China Admits Spratly Deal was for “Exploration”
Acknowledging Article 12 Section 2 of the Constitution, the Arroyo regime has defined the debate over the legality of the Spratly deal in the follwing terms. The president is empowered to enter into exploration and development agreements with foreign entities PROVIDED that she notify Congress within 30 days of the execution of the agreement.
She did not notify Congress and provisions of the Spratly deal require that the terms of the agreement be kept confidential (the full text of both the Joint Seismic Undertaking signed with China in September 2004 and the Tripartitite Agreement which includes Vietnam signed in March 2005 are on Newsbreak’s website ). Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez have argued that these agreements are merely pre-exploration deals and therefore do not require congressional notification.
But in interviews I did this week that have been aired on ABS-CBN, oil industry experts have argued that seismic mapping in fact constitute exploration. One of those experts is none other than Eduardo Manalac, former PNOC president and the man who signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines. Manalac confirms that then-acting Justice Secretary Merceditas Gutierrez expressed concerns about the deal’s consitutionality and that the solution was to dub the agreement as a pre-exploration activity. But Manalac–who has been in the oil industry for 30 years– also says plainly that seismic mapping is part of exploration.
What do the Chinese say? In two articles published by the China Daily newspaper’s online edition on August 28, 2005 and November 17, 2005 , the deal is clearly described as an “exploration” venture. Furthermore, in the website of the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) the agreement is announced as follows:
Breakthrough Made in the Cooperative Exploitation of Disputed Area In the South Sea among China, the Philippines and Vietnam
CNOOC subsidiary China Oilfield Services Ltd. (COSL) held a ceremony in Shenzhen on Aug. 26 for implementation of the tripartite agreement on joint marine seismic undertaking and sail of BH502 research vessel, symbolizing new development in the cooperative exploitation of disputed area in the South China Sea among China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
During the bidding for two-dimensional seismic exploration in the agreement area in the South China Sea organized by China, the Philippines and Vietnam from Aug. 8 to 12, COSL made detailed and appropriate market analysis and bidding strategy utilizing its technological advantages and rich experience in marine seismic exploration, passed strict assessment of experts from oil companies in these three countries with the highest scores in technological bidding and commercial bidding, defeated well-known international oilfield service companies and won the project.
CNOOC, Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation (Petrovietnam) signed the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the South China Sea in March this year.
According to the agreement, CNOOC, PNOC and Petrovietnam will jointly collect rational two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic statistics in the agreement area in the South China Sea in three years and analyze existing two-dimensional seismic lines in the area. The agreement area covers over 140,000 square kilometers.
So on one hand, you’ve got two lawyers–Raul Gonzales and Mercy Gutierrez–arguing that the deal was pre-exploration. On the other hand, you’ve got two oil industry players–Manalac, the former head of the PNOC and the Chinese governemnt’s national oil exploration company arguing that the deal was in fact an exploration venture.
It just so happens that the two entities arguing that it was an exploration deal are the ones who entered into the original agreement.
Weigh that and make your own conclusions.
March 12th, 2008 17:12
Do you get the feeling that GMA has this long-term plan of making RP the first member-state of the United States of China?!
March 12th, 2008 21:02
First, our OUTERWEAR were taken away by this criminal enterprises from WE, The Filipino People….
Not contented, this very same criminal enterprises is volunteering the UNDERWEAR of WE, The Filipino People….
What’s next?
Are WE, The Filipino People ask to move around Bare Naked?
March 12th, 2008 21:04
“I have sat at the sumptuous tables of power, but I have not run away with the silverware.”Diosdado Macapagal
Did Gloria follow her father’s advice?
March 12th, 2008 21:27
The AUDACITY of HOPELESSNESS of GLORIA ARROYO:The Political End-game
Gloria and the Palace Gang will rewrite the country’s fundamental law to extend her term beyond 2010.
Here’s their expected political end-game:
1)Merge the Lakas and Kampi party to have a “super party” to act as bulldozer for a CHA-CHA move in the House of Thieves.
2)The “ULAP” governors and mayors will pass resolutions to create a “snowball” campaign for “federalism” (more local authority versus Imperial Manila). (“What is important is that there is a natural groundswell of support by those people who want it. It’s not a direct activity of the President, and there is no directive from Malacañang. The Palace will just support the initiative of the local executives”ERMITA).
3) Gloria will start talking again about Charter Change after receiving dozens of resolutions from congressmen,governors and mayors. (”It is not really for me anymore to initiate constitutional reform, but if there are others who will do it, I will support them”GLORIA).
4) The House of Thieves will propose convening a Con-Ass composed of all the ConAsses to propose a unicameral system(abolish the Senate) and extending their own terms beyond 2010(NO-ELECTIONS in 2010). ( “So it should start now from the people and from the political leaders who believe in it as well, so I will support it. But we will leave it up to the people and the political leaders on how to go about it and what specific reforms should be made!”GLORIA).
5) The Loyalist Senators (Miriam Defensor Santiago,Ed Angara,Johnny Enrile ,JokerArroyo) will support the “clamor” for the abolition of the Senate. (“Times have changed. It has already worn out its value”MIRIAM).
6) The Conasses will rush the approval of the Gloria Constitution .
7) They will propose a rush “people referendum ” to ratify it.
8)They will use the “guns,goons,gold” strategy to force the people to approve the “Gloria constitution”.
9)THE PEOPLE WILL OPPOSE THE CHARTER CHANGE.All sectors of society will reject any political scheme to extend Gloria’s term.
10)Gloria and her generals will instigate a “COUP ME” to quell the people’s unrest.
March 12th, 2008 23:00
not sure if i got it right, but wasn’t it reported that then-acting justice secy, ms. mercy, had initially expressed apprehension on the undertaking (not one but two declarations on this if i recall correctly have been made by drillon and mañalac on separate occasions)?… so now she changed her mind about how she felt then… how convenient.
. . . looks like another signature cover up to me.
if some officials’ statements cannot stand the test of time… well, at least, nowadays, we find consistence in their being inconsistent… some comfort, isn’t it? it’s become predictable. almost modus operandi-like reliable even.
… from the way it looks now, the government needs to come in the clear… it sure doesn’t look good at all. there’s no reason why officials should be keeping mum, or playing spindoctors and keeping us in the dark enduring various damning allegations… unless they did something gravely wrong.
…’m reminded, was quite surprised what i saw on tv yestrday: apostol had the audacity to pronounce a provision in the contentious contract requiring secrecy (?!???)… well, there goes my answer, i guess… shady deal, alright–right from the horse’s mouth.
March 13th, 2008 00:23
What is Gloria’s motivation of allowing China to explore or even pre-explore? Of course we know it’s about money, money which should increase our cash but at the same time increase our debts.
The cash we borrow is supposed to fund projects that will improve our economy thru increasing employment and combating inflation. Increasing employment is assumed to generate revenue thru individual income taxation. This revenue should exceed the interest rates charge to our debts in order for our country to be in a positive leverage position. This is common practice for any rich corporation or rich country. This is the reality in the world of Finance and Economics.
If you can borrow at 6% but make 20% then you make profits. It’s like investing in stocks or any mutual funds. You expect that your money will grow at least 10-12% a year.
In order for our country to attract foreign corporations to invest in our land and generate employment, we need to have infrastructures in place such as airports, broadband, roads, and of course people to do labor. Our government has done most of that and we have the population for labor but money spent were not as legitimate as we think because we the public did not demand for transparency. We don’t know where the money goes. We rely on our executives to be honest, ethical with high credibility. Well, we are wrong.
In addition: Our Senators who are supposed to represent their respective region should understand the needs of that region. What project that needs to be prioritized for maximum return of its investment where money spent will provide return such as production of daily comsumption,tourism or any other means of revenue. It’s like knowing what business are we in. Senators will require the assistance of their respective congressmen and mayors to suggest what’s best in their region. But you know what folks, they all want commission and fees for their services plus their salary that we are currently paying. A $ 20 million pork barrel will probably get to the public around 30%. Sad but true.
Gloria has been so focused on acquiring cash thru debt financing ,using spratly’s as collateral( let’s assume). Cash to finance all the projects proposed by congress but she doesn’t realize that everybody want a piece of the pie, not just her. Well let’s assume, she knows. As president, she can always write a resolution that every project must be reviewed and allowed for public scrutiny. We can even go back 20 years to review all of our Financial Statements and accounts reported.
She is leading the country therefore, I expect her to know what she’s supposed to do for the benefit of her people. I expect her to understand that her team is not functioning as it should, therefore she should tighten her role and ask her people for support.
Ricky is doing a great job for making us aware of all these deals involving money that we will pay in the future.
March 13th, 2008 02:35
Another outstanding post Ricky! thanks for pointing out those articles in the chinese press. I found one in the People’s Daily detailing the “celebration” in Batangas aboard the Chinese ship Nanhai 502. It even quotes Ed Manalac.
BTW, the link to the CNOOC website is broken. Did they take it down or something? Tum tarum tum tummmm…
March 13th, 2008 02:40
One question I have now is what exactly did the JSMU find in the Spratlys?
In the Peoples Daily article it is revealed that the data acquisition contract was given to the Chinese firm COS, but that the data processing work went to Vietnam and the “data interpretation” to the Philippines.
Do we know what that company was and what their findings are?
March 13th, 2008 03:48
Let’s not focus on our interest instead focus on stability of our country. Let’s do fundamentals on finding violator and prosecute them. So Erap stop whining that Gloria was getting billions while you got only millions, the charges is the same except she’s a bitch and you are stupid.
March 13th, 2008 05:40
The Philippine Constitution must be ammended to open the country’s economy, empower people in the provinces through federal system of government and require the vice-president to be chosen/appointed by the president, but never ever extend Gloria Arroyo’s term nor allow her and other past presidents to run again for the presidency.
Economic and political constitutional provisions currently fixed in the constitution have hindered the Philippines in all aspects of development.
Closed economy will never prosper as proven time and again.Centralized governmental powers only foster corruption due primarily to lack of direct accountability. The more accessible government officials are, the more accountable they become, and certainly this accessibility advances transparency.Federalism is a system that will foster such accessibility and unleash the creativity, innovation,culture,language, power and competitiveness among Filipinos from very diverse ethnic backgrounds.Only when people are indeed free can they achieve their greatest potentials. Those who think that federalism will only cause fragmentation are threatened by individual liberty. They think they know better than others, enjoying their freedom but not willing to extend that same freedom to others.Lastly, allowing the vice-presidential candidate to run independently from the presidential candidate creates political instability in the government as demonstrated in most recent history in Philippine politics.How can two most powerful officials in the land carry out powers by going two different directions and the vice president itching to grab power. A divided “house”(Malacanang) will not stand!
Political maturity is a work in progress, and without a doubt will not be achieved without extreme pain.
May God bless the Philippines!
March 13th, 2008 08:58
I’m so angry about this. What can/should I do?
March 13th, 2008 09:45
hunter,
I agree but our judicial system doesn’t work either. the senate cannot even find an easy solution. look at them on TV. parang walang mga pinag-aralan. no integrity and they have so much hate and guilt on their faces. it shows.
March 13th, 2008 11:09
How can the Tripartite Agreement transform the South China Sea into an area of “peace, stability, cooperation and development” when China, Vietnam and Philipines have totally set aside or ignored other countries’ claims on the Spratlys like Malaysia and Brunei (both ASEAN co-members) and Taiwan?
Only the Chinese seem to be telling the truth about the deal being an EXPLORATION venture. Could it be that some of our fellow Filipinos (de Venecia, Manalac, Gonzalez, Gutierrez) are lying through their teeth?
This is one issue worth investigating by the House and Senate.
March 13th, 2008 12:15
dear ricky,
might you post links to articles where manalac himself is saying that it is an “exploration” activity and not “pre-exploration”?
March 13th, 2008 12:36
The Filipino People are crying “BRING FORTH THE TRUTH”! (ILABAS ANG KATOTOHANAN!)
We want to know the truth behind all the cover-ups in the seven long years of Gloria Pidal’s rule!
How could so many scandals of an elected (?) president and her cadre remain unexplained, unchallenged, and unpunished? When?
Probably never.
We’re not talking mistakes, here. We’re not talking poor judgment or failed policies. We’re not talking politics as usual, with its underhanded array of pork and perks.
But we are talking about very serious violations of the public trust, and very possibly the law, perpetrated by the elected (?) leader of this nation and her handlers.
Even more amazingly, we are talking about the shameful reality that not a single one of these offenses has been investigated by a truly independent, non-political, neutral commission, armed with subpoena powers and adequate funding, and answerable ONLY to the people of Philippines.
Not a single one.
March 13th, 2008 13:25
TRIVIAL PURSUIT …
Does anybody know the identity of the “Philippine Explorer” who discovered the Kalayaan Islands in 1956?
In 1946, the Philippines announced its request for ownership of the Spratly Islands. In 1956, after a Philippine “explorer” visited these islands and carried out exploration activities, he decided to name these islands “Kalayaan Islands”. On June 11th 1978, the Philippine President signed the Number 1956 Presidential Decree, formally announcing that the “Kalayaan Islands” belonged to the Philippines. At the present, the Philippines has already built two small air force bases on the Philippines-occupied islands and turned three islands into army bases. The Philippine government also issued “the Revised Law on Territorial Water Border Line” and “Islands Principle”, and unilaterally defined its 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone, including the 410,000 square kilometers of waters east of China’s Spratly Islands.
March 13th, 2008 15:20
DJB,
Wasn’t that Tomas Cloma?
March 13th, 2008 19:12
Gabby, there’s no link, he said it in an on camera interview which we aired the other day. This Tuesday in the Correspondents I’ll air portions of that interview again.
March 13th, 2008 19:37
Maybe somebody can record the Manalac clip and post it on YouTube.
Remember the “Hello, Garci” audio clips that we kept hearing over and over? When we play audio or video clips of these damning statements made by public officials, it has a much more convincing effect than just quoting them in the newspapers.
March 13th, 2008 21:15
on mention of secy gonzales . . .
wow, heard what justice secy (yes, he’s supposed to be that but…) gonzales said about lozada & communists, the FSGO, priests (detractors of GMA) earlier–grossly irresponsible–to think he knew very well the interview will be aired, tsk! tsk! . . .
it’s one way to defend the government side of the issue (understandable to an extent) but another to attack and speak in such awful manner and terms–that last word caught on tape was crass (i thought that is only spoken by “kanto” people in movies)… [was so sorry for marieton for being exposed to such a situation--she sure looked quite queasy. even i cringed and 'm not even there. 'can't believe i heard what i heard... that sure was awful.]
some people situated in high places in government seem to have no delicadeza anymore. whoever would believe in anything he says when he can’t even justify his position as secretary of justice.
March 13th, 2008 23:36
Hi Ricky, that was good interview with the Sumilao Farmers, ang dating ng question mo sa salitang Tagalog was even more sharper than English.
March 14th, 2008 00:14
let’s assume that both china and Philippine admit it is exploration indeed, Gloria will resign.
What will happen to the money that China already have loaned to us and already deposited in our central bank and recorded as cash on Cash Flow Statement but is a Liability/debt service in Our Balance Sheet Statement.
What would be the next president do in terms of transparency and accountability? What would our Income Statement look like ( GDP) and What would be our Projected Income Statement will lool like during the end of his first term?
Our monetary board contols debits and credits approve by the President. These withdrawal will fund projects that is supposed to enhance our country’s needs including infrastructure and also fund the pork barrel for social services or regional needs.
We the people don’t have access to actual project prize? A good example is the ZTE deal. We didn’t know the actual prize until someone added more to the original prize.
Our economic plan and all other projects must be open for public. All contractors must bid and compete for quality and price. It should summarize actual expenses and materials to be used.
So when budget is released to start the project , the money will go down the drain and the project will be of poor quality or may not even be finished.
Let’s assume that the next President already know that there’s existing laws in our Constitution that needs to be changed for everything to be transparent and must be accounted by independent public.
Do you think Congress ( najority 2/3 of Senate) will agree to the change? Agreeing to change could also mean , no more monkey business for them? what do you think folks?
March 14th, 2008 06:32
Ricky,
Bakit hindi nakasali ang ABS sa ginastosan ng pro-administration para sa ads nila?
March 14th, 2008 09:16
I am just an ordinary consumer of fuel oil and have absolutely no knowledge about oil exploration except for what I have been reading. So I am not about the question the view of the expert, Mr. G. Manalac that seismic is part of exploration. But the word ’survey’ that appears in the agreement bother me. My take is that the preliminary survey will have to be done before the exploration to determine the quantiy of oil present. Exploration becomes important because it will determine the economics of the venture. The agreement as published by China is quite clear in simple English. The agreement “will jointly collect rational two-dimensional and three-dimensional seimic statistics in the agreement area in South China Sea in three years and analyse existing two-dimensionallines in the area.” as shown in your posting above.
My questions: “What if the survey shows there is not enough oil or fossil fuel in the area?
Do they still proceed with the exploration? If there is oil, should there not be a new agreement between the parties as provided for? Is this not then the time for ratification of Congress is needed?
March 14th, 2008 09:51
ricky,
can you please write something about the anomalies in the AFP COS Gen Esperon? i have been hearing it over the radios in manila but, i didnt read any about it in the papers…extensive one.
March 14th, 2008 12:23
btw, whats the commissioner on audit doing with financial corruption. are they corrupt too? they are supposed to be our accountants. i will sue them for distress.lol
March 14th, 2008 12:54
I wonder what role Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and his family and family in-law have in the China connection (I think Arthur Yap is married to the owners of Uniwide stores which have been selling a lot of China made products including frozen meats.) Arthur Yap has been the active promoter of China agricultural machinery importation under a suppesed China grant agreement. He was also pushing the agribusiness ventures with Chinese which would be undertaken in 2 M hectares of land that he has asked his peoople to look for. I am not sure what the latter’s project’s status is. Last I heard, the project list was supposed to have been on hold and two sessions of consultation were supposed to have been conducted by the National Agriculture and Fisheries Council (NAFC) which is headed by Atty. Bernie Fondevilla. I have known about the consultations because I was invited to both. I did not show up because I did not want my signature on the attencance sheet to be misused. In the past signatures in the attendance sheet have been used by some officials of the Department of Agriculture as expressions of approval of questionable projects or as endorsement of the controversial actions or decisions of DA officials, including endorsement of petition of retention of certain DA officials.
March 14th, 2008 13:26
. . . meanwhile, the open market price of C4 (the rice variety, not the explosive) is now PhP29 per kilo.
El Bucho
March 14th, 2008 16:28
We are losing this country to a stonewalling, corrupt, authoritarian-minded President.
No president has pushed the limits of executive power as this one.
Gloria was not elected to the office, she acquired it. Since that time her conduct has been extralegal.
The transparency inherent to democracy that would expose her is obscured through brute manipulation of Congress, the judiciary, the press and of course her stonewalling of all her seven deadly sins….
1)TREASON. The complete sell-out of the Philippines to China.(Spratly Islands, ZTE, SouthRail, NorthRail)
2)GREED The insatiable greed of the Pidal couple as evidenced by the litany of scandals since 2001.
3) THE MOCKERY OF THE ELCTORAL PROCESS.(Hello Garci, Comelec Chairman Abalos as BIG-TIME ZTE broker.)
4) THE DAMAGE TO DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS .We have a president whose psychological makeup inclines her to do as she pleases. Because the House has been bribed, and the Armed Forces roster of top generals stacked with loyalists, she has gotten away with it — so far.
5)COVER-UPS. Executive privilege has its place but it is not intended to cover a multitude of sins. It is not cover for illegal acts or a means to dodge accountability for mistakes made.
6)HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.
7)BAD EXAMPLE TO THE YOUTH. This country cannot have a leader who cheats, lies and stonewalls.
We face 2 1/2 more years of this and I fear how much worse it will become in the coming months.
Gloria Arroyo is extremely dangerous particularly now that she is cornered.
March 14th, 2008 22:07
“the Philippine economy is dysfunctional and doesn’t produce enough jobs.” an article by
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8766
March 15th, 2008 12:19
What Gloria Arroyo Should Have Learned in Assumption Kindergarten!
Teachers are always looking for those opportune moments in time when real life provides a chance to give students a rich example to consider. For those who teach history as well as those who seek to teach the development of character, there has perhaps been no greater opportunity to teach about Leadership or about Ethical decision-making than to follow the recent issues surrounding Gloria Arroyo.
Her tenure as President is fraught with glaring examples of her inability to separate her personal agenda and ambition from right and wrong. As the person expected to be the symbol for the rule of law in the Philippines, her blatant disregard for the law will make her a future case study for those who seek to teach ethical decision-making.
One should ask whether Gloria ever learned the basic values which little toddlers learn in kindergarten:
*The Golden Rule
*Be honest !Don’t tell a lie!
*Don’t take things which aren’t yours!
*Play Fair
*Respect Others:Remember the three “R”s – Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
*Don’t hit people
*Share: Help the needy
*When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together .Think of others ,not only of yourself.
March 15th, 2008 12:48
It is clear that Arroyo needs huge amounts to prop up a less than legitimate regime. When you steal a presidency,you have to buy the support of the military and police brass, the Congress, the LGU heirarchy, not to mention your immediate executive entourage.
When you are up against the collective blackmail of institutions and powerful individuals and your survival depends on feeding their monstrous appetite, you simply can’t ignore the good graces of the even the devil, much less of the country’s largest emerging economic partner.
What if oil and natural gas are discovered in the disputed areas?
Do we seriously think we can still assert our claims to such resources when we have already beggared ourselves with dollar-denominated loans to China? How can we negotiate optimal or even just equitable terms in acquiring access to such resources when we have relegated our bargaining position to a beach sand?
March 15th, 2008 16:47
Such rage, such emotions hurled by Senator Biazon et al at Senator Jamby Madrigal for blocking the appointments of military officials at the Commission on Appointments.
How I would love to see them rage with the same wrath and emotional intensity at the graft and corruption of Gloria and her cabal.
March 15th, 2008 17:52
Phil,
I agree. It’s just more proof that the lot of them (the entire leadership) are really just an “old boys club”. They are so bent on doing things to benefit their own friends and associates, and any threat to that results in the same wild-eyed, slobbering fury we saw in Biazon.
Why don’t they get just as mad when a child dies of hunger in the streets of Metro Manila? Or when a government official is accused of corruption…which, by the way, leads to the deaths of children in the streets!
I hope a journalist asks Biazon that exact question.
Their values are clearly misplaced.
March 15th, 2008 19:57
i would love Ricky to ask all of them what can they contribute in terms of improving their regions employment issue and agricultural issue.
what would be their strategies and steps to resolve this issue. short term and long term goals.
i wish all of them have a website with economic developement plan uploaded so that people can see what’s going on in their region. it should be a requirement. at least some kind of transparency can be evaluated by public.
majority of the cities in the US has a website with info on projects and plan.it has a phone number, email and address. people can get involve this way also.
March 16th, 2008 03:41
How can folks post things like:
The Equalizer, March 14
“We are losing this country to a stonewalling, corrupt, authoritarian-minded President.
No president has pushed the limits of executive power as this one.”
Have we forgotten Marcos? I believe that the analysis on what’s not going right with RP is largely misplaced. In my view, teh underlying culprit is two-fold:
1) an unprincipled opposition — a party that stands solely on contradicting, vilifying and opposing the administration for the sake of contradicting, vilifying and opposing the administration. I see no clear difference in principle or social/political/economic worldview between politicians closing rank with ‘admin’ and ‘opposition’. Everyone, instead is in it to be magpa-pogi.
2) an impatience for real analysis — I think many folks take the easy way out when discussing, debating, arguing issues. They ride their emotions and make things personal, instead of debating issues simply on their merits or demerits.
I don’t know where these come from; why they continue to be fixtures in RP society. More improtantly, I don’t know why folks let them cotninue to be fixtures of RP society. Maybe someone can educate me.
Nice blog.
March 16th, 2008 18:12
Actually Bong, I think the real fixtures that need to be removed from RP society are the corrupt, stone-walling, power-obsessed politicians (at all levels of government). They are a self-replicating class of people who use the public’s trust, and the public’s money, for their own personal gain.
The folks who, as you say, “are impatient for real analysis”, are in fact, the citizens those politicians work for. If I hired or appointed someone to manage my company, I would certainly demand accountability and answers. And I would be impatient for those answers.
Why do we all keep forgetting that we are not subject to the rule of a royal family? Those politicians work for us. They are our employees. They are managing our money. We have every right to demand immediate answers. Immediate answers!
March 16th, 2008 19:12
Michael
What you are saying is just a wish. They basically owns us. Dont you see it?
Heck if I only have 10 million pesos I can be a mayor of our town no questions ask. I can grab land, grab their daughters and grab some money while im on it. No one will stop me, because I control the guns in my area.
cjoven,
you keep on defending the loans that the china is currently giving. tell me what’s the benefits and what do we lose? We trample our own constitution just to get some dole out? Eat some pie from the Communists who kills and beat up its own citizens?
If thats what you want you are more than welcome to leave the philippines and go to china. You kept on seeing the money but you cant see whats the consequences it will make.
March 16th, 2008 19:55
To our “overfed” public servants,
how about
More PATRIOTISM towards WE, The Filipino People
and
less commercialism towards they, the Chinese Communist Party?
March 16th, 2008 22:15
kamote, my friend…i am not depending china for giving us the loan. my concern to our admin is what happens to the money loaned to us. where is the money? kahit na sabihin nila kung para sa ZTE, North rail, or other rails? we, the public has the right to know actual breakdown of expenses. That’s why I asked, what’s the commissioner of audit doing? are they corrupt too?
hay naku kamote: I don’t like cheap products. kahit taga probinsiya ako, i still have my taste. i think it’s best for us to just get along if we want to help our country. Together we can make a difference. If I have misunderstand you then don’t take it personally. It is not good for you.
March 16th, 2008 22:57
kamote: since you asked the benefits and what do we lose.. Here’s my opinion.
Benefits: I will just give you two examples ONLY.
1. To fund projects for the benefits of our people to be happy citizens.
2. To pay higher interest rates loan that we might have borrowed from other country. example: if our interest rates with US debts are at 12% APR but China let us borrow at 6% APR.. what would you do? Not sure if this is the case..but I have read somewhere that China loaned us the money at favorable rates with Spratly’s attach to it.
No bank in our country will lend us money unless we have some kind of collateral. If you buy a house for the benefit of your family, you pay 30% to 50% downpayment and the rest can be financed thru borrowing, right? same thing when you buy a car,you need at least 30% downpayment and you pay the remaining terms with interests.
What do we Lose:
1. we lose a lot because our Constitution has flaws on its code that limits the public from scrutinizing. The power to manage our money lies in the upper end … the president. The senate is responsible to approve or disapprove. Our Judicial system is responsible to use the court of Law.
2. We lose a lot because money spent is mostly inappropriate for our current economic needs. Most of those projects are not financially sound and legitimate. It is not transparent. It is a closed economy. Our country’s auditor , our country’s monetary board are so highly educated but they don’t seem to understand that its people’s money they are recording. The President, her team and the rest of the Senate don’t seem to understand that we are the one paying them high salaries. Salaries they used to provide for their families.
3. We lose because most of us don’t take it seriously that we the people of the Philippines are the owners and true assets of the Republic of the Philippines. We have elections to vote our board members to be responsible for the overall management of our country. One common goal is to protect the interest of the public with honesty. Not keeping the public from being blind, not making us poor. Every citizen of our country has the right to know what the hell they’re doing…
March 17th, 2008 00:20
FYI: I have no chinese blood in me. I don’t like fake ipods, fake bags , fake clothings and fake cellphones from china. Those products give me allergies. peace everyone.
March 17th, 2008 11:25
[...] security, to lessen the region’s dependence on Middle East oil.” However, Chinese officials admit that the agreement includes oil and gas [...]
March 17th, 2008 12:19
Ricky: is tomorrow’s episode of The Correspondents a replay of your report on the Spratlys? Or is it a part 2?
The Equalizer: I have been trying to boycott China-made products. Unfortunately, it really is much easier said than done. (Try it.) I recently received a tin of “Original Gourmet Parisienne Butter Cookies” from a friend who came back from the States. Yes, Made in China!
March 17th, 2008 14:31
Talking of the Jamby incident in the CA, listening to the senators with their patronizing speeches (”…these officers offered their lives for the country, etc….”) almost made me puke. Trapo!! Some of these senators complained about Col. Sadiarin too when he did those army camp election surveys. How come this guy went through the CA in a breeze?!! During the Senate investigation, surprise witness San Miguel claimed General dela Torre is his financial backer that is why they are partners. I was waiting for the senators to ask whether dela Torre, who was once upon a time PNP comptroller (remember Gen. Garcia who was also comptroller in the army?)was such a very wealthy guy that San Miguel would make him his partner? Or did our CA-member senators avoided asking that question kasi once upon a time pinalusot din nila si dela Torre sa CA because he also “laid down his life for the country”? May comptroller general ba na kasama dun sa wholesale promotion? I hate even the sight of Bunye’s face on TV but sometimes I think he has a point in saying that those we have in the senate are just nothing but “grandstanding” trapos. Though I still look forward to that day when Senator Lacson would become president of this country.
March 17th, 2008 15:49
You’re right Marius, ako din, si Sen. Lacson lang ang pwedeng bumuwag sa corruption na nagaganap sa ating bansa. From the very beginning, galit talaga c Lacson sa mga taong “kurakot” kaya ginagawa nya lahat para mailabas ang mga nalalaman nya at ang nalalaman ng mga sources nya na nagsasabi sa knya. Kahit na sinasabi pa ng maraming tao na pumapapil lang cya para sa 2010. Walang mangyayari sa bansa natin kung ang susunod na uupong presidente ay kurakot din. Mas mabuti talaga kapag ang uupong presidente ay anti-corruption. At yan ang ipinaglalaban ni Sen. Lacson kahit nong cya ay nasa PNP pa cya. I should know ksi meron akong mga kamag anak sa PNP na hanggang ngayon supportado nila c Sen. Lacson.
March 17th, 2008 18:41
saw “ang katotohanan sa likod ng spratly deal” on “sa diyos at bayan” last night w/ cong. golez, atty. harry roque, ex-PNOC prexy mañalac and a certain mr. quiambao (representative of an alliance looking into local agriculture) as guests… [unfortunately, atty. apostol of malacañan, or anyone from their side of the story for that matter, couldn't make it for some curious reason.] . . .
considering the infamous ZTE-NBN deal which about needs no further explanation, the current maneuverings in the lower house which looks a lot like an attempt by our government to fully cooperate with- and cede some islands off palawan to -China, the now not-yet-controversial-but-we’re-getting-there 2 million hectare agricultural land leased out also to (again) China, and a more open market for Chinese “goodies” (if you can call it that… badies–if there’s such a word–more like) in the country, among others we may not have an inkling of at the moment… as time goes by and more and more information are coming out to light… boy, it sure looks like our very own government has indeed pimped our motherland out to its “beloved” (if i may borrow a derivative of the word of malacañan) China.
how dare these people call themselves filipinos–and public servants at that! di na sila naawa sa karamihan na naghihirap…
March 17th, 2008 20:30
. . . di na sila nahiya o naawa sa bansa na kumupkop sa kanila at nagbigay ng pagkakakilanlan… sa tiwala ng mamamayan sa kanilang kakayanan na kanila sanang gagamitin sa pagsisilbi para sa interes ng bansa at kanilang mga kababayan.
it’s really saddening, if not infuriating, to realize that some people who are privileged, in the position, and have the power to make good, to make a difference, and serve, use the very same power instead to take advantage… as it appears, to advance their own vicious personal agenda.
i’ve always believed in the goodness in everyone… some of our so-called leaders now and in recent past put that to the test. big time.
may the goodness in this universe bless the people of this country so deserving of a good life… and may justice be brought to those who have wronged this country and its people. we should be taking care of and protecting our homeland, helping each other out especially those much in need… if our leaders cannot stand for this country and its people esp the poor and disadvantaged, may the rest of us–young and old–have the fortitude and faith in ourselves to stand up for what is right and do the right thing… find the filipino in us.
i am a filipino. proud to be one. i love this country. this is my home. wherever life takes me i know in my heart “here” will always be home… i pray that i be worthy of my citizenship, of this life in this godforsaken place i am born in… in my own little way, may i be, or be part of, the change i aspire to see . . .
someday, i want my kids and grandkids, should i have some, to see and enjoy the land i grew up in… i want to grow old knowing i have done good not only for myself and my family but for my country and my people . . . after all, i am a filipino.
March 17th, 2008 22:09
anyway, why can’t we go back to EDSA and demand to the President to do a Rapid Reform of our Constitution. We need to reform codes or law during elections to disqualify individual who buy votes, changing the code and law for debt financing ( the mother of money corruption), transparency in our accounting system, open our economy for public scrutiny and many more. Why do we need to wait for 2010. We can do people’s power for Reform. The president can do this even if Senate will not agree. It’s people’s power. If she will not agree then she needs to resign ASAP.
We are so gradual in terms of our decision making. Kung sa bisaya ” hinay hinay basta kanunay”. This no longer applies to our economy.
Gradual Reform is the same as waiting for things to happen, or let’s see what she’s going to do next or for the old folks, it means patience. Gradual reform will not help the hungry and the poor. Here’s why, small groups of super-wealthy oligarchs will continue to capture the state and dominate its economic decision making. Corrupts will continue what they’re doing. The president will remain in full control and the Senate remains to be dysfunctional. It’s been like that for a while. Gradual Reform is appropriate after a war.
With the passage of time, we all know that corruptions are getting worst. Transparency must be implemented during the process. Countries that adopted farreaching reforms tended to experience higher growth rates and lower inflation and received more foreign investment. Inequality increased less among rapid reformers than among gradual reformers. The same is true with respect to poverty rates.
Gloria is an economist. She knows about reforms. How can she not apply her background to real world of managing a country? I also feel that her Senate has limited knowledge in terms of economics that’s why the result is not for the benefit of the people but for their own good. I don’t think my senator has a plan or even understand causes of inflation and how to prevent it. I don’t see it from him. I don’t think he is capable. Same thing with my Congressman and Governor, they cannot even speak English or even straight Tagalog.
March 18th, 2008 11:02
EQ POLL”Which TV NEWS do you Trust the Most As Source of Credible & Objective Information?
results to-date:
ANC:38%
CNN:30%
BBC:26%
votes so far:65
Congrats RICKY!
March 18th, 2008 12:46
Great work Ricky!
March 21st, 2008 10:13
I think we should be worry of this development,seems that the ZTE NBN deal is just the tip of the iceberg,now the story is getting clearer,the puzzle is starting to be solve right now.Come to think of it Chinese goverment will lend Philippines money without any kind of returns?In Philippines we know that chinese people always mean business,Lets not wait that one day we are already sold by GMA.I always remember what my grandfather always told me about a Poor Boy from Lubao but died in Forbes Park tsk tsk tsk what an offspring that man gave to our country.
March 21st, 2008 11:13
CJoven: Makisabad na lang, you mentioned that Gloria is an Economist, that she knows about reform. If she is not an Economist, perhaps we will be better off. Economist never ever admits mistake, for the basis of crucial decision is the great economist phrase , “Lets Assume” which is she never get pass. The very same reason why she never admits any mistake. She is an Economist, always ASSuming. Solution, lets send her back to school and take other course….. Tawa naman diyan… Happy Easter to all..
March 21st, 2008 12:36
You’re the best abs-cbn anchor/reporter/journalist Ricky! Bow kami lahat sayo dito!
March 21st, 2008 12:38
Of course!!! Walang tatalo kay Ricky!!
March 22nd, 2008 21:47
got to watch a replay of the correspondents!
ang galing mo! braveheart!
March 22nd, 2008 22:21
EQ POLL:”Pagkaraan ng pitong taon ramdam nila ang pag asenso!” Sabi ng mga TV ads ng GMA administration ay ramdam na ramdam daw ang pag-asenso ng ating mga kababayan. Agree or disagree? Kayo - ramdam ba ninyo ang pag-asenso?
OO naman!6%
Ano iyun?11%
Pwede iyan sa joke of the day!81%
No comment na lang!2%
Votes cast so far:226
Kayo - ramdam ba ninyo ang pag-asenso?
March 22nd, 2008 23:46
utol,
hahaha. yeah you made my day. for an economist like Gloria, she can keep assuming but in every assumption there’s always risk. Risk can be calculated and projected. Options are out there for a stragetic thinker. I wonder who would replace her. I have read most of our senators backgrounds and experiences, very few of them fit the job descriptions and qualifications of the next President.Happy Easter.
March 23rd, 2008 06:31
actually, none of our current leaders are qualified according to the needs of our people. Out with the OLDs and in with the NEW… We need a new set of leaders. New last Names … basta bago…sawang sawa na ako sa kanilang mukha sa TV.. lol
March 23rd, 2008 11:52
happy easter, Üncle ricky! love yoÜ!
March 23rd, 2008 11:52
– from all of Üs here, of coÜrse! ;).
March 23rd, 2008 11:58
. . . your mischievous Ünrelated-by-blood niece who’s-not-really but we sooo love you here that unbeknownst to your good self we adopted you as one of oÜr own, yes, in oÜr family ;).
– marc1a
March 23rd, 2008 15:31
The Spartly Islands - Economic interest of many and strategic interest to the Americans. How will Uncle Sam live with the fact that the South China Sea will soon be under the control of a country whom it considers a regional threat? Surely, he will have to step in before any control is passed on to China. Poor Philippines. We are again in the thick of things for wanting to achieve some economic gains from our Chinese neighbor. In short, were we bought by the Chinese by dangling an 8 billion loan package? Our leaders should have thought of the Filipinos first or are they in a hurry to get their share of the pie? No amount of economic cooperation can explain or the justify the current situation. We have managed to open our doors to a foreign country who is just waiting to exploit, manipulate and abuse whatever natural resource can be found in the spratly group of islands. Our leaders whom we entrusted our national patrimony acted in haste and are no better than prostitutes who will give everything in exchange for personal economic gain.
March 23rd, 2008 18:18
marc1a:
Thanks and happy easter you and everyone here.
March 23rd, 2008 18:36
Ricky:Happy Easter!All of you guys have brought back TRUST to ABS-CBN news in spite of the vested interests of the Lopez clan.Its a tribute also to Gabby!
EQ POLL:Which TV NEWS do you Trust the Most As Source of Credible & Objective Information?
ANC: 40%
CNN:31%
BBC:27%
March 24th, 2008 10:45
Thanks Georege for your loyal viewership!
March 24th, 2008 17:04
mischief rift:
for all the fondness i have for this guy ricky right here, i don’t believe i should believe in what he says. i pay attention- and listen to what he’s got to say, yes, but i owe it to myself (my ego more like
to do my own assignment of assessing, theorizing, researching, analyzing, and concluding: thinking!… i make Üp my own mind, i can do that ;). regardless of which network the news is on–curiously, on important matters, i do exercise that faculty the almighty has kindly provided me–after all, this is my life… but, yeah, begrudgingly lest some haven’t realized yet, i give it: as attractively witty and fÜnny, full of pizzaz, classy and brilliant as mister risky… uhm, master ricky?… eherm, yeah: Mr. Ricky IS–’though he uncharacteristically stuttered this morning; bÜt that’s alright ;). which about drives the point–i don’t believe he is infallible… much less, a god :). — tsk! tsk! the lengths people go to disprove this point tells tall tale about my dear ol’ Üncle ricky.
. . . hmmmn, (let me) come to think of it… over the years, i do wonder myself why-oh-jÜst-why we here gravitate towards this guy’s work (just one of many) just as you are–at the moment ‘though, that conveniently escapes me [snacktime yet? maybe i need a li'l refreshment to refresh my rusty memory :]. . .
BUT, anyways… for all my lapses, at least, this i know: whatever i believe in does not require preconditions. life has shown me: truth, the real deal, or whatever is genuine for that matter–however one twists or smears it–stands, stands out and speaks for itself… it shines throÜgh. always.
but then again, i speak for myself: this is jÜst me, off-course (pÜn-intended). to each his own crap ;). scrap. trap… blah-blah whatever, anyways.
. . . which about goes to prove a point… this pundit here: hÜngry ;). hehe!… was jÜst amÜsing myself, building Üp some appetite… before i go get m’self some burjer, excuse me. . .
taxi!Ü
March 25th, 2008 08:36
George ok ka lang?!
Ricky you’re the best!
March 25th, 2008 08:40
Galing mo talaga sa Correspondents!!!
March 25th, 2008 08:43
“I would only believe in the fairness of carandang if abs-cbn would give enough airtime for the other side of the every issue ricky is dealing with.”
Anong airtime gusto mo?? Nakakatawa naman.
March 25th, 2008 11:47
Ricky one of the oligarchs?? That’s new..
March 25th, 2008 18:45
on #70 and 76. . .
i, a citizen, as others i know–yeah, probably even the much-beleaguered, mr. carandang, poor guy (doing news job nowadays, hazardous… you deserve a raise, uncle–not only for your work but for your hot stellar status), as well as, the rest in media, ‘m sure — what a scoop that would be! — would’ve liked to complete the picture, (for journalists:) beat ricky for the break, piece together, and present the “bigger picture”–which it appears someone with us seems to know. . .
BUT, as it is, for the rest of us, as often televised and written up and debated on for quite sometime already: for reasons beyond him and everbody else, the “other side” won’t speak up and elucidate on the important issues besetting us… what atty. apostol of malacanan has managed to preposterously announce with a smirk was that it’s a “secret” (???!).. and to give us a taste of what sec. gonzales utterred to those honorable ex-civil servants who care to talk, (pardon for the word): “ugok”, whatever that means, in retort to what the latter publicly stated — THIS is what we get, the stuff this society’s so-called officials are made of speaking for an organization called “our” government that is supposed to be accountable to its people and, therefore, should have been responsible and decent to have been transparent in its transactions made officially in the name of and for the same (people) . . . that is as far as the missing half of the story went… the rest of the interviews/hearings, they demean, kept mum on, spindoctored, or they totally just did not show up to honor these fora sans an excuse whatsoever. they even went the length of appointing some sort of a new lady spokesperson: either the oldies despite their numbers can’t keep up with all the talk going on, or just in hopes maybe that her peppy charm or her being young and female would deter detractors from all the hardhitting talk (for pete’s sakes, admittedly she doesn’t have the background)–her softtalk, unfortunately and i can relate ;). more emotions than substance–to no avail… functional maybe i give it only to present a pleasant altogether facade to an angered public–man, they sure know their psychology!… naaah, apparently, our own government is not serious. collectively they do not care to address our concerns. had they cleared this up… had it been “picture perfect”, would we be here?
. . . aaack! ‘would’ve been a lot easier to shut up and not get involved; play deadma–but this is precisely why we are in this situation as a nation because of the general apathy of most people–yes, because it’s easy and safe. convenient. you save your face. you don’t get into harm’s way . . . but, again, as it is–given the many scandals are true which for all the heat they’re getting they do not clear–looks like i already am, as with the rest of us are, in harm’s way with what our government has gotten us into… and so, excuse me if i react:
george,
i just need to hear more from you. from how you speak, it seems you know the rest of the story–that you have something better to say. you sound like you are in a position superior enough to tell ricky just what he “should” do… given the benefit of my doubts assuming that be valid: well, i’d say that’s good enough as well to educate me the rest of us dummies, on this “bigger picture” you so vehemently pointed at… if you care, in the spirit of goodwill, ‘will appreciate it much if instead of channeling your energy mocking a guy who’s competently doing his job–who we should be grateful for for his diligent work in delivering us hard-to-extract info and covered much of the pie… won’t you just be kind and generous enough na lang to give your share of what you know so we’ll all be (1)on the same page–enough for us to understand where you’re coming from–since you’re here with us particpating; and more importantly, in the process (2) duely educate us dummies acoordingly on the missing pieces to this razzle-dazzle puzzle of a “bigger picture” we are at a loss of at present. we sure would like to know.
at times i suck in communication, blunt, but i come in peace. to understand and learn. broaden my horizons. so if you will… thank you.
March 25th, 2008 19:03
i meant, accordingly… typo err: acoordingly
March 26th, 2008 10:29
George, read the above entry. There’s nothing there that’s not factual.
Facts are facts whether they conform to your biases or not.
March 26th, 2008 13:35
. . . uh-oh! so early in the day… hold your horses, sir–or is it ma’am?
ok, seriously now . . .
hey, was expecting more from you, george. i thought you’re better than that… good thing is: as it is… my doubts are valid. that’s just you, i guess.
it’s ok to have differing views, i don’t have anything against you or anybodybody else who believe differently: your mind is not mine… as ricky’s is not yours. that’s why we are individuals… i just hoped too much maybe that when individulas reach a certain age, they can act decent–yes, oh you know the concept? thank you for the word “PRUDENT”–enough to mingle in society–in this case, i hoped too much.
. . . and, oh that? regarding your mention on networks, i guess it’s not me who started getn gung-ho and jumped prematurely and immaturely into conclusions w/o browsing much if you’ve panned your eyes around before posting and got emotional, yourself . . . well, i guess, for all it’s worth THAT already says a lot.
i hope you lighten up a bit, there’s more to this world than my beloved ricky ;). and anc
:). good day!
marc1a
March 26th, 2008 13:40
PS . . . pardon if i don’t know how to address you. nowadays. it’s common for girls to have guys names/nicknames… besides, real men do not react that way… or at least the class, i know thankgod!Ü
March 26th, 2008 15:54
Dear Mr. Carandang,
Sir is there any way I can contact you either via e-mail or cellphone? We would like to invite you as one of the resource person on April 23 for the Committe Hearing of the Foreign Affairs here at the House of Representatives. Our office number is 931-7969. Thank you sir!
March 26th, 2008 21:54
ricky has the courage to expose all matters according to what is appropriate for our country. Increasing debts and hidden deals must be exposed in order for us to understand the insiders view. Without ricky, who among them are courageous enough to make us aware and react emotionally. I think for me that’s talent.
we don’t need to agree nor disagree but can only share our views with solutions… do you have any solution george to our country?
If I were you George…help us find the missing link… you know what I mean.
You may have other views but your views are not for everybody just like my views are not for everybody but I welcome anyone to dialogue with me while Ricky is busy doing his job and finding other missing link.
March 27th, 2008 09:31
Haha!! Yeah right George air is free. Thank God it ain’t taxed or else I won’t breathe anymore! Open your eyes man!
No matter what his critics, like George, will say, Ricky is still the best! Amen!!
March 27th, 2008 09:39
We love you Ricky Carandang!
March 27th, 2008 11:13
George,
Why do you hate abs-cbn and Ricky so much?
Is he such a pain in the ass?? Where are you affiliated with, a) GMA (the station) or
b) GMA (president)?? Hehe.
March 28th, 2008 05:57
hi ricky,
please upload more topics especially in the finance department. my calculator is ready.lol.I have been looking for the $8 bil china loan and other hidden loans. i can’t find it. they have not figured it out. when do you think the hearing will be done? we ,the people cannot afford anymore to keep paying them high salaries. We must cut labor costs and expenses. Our people are getting hungry, our educational system must be upgraded and our sick must be provided medicines. How can I share my calculator talent if these people do not allow me to calculate. Why is it always in hiding? I don’t understand my own people anymore. I might have to take kamote’s advice for me to leave the country and move to China even if i don’t like “baddies”. I am left with no choice except whining. good day
marc1a,
reply #78..charming and appropriate. i love the “ugok” part. you make me smile today.
March 28th, 2008 08:02
george said:
“this is what abs-cbn does to its viewership; imposing its own political agenda and instigating disunity and chaos rather than giving us factual, objective and balanced presentation of issues.”
George, it doesn’t matter my friend. There’s no such thing as “balanced presentation of issues” if the whole issue itself is so perfectly imbalance and dysfunctional.Our leaders have not been able to balance it themselves since I was born. So, how can we expect a balanced presentation of issue?
“Chaos” yes our leaders are chaotic
“Disunity” Yes, leaders are disuniting us people. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.
Factual and Objective data: I have been repeating myself over and over that our economy is closed for business (smile), close for small time people like me. It’s not transparent. We don’t see it. I don’t feel it. What data then are we talking about. I am expecting data of inflation, employment, and population which are three factors affecting the growth of any economy. These real data must be studied by our leaders to make a balanced presentation of issues of which the media will use as basis or foundation of their own presentation.
To connect all Ricky’s blogs to the actual, factual, recent and objective data according to our economic situation, it makes perfect sense. The best one is borrowed money from China with Spratly’s attach to it. The ZTE deal sucks.It doesn’t matter too where we borrow money. In short, it’s all about money causing almost everyone to hide their fingers and refusing to take responsibility for their own actions. This precious money could have been spent appropriately for inflation, increasing employment and to educate the population. Proper allocation of funds with transparency will provide the audience a balanced presentation of issues.
That’s how I understand while I’m here.
March 28th, 2008 10:16
I am a loyal viewer of Mr. Ricky Carandang.
In his shows, I can see that Ricky does indeed try to present both sides of the issue. He acts as “devil’s advocate” most of the time as ANC rarely gets people from both sides to appear side-by-side.
Na-notice ko lang, ANC interviews ONE SIDE of the story and devotes the entire 30-minute spot to that ONE SIDE. Mabuti na lang kung si Ricky ang nag-iinterview dahil he tries as much as possible to have the OTHER SIDE be heard.
But with people like Tony Velasquez, Pia Hontiveros and Korina Sanchez, talagang hindi mo makikita ang Big Picture dahil laging ‘yung side lang nila (read: Opposition) ang pinapanigan nila. Minsan, ginagatungan pa nga nila eh para ‘yung gusto nilang madinig ang papalabasin nila sa bunganga ng iniinterview nila.
Walang critical questions sa mga opposition representatives pero sobrang critical naman sa administration representatives.
Mabuti si Ricky, kahit halatang-halata na anti-PGMA ang biases niya, he still asks questions that needs to be asked, even to opposition panelists.
Kudos Ricky! Your ANC colleagues need to learn a thing or two from you on how to make a panel discussion look more ‘balanced’!
March 28th, 2008 16:08
on #89 . . .
undue attention, sir.
the word taken verbatim — credit to: supposedly honourable sec. gonzales… not in my vocabulary. kindly cross-refer to reply entry #20.
March 28th, 2008 17:40
oh by the way . . .
ricky . . . dear Üncle ricky:
how–just how–can we ever not get magneted to your brand of media work/journalism? you’ve done it again… everytime.
RE: The Big Picture episode last night
. . . sharp. formidable –
quite an interesting “dance” you had with congressman de venecia in that interview . . . no politicking, roundabouts, and slights on his part got you away from your line of questioning and from getting your points across clearly and gracefully — ending the interview good-naturedly quite unfazed and with a snare that draws right back smack at the heart of the issue: “(yes, whatever, whatever…) but IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW”.
– you’re simply one class act.
have the great weekend you deserve!
:). marc1a
March 28th, 2008 22:11
Message To The Filipino People:
Mga Kababayan:
On April 5 2008, I will be celebrating my 61st Birthday.My birthday wish is for national unity, prosperity and investments for the future of our young people .
As I said in my last birthday when I officially joined the ranks of “senior citizens” ,we have to invest in the future and in the young people; it’s really time to turn over the country to them or to prepare the country for them.
It is on this new personal milestone in my life that I announce the following seven (7) initiatives dedicated to the future of the young people of this country:
1) We will continue to foster excellent relations with Church.I know the CBCP is not divided at all .There are only five bishops who are against the Arroyo administration. But five against the other 100-plus members of the CBCP is not a division.
We will honor the “Separation of the Church and State” but we will also continue to pursue “critical collaboration” with CBCP by supporting the bishops in their “social amelioration programs for the poor” with PAGCOR/PCSO funds.(applause)
2) We will continue to strengthen the Judiciary. We vow to abide with the Supreme Court decision on executive privilege legal issue and pledge to heed the calls for government’s commitment to the truth and transparency.(applause)
We will continue to appoint men and women of probity to the Supreme Court to support the gallant nine justices who supported the majority view on the executive issue.
Like my recent appointment of Associate Justice Arturo Brion ,I will continue the practice of appointing legal experts from my Cabinet and personal staff with a strong reputation for independence to the Supreme Court in the coming months. (applause)
3) We will continue to uphold civilian supremacy over the military.For the remainder of my term until I step down in 2010, the best thing we can do is encourage the military to stay focused on providing peace, order and stability.We will encourage retired military men to take out the uniforms upon their mandated retirement.I consider my four cabinet members …Secretaries Ermita, Mendoza, Ebdane and Reyes as the classic examples of ex -military men who honor civilian authority even after their retirement from the military.I will follow this great tradition with General Espaldon upon his retirement in May.(applause)
4) We will reach out to the opposition and to the independent Senate. Being a former Senator myself,I know fully well that there are “23 independent republics”in the Senate,each with its own personal agenda.
As a key process in the national reconciliation process ,I promise to reach out to the 23 senators.(applause) For example:
-I am appointing Cristina Ponce-Enrile as our Ambassador to Vatican.
-I am fully supporting the quest of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to be a vigorous member of the International Court of Justice.
-I am fully supporting the President of the Public Safety College,President Tingting Cojuangco in initiating much needed reforms for the College.
-I will ensure that Senator Miguel Zubiri will have a prominent leadership role in the new super party (Lakas-Kampi).
-I will listen to the party on the possibility of welcoming back Senator Legarda to the folds of Lakas-Kampi
-I will be open to the possibility of of supporting the vice presidential ambitions of Senator Bong Revilla, a very popular senator from Cavite.
-Being a senior citizen myself ,I will vigorously support Senator Ed Angara in all his “senior citizen” programs. I will also continue to support his program to strengthen relations with Spain,our former mother country.
-I will support Senate President Manny Villar in his “Sipag Tiyaga” programs particularly in the road building programs in his ” Las Pinas/Alabang/Cavite triangle” of development.
-I am openly supporting the “Palengkenomics”program and the “Cheaper Medicines” Bill of Senator Mar Roxas, my former Trade and Industry Secretary.
5) We will support the leadership of Speaker Nograles. With the upcoming merger of the Lakas and Kampi parties,we expect stronger support of the House of Representatives in pushing for the quick passage of vital national legislative programs for the poor,the national budget and the much needed constitutional reforms.(applause)
6) We will support the computerization programs of the Comelec to definitely avoid a repeat of the electoral frauds that reportedly happened in the last Presidential election.(applause)
7) We will avert a possible rice crisis in the coming months. I have instructed Secretary Arthur Yap to have better “public visibility” of all roving NFA rice trucks to assure our people that there is ample supply of rice.
Once more ,thank you very much for all your expected birthday wishes!
I look forward to many more years of dedicated and honest public service for the good of our young people.
Help me remain a “Force for Good”!(applause)
Mabuhay!
Gloria P.
March 28th, 2008 22:25
marc1a,
got it…am a SHE. a very straight strong SHE.
March 29th, 2008 01:49
The constitutionality or legality of Joint Seismic Undertaking signed with China shall be decided by Gloria Arroyo’s Supreme Court. GMA’s brand of rule of law shall prevail as long as she is in power. We don’t expect justice under her Mafia style regime.
March 29th, 2008 07:20
good saturday morning, cjoven!
i stand corrected. sorry about that, ma’am. have a nice weekend! :).
March 29th, 2008 09:53
marc1a,
thank you much but am still young (insecure) and don’t deserve “ma’am” . ( smiling).take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
March 29th, 2008 12:38
Dear Mar:
I have always considered you as the most decent and honest of the current line-up of 2010 Presidential hopefuls.
While you have not open declared your candidacy,you have not been honestly shy about your presidential ambitions as evidenced by your website’s content.
I would actively prefer that you declare now your candidacy for two strategic reasons:
1)We must put people in the proper mindset about the fact that the 2010 Presidential Elections WILL definitely happen .We must not allow the forces of evil to pursue their evil designs to sneak in a Charter Change (Cha-Cha) for the extended stay of Gloria Arroyo in the palace beyond June 2010.
2)By declaring yourself a candidate for the 2010 elections, you will need to adopt a strong leadership posture to defend the 1987 constitution against hasty /ill-conceived changes.Don’t allow Erap to pre-empt you in this critical leadership position.
Mar,your current strategy of attracting public attention via regular “press releases” and “Tide” tv ads is not enough.
Hindi bagay sa iyo ang paminsan pasulput sulpot sa national stage! The nation needs a rallying point!
Mar,can you rise up to this challenge NOW?
Or do you prefer your usual “safe” stance?
The people are waiting for you President Mar Roxas!
Oras na!
God bless you.
The Equalizer
March 29th, 2008 16:35
Excellent work Ricky!
March 29th, 2008 22:18
just a layman’s thought. somewhat a post bigpic hangover . . .
seen a rerun of the must-see “six degrees could change the world” at natgeo channel. couldn’t help but be reminded of all the fuss on the spratlys not so much because of the controversy it generated but particularly the issue on oil.
now it’s magnified–regardless of the controversy whether the deal was entered into by our government, legally or not–there’s more than the rationalized geopolitical and economic reasons that should concern us. with the bigger and graver issue of climate change, particularly, global warming, it looks like the oil extraction brouhaha has fast-become-, if not already is, passe at best.
scholars and scientists have indicated we are given a narrow window of less than a decade until 2015 to make a drastic turnaround–censor the use of fossil fuels/reduce CO2 emission–if we are to slowdown the heat spike and its snowballing ripple effects that are sure to haunt us all worldwide.
short of being “provincial”, shouldn’t we have given this phenomenon due attention it deserved as well and weighed the imminent dangers/natural catastrophes we sure are to face should we go ahead with the logical next step of extraction and, therefore, the eventual use of oil and its derivatives as a matter of course–i.e., of course, given there is indeed oil in the area… instead of confronting the issue of energy, economics, and diplomacy alone?
in the spirit of the just-concluded first of the “earth hour(s)”, may our so-called leaders–true to their function, as congresssman joe de venecia had so pronounced–be able to decide conscientiously and wisely for its people and country… discern and acknowledge the ramifications of their decisions and actions given the dire situation . . . and prioritize apt and timely interventions.
March 29th, 2008 22:42
PS. for everyone, the following reference link (homepage) provides a peek of what’s in store in our tomorrows should the current temperature rise continue and other relevant details:
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/sixdegrees/index.html
March 29th, 2008 22:51
though there’s a huge shed of doubt on these brouhaha… i still would like to see the brighter side of it. our government, due to the lack of everything, especially infrastructures to support economic plans, is always open for compromises. i am not really against it if that’s for the good of our country. if we will not enter in this “exploration” thing, what’s the use of spratlys? just sitting there?
as for the corrupt officials getting cuts from these compromises, well that’s very much common elsewhere. why not create a law where there’s a commission cap for all business deals, big or small. hahahaha… this way walang magrereklamo at magsusumbong sa senado… hahaha
no perfect world, guys.
March 29th, 2008 23:16
great link marc1ia..
here are the key ministers in charge for this issue. I am expecting them to do their jobs as we pay them high salaries. What are they doing? What are their qualifications and experiences prior to accepting these jobs. Academic excellence does not matter if they don’t have common sense.
Energy: Raphael Lotilla
Environment: Angelo Reyes
Foreign affairs: Alberto Romulo
March 29th, 2008 23:26
if our president knows what she’s doing and should have spent time to wisely to review her own strategies of appointing the right ministers to take responsibilities for the job description then she will not end up being target to embarassment as a CEO of the Philippines. All fingers will be pointed at her but she controls the bank.
March 29th, 2008 23:30
correction: if our president knows what she’s doing and should have spent time wisely
March 30th, 2008 00:18
yes,the president controls the bank but how could she do and perform all the work if her employees and her people are not united. I am even tired myself of thinking , how could she do all the work. No wonder she will just ignore all allegations. Fatigues sets in for every individual how much more with age.
Here’s another issue that all of us must be aware. Brain Drain and Globalization.
Here is the tragedy: The more Filipinos leaving the Philippines COULD mean better economy to the Philippines because of the pouring of foreign currency to the Philippines. Very sadly though, the Philippines is being DRAINED of her intellectuals, people who she direly need to jump-start and sustain her internal growth. Sadly, these human resources leave, and those who are left , the majority are the very poor.
We need leaders with common and global sense.
March 30th, 2008 13:31
isn’t lotilla out of the energy department which is now headed by reyes, and environment now being headed by atienza??
March 30th, 2008 17:31
hi ricky,
i would just like to commend your well-grounded ethical and incisive reporting. keep it up, and thanks for helping Filipino people aware of these things.
just my two cents here, i guess, all of these things boils down in the incurable corrupt culture inherent among most Filipinos - crab mentality, ningas kugon, colonial mentality…this runs for ages now, and its getting worse as we move on….
let’s pray for our country instead, only a miracle can save the Philippines…
its just a battle of lesser evil in our gov’t and system…
March 30th, 2008 19:35
hi ricky,
my pastor used to tell us that our country is relatively young and equate this to our situation then. this was the time of estrada’s impeachment. we have a lot of growing up to do and probably we need bleed a little to mature. actually looking back, we did not really move forward instead took giant steps back. he maybe even right in saying that the change that we want will not happen in our lifetime.
March 30th, 2008 21:02
ysmael,
sorry. not quiet updated wiith who is who now.
March 31st, 2008 01:21
Here’s my own assessment to our current admin: Our political structure is already in place but.
1. Too many senators and congressmen. We only need one in Luzon, One in Mindanao and One in the Visaya. We are wasting money on labor costs.
2. Exucutives and Ministers should be able to manage risk. Risk can be calculated and projected.Everything must be transparent.
3. Judicial Branch must practice law and order and provide justice in a timely manner. This branch is a drag.
On the positive side, If we were to compare the development of democracy in the Philippines to that of a person’s development, we could say that we are in the late stages of our adolescence, almost ready to become a young adult. Our nation is maturing, especially in the area of fiscal responsibility. More and more people are checking on how well our public officers are managing the people’s money. We are taking action against public officers who are involved in graft and corruption. We are here blogging and exchanging ideas… (
my reply #78 to treason Blog. )
March 31st, 2008 23:25
Ask Your Ate Glue
Dear Ate Glue
When God talks to you, does He call on the phone, appear in person or is it more like a voice in your head?
—Anonymous,Makati
Mr. Anonymous from Makati,
I’m glad you asked that question.
When I say God talks to me, I mean it metaphorically. In actual fact, God doesn’t talk. He simply drops messages in my brain like instant messaging. Every once in a while, I pick up these messages from God and keep the ones I like and delete those that don’t fit with administration policies.
When in doubt I ask Cardinal Pidal,the personal cardinal of the Pidals or Brother Mike or Cardinal Rosales,via Meldy,his niece.
I’ve got to admit my brain’s trash bin is getting kind of full from God’s deleted messages.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to ask,I mean to order your Kuya Jose Pidal to figure out where the Empty Trash button is in my brain.I’m getting old!
I’m also worried I might erase the PINs for our secret Swiss accounts.
By the way,I’m celebrating my 61st birthday on April5.Expect a deluge of newspaper ads greeting me!
ate glue
April 1st, 2008 12:49
Dear Ate Glo:
With your very busy schedule ,do you still have time to read blogs?
Equalizer
——————————————————————————————–
Dear EQ:
I just read the humorous ones.In particular,I like “Uniffors” because of its very funny photos (does he use “photo shop”?). Si Philippine Onions is funny too.
I also like Manolo Quezon’s blog particularly the postings of some of the members of Luli’s internet brigade.
I don’t like the people of Ellensville.They are raving mad about me.
Si Ricky Carandang ok din.But he doesn’t update his posts.
Philippine Commentary is too heavy for me.
Si Schumey is interesting.Does he still have time for racing?
By the way,I only read the Equalizer when you have posts about Hillary.I hope she wins!(Bill was my classmate!)
Ate Glo
April 2nd, 2008 01:41
tama si Santiago dapat careful ang mga lawmakes about this kasi baka madihado ang claim natin sa Sabah
April 3rd, 2008 09:34
you look boyishly sharp this morning, sir! ;). the casual getup and haircut: becoming.
heard you’re going to be out today . . .
can’t wait to hear what you’re up to next.
here’s a fine start to a great day! =).
April 3rd, 2008 11:58
[...] already covered by the constitutional provision on the natural resources of the nation.After all, as Carandang pointed out the agreement, according to China, was about exploration while our government, allegedly to skirt Constitutional [...]
April 3rd, 2008 17:42
Most Trusted Pinoy Media:ABS-CBN NEWS,Philippine Tribune and Inquirer
EQ POLL:Which TV NEWS do you Trust the Most As Source of Credible & Objective Information?
PTV4:0%
GMA :26%
ABS-CBN2:56%
ANC:45%
CNN:38%
BBC:35%
sorry none of the above:4%
total votes cast so far:92
EQ Poll:Which Philippine Newspaper do you TRUST the MOST?
Manila Standard Today:2%
Philippine Tribune:42%
Malaya:1%
Abante:1%
Philippine Daily Inquirer:40%
Philippine Star:2%
Sun-Star:1%
Sorry none of the above:8%
Total votes cast so far:80
April 4th, 2008 02:31
Lessons for Clinton from Filipino martial arts
By R. Bong Vergara
http://www.rbvergara.wordprpess.com
The slugfest that is the race for Democratic party nomination reminds me of another combative sport that is dearer to my heart — Filipino martial arts (FMA).
Known to the public as escrima, or arnis, or even kali, Filipino martial arts enjoy a reputation for being ‘no-nonsense’, brutal, and graceful — all at the same time. Developed over generations of open and guerilla warfare against foreign aggressors, FMA holds many lessons applicable to daily life, and yes, even for presidential candidates in an election year.
One of these FMA lessons is for Clinton, and it is the concept of striking with intention.
This is likely an odd point to many, if not foreign to most, so let us start by defining this concept from a FMA perspective.
A beginner in FMA is often taught first to strike with precision, thus the attention to striking angles as his introduction. Depending on the school, the angles could be between 5-20 angles. The second lesson is usually how to strike with power, then with speed, then with grace or footwork, until finally, a student is taught to strike with intention. Striking with intention is different from striking with precision because included in the lesson of intention are the previous lessons of precision, power, speed and grace.
Striking with intention is striking a precise spot on the enemy with your whole self. It is striking with as much power, speed and grace that is possible. The strike occurs after all the instantaneous calculations one must do when hitting an opponent (his height, his location from the line of attack, the location of the weapon hand, etc) have been made, and combined with 1) your will to overcome your opponent and 2) how you wish to express learned and chosen technique in your own way.
Striking with intention, therefore, requires great skill so that one can adapt, improvise and overcome no matter the situation or the enemy. And it also requires one more thing, knowledge of self in order that one can manipulate learned techniques so that once executed, they may remain ‘fresh,’ appropriate and effective in any and every situation.
The reason why the highest level of mastery in FMA is the mastery of techniques and not pre-arranged sequences of strikes (unlike other martial arts) is because the ultimate goal of FMA training is self-expression: the incorporation of the techniques into your personality as a practitioner so that you can express yourself with mastery. Some personalities are predisposed to wide, circular slashing techniques; others to short, whipping bone-breakers; and there are others whose personality allows them to do both.
To be great in FMA you must not only know the art, but also yourself.
This is where the lesson for Clinton begins. Clinton, in my view, does not know herself, what her campaign is about and, thus, how to strike with intention. She cannot campaign with her mind, body and soul.
If she proclaims that she is an advocate for change, but supports the general approach of the current administration in key policy areas, namely national security, Iraq and the economy, what does she, in fact, represent?
Clinton, despite her ability to strike with precision, does not and cannot know how to strike with intention. She cannot speak beyond what is specific; she cannot speak with the authority that can only be derived from knowing the issues intimately, as if they were running through one’s veins.
She is an elite.
Clinton is not real enough for ordinary Americans; her background as an elite betrays the populism of her pronouncements and election-year promises. One does not feel her campaign. She does not inspire when she speaks. And there is a disconnect when she reaches out.
And her misgivings as a candidate go beyond her lack of oratory skills. They lie in her inability to relate, to campaign with her mind, body and soul, to truly see and, therefore, to truly articulate the interests of the ordinary American.
In politics, how to campaign with your whole self cannot be taught, cannot be learned. Thus, Clinton has already lost because Obama is a grandmaster.
April 4th, 2008 02:33
Lessons for Clinton from Filipino martial arts
By R. Bong Vergara
http://www.rbvergara.wordpress.com
The slugfest that is the race for Democratic party nomination reminds me of another combative sport that is dearer to my heart — Filipino martial arts (FMA).
Known to the public as escrima, or arnis, or even kali, Filipino martial arts enjoy a reputation for being ‘no-nonsense’, brutal, and graceful — all at the same time. Developed over generations of open and guerilla warfare against foreign aggressors, FMA holds many lessons applicable to daily life, and yes, even for presidential candidates in an election year.
One of these FMA lessons is for Clinton, and it is the concept of striking with intention.
This is likely an odd point to many, if not foreign to most, so let us start by defining this concept from a FMA perspective.
A beginner in FMA is often taught first to strike with precision, thus the attention to striking angles as his introduction. Depending on the school, the angles could be between 5-20 angles. The second lesson is usually how to strike with power, then with speed, then with grace or footwork, until finally, a student is taught to strike with intention. Striking with intention is different from striking with precision because included in the lesson of intention are the previous lessons of precision, power, speed and grace.
Striking with intention is striking a precise spot on the enemy with your whole self. It is striking with as much power, speed and grace that is possible. The strike occurs after all the instantaneous calculations one must do when hitting an opponent (his height, his location from the line of attack, the location of the weapon hand, etc) have been made, and combined with 1) your will to overcome your opponent and 2) how you wish to express learned and chosen technique in your own way.
Striking with intention, therefore, requires great skill so that one can adapt, improvise and overcome no matter the situation or the enemy. And it also requires one more thing, knowledge of self in order that one can manipulate learned techniques so that once executed, they may remain ‘fresh,’ appropriate and effective in any and every situation.
The reason why the highest level of mastery in FMA is the mastery of techniques and not pre-arranged sequences of strikes (unlike other martial arts) is because the ultimate goal of FMA training is self-expression: the incorporation of the techniques into your personality as a practitioner so that you can express yourself with mastery. Some personalities are predisposed to wide, circular slashing techniques; others to short, whipping bone-breakers; and there are others whose personality allows them to do both.
To be great in FMA you must not only know the art, but also yourself.
This is where the lesson for Clinton begins. Clinton, in my view, does not know herself, what her campaign is about and, thus, how to strike with intention. She cannot campaign with her mind, body and soul.
If she proclaims that she is an advocate for change, but supports the general approach of the current administration in key policy areas, namely national security, Iraq and the economy, what does she, in fact, represent?
Clinton, despite her ability to strike with precision, does not and cannot know how to strike with intention. She cannot speak beyond what is specific; she cannot speak with the authority that can only be derived from knowing the issues intimately, as if they were running through one’s veins.
She is an elite.
Clinton is not real enough for ordinary Americans; her background as an elite betrays the populism of her pronouncements and election-year promises. One does not feel her campaign. She does not inspire when she speaks. And there is a disconnect when she reaches out.
And her misgivings as a candidate go beyond her lack of oratory skills. They lie in her inability to relate, to campaign with her mind, body and soul, to truly see and, therefore, to truly articulate the interests of the ordinary American.
In politics, knowing how to effectively campaign with your whole self cannot be taught, cannto be learned. Thus, Clinton has already lost because Obama is a grandmaster.
April 4th, 2008 08:03
The american public comprising of the older generations are not ready for Obama. Age and generation gap will play a crucial role. If Obama is going to represent the democratic party, Clinton’s follower will not vote for him but will vote for McCain..just my opinion.
I can say that the hispanics, asians and european immigrants are also not ready for him. He is an awareness but not his time yet. In short…better luck next time.
Let’s go back to China admitting the Spratly deal. It’s oil for China but money for our current admin. reply #103 has a good point. It is a question of , what’s spratly’s highest and best use. In economics, the highest and best use of the land must be utilized according to the needs of our people. True but where is the money? lol
To continue, Is tourism profitable to these islands or oil exploration?
Knowing there’s two options for our Spratly’s, let’s consider initial investments or financial capital. If you are the President, which strategy of doing business requires less capital. Our current admin chose Spratly not even for oil nor for tourism. It is being used as a tangible asset with value interest attach to it.
Again…where will borrowed money go? Our people are getting hungry ,the sick needs medicine, majority needs employment, and our children needs education.
April 4th, 2008 10:41
the only thing that the filipino people can do to eradicate corruption from anywhere is the process of “physical elimination”. “eliminate” gloria, and her people in government who support her even if they know that she is doing a lot or wrongful acts. Is she really the master mind of corruption? may be not. may be she doesn’t know order the corruption issues but tolerate her cronies just to stay in power.
April 4th, 2008 12:20
gener
April 4th, 2008 10:41 122the only thing that the filipino people can do to eradicate corruption from anywhere is the process of “physical elimination”. “eliminate” gloria, and her people in government who support her even if they know that she is doing a lot or wrongful acts. Is she really the master mind of corruption? may be not. may be she doesn’t know order the corruption issues but tolerate her cronies just to stay in power.
i agree with you…we all know that they are corrupt and we cant do anything about it..we are so helpless ..helpless filipinos…sabi nga n tonying kanina he got fron confucius poverty is a shme in a country governed well …likewise wealth shameful in a suffering country like the philippines…
April 4th, 2008 12:37
Well Mr.Ricky Carandang, It is so unfortunate that our present government is run by “Self Interest” People who just love the color of Money!.. And they don’t care about this country of our anyway; Why? They know that they can get-away with almost anything sure just say “Take It to the Supreme Court!” Yo! Bro! We all know that these people in government have their own people they can count on whenever they are in trouble and supreme court judges who favor Neri’s petition well sad to say they all owe their thanks to the President for giving them the one job they like the most!.. And for Supreme court judge puno, well just pray for him that he’ll continue to be a rightful, and honourable justice who knows what is “Right and What is Wrong.” And to our current situation well; We all just have to do our job by 2010 and make sure the Presidential Election will happen and vote the best leader who is a GOD feared individual and stand by the with the Filipino People its the only way We all can move forward for a our country But If don’t stay alert! Maybe one day we all might just wake-up and go out to view the morning sun and a new day look-up! fluttering in the breeze the flag of China!?!.. Aahk!!! Where is our Philippine Flag!?!… hope this won’t happen and If is does We all have someone to blame for all of this! And you know who are the people am talking about.. Yo! Brother Ricky! More power to you and stay brave for our country you and people at ANC our the Guardians our Freedom We all enjoy.. GOD Bless you!..
April 4th, 2008 18:51
elimination is the work of terrorism. it’s not the right thing to do. we filipinos are smarter than that. there is hope. please provide appropriate solutions aside from elimination. I don’t agree with elimination. it’s a desperate measures. it’s like having a life of no choice, like a suicide.
so what are our options .i know for sure we have lots of options. it means lots of hopes.
so what are your options? suggest to start from within yourself and within your family. extend that option to you community, to the people you talk everyday and go beyond yourself. amen.
April 11th, 2008 17:50
another x-man panganiban should not impose his own appreciation of the constitution on the present SC. is he not the SC justice known for talking too much? Isn’t SC a collegial body?
and ricky, you seemed to forget as always that issues have two sides?
April 12th, 2008 04:54
actually it’s 3 sides: his truth, your truth and the truth.
April 12th, 2008 17:46
James,
One side –your government’s side– is all we get from everyone else.
The least I can do is give voice to others. Its called democracy.
April 12th, 2008 21:02
wow, activity. back in business.
. . . people sure have varied views but EVIDENTLY they do watch: The Big Pic ;). flattery in itself.
insightful episode w/justice panganiban.
April 13th, 2008 06:48
yes, ‘democrazy’ the way ANC define it
April 13th, 2008 12:57
whatever. who cares? we can all make up our own minds . . . but you do too, don’t you? otherwise, you wouldn’t: (1) have watched, (2) thought, (3) decided to pay homage to this blogsite with your own two cents, and (4) actually did type it in… for a thought to be translated into action requires compelling force. therefore, i conclude: truly ANC is powerfÜl. makes people think, react and more: among others, pepper ricky’s personal blog with all these network nonsense.
kaw naman kuya admit mo na kasi: obvious naman viewer ka rin ;). at least differing views withstanding, we all share common ground: ricky and ANC. good enoÜgh, don’t you think?
April 13th, 2008 14:08
seriously now . . .
was looking for a file in my account just now(yeah, concurrently. multitasker ang hija… or how do people say it — lola?
when i chanced upon this email sent by an officemate back in 2005 which some of us might have already read but which, now more than at any point in our previous past, still and resoundingly loud at that, rings ever true — and if i may add, central to the issue of the day… ‘just thought instead of blabbering nonsense THIS might be worth the re-read [i hope you don't mind my sharing it here, ricky. baka sakali instead of intermittent bashing and bickering down here, we might as well ponder on a significant point shared by an observant and concerned visitor]. read on . . .
Introduction by L. Sasaki:
As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently
studying in the
Philippines to take advantage of our cheaper tuition
fees and learn
English at the same time.
This is an essay written by a Korean student i want to
share with you.
(never mind the grammar, it’s the CONTENT that counts)
MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the
Philippines. Do
you really think the corruption is the problem of the
Philippines? I do
not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is
the lack of love
for the Philippines. Let me first talk about my
country, Korea. It
might help you understand my point. After the Korean
War, South Korea
was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans
had to start
from scratch because entire country was destroyed
after the Korean War,
and we had no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for
Filipinos were very
rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted
to be well off
like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father
& brother also
died because of famine. Korean government was very
corrupt and is still
very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was
able to develop
dramatically because Koreans really did their best for
the common good
with their heart burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for
their
neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men
with the spirit
of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government
to reform Korea.
He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it
was not possible
to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because
the economic
situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only
three factories.
So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses
to Germany so that
they could send money to Korea to build a factory.
They had to go
through a horrible experience.
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow
money. Hundred of
Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him
and cried there
as they saw the President Park. They asked to him,
“President, when can
we be well off?” That was the only question everyone
asked to him.
President Park cried with them and promised them that
Korea would be
well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the
President of Germany
got the strong impression on them and lent money to
Korea. So,
President Park was able to build many factories in
Korea. He always
asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.
Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came
back to Korea to
help developing country because they wanted their
country to be well
off. Though they received very small salary, they did
their best for
Korea. They always hoped that their children would
live in well off
country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor
and physically
handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand
their life and
help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I
was in the army.
The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that
we have to love
our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood.
Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for
my country
several times. I also cried for the Philippines
because of so many poor
people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What
made me sad in the
prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for
their country.
They go to mass and work for Church. They pray
everyday.
However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to
two prisoners
at the maximum-security compound, and both of them
said that they would
leave the Philippines right after they are released
from the prison.
They said that they would start a new life in other
countries and never
come back to the Philippines.
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we
were able to share
our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of
factory and company
were distributed their profit to their employees
fairly so that
employees could buy what they needed and saved money
for the future and
their children.
When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and
wanted to be a
priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I
completely lost my
faith.
I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable
situations in the
Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see
them everyday.
The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia,
but there are too
many poor people here. People go to church every
Sunday to pray, but
nothing has been changed.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw
this situation.
They told me that Korea was much poorer than the
present Philippines
when they were young. They are so sorry that there are
so many beggars
and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced
my parents to take
a boat because it would fun. However, they were not
happy after taking
a boat. They said that they would not take the boat
again because they
were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were
very poor and had a
small frame. Most of people just took a boat and
enjoyed it. But, my
parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.
My mother who has been working for Catholic Church
since I was very
young told me that if we just go to mass without
changing ourselves, we
are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with
action. She added that
I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them
because all of us
are same and have received a great love from God. I
want Filipinos to
love their neighborhood and country as much as they
love God so that
the Philippines will be well off.
I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos
should remember.
We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It
should start from
person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale
and have to
grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love.
Let’s put away our
prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.
I discover that every person is worthy to be loved.
Trust in love,
because it makes changes possible. Love changes you
and me. It changes
people,contexts and relationships. It changes the
world. Please love
your neighborhood and country.
Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do
to Him. In the
Philippines, there is God for people who are abused
and abandoned.
There is God who is crying for love. If you have a
child, teach them
how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have
to love their
neighborhood and country. You already know that God
also will be very
happy if you love others.
That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
April 13th, 2008 14:23
. . . and some thought they (Koreans) are pretty much just cÜte and funny ;). if not corny — [oh yeah, ruggedly attractive too if one took into account Kang Jae]: effect of all the hit Koreacomedias on local tv]… BUT yes, they also do talk sense — faaar more than most of our politicians do.
April 17th, 2008 11:07
We filipinos love the Philippines. Our leaders are not filipinos (lol). I don’t know where they come from.. They are the ones who do not love the Philippines.
April 17th, 2008 11:33
koreans take care of my nails and wax my eyebrows in america. my point, the grass is not greener on the other side.
April 21st, 2008 18:03
more power to you Mr. Carandang!!
i just pray for your conscientious consistency … even when you are made to bear pressure to quiet the truth.
i really appreciated your Spratly report … and have to tell you that the aerial shot of the Spratlys made me really appreciate our country’s resources. I have to highlight also the choice of music that was used … really captured the moment … and just in case, could you share the title of that soundtrack/score that was used during that aerial shot?
April 22nd, 2008 11:08
Dear Mr. Carandang:
April 22nd, 2008 11:13
Dear Mr. Carandang:
In view of the letter from Rep. Arthur F. Celeste, Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security and Rep. Juan Miguel Macapagal-Arroyo, Chairman of the Committee on Energy, requesting for a reschedule of the meeting of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, National Defense and Security and Energy on April 23, 2008 on the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking among China National Offshore Corporation, Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation and the Philippine National Company, we would like to inform you that the said meeting has been re-scheduled.
April 22nd, 2008 11:18
Dear Mr. Carandang:
In view of the letter from Rep. Arthur F. Celeste, Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security and Rep. Juan Miguel Macapagal-Arroyo, Chairman of the Committee on Energy, requesting for a reschedule of the meeting of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, National Defense and Security and Energy on April 23, 2008 on the Tripartite Agreement for Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking among China National Offshore Corporation, Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation and the Philippine National Company, we would like to inform you that the said meeting has been re-scheduled.
We will inform you of the new schedule of the meeting at the soonest possible time.
Thank you very much.
Very truly yours,
Antonio V. Cuenco
Chairman
For the Chairman:
Imelda Apostol
Committee Secretary
May 10th, 2008 13:29
keep up the good work sir, whether one is pro or cons on an issue its nice to be reading your write up cause its informative.
June 28th, 2008 09:08
the role of horses in the civil war…
I am thinking of doing a blog, how many times a week do you think I should post?…
August 15th, 2008 02:36
China cheats and lies with trade, currency, espionage … and, now they are cheating at the Olympics. Just as we are striving for energy independence from the middle east … we need to stop buying goods from China, to end our trade deficit and national debt.