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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Gloria and the Lilliputs
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Oct. 02, 2008 For the Standard Today, October 03 issue This was the most bizarre presidential trip by any president of any country that I am familiar with. After canceling the trip to New York last August, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo suddenly left on Sept. 22 for New York, suspiciously after the American International Group was nationalized by the US government, ostensibly to address the General Assembly of the United Nations, to meet the secretary general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and to promote the candidacy of Sen. Miriam Santiago for a seat in the International Court of Justice. But here is the bizarre part. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer of Sept. 23, "�..Ms. Arroyo will also have meetings with St. Vincent and Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda, all from the popular tourist destination Caribbean group of islands. She will also meet with leaders from Andorra and San Marino, which are among the six smallest nations in Europe. "On Thursday, she will hold bilateral meetings with Senegal, Cyprus and Antighua (sic) and Barabadu (sic)....." In the electronic edition of my article Deeper in Corruption of Sept. 23, I inserted this tidbit and wondered why she was meeting with the leaders of these tiny countries, which are best called Lilliput countries, and I asked out loud if she was doing so to mask meetings with people from those other Caribbean Lilliput islands, Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, well known havens for laundering illicit money. So, not counting Antighua and Barabadu, President Arroyo was meeting the heads of state, heads-of-governments or, at the very least, the chefs de mission of five Lilliput countries and two real ones.. In the Philippine Daily Inquirer of Sept. 25, apparently in an oblique rebuttal to my speculation, Malacanang added Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea. Slovenia, Comoros, Iceland and Belgium. "She will also attend an art exhibit hosted by the President of Argentina, and dinners hosted by the President of Costa Rica and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. She will also receive the foreign ministers of Russia, Norway and Libya��." That adds up to seven Lilliput countries and eleven real countries. But note that the above sentences are all in the future tense. So we can only assume that, but we do not really know if, she actually met with the heads- of-state or of-government, or chefs de mission of 18 sovereign countries in the two days that she had in New York (Sept. 24 and 25) before she had to take the evening flight to arrive in NAIA early dawn of Sept. 27, international date line inputted But wait, that's not all. In the Sept. 27 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, more countries were added by Malacanang to President Arroyo's list of alleged conferees: the "representatives of Afghanistan, Iraq, Gabon, Greece, Yemen, Pakistan, South Africa and Panama. That makes it seven Lilliput countries and 19 real countries�.all .in the space of two days or 48 hours. If one were to remove 14 hours for sleeping two nights, six hours for eating two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners, and another four hours for putting on make-up twice and choosing the matching shoes, dresses and handbags twice, that would leave about 24 hours for meeting the heads-of-state or of-government, or the chefs de mission, of 26 countries, including seven Lilliputs. Or an average of about 55 minutes per country, assuming that everyone was efficiently lined up outside President Arroyo's hotel suite and each one stepped in immediately after the previous one stepped out. No wonder Press Secretary Jesus Dureza fell ill and had to be hospitalized in New York. He was probably stressed out because he could not remember who was from where.. That must be a world record in international relations. Sarah Palin could use a tutorial session with President Arroyo on how to meet with 26 heads-of-state and of-government, and chefs de mission in 24 hours. In her visit to the United Nations last week, Palin met only Afghan President Hamid Karzai, in his Captain Marvel costume, and that dirty old man, Henry Kissinger, who could not get up from his seat after he was bussed on both cheeks by sexy Sarah. But why would President Arroyo want to meet with so many foreign officials in such a short time? The answer may be in the photo (credited to one Rey Banquet) that appeared on the front page of the Sept. 25 issue of the Standard Today. It is a photo of the plenary hall of the General Assembly while President Arroyo was making her speech. It is impossible to make out the diminutive President Arroyo in the photo, but you know it is she speaking because the two giant screens above the podium show someone who looks like her. But the notable thing about this photo is that it showed that one fourth to one third of the seats were empty. Malacanang made a fuss of the fact that President Arroyo was scheduled to speak right after President George W. Bush and French President Nicholas Sarkozy. Unfortunately, after the two heavyweights were done, one fourth to one third of the audience stepped out of the hall�. to smoke, to empty their bladders, to stretch their legs, to call their boy friends or girl friends, to order pizza for lunch or dinner�and did not bother to return and listen to the perceived lightweight who followed. They apparently realized their mistake moments later, which is why they conceivably lined up outside President Arroyo's suite and took turns seeking their 55 minutes of enlightenment on geopolitics and governance.. As for the Lilliput countries whose heads-of-state President Arroyo apparently chose to seek out even before she got to New York, here are some background information. As a former avid stamp collector (from age 11 to 26), I have some familiarity with these far-away places with strange-sounding names, but I dug up more data about them from the 2008 World Almanac and Book of Facts, as well as from Wikipedia. St. Kitts and Nevis (Pop. 39,349, .281 sq kms, slightly smaller than the 300 sq kms of Lubang Island off the mouth of Manila Bay).Caribbean. Reached by Columbus in 1493, settled by the Brits in 1623, became independent in 1983. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Pop 118,149, 389 sq kms, slightly larger than the 343.5 sq kms of Siquijor Island-Province.) Caribbean. Visited by Columbus in 1489, claimed by the British and the French in the 17th century, ceded to Britain in 1783, became independent in 1979. Antigua and Barbuda. (Pop. 69,491, 443 sq kms, or almost exactly the same as the 445 sq kms of Sibuyan Island, located between Masbate and Romblon) Caribbean. Reached by Columbus in 1493, British colony since 1632, became independent in 1981. Comoros Islands. (Pop, 711,000, 2,170 sq kms, slightly bigger than the 2,125 sq kms of Pampanga Province.) Indian Ocean. French colony since 1841, became independent in 1975 Cape Verde Islands. (Pop. 423,613, 4,033 sq kms, smaller than the 4,468 sq kms of Cebu Island-Province.) Atlantic Ocean. Portuguese colony since 1462, became independent in 1975. San Marino. (Pop. 29,615, 61 sq kms, smaller than the 71 sq kms of Mactan Island.) Europe, in the middle of Italy. Founded in the 4th century, claims to be the oldest state in Europe. Not true that it was almost accidentally bulldozed into oblivion by Mafia casino developers. Andorra. (Pop 71,822, 488 sq kms, slightly bigger than Sibuyan Island.) Europe, between France and Spain. A co-principality with joint sovereignty under France and the Bishop of Urgel, 1278 to 1993. (Personal note. There are two easy overland ways to go from France to Spain: along the Atlantic coast or along the Mediterranean coast. And one hard way: over the Pyrenees through Andorra. When I toured Europe by Vespa motor scooter in 1961, I chose the hard way. As a stamp collector I wanted to mail postcards to myself affixed with Andorran stamps Did the same in Liechtenstein, Vatican City and Monaco. (I also wanted to reach the highest pass in the Pyrenees: Puerta de Envalira, 2,407 meters above sea level, in Andorra. If Burnham Park in Baguio is one mile or 1.6 kilometers above sea level, Envalira would be a point straight up in space 800 meters above Burnham. Cross-country in Andorra is all of 41 kilometers.) Why President Arroyo wanted to meet with the top officials of these seven Lilliput countries is beyond me. Has she started to collect stamps? Is she losing her marbles? Or was she using these publicized meetings to hide (from the CIA and the NSA) clandestine meetings with gnomes from those other Lilliput places: Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands? Bizarre!. ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in acabaya.blogspot.com. Tony on YouTube in www.tapatt.org. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to "Gloria and the Lilliputs" 'A Funny Thing Happened' 'No to ChaCha and Federalism' More Reactions to "Deeper in Corruption" NOTE: I will not be submitting any article this week (Oct. 6 to 11) because I am preparing to leave for abroad for a 20-day sabbatical. But I will write at least one full article a week from abroad (which will be published in the Standard Today and distributed online), as well as occasional short comments which will appear only in acabaya.blogspot.com. Hello, Tony, Hilarious and devastating! Continue writing like that and I might become a fan for life: You really made my day. Thanks and warmest regards! Rex Robles, (by email), Oct.02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Hi Tony,. Aren't these small Caribbean countries also private banking havens? Wasn't she trying to find out if her personal accounts had Lehman Brothers paper? Something like what Manny Pacquiao did when he flew back to Manila from his training in the US but taking the opposite route. (Name withheld on request), Oct. 02, 2008 (Or AIG? Who knows? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww This brightened my morning, thanks. Romeo Encarnacion, (by email), Bulgaria, Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww But have faith. In China there was in fact time to get away , and on to a round of golf outside an itinerary. Our interest should be (regarding meeting with tiny countries), what for? Victor Manalac, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 (Exactly my puzzlement. What for? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Wondering why GMA is meeting with these countries' reps? But did you not just say that they are lilliputians (dwarfs, correct?) so it is just right that our very own dwarf touches base with her own kind. ( Is Lilliput the land of the dwarfs, or the giants? I don't seem to remember!). Ed Valenciano, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Sir Tony; Maybe she's practicing to be in the next Amazing Race Asia... Hahahahaha!! Seriously, the statement I was avidly waiting to read in your article was - DID she actually meet with these people or was it just on paper? As for purpose and objectives of these 'meetings' - one can only speculate and frankly, I'd rather not delve into conspiracy theories right now given how messed up our country is at the moment and pending new taxes currently passed today for the last quarter of the year that only adds a dampening blanket to an already damp and bleak Christmas for majority of our people. Maybe she's looking for a new "thing" to invest in aside from investing with China with all the brouhaha that came with ZTE scandals. Maybe she's promoting the tourism industry here over there with these countries, maybe, maybe, maybe.... bottom line is - I'm just as baffled as you are. There must be something these countries have in common which she or the government is interested in, hopefully its something positive and beneficial to the country and not to her personally or to her cohorts. But again I say - that has yet to be seen to be believeable. If you have a team of researchers, maybe try searching for international articles not written by Filipinos that mention these countries meeting up with the President of the Philippines.... even if its just for coffee and smokes, a slice of pizza or a plate of pasta.... anything that would confirm they actually met face to face would be a good start to build credibility. Otherwise, maybe the producers of the Amazing Race need to be up to par to such an amazing feat indeed... if indeed true. Regards and God Bless Jenifer C. Aquino-Xavier, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Maybe Arroyo was trying to buy audience in those small countries because the familiar larger countries no longer believe in her. Or maybe she is already trying to seek asylum from those countries when her post-2010 plans will not materialize. And she will have the money, so she can be god when she lives there. When her post 2010 plans fail, she will have no place to hide here in the country. She can't count on those congressmen and military officers that she cuddled while in power as they will completely abandon her. Edel Anit, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 (But why would anyone want to seek asylum in an island-country as small as Lubang or Siquijor or Mactan islands? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Oh, Tony, you are not only witty like your 'publisher' but you are so funny as well !!! I pass on your articles to my friends who are not yet subscribers to Standard-Today. Cita Abad-Dinglasan, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Well, can't blame anyone, let alone a smart guy like you ACA, a Bisaya, for being suspicious of GMA's sleight of hand Lilliputan moves. ["liput" is a Bisayan root word meaning "to go around."] Since her term will soon be over, perhaps she was scouting which unmarked country in the world she would hide to try to avoid an eventual arrest for her crimes against the Filipino nation. Nooo, not to settle and hide but buy a small country with plundered money and winnings from her mafioso husband's pet money machines, foremost is "greed" commissions, followed by jueting, smuggling, then there too, we should not forget, is his boxing champ. Lilliputs are just right for her size, isn't it? No bashing there but figuratively speaking only. Yes, indeed! Why go to countries where people is twice as tall? Small countries are ideal preys, easily [woman-]handled by a wily ex-president. I hope these suspicions of yours, Tony, will lead to something tangible to use against her to curtail further illicit transfers of plundered funds, if that is her real intent in "irregularly" meeting with these Lilliputan leaders. More power! Ogie Reyes, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Loved this article! Ricky Carandang, (by email), ABS-CBN, Quezon City, Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww You wrote: "They apparently realized their mistake, which is why they conceivably lined up outside President Arroyo's suite and took turns seeking their 55 minutes of enlightenment on geopolitics and governance." ~ hahahaha! LOL You wrote: "Why President Arroyo wanted to meet with the top officials of these seven Lilliput countries is beyond me. Does she also collect stamps?" ~ hahahahaha! LOL It might be: 1. Pitching for Defensor Santiago's seat in the International Court of Justice. 2. Quick tutorials on how they became best vacation destinations in the world 3. Applying for asylum. Pre-emptive measures. LOL. 4. Seeking ways and procedures on how to hide her loot and be protected by invisible bionic men. Pinagsikapan rin naman nya ang mga 'yan ah. LOL. You know, foiled coup de etats and other scandals, Uncle Sam's beating, etc. Survivor eka nga. 5. Might be trumpeting and seeking or forming a coalition like the "biggest islanders coalition" in the world. When a lot of dwarfs (islands) combine, they become a powerful giant politically and economically. Another international political block to emerge, I guess. Maybe. But if it is, then this might be a great plan or idea to control vacation prices and merchandise, etc. and it will promote Philippines' spots. Some type of "the same playing field" in dealing with tourists and spots. Based on the list of Lilliputs you mentioned, are there any Asian island country? Well, if there isn't then, PGMA may distance herself from competitors. With all those Lilliputs you mentioned, Philippines comprises of these little Lilliputs size-wise. So, PGMA has the experience to head this coalition of Lilliputs. If this new international political block is true, then, it's another Uncle Sam's hindrance to remove her. "Coalition of the Uling" is a good piece, my man! Hahaha! LOL. It's 2010 and beyond! Maneuver locally and internationally. Bow! Does Erap have the brain cells of PGMA? hahaha! LOL. LF, [email protected], Oct. 03, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Or, GMA might be window-shopping for where to do her self-exile? Rue.R. Ramas, (by email), Gen. Santos City, Oct. 03, 2008 (Same reply as above: why would anyone want to live in exile in an island-country as small as Lubang or Siquijor or Mactan island? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr Abaya, My Comadre Srta. Lina Antonio used to tell me that the Spaniards have a saying: Think ill and you are right. :) Ethel, [email protected], Oct. 03, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir Tony, Don't know about the other countries mentioned but I am familiar with Equatorial Guinea. The country is run by a dictator (masquerading as a president) and is poor as Smokey Mountain is poor. However, there are Pinoy OFWs there and this might be a case of early campaigning for OFW votes. Robbie Tan, (by email), Oct. 03, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Ha ha ha.. World tour po ata yan... What makes me boil is the number of the delegates that she carries and all expenses are paid by tax payers. That irritates me whenever I read papers that GMA will go out of the country. Bad trip... Mike Delgado, (by email), Oct. 03, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hehehehe! I love the end part. Anyway, being a Master of Deception, the Lilliput that is Gloria,. what else can I say? Narciso Ner, (by email), Davao City, Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 'A Funny Thing Happened' Hi Kuya Tony, I've been searching the net about your booklet ""A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Communism?", but to no avail. If you can spare me a copy, I'll treasure it. College pa ako nadidinig ko na ito. My address is: (withheld) Thanks, Mortz Ortigoza, (by email), Dagupan City, Oct. 05, 2008 Tony, wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Sir Tony, I just read your reply to one of your readers who was asking where he can get a copy of your booklet "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Communism". It's good to know you replied positively and you are so generous that you are going to send him one!. . Actually, I've been searching for your book on the net and until now I couldn't stumble upon a softcopy of it. Not only once did you mention that book in your previous articles, specially you essays regarding Communism. I got a feeling I have to read your book. Would you be an angel, Sir Tony, if you could send me one? =). (I'm just taking my chances here, hoping for your positive response) More power! Steven T. Mendoza, (by email), Makati City, Oct. 06, 2008 (Mailing address withheld) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Send me one copy, please. I will place it in the NDCP Library after reading it.. Chuck Carlos L. Agustin, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 President, National Defense College of the Philippines wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to "Deeper in Corruption" (Sept. 30, 2008) Tony --- the latest from Indonesia as reported by the Economist. Looks like they are making progress in fighting corruption. They moved to 126th from 143rd, compared to our dropping to 141st from 131st.. Boo Chanco, (by email), Sept. 30, 2008 Philippine Star wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww "Prayers or no prayers, this would never happen here, except under a revolutionary government." Another one? And who will be the next head? Can he organized something like PCGG that is actually functional and not like the PCGG that we have? Can somebody push the Commission on Audit to release an updated report that can be reviewed and use as a supporting document to file cases in the Ombudsman or other courts. I doubt if there really is a way out, not another revolution can help us on corruption and take back what belongs to the public. 2010 is coming. Why don't we wait a little longer. Who's who in the election, I believe they are all in public office, what have they done that is not just in a piece of paper or aired in media but rathered felt by the citizen, How much budget have they handled and what is the positive result to our people? What else can they do? Ignacio Gregorio, (by email), Oct. 01, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ACA The perception of corruption in government has been in the minds of many expats (of course the locals know better than that) until it was affirmed by no less than GMA when she pardoned convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada. He was the biggest fish ever caught and convicted, but GMA made sure he would never spend a moment behind the bars of Muntinglupa penitentiary. That single act of setting free a former president who committed a capital offense while in office bolstered the general perception that criminal activities are indeed tolerated in the GMA government. That moronic act of benevolence for Estrada (malevolence is obviously a better word), has only deepened the perception of corruption much to the discomfiture of countless decent Filipinos. As a result, GMA finds herself in the "kangkungan" as we golfers call it. - Cesar M. de los Reyes, (by email), Oct. 01, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Yes, Tony, only under a revolutionary government. This is a wish which may never come true. .Regards. Cesar Sarino, (by email), Oct. 01,2008 Former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww This is nothing as far as this immoral Gloria Arroyo is concerned. There is only ONE way to solve corruption and other irregularities in the government and that is to ELIMINATE the problem. The opposition leaders must realize that unless they do a GMA act, they will for a long long time be in the opposition. Narciso Ner, (by email), Davao City, Oct. 01, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Just two points: 1. Many of us continue to pray so that the Lord will "intervene" and give us a chance at some honest government... and 2. We have the best government that MONEY CAN BUY !! Cheers Lanny Nanagas, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tama ka Tony... The election process here is the biggest problem. I believe that GMA is not really corrupt, she was just corrupted by her political party. Dapat talaga there is a change on how we elect leaders. Dapat talaga yung me ITR, College diploma, business permit lang ang pwede bumoto. Never mind the people that don't belong to this bracket. Tutal, they just vote for the candidate pag kumanta na si April Boy or ka akbay na ni Juday for them. If we do some skeaming of the voters, then the platform for elections will really upgrade na. I'm not saying that this will be the final answer for the solution of the corruption of this country but, it can improve... Mike Delgado, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mang Tony, If one will ask every ordinary people on the street, we won't need Transparency International. Every people in the street will say that corruption is rampant in our country, from a barangay councilman to the President, including policemen and traffic enforcers. But no one among them will admit to it though it is not only a perception but actual experiences. The problem is, no government official would admit to it. I think the first step in solving corruption is to admit that it exists, but since it has already evolved into a political culture, everyone thinks that it's normal and part of daily routine. Another problem and the sad part is the consequences of these corrupt practices. One Chinese factory owner told me something about those ukay ukay and cheap goods proliferating around. Examples are those fake sneakers which people buy for P500 to P1000 pesos. FOB prices of sneakers start at USD10 to USD20, about the same price at which they are being sold. (What about a P25 jeans?) Then according to him, shipments of these goods were not actually made for the sneakers and those ukay ukay items but for illegal drugs. I hope authorities will investigate on this. I've only got second hand information and not actually sure if it's true, but there is some reason to believe. Edelberto Anit, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Perceptions are not from the reality. Ask the ordinary businessmen and inquire what they have to cough off to get business going. They know. If media highlights every scandal, the acts proven or not, these amplify what lies beneath. If Malacanang claims that these are mere perceptions, then why can't they create positive perceptions ? They can't. because people believe there is corruption because they have to go through that web day in and day out whilst transacting. Also, mere perception is created by the mere attitudes elicited by government people when you deal with them in their offices. Somehow, something tells you he's out to rip you off. Victor Manalac, (by email), Oct. 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Thank you for taking time to read my reply. Before I give my Rx, may I ask if your revolutionary government is similar to "People Power"? Correct me if I am wrong but I think the words "revolutionary government" may be broad. What is certain, however, is that it is extra-legal or extra-constitutional. The way I see it, that government may be led by one or a group. It can be led by military or civilian. May I know what is on your mind? If it will be led by past presidents (4), then the votes will be equal - 2 for the good ones and 2 for the corrupt ones. There should be a tie breaker. (There should be no past presidents in a "revolutionary government." It should be led by a civilian, but supported by idealistic elements in the military. Beyond that, affiant sayeth nought. ACA) I disagree with your opinion that nothing good came out from the God fearing Cory. She brought back democracy and that is an achievement. She tried to get back Marcos' wealth. If Salonga and his successors failed, that is another issue. She may not be as great as Ramos but she started the slow climb up. It's just say that the cohorts of Marcos were able to climb back to power (by simply chanting "Cory, Cory, Cory"). Cory (or any other president for that matter) cannot change the country over-night. With the kind of legislators (85%) we have, it will be very hard to improve the country's condition. (I didn't say that "nothing good came out from the God-fearing Cory." I asked, "did everything good follow?" The two are not the same. ACA) My rx now is to change the mind set of the Filipinos by ducating them (young and old) in schools, media and political ads, etc. that: (a) Money is not everything. That way, the electorate will not make money (or future favors) their yardstick in choosing their leaders; the leaders will not make money (or the hope of getting more) their goal for leading; and the not so rich candidate (but qualified) can have a fighting chance. With that, a new cycle will start. (b) We have to be nationalistic (like the Japanese, Koreans, etc.). We say that we are "proud to be Pinoys" but those are empty words. We even say that in English. The truth is: we have an inferiority complex as a nation. We do not patronize our own products even if they are cheaper (we are even ashame of using them) to help our economy by creating jobs. We are discriminating against ourselves right here. If the rapist Smith is a Filipino will he be treated that way? or If a Filipino rapes a foreigner in another land will he be treated the way we treat Smith? (c) We have to make any of our popular dialects (cebuano or tagalog) to be our official medium of communication. I think this the best way to improve our pathetic condition. Many intelligent citizens cannot shine (in schools and other fields) because of their lack of skill in speaking and writing in english. They cannot make their achievements known for lack of said skill. The advocates of "english" will always say that other countries are now realizing the importance of the english language in economic growth, hence, their citizens are now trying to learn it. Think about this: we have been speaking english since the 1800's (?) and where are we now? We laugh at Japanese, Kereans or Mexican contestants who use interpreters the questions or translate their answers in English but they way above us. Perfecto S. Corpus, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished of email sent to the PMA Freedom forum) Abaya offers this solution in his article, excerpts found below, on revolutionary government. It has to be specified. THE TYPE of TRANSITION REVOLUTIONARY GOVT MUST BE THAT OF AN ENLIGHTENED, RECTIFIED (REFORMED), UNIFIED MILITARY (ERUM for short) with GENUINE REVOLUTIONARY REFORM PROGRAM (GRRP), far different from the acoustics and cosmetics of EDSA Uno, Dos & Tres (a wrest back of Erap countered by GMA forces that led to a long sleepless night and puffed eyes to GMA and her allies). Nowhere in any institutions of government except the military that educates, trains and teaches the noble profession of arms, the love for the people, country and God with selfless sacrifice of themselves, even their lives, to include welfare of their families. This is the powerful ideology that has to be adopted with sincerity and genuiness of heart and intent - service to the people, country and God. If translated to deeds there is no formidable force, esp the corrupt and evil one, that can match or defeat this. You have to slay a corrupt idea with a far more superior idea, an idea, an ideology, backed up with force and executed by a rectified, unified, disciplined org - the military. Give the revolutionary reform program to any entity with no force, its key actors shall be a mere voice in the wilderness, an empty lip service, and these politicos shall remain in power using, corrupting and abusing the military for their unsatiable greed. The military organization, though with tradition of discipline, is being used, corrupted and abused by the maldaptive, dysfunctional political leadership system afflicted for decades with, quoting the words of Cav Dan'77, arrogance, prejudice, greed, rapaciousness and brutality of power. It culminated to spawn within the midst of military professionals the investigations, prosecutions, trials and incarceration of generals and colonels, brought about by this political malaise. EXCEPT FOR ERAP (TREATED WITH KIDS' GLOVES, PINARDON PA NGA, ABSOLUTE PA), SILANG MGA OPISYAL MILITAR ANG NAGING SCAPEGOAT !!! AT ANG MGA BUKTOT NA PULITIKO?? AYUN SIGE SA KARUMAL DUMAL NA PANGHU-HUWAD SA TAO. SIGE LANG ANG PHOTO OP SA MEDIA, POSING POSING SA MGA SUNDALO, SA FIELD OF COMBAT, PAPURI, PAMEDALYA, BIGAY LIBRE KONO NG PANG-TXT AT PAUTOT SA SUNDALO'T OPISYAL, NA KUNWA SASABIHIN "SIGE LABAN PA KAYO, MAGPAKAMATAY KAYO SA BAYAN KONO" NG MAKARAMI PA KAMING MGA PULITIKO. It is an ERUM with ideology of service to people, country and God, and GRRP that shall finally exorcise the decades old CORRUPT POLITICAL SYSTEM in the COUNTRY. Santos Payumo, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, RE: "Deeper in Corruption" the time has come for national transformation, where national values and spiritual virtues must now dominate our minds and influence our actions before self-gratification. National transformation is in itself a cultural revolution that calls for a fundamental shift in our attitudes and behavior as public servants and as citizens. It must result, at the end of the day, in good government and responsible citizenship. The time has come to end the politics of greed and vested interests that are the cause of widespread poverty, social conflicts and stunted growth. The best option for these times must be considered since conventional methods are not working or made to work for reasons we know only too well. Of course, any effort towards change for the better is fraught with risk. Backsliding is at the top of the list as well as a backlash from the forces of the status quo. But it is better to try than to remain shackled in rot, shame and despair. We owe this to the generations whose future have been sacrificed at the altar of corruption. So, Tony, I guess what I'm saying is that you're right on track. God bless us all. Raffy Alunan, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 Former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Response to Nonoy Ramos Dear Tony, Please tell Noynoy Ramos that he did wrong by unwttingly allowing himself to be a guinea pig of bad guys. He should know that a bribe giver is as guilty as a bribe taker. The better option is to avoid bad guys. In America and elsewhere there are also bad guys and bad politicians. Reggie Gazmen, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Response to Nonoy Ramos This is a reaction to Mr. Nonoy Ramos experience in LTO. I have a different experience in Muntinlupa. Upon entering the LTO compound, I saw a notice on a big billboard, "DO NOT DEAL WITH FIXERS". But I said to my mind, of course I will not deal with fixers because I can't afford them. You have to pay 1,500 against a little more than about P700 for the whole process including drug test. I got my license after 2 hours and I had no problem queueing because there are waiting seats available in front of every window. An enterprising window officer offered me an ID jacket for 20 pesos, which I think will only cost 5 pesos outside, and I told him I don't need it, and it was just fine with him. I went out of the LTO branch with a clean conscience. The problem of corruption in government services will not stop until there are people patronizing it. Usually, those who patronize it are those people with money. The poor people has to undergo the long and grinding legal process. Mr. Ramos did not mind because it costs him only USD40. And for all the other people that did the same as Mr. Ramos, it did not cost so much with them. However, for the other people in the legal queue, it cost them more than the legal amount for they have to spend for lunch and probably additional fare if they have to go back the following day as they were not able to finish the process as usually required because those who patronized the fixers were prioritized and delayed the normal procedures. In Muntinlupa, the processing is quick because they are strict on fixers. Sometimes you even get a car registration renewed after 30 minutes. My suggestion to those who are not familiar in government processes here in the Philippines is to seek advice from rightful persons. However, for those who want to use money influence, then they may do so, for we can't do something about, like when someone dealing with a fixer notices the tiger look of people in the queue when they saw someone breezing into the process. Edel Anit, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I HATE, HATE, HATE it when people say the Philippines will be corrupt forever- ''kahit sino pa daw ang ilagay sa puesto/gobyerno.'' My mother's family descended from Rizal, who always believed in peaceful means to solve problems. But more and more, I begin to believe that a real, total, bloody purge/revolution is necessary. Keep writing! At least I will know there are still patient and rational people out there. Cita Mercado y. Abad.Dinglasan, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 .wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I agree with most of everything you've said so far, particularly, about a "revolutionary government". I proudly submit my advocacy as an option. Towards clarity and recall, I named it highly decentralized unitarian system or hdus. It should read high-dose to connote its importance as a cure for the illness of our county. It is discussed in my letters (federalism vs. local autonomy) you graciously published, and is therefore, now on the first step of a thousand-mile journey. It could have cushioned the impact of the global crisis we are in now. Funny that we're in a seemingly hopeless situation when everybody seems to be on our side. Who wouldn't go for local autonomy? The local government officials, the pro and anti federalism, and those who know better are all for it. The formula is not even an arm-length away. It is within us. It's in our minds. Ironically enough, this is probably why nobody is making a move. And the federalists are making the wrong ones. Their every attempt to get hold of it drives it farther away. Since the start of the campaign for federalism, not a single lawmaker made any attempt to amend the local government code even if a federalist himself, Jose V. Abueva Jr., suggested it as a step towards their goal. I've sent you a letter entitled Federalism is not the answer explaining the folly of federalism and the urgent need to strenghten our local government units through amendments to the local government code. It also shows why hdus is it. I hope your readers get to consider it, Col. Tarrazona, in particular. Please encourage discussion on this subject. Or a debate. Eustaquio Joven, (by email), Oct. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww No to ChaCha and Federalism Dr. Jose V. Abueva says, "� we have to accelerate the process of government decentralization under the 1987 Constitution both ways: by de-concentrating national government administration to the regional centers and by devolving more national government functions to the local government units through continuing amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991. At the same time, we have to reorient our people� towards greater self-reliance and responsibility through local governance and development, including developing their capacity to raise more local revenues and generate funding for local development, and to attract investments."12 This is all we need: as much local autonomy as allowed by the present Charter. No cha-cha. No federalism. Just amend the 1991 Local Government Code to clip the powers of the presidency and empower local governments towards self-reliance. Example: LGU's should lead food production and anti-poverty programs, not Gloria. What's in a name? If this were the case I'd also go for federalism: shared powers between central government and its constituent political subdivisions. Only, I won't call it federalism. Also, I won't refer to the political subdivisions as states. Instead I'd call them as they are: provinces and chartered cities. It may not be constitutionally mandated, but it is allowed. Sharing powers with LGUs rather than states is not just about working within the parameters of the 1987 Constitution. It has its intrinsic merits. It is doable now or anytime, it is less expensive and disruptive, and it can go for the fruits promised by federalism while deflecting the dangers poised upon our poor country be federalists. Senator Nene Pimentel says that his federalism will cause the speedy development of the entire country by unleashing the forces of competitiveness among the States. Nothing is farther from the truth. The real competition is between and among cities and municipalities, not even among provinces. Most businesses are either city or town based. It is there where businesses get their permits. States cannot and should not alter this arrangement. Val Abelgas disputes the Senator's claim in his article entitled The Folly of Federalism, thusly: "It will create additional layers of bureaucracy that will lead to even more red tape, corruption and confusion. Businessmen and investors will be the most adversely affected as they will have to contend with conflicting and confusing laws from various states/regions. Can you imagine 11 states with their own agencies on commerce and industry, housing, health, transportation, education, etc. and the federal government having its own, too, all with their own sets of rules?" Another claim by Senator Pimentel is that his federalism will dissipate the causes of rebellion in the country, Mindanao in particular. The opposite is true. His kind of federalism will enhance the causes of rebellion in the country: poverty through failed governance. The shift towards federalism is so expensive and disruptive that it will aggravate the sufferings of our people leading to further destabilization. It will eat up resources that otherwise could go towards poverty alleviation. In an article entitled Financing Federalism Leonor Magtolis-Briones wrote: "Students of public finance have been pointing out that the creation of an additional layer of government�namely the state�will inevitably lead to higher levels of expenditures. This is because the machinery of the states has to be maintained, along with that of the federal government and the local government units. Pressure for higher levels of expenditures will inevitably lead to pressure for increased levels of taxes." This concern does not even mention the added cost of maintaining 75 Senators and 350 Congressmen. Senator Nene Pimentel probably thinks that we are overjoyed with the antics of our do nothing Senators and Congressmen that he wants to create and create more and more of them! It not just federal financing that will aggravate the causes of rebellion. Mere creation of states also will. It will create diversity and conflict where there is none. I believe in unity in diversity. But creating a union to create diversity is another thing. This is what happens when provinces are formed into a state. To be able to understand this point better, please take a look at the proposed State of Northern Luzon. It shall comprise the provinces of llocos Norte, llocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province, and all the cities, municipalities and barangays therein. Until provided otherwise by the State Legislature, Tuguegarao City shall be the capital of the State. Even the seemingly homogeneous Bicol region would experience one form of inter-provincial conflict or another. Wait 'til they start defining the rules. Wait 'til Masbate and Catanduanes start fighting it out for the state's attention! But nothing so bad will happen in Luzon and in the Visayas compared to what Mindanao would go through if it tries to organize and operate a Muslim state. I don't know why anyone would promote the organization of a state based on religion, more so if it is done at gunpoint. I would not want theocracy for even the worst of my enemies. I would not will it for Muslims or Christians. I shudder at the specter of another MOA-AD, a version far more bloody than one can ever imagine. The Muslim problem sprung from years of government apathy and neglect. It is a condition shared by Christian settlers as well. It is neither political nor religious. It is economic, stupid! Senator Nene Pimentel succeeded in getting the support of ULAP and other local government organizations by using a bait called 20/80. They can see the figures, but not the hook! History will be repeating itself once more as when Congress devolved the functions of agriculture, social welfare and health services. It conveniently forgot to provide the necessary funds. The curses of the aggrieved devolved personnel are still on the lead man, Senator Nene Pimentel. Now he wants to strike LGU's a more lethal blow. Actually very little of the 80% state share would reach the LGU's because its 30% share will likely be not be enough for its own maintenance and other operating expenditures. The result will be more confusion, wrangling and hardships. Federalists brag that opposition to federalism springs from ignorance. The contrary is true. Many people support federalism because of ignorance. They will reject federalism if they know what it is. One supporter thought that there will be a state for Ilocanos, Cebuanos, Bicolanos, etc. Alas it is not to be so. A blogger who posted at MLQ3 blog wrapped in a flag as justice league has this to say: "� just in case you want to pursue a federalist cause without the ability of defending it; you have my permission to use the battle cry below in its totality!" "Gusto nilang gawin! Kaya nilang gawin! Pero hindi nila ginagawa! KAYA ANG TANGING SOLUSYON AY PALITAN ANG SALIGANG BATAS!" Eustaquio Joven, (by email), Sept. 20/30, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles on www.tapatt.org and on acabaya.blogspot.com. Tony on YouTube at www.tapatt.org. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. |