On the positive side, If we were to compare the development of democracy in the Philippines to that of a person’s development, we could say that we are in the late stages of our adolescence, almost ready to become a young adult. Our nation is maturing, especially in the area of fiscal responsibility. More and more people are checking on how well our public officers are managing the people’s money. We are taking action against public officers who are involved in graft and corruption. We are here blogging and exchanging ideas… ( my reply to rickycarandang.com to treason Blog. )

I hope more and more people will be proactive and ask the right questions about how our money and banking system is managed and handled.

I don’t see a solution even if Arroyo will step down in 2010. Basically, we retain a structure where the clannish families who are running the 3 co-equal bodies are unresponsive to the masses. They serve each other interest first.

so what are we going to do? let’s assume we can impeach Arroyo but others will get away. these others may become the President who also have learned what Arroyo have done. History repeats itself. It is a learning process and 2/3 of Congress have learned what Arroyo did. Majority of Senate agreed with her. If 2/3 of Congress are against Arroyo then impeachment would be so much easier. These 2/3 should have been the responsible party to take her to court. Why us people? Maybe these 2/3 might be her advisor.
Arroyo will do everything in her power not to be impeached because of SHAME.

These 3 branches of government must all be replaced. Out with the Olds and in with the NEW…

We should keep blogging especially the Financial Aspect. Let’s educate our own people so that they will know what and how to demandgood governance. There’s very few of us here who really understand the political structure of our Country. Majority requires education. Publication and Independent Newspaper for Education must be implemented by independenet party. This way, it is a direct way of letting our leaders know that we are always aware of what they are doing. This will provide them caution and to beware…. Lots of Dogs are watching.

so what are we going to do,let’s assume we can impeach her but others may get away. these others may become the President who also have learned what Arroyo have done. History repeats itself. It is a learning process and 2/3 of Congress have learned what she did and agreed with her. If 2/3 of Congress are against Arroyo then impeachment would be so much easier. Maybe these 2/3 might be her advisor.
Arroyo will do everything in her power not to be impeached because of SHAME.

These 3 branches of government must all be replaced. Out with the Olds and in with the NEW…

We should keep blogging especially the Financial Aspect. Let’s educate our own people so that they will know what and how to demand. There’s very few of us who really understand the political structure of our Country. Majority requires education. Publication and Independent Newspaper for Education must be implemented by independenet party. This way, it is a direct way of letting our leaders know that we are Now aware of what they are doing.

Good reply Dodong. I can relate all of your reply.

The foremost formidable force in check and balances is the Catholic Bishops. The activist bishops with their moral influence can turn the people against a corrupt government. That is proven true to oust dictator Marcos who circumvented the 3 co-equal government with its own Batasan Pambansa and Enrique Fernando supreme court.

The activist Cardinal Sin rallied the people against Marcos as the last resort.

To avoid repeat of activist bishops and circumvent the last resort against corruption, President Arroyo personally flew to Vatican and met personally Pope Benedict and gave him a gift – no more death penalty in the Philippines. This is to secure that activist bishops will not interfere in the political government.

There is just too much circumvention wielded by political powers in the Philippines, Rizal’s cancer description of the country is more vivid.

In the Philippine context, the intended purpose can be defeated where check and balances are intentionally circumvented.

To circumvent Senate investigation and avoid impeachment, the President used the pork barrel to secure the votes of the lower house.

To circumvent Senate investigation and avoid unfavorable April 2006 Supreme Court decision, the President appointed 4 new justices to secure her personal interest.

President Arroyo have learned her lesson when Supreme Court earlier decided on April 20, 2006 to nullify EO464 her gag order for officials from testifying in the senate investigation.

To circumvent check and balances under Senate investigation and to avoid repeat of April 2006 unfavorable Supreme Court decision, she secured Supreme Court votes by appointing four justices to deliver crucial votes.

Antonio Eduardo Nachura was appointed on January 22, 2007. Ruben T Reyes was appointed on July 25, 2007. Teresita Leonardo De Castro was appointed on December 3, 2007. Arturo D Brion was appointed on March 17, 2008.

The new appointee Teresita De Castro penned the decision on Neri’s petition. Concurring with the decision were Justices Leonardo Quisumbing, Renato Corona, Dante Tinga, Minita Chico Nazario, Presbitero Velasco, and the other 3 new justices Eduardo Antonio Nachura, Ruben Reyes and Arturo Brion.

The 4 crucial votes came from 4 new appointees. Traditionally, Art Brion the latest appointee should have inhibited. That is not the case. As reported in the media, President Arroyo told Art near San Miguel church, “Art, I have job for you”.