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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Revolutionary Junta
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Feb. 27, 2008 For the Standard Today, February 28 issue In my two previous columns, �She is Evil� and An Endgame Scenario, I stressed the point that in the (so far) unlikely event that President Arroyo is forced to step down from power before her term expires, the constitutional successor would be the vice-president, Noli de Castro. That he is genuinely popular in his own right, as the latest SWS survey shows, should make this scenario the least disruptive to our economy and to our badly frayed political culture. But, of course, there are ambitious power grabbers waiting in the wings who will not hesitate to muscle their way into Malacanang once they see an opening. These would include the generals and now ex-generals with whom then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conspired in the months before January 2001 to oust Joseph Estrada under a phony Edsa 2.�revolution.� These would also include the generals who were complicit in the electoral fraud, especially in Mindanao , in the 2004 elections. No wonder, President Arroyo herself decreed that there would be no celebration of Edsa 2 when its anniversary approached last January. In her inner self, she knew that there was/is nothing to celebrate as her government teeters on the brink of disintegration.. If these generals were to grab power, with or without President Arroyo, their junta would not be able to govern. There would be no end to civil unrest, capital would flee, the economy would unravel, the Philippines would become an international pariah, no new investments would come in, official development aid would dry up, tourists would stay away, the strong peso would weaken, hyper-inflation would set in, businesses would close or retrench, the ranks of the unemployed and underemployed would swell, Communists and Muslim secessionists would take advantage of the chaos to redouble their rebellion, Mindanao would secede, idealistic elements in the military would stage a counter-coup. Welcome to the New Myanmar ! Or Welcome to Africa in the Far East The generals and admirals should keep this in mind the next time they do a unity walk. On the other hand, if President Arroyo were to survive the present crisis and is not forced out of power soon � as the wishy-washy Roman Catholic bishops apparently hope so � she would be convinced more than ever before of her divine mandate. (�The Lord put me here,� didn�t she tell Pope Benedict XVI or somebody two years ago?) And she would believe her own propaganda that there is no viable alternative to her. The confidence that she is irreplaceable and that she was put in her position by no less than the Lord himself feeds her growing megalomania, which would justify to herself her maneuvers since 2005 to amend the Constitution so that she can remain in power beyond June 2010, either as prime minister under a parliamentary system, or as a president without term limits under the presidential system. Didn�t she promise about 15 months ago that, �if you stay with me, I will make the Philippines a First World country by the year 2020?� (See my article First World by 2020? of Nov. 01 2006): http://www.geocities.com/dapat_tapatt/firstworld.html If Gloria Arroyo were to survive 2008, she would be around for a very long time, after which she would be succeeded by Mikey, Iggy, Ronaldo Puno and the rest of that gang. Similarly, if Ferdinand Marcos had survived 1986, he would have been succeeded by Imelda, Danding, Imee, Bong Bong, etc. Nepotism, cronyism and dynastic politics are now ingrained features of Philippine liberal democracy, to a degree unheard of in previous decades, and cannot be extirpated through the normal processes of constitutional liberalism. .. I watched with trepidation an interview by Ricky Carandang of Corysta Ging Deles and my friend Ting Paterno as they expounded on how it was possible to build what Neri-Jun had referred to as a New Order through constitutional processes. �If only the top officials were to resign, and snap elections were held as in 1986�..� First of all, that is a monumental IF whose chances of happening are as high as the chances of an ice cube surviving in Hell. Second, snap elections are allowed by the Constitution, if I recall, only when the positions of president and vice-president become simultaneously vacant through death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation.. And the Constitution mandates the snap elections within 60 days after this double vacancy, and does not disqualify incumbent officials from running for the same positions unless they are dead, incapacitated or impeached. . Anyone who thinks the Comelec, as presently constituted, can manage snap presidential and vice-presidential elections on such short notice is being very na�ve. And even if the Comelec were to gather enough nerve to hold such an exercise, is there any doubt that the incumbent trapos would prevail since they control the government machinery (including the Comelec), the resources, and the local government officials at all levels? Advocates of snap elections seem to forget that in the only snap elections ever held in this country � in 1986 � the winners were the incumbent Ferdinand Marcos and his running mate Arturo Tolentino, as officially proclaimed by the Comelec then. Cory Aquino was elevated to the presidency by a revolutionary process, not by the snap elections. There is no reason to believe that the results would be any different in 2008 What about 2007 when the Genuine Opposition won seven or eight of the 12 senatorial seats being contested? Well, what about it? Has anyone seen in the realigned Senate the beginnings of that New Order that Neri-Jun was dreaming about? I haven�t. And it should not surprise anyone, since both admin and opposition politicians are cut from the same mold and are indistinguishable from each other. That is why they change parties and positions with indecent haste and scandalous promiscuity, as their personal and familial advantages dictate. Except for a handful, both admin and opposition politicians are hostage to the Politics of Big Money. Because of the enormous expense involved in running for public office, candidates � especially for national offices - need the patronage of well-heeled financiers (wealthy individuals, large corporations, rich Chinese, drug lords, gambling lords) for their campaign expenses. And when they win, they have to recoup their expenses many times over and repay their financiers with fat government contracts (and/or immunity from investigations) so that they can recoup their political investments many times over as well. Thus are the seeds of corruption planted in the fertile soil of Philippine politics. And nurtured through the growth of political dynasties. Papa is senator, Mama is governor, Kuya is congressman, Ate is mayor, and the family idiot is municipal councilor. Variations are endless. But the goal is the same: total control of the levers of power so as to make rent-seeking seamless and effortless. Politics has become a family business in the Philippines , much more lucrative than practicing a profession or operating a business or setting up an industrial enterprise..It is the fastest way to fabulous wealth. And it is the foundation of what I call neo-feudalism: Whereas classical feudalism was based on the ownership of land, neo-feudalism is based on the control of public offices. And just as feudal lords used all means, including mayhem and murder, to protect and expand their landholdings, neo-feudal lords use all means � including mayhem, murder and electoral fraud � to protect and expand their control of public offices. I do not know if Romulo Neri and Jun Lozada have come to any conclusion about the New Order that they want to see established. I have. I have come to the conclusion that the Philippine political system, such as it is, is incapable of cleansing and regenerating itself as it spirals deeper and deeper in Scheisse. Since 2002, I have written several pieces, all archived in www.tapatt.org, that the only way out seems to be a revolutionary government. I realize, however, there is the sticky problem of who will lead and comprise such a government (See my article Revolutionary Government: Why Not? of Jan 10, 2002, and subsequent articles): http://www.geocities.com/dapat_tapatt/revolutionary.html Those who are terrified of the R word should be reminded that Cory Aquino headed a revolutionary government from March 1986 to September 1987. I do not recall anyone from the middle and upper classes � except perhaps some Marcos cronies and relatives � trembling at the idea of being subject to her revolutionary government. That nothing revolutionary transpired under Cory Aquino does not invalidate the historical need for such a government.. In the past five years, there have been overt proposals for such a government � sometimes innocuously called transition governing councils - coming from Gringo Honasan, Boy Morales, Dodong Nemenzo, Fortunato Abat, Antonio Trillanes and other, perhaps faceless, proponents. If it is going to happen, it is going to happen. And if I have confidence in those who lead it, I for one will not oppose it just because it is revolutionary. ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in www.tapatt.org and in acabaya.blogspot.com. NOTE: Transmission to yahoo.com and mydestiny.net addresses is sometimes delayed blocked by the servers for one reason or other. If you are experiencing this delay or blocking, we suggest you move to a hotmail or a gmail address. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to �Revolutionary Junta� More Reactions to �Reluctant Hero� �To all Filipinos everywhere� Dear Mr. Abaya, I totally agree with you about supporting a revolutionary government. Some people may accuse you of being undemocratic or of having a "kapit sa patalim" mentality because you are so exasperated about our situation. Nevertheless, a sober assessment of our circumstances does indicate that our woolly notion of democracy is not workable. There are too many contradicting forces and ideologies, too many vested interests, too many hungry mouths to feed. "Too many cooks spoiling the broth" would be putting it very mildly. What kind of a government can we expect from a system that cannot even pass an implementable Land Reform Law? That cannot even pass a comprehensive sin tax law? Or a law for a simplified national ID system? Or anything that would have to do with birth control? Will snap elections make us an enlightened people overnight? Will snap elections get rid of corrupt politicians, the sinister designs of the Communist movement, the aspirations for self-determination by our Muslim brothers, the ambitions of some elements in the military, the intervention of religion in secular affairs, etc., etc.? That sounds to me like whistling in the dark. After all, we have seen how two EDSA's didn't do anything to pull our country away from moral bankruptcy or lead us to economic advancement. Instead, we have seen a game of musical chairs played ad nauseam. Nothing changes except for some of the protagonists. In a liberal democratic system, we will never get to uproot our damaged culture. The forces of vested interests are too powerful. Customs too bastardized. Values too damaged. It would take tremendous political and administrative will to restore the deterioration of our political and administrative system. It cannot be done in an atmosphere of disarray and confusion, where too many discordant voices try to drown out one another. Very truly yours, Juan Deiparine, (by email), Toril, Davao City , Feb. 28, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya, Per website: http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=181 Former Senate President Jovito Salonga says: �No declaration of emergency rule without U.S. consent.� Pierre Tierra, (by email), Great Falls , Virginia , Feb. 28, 2008 (Not really true. The Americans accepted Gen. Pervez Musharraf�s military coup in Pakistan in 1999 even though it was not cleared with them. In 2005, the Americans actually tried to overthrow President Arroyo and replace her with Joseph Estrada. But the plot, which included the �Hello Garci� tapes, bombed out. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Military junta? People power? Power sharing? Give me a break! The only valid process that will determine who should lead the nation is clearly outlined in the constitution. Why are some political and military cretins insisting on extra-constitutional scenarios? If the country is led today by imperfect, not to mention grossly corrupt and incompetent leaders, then it is only because they have been elected to their positions by the citizens. If it is claimed that they cheated their way to power, then the fault is not in the constitution but in the election system. The voting system that is most susceptible to fraud and cheating is the one that involves manual handling and counting of ballots and physical transport of election returns. We are fortunate to live in a world of instant electronic, hands-free communication. What is keeping us from using this modern day facility, when even the poorest among us already use texting more than hand-written letters to communicate? If the country can't afford an electronic voting system, then listen to this: a successful Filipino I.T. magnate has long been offering a FREE electronic voting system that would also double as an educational tool for students in between elections. And the system has very transparent software that can be examined by independent auditors to ensure that the software is tamper-free and is designed to perform honestly. He has already recovered the cost of development of this system in other countries which paid him for this, so he can give this away to his home country without pain and without gain. Perhaps the best proof of his system's integrity is the refusal of Comelec to even consider his offer. Only in the Philippines . Charlie Borromeo, (by email), San Francisco , CA , Feb. 29, 2008 (So did you register your vigorous objections when Corazon Aquino established a revolutionary government, after losing in the snap elections of Feb. 1986? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Antonio C. Abaya! For PGMA to salvage her own dignity and save the country from impending turmoil, she, in consultation with the country�s credible legal minds and constitutionalists (Sen. Jovito Salonga can probably be one of them) declares having some kind of a constitutional crisis and calls a snap election. She and members of her family and those in her administration with pending cases should inhibit themselves from running for any office. After the winner/s in / of the election have been officially declared and sworn in, she then quietly and unceremoniously steps down. That will demonstrate to one and all her utmost selflessness, sincerity and patriotism. She will be long remembered not in disgrace but as a really good president. Can this ever happen? Or, is it just wistful thinking? Armando B Aspiras, PhD, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 (According to the present Constitution, snap elections can be called only when the positions of president and vice-president are BOTH vacant because of death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation. So PGMA must resign first, together with VP Noli de Castro. Snap elections are then called within 60 days after these positions are declared vacant. That is when all hell will break loose. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Your article goes from warning of the national disaster that a military junta would kickstart, to espousing a revolutionary government to get us out of our troubles. I find no essential difference between the two. I think the ugliness of the scandals of the Arroyo administration are causing people to hallucinate to see the "beauty" of another revolution. Our problem is essentially economics. Wealth (and thus, power) is not well distributed, and so no matter what form of government you put in, it will always be corrupted by this imbalance. Morality is relative. Economics is absolute. A nation becomes more "moral" when power is well distributed. I have personally come to the conclusion that the way to achieve a functioning liberal democracy is to follow what the people of Taiwan , Malaysia , Thailand , Singapore , and South Korea did: worry about the economy first. Only when that's fixed do you worry about democracy. By then, the people will have more leverage. I know of no country that started out poor and created a wealthy society under a truly liberal democracy. I'm beginning to think that development is the mother of democracy, not the other way around. Robby Villabona, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 (I agree with your last paragraph. That�s why a revolutionary government should be considered as a viable option. South Korea was under a military government from 1969 to 1990, during which SK was transformed into a modern industrial power. Taiwan was under a military government from 1949 to 1987. Its first civilian president was not elected until 1996. Malaysia and Singapore have been under authoritarian parliamentary governments since independence in 1957 and 1961 respectively. Thailand was under military generals from 1976 to 1988, and then again in 1991. Generals again staged a coup in Sept. 2006 and remain in power to this day. Military governments are by definition revolutionary governments since they operate without a constitution. China and Vietnam are one-party communist states that developed economically by re-embracing capitalism in 1979 and 1986, respectively. The Philippines is the only country in this part of the world that is trying to modernize itself under American-style liberal democracy, and by all accounts is doing poorly, compared to its neighbors. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello Tony! As always, what you've written makes a lot of sense. However, I have a feeling that it boiled down to one depressing reality: that we still need Gloria. You mentioned Noli and implied as much that power-grabbers will take the "candy" from him easily, Opposition politicians are not good enough for they are cut from the same mold as GMA, you've always despised the Left, and you've suggested a Revolutionary Government. But which one? All alternatives to me are fraught with danger and promise even more damnation to the Filipino people. Under Gloria, we have a continuous economic growth. Sure, this haven't trickled down as fast as we like but growth is growth and better a growing economy than a stagnant or or deteriorating one, trickle or no trickle. Change Gloria and we probably will lose this growth but retain much of our present problems. Have you been to the countryside lately? Construction is booming, more municipalities are applying to become cities, ICT has reached the rural areas (communications and money transfer are much easier now than before), agricultural commodity prices are increasing (meaning higher farmer incomes) and political landscapes are changing (i.e. new dynasties emerging, old ones disappearing) hopefully for the better. Sure there are always losers, but what country on this planet does not have any such persons or groups of persons, particularly in this era of skyrocketing fuel prices? Gloria is not perfect and may have a larcenous tendency to boot, like probably everyone else given the chance. But given her imperfections (and that of her relatives and cronies), this is no reason for us to lose our democracy and embrace a Revolutionary Government. Meanwhile, let us resist any attempt to change our Constitution and elect competent and morally upright leaders in 2010. I think the first one is easy and have been done before; the second one is pipe dream unless politicians on both sides pass electoral reform laws, among others. Herminigildo Gutierrez, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 (So did you register your vigorous objections when Corazon Aquino established a revolutionary government after losing in the snap elections of February 1986? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, A revolutionary junta would destroy our nation further. Let us never assume that those who would compose the revolutionary junta would be saints. Even if they were, our political culture would simply swallow and corrupt them. We need leaders who fear the wrath of God, who fear eternal damnation in hell. Without that fear, the revolutionary junta would simply change the crooks of today with another set of crooks. Let us learn our lessons from the last 22 years. If indeed President GMA is impeachable, then let all those who want her impeached come out in the open and start the process. Or, let the people clamor that she take a leave indefinitely and let Vice President Noli de Castro take over. Hector (Tarzan) Tarrazona, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 (So did you register your vigorous objections when Corazon Aquino established a revolutionary government after losing in the snap elections of February 1986? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Your imagination will bring us to nowhere. Ernesto Villarin, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony, Here's my dalawang perang reaction to your column on revolutionary junta: desperate situations call for desperate measures. Latin American countries have their banana republics. Ours (God forbid) will be known as a coconut republic that will start a trend. Shades of Mad Magazine's "Spy vs. Spy," a never-ending struggle for supremacy! Rome Farol, (by email), Highlands Ranch, Colorado , Feb. 29, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir; I sense a sort of desperation in the tone of your editorial. Perhaps, you might consider the implications of ongoing EDSA's and revolutions. The risk is the total loss of the law as having meaning for the people. The key to a successful republic is the rule of law. The key to a successful tyranny is the rule of man. Suborning a republican constitution in order to overthrow a regime that is suborning a republican constitution is an exercise in long term futility. Hitler or Roosevelt indeed. Do you not see the utter class based arrogance of such an approach? Please, sir, consider that the will of the people may just be the wisest basis for determining the course of your nation... not the arrogant perspectives of a corrupt elite. John Long, (by email), Seattle , Washington , Feb. 29, 2008 (The Republic of Korea does not seem to have suffered �a total loss of the law� when Gen. Park Chung Hee seized power in a military coup d�etat in May 1961, with the apparent support of the US government. Gen Park is credited with having built South Korea into the modern industrial state that it is today, even though civilian rule was not returned until 1990. (And then there is the Republic of China on Taiwan , under Gen. Chiang ching-kuo, which was under martial law from 1949 to 1987, certainly with the tacit approval of the US government, and did not have civilian rule until 1996. Another East Asian success story. Do you really think the ROK and the ROC were mistakes? ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww We feel people will support the last option, if allowed to express their choice.. Jose Regino, (by email), Zamboanga City , Feb. 29, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Giliw na Ka Tony: I read, with bated breath, your article on "Revolutionary Junta." My particular interest was with regard to prognostications on a Noli De Castro leadership. Although I had it that he is not ideally clean, I would prefer him as against any other leading politicians of these days. My serious doubt, however, is that he might not adhere to the GMA policy of returning wholesale English language to the classrooms. And that is the GMA ace which keeps her firmly ensconced in the Malaca�ang throne! Because it follows the Washington (World Bank-IMF) "policy of insuring the uninterrupted supply of cheap (Filipino) labor force for the needs of multinationals here and abroad." That sounds sordid, does't it? As I see it, through diplomatic and even by means of clandestine manipulations, our country is firmly being retained as a USA cultural and intellectual dependency to keep RP as an American-retirees-reserve. I see nothing wrong with that if looked at through the prism of considerations for international brotherhood. But my blood inevitably boils with the indubitable concern for our racial kin and the less fortunates in this our hapless Motherland! There lies my mental enigma, vis-a-vis the economist's notion of "survival of the fittest." and the elimination of the unfit! Now, going back to Ka Noli, he is "maka-wika," in the terminology of the lovers of Inang Wika (which include this obscure and silent admirer of ACA since the time a bosom friend by the name of Simplicio Lat Endaya {[email protected]} -- now an ex-pat somewhere -- from Malvar in Batangas province occasionally referred to him). My thinking of our country's current shaky situation inevitably reverts to our past history, particularly from the time the Aguinaldo revolutionary government was inveigled to fight the Spanish colonialists "to save the American troops" and then perfidiuously annexed/colonized by means of the Treaty of Paris. Thereupon, Filipino children of school age were lured with benevolent wiles, inveigled them to learn and memorize English, parrot-style (which has degenerated into wers-wers in our time), and tie down the Filipino psyche very firmly into the apron-strings of Uncle Sam's economy -- forever-and-ever! Until and unless somebody from our kindred would pick up the tabs and rejuvinate our suffering and prostrate Inang Filipinas! Ka Tony, I have my own very unpopular crusade, if "crusade" it may be called. It was featured by the late Celso Cabrera in the June 24, 1970 issue of The Manila Cronicle, in his "Inside Malaca�ang" column. It might interest you to look at it. Very much later James Fallows wrote Damaged Culture in the Atlantic Monthly, although his treatise was off-key. Irineo Perez Goce, (by email), Lipa City , Feb. 29, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww NOTE. Because of limited space, this post may be truncated in acabaya.blogspot.com. It appears or will appear complete in www.tapatt.org. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya, You mentioned that Peso is strong and will weaken without foreign investment, but don't forget that the Peso got stronger now, not because of foreign investment but because of the dollar remittance by our OFW, the millions of Balikabayan boxes being sent, and the millions spent by returning residents and balikbayan tourists. (Actually, not true. The peso appreciated on Feb. 29, not because of dollar remittances from OFWs, but because the US dollar suffered a major setback: it dropped in value to a record low � 1.507 dollars to one euro. It has since dropped even lower: 1.516 dollars to one euro today, March 3. ACA) If we will rely on Foreign Investment, that would have been long gone and keep going away because of our political conditions. Even our Filipino Balikbayans doesn't want to invest in our country because of the politics that is so unstable and so corrupt. They'd rather spend their money going there and enjoy the hospitality of our people, the food, and the liveliness of living out there. Despite the political condition, it's still nice to be back, seeing old friends and relatives, the food and the nice places that we have been used to, but to invest, one would think 300 times before doing so. What more with the foreigners? the naive would try, but when they do, they get caught with so many problems and corruption that these foreigners would not recommend investing there anymore. Many of them have been trapped, some of them have stayed more than a hundred years, but where are they now? Where are the multinationals that used to have their factories and Asian operations over there. They moved, because they got fed-up with our political system. Politics is killing our people, our reputation, and the country itself. Filipinos are being branded the Maid capital of the world, our talented, brainy and college graduate are leaving the country because the country cannot afford to give them a decent living. Our Doctors and Teachers work as Maids and Janitors abroad, because they can get a better salary and live better, even though humiliated and discriminated at times, than practice what they studied over there. Is it their fault? NO, it's the politicians fault who did nothing but plunder and loot our taxes, natural resources, and everything they can get their hands on. No matter who got elected, it's the same thing over and over, and the country got poorer and poorer. In all of the 45 years that I have stayed there, the country never improved and it got worst every change of President. Do we expect it to improve? I Don't know, only God knows, and only God can do it. Thank you, Fred Santos, (by email), San Ramon , CA , Feb. 29, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Can you explain why you call EDSA 2 phony? How can anyone forget the almost spontaneous uproar of TV viewers of the proceedings of Erap's trial. I was one of those who followed the coverage of the trial and I perfectly remember shouting expletives when the envelope which was supposed to clinch the testimony of Clarissa, the star witness who saw Erap sign his account with a fictitious name, was prevented from being opened. At that time, there were numerous complaints against Erap (e.g. his gambling till wee hours with gambling friends, his queridas who recipient of very generous gifts such as the Boracay mansion in Wack Wack, jueteng takes, etc), his inability to attend meetings. He brought shame to the Presidency. In other words, discerning people saw how inutile the president was when it came to performing his duties as President. My sons who were in college called me up to say they were in Ortigas to express their anger at the turnout of the trial. I too went there to find expression for my disgust. How can anyone say it was phony ? Next to EDSA 1, it was a spontaneous reaction unlike what the opposition is trying so hard to accomplish. I think people , especially those in the opposition, are losing their focus. I am not a fan of President Arroyo but please, let us be fair and not blame everything on the President. Punish those who were directly dealing with the Chinese counterpart. Let Arroyo finish her term then let all those people pretending to be holy deal with their squabble for power later. All these happenings now are simply disgusting.Let us be part of the solution and stop being pat of the problem. Josie Banaag, (by email), Feb. 29, 2008 (Like you and your children, my wife, children and I were also at Ortigas during Edsa 2. We were also at the Edsa 1 �revolution.� Edsa 2 was phony because we have since found out that months before January 21 2001, then VP Gloria Arroyo was already meeting with a group of generals led by then AFP Chief-of-staff Gen. Angelo Reyes, with whom she plotted the overthrow of Erap. Our anger over the unopened envelope was genuine, but we were just being used by her to cover her months-long plot with the generals to bring about Erap�s downfall. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Only an IED could get Arroyo out of power and banish the Arroyo clan and cronies for good. By IED I mean Inspired, Energized Demonstrations. There must a single person to whom the Pilipino people must rally around. The current marches are led by the very same people who have lost their credibility. They no longer inspire nor energize strong sentiments from the rest of the population. Jun Lozada is not the right person; he is a terrible substitute, a false hope, and a part of the establishment. What we are seeing right now is business as usual while demonstrations continue to occur in EDSA or in Makati . The messiah must come from a foreign land (Who? You? ACA) (North America or Europe ) who will rescue the country from chaos and give this country the elusive peace. The search for this savior should have begun after EDSA I. Cory Aquino was an ineffective President after EDSA I and so was FVR; Erap was a disaster and an insult to the intelligence of a supposedly literate (but terribly misinformed, gullible and apathetic) population. GMA, on one hand, was held captive by the generals who kept her in power but so powerless to keep FG's hands away from where the cookie jar is .Was I right? Dr. Nestor P. Baylan, (by email), New York City , March 1, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Gloria Arroyo's repetitive political bungling over the past few years has made her an easy target for condemnation. Under normal circumstances, she has gone way over the "three strikes, you're out" standard and the country should have been fed up with her. Well, I do think that the country is fed up with her and all surveys show that very clearly. However, I do believe that most people are truly afraid of the alternatives. There are just too many selfish interests competing for supremacy and, as you have often said, only the Communists have a clear idea of where they want to take the country. Despite last Friday's protest rally in Makati , those opposing the Arroyo administration could not even agree with each other. Apparently, many religious and non-partisan groups were unhappy about the inclusion of Cory Aquino and Erap Estrada in the rally. And to show their indignation, many walked out of the gathering. This was reported on ABS-CBN and by the Inquirer. The Inquirer article can be viewed here: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080301-122204/Organizers-regret-Aquino-Estradas-presence-at-rally I do agree. Cory Aquino tolerated much graft and corruption, especially from her own family, during her administration. Her weakness, naivete and her own class and cultural shortcomings allowed what could have been a truly revolutionary government to backslide into Marcosian and pre-Marcosian politics. She cannot be, never has been, the standard for which we can aspire for a better Philippines . And Erap? It may be a cliche, but there's no better term to describe his discourses than "the pot calling the kettle black". Having Erap onstage, lecturing about corruption, is too ridiculous for words. This incident reinforces my belief that, under a free-for-all, liberal democracy, we cannot move forward. Very truly yours, Juan Deiparine, (by email), Toril, Davao City , March 02, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Many Filipinos are OA (over-acting/reacting) to political situation in our country. US, New Zealand , UK , Australia , and Japan had leadership crisis, but no one propose things such as military coup or non payment of taxes. They change their leaders in democratic way. George W. Bush is so unpopular these days, but Americans would rather wait for the next election. He was also acused of cheating the election in 2000, but when proclaimed, American just accepted the decision. He looks guilty in invading Iraq without justification. But American believe in the process. No sour grapes. Helen Clark is quite unpopular in NZ. But the people of NZ can wait for the next parliamentary election. Lets not rock the boat too much. There is a constitutional process. Replacing leaders in any other way is messy/anarchy. Meanwhile, let do our respective role in society, no matter how small, and help create positive change. Its easy to blame other for our misery. But are we doing our share? Ody Lumanglas, (by email), Auckland , New Zealand , March 02, 2008 (It is not fair to compare politics in the Philippines with politics in the US , New Zealand , the UK and Australia . Anglo-Saxon democracy has roots that go back to the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215, when the powers of the absolute monarch were clipped by assertive nobles. Philippine democracy, though borrowed from the Americans, goes back only to 1935. Even Japan �s democracy goes back only to 1945. In the 1930s, the Japanese military staged a coup d�etat against the government. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Pres. GMA will step down and will ask pardon Last week I asked Senate President Manny Villar, and former Speaker Joe de Venencia during a tete-a-tete here in Dagupan City of the possibility that La Presidentita Gloria will resign next year. Face charges of plunder, anti-graft & corrupt practices, and other felonies she commited during her much assailed presidency. Then plea guilty to all of them, and asked succeding president Noli de Castro for pardon. And bingo, she's as clean as my toilet bowl! The two were quite unaware of this possibility. I told them that incase she waits to end her term in 2010, and could not chalk-up a parliamentary system of government where she will seat as Prime Minister, or whatever, she will be gobbled-up by the mentioned criminal charges. However, I pose a question to them: Will Noli de Castro allow himself to be used by La Gloria to pardon her next year without courting disaster of unpopularity in 2010 Presidential race against Villar, Mar Roxas, and Panfilo Lacson. Villar was just smiling, and the fallen il trapo de tutti trapi of Mr. Abaya just kept telling me in a confused manner " I just don't know". Gee whiz, Mr. former Speaker, those scenarios are all availalble in our law and system of our politics. Mortz C. Ortigoza, (by email), Dagupan City , March 02, 2008 Columnist wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwt Tony, I believe the Filipino people do not want incumbent politicians to lead the country. Our best option in my opinion is for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Reynato Puno to be the transition President who must declare all seats in both Houses vacant. Prior to the Snap Election that will follow, total revamp must be made of the Comelec from the Commissioners down to the Registrars. Narciso Ner, (by email), March 03, 2008 (A �transition government�, even when headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, would still be a revolutionary government. ACA) Call it by whatever name, if that is the BEST OPTION the Nation has, so be it. Anyway, it might be of interest to you that Mayor Uy of Tagum City who was supportive of GMA before has openly declared his stand for her to resign. This Mayor of Chinese descent has in a short span, paved all the streets, planted trees and plants along thoroughfares, centralized location of all government agencies, provided free technical training to indigents and many more but most important a ZERO TOLERANCE ON CORRUPTION. He is a self made millionaire and therefore does not need the graces from that "EVIL" "BITCH" unlike other LGUs who are UNPRINCIPLED. Narciso Ner, (by email), March 03, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Time for Change: The Transition Why change. Over the years, the traditional political leaderships (President, Vice President, and leaders in Congress) were given all the opportunities to clean and reform the political system. They failed. Instead they perpetuated the same corrupt system because it catered to their political and selfish interests. Recourse to snap or any other election, impeachment or other constitutional processes will only perpetuate the traditional politics that has brought the country down the drain. The opposing groups in the civil society are divided on who, what kind of alternative to support, and when to change. The military standoffs failed to make a change. They came out boldly in full combat gear but whimpered and melted in the end. There is a strong opposition to a military takeover. The only constitutionally organized institution left to lead a peaceful and orderly change is the Supreme Court. Destabilization will continue, and that could explode into a blood-bath. Only justice can save the country from a blood-bath. To delay justice to the people is to consent to a bloody revolution. How to change. Lay off the traditional politicians for a change. Let the court of last resort, the Supreme Court, act and do justice to the people�s cause. This is an option for non-violent action, an alternative to violent struggle for the Supreme Court to serve as an already organized caretaker government without losing its judicial responsibility. It is in form and substance still the most credible and moral branch of government being the country�s court of last resort. What form of change. By design, government is a public service organization. As a tool to ferry the people toward a new constitutional order, the caretaker government may function as a corporate entity with some or all of the members of the Supreme Court constituted as the Board of Directors and the Chief Justice as Chairman/CEO, the Cabinet headed by a non-political COO as the corporation officers, and the LGUs organized as corporate subsidiaries except that LGU elected officials related within the 3rd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity and serving within the same political constituency be considered resigned and replaced as the Transition Government may direct. How is this going to happen. Leaders of the different civil society and professional groups, the active uniformed establishments and those in the retired list may constitute themselves into a committee and call on the Chief Justice to lead the transition to a new constitutional order on behalf of the million Filipinos that expressed their desire for a change in governance. The AFP and the PNP shall insure that the transition is peaceful and orderly, and, conscious of their apolitical and protector roles, provide a secure climate for an authoritative governance of the transition government. The politicians shall lay off for a while and give the transition a chance to perform so that when the new constitutional order is ratified they can submit themselves to the people again. Meanwhile, their offices (President, Vice Preesident, and Congress) shall be suspended for the duration of the transition. Transitory measures. The transition is intended to reform present institutions of governance and clean the ills of the traditionally corrupt political system in a timeline of 2 to 3 years. A Constitutional Commission shall be constituted with Philconsa providing the core of constitutionalists to draft a new constitution for the ratification of the people within the timeline period. The Transition Government shall arrange for the graceful exit of the President and her family. All political cases shall be withdrawn from the courts of justice. Backsliders shall promptly be dealt with the full force of revolutionary laws. The major actors in the Transition Government shall not be eligible for candidacy in the initial election for the new Constitutional Government. Fortunato U. Abat, (by email), March 03, 2008 (A �transition government,� even when headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, would still be a revolutionary government. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Reluctant Hero� (Feb. 13, 2008) There is no doubt about the despicable corruption that seems to have become a part of the Filipino culture. For me the rage being expressed, despite the cancellation of the NBN deal, is still justified because without public outcry all the more corruption will be ingrained in our culture. It is in this light that Lozada's revelations become the spark that the moralist, and the self righteous as well as the 'trapos' have long wanted to exploit for good (and for bad) as it contains common truths that everybody is aware of. As in the movie "Da Vinci Code" where truth and fiction were weaved almost seamlessly, Lozada's is the right story that excites the indiscriminate as well as the insidious mind. Thus it is critically important that we do not over react as we take the middle high ground to view both sides of the issue dispassionately and with a discerning mind. Otherwise, we might find ourselves in a worst situation where things can not be undone without violence. I repeat, the best forum to seek redress for the attempted Giga overprice and the equally Giga (in clumsiness) alleged cover up is the office of the Ombudsman and ultimately the Sandiganbayan where we saw the successful prosecution of Erap Estrada. That, despite the successful dilatory strategy of his defense which finally ended when repeated attempts to put down the GMA government failed. However, the process should be convincing so it is a 'must' that it be covered live on televison (as in the Senate Impeachment trial) for the whole country to judge for themselves the merits and weight of evidences presented. The judicial Rule on Evidence can not and must not be set aside. To do that leaves the search for the truth we all long for in the hands of the mob and their shrill voices of prejudice and hate abetted by a profit oriented media that is peopled by many power trippers ("tawagan nyo nga si Secretary or General so and so at gusto kong makausap!") who are not known for objectivity. However, if the critical watchers led by the CBCP, PPCRV, and other legitimate CSOs and Peoples' Organizations, find deliberate attempts by the justice institution to waylay the case, then as what triggered EDSA 2 during the Senate impeachment trial of Erap, there will be a collective spontaneous outpouring of moral rage that will be make an EDSA 3 inevitable. So help us God! E. J. T.Tirona, (by email), , Paranaque City , Feb. 24, 2008 (But the Ombudsman has also been corrupted by GMA. Joseph Estrada was convicted by the Ombudsman to eliminate him as a rival to GMA in 2010. Notice that one of the conditions for his pardon (by GMA) was the written promise not to seek any more public office. (On the other hand, the Ombudsman has not moved against Gen. Garcia, Gen. Ligot and Col. Rabusa � who were charged with plunder in 2003 and 2004 � because doing so would expose a web of military corruption that would include the high-ranking generals with whom GMA plotted the overthrow of Joseph Estrada months before January 21, 2001. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tocayo, I certainly am happy at your website forum. What I proposed earlier to have your columns printed and given out to high school students all over the Philippines - and of course their teachers - has blossomed even much beautifully through this cyber-discussion medium where EVERYONE IN THE WORLD who wants to comment can and does. Bravo, Tony! Mabuhay and take care. I mean it. Tony Joaquin, (by email), Daily City , CA , Feb. 25, 2008 Northern California president-founder TONY ABAYA FAN CLUB (Tocayo, I guess you are the only member of this FAN club. Thank you, anyway. ) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony, Funny how people react, isn't it? Some condemed Jun Lozada, e.g. the one who said, he is a "Credible Witness", then went on to destroy his credibility and the position he took to protect himself and his family; or demeaning those who support him. I think this is an OXYMORON? When people bring up the name of VALEROSO, his role in the hide-and-sick episode is never explained fully. Could he not be playing the "Lagman" role as in the Ninoy Aquino assassination? Somebody up there is protecting Jun and this country too, otherwise the worse thing that Jun was running away from could have happened. Now the screen in the Malacanang Opera is beginning to unfold and the players are performing or have performed according to the "Directress?" command. Some tripped and stumbled while others missed their cues. What will happen in the next few days, weeks or months will determine the future of a people, already so abused and dismayed at what is happening to them. They are inundated with all kinds of scenarios and so called--denials and accusations and more lies are read and played in media. The spectators are agog, confused and waiting for the ensuing episodes to unfold or "explode"? Or is it "implode?" We are thankful to you, kind Sir, for reporting and explaining what has been happening to our country and people, so far. Let's just hope the forthcoming scenarios will not cause the desecration of our fundamental rights as a people, to say the least. We are also aware that most of those in military and police uniforms are good people and they would not want their families to be victims directly or laterally to the unfolding events. We are a Christian Nation and surely GOD will not fail us -- the heroes and recalcitrants alike! Jose I. Regino, (by email), Zamboanga City , Feb. 25, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Hi! I came across the website below only this morning. I thought I should share it with you. http://www.pinoymoneytalk.com/2008/02/21/jun-lozada-joey-devenecia-wiretapped/ Do you think this conversation is a fake and simply a demolition job? I'm anxious to know your opinion. With my best wishes, Art Magno, (by email), Feb. 25, 2008 (I wouldn�t pay any attention to it. ACA.) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, I was in Manila when this expose by Jun Lozada unfolded and made headlines (and still is a burning issue that caused rallies and protests to be held). The basic issue that really bothers me is whether a kickback really did occur and there was a prima facie evicence that money actually changed hands. It is a simple case of " he said and they said " (Abalos and other government people who may act as "credible" witnesses.) The supposed national broadband deal did not materialize and ZTE refuses to talk to enlighten the Senate and the public. What is there to talk about and use taxpayers' money for this Senate inquiry and declaring Feb 25 as a holiday because of an anticipated rally or people power? When an alleged kickback (or grease mone) is as large as the actual cost of the project, I begin to ask myself if this was all but a dream or a fairy tale. You wrote and I quote " Jun Lozada, a self-effacing but intellectual technical expert who calls himself a �probinsyanong Intsik�, without the social pedigree of Jose de Venecia or the personal fiefdom of Benjamin Abalos, comes out in all this as a man who truly loves his country, and who is genuinely appalled � as millions of Filipinos are - by the official corruption that has sunk this country to the bottom of the cesspool. In trying to avoid becoming a hero, he has reluctantly become one." I just got back from Manila . Someone called him a "probinsyanong intsik" and that caused an uproar for it was a direct affront to the Chinese community who controls the country's economy. Lozada did not call himself that as you have written. Dr. Nestor P. Baylan, (by email), New York City , Feb. 25, 2008 (You got it all wrong. Lozada did refer to himself as a probinsyanong Intsik, in full view of millions of TV viewers. It was Sergio Apostol, Malacanang legal counsel, who quipped that Lozada should be deported to China for causing �gulo.� Which drew an angry response from the Chinoy community. Which caused Apostol to apologize for his racist slur. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I agree with respondent Ador Ramoso of Atlanta , Georgia , on his impressions of Lozada. The fact that Lozada admitted that he was part of the corruption scheme puts him at par with the people he named. His revelation of an existing "permissible zone" of corruption is a lame explanation. Dishonesty is not measured by how much one steals. If Lozada confirmed his participation in the scam, despite its smaller scale, how can we call him a hero? Regards. Yett Montalvan, (by email), Feb. 25, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Forwarded to Tapatt by Conrado Sanchez) To all Filipinos Everywhere: I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this? Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my TV to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these 'honorable' crooks lambaste each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst! I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like 'Honorable', 'Senator', 'Justice', 'General' and worse, 'President'. Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation � Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? 'Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich.' It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid! I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more. And then these scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own 'pag bad ka, lagot ka!' slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries? And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. 'Love (of power) is blind' takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles. They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it. But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines . I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it. Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God! I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion � right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor. I call on educators and teachers � we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future � and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens. I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.. Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself. For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NOTE. Transmissions to yahoo.com and mydestiny.net addresses are sometimes delayed or blocked by the servers for one reason or other. If you are experiencing these delays or blockings, we suggest you move to a hotmail or a gmail address. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscrib, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. |