| What Better Choices?
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Jan. 28, 2009 For the Standard Today, January 29 issue There is an item going around in the domestic cyberspace with the provocative assertion that we deserve better choices in presidential candidates in 2010. In fact, readers are encouraged to submit their nominations to the email address: <[email protected]> The short message goes as follows: "Why should we settle with Noli de Castro (refutedly [sic] attack collect/defend collect and a GMA stooge)? "Why should we believe Manny Villar (behind Capitol Bank failure/double titling/titling of watersheds/C-5 insertions etc etc)? "Why should we accept Loren (wife of a convicted murderer/will do anything to get elected/no proven executive experience)? "Why believe in fast talking Chiz Escudero (Danding Cojuangco and Lucio Tan boy)? "Should we limit our choices to these questionable characters? "WE DESERVE BETTER CHOICES IN 2010 "PLEASE PASS so we can have a better Philippines !!!!! Let's look for the right choices. Email us who you think should lead us beyond 2010. "God Save the Philippines!" I have no idea who is or who are behind this campaign. I sent them an email asking for the results of this survey, so that they can be discussed in this space. The unsigned reply promised to do so, "around the end of this month.." It could be that those floating this survey are supporting one of the other presidential wannabes who are not mentioned in its hate list: Mar Roxas, Panfilo Lacson, Joseph Estrada, Richard Gordon, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Jejomar Binay, Bayani Fernando, or the latest Flavor of the Month, Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno. Or it could be a support group for our President-for-Life/Would-be Prime Minister Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as part of the Kampi efforts to emphasize that no one, but no one, can replace the Irreplaceable One It is a common lament among the middle-class that there is no one among the presidential contenders whom they would trust to do a better job than Gloria has done. Most of the would-be presidents have been in the public eye for decades, and suffer from that over-exposure. Rightly or wrongly, people tend to think that since they have not done anything significant in the years and decades that they have been public officials, there is no reason to believe that they will do anything significant if and when they occupy higher positions. Many concerned Filipinos, whether they will admit it or not, are really looking for fresh new faces with fresh new ideas of governance. This survey on what better choices we can have for 2010 is a manifestation of this frantic search for new leaders. But it is not the only one. Two or three years ago, Jaro Archbishop Amado Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a call for "a new breed of leaders". Our Thursday group met with him and eight other bishops at the Pius XII Center on United Nations Ave. to find out what methodologies the bishops had in mind for looking for and finding "a new breed of leaders." The bishops had no such methodology. We suggested that the Church use its Radio Veritas and its network of Catholic schools to provide a platform from which this "new breed of leaders" can be seen and heard, but the suggestion was received coldly and unenthusiastically by the bishops. In fact, when Jun Lozada emerged as a new folk hero, in the wake of the ZTE scandal, and was treated like a rock star by thousands of young people in the school campuses that he visited, it was the bishops who poured cold water on the incipient prairie fire by forbidding Catholic schools from further inviting Lozada to their campuses. So how the hell can "a new breed of leaders" get an airing in this country where the meaningless and personalistic party system � captive as it is by a cannibalistic political culture - is monopolized by feudal political dynasts, and media is interested largely only in trapos, coup plotters and Communists? The Kaya Natin movement being nurtured by Harvey Keh in the Ateneo de Manila University is focused on credible local executives such as Naga City Mayor Jess Robredo, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and Pampanga Governor Fr. Ed Among Panlilio, whom Kaya Natin wants to support for the Senate. The Ang Kapatiran party founded by Nandy Pacheco has initiated a nationwide search for municipal councilors to add to the solitary party member whom they have managed to get elected: a municipal councilor in Olongapo City. These efforts are both commendable and worthy of support. But the Need of the Hour is for a visionary president who will lead a social, moral and cultural revolution, not necessarily a violent one, to transform this country and release the long dormant and wasted creative potential of the Filipinos. In other words, we really need and deserve better choices in 2010. Any volunteers? Any suggestions? ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in acabaya.blogspot.com. 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. . OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to "What Better Choices?" 'Your Rizalian Insights' 'The Philippines in 2009' Dear Tony, I would like to have a president in the person of DICK GORDON. This country needs him ASAP. Regards, Dominador Co, (by email), Jan. 29, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Email to bring about consciousness to the masses to figure out a logical selection process in order to elect the best possible future president of the Philippines is thinking positive change. It is not only a mature and logical approach but at the same time discarding and minimizing the emotional factors quite prevalent during the election period often resulting in killings. This visionary approach puts the selection process into two or three stages. First to recruit individuals who meet whatever the criteria will be set up by this group. They will interview, review and do a preliminary cut of those that least meet the criteria. By doing it in stages it will bypass fanatic-personality, cult-like factors the masses rely on often to elect their candidate. It is a bad, bad practice that is why the country ended with Erap, Noli, Legarda and all the useless pea brained ex-basketball players and B-class actors in the government. It is shameful the practice has gone far too long! This process will get rid of that. Tony, whatever the Bishops agenda, I would recommend to stir clear away from them however good is their intent. I want to have a separation of church and state. I love my Catholic religion, however, religion somehow has profoundly over the years has skewed and influenced the state in a very bad way. We can consult with them on matters of life, abortion, sin, marriage but not dictate what is good for the country. The potential for heavy handed influence is like the sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the government. The timing is right for the country to approach the selection process business like. In business and other organizations we have a selection committee that checks out the candidate backgrounds, platforms, leadership ability, credibility and electability, etc.. The selection committee then recommends the best candidate based on their review. The procees eliminates surprises and ensres the bas possiblr candidate Thank you Tony and God Bless! Oscar Apostol, (by email), Rocklin, CA, Jan 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww So we do find the Messiah, a candidate who actually meets all the criteria that the middle class demands. Can they - the middle class and their allies, the Church, civil society and the business sector - actually get him or her elected? The masa have the numbers, but apparently their opinion does not matter in this exercise. But even if they, the masa, were to go along with the choice of the so-called better elements of society, what guarantee is there that the elections will be clean and honest? Remember that abominable pigmy in the palace still controls the Comelec and all the institutions critical to the integrity of the electoral process, not to mention the very extensive resources of the government that can be used to buy votes and the cooperation of officials. And remember, too, that the people's faith in the electoral process has been severely damaged by the coup that brought down Erap. Why bother to vote for the candidate of your choice - even if your choice is based on what you believe to be the candidate's exceptional qualities - when he or she could be ousted by a a small clique that in no way represents the vast majority? Personally, I think that little piece of work will remain in Malacanang long after 2010. Who is to stop her? Alex Menez, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Tony Abaya, None of the better choices that is presented will halt the worsening state of corruption. You may include CJ Puno or Panlilio or a team-up between this two will still not be able to stop corruption no matter how honest they could be, and if ever, at the most 1%. My question is: How can any of the better choices stop corruption by EVERY corrupt "Honorable" senators, congressmen in spending their fat pork barrels, Honorable corrupt justice secretaries and other secretaries, corrupt high ranking army and police officers, governors, city and municipal mayors, corrupt managers of government corporations or gaming commissions or corrupt judges and prosecutors WHO IS NOT WITHIN HIS SIGHT all the time at the same time and in all places all over the country? Impossible, CORRECT? This is why I am batting that we adopt the Grand Jury and Trial Juries because these devices will be manned by all the people in the private sector all the time and in all places and in all communities where all people of different "breeds" or creeds, color, and wealth are likewise present or residing to serve as sentinels over every government crook in their respective localities. Of course, government corruption will not stop. Every day, a corrupt government official is born but if every day, 2 or 3 or 4 corrupt high official once discovered is indicted and sent to prison, at least finally, those would-be-grafters will think 2 o 3 times before they attempt to self-enrich themselves in office and find something they will be forced to respect. If we establish the Grand Jury and Trial Jury systems, the people in the private sector will not be scared to decide to send powerful government grafters because the people's employment with their private employers cannot be easily sabotaged by such grafters. If a juror is unemployed, and there are millions of them now, the more he would willingly have fun to indict or convict those arrogant powerful government grafters. This is the way, poor and legal ignoramus Americans in the private sector have been doing to keep government grafters in the minimum level. Juries are made for the legal ignoramuses - not for lawyers who cannot decide as a jury like our prototype Estrada impeachment proceeding where the impeachment was decided instead by the legal ignoramuses in the streets. SO, WHAT'S THE OBJECTION IN CREATING JURIES? There are millions of potential participants in it, the poor people. It is the fundamental solution to stop government corruption after all. The people have the right to participate in justice because sovereignty and authority belong to them according to Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution. Government appointees such as prosecutors, judges, and other high rank officials, are scared to decide against the wishes of their political godfathers/mothers and that's the reason government corruption all over the country is escalating because none of high rank grafters born every day could not be investigated, much less indicted or convicted. The ultimate solution to prevent or reduce government graft is empowerment of the poor (they comprise the greater majority in our democracy) to have a deciding voice in justice through the jury systems so that they will be able to remove at will any discovered government grafter and other serious crime offenders and sent to jail wherever they may be WITHOUT THE NEED of relying on the supervision or control by a so-called best choice TRAPO in the 2010 election. Marlowe Camello, (by email), Homeland, CA, Jan.31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony! Has anyone thought of Adel Tamano for President? When I first met him at the Harvard Law Club, I thought he had nice dimples and baptized him "Cutie-Pie" immediately, which he rather liked, I think. In retaliation he called me "Gorgeous" which of course I liked, not just rather, but, immensely. Then I observed him steering an opposition team for senators to victory and, despite, or maybe because, of his cute dimples, making a huge dent in the administration's formidable machinery. I wish I could gather all the good candidates into a meaningful debate like the U.S. holds prior to elections. Then, we can have a real choice. How I wish upon a star! Cita Dinglasan, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Why do the candidates spend a fortune in the elections, when whoever will win the contest....will be in the hands of their families or the powerbrokers? We thought Gloria, who has the best education will become president and work for the good of the nation? I am even willing to vote for an ex-military, if he will do something to improve the nation. Trillanes, any one? Max Fabella, (by email), Florida, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir: RE your last paragraph, I think Fr. Ed Panlilio should lead this moral revolution as a President. Filipinos are not stupid. All they need is to be left alone by the corrupt politicians and petty bureaucrats. With Fr. Panlilio at the helm, Filipinos can become the best they can be without the heavy baggage of corruption. This is the only break we need. What he has achieved in Pampanga in short order shows the power of a moral political-economy as a force of good. The current crop of politicians do not inspire and do not instill an environment of high trust levels. Someone like Fr. Panlilio will attract the best and the brightest. Hecky Villanueva, (by email), Tucson, Arizona, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww We all know the lesser evil alternative (Kaya Natin Party) could probably open a new path in Philippine politics. Historically, however, good candidates are not chosen because they do not buy votes, are unseasoned in dirty politics, do not commit adultery (marry a party but also go to bed with crooks). and unlike hypocrites who promise an economic miracle to the people and fulfill this by their own family getting instantly rich, -- lesser evil alternatives only promise what can be done in the short term and look to better days in the future. In his Clash of Civilizations, Sam Huntington, said the most important distinction among countires concerns not their form of government but their degree of government." All these attempts to change the constitution or our form of government have been only to serve the interests of those who will benefit from the desired changes. It is all political double-talk. In respect to our people, we should add that even if we had a government composed of "lesser evil alternatives" like candidates of the Kaya Natin Party, we would still have to tackle the problem of the Filipino psyche. This has never been thoroughly considered or discussed, except perhaps by Jose C. Rizal. The malaise in our people, called indolence by some, hardly resistant to bribery. prefering,"palabas" than real value, taken in by artifices and false values, religious only on Sundays, etc. - these have never been healed. So long as we remain the pathetic hypocritical group that we are, we shall always, as has been said, get the government that we deserve. Lionel Tierra, (by email), Sacramento, CA, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I also wrote that group and asked why other names like Fernando, Lacson, Roxas, Gordon, Puno were not mentioned and further asked who the group recommends, but never got a reply. Narciso Ner, (by email), Davao City, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished) Fr Joe, let me pass your comments back to the author--- usually he publishes reactions to his column, hope this is ok with you! you penned a lot of wisdom and it will be great to share this--- rgds, Joe Mac, [email protected], Jan 31, 2009 Hi Joe, Politics here are really bad, but I really don't see good politics in the US either. The basic ingredients are missing everywhere, the Natural Law and the Common Good, and here in the added defect of a government that is drifting away from the Philippine Culture. Real politics has to come from the moral fiber of the people voting. If people voting are greedy they will get a greedy president. If the people voting are of loose morals then the leaders they pick will be of loose morals. Ideologues will choose people of like ideology. The party system is a good system if the party leaders are chosen by the people rather than by an elite within the organization, but then again it will fall back on the moral fiber of the people voting. It seems to me that there are two basic foundations for the good moral fiber of a nation made up of many religions. They are the natural law, recognizing order that is not relative but written in the very heart of man by his very nature as man and the other is the Common Good, a good of which every individual good is a part. The party system in the US has lost sight of these, the democrats talk about the common good but have become ideologue in scope and lost contact with the natural law and have become relativistic claiming rights which do not exist in the natural law. The republicans on the other hand, while leaning towards the natural law have over-emphasized capitalism (ideology) as a common good thus favoring big business. Here in the Philippines, before we can really reform the politics we need to: 1. teach the children in the schools the beauty of good actions based on the natural law (which for all religions flows from God) and the common good that is not based on material wealth but on order, respect, goodness, justice, peace, love, discipline, sacrifice, and etc. The Common Good is not just the material growth of the community but even more basic it is an atmosphere in which people can grow wholistically, in which love can flourish. 2. teach the children the beauty of the Philippine culture and the dangerous pitfalls that are inherent in the beauty of the Philippine culture, eg, importance of family - respect for life and acceptance, etc: however there are pitfalls such as nepotism and favoritism. There is a need to teach them how to strengthen the good and avoid the pitfalls. 3. teach the children to be proud to be Filipino, while at the same time accepting the dignity of all other nationalities. Instead of looking at anything american as superior and thus good to imitate, or anything that an american says as gospel truth, to first examine it in the light of the Philippine culture and see if it follows the natural law and common good of the Filipino. Reject it if it is bad and accept it if it conforms to Filipino standards. 4. and teach the children personal pride and joy in working for what they want rather than seeking and expecting handouts. They must learn that work is an integral part of personal growth not something to be avoided. The school books are coming from foreign programed educational supplies that are teaching foreign values that are definitely not Filipino, eg. the philippines is poor because it is overpopulated (this direct out of the National Security Memorandum 200 for population control for US Security), or a small family means a healthier happier family (health and wealth are good but do not necessarily depend on the size of the family nor does happiness depend on material goods). The Filipino generation now has been deculturized by western thoughts and values through years of education based on western ideologies (not by natural law or common good). Without 1st recapturing the good in the Filipino Culture, there will never be an effective change in the government. Look at the laws being proposed in congress, they are not Fililpino, they are international bills being stuffed down the throats of national governments everywhere, not in the interest of individual nations but in the interests of ideologies. When I see or hear Filipinos who look down on Filipino Culture and fellow Filipinos I have to ask myself two questions: a) Are they looking down on the adulterated Filipino culture? If so, then lets recapture the true Filipino Culture b) Are they already adulterated and thus lack appreciation of the true Filipino Culture? If so, then we must show them the beauty of the Filipino Culture by living it. To change the government will take years of dedicated sacrifice and education. It must come from the Heart of the Filipino not from foreign design or ideologies. It must be built on the Natural Law and the Common Good. It can be done, it must be done, and I have faith in the Filipino People that it will eventually be done, with the help of their two great supporters, Jesus and Mary. God bless Fr Joe Schwegmann, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, GMA is a master tactician. When she got Noli de Castro as her running mate, she had in mind the great contrast between her and Noli, ang isa ay marunong (mandaya) ang isa ay bakya!) She thought that Noli will never dare oust her, that people will never oust her and be replaced by one like Noli, (Oh no! Not again). Some of the other names mentioned were at one time her own ally, Loren Legarda came near her, although for a short while, so also Manny villar, De Venecia, Lozada might have been a whistle blower but he too fell short because he blew the whistle too late when he could no longer cope with the dayaan. GMA was able to prepare for this time by placing all retired military men in position in the government maski hindi qualified, the result is that no coup' de'etat!. Comes now the election, many of her would-be contenders were placed at bay, hindi makapasok, the one man whom I think will stand tall , supreme court chief is not interested. Sino kaya? Wala nang ibang natitira kungdi? Cita Garcia, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony: The Philippines sorely needs somebody of the caliber of Lee Kwan Yew or Mohammed Mahathir. I refuse to believe that there is not one Filipino, out of a total of 92 million Filipinos, who does not fit this requirement. But the obvious question is how can such a Filipino successfully emerge when the country is held in the vise-like grip of what I have called the "politico-economic-clerico" elite? Here I recall Thomas Gray's memorable lines in his "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard": Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Some village Hampden,that with dauntless breast The little tyrant of his fields withstood; Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest, Some Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood. Mariano Patalinjug, (by email), Yonkers, NY, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww What is needed is not just potentials, but one electible and reliable, trustworthy leader that the majority will unite to support so that votes need not be fractionated and thus ineffectual. Is this impossible? Ben Oteyza, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 (Impossible. Even in the late, unlamented Communist countries, where elections were held without opposition candidates, the Communist Party candidates got "only" 99.5 percent of the votes. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tocayo Who do - you - 'V'ELIEVE is the best choice! (next to GMA!?) You have written for years and commented on almost everything. You could or would have the insight intelligence or (be the) ?!inchoate!? - - - to really get involve and not just be ritin and ritin ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ??!! You are NOT rush limboooo, who only knows how to tokin tokin, but, not really doin or contributin to - for the greatness of society. I know a lot of people, appearin and or pretendin to be - good fence s[h]itters and critiKKKers, but put them in the firing line and they have NO balls, and their coconut shrinks! Unfortunately - not - in my lifetime?! ~ but I continue to hope and pray for a time, when a great Filipino, will rise from the Ass{es} or ashes! Tony Oposa, MD, (by email), Makati City, Jan. 31, 2009 (For the moment, I prefer a revolutionary government., headed by someone like Chief Justice Reynato Puno. Tocayo). wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Who among the "Presidentiables" for the 2010 Elections? If we listen to the destructive politics being bandit around, there is no one among them qualifies, except for the one who thinks "He is the one?&%$?" (the one who prepared the list of bad choices 'kuno?). Being Filipino I am not surprised at the temerity and insinuations of this Satanic Propaganda. These are the mud-throwers/finger-pointers/I-am-better-than-them/insinuators/chismosos-del-Infierno/Sons & daughters of Satanas. If you have better terms to call them, tell us. We are not surprised at their techniques. They are the best propagandists this side of Hell. But unless we expose them and their evil-designs, our democratic processes will never get the chance to evolve- to grow. We cannot even believe in surveys anymore as we know some of them are just paid propaganda, appearing as surveys. Exposing the "Real" DEVIL'S ADVOCATES is the best way?! You, my friend, is the person we can trust-- to tell us, to help us make our choices. Please be there. Let us see what happens! A concerned citizen. J.Jose I. Regino, (by email), Zamboanga City, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, While I am only a visitor to the Philippines, I have been following the news and the process of your country's election of a new leader. I do not know these people, nor their reputations, but, it took a disastrous 8 years under President Bush for someone like President Obama to be elected in the US. You have not had that experience, but have other challenges, like Charter Change to cloud the issue. All countries have their "Caesar Wannabes" and family dynasties, the US included. All countries have their political scandals and graft, as is obvious in today's news, even in the US. Electing the best person for the job is not easy, and, in reality, I think, seldom happens. But, sometimes the person we elect rises above the crowd and does a good job. Obama is an exception in US politics and a new direction in ways both obvious and not. Whether he is a great President or just adequate, only time will tell. Almost half the country hopes he fails, and, in fact expects him to. The rest of us hope he is able to succeed in his goals. America is divided more than any time in its history since our Civil War. We need someone to bring the country together and hope he can do it, but that's Democracy. Somehow we stumble along and keep going. I am looking forward to observing the Philippine People's election process and wish you all well. It is time to get rid of greed and graft and lies and become mature adult citizens, accepting the responsibility that a Democracy gives you, and to use that responsibility to elect the person that will take the Philippines forward in this dangerous and complicated world. Good luck! Bill Tritt, (by email), Philadelphia, PA, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello Kuya Tony C. Abaya, I suggest the name of Mr. BAYANI F. FERNANDO for 2010 presidential candidate. He has all the qualifications and moral force to lead our country. Let us make him a national figure so he is not only good for Metro Manila but for the whole country at large. He is known to have 'no space for those who goes against morals, law violators' and will likewise be against those corrupt and inept in the government. MABUHAY AND PILIPINAS ! MABUHAY SI BAYANI FERNANDO ! Leona Guera, (by email), Australia, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, Here is my initial requirements for those who aspire for that coveted position. What is needed for the Philippines is a President as strong as Marcos with the sincerity of Cory Aquino.Thanks and more power. Bert Celera, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, it is sad indeed that we cannot pick a single unquestionably clean candidate who deserves the top post in our country. All of the aspiring candidates so far have dark ulterior motives. Most Filipinos are discouraged to go to the polls. We must be the only country, small as it is, that has these many candidates in the history of any national elections. Best, Yett Montalvan, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Sir, I have read the above mentioned article and agree that we need better leadership. I have started a group called "Lead Philippines" precisely to seek for new leaders in the country. At first, I set out to get support in producing a popular TV show patterned after Lead India, which is basically an American Idol type of search, but for Leaders instead of singers. However, a few months into it, I cannot find solid support from people whom I contact although they all support the idea. Everyone seems so busy doing what they think is best and they do not need me (an unknown person) nor another initiative to keep them away from what they are doing. So, I have revised my plan and have listed other things to do to help search for new Leaders. I decided that first in my to do list is to produce a radio program that will tackle current issues in the country truthfully, candidly and fairly and will feature interviews about these issues with hopefully the best minds in the country today. I will seek out the opinions of journalists and pundits (such as you are), as well as university professors, business leaders, other professionals, government workers, even unknown politicians. The premise of the program, which I now call as "Liga ng Katotohanan", or LnK, is simple: Leaders are everywhere but they do not have a venue where they can be heard. Our mass media today focus on the popular and they ignore all the others. LnK will focus on the truth and will challenge the popular. Meanwhile, real leaders are those that can stand up and are not afraid to face the truth. They do not need any kid gloves when interviewed, they just need a venue to be heard. A challenge for the program is how to make it popular. I believe though that tackling current and hottest issues candidly and truthfully is in itself already popular (It is not being done only because mass media cannot stand up to face the truth themselves), it just need to be started. So I began reaching out to radio station owners in hopes of getting their interests in doing the program. If I do not get their support, Lead Philippines (its few supporters) might invest to buy radio time myself and produce the program, and syndicate it to many different stations nationwide. At a running rate of Php10-20K/hour to buy block time on radio, I think my plan is quite feasible. Mr. Abaya, do you think there is merit in what I am saying or am I way over my head? If you find merit, are you willing to support, even lead this initiative? Best regards, Arnel B. Endrinal, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 Lead Philippines (If you have never produced or hosted a radio or TV program before, it would be very hard and very expensive for you to suddenly start one and expect a mass audience right away. I suggest you team up with an existing radio or TV program and work your way up through it. No, I cannot lead your "initiative" as I have my own group and we have our own plans. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww As usual, Tony, a very insightful writing, Lord, No! Not Manny Villar. I am presently involved with some of his underlings and it is interesting to say the least. When it is all over I will tell you what happened and the outcome. Keep up the good work and never lose your love for the Philippines. More people are needed like you who are not afraid to speak out. Jay R. Brundage, (by email), Ridgefield, Connecticut, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Everyone depends on media reports for information. This includes newscasts, interviews, talk shows, advertisements, events. All these means of communicating require money. A new breed of leader candidate will have to campaign with little airtime, interviews, posters, and precinct vote watchers . No matter how good the candidate is for the position, he cannot win against the trapos if he is without good propaganda and vote-buying funds. Nor can he even increase awareness of his name. also, unless he gets his message across and convince big business of his economic plans and get their backing he will surely lose. And finally, his backers should not betray him. Chances are slim for this kind of candidate that many begin to speak of as the "new breed". But even we are few, let our voices be heard and our votes counted. if however the demographics show a bigger slice are the young voters, then this could create a new swing . But how do we decide which candidates ARE the new breed of leaders? Our circle of friends suggest this simple method : do not choose the trapos, not a single one of them, no matter how popular, and do not elect the ones they endorse. And pray that the one chosen or whoever wins will win by a majority vote and not by a phone call. Victor Manalac, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 (We also suggest that you use capital letters to start every sentence, so that we do not make any mistakes figuring out what you are saying. Sometimes it is difficult to tell a comma from a period, which can altogether change the meaning of a group of phrases. Capital letters can prevent that kind of misinterpretation. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, I read with interest your article "What better Choices?" I agree there should be a method to choose the best and the most qualified candidates for 2010. There should be a way to gauge the candidates' level in areas like logic, ethics, management, leadership, etc. Indeed, we need "new breed of leaders" in this country who have fresh "ideas of governance," and are good models for our children. We should not limit the choice only to those belonging to the political class in our society. I have many articles about this issue posted in my blog site at http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com. If Kapatiran Party is still looking for councilors nationwide to add to their solitary member, modesty aside, I humbly volunteer myself. Thank you. Reginald B. Tamayo, (by email), Aparri, Cagayan, Jan. 31, 2009 Member, Sanggunaing Bayan wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony It is not a wonder why these kind of emails are going the rounds and surely this was not the first nor will it be the last. A visionary President would be one of the results of having a party that does have a vision, a set of mission statements and a resulting platform of government. We challenge the TRAPO parties to a debate on vision, mission, values and platform in any public forum. Then we challenge them to present the faces of the top posts candidates on the national level. The Comelec and independent election reform groups could arrange this series of debates leading to the presidential debates from January 2010. Any takers?? Mabuhay ang ideolohiyang Kabutihang Panlshat!! Be blessed, Tony. Eric Manalang, (by email), Feb. 01, 2009 Ang Kapatiran Party wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, Can you dust up your crystal ball and get me a reading on what is in store for us? There is this deepening recession resulting in increased unemployment. This can lead to more criminal acts such as bank robberies, kidnappings, etc. We have the pestering and seemingly unsolvable Moslem problem. Equally worrisome is the student factor that can flare up uncontrollably. With all of the above and with peace and order deteriorating, and general dissatisfaction by the populace, do you see anything in the future that may possibly justify extreme remedial measures to impose, say (susmariosep!) martial law? Heaven forbid.! Ben Lim, (by email), Makati City, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I am convinced that things being what they have always been, a transformation though elections is oxymoron. And as we get closer to 2010, things become more ominous. We delight in the prospect of radical changes which must involve national cleansing. Regards Cesar Sarino, (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Thanks for mentioning us here :) I agree that we need a Visionary President who will really represent and fight for the needs of millions of Filipinos. Harvey Keh :), (by email), Jan. 31, 2009 Kaya Natin, Ateneo de Manila University wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir Tony, You wrote: The Ang Kapatiran party founded by Nandy Pacheco has initiated a nationwide search for municipal councilors to add to the solitary party member whom they have managed to get elected: a municipal councilor in Olongapo City." I was surprise that the search had include the municipal councilors. Actually I had one in mind, he ran in the previous election as independent and got the 6th place in the council. I would be proud to nominate him. Val Xavier Vi�as, (by email), Feb. 02, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, With all due respect to our presidential wannabees, I'll consider for this moment their claims as being the most deserving to be the next Philippine president. However, if I would use as reference guide to their qualifications their obnoxious advertisements, they won't get my vote. Here's why: Manny Villar � helping OFWs. This should be the job of the OWWA, not his. What I want is a president who would industrialize the country so that our professionals and skilled workers would consider working in the Philippines the better option instead of going abroad. Mar Roxas � Mr. Palengke. Has he done anything to upgrade our market facilities? Our public markets stink. Our vendors would rather sell their wares on the sidewalks instead of market stalls. And he talks like a Palengkera. What I want is a president who would prioritize commerce by building the infrastructure (roads, port facilities, food processing/preservation facilities) and upgrading our dilapidated markets. Loren Legarda � Anti-corruption (same as Ping Lacson). Better said than done. Can she live by example, and can she lead by example? I want a president who will have no qualms in arresting public officials SUSPECTED of graft and corruption and trying them in a people's court, IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC (like in Luneta Grandstand). Richard Gordon � boosting tourism. No amount of tourist propaganda will convince the tourist to visit the Philippines if the worldwide perception is a country run by crooks, where public officials down to the MMDA traffic enforcer demand and accept bribes, where the smallest argument in Mindanao is highlighted by the local and foreign press as a full-scale battle, and where squatter shanties lie beside five star hotels and resorts. Noli de Castro � affordable housing. In fairness to this man, his advertisements are definitely better than those of the above. This is the average Filipino's dream. I would vote for a man who can deliver this basic need to me. However, he should also address the issues on corruption, overpriced and haphazardly planned housing projects, and being a yes man for the right amount. Yes, given the right packaging, any of the above would do. But if the contents of a book are obscene, it cannot be hid by any kind of book covering. Thanks and have a good day, Bong Alba, (by email), Feb. 02, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, I would suggest Mr. Simeon V. Marcelo, former Ombudsman. People who have worked with him say that he is a really upright person. They say that he actually lost money while in the Ombudsman since he very frequently pays for his job-related expenses from his own pocket. Even going so far as to return 100% of his cash advances for his official foreign trips. Sadly, Mr. Marcelo would probably not be very interested in running for any position. Regards, Enrico D. Hidalgo (by email), South Korea, Feb. 02, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, One thing is certain. Anyone who is endorsed by the Philippine Catholic Church will definitely NOT get my vote. I remember them having "endorsed" GMA during the 2001 coup. Robbie Tan, (by email), Feb. 02, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww My kind of presidential candidate to contend in the 2010 election would be an earth-bound earthling with an average or even above-average scholastic achievement with pleasing disposition and administrative skill plus an ear to reason and ability to act decisively within the bounds of law and ethics. His rule would be guided by his love and devotion to 1. God 2. country and 3. family (in the order of importance). Maybe the Kaya Natin and Ang Kapatiran movements can lead me to my kind of candidate. For those who disagree with my choice, I could help them look for an alternative candidate of their choice provided they are willing to join the fun in a matching-type game (with the kind indulgence of Tony) wherein an individual would pick certain traits which he believed should be possessed by the candidate of his choice. He, then, would match these particular traits from the list of presidential wannabes in 2010. � ___A brilliant justice, member of the judiciary for 20 years or so with 11 years in justice body who awoke one day to realize in horror that he is in the wrong vocation or profession. He is now overage for priesthood. � ___An articulate journalist, an outstanding broadcaster and a consistent top vote-getter in senatorial elections. She has a flair in dramatics and a suspected political butterfly (who is not, anyway, among the current politicians). � ___A very talented, upcoming lawmaker belonging to the so-called "brat pack" with unflinching loyalty and dedication to his political patron. His group is allergic to decency spelled D-a-v-i-d-e. � ___An outstanding mayor, self-styled Obama of the Philippines, A Cory & Erap supporter and at times known as Rambolito. He has an ever-ready army of people power at his beck and call. � ___One-time speaker ng bayan who caught the admiration of a greatful nation for railroading certain articles of impeachment, a self-made billionaire, outstanding CPA but a lawmaker wanting expertise in budget preparation (according to his peer in the senate). � ___An economist, outstanding government Finance Officer, belonging to the Araneta clan (am not sure if he is related to Araneta of Irene's). Probable match a. Mar Roxas b. Manny Villar c. J. Binay d. Ciz Escudero e. Loren Legarda f. Reynato Puno. God bless us all. Arcy F. Sibal, (by email), Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Feb 02, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya, Randy's latest rendition on Obama guides us to where our hopes should lie and where they should not be. To say that it is an enlightened analysis from an enlightened intellectual as Randy is, is still an understatement. He has the gift of discernment which this country really needs to propel and guide it to modernity and perhaps to a post modern society. In my book, Randy David is still the best president we may not have unless by some divine streak he changes his mind and present himself as an alternative to those who are continuously inflicting themselves to our overly fractured national psyche. We do not need technocrats or politicians and much more entertainers to move this country out of the doldrums. It is my humble opinion that an intellectual with a clear understanding of our history, our culture and our politics is our only salvation. The resurrection of our society lies on one who can provide us with a vision, inspiration and hope that we can all collectively share and work for. This is the kind of fate we all deserve. This, Obama did for America. I am still hopeful that Randy David would change his mind and thus change our national fate. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Lito Yap David, (by email), Feb. 03, 2009 (Remotely related to Randy David) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, My two cents worth: First, draw up the qualifications we want the President to have in light of our current condition and where we want to go. Second, form a search committee to draw up a long list of qualified candidates in and out of the political arena. Third, let them go through a process of vetting through a year-long process of immersion nation-wide in partnership with broadcast media. Fourth, cull them through a series of public surveys until the last 2 are left standing at the top of the heap. They may or not be reps of the major political parties but that would be secondary at this point considering that the parties have not reformed. Best regards, Raffy Alunan, (by email), Feb. 03, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I have pasted some of the points in your article and I intentionally did not include the matters considering traditional politicians because I believe that our country would not work with traditional thinking. I realized too that the last paragraph of your article mentioned that the efforts of the Kaya Natin Movement and Ang Kapatiran Party are commendable but the personalities they supported even for the Senate or the Councils would not be the Man needed for the Hour. I beg to disagree with you. I even beg to disagree with the limitations of the expectations for the people they support, which make their top position only to the Senate. I agree with you that need of the hour is - A visionary President. Yet, I believe that the most humble servant may be the need of the hour. What we need is not somebody up there, mighty and well known because that is the traditional thinking. Traditional thinking was already rebuked when we needed to replace Marcos by a candidate housewife in Cory. Traditional thinking was rebuked in bible history when Joseph the youngest and seemingly the weakest son of Jacob was annointed by God instead of his strong yet wicked brothers. Traditional thinking was rebuked when the whole army of Israelcould only send a boy in David to kill the Goliath of the Phillistines. Traditional thinking was rebuked when the people of America voted for Barack Obama. I cannot find visionary examples from the crop of traditional politicians. However, David did kill a lion, before he killed Goliath. So does Gov. Panlilio and company, by winning their exteremely difficult battles in their own provinces. Obama was an ordinary community organizer but with a great vision and faith to make the "Yes we can" a path to Presidency. If we can believe in ourselves and in the greatness of God, we do not need the money nor the fame of men to lead us. All that we need is the purity of our hearts and the greatness of our faith. Remember how then Fr. Panlilio defeated the great evils of money and corruption in Pampanga? Remember how Governor Padaca fought established political clans in her own turf? Theirs, are the kind of leadership that the Filipino need. Theirs are the kind of faith and example that the Filipinos have been waitng for. Theirs are the kind of leaders that we cannot see because we have been blinded about the lie of the devil that our faith is not enough. Yet, if we want to move mountains, we must start with the faith of a mustard seed. Remember how then, the courage of a poor Nene Pimentel made it as Mayor of Cagayan de Oro during martial law? All that we need now is to pray and live with our faith. For at the appointed time, God would have shown His majesty and greatness if we know repentance and faith. Let us start to think that traditonal politics should not be allowed to absorb people like Gov. Panliliolilio and company to be sideliened in the Senate with tradional political parties which are governed by traditional politcal maneuvers. We need people like them to see action in the highest position of the land and if we wonder why we cant find any, we can start to think that maybe, God has already annointed one of them to lead us. Yet, we need to convince ourselves that we needed to defeat our own fears by the mighty hand of God, for without faith, we can do nothing. God bless our land. Bob Ocio DMD, RN, (by email), New York, Feb. 06, 2009 (Former City Councilor of Cagayan de Oro City) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I don't see any better choices in 2010 unless someone who will lead a revolution and break the status quo and start a new system sans the oligarchs, business, political and even religious power blocs that have benefited from the status quo for several generations. Thanks and regards, Javier Ailes, (by email), Atyrau, Republic of Kazakhstan, Feb. 06, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Why don't we use the criteria or methodology of professional management recruitment firms or executive "head hunters" like say Guthrie Jensen, Price & Waterhouse, etc. Apart from the required academic preparations, record of accomplishments and work experience, the "Presidential wannabes" must go though a psychological as well as (while we're at it) drug tests plus a panel interview for the top 5. Of course those behind bars or with criminal cases filed against them with preponderance of evidence, shall be disqualified. Also, those who have displayed mental imbalance, violent messianic tendencies or have gender uncertainties shall be scratched out too (protestors can be delivered posthaste to their respective asylums). Sorry if that includes some of those some people admire(d). Of course the idea is not new and have been suggested by some people before. I recall during one of those NAMFREL meetings we had more than a decade ago (when i was Chairman of its Paranaque Chapter) I brought up the idea with JoeCon. But he said it will be tantamount to excluding certain people which is against the spirit of what is stated in our Constitution (ano nga ba 'yun?). But doesn't the current provisions also exclude some as nuisance candidates? Actually, the idea is just to raise the bar or standard for qualifying candidates. Can you imagine how much we will ultimately save in the process with a country ran efficiently like a Corporation or Foundation? The objective is to come out with a short list of say 5 candidates that will still be voted upon but only by Filipino citizens who pay their taxes (no matter those who may have cheated on how much they have paid!). Of course the other basic qualifications (ie, age, citizenship, etc,etc) should still be there. The top 2 of the 5 to voted on shall be declared President and Vice Pres. respectively after a Post-qualification process (just like in government biddings under R.A. 9184). The COMELEC should outsource the Pre-qualification processing of the wannabes to professional executive recruitment companies. Candidates should post a non-refundable fee of say P500,000 to help defray the cost of the process. This can be shouldered by the political parties or, for independent candidates, by CSOs or NGOs who may wish to "adopt" or sponsor them. I'm sure kinks about the idea or process can be ironed out easilly. But then that means a revamp of the electoral process as stated in the Constitution. That is why there really is a critical need for the Constitution to be overhauled and our inefficient electoral process is just one of the reasons. Unfortunately, some influential people and vested groups consumed with prejudice, suspicion and hate have managed to so pollute the air that a dispassionate and intelligent discussion of the issue of Constitutional Amendment have become next to impossible. So that is where we are now. Best regards, E. J. T.Tirona, (by email), Paranaque City, Jan. 31, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya- Your Rizalian insights I am an avid reader of your column. Your brilliant insights and courageous commentaries impress me very much. Rizal must be turning in his grave, seeing the country and people he had given his life for, victimized and enslaved today, no longer by Spain or other foreign powers, but by corrupt Filipinos themselves, who were voted into power by the majority (who else?), of people, who, obviously, are corrupt themselves. This culture of corruption must be eliminated. As Mahatma Gandhi said we, the people, "must be the change" we "wish to see in the world." This must start with "We, the People," and eventually end with a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Anyway, you were asking for volunteers and suggestions for 2010. First, we must define the criteria and requirements for the new breed of leaders we need to significantly minimize, if not end, graft and corruption and poverty in our country. Foremost among them are honesty, transparency, accountability, the absence in their past record of anything contrary to those stipulated qualities, and they must be willing to make a full disclosure of ALL their financial assets, investments, included, in and out of thecountry, etc..(scrutinized by an independent outside actuarial company to eliminate ill-gotten assets ) prior to running for office, and they must promise to support any legislative measures (like the People's Jury System, modified, if needed, for fiscal soundness) that are aimed at the elimination of graft and corruption (and all plunderers and other grafters) among them, with expeditious justice. This eliminates, at least, 99 percent of our present government leaders, from top to bottom. We can then harness the remaining one per cent, and perhaps add those most minimally "tainted" ones, who are otherwise good leaders, for practicality purposes, at least in the first stage of our national reconstruction, starting with the 2010 elections. The criteria we will use will be stricter as time goes by. We know and desire what is ideal, but this suggestion is a more realistic initial staging of the (r)evolution. To the names Kaya Natin listed, which you mentioned in your column who are models for good governance --- Pampanga Governor Father Among Ed Panlilio, Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, Naga City Mayor Jess Robredo....... and Senator Dick Gordon ---, we could add others, like Tony Meloto of GK, and model citizens from the private sector who satisfy those criteria stipulated above. I would take hundreds of Tony Abayas and his breed running our government anytime than those plunderers and criminals we now have in office. As I have stated before, what we really need is a revolution...NOT a revolution of arms where blood shall be shed, but a peaceful moral revolution of ideals and principles where seat and tears shall be shed to bathe our nation clean, and realize a new nation, with integrity, dignity, honor, and pride...for the whole world to see. Am I dreaming? Yes, I am, because I faith in the Filipino, and believe that the Philippines is not hopeless. I envision a great Philippines, and I sincerely know within my heart that this miracle is still possible. Sooner than we all think. Please continue wielding your mighty pen to wake up the Sleeping Filipino Giant...More power to you, Sir, and God bless the Philippines. Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, (by email), Feb. 01, 2009 Chairman Filipino United Network (USA) Email: [email protected] Website: www.FUN8888.com wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Forwarded to Tapatt by Tito Osias) The Philippines in 2009 When Filipinos look back at EDSA II, they readily concede: the GMA cure was much worse than the Erap disease. Under GMA's watch, the Philippines has gained notoriety as one of the world's most corrupt countries. As a result, Filipinos are now experiencing poverty and hunger at levels never before seen except during wartime. And this is not just another crisis that will pass in due time. Because the entire Earth is already reeling from the twin challenges of economic recession and climate change, the Philippines cannot hope that other nations can extend a helping hand. Thus, Filipinos need to closely and quickly review their options � and act decisively. EDSA II Revisited What brought the Philippines to this? Many may trace the beginnings to the Marcos declaration of martial law in 1972. Others may blame EDSA I, at least in part. But more likely would be the more recent EDSA II. Let's revisit that time� In late 2000, quarrels among members of the "Midnight Cabinet" of President Joseph "Erap" Estrada over illegal gambling spoils led to a botched rubout of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson. This incident turned Singson into a whistle-blower. Claiming to be the least guilty party in illegal gambling and tobacco industry irregularities, he ponted to Erap and Atong Ang as jueteng manipulators and fund extortionists from projects of the tobacco fund. Shocked by the revelations, activist and elitist groups led by Jaime Cardinal Sin and 2 past Presidents (Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos) swiftly joined hands to demand that Erap resign. Impeachment proceedings began in the House of Representatives went up to the Senate for trial. Then, with massive street demonstrations and televised impeachment hearings feeding a media frenzy and whipping up public anger, the Senate voted not to open an envelope that was supposed to contain key evidence. This vote sparked a swift civilian-military uprising that forced Erap to vacate Malacanang Palace after no less than Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes became the first defectors from the Erap forces to join the EDSA II forces. Citing Erap's "constructive resignation" as causing a vacancy, Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide swore in GMA as President. Thus did EDSA II elevate Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the Philippine presidency in a wave of euphoria: twice had the country booted out a thieving President by peaceful means! That was eight years ago. As soon as GMA took over Malacanang Palace, the traditional politicians (trapos) and other bureaucrats previously identified with Erap switched to the GMA camp, repeating the characteristic turncoatism and opportunism, not wanting to be left behind by GMA's gravy train. Months later, Erap was arrested � and eventually "imprisoned" in his own Tanay farm and rest house. After a trial of several years by the Sandiganbayan, Erap was convicted in September 2007 and pardoned by GMA in October 2007, with no less than Erap's erstwhile DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno being the same DILG Secretary (this time of GMA) who delivered the document of GMA's executive pardon to Erap. Even before Erap was pardoned, however, the politics and governance (or lack of it) of the GMA administration already precipitated several impeachment attempts against GMA which her allies in the legislature voted down by sheer strength of numbers. This has gravely weakened the foundations of truth and justice of Philippine democracy. But neither GMA nor her allies care � as long as they can plunder with abandon and not be bothered by niceties of decency and fairness. Thus has EDSA II and GMA tarnished EDSA I and the luster of Asia's first democracy. The GMA Legacy In a very short time, GMA has destroyed all Philippine institutions. The Executive Department (including military and police), both houses of Congress, most of the judiciary, majority of media and even the Church have all been compromised by the unprecedented corruption, fraud, bribery, blackmail, kidnapping and even killings. Here's a quick sampling of the performance of the GMA criminal syndicate that is posing as a national government. Kickbacks & Bribes Within weeks of entering Malacanang, the first kickback-laden deal was made, care of the IMPSA power plant supply deal pushed aggressively by GMA's first Secretary of Justice Hernando Perez. The well-documented (by no less than a former Congressman, Erap's "corporate genius" Mark Jimenez and the Swiss and Hongkong governments) case filed against Perez was trashed by GMA Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2008 on the technicality that Perez was supposedly denied a quick trial. Many deals involving kickbacks and bribes marked the dawn of the GMA era (such as the grossly overpriced Diosdado Macapagal highway in the Manila Bay reclamation area). And of course GMA's military and police cohorts won't be outdone, A "conversion" scam was perfected by AFP comptrollers (the best known of whom is Gen. Carlos Garcia whose wife and sons were intercepted by US Customs carrying hundreds of thousands of dollars into the US). And there's also the very sloppy EuroGenerals of the PNP who were actually apprehended by Russian authorities for currency law violations. There were also many other deals that prejudiced government assets and accounts (including the non-collection from CAP/Fil-Estate of P2 billion owed to BCDA-John Hay during a time when GMA brother Diosdado Macapagal Jr. sat as a Director in the CAP Board). A much-publicized Jose Pidal account surfaced, supposedly belonging to First Gentleman Mike Arroyo but brother Rep. Iggy Arroyo valiantly came forward to claim said account. It is also certain that well-funded offices (PAGCOR, PCSO, GSIS, SSS, OWWA, LTC, PCGG, LBP and DBP, to name a few) have been plundered by GMA henchmen. Evidence of all these will come out once GMA leaves office. International Irritants Neither are smelly contracts limited to local ones. An internationally-celebrated legal case is the Fraport airport contract that remains a sore point between Germany and the Philippines to this day. The natural gas contract in Malampaya is a severe irritant to RP-UK relations and was the subject of a visit by Great Britain's Prince Andrew. There are also the infamous Northrail and ZTE contracts with the People's Republic of China (which also has many onerous natural resource deals signed by GMA, including an oil exploration contract said to have violated the Philippine constitution). And there's also the MoA-AD with the MILF that has offended both Malaysia and the OIC and again made a mockery of Philippine sovereignty. And aside from the sudden pullout of the Philippines from the coalition of the willing in Iraq, there are many issues with the United States. One is the possibility that US rice donations were mishandled by the NFA and the DA. Another is that no less than the FG violated some money-laundering laws of the US � supposedly the reason behind the very abrupt return flight to Osaka during GMA's late-2008 trip to Peru for APEC. And yet another case that spilled over to the US was the Jocjoc Bolante fertilizer scam, which is being heard by the Senate a second time as this is written. Electoral Fraud Talking of flying, one activity that involved many flights were the 2004 and 2007 vote-buying shenanigans. The 2004 version is well-remembered as "Hello Garci" and involves many military officers (starring Hermogenes Esperon, Tirso Danga and a few other generals) and COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. It also needed a special ballot-box switching operation in Congress that is now corroborated by no less than former Speaker Jose de Venecia. The object of "Hello Garci" was to make sure GMA would beat FPJ by at least 1,000,000 votes in the presidential race. What the 2007 poll cheating achieved was to position Team Unity candidate Migz Zubiri as the 12th senator-elect, edging out oppositionist Koko Pimentel by blatantly re-documenting the Maguindanao results. Still, all the cheating didn't stop the election of detained Oakwood mutineer Antonio Trillanes. Cover-ups & Disappearances As odious as all the above already are, the human rights abuses of GMA may well be what will galvanize the international community to move against GMA. To cover up the malfeasances in the foregoing litanies of GMA crimimnality, it seems that some GMA loyalists have had to resort to blackmail, kidnapping and even murder. Names like Udong Mahusay, Sandra Cam, Ador Mawanay, Jun Lozada, the Manalo brothers, 2 UP coeds and slain journalists like Marlyn Esperat.have come out � but one can only guess how many haven't. And one name that has come out many times but who still can't be located is Jonas Burgos, son of the well-loved journalist Joe Burgos, icon of Philippine journalism. Salting the wounds of the disappeared is the recent consideration by GMA of the designation of Gen. Jovito Palparan to assist the PDEA's drug campaign. If this will come to pass, watch how many of GMA's critics will be discovered to be either drug users and pushers! Remembering GMA Given the foregoing survey (which surely missed many GMA criminal acts), it is somehow fitting that the latest scandal that has led to the closure of many rural banks as well as exacerbated the survival problems of pre-need firms is caused by a business group that has adopted the name Legacy. It is fitting because Legacy's headman seems to fully subscribe to the GMA formula of hiding behind an elective position to escape accountability for earlier crimes. After accumulating a lot of cash as a jueteng operator, political candidate, NHMFC officer, rural banker and pre-need entrepreneur, Celso de los Angeles has become a municipal mayor in the province of Albay. Perhaps this will be the town that can provide asylum to GMA when the time comes. Immediate Options Reflectimg on the previous sections of this paper, we see four possible end points of what the Philippines is now going through. The first � and farthest off � is to wait until the 2010 elections. But if we don't get to that point, it could be because the GMA Cha-cha train will already derail that election as early as early 2010 or late 2009. But there are also 2 other possibilities, whose dates can't be forecast as yet. One is a really bloody revolution. The other is a blitzkrieg by young officers. The 2010 Elections This early, many people are already attracted by this option, which is also by far the top choice of trapos. The proliferation of parties and candidates creates a festive mien that masks the hunger and poverty with a circus and some piddling cash. And if there are at least three presidential candidates fielded, then the winner is going to be whoever will be anointed by GMA or her party. If somehow, fortune will smile upon the Filipino and only 2 tickets will reach the homestretch, the likelihood is that the administration slate will have LAKAS, KAMPI and NPC bundled together to support Noli de Castro for President and Chiz Escudero for Vice-President. It can become really interesting if the remaining parties will get together to field an Erap for President and Mar Roxas for Vice-President. But with GMA controlling the printing of ballots and COMELEC, not even the Erap magic can match the "Hello Garci" technologies. The GMA Cha-Cha This may be the real GMA preference. Change the constitution so that it allows GMA to run in Pampanga for a federal parliamentary seat that lands her as Prime Minister. If this happens, then sorry to all the other presidentiables: only GMA would qualify to become Prime Minister. And that's why this may take a bit of doing. But she makes the rules, so she'd really have a big advantage in such a scenario. A French Revolution The rising rural and urban hunger and poverty has resulted in record NPA recruitment numbers in Bicol, Southern Tagalog, Central Luzon, Northern Luzon and many parts of the Visayas. This is a real concern for the AFP, which already has its hands full with the war in Mindanao. And this seems to be the reason for the US Balikatan exercises being shifted to Bicol, to protect the National Capital Region. And that's why the management of the commodity distribution and consumer prices (for items like food staples, LPG, petroleum supplies and transportation) is becoming especially critical. A shortage in a major urban center can spark flash riots that can jump quickly to other areas and possibly trigger violence born out of desperation. Should this happen, the French Revolution could inspire a Philippine version. And at the very least, such an eventuality will end in either a civil war or a Somalia-type warlord fragmentation of the Philippines. The Young Officer Option There is a fourth option. Until very recently, this was dismissed as being impossible. But it may yet end up as the most reasonable � and doable. This is the move of young officers to save the republic by taking over the government from the jaded and decrepit trapos and corrupt businessmen. Until now, said young officers have stayed beneath the radar, concerned about two things. First is the problem of what to do if they succeed in taking over: many of them realize that they may not have the competence to plan and implement a national purpose and program. Second is the fact that the group will need a certain level of seed funding that can propel them to the takeover point. Considering that the third option may become too bloody and that the first two options will just perpetuate injustice and trapos, this last option becomes more attractive with each passing day of watching crooks thumb their noses at all of us during the Senate and House hearings. Let us pray that yet another deus ex machine option materializes. But let us also be ready to support the young officers should they make a move before such an option can develop. It could be out last chance so that GMA won't have the last laugh. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to [email protected]. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. |
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