conducive conditions), not enough demand which will help lower prices, low purchasing power, obsolete infrastructure, etc, etc.

Of course, there are internal and external factors for this. And I am so sure you’ll bring them up.

ace on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 7:58 pm 



‘Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’ – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

It’s a rarity even in blogsites.

The Ca t on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:10 pm 



I’m really wondering why no one in the church sector is rebuking Quiboloy for blasphemy?

Why is it that when we talk to God, we’re said to be praying
but when God talks to us, we’re schizophrenic.–The Friars Club

YOu might as well sue other congregations. The founder of Iglesia ni Cristo, Felix Manalo claimed that he was sent by God for a mission and so was Joseph Smith Jr. of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

The author Neale Donald Walsch made millions from out of his book Conversations with God where he claimed God talked to him.

Were they accused of blasphemy. Heck no.

Bishop Bacani, a man of cloth blasphemed God when he compared Lozada to HIM.

Yon ang dapat leksiyonan.

The Ca t on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:20 pm 



may i ask those who sneer about the rallies that had happened? What will you gain in keeping quite about the scandals that this administration had been in bind.

Just because you went ot the rally and stayed there for 15 minutes, you are already committed.

You remind me of my classmate in College when we were planning to petition for the removal of a professor. She was very vocal during our meeting with all thise expletives. But when we’re supposed to walkout of his class, she did not bother to stand-up.

The faculty instead of hating us who bravely stood up and walked out commended us for our guts. We earned his respect that at the end of the semester, we became his friends.

Ikaw, kasama sa yakag, naiiwan sa lakad. No excuses please.

The Ca t on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:23 pm 



he’s not a catholic priest. that’s why.

Even in Catholic Church, there are visionaries. Many of them were canonized.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:31 pm 



The Cat,

So you’re saying Quiboloy can be a saint? In the context of the video that you saw? This is one of your “humorist” talk right? I have so much respect for you that I will assume you are just being funny.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:33 pm 



“You remind me of my classmate in College when we were planning to petition for the removal of a professor. She was very vocal during our meeting with all thise expletives. But when we’re supposed to walkout of his class, she did not bother to stand-up.” – the cat

The point is, he/she did go to the rally. One of the few who actually stepped up. Or are you just trying to be contrary, Mary?

jakcast on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:34 pm 



The Passion(?): Alis diyan!

The Reason(?): Lagot kayo sa 2010!

The Wisdom (?): Magpapalakas kami ng husto para mapalitan ang sistema.

mlq3 – could we have passion, reason, and wisdom together?

The Ca t on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:35 pm 



they are deciding with their silence

And the silence is deafening. The vocal minority paused and pondered. What’s wrong? Why did the throng did not come?
Short to say,” sino ang may mabahong kilikili sa crowd na dumating” kaya naturn off ang crowd?

Sino ang may bad breath na pag nagsalita sa microphone, nag-aalisan ang mga tao?

And the president wannabes changed their tune. They’re not for resignation. Mar Roxas who is related to the FG (First Gentleman ha, hindi yong itlog na sumabog sa mukha ni Chamba errm Jamby Madrigal) Cambio rin ang Catholic hierarchy. They realized that this is not what the silent majority want.

So the handler of Lozada goes back to square one. Another witness perhaps.

Abangan ang pagpapatuloy ng teleserye. Ang Silbatong nalulon.

rego on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:37 pm 



Wow thats was a very enteresting exchange from our two businessmen here. It really good to see arguments between two peopel coming from the same feild. You can easilly spot which one is real practical and which one is over dramatic.

tonio on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:38 pm 



silent:

that’s cause cvj is still expecting the rich to forsake doing business and instead engage in charity work.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:40 pm 



the cat,

I’m neither catholic nor born again, not Iglesia, not a Mormon, whatsoever. But I recognize false prophets when I see them but I have not seen what you’re about the catholic church. Are you even aware of what the process of canonization is? How long and tedious, etc.?
Just review the video, take a good look at it, judge it for what it is. Instead of commenting on it (in the earlier threads) you chose to comment about other religions, why, are you a Quiboloy follower?
Take a good look, if you don’t have the video I’ll look for it for you, it was even shown on this government owned tv station here.

BrianB on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:45 pm 



“traditional conservative and a neo-conservative is that the neo-con thinks”

JEQ, you realize conservatism in the Philippines is different from conservatism in the U.S. For example, libertarian philosophy is conservative there, but here it is a more complex issue.

The conservative-liberal dichotomy hasn’t really been discussed here in our country, and though I have been trying to broach the subject in this forum it hasn’t gotten much headway either.

rego on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 8:55 pm 



Ramrod,

Just a clarification, are you saying that you are the owner of the company taht you are working right now? My understanding is that you are a CEO or general manger or something and is therefore a paid worker.

The reason I ask is that maybe this is where the disconnect is coming from.

BTW, you sound so much like my eldest brother who is the current a National General Manager of Quantum Foods. The company is acually the distributor of Dole Products and my brother is giving us an impression and actually telling people that he works with Dole Phillipines.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:01 pm 



rego,

Nope. I’m just the lowly guy who runs the Philippine operations, the company headquarters is in Finland which is partially owned by the government (but strangely well-managed of course coming from a Filipino).

I know Quantum Foods, I had a classmates in post graduate who are from there.

rego, I followed your lead ha, remember the scholarship thing you were talking about, well I took the big leap and sponsored just one kid.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:11 pm 



rego,

I just had a hectic day so I dropped by here to let out some steam, no malice intended.

I work with several manufacturing companies in the country and oftentimes I need to meet other companies in ASEAN and China so I could see the difference in productivity and of course degree of government intervention (advantageous or not). But one thing I see thats common is, less corruption, more accountability, funds are more optimized, the quieter the people are, and of course better productivity.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:20 pm 



I know we should be grateful with what we already have, the OFW remittances, the BPOs, SMEs, but really, is it wrong to want something more? Something more long term at least?
I believe we have what it takes, to finally convince our OFWs to stay, in some areas certain industries are thriving, unfortunately they’re not Philippine owned – but Filipino run…
If a change in the political landscape will lead to accountability, optimized financial reources, efficiency, productivity, and overall competitiveness, not to mention “peace and quiet” – then why don’t we go for it? We see the problem, we see a solution, why make things complicated?

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:21 pm 



ramrod said,

I guess any church can’t really take Quiboloy seriously, either that or every time they attempt to issue a statement against him, they couldn’t help but laugh at the video which Quiboloy made. I guess Gloria has now more than her fair share of jokers. More that usual that is.

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:25 pm 



Oops should be

ramrod said,

kabayan,

I’m really wondering why no one in the church sector is rebuking Quiboloy for blasphemy? It was documented on video that he said god spoke to him, I don’t remember even our Pope saying such a thing?

I guess any church can’t really take Quiboloy seriously, either that or every time they attempt to issue a statement against him, they couldn’t help but laugh at the video which Quiboloy made. I guess Gloria has now more than her fair share of jokers. More that usual that is.

It is still possible Quiboloy talked to god, but the question is which god? The god of lies and deception? That being the case, no wonder she got chosen.

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:26 pm 



Madonna,

Yes, Paco the idol. a BS in physics (UP) and a PhD in electrical engineering from Stanford!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:27 pm 



kabayan,

Its a circus of some sorts really, and we have videos of everthing – from Quiboloy’s declaration of god’ chosen, to Meriam’s I’m ballistic, foaming in the mouth, right down to Salceda’s she’s a bitch, and many more…I just don’t have time to compile them.
How can we take this administration seriously now when all the queen’s horses and men are the ones falling over and seemingly hitting themselves on the head?

jakcast on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:32 pm 



The Memory: EDSA People Power (1986)

The Thought: EDSA 2

The Dream: EDSA 3

The Nightmare: EDSA 4, EDSA 5, EDSA to the nth power

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:35 pm 



kabayan,

Anyway, to each his own, since I cannot be with you and the others in the rallies, the least I can do is offer my you my moral support any other support is for me to know and for you not to find out.
We all have different roles to fulfill in this life, some are in the frontlines (sikat) and some have to toil unseen…

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:43 pm 



ramrod,

We can simply do what we can with what we are able, … that in itself is good enough

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:48 pm 



ramrod,

Maybe that compilation of the Gloria clowns will come in handy one day, if you encounter a cartoonist the compiled misadventures and hypocrisy of these jokers will even funnier than Pugad Baboy; and I’m not even mentioning other “characters” in this website. Hope Manolo can maintain the archives of this, a lot of characters can be drawn from his site

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:50 pm 



ramrod,

If your focus is on JOB CREATION kudos! And you’re looking at offshore outsourcing so its BPOs, thats commendable, really!

salamat naman. im just human, i also appreciate being appreciated

But what we are talking here are about much needed reforms inorder for us to finally “take off” grounded on genuine productivity and competitiveness which can only be achieved by wiping the current slate clean and putting in place a system (with people) that will work for us…cvj will have a better way of formatting it. He’s laid it out before, last year if I remember, and in my casual talks with business contacts, seems an agreed format all around…

no sir. as i said earlier, a true entrepreneur will not wait till ‘the current slate is wiped clean’

Or Antonio? I’m convinced you’re for real not a spam of some sort. When you click to friendster account, it will register on the site on “who’s viewed …” and your friendster or multiply account will show…sorry for what I said, its easy to be disrespectful to people you don not see, that was uncalled for…

are you sure of what you’re saying here?

i don’t have a friendster, multiply or another social networking site account. thats the reason.

even if i did, i must be logged on if i will be registered as visitor.

if you are disrespectful towards people you do not see – thats your problem, not mine

cvj on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:51 pm 



The Chinese pinoys was into manufacturing and then branched out to other economic activities as they became more lucrative. Manufacturing in the Philippines is dying because you have all sorts of problems: high electricity, unstable labor situation (unproductive and strike conducive conditions), not enough demand which will help lower prices, low purchasing power, obsolete infrastructure, etc, etc.. – Silent Waters

I think you explain very well why Tsinoy businessmen are underachievers compared to their counterparts in the region. Your answer shows that, for all their business acumen, even the Chinese pinoys won’t survive in manufacturing business if the government does not provide the right conditions and incentives.

This belies Anthony Scalia’s claim above (at 5:16pm) that ‘leaders’ are a negligible factor in growing and maintaining a profitable business“.

If we had the right leadership, then perhaps Tsinoys will be able to emulate the Koreans with their industry giants like Samsung, LG, Hyundai or, at least, your counterparts in Taiwan who have world-class semiconductor firms like HCI.

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:54 pm 



jakcast,

This time after the current leeches in power are kicked out and tried, we as a people should tighten our grip in these men and women in power. They must be held accountable and transparent all the way. The citizens will be responsible for monitoring the government officials of the future. The statement “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” must be made a practical fact.

Lumaki ang ulo ng taga administrasyon ngayon dahil nakagawa sila ng Mafia-style system of governance. Evil will have its day but will be destroyed in the end, just as long as we shun apathy and teach people to shun this as well.

BrianB on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 9:59 pm 



Agriculture has government support, why not manufacturing?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:02 pm 



“no sir. as i said earlier, a true entrepreneur will not wait till ‘the current slate is wiped clean’” – anthony scalia

Whos saying “to wait” the point is to take off, you know beyond what we see here already or to be at par or better than our neighbors? Or are you saying we’re okay already, no need to improve? Really.
Yes. Sorry, its a fault of mine, rather ingrained, I mostly believe in what I see. Words are easy to come by, ideas are good, but if I don’t see results, they’re still nothing.
I don’t know, I’m just the hands on type of person.

The Ca t on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:03 pm 



The Cat,

So you’re saying Quiboloy can be a saint? In the context of the video that you saw? This is one of your “humorist” talk right? I have so much respect for you that I will assume you are just being funny.

I did not say that. it is up for you to believe. i am not an inc nor a mormon but i respect other religious congregations.

if i like to humor you, i could have referred you to my blog, conversations of the cat with GOD.

http://cathcath.com/?p=929

http://cathcath.com/?p=29

DJB Rizalist on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:09 pm 



Evil people in government are like viruses and bacteria in Nature. They are inevitable. But because of that, the best strategy for long term health is to strengthen the body’s immune system.

Trying to foment another Edsa Dos without a Military bribed into Mutiny with promises of unending Cabinet appointments, and a Chief Justice ready to abort impeachment trials because the accused is about to be acquitted…that’s what I call psychic dentistry. It’s not only futile, because you can’t force a rotten tooth into jumping out on its own, and it’s unprincipled and immoral because it violates the Constitution and the common sense.

People ought to work instead for Gloria’s impeachment. But if she does have a trial, I must insist that the entire Supreme Court be held under armed guard in Tanay, where they can play dress up like Hilario Davide without causing disturbances in the Real People Power: the social contract called the Constitution.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:14 pm 



DJB,

Re immune system, I mentioned that in earlier threads. Your second paragraph actually describes EDSA 2, Gloria’s Oplan. On impeachment, how can we, Lozano already beat us to the count with – innoculation? Can we have impeachment without going through congress first which will then block it? I’d prefer this route too, if its at all possible?

anthony scalia on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:15 pm 



cvj,

This belies Anthony Scalia’s claim above (at 5:16pm) that ‘leaders’ are a negligible factor in growing and maintaining a profitable business“.

ehem. the ‘belying’ came from you. nice try in making it sound like the ‘belying’ came from an independent source

and besides, i was referring to the Philippine situation.

have you been out of the country long enough not to realize that the leading businesses here have outlasted several presidents?

saka my friend, ayan ka na naman with your attempts to throw anything at gloria. you keep on building a model on what government should be doing so you can compare your model with gloria and found wanting, kelangnag ‘patalsikin na now na’!

even the Chinese pinoys won’t survive in manufacturing business if the government does not provide the right conditions and incentives.

oh really? we are talking about the success of Chinoys and Tisoys, not the ‘lost opportunities’ in manufacturing.

don’t fault them for not going into manufacturing. its a business decision. its their money.

no government incentives? was gloria the president already when they were starting?

iho, it seems that you are thinking that when the Chinoys and Tisoys started out, it was like money was growing on trees. wrong.

you have no idea how the land looked like when the Ayalas began developing what is now the Makati Central Business District

Henry Sy expanded his mall empire when foreign capital was deserting the Philippines

don’t blame the Chinoys and the Tisoys. they are merely enjoying the fruits of their early risky investments. instead of migrating to a first world country or becoming an OFW, they cast their lot in the Philippines. they risked greatly, but they were rewarded greatly

jakcast on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:16 pm 



there are many government workers and officials who are honest and competent; trying to make government relevant to people, not to vested interests, and forgoing large incomes in the private sector.

remember the late asst. solgen nestor balacillo? vs. PIATCO, vs. MERALCO

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:19 pm 



cvj, brianb

I truly believe that if funds are really channeled to the business of running the country (in trillions), and not in somebody’s pocket, we might not even need additional laws to strengthen current institutions. Lets start with proper accounting and not allowing disbursements of 500,000Php in paper bags without the proper liquidation and vouchers. Its like a company where executives are engaged in malversation of some sorts, its forever in the red, or worst…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:29 pm 



“don’t blame the Chinoys and the Tisoys. they are merely enjoying the fruits of their early risky investments. instead of migrating to a first world country or becoming an OFW, they cast their lot in the Philippines” – anthony scalia

Antonio, there you go again with your theoretical knowledge of local entrepreneurs. Do you actually know what these businessmen have to say about Gloria right now? How about the Ayalas on Gloria? I bet none of them (not on record of course) will say “I’m focusing or job creation.” Definitely not mission, vision, goal, material right?

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:33 pm 



anthony scalia,

I take it that you’re tsinoy right? and you wear glssses with relatively few white hairs, etc.? Hmmm, my surveillance 101 is slipping…

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:39 pm 



“you have no idea how the land looked like when the Ayalas began developing what is now the Makati Central Business District” – anthony scalia

You’ve got to be kidding me? Thats your standard? Do you have any idea what Malaysia looks like? How abou Korea? or Vietnam? or Taiwan?
Makati Business District looks good, but its been that way for so long and never changed. Seen any new skyscrapers lately?

The Equalizer on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:40 pm 



Gloria Pidal has no intention of resigning as President in spite of widespread public clamor for her resignation.Her propagandists have been selling the ridiculous idea that this country needs a Gloria Pidal!

In fact,I don’t think she has plans to give up power peacefully even at the end of her ” term ” in 2010.

A lot of people share the view—81% of readers who participated in the EQ poll think that Gloria will NOT peacefully leave Malacanang in 2010 (base:122).

It’s no brainer to guess what’s on Gloria’s mind :Follow Johnny Ponce Enrile ‘ “wise advice” for Gloria to cling to power or face death!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:42 pm 



anthony scalia,

Oops I almost forgot, Singapore? Get off your scrawny ass and get to work, I’m a foreign investor make the place “attractive” for me. Just kidding, my bosses are, I’m just a caretaker/messenger/accountant/janitor, etc…

cvj on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:45 pm 



Anthony, for the economy as a whole, the type of business our leading entrepreneurs engage in matters. The economic success of our neighbors are built on top of domestic manufacturing. Having more shopping malls may be good but what we really need is to do is to industrialize. As it is, too much of our capital is locked up in real-estate, agriculture and resource-extraction.

Ramrod (at 10:19pm), i agree. We need to stop the bleeding. Too much of our tax money is channeled to the oligarchs. What they cannot extract from taxes, or from monopoly rents, they get from foreign loans, leaving the rest of us with the bill. It is really getting to be a ‘trickle-up’ economy where the common folk fund the rich so that they can get richer.

Kabayan on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:46 pm 



DJB Rizalist,

Gloria and her cohorts flout the Constitution and used mafia style methods to play martinet to a largely corrupt Congress.

If a proper impeachment were remotely possible, do you think that masses of people would protest? I don’t think so. How about investigations? EO 464, MC 108 and abused Executive Privilege ring a bell?

Now they have mocked and manipulated the inherent check and balance in a democratic system. They have hired people like Lozano to immunize Gloria from impeachment every year. The Congressmen are mere lapdogs waiting for Gloria throw Pork every so often. The Constitution is under assault via Gloria’s Charter Change moves toward term extension and God knows what other manipulative laws will be inserted thanks to her lapdogs.

Democracy is under assault and corrupted. Evil now casts its shadow and smothers the light. For some, their solution is either to cower or insulate themselves in apathy. But for us, and for me who know how these dark tentacles spread, they have another thing coming. They are going to pay for what they did to this nation and the principle of good governance and accountability.

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:51 pm 



anthony scalia,

URC is okay, you’ve seen the inside of their plants? compare it with the P&G plant in Cabuyao – now thats how you do it! Seen the inside of Mindanao Corrugated (SMC)? compare that with La Panday – now thats how you do it? Lets take a typical chinese business – printing press, seen the inside of Haus Printer? (printer of Avon brochures) compare that with Printwell in Mandaluyong and Bicutan – thats how you do it! Oops Printwell is chinese owned but US educated and a regional player, why because they just don’t say “we focus on job creation” but WE FOCUS ON DOING A DAMN GOOD JOB!

ramrod on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 10:54 pm 



Oops, got to go guys, my wife thinks I’m chatting with some girl or something. Take care of yourselves!!!

Manila Bay Watch on Mon, 3rd Mar 2008 11:07 pm 



Manila Bay Watch: Jen-Jen’s Gloria resign blogswarm is headline news!

nash on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:03 am 



@cat

“Were they accused of blasphemy. Heck no”

May I remind you that blasphemy is NOT a crime. That’s just one of those made-up ‘crimes’ brought by religion.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:05 am 



ramrod,

you’re losing it my friend!

my use of the Makati Business District as an example is to stress to the great cvj the great risk its developers took when they started developing the area.

to impress on the great cvj that the Chinoys and Tisoys faced the possibility of loss as well

get the context before you comment, okay? its for your own good.

tsk tsk tsk tsk.

the moment someone calls me ‘antonio’ means i must have touched a nerve. the nerve of a country manager, of a CEO, of a managing director.

no wonder you dared a ‘duel of credentials’, mr. bigshot, because of your present stature.

it must have irked you someone who is ‘invisible’ gives you the fits.

someone who is nowhere having a third of your credentials.

someone who never had a tenth of your operations experience

ill say it again – if it will make you feel good flaunting your operations experience at my expense, be my guest, feel free to do it. by all means.

kawawa ka naman. you just showed you can’t endure a purely intellectual discussion.

learn a thing or two from cvj, hawaiianguy, Madonna, Devils, on the basics of intellectual discourse

Kabayan on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:05 am 



jakcast said,

there are many government workers and officials who are honest and competent; trying to make government relevant to people, not to vested interests, and forgoing large incomes in the private sector.

remember the late asst. solgen nestor balacillo? vs. PIATCO, vs. MERALCO

I’m glad, but unfortunately the good guys are few and far in between.

noid on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:25 am 



manolo,

is the black and white movement going to have a general assembly to discuss what’s happening? i’m looking forward to attend such a gathering/forum.

nash on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:28 am 



ONLY in the PHILIPPINES!!!

“Police detained and charged nine activists who heckled President Arroyo as she attended a celebration of Women’s Month yesterday.”

…can you be arrested for Heckling the president!!!!! What will SiRaulo Gonzalez charge them now? Sedition?

jakcast on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:34 am 



@kabayan

they are the true patriots.

jun lozada is a hero? romy nery could be patriot?

“the greater good for the greatest number.”

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:46 am 



a.scalia, i will definitely send pics of makati celebration and also will attach pics from 2008 nba champs LA Lakers!

philippine economy is largely dependent on OFWs who are risking their lives and dignities. Improvement in economy as claimed by the administration is an illusion for the poor who are still getting poorer.

OFWs’ blood, sweat and tears, are responsible why philippine economy still stays afloat. take them out of the equation and you’ll see the real picture.

let us call on those OFWs to stop sending dollars here in philippines for at least a month and see what happens to our so called great economic gains, government will try to spin this too( i know they will still find a way).

poor OFWs are being hailed as bayani ng bayan yet mike defensor sold them out to a recruiter where taken advantaged, overworked and underpaid, sentosa 24.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:59 am 



rego, thumbs up to you! i call it DESPERATION time. these pathetic souls are badly in need of something to laugh (mirthlessly) about, while wiping off rotten eggs from their battered faces with dirty rags (lol).

btw, you know what happens to unworthy “exorcists”? they become the devil they try to exorcise!

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:04 am 



rego, thumbs up to you! i call it DESPERATION time. these pathetic souls are badly in need of something to laugh (mirthlessly) about, while wiping off rotten eggs from their battered faces with dirty rags (lol).-benc(ow)ard

YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

manolo my apologies.

Mike on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:11 am 



Bencard,

I think “desperation time” applies more to the administration now. Else, why would GMA hole up at Crame for the duration of last Friday’s rally? Someone’s scared, and it ain’t the thousands of protesters.

BrianB on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:19 am 



Oligarchs are inefficient in handling money and resources and their businesses promote stagnation. I have no proof of this except my prejudice. Any arguments?

BrianB on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:35 am 



“Having more shopping malls may be good but what we really need is to do is to industrialize”

We need industries where innovation can flourish. Innovation is risky but the rewards are great. This could be the magic bullet for progress. It’s about time someone invested i native ideas. The best thing is that in a business environment where innovation dominates, the oligarchs will be relegated to being just another business competitor.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:42 am 



this guy who keeps mouthing “you can’t handle the truth” is “very original”. this is a phrase i borrowed from jack nicholson in “a few good men” and which i used on this guy in an old thread sometime back. i think i know it/him under the old handle he used (which suddenly disappeared) when i ’supalpal’ him. i don’t believe he appreciated it, and now he bears a very bitter grudge and i think he is the same person who has been using different handles, and keeps calling people who disagree with him some nasty names.

pgma is so fortunate that these are the kinds of people who dominate the crowd that wants to oust her. if only for that, i think she’s safe.

BrianB on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:51 am 



Bencard,

Most Filipinos can’t handle the truth. Even my mother still likes to think I’m a virgin and GMA still thinks she’s making her daddy proud.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:52 am 



nothing nasty ’bout pointing the obvious!
calling white white and black black is being nasty?
been looking in manolo’s blog way back but never posted then.

it’s is not a big surprise that you get what you deserve!
you get what you give. thanks for the backgrounder in the movie. never seen it. not a tom cruise fan.

the facts speak for itself and let us argue it’s merits and be a man!

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:57 am 



be(co)ard, need another prince to save your hide?
i challenge you to refute the facts posted here one by one. oh i forgot you get paid for your (useless) opinions in your profession, being a lawyer! you can’t handle the truth!!!
don’t resort to lies and spinning the truth!

Andres on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:57 am 



MLQ:

I’ve been reading your blogs and the comments for quite some time but this the first time will make a comment. That was so funny!!! I could imagine the Evil one talking with her taray demeanor and with her teeth sticking ou

BrianB on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:59 am 



istambay, too bad you have to hound Bencard like this. This used to be manuelbuencamino’s job. But it’s a free world.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:03 am 



mike, i think if she’s worried at all, there’s no need to leave malacanang. they already tried storming its gates in 2002 (and during cory’s time) but they didn’t succeed. of course, i would think crame is more defensible if the situation requires it. but to say she’s “desperate” is a stretch.

hvrds on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:12 am 



Poor Erap, although he was asolutely correct that he was removed unconstitutionally, he lost all the moral and legal high ground when instead of drawing the line on the correct principled stand along institutional grounds, he acted like a royal in exile and placed himself under the very system he proclaimed was illegitimate.

You cannot put Humpty Dumpty back together again. You cannot have movable constitutional goal posts.

To avoid a constitutional crisis, the SC not only blinked they winked their way through the Edsa II crisis.

The military establishment got a leg up all on all the institutions of the state after Edsa II courtesy of the SC. It was handed to them on a silver platter and Big Mike and GMA made sure that platter was always filled with goodies.

The result – Veto power over government is now vested with the AFP.

All eyes now on the SC. Will they cut down the expanding impunity of the executive?

The state is so obviously broken.

Andres on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:14 am 



mlq3:

This is so funny! I really can’t get over it! Can you please use it in your column so that more people can read it??? Its really great!

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:16 am 



brianb, that entity you are talking to cannot hold a candle on buencamino. the entity is nothing but a good source of putrid foul air. at least buencamino is on record about having found crap “delectable”.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:22 am 



istambay, too bad you have to hound Bencard like this. This used to be manuelbuencamino’s job. But it’s a free world.-brian

just exposing for what a benc(ow)rd that he is! i apologize that i have to subject individuals here for the painful act. especially to you sir, manolo.

i am not saying any lies here. i am just pointing out the obvious. maybe he will realize it too. but i guess it’s beyond that point already.

all i’m saying is that argue from the facts and merits, but he insist treating people here as somebody inferior than him and he can talkdown to us all the time. but when the tough gets going he resorts to lies and name calling. so i’m giving him back what he was dissing then.

if he can’t take the heat then too bad.

i’d rather have a spirited discussion here and find solutions to our country’s problem. civilized and have sense. anyway it’s a free country and freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution and should not be repressed, unlike the present administration who’s trying very hard to prevent the truth from coming by issuing threats, e.o., and m.c.

my apologies again.

BrianB on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:33 am 



“at least buencamino is on record about having found crap “delectable”.”

There is courage in one-upping art… this is in reference to “Pink Flamingo”.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:41 am 



i am not into sugarcoating my statements. it’s in buencamino’s nature to be a diplomat. good medicines are always bitter to swallow and indeed the truth really hurts for the guilty individuals.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:45 am 



crap a good medicine? that’s a new one!

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:49 am 



can’t find new arguments? hahahaha. benc(ow)ard, can’t resist my charm? i’m very flatterd with this much attention you’re extending to me! lol! love it, love it!


hawaiianguy on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:02 am 



Why don’t we admit it?

Gloria’s corrupt regime is what drives this nation crazy and always a laggard in matters of development, human rights, democracy – name it. No matter how her e(ako)nomists, legal pundits, spin doctors, envelopmental journalists, and apologists deodorize it, that regime still stinks to high heavens.

No matter how they cover up the messy affairs, they keep on coming out and emitting foul odor. “Laging bubukol (dahil may pigsa),” as we say it in Tagalog.

And even if they proclaim to the world that everything is ok, the fact remains that under Gloria, this govt is either going to the dogs or down the drain, whichever comes first.

It all boils down to the alpha of scheme of things, its beginning. A regime that starts off on the wrong foot of illegitimacy can never make it right. Hvrds rightly puts it in context, “the state is so obviously broken.”

The most apt description for this country run by her is Barangay Bansot. A small thingy mimicking a biggy!

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:10 am 



Hahah! Excellent caption for the The Excorcist…

Concluding prayer? Vade retro satana!

hawaiianguy on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:24 am 



istambay,

Good logic always surges forth, a bad one stays where it is consigned to – oblivion, or erosion. Keep it up, man!

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:26 am 



btw benc(ow)ard, watch your blood pressure. just a concerned advice to an (un)worthy entity, not the best time to be brought to a hospital. big shortage of nurses and physicians, they are leaving the country en mass! and why do you think is that? i bet you already know the answer. so ingatan mo ang puso mo ha.

i don’t pretend to be a lawyer and not definitely a diplomat ( am that obvious?), just a commom filipino like the majority. trying to make both ends meet everyday, walks around my neighborhood with open eyes, ears and mind. don’t need a lawyer to tell me what is going on in my country. i may not be as smart as benc(ow)ard here but i do have a common sense (which seems not to be that common).

also, i have a sense of nationality. sense of pride in being a filipino. i take this fight personal and hope everyone else does. this is a fight for our country. a fight i joined since the marcos regimen and fight when i supported and voted former sen. raul rocco.

there will be no shortcut, marcos in his 20+ years of rule, ruined filipinos in everyway possible and gloria is making it worse! it will take time to turn as around completely and weneed to start with the right first step towards the solution. removal of the arroyos and her minions and all corrupt politicians.

fight on!

maginoo on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:35 am 



we hear you hawaiian guy? but people are trying to understand. just maybe, people are still deciding the other truths?

is jun lozada the truth after cheating on his wife?
is cory the truth after hacienda luisita?
is senator lacson the truth after bubby dacer?
is jamby madrigal the truth after rent-seeking?
is erap the truth after being pardoned?

as nike says, image is everything.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:46 am 



mbw, hi! thanks for lynching me when i visited your blog. i should have known better. never will i again venture in that part of hell. btw, remember what i said, the unworthy exorcist becomes the exorcee!

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:48 am 



Bencard, you called Jen a pampered bitch which she does not deserve… and you complain of lynching?

Thanks titanium!

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:48 am 



as nike says, image is everything.–maginoo

and my question to you is,
what image do the arroyos and her minions have?

please answer that too. you own perception not based on what others, media or newspapers say. you own observation.
based on their actions and behaviors. it will be your own observations.

maginoo on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:52 am 



my own observation is that they have evaded, and badly at that. but i am not the people.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:52 am 



Bencard, you called Jen a pampered bitch which she does not deserve… and you complain of lynching? –mbw

told you so, benc(ow)ard can’t take the heat and he cries foul after doing same. what’s that sound? someone digging their own very deep hole! you want a rope with that? hahahaha.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:55 am 



but i am not the people- maginoo

then you’re saying or claiming that you’re not a filipino?
just didn’t get that last line, what you meant by it.

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:58 am 



istambay,

This was Bencard’s comment/exchange to Jen’s in my blog the exchange:

“Variants of truth? No way, says Jen”

Jen Llarena said…
Holy cow! Thanks Anna for the feature The moment I heard about the “variants to the truth”, I really couldn’t contain myself. At first I almost died in fits of laughter. But then I realized that if a child hears this, what would he/she think? That it’s ok to lie because it’s his version of the truth? tsk tsk…Talk about starting them out early.
February 27, 2008 3:32 AM

Bencard said…
to jen jen, unless you have direct line from God, your “truth”" is your VERSION of truth. your version may be acceptable to society if you can prove it under the “rule of law”. otherwise, it’s just a looney musing of a pampered bitch.
February 27, 2008 11:11 PM

(highlight mine)

maginoo on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:58 am 



@ istambay_sakalye

meant i probably don’t represent the feelings of many yet.

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:01 am 



In my blog thread “Variants of truth? No way, says Jen”

Jen Llarena said…
Holy cow! Thanks Anna for the feature The moment I heard about the “variants to the truth”, I really couldn’t contain myself. At first I almost died in fits of laughter. But then I realized that if a child hears this, what would he/she think? That it’s ok to lie because it’s his version of the truth? tsk tsk…Talk about starting them out early.
February 27, 2008 3:32 AM

Bencard said…
to jen jen, unless you have direct line from God, your “truth”" is your VERSION of truth. your version may be acceptable to society if you can prove it under the “rule of law”. otherwise, it’s just a looney musing of a pampered bitch.
February 27, 2008 11:11 PM

(highlight mine) So what did Jen say that deserved that foul branding from you Bencard? And now you whine in Mlq3’s blog of lynching?

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:03 am 



maginoo, great questions. apparently, the oust-gloria crowd finds these people “credible” (wonder if they understand what the word truly means). the way things are, i think they would believe the devil himself if he would say something against “gloria”.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:14 am 



mbw, which part did i say jen-jen is a pampered bitch. read my lips” i said “…if you can prove it under the “rule of law”. otherwise, it’s just a looney musing of a pampered bitch.” clearly, “it’s” refers to the “version of truth”, not jen-jen.

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:16 am 



And you think you can get away with that? Thaat your foul remark wasn’t meant or directed at her? Geez, Bencard, subtlety is clearly not your forté!

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:21 am 



But ok, Bencard, so as not to prolong this senseless argument with you (reading through the comments here, I see you still have plenty to tackle of the ‘musings’ against you that call your attention right here) I take your explanation as an apology — but I suggest you say it to Jen.

Manila Bay Watch on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:22 am 



As other posters would say, “Peace!”

grd on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:32 am 



D-Day countdown continues… DAY 5

magdiwang on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:29 am 



Just noticed. The Daily Tribune is spewing venom against civil society particularly B&W movement. Just shows how dysfunctional everything in our country can be. This just proves there is some truth on skeptism express my many that ousting GMA will not make any significant difference as the traditional movers and shakers are out there circling like vultures.

The Ca t on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:56 am 



May I remind you that blasphemy is NOT a crime. That’s just one of those made-up ‘crimes’ brought by religion.</blockquote.

did anyone mention about crime? there is the word rebuke and
there is my word leksiyonan. Nothing was mentioned about bringing it to court like the what pharisees did in 33 AD.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 6:16 am 



let me play some sort of psychologist here, please feel free to jump in and correct me if i’m wrong. it is said ( in psychology 101), that an adult behavior can be traced back to his childhood years.

my theory is that this fellow, benc(ow)ard, when he was a child ( maybe still is)he would go and play with neighborhood kids. he then would proceed to act better and smarter than the rest. spreading lies and calling names. then the other kids started giving it back to him (which he rightfully deserve). benc(ow)ard then would throw a tantrum and threatens everyone, “isumbong ko kayong lahat sa nanay ko” (nanay glo that’s who)!

then he goes home pouting and crying.”pinagtulungtulungan po nila ako, nay”.” marami sila”.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 6:21 am 



meant i probably don’t represent the feelings of many yet.– maginoo

trust yourself. hindi ka nag-iisa. just reading the comments here there is a common sentiment among the majority. and if you read other blog sites you will see more of same.

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 6:40 am 



When a few people bypass rule-of-law to make political statements, houses burn.
—————
Luxury homes burn in apparent eco-attack
Associated Press

WOODINVILLE, Wash. – Three seven-figure dream homes went up in flames early Monday in a Seattle suburb, apparently set by eco-terrorists who left a sign mocking the builders’ claims that the 4,000-plus-square-foot houses were environmentally friendly

The sign — a sheet marked with spray paint — bore the initials ELF, for Earth Liberation Front, a loose collection of radical environmentalists that has claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks since the 1990s.

The sheriff’s office estimated that Monday’s pre-dawn fires did $7 million in damage to the “Street of Dreams,” a row of unoccupied, furnished luxury model homes where tens of thousands of visitors last summer eyed the latest in high-end housing, interior design and landscaping. Three homes were destroyed and two suffered smoke damage.

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:13 am 



And here Russia November 2007 survey : the question and the possible answers.


Wouldn’t you mind if Vladimir Putin were re-elected?

Answer:

a) Yes, I wouldn’t mind.
b) No, I wouldn’t mind.


UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:18 am 



The Moscow Times -dot-Com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Issue 3835. Page 3.
Opposition Activist Put in Mental Ward.

An opposition activist has been locked up in a psychiatric hospital in the Tver region, two colleagues and a hospital official said Monday.

Roman Nikolaichik, 27, a lawyer and member of Garry Kasparov’s Other Russia coalition, was detained in Tver on Friday, questioned about his political activities and subsequently taken to a psychiatric hospital, where he remained Monday, said Maxim Novikov, head of the coalition’s branch in Tver.

The account was confirmed by Yevgeny Svetovidov, a spokesman for a monarchist movement, ARES, of which Nikolaichik is a member.

A woman who answered the telephone at Litvinov Psychiatric Hospital No. 1 in the Tver region town of Busharevo said Nikolaichik was being held in an isolation ward.

She refused to connect him with a reporter but confirmed that he had been admitted Friday.

Nikolaichik’s detention echoes similar cases over the past year that human rights organizations have criticized as a step toward Soviet-era repression tactics. In December, human rights groups said Andrei Novikov, a reporter for a news service connected to the Chechen separatist government, had been released after nine months in a psychiatric hospital. Last summer, Larisa Arap, an Other Russia activist and journalist, spent six weeks in a psychiatric clinic.

Which law enforcement agency questioned Nikolaichik and sent him to the hospital was unclear Monday.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:23 am 



mwb, i’d love to apologize to jen if i said something that i have to apologize for. after all, i may not be as young as her but i still appreciate good looks when i see one. here’s to you and jen – PEACE.

Bencard on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:29 am 



what is more childish than calling someone “coward” just because he wouldn’t let himself be made uto-uto. yeah, we sure did that when we were kids. like taunting another kid: “if you don’t throw crap at pedro, i will call you coward” (lol).

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:35 am 



In the Inquirer, Conrado de Quiros asks a relevant question:

Truth serum

By Conrado de Quiros
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:08:00 03/03/2008

MANILA, Philippines – ….
. . .
The day before, the military and police were already in full force halting marchers dead in their tracks north and south of the capital. . . . Last I looked at the Constitution, the Bill of Rights said the citizens had a right to peaceably assemble. Preventing people from doing so because they might not be peaceable is prior censorship. I don’t know why the (opposition) lawyers aren’t busy right now badgering the Supreme Court to issue a ruling stopping that atrocity.

Jon Limjap on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:37 am 



Hehe, ironically in the field of computer science there is a subset called “fuzzy logic”, wherein there isn’t a binary set of boolean values (true or false) but rather, a set of weights to evaluate various degrees of truth (30% true, 70% false). This is quite similar to when we, say, evaluate temperature as “hot” or “cold”. There’s no absolute truth there.

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:42 am 



The PNP probably stood on legal grounds to double-check if the LaSalle-Cavite students (and other groups from outside metro-Manila) had a permit to rally in Makati.

Were there people with permits to rally in Makati who were denied permission to join the Friday evening rally?

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:49 am 



I suspect the PNP stood on legal grounds to determine if the La Salle-Cavite group and other groups of demonstrators had the permits to join the Friday afternoon rally. Were there groups who hald the proper permits who were prevented from making it to Makati?

Kabayan on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:02 am 



UP n student,

The PNP did this to the La Salle-Cavite group because this was a smaller group they can bully. Indeed they’re learning fast from the Shiraullo in the DOI.

benign0 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:05 am 



Parang ellentordesillas.com na dito a.

Pinoy nga naman talaga.

Nag fizzle out lang ang latest pathetic ‘people power’ attempt, nagka-watak-watak na.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata…

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:19 am 



“Evil people in government are like viruses and bacteria in Nature. They are inevitable. But because of that, the best strategy for long term health is to strengthen the body’s immune system.” – DJB

Funny how you should mention virus. If you put it that way, this how a med rep would see it:
Corruption is likened to HIV virus, the virus deceives the immune cells which in turn cannot distinguish them as foreign disabling any phagocytotic action on their part. These corrupt cells then enter the immune cells, in this case our institutions (judicial, military, executive, church, etc.) then multiply, in time, these infected cells burst and out comes new HIV virus cells. The long term gestation period allows the infected immune cells to traverse the body thereby getting tactical and strategic positioning for infecting other immune cells, the immune system, the institutions themselves will be used to aggravate and spread infection or in this case corruption through the whole system. In time, the infected cells outnumber the genuine cells, eventually overwhelming them. By this time, the body’s immune system is down, or all our instituions are broken from the inside…and the real troubles begin – secondary infection, because by then the body will die of pneumonia that starts off as a simple cold…imagine that scenario DJB…

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:20 am 



In an earlier blog, MLQ3 did say the LaSalle-Cavite group made it to Makati, albeit quite late. Now, it is possible that the college kids underestimated the traffic time to get to Makati; do the Cavite-students claim they were detained for longer than an hour?
And there is stil the more important question — were there any groups holding the proper permits who were still prevented by the PNP from continuing on towards the Friday Makati rally?

Cha-Cha on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:28 am 



Groups do not need permits to go to a rally. The on-site rally permit covers everyone there.

benign0 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:31 am 



And there is stil the more important question — were there any groups holding the proper permits who were still prevented by the PNP from continuing on towards the Friday Makati rally?” — UP n student

What’s the point of this exercise of scrounging around for could-have-been headcount for this obviously fizzled-out “rally”?

It’s one thing to be fixated on the past, but it’s another thing to be fixated on such a trivial relic of said past.

Mita on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:33 am 



doesn’t the silent majority also include those here who say they are anti-gloria but were not in the rally last friday?

i read the last posts and the comment threads…there are some who said they didn’t go to the rally. i think they’ve just forfeited their right to take digs at the others who comment here…

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:34 am 



anthony scalia,

You mentioned “job creation” thats all. Its a noble idea, but then again I’m not satisfied with just ideas, as I never tolerate an “I don’t know” answer. It has to be “I’ll find out” and you scramble to really find out.
In these conditions, with all the political noise and lack of accountability, I doubt that the jobs created can make a dent on the unemployment rate and most importantly underemployment. I doubt that the jobs created will stop our countrymen from working as OFWs. If you’re at all aware, local business efforts can’t even generate the needed revenue level for the country to hit its targets in tax collections. Where would our malls be or any other business for that matter if we take out the OFW remittances? Are you absolutely sure that local entrepreneurs can create enough jobs and jobs that pay enough for the people to afford going to the malls? To a certain extent, yes, but how many of these people can, what percentage to the total population?
Its easy to say PATALSIKIN SI GLORIA is not JOB CREATION, but what job creation are you talking about?
All your empty rhetorics are just that, empty. That is not what we need, we need actions, movers and shakers…we have enough people who can dish out witty remarks or intellectual discourse as you put them – we need results and fast, peoples lives are at stake…

eric aka senor enrique on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:34 am 



Hilarious!

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:39 am 



“It’s one thing to be fixated on the past, but it’s another thing to be fixated on such a trivial relic of said past.” – benigno

I agree. Yes, on to the next one!!!

benj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:40 am 



Hindi mo ramdam ang asenso, Manolo?

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:41 am 



istambay_sakalye,

i will definitely send pics of makati celebration and also will attach pics from 2008 nba champs LA Lakers!

alin ang mauuna – ang masipa si gloria before 2010, o maging NBA champion ang Lakers by 2010?

either way, you’re dreaming!

The Lakers will never get past the Spurs, Suns, and Mavs. Then internal trouble pa – Kobe will feel threatened by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:44 am 



@ ANthony

I certainly agree with your statement. Kasi si CVJ, ayaw niya yung maging responsible ang Pinoy. Gusto niyo…spoon feed them their daily needs. He really has a problem with people who are ma-abilidad. Kailangan lahat pantay pantay and wallow in the same misery.

Hindi niya nakikita na ang China kaya naging ganun ngayon is because people ARE being allowed to make money unlike before Deng’s time when you’re accused of being a capitalist roader and sent to the farm for indoctrination…akala niya tinanggal ang mga oligarchs…di niya alam, pinalitan lang ng mga neo oligarchs…..but look where it got CHina today…

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:47 am 



@ ramrod

I think you’re referring to me…di ako si Anthony Scalia…else I’ll be responding to myself….:-)

”

anthony scalia,

I take it that you’re tsinoy right? and you wear glssses with relatively few white hairs, etc.? Hmmm, my surveillance 101 is slipping…
“

UP n student on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:53 am 



benign0: deQuiros can be one of the best provocateurs there is, making a case of “police brutality” where maybe there was none. Were any groups prevented from making it to Makati? [I actually do not think so and the under 25,000 is the best of the response given by the madlang people. I'm just guessing based on that it is only deQuiros with his melodramatic way of presenting things had alluded to such police hanky-panky.]

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:56 am 



BrianB

There are now innovation hotbeds set up near the UP area by the Ayalas but I think right now they lean more towards the IT aspect.

What we really need to do is to also talk to the inventors. Have you ever seen their inventions? Most of them are low tech inventions, albeit quite innovative. My point is, they’re generally improvements on an existing product or need. Maybe they should also be encouraged to think out of the box and see if they can fill a need that is either non-existent or radically changes the way one would use an existing product (eg. cellphones vs telephones).

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:58 am 



The Lakers will never get past the Spurs, Suns, and Mavs. Then internal trouble pa – Kobe will feel threatened by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum– a.scalia

see the game yesterday? mavs lost to who? damn right LA Lakers! who scored 50 points? damn right again, kobe!

Mita on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:00 am 



“The need for change is urgent, and the sooner we look beyond the turmoil, the better for all of us and our children. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes, and learning the wrong lessons from history. Until we come to terms with the fact that we cannot keep changing leaders by taking to the streets, we will forever be digging ourselves deeper and deeper into a hole with very little chance of getting out.”

http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008030189&type=2

This is what the silent majority is thinking. If you don’t agree with it, that’s fine. If you are interested at all to understand how the minds of the silent majority work, go ahead, read it.

Andres on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:03 am 



One thing is for sure people, whatever sides you are on in this blog, the inevitable will happen soon, the Evil Bitch will go down! It is like a tsunami wherein you cannot go against the tide. Now that the youth has been very active in the protest actions, the situation is irreversible.

It will be very hard to change the sentiments of the more than 70% who think Lozada is credible and if you factor the -54 trust rating of GMA.

All of the abuses of this Regime are of their own doing. Nobody else to blame but themselves.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:05 am 



ramrod,

You mentioned “job creation” thats all. Its a noble idea,

salamat

…but then again I’m not satisfied with just ideas, as I never tolerate an “I don’t know” answer. It has to be “I’ll find out” and you scramble to really find out.

asus. eh talaga namang di ko alam ang sagot

shades of the great celebrity CEO in you (i don’t take no for an answer! im the man!)

in case you are forgetting – i am not your employee

In these conditions, with all the political noise and lack of accountability, I doubt that the jobs created can make a dent on the unemployment rate and most importantly underemployment. I doubt that the jobs created will stop our countrymen from working as OFWs. If you’re at all aware, local business efforts can’t even generate the needed revenue level for the country to hit its targets in tax collections. Where would our malls be or any other business for that matter if we take out the OFW remittances? Are you absolutely sure that local entrepreneurs can create enough jobs and jobs that pay enough for the people to afford going to the malls? To a certain extent, yes, but how many of these people can, what percentage to the total population?

hope you’re seeing/reading what you wrote.

all i ever said is i choose to focus on job creation. thats all. nothing more, nothing else

kulang pa? whoever said that i have to do it alone? did i ever say that i am the messiah of job creation? whoever said that the quest for job creation is near completion already?

Its easy to say PATALSIKIN SI GLORIA is not JOB CREATION, but what job creation are you talking about?

my goodness! you are still asking that question?!?

the great celebrity CEO ramrod at a loss on what ‘job creation’ is?

All your empty rhetorics are just that, empty. That is not what we need, we need actions, movers and shakers…we have enough people who can dish out witty remarks or intellectual discourse as you put them – we need results and fast, peoples lives are at stake…

it takes an empty rhetoric to know another empty rhetoric.

hoy iho, you don’t even have a bird’s eye view of everything. i don’t have time for that ‘patalsikin na now na’ ek ek because im already up to my neck trying to help create jobs!

ako, even modestly, i produce ‘results’. Few people who are previously unemployed now have a means of livelihood, thanks to new businesses established.

yan ang hirap sa Pinoy, messianic proportions ang palaging hinahanap na solusyon!

people’s lives are at stake? wow! you are making it sound like the country is on the verge of being another Rwanda. or a few dollars away from defaulting on foreign debt like Argentina!

nakupo! panahon pa ni Dado Macapagal, ‘people’s lives are at stake’ already!

as if kicking gloria out before 2010 will make people’s lives ‘no longer at stake’

my friend, obviously its your first time to engage someone in an intellectual discussion. anyway, everybody is a starter in any endeavor, including me.

if you really want to be seasoned in intellectual discussions, try engaging benignO and bencard.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:07 am 



mwb, i’d love to apologize to jen if i said something that i have to apologize for. after all, i may not be as young as her but i still appreciate good looks when i see one. here’s to you and jen – PEACE.-benc(ow)ard.

be a man and own up to your actions! you still trying to spin the truth? gimme a break? let us ask everyone’s opinion here with regards to mbw’s claim.

Bencard said…
to jen jen, unless you have direct line from God, your “truth”” is your VERSION of truth. your version may be acceptable to society if you can prove it under the “rule of law”. otherwise, it’s just a looney musing of a pampered bitch.–mbw

what does everyone think of the above statement? did he just called that person “a pampered bitch”? the he comes here crying that everyone in mbw’s blogs wants his head? now that’s what i call incredible!

The Ca t on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:09 am 



One thing is for sure people, whatever sides you are on in this blog, the inevitable will happen soon, the Evil Bitch will go down!

As long as you do not go nuts and write expletives here when it does not happen, I wish you good luck. Pramis?

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:11 am 



istambay_sakalye,

*ugh* the Mavs lost to the Lakers nga pala. injured siguro si Nowitzki. congrats to you and your Lakers

pero lets wait till the play-offs my friend.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:11 am 



my friend, obviously its your first time to engage someone in an intellectual discussion. anyway, everybody is a starter in any endeavor, including me.

if you really want to be seasoned in intellectual discussions, try engaging benignO and bencard.– scalia

what kind of intellectual discussion would that be? the kind which one comes running here after calling somebody a pamered bitch and refused to apologize after being castigated?
very intellectual indeed.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:13 am 



*ugh* the Mavs lost to the Lakers nga pala. injured siguro si Nowitzki. congrats to you and your Lakers
pero lets wait till the play-offs my friend.–a.scalia

excuses, excuses, same nowitzki who lost to golden state warriors last year’s playoff’s. actually a better term for that was emabarassed.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:13 am 



anthony scalia,

Nah, benigno and bencard are giants in intellectual discussion. You even beat me in it. But thanks, I needed the diversion, like you I’m also neck deep in work and I don’t have the time or knees anymore to play badminton or go to the gym or whatever it is young people do nowadays…and it was an honor to exchange blades with you…you’re doing noble work, keep doing what you love doing…have a good one

DinaPinoy on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:25 am 



cory + erap = new people power?
kawawang cory, ubos na ang political capital. matakin mo na nasikmura niya na maupo sa tabi ni erap. hintay na lang kayo ng 2010. sige, baka si noli ang maging prez.

buti pa sa states, wala na si bush sa 2009.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:27 am 



Silent Waters,

true. he doesn’t believe in a free market, limited government environment.

di ko nga ma-gets yung insistence nya na ground zero (the starting point towards economic take-off) should be the equality of all – everybody poor! kaya siguro ganun na lang ang kanyang affection towards ‘elites’

tama ka. the secret to China’s success is that it just let the capitalists (businessmen) do their thing (within the limits of law, of course, though corruption is another matter)

the capitalists have taken China’s economy on a blistering speed that government may have to step in – to prevent the economy from overheating!

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:29 am 



ramrod,

you too my friend

camry on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:29 am 



UP n student

I wish the burning of houses in Washington state will not happen in RP. Our firefighters are less equipped. Remember when JDV’s house “sa Forbes Park yata” was on fire, one of his daughters died.

JMCastro on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:31 am 



Silent Waters:

I’ve been to China a couple of times, and from what I can see, they have an orderly society where each person has a sense of place in the hierarchy of things. It is a strictly regimented/controlled society, and people at the bottom implicitly trusts the judgment of those at the top. More than anything, this aspect of their society makes it easier for China to engage in nation-building activities. Give credit where credit is due: the whole Chinese society is responsible for where they are today, not just the party bosses running the show.

The Philippines has a totally different set of dynamics, and what applies in China will not necessarily apply here in the Philippines. I disagree with cvj for a simple reason — Pinoys are masters of small-scale. We made innovations that made cooperativism viable, and the tragedy is that countries like South Korea, Israel and Thailand use our innovations in their cooperatives, small-scale industries, and kibbutzims. I’ve been there, and you’d be surprised at how much praise they heap on UP-Los Banos.

We have core values like kapwa, bayanihan, pakikisama, walang iwanan. What remains to be seen is how Filipino “oligarchs”, those who lead and manage those at the lower sectors, apply these principles to economic productivity. Kung pwede, subukan lang natin makitagay sa kanto para makita natin kung ano ba ang tunay na Pinoy. Huwag lang makikanta ng “My Way”, baka ma-gripo ka sa kalye.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:34 am 



istambay_sakalye

my prediction – the Lakers will never reach the conference final.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:43 am 



JMCastro,

I’ve been there, and you’d be surprised at how much praise they heap on UP-Los Banos.

as one song would put it “saan saan ako nagkamali?”

where did we go wrong? was it a failure to exploit the technology of UPLB? is it our failure to acknowledge that UPLB is to agriculture as Stanford is to Silicon Valley?

it seems agriculture holds even more potential than mining. maybe agriculture export can compensate for the country’s lack of manufacturing prowess

renmin on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:55 am 



Bencard said:
“maginoo, great questions. apparently, the oust-gloria crowd finds these people “credible” (wonder if they understand what the word truly means).”

So Bencard, what do the words “SOLE OWNERSHIP AND SOVEREIGNTY” truly mean?

Bencard said:
mbw, which part did i say jen-jen is a pampered bitch. read my lips” i said “…if you can prove it under the “rule of law”. otherwise, it’s just a looney musing of a pampered bitch.” clearly, “it’s” refers to the “version of truth”, not jen-jen.

Bencard, this is an example of your (self-)vaunted “lawyerly” capabilities? Lousy parsing skills combined with self-serving distortion of the text. You actually said “your version of truth,” not just “version of truth”. “Your” obviously refers to jen. So yes, you did call her a pampered bitch. God help your clients.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:55 am 



upn you totally misunderstand the requirements for a rally permit. it’s the venue that requires a permit, not the people who want to attend.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 9:58 am 



upn you can search the blogs to see first hand accounts of how people were harrassed. there were news reports of some clever students who got through military checkpoints by chirpily telling the cops they’re pro gma, they were instantly waved through.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:00 am 



silent, “Wala naman siyang sasaibihin na tama sa inyo and wala kayong sasabihin na tama sa kanila. Yun talaga ang problema. And then one wonders why this thing excalates??”

no, the problem is, kahit bigyan mo siya ng chance na ipagtanggol ang sarili, ayaw niya, di niya kaya, o pag sinusubukan niya, nagkaka-leche-leche ang mga kwento ng mga tauhan niya. o kaya hahanap sila ng switik na paraan upang takpan ang ginawa nila o itago ang mga dokumento.

Jeg on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:01 am 



Brian: JEQ, you realize conservatism in the Philippines is different from conservatism in the U.S.

Yes I do. And Im sure DJB understood that my distinction was between trad-con and neo-con in the US context. We dont have neocons in the Philippine setting. I think here when one says one is a conservative, it means they believe in traditional Roman Catholic family values and is not a political distinction.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:04 am 



cvj,

As it is, too much of our capital is locked up in real-estate, agriculture and resource-extraction.

uh-oh, thats just a premise for your usual main argument – no government assistance at all!

we can’t blame the richest people for engaging in the businesses they’re in now. its their choice, its their money.

and maybe the ones who should be in manufacturing are now citizens of first world countries

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:08 am 



I read Mr. Federico’s Pascual’s column to day on truth and that was what I was essentially saying about different versions of the truth…here’s an excerpt from the said column.

“TRUTH RELATIVE?: Let me give another illustration of the problem, aside from that classic story (cited in my Postscript of Feb. 24) of blind men being made to touch an elephant and tell what the behemoth is.

Look at this other illustration of how the phenomenon is actually determined by the point of view taken:

Place a super intelligent mite on a heap of black powder. It will find itself atop a pile of what to it are black stones. To the mite, the truth is black stones, not black powder.

Place a similar mite on a heap of white powder. The truth to the second mite is a pile of white stones, not white powder.

Now get the two mites off their piles, mix thoroughly the black and the white heaps of powder and place the mites on the mixed heap.

From the viewpoint of the two mites, they are on a bigger pile of black and white stones. But from our point of view, there is this heap of gray powder, not black and white randomly mixed stones.”

This is the reason why I really want to here the truth without the histrionics from both sides of the political spectrum.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:11 am 



anthony, re aggie:

two weeks ago i sat down with a professor from up’s business mgt. dept and he was really furious about the aggie/food situation. mass epidemics in the swine population from rampant smuggling and no gov’t support for recuiting vets; no gov’t support for those breeding locally resistant strains of swine; high-yield seeds rotting away in uplb because farmers are in a double bind, gov’t keeps the price of rice low, so farming increasingly non-viable financially, no support for what’s required to use those high-yield seeds; as dr, albas pointed out gov’t changed the way it monitors the use of land so no one really has a clue anymore how much productive farmland’s been turned to industrial/residential use, and the list goes on and on. and the rapaciousness of the national government is being aped by local governments, both cozy in the impunity in they’re enjoying.

Will on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:13 am 



Now you have something to fight for. No personalities, no political parties.

Will on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:14 am 



it’s a long read, though.

JMCastro on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:16 am 



anthony scalia:

Short answer: we lack values-based governance and leadership. I believe that inflexibility in the enforcement of rules is essential. This is because government becomes predictable, because you know that if you play by the rules, it doesn’t matter if you are a small business dealing with a Henry Sy or or a Joe Concepcion or a Manny Pangilinan — you can trust the contracts that you close because you will get paid promptly, you won’t have the local mayor or congressman knocking at your door for funds, cops don’t stop you and get a share of your produce while you’re on your way to Divisoria.

The conduct of GMA and her allies is just the tip of the iceberg. How can you expect everyone to play by the rules if the leaders of the land isn’t playing fair?

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:17 am 



Give credit where credit is due: the whole Chinese society is responsible for where they are today, not just the party bosses running the show. – JMCastro

I agree with your statement. It’s their government working with their people. Over here, government is working only for the oligarchs (and their political allies). The people in general are left to fend for themselves.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:18 am 



mlq3

I do agree with you regarding the comments you made. Do you know anything I don’t as , who don’t move around in corridors of power, do not know? Kasi all I get are impressions …and second hand impressions at that.

I do believe you because you are a fair minded person based on what I have seen in this blog. But for the others, the stuff they bandied as truth are just stuff they read in the papers or heard from so called witnesses who haven’t offered me any smoking gun as of yet, only circumstantial evidence and their versions of what happened.

Unfortunately, the administration has been remiss in trying to get their version out.

Also, the survey among Metro Manilans is interesting as it is the same stand I am taking…I am certainly not pro GMA (a fence sitter, as what a lot of people who loves to denigrate others say here) and I do not believe in rallies. I still believe in the process and that we should not be lazy to push the process to its conclusion even if its very hard to do.

Just wondering…is it possible the reason why she’s not resigning or giving up power is because…the generals won’t let her? and because she is motivated to not tranish her Father’s good name???? I really don’t know.

Is it also possible that she does have her heart in the right place but the people surrounding her (Kamag-ANak Inc. part 2) is what is causing all these problems? Maybe her complicity is to the extent that she covers them up so as not to tarnish her presidency? I really don’t know.

mang_kiko on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:23 am 



Hindi naman ito Courte, bakit naman may manga tao dito nagrepresanta na Abogado raw, para palakasin ang manga Argumento nila? tawa lang si mang_kiko. ano kaya kong irepresenta ko ang sarili kong specialista sa Neurology dito at sabihin iba may deperensya sa utak, may maniwala kaya? di wala rin, di ba? yon lang muna, may tawag sa Hospital…

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:29 am 



mlq3,

thanks for the input

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:30 am 



JM Castro

If you look at the society in China, these concepts of knowing one’s place in the hierarchy is not a new concept. This is very old Confucian doctrine. (Tsinoy ako, I should know…;-) )

In that sense, you are correct that we certainly cannot adapt this to Filipino society.

As I have observed, Filipinos are more independent in the sense that they would like to be able to do what they want without direction from anybody. (this is different from giving the proper respect in case somebody jumps in). Hence, the concept of small scale suits the FIlipino better.

As Tsinoy living in the Philippine setting, we were taught to listen to our parents when we were young, as in their wish is my command type of situation. Of course, as we grew older and this is indoctrinated in our psyche, we tend to also give more deference to other elders and know our place in the hierarchy.

Fortunately or Unfortunately, the next generation is unlike my generation anymore. They are geared more towards the Western way of doing things.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:31 am 



silent,

even those in the corridors of power can only operate on certain assumptions -built on impressions.

i do think the president’s greatest strength is the innate sense of fairness of most people. a lawyer explained it to me best: there is a difference between having advocates pushing your case, say in the senate, and a venue where you, yourself, as the accused, can choose your lawyer who then asks the questions most beneficial to your case. i believed then and still do so, now, that people are still keeping their fingers crossed that the president is not only accorded, but actively makes use of, an impeachment scenario where she can be represented by the finest lawyers money can buy.

which is why i told schumey when we met at the rally that at the very least, i think this thing will drag out until july-october. at that point, public pressure will be such that they won’t be able to use self-innoculation, etc. to defend the president. also, on the other hand, if public pressure wanes or doesn’t escalate, the president will seize the moment and try to ram through constitutional amendments.

if her last gambit fails, going into december, she will truly be a lame duck, and the unpredictable sets in. defections from her camp could happen, as everyone maneuvers to support a candidate for 2010. i do think that the public pressure, even if it flags or fails, will be enough to make it difficult for the president to anoint and support a successor.

either way, it’s a good thing: she will either be impeached, she will be utterly discredited and prevented from succeeding herself, and the experience of 05 onwards will have built up a reform constituency that can start duking it out with the mini-gma’s in the provinces and in national politics.

psychologizing the president’s difficult. cory’s estimation seems the best one. she said, gma is “too pragmatic.” a president’s vast powers are most effective when a certain idealism, both on the part of the leader and the followers, is mobilized. it is what prevents power from being reduced to a transaction. a power base built on cynicism can be formidable, but not triumphant; it’s the reason the president can hold her critics at bay, but makes her unable to reclaim lost ground.

JMCastro on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:41 am 



Silent Waters:

I believe that ever since the “Hello Garci” affair and the resignation of the Hyatt 10 (or is it 11?), the GMA administration has been on survival mode. Too many compromises have been made by this administration because there is too little trust in her, and just about the only trust she can get are those she can buy.

Maybe it’s wishful thinking on my part, but if she just held on to the decent people in her cabinet in the past, I think we wouldn’t be in this quandary right now.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:45 am 



MLQ3

Thanks. I needed to hear your input. This is a more sane and logical discussion that some of the things I’ve been seeing so far in this blog.

So do you think then that the reason why people haven’t really pushed for an unconstitutional ouster is because they are hoping that with enough pressure, she will succumb to an impeachment trial ?

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:47 am 



Silent Waters (at 10:30am), thanks for explaining the Confucian-orientation of the Chinese. That being said, Confucian doctrine did not prevent the Mainland Chinese from kicking out their Oligarchs. So if those who are supposed to know their place in the hierarchy can do it, i don’t see why we cannot.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:49 am 



…or why we should not.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:55 am 



“Fortunately or Unfortunately, the next generation is unlike my generation anymore. They are geared more towards the Western way of doing things.” – silent waters

So true. At least in the manufacturing sector (or conversion) you see efficiency and productivity programs in the system, JIT, HACCP, GMP, ISO900/1400, sustainability, etc. Its the next generation chinoys I’m worried about, being educated in international schools, or abroad, or even in our exclusive schools, they might not choose to take on the cudgels of the family business as they are already being woed by multinationals. One chinese friend confided to me that he’s worried that when he invites his son to join the family business, he might be asked “can you afford me?”

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:58 am 



silent, more than that. perhaps several factors:

1. they want the president to be given a chance to mount an adequate defense, but one where her defense is also subject to public scrutiny (impeachment)

2. they sense that this is one administration prepared to spill blood to keep itself in power: and is it worth dying for the current leaders/groups on the other side?

3. wariness over the vp’s fitness for office; horror over the possibility things would get out of hand and lead to an estrada restoration or a communist takeover or a military junta

4. preference to put things off until 2010 which avoids calling anyone’s bluff on items 2 and 3

Mita on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 10:58 am 



what’s wrong with people fending for themselves? i was taught that self-sufficiency was a good thing…

what is a pragmatist? someone practical, no non-sense and businesslike, diba? why is this bad? different times call for different leaders. when cory was president, the country just came through a dictatorship. she won the snap elections because people sought that idealism and she represented that to a lot of us – mainly because of her faith and her late husband.

if we, the people, keep looking for leaders who will inspire us to do more, that doesn’t say much of us, does it? after 22 years don’t you think we ought to have it in us to inspire ourselves?

a good leader is always appreciated, but unlike the pope, a leader is not infallible.

JMCastro on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:01 am 



Silent Waters:

“Fortunately or Unfortunately, the next generation is unlike my generation anymore. They are geared more towards the Western way of doing things.”

Perhaps, which is a pity because I believe that the great societies I have had the good fortune to observe build on the past and the present to chart a greater future for themselves.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:02 am 



mita, in the public sphere you will always need leaders capable of inspiring followers. that is difference from the indendence of thought that helps people in their own lives: though if enough people start thinking independently and display initiative, it also changes the kind of leadership that resonates with the public.

Jeg on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:06 am 



what is a pragmatist? someone practical, no non-sense and businesslike, diba? why is this bad?

Pragmatism kasi Mita is used as an excuse for an absence of principles. If it works, then it’s ok. Principles be damned.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:20 am 



Jon (at 7:37am), i don’t we can apply fuzzy logic in matters when truth is boolean. Either Jun Lozada was kidnapped (or not). Either the FG is involved in the NBN/ZTE scam (or not). Either Gloria Arroyo cheated in 2004 (or not). In these matters, there is no room for Pontius Pilate.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:26 am 



CVJ

It’s not the mainland CHinese themselves..the communist party does not represent the majority of the Chinese people. Deng realized this and that is why he decided to espouse “To get rich is glorious”. He realized that time will come the people in the mainland will not stand for staying in their miserable existence as they see their own hua chiao (outside the mainland china) relatives prosper.

That being said, you may have some point that the oligarchs were removed, which allowed the communists also to do as they please. My argument with you has always been not about the removal of the oligrachs but your method….kasi you said the first 300 families…who decides???? who is 300th and 301st? Also, is this by the barrel of the gun that you will tell them to “give” away their riches? Eh kung pinamigay na nila? Paano naman yung next 300 since they now may be the new rich? That’s the slippery slope I can’t get. You’re asking people to donate their hard earned money. What If I ask you also to do that? Yung hard earned money mo sa Singapore? Willing ka ba since you’re probably earning more than the bottom 90% of our population???

james on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:27 am 



for rumor mongers from Torrevillas

Unfortunately, the very state of our political affairs is currently being shaped by this “so-and-so said this” culture. Hearsay is now taking the place of verifiable evidence and solid proof.

This is the compelling point that San Beda Graduate School of Law Dean Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino makes, in a letter he wrote to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Fr. Aquino expressed how he found the reactions and aggressive attempts of Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a number of priests and nuns, and militant groups questionable and out of context. Their all-out and categorical support for Jun Lozada has been based solely on perception and personal inkling.

Moreover, Aquino points out that Lozada is far from being an unassailable witness, simply because he cannot even justify all the “bombs” he has dropped by himself.

If we rely on these factors as our basis to judge right from wrong, we might as well abolish the justice system.

Nowadays, it seems that if someone makes an accusation against you and manages to style himself as a modern-day martyr, then bam! Automatically you’re guilty.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:35 am 



JM Castro

WHen I was young, I abhorred having to learn Putonghua in the Chinese school I attended…but guess what, it’s so useful now. So in a sense, the Confucian doctrine of conformity has it’s place in this universe….hehe.

I think the reason why Chinese society evolved to the Confucian doctrine is because of population. This allows orderliness. You can actually see it to some extent in Tsinoy society. The Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry basically acts like a government for all Tsinoy matters. All advocacies, disputes, etc. fall under this federation. ALl Tsinoy organizations, schools, clan asociations, etc. defers to the organization. That’s why the Tsinoys will give you an impression of having one voice. Underneath, there’s also a lot of cracks.

tonio on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:40 am 



thanks for speaking up manolo. it clears out the garbage (from both sides) when you do.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:41 am 



Silent Waters, the communists won in 1949 because of the support of the peasants. That’s why Chiang Kai Shek and his nationalist army was driven from the mainland into Taiwan. The latter, learning his lesson, then implemented land reform in Taiwan so that the peasants on that island will not do the same to them.

After that, Mao and his party went overboard with communist dogma and implemented hare-brained schemes like the backyard industrialization of the ‘Great Leap Forward’ (which is similar to Benign0’s advocacy) and the ‘Cultural Revolution’ (which is why i don’t agree with those who subscribe to James Fallows’ ‘Damaged Culture’ analysis).

So in 1978, Deng restored sanity in the system by moving away from collectivization and introducing market-oriented reforms. When he finally declared ‘to get rich is glorious’, there were no more oligarchs to get in the way of the masses.

The oligarchs can be part of the decision-making process if they adopt Abe Margallo’s Bayanihan Pact. Otherwise, as Jackast said above (at 12:34am), we have to go by the principle of “the greater good for the greatest number“.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:54 am 



CVJ

Are you sure the peasants supported them or is it more that the Confucian doctrine of just trusting the leaders at work here?

I am Chinese, and I know better than you do how Chinese minds work. They don’t like to rock the boat. At that point, as the Pinoys in the countryside would say, we really don’t care who sits in Imperial Beijing. Just leave us alone.

And that’s why the stupidities of Mao went unabated…because the peasants didn’t really care as long as it doesn’t affect them on a personal level.

It was only when China opened up in the 70s and these peasants saw their Hua Chiao relatives doing well ECONOMICALLY that they started questioning these so called leaders. Then and only then did pragmatic Deng decide they should do something about it else they might be swept away into the dustbin of history.

That’s also the reason why the Chinese do not delve into politics in general. They don’t really care except for a few noisy ones who joined politics (Lim, Dy, Lim of Dagupan). All we want is to be left alone to do our things. Of course, iba na kapag illegal…you can;t be left alone then.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:54 am 



CVJ

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:54 am 



Silent Waters, Ramrod, here is what Lee Kuan Yew had to say to Singapore’s own Chinese business sector:

…the old family business is one of the problems of Singapore…One of the reasons for our floating an industrial development bank is because of the sluggishness with which people change habits. They are accustomed to buying and selling. And business is kept in the family. They have done this for hundreds of years…Business management is a professional’s job and we need professionals to run our business effectively. – from Visscher, The Business and Politics and Ethnicity

He might as well have been speaking to the Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (in the Philippines) whose members have not gotten beyond buying and selling (and rent-seeking).

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:04 pm 



CVJ

I don’t have a problem with Abe Margallo’s Bayanihan Pact in theory. Ang problem is not every rich person will agree to it. What do you do then? Arrest them or worse, shoot them down like dogs so that everybody else will tow the line.

I don’t understand why it’s such a negative thing to be rich for you. It seems like you feel that people should not become rich at all.

DO you even know there is quite a lot of rich people who contribute their time and effort out of their busy schedules for worthy causes? Di naman nila sinasabi sa iyo. WHy do they need to announce it to you. The CHinese Chamber has contributed a lot of school buildings in the different areas around the country at 500K a pop, gratis.
Pag may sunog, mga chinese volunteers and contributed firetrucks ang dumarating. Kapag may salanta at bagyo, the whole chinese community collects the funds and distributes them quietly for the most part without fanfare. Because WE know what this country has DONE FOR US.

Ikaw, ano nacontribute mo? Your intellect ? That’s not enough mi amigo. Intellectual masturbation gets us nowhere. Its action my friend. Ano ang gagawin MO para mapaunlad ang Pilipinas. It’s not through intellectual discourses only. It’s not through rallies only. It’s spending time and effort to help our country move forward on its feet. It’s being in Manila and doing your bit by not only contributing to the discourse but making sure to see it through.

Andres on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:05 pm 



In Thailand, the military led an uprising to unseat Thaksin. The military officers took over the different positions in the bureaucracy.

Here in the Philippines, the police and military does not have to lead an uprising anymore, since most of the officers are appointed by the Evil One to the different juicy positions in her administration already!

As of last count, according to Karina David, there are around 90 retired police and military officials occupying positions from Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, Director, Ambasaddors, Consuls, etc…

rego on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:11 pm 



Ramrod,

Sorry mdeyo delay ang response ko, kararating ko lang nagbahay eh.

La lang naman, medyo may pag condescending lang ang dating “SA AKIN” ibang mga comments mo. Parang masyadong pino flaunt mo na ang position mo sa forum na eto. Kaya medyo kinalabit kita.

Gusto ko pa sanag isa isahing kaya i point-out ang mga yun Pero sa dami na ng comments na dumagasa simula ng umalis ako kanina umaga. Nakakatamad na at saka pagod talag ako.

One thing that i can remember now is your criticism on people who hide under their nickname instead of their real names. And you seem to be directing it to the peopel who on the other side even if most people on your side are using the same trick too.

Sa tingin ko kasi, forum naman eto for exchanging ideas eh. So hindi na importante kung ano ang real name mo, personal background, o estado mo sa buhay at kung ano ang trabaho mo o kung saan ka naroroon bansa. The important thing is you know what you are saying and you can defend your stand and conviction well.

While I dont take it against you for really revealing your real name and background, kasi choice mo yan eh. Kaya lang ang tingin KO ginagawa mo eto para para pakinggan ka or win your argument rather than just presenting your dessertation”. Na kesyo ba CEO ka tatahimik na lang ang kaming mga hindi CEO at tango na lang ng tango sa mga sasabihin mo. To me this is some kind of a weaknes. You argue not with ideas but with your name and personal background. Mas prefer ko yung blind ako sa real identity at background ng blogger so I can focus more on his ideas.

In one of your reply to me ( last year that I never got the chance reply dahil sa ka busihan ko.) you mention about the poor people that you encountred everyday. Actually na mention mo rin kanina lang , replied to Anthony and ask him look around. For all you know everybody here is exposed to those kind of people lalung lalo na ako. Parang pinapalabas mo mo na napakawalang kwenta na naming mga ayaw sa people power dahil sarili lang namin ang iniisip namin.

If you would only care to really understand it, our stand was actually founded on the care of those poor people the same as you do.

Just like you I have done so many foriegn travels and interfaces with other managers and engineers of manufacturing companies around Asia for 6 years. Siguro ang pagkakaiba lang ay product dahil mga cellphone companies Nokia, Motorala, Samsung at yung mag IC subcontractors yung pinupuntahan ko. But this doesn’t mean na superior or expert na tayo sa mga ibang bloggers pagdating sa mga mag bagay na eto. Kasi all those info that we gathered in our foriegn interfaces are very much available through the internet eh, even TV newspapers , books etc etc. I even believe na kahit may first hand account tayo because we see and talk to these foreigner, eh limitado parin yung nakalap natin. Kasi hindi naman talaga tayo nakipag interface for political reason eh. Parang nasisngit lang yun sa mga social hours eh over eat outs or company canteen. So we may not really know kung ano rin ang kalagayan ng mga ordinary workers nila. In the first place most of their rank in file employes dont really speak English. So we cannot really go to them and talk about their real conditions. And I dont think we ever have the time to strike a longer conversations with them. kasi nga hindi naman kasama sa itenirary natin yun eh.

Anyways, I am not saying that you stop referring to your foriegn interfaces or background. And sinsabi ko lang dont take it as yun talaga ang pinaka “TRUTH” at undebatable na yung mga ideas mo.

Salamat naman at na inspire pala kita mainvolve sa mga p schorlaship. Keep it up, man!

Andres on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:12 pm 



The ‘militarization’ of our bureaucracy is probably the reason why government service has suffered immensely under the Evil Bitch. I have nothing against these police and military officials but we need experts in different fields to occupy most of these positions.

What does Larry “Berdugo” Mendoza know about Transportation and Communication? (besides being involved in ZTE!) Is Angelo Reyes an expert in energy to make sure we do not encounter shortage in power in the coming years? What does Lomibao know anything about irrigation? Is Hermogenes Ebdane an engineer or an architect to understand the infra projects that the country need right now?

This likewise goes to show that survival is more important to GMA than doing good for the country.

In short, pinambayad niya ng utang na loob ang mga posisyon sa mga pulis at militar para manatili sa poder, sa halip na gumawa ng maganda para sa bayan.

rego on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:12 pm 



Ramrod,

Sorry mdeyo delay ang response ko, kararating ko lang nagbahay eh.

La lang naman, medyo may pag condescending lang ang dating “SA AKIN” ibang mga comments mo. Parang masyadong pino flaunt mo na ang position mo sa forum na eto. Kaya medyo kinalabit kita.

Gusto ko pa sanag isa isahing kaya i point-out ang mga yun Pero sa dami na ng comments na dumagasa simula ng umalis ako kanina umaga. Nakakatamad na at saka pagod talag ako.

One thing that i can remember now is your criticism on people who hide under their nickname instead of their real names. And you seem to be directing it to the peopel who on the other side even if most people on your side are using the same trick too.

Sa tingin ko kasi, forum naman eto for exchanging ideas eh. So hindi na importante kung ano ang real name mo, personal background, o estado mo sa buhay at kung ano ang trabaho mo o kung saan ka naroroon bansa. The important thing is you know what you are saying and you can defend your stand and conviction well.

While I dont take it against you for really revealing your real name and background, kasi choice mo yan eh. Kaya lang ang tingin KO ginagawa mo eto para para pakinggan ka or win your argument rather than just presenting your dessertation”. Na kesyo ba CEO ka tatahimik na lang ang kaming mga hindi CEO at tango na lang ng tango sa mga sasabihin mo. To me this is some kind of a weaknes. You argue not with ideas but with your name and personal background. Mas prefer ko yung blind ako sa real identity at background ng blogger so I can focus more on his ideas.

In one of your reply to me ( last year that I never got the chance reply dahil sa ka busihan ko.) you mention about the poor people that you encountred everyday. Actually na mention mo rin kanina lang , replied to Anthony and ask him look around. For all you know everybody here is exposed to those kind of people lalung lalo na ako. Parang pinapalabas mo mo na napakawalang kwenta na naming mga ayaw sa people power dahil sarili lang namin ang iniisip namin.

If you would only care to really understand it, our stand was actually founded on the care of those poor people the same as you do.

Just like you I have done so many foriegn travels and interfaces with other managers and engineers of manufacturing companies around Asia for 6 years. Siguro ang pagkakaiba lang ay product dahil mga cellphone companies Nokia, Motorala, Samsung at yung mag IC subcontractors yung pinupuntahan ko. But this doesn’t mean na superior or expert na tayo sa mga ibang bloggers pagdating sa mga mag bagay na eto. Kasi all those info that we gathered in our foriegn interfaces are very much available through the internet eh, even TV newspapers , books etc etc. I even believe na kahit may first hand account tayo because we see and talk to these foreigner, eh limitado parin yung nakalap natin. Kasi hindi naman talaga tayo nakipag interface for political reason eh. Parang nasisngit lang yun sa mga social hours eh over eat outs or company canteen. So we may not really know kung ano rin ang kalagayan ng mga ordinary workers nila. In the first place most of their rank in file employes dont really speak English. So we cannot really go to them and talk about their real conditions. And I dont think we ever have the time to strike a longer conversations with them. kasi nga hindi naman kasama sa itenirary natin yun eh.

Anyways, I am not saying that you stop referring to your foriegn interfaces or background. And sinsabi ko lang dont take it as yun talaga ang pinaka “TRUTH” at undebatable na yung mga ideas mo.

Salamat naman at na inspire pala kita mainvolve sa mga p schorlaship. Keep it up, man!!!!!!!!!

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:15 pm 



CVJ

Up to now you still don;t get it…manufacturing WAS what the chinese-filipinos in the Philippines did in the 50s, 60s and 70s since retail was an industry we were not allowed to engage in. Or maybe YOU JUST DON’T KNOW your Philippine economic history.

Ang problema, as I explained in a previous comment is that it became less lucrative as power became more expensive, labor became restive, infrastructure was not upgraded, etc. Referring to LEE KUAN YEW when he doesn’t have ma damn clue as to what the Philippine situation is smacks of stupidity.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:18 pm 



CVJ

As someone who I think is an economist (since you can quote statistics at the drop of a hat), you should know better. People will use their resources for more productive endeavors…

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:21 pm 



re silent waters/cjv: i have this debate with people all the time. targeting the existing elite only leads them to become even more reactionary and inspires reactionary thoughts among the larger segment of the population that has personal and other ties with them. it is unproductive.

take a look at how britain broke the power of the aristocracy without having to have a revolution. they did it by imposing very heavy death duties, or inheritance taxes, on those with landed estates, etc. this broke the power of the aristocracy within a generation. but it did so, without directly impoverishing an entire class. what it did was leave the aristos comfortable but without the means to keep pocket boroughs and their stranglehold on government that the pocket boroughs made possible. at the same time, it gave government the resources to pursue socialized medicine, etc. it became an impetus for the aristocracy to enter the professions while also allowing the citizenry to rise up in the world. the result is a far more egalitarian and entrepreneurial britain.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:24 pm 



Silent Waters, i am not arguing against charity work and community-based actions. However, these cannot compensate for apathy in the face of large-scale plunder (and treason). Your argument is no different from those who use their involvement in Gawad-Kalinga as an excuse to ignore injustices at the national level.

I get the impression that you see yourself as speaking for the entire Chinese civilization. I’ve interacted with enough Chinese from other parts of the world including Singapore, Hongkong, Taiwan to know know that their viewpoints are diverse. The guy who stood in front of that row of tanks in Tiananmen Square is (was) Chinese. The spirit of democracy is alive in Hongkong and Taiwan. Maybe you’re just speaking for those Chinese who like to kow-tow?

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:30 pm 



Manolo, in breaking the back of the elite, the whole range of options has to be considered. At the very least, if the more radical option are not there, then even your preferred option i.e. heavy death duties, or inheritance taxes, on those with landed estates as implemented in Britain, would be considered too radical by the reactionaries.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:32 pm 



MLQ3

I think this is a better option that what CVJ is proposing. It really makes sense to me. My only problem is…we still have to clean up the tax collectors first. Else, it’s another fleecing operation.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:38 pm 



Up to now you still don;t get it…manufacturing WAS what the chinese-filipinos in the Philippines did in the 50s, 60s and 70s since retail was an industry we were not allowed to engage in. Or maybe YOU JUST DON’T KNOW your Philippine economic history. – Silent Waters

I think we are in agreement with the fact that the Chinese businessmen moved out of manufacturing because it was no longer profitable. That is what i’ve been telling Anthony above (at 9:51 pm) that business-acumen alone cannot build-up an industry. For that, you need the support of government so that they can implement the right industrial policies (as was done in our more successful neighbors).

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:40 pm 



CVJ

Ha ha. That’s interesting. I do not presume to speak for all Chinese but I know enough about Chinese culture to know what I am talking about. I LIVED IN IT. Granted there are diverse opinionsbut at the end of the day, the confucian traits still holds.

The Tian An Men situation is different depending on whose point of view you’re looking at it from. For those students, they’re fightinghting for democracy…for the leaders, you’re trying to tear down the system.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:42 pm 



What Anthony was arguing though is that industry does not just mean manufacturing….whether he’s right or wrong is another matter.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:43 pm 



silent waters,

Not all Chinese businessmen who engage in protests are just “noise makers” some are really, genuinely concerned, and patriotic. In EDSA 2 I was with my former boss mingling with the crowd, he even brought his sons along, to be part of, in his words “history in action.” Of course, nowadays, because of the situation that went from bad to worst politics wise, he has vowed to keep away from all this.
Oligarchy may not refer to traditional family businesses anymore but this time to people or a group who manipulate/influence policies of the state to benefit themselves at the expense of the whole.
And Lee Kuan Yew may have something there, as more traditional chinese companies are shifting to family owned and run to professionally managed corporations, these companies may not be highlighted on the news or television but I assure you you can see them in the Top 1000 companies listing. The benefits and compensation package they offer is not bad either. They are already regional players, although are still very discreet.
There are success stories and sad stories but there would be more success stories when we even the playing field, when the legal operators cannot be held at a disadvantage by illegal ones in terms of cost because these can play footsie with corrupt government officials. Labor issues can be managed by a healthy communication with the union, power issues, well it affects everybody anyway…

Madonna on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:50 pm 



manolo,

Got alarmed with this news.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=111045

Lozada says people should forget about resignation calls and instead says that GMA must be ousted. The ZTE scandal witness is calling on the AFP and PNP to do it.

What is happening to him? He is way getting over his head!

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 12:53 pm 



Silent Waters, you’ve lived within your own Chinese ghetto within the Philippines.

mlwnag on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:00 pm 



china’s success is because of vast coal resources which are now dwindling.

if we have coal we should be the best shipbuilders in Asia as our forefathers were already building galleons in wood in the year 1600.

At 100 dollar oil and imported coal, china’s growth is expected to slow in the coming years.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:02 pm 



ramrod

I agree with your comment.

@CVJ

I have lived in Hong Kong, Taiwan and stayed for a while in China. So don’t give me that BS about me having lived in my own Chinese ghetto. Ang hirap sa iyo, kung wala ka nang masakot, you resort to this kind of retort.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:04 pm 



I don’t know if you’re chinese or not, but I can see the nuances while YOU can’t.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:09 pm 



cjv/silent: this is where politics becomes a numbers game. and you have the example of warren buffet in giving away most of his fortune.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:10 pm 



@ Ramrod

I didn’t mean to say that the chinese who join politics are noisemakers….I mean they want to be involved in politics vs the rest of the chinoy population who prefers to be discreet and fend for themselves.

That being said, most chinese filipinos are patriotic. But their mindset is such that patriotism is to make sure you create the jobs and get the economy going rather than going to the streets.

You are right that there should be an even playing field. But then again, that shouldn’t stop you from playing the field even if it’s uneven. In fact, I daresay that if you succeed, there will be a real sense of satisfaction for having been able to buck the odds, di ba?

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:12 pm 



Manolo

Warren Buffett gave it away on his own free will. That’s where I differ with CVJ. He wants it mandated. I don’t have a problem with people who are or aren’t willing to give away their wealth. I do have a problem with people thinking they could decide to confiscate or”pursuade” people to part with their money involuntarily..

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:13 pm 



silent waters,

I’ve been meaning to ask, but never had the time to do so, why do the Chinese, no matter how rich, or modern, or sophisticated their operations are, still have this picture/s of their parents framed, displayed in a certain part of the office or buiding? Does this have something to do with religion, or do you just love your parents that much?

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:14 pm 



Oh by the way CVJ, I’ve also lived in the Chinatown ghettoes of the US before I came back to Manila….so I DO KNOW what I am talking about. I speak Mandarin, Hookien and started to learn Cantonese. That’s where you’ll actually see the nuances, you know?

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:23 pm 



Silent Waters, sorry i stand corrected. Maybe you do speak for all Chinese who prefer to kow-tow to whoever is in power.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:24 pm 



@ ramrod

It’s to show respect for your parents basically. It’s really a misnomer to call it ancestor worship. If you have read the Analects, one of the most important ideas (which is also espoused in the Christian religion) is to respect one’s parents. When a parent dies, this is a way for us to show our respect to them, by burning incense and bowing down before them.

For other people, it looks to them like it’s worshipping when it’s not. And for some other people, good or bad, it enforces the notion of the hierarchy/pecking order in society.

In fact, you can see it also in some of the borrowed Filipino words such as ache, ditse,etc. Because ache means first sister, ditse means second sister, etc.

Also, our chinese names are generally three character names, right? THe first character as a lot of you know is the surname. The third character is the unique name, but the second character for most (not all, as mine is not) is a generational name for that clan, usually taken from a poem. That way, we know from which generation you’re from. This reinforces also the order that JM Castro talks about.

In fact, I have nephews and nieces who are older than I am because their mother is my cousin and she’s way older than me. and technically/strictly, they should call me Uncle but of course, in these modern vain times, I tell them not to. Interestingly enough, I attended a wedding in China for a relative and the son calls me granduncle already because their grandfather is my generation.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:25 pm 



madonna, recall my previous entries where i did point out that if you examine lozada’s own beliefs, they’re pretty radical. the closest analogy among the commenters we’re familiar with are those of cjv.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:25 pm 



CVJ

ok lang na may backslam pa rin. At least I know the kind of mentality I am dealing with….

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:26 pm 



all talk and no substance pala…

Madonna on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:41 pm 



manolo,

You didn’t get my point. I agree that Lozada has radical ideas re: the country’s social situation and justice system. But this is the first time I have heard him calling for GMA’s outright ouster. I got an inkling that his exhortations are getting too political, i.e. he we went beyond his knowledge of ZTE, by calling the crowd to examine the other Chinese ODA loans during the Feb 29 rally.

Tsk. Tsk. IMO, he should stick to what he knows and not get too heady about his influence just because he is deemed credible by the public. Does he now think of himself as a leader? His handlers better clip his wings, because he is going to crash if he doesn’t watch it. I cringe if he would now be going around schools and universities exhorting students to oust GMA.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:41 pm 



“But then again, that shouldn’t stop you from playing the field even if it’s uneven. In fact, I daresay that if you succeed, there will be a real sense of satisfaction for having been able to buck the odds, di ba?” – silent waters

Yes. I’ve seen this. I was with my former boss through challenging times, in sourcing raw material (which is a big thing in manufacturing) we had to contend with competing with others who resort to unorthodox ways of sourcing, in production, they mix low grade and high grade, etc., too many short cuts – allowing them to undercut us everytime. But the company stuck to its guns, its prices, relying on creativity, innovation, superior quality products and services, and customer support, of course large scale efficient equipment helped. Now the gap between them and competitor is 100%, not even half of its gross revenues. When I left the company and when he was being interviewed by my current foreigner bosses for reference, he put in a good word too. Now, we’re good friends, I normally treat him out to lunch on his birthdays (reversal of roles he says) and even if I don’t smoke, spend time chatting while he smokes a cigar and occasional wine at churchills.
I probably learned more from him than in college, seminars, and trainings combined, but seeing what he went through to get where he’s at, I don’t think I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. It takes guts, skill, knowledge, business acumen, and luck (emphasis on luck).

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:43 pm 



@ ramrod

Kapal ng mukha also….hehe what industry we’re you in before? I may know him…

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:45 pm 



Silent Waters, one aspect in which Chinese Confucian culture (if kow-towing can be considered part of that culture) has successfully seeped into the larger Filipino society is in the form of the balimbing mentality. I’m sure Donald Dee, Lucio Tan and the rest will have no problems accommodating whoever follows Gloria Arroyo.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:47 pm 



silent waters,

Industrial and commercial printing.

mlq3 on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:48 pm 



madonna, i agree. but i don’t think he can really be “handled” at all. that’s his strength and also, weakness.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:55 pm 



CVJ

kowtow is a sign of respect that has been corrupted in meaning by people like you.

As for the balimbing part. It’s ok to be name called. Doesn’t hurt me as much as it hurts you for not being able to argue your point.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 1:57 pm 



Hmmm….I kjnow the Scanwell folks actually through a girl who used to be his girlfriend. But just an acquaintance. I am more involved in manufacturing and wholesale trading. electrical items. That’s why I can talk about the local situation here unlike some people who like to pontificate from yonder….

tonio on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:06 pm 



silent:

nothing is gonna persuade cvj from his “penalize the rich” mentality.

madonna:

well, lozada has been a ham since day one.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:21 pm 



Silent Waters, as applied over here, ‘kow-tow’ is respect to whoever holds power.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:22 pm 



ano kaya kong irepresenta ko ang sarili kong specialista sa Neurology dito at sabihin iba may deperensya sa utak, may maniwala kaya? di wala rin, di ba? yon lang muna, may tawag sa Hospital…–mang_kiko

hahahaha. perfect!

Madonna on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:34 pm 



Tonio,

Lozada may have been a ham, meaning 20% of what he said or saying must have been or are exaggerations but that leaves the remaining 80% as truthful.

The proportion of credibility is just the opposite with the Arroyo government. 80% lies, 20% truth.

So there. San ka lulugar?

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 2:56 pm 



silent waters,

Small world. Yes. Thats the sister company, there’s another plant (big one) just beside it in Bicutan but the main office and 1st plant site is in Mandaluyong. Its a landmark in local printing history, first to invest in printing technology (during a time of letterpress), first in 7 color printing, 8 color, and the first to invest in Computer-to-Plate technology.
You won’t hear about them in the news or tv, but they are known and well respected even in Europe (by suppliers of course).

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:02 pm 



the problem with philippine economic and political landscape is that the same families controls both planes since i can remember and if you your check history books you will notice same personalities are mentioned over and over again. although, there are few exceptions to this rule. the current situation is that we are being run by someone’s son, daughter or relative.

same is true with the local economics and politics. usual the mayor, barangay captain or anybody in politics owns the biggest construction co., grocery store and the rest of the family is either a councilor or congressman.

for anybody without a political background(or pedigree) to speak, chances are you are not going to win or your business will not prosper (of course unless you have ninong which is ultimately same situatio). unless we are able to change this landscape there is a little hope for our nation to breakthrough.

although, there are few exceptions, one noted being known after last local election is ed panlilo. he was one person who the people of pampanga rallied around to beat the giants, the lapids and pinedas. but even after being elected the attempt to unseat him is non relenting from both sides and still ongoing!

another exeption is either you are a media or showbiz personality. we tried showbiz and we got erap, revilla, jaworski and etc. good thing people learned and only a handful of them got elected. although a few of them are decent (can’t name one though), most of them got elected through unfair advantage of exposure and being famous in roles they played in showbiz.

and one famous example for media personality is the current vp, ka noli. the jury is still out for him. he is being dealt with a lot of skepticism from the business and middle class sector. so far he hasn’t done anything to prove himself otherwise.

unless someone will breakthrough and is not from the elites to rise up and challenge the old guards and the filipino people mature in their thinking process in choosing our leaders from top to bottom we will remain in the abyss.

also, it is important to keep the opportunistic individuals from our current fight to reform our society.
we need the youth’s energy and idealism and be guided by the adults with no ties to specific political interest. there still few old guard that are known for their principle that we can depend to give us sound advice, jovita salonga.

fight on.

Silent Waters on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:10 pm 



Istambay

Tama ka diyan….so how do we democratize the process? Do we make it a requirement that people should be given funds from the budget so that they can run for elections such as what they have in the US? Then my next question would be, can we really separate the chaff from the grain with respect to who are th quacks wanting to make a fast buck and who is serious? Maraming mukhang seryoso pero tignan mo nung nasa kongreso o senado na sila…di ba as you guys always say, nagnakaw din? What checks and balances do we put in place? madali kasi magsabi ng motherhood statements. I use to follow these motherhood statements before until I got into the real world and saw how it can get screwed by unscrupulous people. (eg yung party list system) So how do we ensure that this democratization process won’t be subverted?

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:21 pm 



istambay,

I really hope we see closure to all these soon, obviously Gloria cannot perform with all this scandals and this political noise adding up to our weakened or coopted insitutions are like lead weights and I hear US support is again showing signs of flip-flopping (as usual).
I was talking to a client over lunch and he said Gloria will be compelled to dig in if she’s pushed to her limits and continued threat will make the option of resignation or even stepping down a dangerous one for her. Are the opposition leaders looking at a “compromise” or giving her a graceful way out?

Although I do not like her, I’m still one of those who are responsible for putting her there (I voted for her) and she is still our president. Sometimes, inorder to defeat an enemy its better to offer terms of surrender rather than assailing his defenses and risk collateral damage…Is this an option worth thinking about?

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:27 pm 



one thing that comes into my mind is to round up all the oligarhs and trapos and send them all to mars! lol .
just wishful thinking. first we need to educate the masses, how we can do this? start from school and teach the young minds.

second more faster effect is to have the guilty politicians punished for the crime committed! no presidential pardon. who will do this? i suggest that the supreme can create a special court to hear the case and render the verdicts and be carried out immediately! no special cell or vacation houses.

the election should have spending linits and rules be imposed. have decent and trusted persons run the comelec. in short all present comelec personnel have to replaced.

i believe we have a very good constitution and basic laws, the problem is that it doesn’t get enforced porperly. make sure laws and punishment are enforced.

if we can bring back death penalty exclusively for guilty politicians would be great.

and transparency. it will never be a perfect world at least it will be a working one where somebody, even the big fish, gets punished.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:31 pm 



it will still be a game of cat and mouse but this time the cat will eat the mouse(mice)! and the cat being the collective filipino nation.

we can do this! i have faith in us filipino.

see how filipinos behave differently when the leave the country and work overseas. they abide by the host country’s laws because they know that if they break their laws they will surely be punished! some will try for sure but i already say transparency and eforcing the law and punishment is the ticket.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:37 pm 



compromising with a guilty individual only emboldens her/him to commit more serious crimes. we should not bargain with our future. we are his/her master and not the other way around. she owes her allegiance to us filipino people and not the ex-generals. they paid through our taxes, in short we are her employer.

diplomacy will not work with gma. she has shown time and time again tnat she will not hesitate to do anything to hang to power, even disprespect the constitution.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 3:57 pm 



one thing that comes into my mind is to round up all the oligarchs and trapos and send them all to mars! lol . – istambay sa kalye

My sentiments exactly, but i understand from Manolo’s admonition above (at 12:21 pm and 1:09 pm) is that the oligarchs also have their own constituency and that he doesn’t want them to behave like a cornered rat. One consolation to come out of this NBN/ZTE mess is that the oligarchs have been put literally on the map (by Neri). What to do with them is a discussion that needs to continue even after Arroyo.

The sad historical reality is i know of no instance where power and wealth has been taken from the oligarchs democratically, except in cases where the oligarchs themselves have done so voluntarily. (I’m still watching what will happen in Bolivia and Venezuela.)

tonio on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:00 pm 



Madonna:

better the ham than the rat i suppose.

tonio on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:05 pm 



cvj:

The sad historical reality is i know of no instance where power and wealth has been taken from the oligarchs democratically, except in cases where the oligarchs themselves have done so voluntarily.

well, there you go. so short of force, there’s no way that you’re gonna be able to get the rich to part with their resources. and just think of what values you’re promoting.

oh, the only way i can really hit it big is if i leave the Philippines. because if i get too rich, cvj and his wealth cops will just take my hard-earned money.

i think manolo’s solution of making it impossible for the current to bequeath their riches to their children without heavy levies imposed on them is good. but would you seriously want to give this government all that money?

The Ca t on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:08 pm 



Lozada says people should forget about resignation calls and instead says that GMA must be ousted. The ZTE scandal witness is calling on the AFP and PNP to do it.

the truth is coming out.

1. The “hero” is just a mouthpiece of someone whose objective is not really to stop corruption.

2. The “hero” is getting afraid that nothing is going to happen with his “heroism”.

3. He wanted to be like Ninoy who had stirred the nation from deep slumber. Many people put this idea to his mind. Even the widow of the dead hero.

He’s doing campus tour already which could have been arranged by his handlers.

And justlike Cory, he mistook the applause to stardom.

wawa naman.

istambay_sakalye on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:14 pm 



there is nothing wrong with honest money and getting rich. it is only objectionable when one gets rich at the expense of others and eliminating competition through unfair practices and using political influence. it will happen as it does even in USA, but the difference is that they get punished and get sent to real jail in USA. if we can do that then philippines will be a better country.

Jon Mariano on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:18 pm 



Jun Lozada did risk a lot by coming out as he did. I admire him.

I remember that what Cat said was one of Neri’s reason not to come out and divulge what he knows. He was afraid that nothing will come out of it. Now if Jun Lozada was like Neri, we would never have known the details of the corruption relating to the NBN/ZTE deal. Even Ninoy’s death took a few years before it was able to move a critical mass of people to really act…

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:32 pm 



cvj,

That is what i’ve been telling Anthony above (at 9:51 pm) that business-acumen alone cannot build-up an industry. For that, you need the support of government so that they can implement the right industrial policies (as was done in our more successful neighbors).

ehem. business-acumen alone cannot build up an industry? wait, how do you define industry?

if we use local standard industry classifications, we will find Chinoys leading in several industries. some of these industries may even be started by Chinoys. i doubt if these Chinoys had been given investment incentives when they were just starting

since you have been harping on government support, why don’t we start a discussion on the (in)sufficiency of existing government support to industry. you are the one alleging lack of government support, maybe you should start – where is the lack? what policies are toothless? etc.

maybe you can be specific on how the South Korean and Taiwanese governments ‘policied’ their way towards manufacturing, export and economic success

look, i am not here to rebut any ‘lack’ of effective policies. for all we now, many effective policies are already in place, there are just no takers. a discussion on such topic is a much much more worthwhile endeavor than ‘patalsikin na now na’, organizing rallies, etc.

lets limit the discussion on policies on manufacturing and export, since for you those are the areas the rich Chinoys and Tisoys should have been in

you into it, my friend? you can start na.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:33 pm 



well, there you go. so short of force, there’s no way that you’re gonna be able to get the rich to part with their resources. and just think of what values you’re promoting. – tonio

So you’ve given up on the Philippine oligarchs voluntarily sharing their wealth? Given that mentality (by the oligarchs), what do you think are the chances that Manolo’s ‘heavy levies’ will be passed into law by the current Congress? And even if they’re passed, what are the chances that the oligarchs’ army of lawyers will somehow not look for creative ways for tax avoidance?

As to the values i’m promoting, i agree with istambay (at 4:14 pm) and i did comment previously that i agree with hvrds when he said that we should ‘coddle’ our oligarchs (imo, under the right circumstances).

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:47 pm 



if we use local standard industry classifications, we will find Chinoys leading in several industries. some of these industries may even be started by Chinoys. i doubt if these Chinoys had been given investment incentives when they were just starting – Anthony Scalia

As industrialists, the Chinoys have been lackluster when compared to their counterparts in Taiwan and the Mainland. They certainly don’t hold a candle to the South Koreans and the Japanese who have built world-class brands. I don’t think it’s because they are inferior people per se, but the environment is not as friendly to industrialization so they just do what they can under the circumstances.

since you have been harping on government support, why don’t we start a discussion on the (in)sufficiency of existing government support to industry. you are the one alleging lack of government support, maybe you should start – where is the lack? what policies are toothless? etc. – Anthony Scalia

I’ve discussed this in my blog. You can start here:

http://www.cvjugo.blogspot.com/2007/04/amsdens-reciprocal-control-mechanism.html

On the role of promoting equality in jumpstarting economic takeoffs (in the case of China), i wrote this:

http://www.cvjugo.blogspot.com/2007/12/equality-as-factor-in-economic-takeoffs.html

There are other such entries in my blog. Feel free to visit.

alas ka dora on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 4:53 pm 



Maddona, I read the link on Lozada. Maybe in Lozada’s mind there is no way people can make GMA resign, not people power. By what he knows,the evil that is GMA will defend her presidency no matter what it takes:cash,guns and blood. To get rid of this evil we cannot expect Lozada to encourage the people to wait for 2010. What remains as a choice is ouster by the help of the military.

anthony scalia on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:17 pm 



cvj,

thanks for the links, will visit them

as for the local Chinoys not able to hold a candle to their counterparts in Taiwan and the Mainland – this leads to the following questions:

1. is having global brands that made you conclude that the Chinese in Taiwan and the Mainland are better than the Chinoys that the latter cannot ‘hold a candle’ to them?

2. is manufacturing-for-export the only measurement of success? yes you said a ‘disclaimer’ that it doesnt mean the Chinoys are inferior, but why use ‘dont hold a candle’ if you don’t mean a value judgment on the Chinoys

3. do the Chinoys care if their counterparts in Taiwan and the mainland were able to have global brands? do they care that the Taiwanese and the mainland Chinese have more zeroes in their net worths?

4. didn’t it occur to you that the Chinoys were able to build a bulk of their wealth within Philippine boundaries?

bottom line is – don’t fault them if they didn’t go into export manufacturing. they may have their reasons. one of them may be, the domestic market could be more than enough for their goods and services

alas ka dora on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:22 pm 



Just because you went ot the rally and stayed there for 15 minutes, you are already committed.?

Wala ka na nga dun kahit isang minuto hindi ka pa marunong magbilang. akala ko ba accountant ka.

alas ka dora on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:23 pm 



I should point out the first paragraph was from the Ca t.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 5:30 pm 



Answers to your questions:

1. Yes
2. Yes, that’s a big part.
3. You have to ask the Chinoys.
4. Duh, yes.

bottom line is – don’t fault them if they didn’t go into export manufacturing. they may have their reasons. one of them may be, the domestic market could be more than enough for their goods and services – Anthony Scalia

I’m not saying it’s all their fault. After all, our government has not pursued policies that would increase their chances of success, as what our more successful neighbors have done. However, it’s not enough for the Chinese businessmen to make money off the backs of the poor majority. They have to seek out other markets just like what their counterparts in other countries did.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:30 pm 



“They have to seek out other markets just like what their counterparts in other countries did.” – cvj

Not all businessmen are that aggressive, especially traditional chinese family owned and run, most are conservative really, preferring to grow slowly. Unlike their counterparts, most are hesitant to borrow money for expansion, hence the disparity.
But there is an emerging group though, professionally managed, with global visions. Give these companies more incentives, improve infrastructure, improve access to raw material, and lower costs impacting operations like power and we’ll see some changes for sure.

ramrod on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:44 pm 



cvj,

Of course, we may need to consider establishing an environment conducive to growth. So the sooner we resolve all these issues, find closure, and choose leaders who we all can rally behind with and we all will feel responsible for, the better. We may also consider a moratorium on People Power for at least 10 years. For 10 solid years we try to focus on set goals…

Jon Limjap on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:45 pm 



cvj,

In fairness to the Chinoys and Pinoys who tried to make it big in manufacturing, a major roadblock to their success was the ordinary Filipino’s beholdeness to everything “steytsayd” back in the day. Everything from the US was heavensent, with its enchanting airline cargo-hold smell: everything else was crap. “Imported” ruled.

I don’t think any local manufacturer would or could jump the chasm between local fare to world class in that harsh market condition, where your product is crap by virtue of nationality and origin.

cvj on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 7:59 pm 



Jon, it’s just right to be fair to the Chinoy (and Pinoy) businessmen who are unable to prosper in manufacturing. As i mentioned, it is not entirely their fault. If anything, it would be more the fault of the government’s (not just the present one) inability to address the problem of inequality and implement industrial policy.

For example, in Korea, to combat the preference for imported items, Park Chung Hee made smuggling cigarettes punishable by the death penalty. It was the patriotic duty of every Korean to save foreign exchange. Over here, our government officials (and their allies among the oligarchs) have been the ones taking the lead in salting dollars and/or smuggling.

The point i’ve been trying to make to Anthony is that business acumen alone is not sufficient for us to industrialize (something we cannot do with malls and BPO alone). As evidenced by the Tsinoy businessmen’s retreat from manufacturing, sometimes the government has to step in to stack the decks in their favor.

The Ca t on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 8:25 pm 



Wala ka na nga dun kahit isang minuto hindi ka pa marunong magbilang. akala ko ba accountant ka.

What has my degree to do with it? At least I do not get the pulse of the nation by talking to drivers.

If that is the kind of survey you know, someone has to teach you statistics. mwehehe

Bert on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:08 pm 



“This time after the current leeches in power are kicked out and tried, we as a people should tighten our grip in these men and women in power. They must be held accountable and transparent all the way. The citizens will be responsible for monitoring the government officials of the future. The statement “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance” must be made a practical fact.—Kabayan

Please Kabayan, can you tell us the details on how we can do that? You see monitoring and ‘vigilance’ is easy, we do that all the time. However, those men and women in power are pretty resourceful and self-serving, and greedy, the present ones most immoderately so. So, is there an effective way really how to ‘tighten our grip’ on ‘em outside of People Power?

nash on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:15 pm 



@cat

“did anyone mention about crime? there is the word rebuke and
there is my word leksiyonan. Nothing was mentioned about bringing it to court like the what pharisees did in 33 AD.”

I apologise. I was using a metaphor. In any case ‘blasphemy’ and its ilk (such as apostasy) are pointless arguments as they are limited to the realm of religion.

Bert on Tue, 4th Mar 2008 11:23 pm 



“I don’t think any local manufacturer would or could jump the chasm between local fare to world class in that harsh market condition, where your product is crap by virtue of nationality and origin.–Jon Limjap

Jon, world class product is world class because of quality, not because of nationality and origin. Some Phil.-manufactured products are world class priced but not world class quality. One reason why consumers would rather buy made in China.

TheColdKing on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 1:10 am 



PEOPLE WHO SACRIFICE LIBERTY FOR SECURITY DESERVE NEITHER AND LOSE BOTH. – BEN FRANKLIN

THE TREE OF LIBERTY HAS TO BE WATERED REGULARLY WITH THE BLOOD OF TYRANTS AND PATRIOTS.

TO MAKE OMELETS YOU HAVE TO BREAK EGGS.

EVERY GREAT NATION HAS HAD A BLOODY REVOLUTION.

PARANG MGA PRO-GMA, FUCK THEM AND FUCK THEIR BULLSHIT STRONG ECONOMY, ANONG SILBI NG “MALAKAS” (DAW-RAW) NA EKONOMIYA KUNG NINANAKAWAN NAMAN ANG KABAN NG BAYAN AT BINABAON TAYO SA KAUTANGAN HANGGANG SA KATAPUSAN NG MUNDO?!

ANG MAGANDA NAMAN SA MALAKAS NA PESO AY NAKAKABAYAD TAYO NG UTANG “NATIN” PERO SINO BA ANG UMUUTANG IN THE FIRST PLACE ABER ? EH DI ANG MGA PIDAL AT ANG MGA KAMPON NILA!

MGA GAGO TALAGA KAYONG LAHAT, WALA KAYONG BRAINS O BALLS O PAREHO KAYA LAHAT TAYO AY LUMULUBOG NA SA KUMONOY NG KASAYSAYAN AT PATI ANG MGA NATITIRANG DESENTENG TAO AY MALULUNOD NA DAHIL SA KATANGAHAN AT KADUWAGAN NINYONG LAHAT!

PARANG TALAGA KAYONG MGA LOYALISTA NI MARCOS , NINANAKAWAN O KAYA NINAKAWAN NA NGA, NAKATAWA O TUMATAWA PA ! – POLGAS

Andres on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 9:59 am 



Ang problema sa ating bayan ay hindi pa tayo dumanas ng tunay ng rebolusyon. Si Andres Bonifacio at mga Katipunero lang ang nagsimula nguni’t pinapatay pa sila ng sariling mga kababayan. Yung kay Aguinaldo naman na pagwagi ay kunwaring laban lang at hindi tunay na labanan. Yung sa mga Amerikano naman ay mock battle din at nangyari upang tayo ay sakupin.

In other words, hindi pa tayo nagkaroon ng tunay na rebolusyon. Kaya siguro ang mga bugok ng lipunan ay andito pa rin sa atin! We need to cleanse our system!

Kaya naman panahon pa ng kastila at ng ating mga bayani hanggang ngayon ay ganoon pa rin ang sitwasyon. Ang mga naghaharing uri ang nagsasamantala sa mga indio o masa sa ngayon. Sino ba ang naghahari, diba ang mga Ayala, Zobel, Elizalde, Tuazon, Ortigas, at Aboitiz ang iba pang mga mestizong kastila na biniyayaan noong nasasakupan pa tayo ng Espanya?

Ang unang dapat kalusin ang mga Arroyo lalo na si Fat Guy na Tuazon, dahil sila ang simbolo ng pagmamalabis ng naghaharing uri!

Jon Limjap on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 10:04 am 



The point i’ve been trying to make to Anthony is that business acumen alone is not sufficient for us to industrialize (something we cannot do with malls and BPO alone). As evidenced by the Tsinoy businessmen’s retreat from manufacturing, sometimes the government has to step in to stack the decks in their favor.

Agreed.

Of course one has to adapt to the more current rules brought about by globalization and the internet, China-as-the-factory-of-the-world economics, and environmental concerns vis-a-vis industrialization (e.g., how to solve the dilemma of a country needing to pollute itself a lot so that it can industrialize).

cvj on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 10:22 am 



Jon, i agree we should factor in those things. We do not want to be an environmental wasteland like China. Same consideration would apply to mining of course. The issue of pollution is closely tied to the issue of democratization. If we have community input, then the chances of a polluting factory being set-up is minimized as opposed to having the decision made by corrupt politicians, their businessmen friends and their technocrat enablers.

As for the rules of globalization, a lot of those are the rich countries’ attempts to kick away the ladder. We should do as they have done (to develop) and not as they preach today. Like you, i’m in the IT industry so i appreciate the potential of the internet and its role in economic development, but i also know its limitations.

alas ka dora on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 10:56 am 



What has my degree to do with it? At least I do not get the pulse of the nation by talking to drivers. Ca t

You’re drowned in your inflated ego. i realized that talking to the drivers makes more sense than talking to you. i do not claim that the information i’ve got from the drivers were formal or scientific. it was to satisfy my curiousity about how this people think about current issues. it just so happened that my own informal information gathering jive with the formal result.I never encouraged anybody to believe me although i felt that urge to share my own experience. that’s why in my post i emphasize this big “if” you consider these people to be part of the masses “perhaps”…

Do not gloat about what you know about statistics because the level of significance is nill bringing out here our credentials. pataasan ng ihi is never my cup of tea.

alas ka dora on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 11:08 am 



coldking,your name is disparaging to your temper. lahat naman tayo umaangal sa kasalukuyang nangyayari. I am angry too kaya lang in deference to the rest of the bloggers here, i try to excercise prudence when it comes to tendency for emotional outburst.

I cannot speak for the rest of the blogers here kaya lang parang nakakabingi na rin ang sigaw mo. PEACE!

mindanaoan on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 12:15 pm 



alas ka dora :
some people are anti-anti-gma for exactly the same reason. they are riled by emotional outburst, especially with the kind of unreasonably tendentious arguments of coldking.

ramrod on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 1:02 pm 



“Do not gloat about what you know about statistics because the level of significance is nill bringing out here our credentials. pataasan ng ihi is never my cup of tea.” – alaskadora

Don’t take these things seriously, to each his/her own way of making a point. Credentials? I’m proud of my degree in SANITATION ENGINEERING from the Malabanan Institute! Hey, we all need someone to clean up all our mess, don’t we?

alas ka dora on Wed, 5th Mar 2008 1:26 pm 



ramrod, lagi, dong. hahaha!

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

You must be logged in to post a comment.