Blindness
I have a video of the scene of the crime of the Maguindanao massacre. A group of people who were one of the first to enter the scene after it was discovered sent it to me. It gruesome, sick, and heart wrenching to watch.
There was dried blood all over their bodies, some of whom seemed to be bloated by the heat. Some had their eyes and mouths open, as if they were fully aware that their lives would end in the next violent instant. Some had their hands tied behind their backs, others had their limbs splayed about in an unnatural position, some had flies flitting around their bloodied faces.
The video goes on to show authorities digging and the moment they discover the first body. At first it looks like a piece of wrinkled flesh. You aren’t even sure what it is, until they dig some more. Its a hand. Attached to a shirtsleeve. They uncover the rest of the body. You can hear the people say its a girl. Mercifully the video cuts to the backhoe digging.
There’s more but you get the picture.
Jumpcut to another video. This one you’ve probably all seen. There’s a rally in Sharif Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao. People in shorts and t-shirts,waving and smiling at the camera, waving makeshift placards, and expressing their support for the Ampatuans. The Ampatuans didn’t do it they say, without offering a shred of evidence or even an argument. There’s Zaldy Ampatuan, talking to the camera, protesting to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo how they’re being treated so shabbily after all they’ve done for her.
Jumpcut to another video, this one taken last Tuesday. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Mike and son Mikey sitting at a pew in a church in San Fernando Pampanga. A priest is delivering a homily. He’s telling Arroyo that if the rest of the country seeks to bring her down, the people of Pampanga will raise her up.
Its hard to watch the first video without choking back a tear. Its just as hard to watch the other two videos without your blood starting to boil.
Maybe those people cheering and that priest pontificating should be made to watch the bloodied bodies being pulled out of shallow graves. They should be made to hear the cries of the families of the murdered journalists and lawyers, and even the Mangudadatus. Do they still have the capacity to care? Or have they managed to convince themselves that what happened in Maguindanao has nothing to do with their support for the Ampatuans and the Arroyos?
Don’t kid yourselves folks. The rise of the Ampatuans is inextricably linked to the rise of the Arroyos.
When she assumed the presidency in 2001, she was a ware that she had no mandate quickly had to secure the support of local politicians both in the provinces and in Congress. She cultivated and enabled the Ampatuans and they delivered in 2004 when she “beat” Fernando Poe Jr., in ARMM and Maguindanao and in 2007 when the 12 administration senatorial candidates managed a not-so-clean 12-0 sweep in Maguindanao.
And she repaid them by turning a blind eye to their abuses. So when public school teachers in the province complained that their GSIS contributions over the years had never been paid to the GSIS and therefore they were ineligible for their pensions, nobody did anything. When witnesses to cheating in the 2007 election just disappeared off the face of the Earth, nobody did anything. In fact the Ampatuans were rewarded with an executive order that effectively enabled them to legally build their own private army; the same one apparently that massacred those 59 people in the video.
And while this was going on the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police did absolutely nothing about it, in part because the Ampatuans were also an instrument of their counter insurgency policy. The Ampatuans and their private army were also being used as an augmentation force against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Ampatuans were, in effect, subsidizing the operations of the AFP against the MILF.
The massacre has forced even some of the Ampatuan’s allies to throw them to the dogs. PaLaKa CMD has expelled them from the party and Local Government Secretary Ronnie Puno has supposedly suspended ARMM governor Zaldy Ampatuan and Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan. Even the Palace’s most rabid apologists in the media have chosen to shut up about the massacre and are keeping their word processors silent instead defending the Ampatuans as they normally would (you know who I’m talking about).
Still, I guess there’s no atrocity so heinous that you can’t find at least some people who will defend it.
December 2nd, 2009 18:53
Ricky, your article brought tears to my eyes. I could not imagine how innocent people could be brutally killed and treated like animals. I got sick in the stomach when I heard the priest heaping praises on Gloria in his homily at Mass in Lubao church. How could he and others like him, in conscience, likened Gloria’s descent to a lower seat of power to Jesus becoming one of us? Gloria’s descent is insatiable greed for money, power, honor and prestige. Jesus becoming one of us is unconditional love for each one of us, sinners. and he gave us an example of humble and genuine service. It is blasphemous to even compare Gloria to Jesus. How have they lost their values, how much was the price for this loss, how many pieces of silver did Gloria’s allies receive? To raise Gloria up, they put down Jesus. Nakakakilabot. How sickening! Gloria and her family were believing all these and actually enjoying all the praises given her.
How did the Filipino society, once a pride of the Orient as the only Christian nation in Asia, living out Gospel values, become known internationally as the most corrupt, with the most extra judicial killings, with rising poverty, and so forth? Where has the conscience, sense of propriety, humble service and genuine compassion for the poor of our leaders gone?
“What does it profit a man or woman if he/she gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his/her soul?”
December 2nd, 2009 18:57
The Ampatuans: Gloria Arroyo’s Friends
“It doesn’t mean that they are no longer our friends, if ever they indeed committed the crime.”Lorelie
“I don’t think the President’s friendship with the Ampatuans will be severed,” Lorelei Fajardo, her deputy spokesperson, told reporters in Filipino.
“Just because they’re in this situation doesn’t mean we will already turn our backs on them,”
December 2nd, 2009 21:08
“President Gloria is the best leader our country has ever had and I thank God that I was born the son of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.” Mikey
December 2nd, 2009 23:01
This whole thing is depressing.
You know, I used to believe in our country. I used to say that I would never lose hope and I would not leave the Philippines permanently. But with all that has happened, I’m afraid that I might just die if I stay here.
December 2nd, 2009 23:49
Lydia,
One of the reasons why the Catholic faith sometimes becomes confusing is because of priests such as Fr. Moraleja.
All professions suffer the same fate! There are lawyers, doctors, engineers, braodcasters, managers, and in this case, priests, who should never have become one! They are a great injustice to their profession/calling. Excuse the French, tanga ba or di kaya mga kriminal! Tama ka! Ang layo naman ni GMA kay JC!
May God forgive them for they know NOT what they do (say)!!!
December 3rd, 2009 00:00
I have seen the video on television and I am wondering what kind of person can do such crime. All of us would want that all the culprits be put to jail. I think that partly to be blamed for this carnage is our present government, because they allow CVO to flourish, and based on Mr. Teodoro statement on television we lack the police manpower. So in order to avoid such carnage to happen again we need dismantle these CVO/private armies and replace it with police force which we do not have the budget. I think this problem is caused by widespread corruption in the present government. If we can efficiently collect taxes then we will have the budget for the additional police manpower. All of these can be realized if we elect a President that has the will to fight graft and corruption.
December 3rd, 2009 01:59
How many deaths, does it have to take;
Before we know that too many people
have died.
This came from the song written by Bob Dylan.
Humanity produced a Genghis Khan, a Hitler,
a Stalin, Polt Pot, Saddam Hussein, etc…Now
we have the Ampatuans. Mass murderers to the
horrible degree. The victims were killed just
because they are the threat to their power.
Gloria Arroyo and her Administration are
equally liable for the death of these people.
She helped these Warlords gain too much power.
They think themselves, they can get away from
anything. Including Mass Murders. IT IS A WAKE
UP CALL FOR ALL!
December 3rd, 2009 06:38
The spotlight is on the Ampatuans but in reality we have lots of WARLORDS in this country than Somalia..i think. As for the clergy, they should stop dipping their fingers on politics..they should go out and convert our brothers in the south to become christians (Maybe use the Inquisition Method?) LOL…MAY GOD FORGIVE THESE KIND OF PEOPLE.
December 3rd, 2009 09:35
beautifully written - must be shared on facebook so others can read
December 3rd, 2009 09:41
Regarding the massacre, everyone keeps asking, “what kind of people could do such a thing?” I’d like to comment on that.
Here in the Philippines, we have nurtured a culture of strong loyalty to superiors, which, in itself is not a bad thing. The problem comes in when we place that loyalty over all other considerations, including ethics (a sense of right and wrong).
Last year, during the Euro Generals scandal, one of the PNP finance officers testified that he knew it was illegal to issue money to a certain general, but that his boss ordered him to do it anyway. And he followed that order. During the Senate hearings, a senior police official testified that the finance officer had no choice, because the chain of command required him to follow the order. He might have been punished otherwise.
This culture, that requires following even an illegal order, leads to abuse. But that’s not the whole problem. we also have a culture that requires us to not question, or even report, a wrongful act. We see it in government all the time. One official who clearly knows that another is engaged in an illegal act. But “it’s not my business to get involved in that.” we see it in business, and we see it in “man on the street” situations too.
This attitude filters down to everybody. Police bodyguards assigned to a politician. They may be honest policemen, but when they see their boss engaged in an illegal act, they don’t say a word. In fact, they freely help the official commit the illegal act. And then they lie to protect their boss. This is a result of the misguided sense of loyalty that we have nurtured in Philippine society.
In some other countries (but sadly not many) the subordinate who sees his boss do something illegal will report it to the authorities. And action will be taken. But not in this country.
Here, if someone blows a whistle, society turns on him. Yea, he has a few supporters, but for the most part, we consider people who turn in other people to be bad people themselves. They have violated the social rule of loyalty above all.
That doesn’t explain how 100 men could commit such a heinous act, or how a whole slew of government superiors could allow it to go unquestioned, but it does address the culture that could allow that sort of behavior to evolve. As the gunman himself said “We don’t ask questions. We just follow orders.”
Impunity does not just mean that you know the authorities will not act when you commit a wrongful act. It can also mean that you know the people around you will protect you, no matter what you do.
We need to change that aspect of our culture.
December 3rd, 2009 10:37
Ricky, first I would like to commend ANC and ABS_CBN for a very good job in bringing HARAPAN closer to the voting public. You did a splendid job, in the post debate discussion as well.
I hope two more rounds can be made prior to May elections. One round from Media people and another from Business Sector (together with MBC, AIM etc).
Now to the Ampatuans, this an example of how political dynasties and private armies can go out of hand. There is no reason to justify their acts.
I hope the next President will prioritize the eradication of political dynasties and private armies on his agenda.
December 3rd, 2009 11:47
Lord knows if we Filipinos will ever experience true and swift justice. In other countries, what was done to the innocent journalists, lawyers and Mangudadatus would have been immediately retributed to the Ampatuans and other perpetrators involved in the carnage. But not in the Philippines! Our reality is too disheartening to be wishful thinking there will be no whitewash on the crime.
Will these series of events (Maguindanao massacre and GMA running for Congress) eventually lead our country to go down the drains?
December 3rd, 2009 12:01
http://pcij.org/stories/noynoy-aquino-out-of-the-shadows/
Noy seems to have good legislative foresight for a new senator a couple of years ahead of our time: His Senate-approved Bill No. 2978 would have put in place checks and balances for the selection of PNP Provincial Director and City/Municipal Chief of Police for local government units, including the Ampatuans. Too bad congress sat on it.
December 3rd, 2009 12:03
Forgive me for saying it but… It’s already past the drain and heading for the sewer.
December 3rd, 2009 12:34
Shocking and very sad indeed!
Unfortunately, the Ampatuans can’t claim any record for such dastardly acts, in today’s standards. For me, Hitler is still the world’s record holder for such acts of inhumanity. Hitler must have been the Ampatuan’s role model, among others.
On the other hand, I think GMA can claim to be the world’s record holder on “friendship.” Once GMA becomes your friend, she will never sever her friendship with you, regardless, as long as it benefits her, at least as per her spokesperson.
As Ricky wrote about “blindness” in this blog, it’s really rediculous how some can turn their sights away from such clear realities.
Helen Keller once said: “The most pathetic person in the world is the person who has their sight but no vision.”
GMA’s and her “friendsters’” sights are so limited! Worldly riches! Let’s pray for them. They need enlightenment! And no one can give them enlightenment but HE who has real power over the world and the universe!
December 3rd, 2009 17:46
I know what will happen to this case.
Ampatuan, Jr.’s health will “deteriorate” and will spend the rest of his time detained in St. Lukes.
After 10 years litigating this case, only Ampatuan,Jr. will be convicted to show that somewhat, justice is “served”.
Ampatuan, Jr. will put his mansion in Bilibid, it is like living in a five star hotel.
After ten years or less, when Filipinos seemed to forget the massacre, Ampatuan, Jr. will be pardoned.
In the next preceding election, he will become the Governor of Maguindanao like nothing happened.
Remember Jalosjos, Manero and Erap?
And don’t forget Teehankee.
December 3rd, 2009 21:31
Ricky:
Just watched Big Picture.
I honestly cannot fathom Jamby’s motives for running for president.
It can’t be to “raise funds”.
BTW.The Ampatuan massacre scenes show how cruel the BEASTS were to their victims.
December 3rd, 2009 22:58
Is looking for justice but can’t seem to find it this country. You can’t trust the government, you can’t trust the supreme court, you can’t trust the police and the military… who do you turn to for justice?
December 4th, 2009 02:33
During the Nuremberg Trial for the crimes of
the Nazi leaders in Germany. And during the
Tokyo Trial of the Japanese War Criminals.
These War Criminals stated in their defense:
“THEY WERE JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS.” The defense
statement was not accepted in the Military
Tribunal Courts. Since any person has a God given concience. To know what is right and what is wrong. So, following orders blindly will not absolve you. If you commit a crime.
December 4th, 2009 06:43
The Ampatuans are the PROXIMATE cause of the crime. Executive order 546 legalizing private armies and CVO were provided to counteract insurgencies and Muslim extremists but not for the purpose of killing innocent people. That’s the rule of law.
The administration as the commander in chief has a direct command responsibility to our Armed forces and PNP. The armed Forces and the PNP has its own officers who has a higher degree and direct duty to oversee and to IMPLEMENT the rule of law.
To make this short, the administration, AFP and the PNP are VICARIOUSLY liable to the acts of their constituents ( the ampatuans and its armies). Vicarious Liability is a CONTRIBUTORY Cause but not the DIRECT or PROXIMATE cause. But we all know, no one has been able to get rid of this administration.
Going back to the rule of law… executive order 546 was to protect citizens against insurgents. The AMPATUANS have the higher degree of DUTY to protect and promote peace to it’s own region and LOCALITY. That was the direct purpose of the EO.
It won’t matter if the clan will blackmail the president, the AMPATUANS simply murder those people in cold blood.
December 4th, 2009 07:21
I understand that reports are surfacing about the way in which evidence was collected. Actually, it was done poorly. All one needs to do is watch the footage to see how each an every person there ruined the crime scene. Even the manner in which the bodies were recovered. I’m not a Forensic Pathologist but I have enough sense to know that using a “backhoe” to recover humans remains is NOT the best way to keep the integrity of a crime scene. I have also heard that the crime scene/s (the point of contact & abduction and the killing zone) is still littered with evidence such as spent casings, victims personal belongings, etc…
Judging from the way evidence is NOT being protected, law enforcement (down there) may not be so willing to solve this crime.
December 4th, 2009 09:55
Leonard,
I don’t think it’s really because they are not willing to solve the crime (although that may be an element too). I think they did a poor job of processing the crime scene simply because the average policeman here does not know how to do it. Policemen here still think that law enforcement is all about guns and dark sunglasses. Very few of them, including the top ranks, understands that policework is a science that requires brains more than brawn.
We get mediocre service from our police (and from the government as a whole) because we don’t demand anything more. The government we get is the government we choose.
December 4th, 2009 10:38
I suppose you are correct Michael. That explains why the majority of ranking officers on scene were wearing their brand-spanking-new Blackhawk(TM)Tactical Vests with matching holsters. A couple of guys had the 6-mag pouch design, which would have been OK except for the fact that the mag pouches were empty. That’s like bringing an empty bottle of scotch to a BYOB party.
December 4th, 2009 11:40
Im just thinking, IF there were no media people involved in the recent carnage, will the issue take a different turn?
December 4th, 2009 12:12
Michael,
That’s why the next leader of this country should initiate an overhaul of the entire gov’t bureaucracy. Governance is serious business in any organization, and not just “monkey business” as these “blinded” people who are aspiring to become one are used to.
If religiousity is a critical factor in becoming a leader, does this guaranty efficiency?
Tignan nyo naman. Lahat ng mga “tanggapan” ng gubyerno, bawat palapag at silid, ay mey Sto. Nino at rebulto ni Mama Mary! Mey papray-pray pa sila! Guess what? Harap-harapang “TANGGAPAN NG LAGAY!”
Soon we would probably go into Guinness world record because of highest number of presidential candidates ever. Everybody thinks he/she can become president. This means that most predecessors aren’t good models. Sa Pinas “binaboy” na ang presidency, together with the rest of the available leadership positions.
Leadership in its highest form, plus management skills, are vital for governance, as a minimum requirement!
Would you allow any one who just professes to pray the rosary daily, and is a devout Christian to operate your brain, without having the appropriate knowledge and skills???
Finally, marami don’t understand what “leadership” versus “management” is. Their attributes are opposite, but are intrinsic parts of the whole process of governance.
December 4th, 2009 12:17
If the media wasn’t there. I doubt this would have been reported the way it was. It would have gone down as a ambush carried out by insurgents.
Did you guys see the weapons and ammunition they found? JEEZE!!!! That much ammo can only be for two things; practice (lots of practice) or waging war.
This just in. ANC reports that a writ of amparo has been granted in favor of the Ampatuan’s insofar as their hold on the ARMM is concerned.
December 4th, 2009 17:11
Let’s just hope that the victims of the massacre will not be blinded by the acting of GMA in visiting some of the wakes of their loved ones into forgetting that the monstrosity that befell them and the entire country is GMA’s creation. Let’s not also be blinded to, notwithstanding his pakitang gilas in accompanying Mangudadatu to file his COC, Teodoro’s participation in the negotiations between the Ampatuans and the Mangudadatus for the Mangudadatus to leave Maguindanao to the Ampatuans, like they own that part of the country, they can just divide it among themselves. And let’s hope that the coming election will finally give a break to the people in Maguindanao by not replacing a power-hungry warlord with another power-hungry warlord of a different name.
December 4th, 2009 18:14
bangungot,
I agree with you.
I don’t mean to downplay the tragedy, but the truth is, I don’t see this as a case of violence against journalists. it’s just a plain simple case of violence, period. Quite a few women were killed too, but no one is calling it a case of violence against women.
I think we have to be careful about labeling these things. The massacre would have happened even if the journalists were not present.
And sadly, it probably would not have gotten the same level of attention, or stayed on top of the news, so long if the journalists had not been there.
Don’t misunderstand me. It was a terrible terrible crime.
December 4th, 2009 19:22
While the likes of Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao and Efren Penaflorida, and to a degree, Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco, brought much honor to our country, this Maguindanao massacre pulled us back to the level of Mogadishu, Somalia and Darfur, Sudan.
December 4th, 2009 19:23
…five steps forward and fifty seven steps backward! Maybe worse.
December 4th, 2009 21:54
Michael,
We both agree that the massacre was barbaric and its totally inhuman.
I’m asking as I take notice that Media is airing this for almost two weeks already with the pledge that they’ll no stop until justice is served to the perpetrators.
I think its the industry as a whole is affected, besides from the fact that there were previous unsolved media killings.
But I see a gap here. What about the non-media victims of massacre made by MILF, ABU SAYAF, NPA, and the farmers in Mendiola? How come there is no media coverage like this magnitude.
Is media making a statement and attention? If Ampatuans will go to jail, will the journalists be spared from a flying bullet in the future? The more its being aired, the more questions I have.
December 5th, 2009 00:39
cjoven,
nice try! you can invoke all those fancy legal terms in a civil court, not in a criminal case.
December 5th, 2009 06:04
cotoye,
True, the general rule in the criminal law is that there is no vicarious liability. Let me change the term then to Command responsibility to make it obvious.
December 5th, 2009 09:21
bangungot,
there are 3 major roots of problems in our country that has led to, and mind you, still continuing this very moment, violence against humanity. Anybody killed without due process is inhuman! yes including dogs, cats, …
the 3 major opportunities that would reverse this country’s fate are: 1) leadership, 2) justice, and 3) economy.
economics is a numbers game. gma prides itself of achieving economic games, on paper, that is. but wide-spread poverty and our weak middle class is an unquestionable reality.
kaya tignan mo resulta. sa traffic palang patayan na! and pipol get away with it! yang mga wang-wang gang, ang gubyerno at kapulisan/militar serves as very BAD examples. the “rule of guns” and not the “rule of law!”
up until we reform/change this country’s brand of leadership and its inutile justice system, we’ll all be killing each other! you can bet on it.
sabi nga ni john maxwell: “everything rises and falls on leadership.”
kaya tignan nyo ano ang “nanyayari” sa bansa natin. mga hoodlums, criminals, magnanakaw, atbp. ang namamayani sa gubyerno natin. hence, society responds accordingly. sabi nyo nga “we deserve the gov’t we elect. being majority Christians, mga mayayabang sa kalye, show-off sa simbahan, businahan sa parking pagkatapos ng misa, naka tsinelas sa church, walang bigayan, agawan sa lahat at parang mauubusan, hindi marunong mag-alternate merging (ano nga pala iyon?), etc. etc. etc. kaya mga igan, wag madismaya! ganun talaga. it reflects on all of us!!! we’re all part of the inhumanity!!!
but let us believe deliverance is at hand. it is as certain as the sun rises everyday! that we can bet on and win! GOOD will still triumph over EVIL!!!
December 5th, 2009 09:53
GMA Declares Martial Law in Maguindanao… I agree with the decision but I’m not too sure about the motives of the President.
December 5th, 2009 10:17
Leonard,
Very clear, pare! GMA always wanted to declare “Martial Law.”
Now she’s done it!
She’s a “model” of a “doer,” getting things done!
December 5th, 2009 10:29
Michael,
Likewise, let’s not forget that media professionals have one major mandate. “Sell sponsorships and continuously increase your media rating!” If not you’re out the door. Anything that “sells,” including, or especially, “controversy,” is media priority, first and foremost. Di ba agawan sila kung sino manuna magreport??? Korek man or Tama! (ay mali yata!)
Wow wow wee! … wow wow wee!… wow wow wee! belly buttons, chismis, drama, violence, sex scandals, ergo controversy …
Let’s discuss naman “Tiger Woods”… the Ampatuans will “soon” go out of style…
December 5th, 2009 11:32
A couple of things you may want to observe;
(1) How the public & press reacts to this. Already the blogs are filled with folks expressing their agreement with the action.
(2) How the execution of martial law plays out in Maguindanao. Will it be Machiavellian or downright nasty?
(3) If there would be reprisals either in Maguindanao or elsewhere like Metro manila.
Like I said, I agree with the imposition of martial law there BUT I have serious reservations about the motives of the President.
December 5th, 2009 12:08
I, however, beg to disagree with its imposition. There is no existing rebellion and central government “appears” to be in control. There are threats, but no actual violent incidents.
Mas grabe pa nga “nanyari” sa U.P., but the police didn’t need “Martial Law” to do their usual “unjustifiable” act of inhumanity!
Showmanship, bro., showmanship!
December 5th, 2009 13:56
Regarding the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao:
Because of our experience with martial law in the past, we have very strong emotional feelings about the subject. But it is still a very important tool that a government can use in extreme situations. Martial law is NOT a ready substitute for democratic rule. That’s how it was misused under Marcos.
Martial law is a way to keep government services, including protection of the citizens, running smoothly in the absence of a proper local government. Right now in Maguindanao, the entire police force has been fired, and many political leaders either arrested or soon to be arrested. It also appears that some elements of the local military, as well as other protective service organizations, cannot be fully trusted.
So yes, it may be true that no increase in violence has been seen so far, but how long will that last with no police force and no local government? It is a terrible thing when martial law has to be imposed anywhere. It indicates a total breakdown of government in that area.But in this case, there was absolutely no choice.
Keep in mind that martial law is designed to be a temporary emergency measure. The next step, which should already be in the works, is to prepare for a transition back to some form of democratic governance in the area. That usually means the holding of a special election, specifically for that area.
The thing to watch now is, is government actually planning to do that, and how long will it take?
December 5th, 2009 14:13
And regarding the issue of calling this massacre “violence against journalists”:
I just wanted to put the issue in perspective.
If a woman, along with other customers, is beaten and robbed during a bank robbery, we can’t call that violence against women. It is simply violence.
If a journalist dies in a bomb blast, along with other bystanders in the area, that’s not violence against journalists. It is simply violence.
If those journalists in Maguindanao were killed specifically to prevent them from reporting something, I would call it violence against journalists. But in this case, everyone present was killed. Regardless of whether they were a journalist or not.
I hope no one is offended by my remarks. But I just feel a little odd about statements like “the most dangerous place in the world for journalists”. I think a more accurate statement would have been “on that day, in that place, it was the most dangerous place in the world. For anyone. Period.”
December 5th, 2009 14:54
acts against HUMANITY!
unless journalist deserve special treatment? Kasi nga journalist sila and they should enjoy a certain stature in society? hindi sila dapat kasama sa ambush!
masyadong mahilig sa “CLASSical” music ang pinoy! Ako mayaman class, ikaw bakya class, sila orligarchs class (key ERAP yan), kayo wa class, atbp. justice for your class is different than justice for my class, etc.
s sobrang “class” hindi tuloy umabante!
December 5th, 2009 15:03
most dangerous place for humans and animals!
at least in Somalia, the killers, perpetrators and bandits do not precede the names with the adjective, “HONORABLE.”
dito “honorable” daw eh paktay ka naman! decieving di ba? mga batay salakay!
December 5th, 2009 15:20
Michael,
pinoys may qualify (classified) as the most pathetic HUMANS on earth.
why? due to manipulation. we are the most manipulated humans…
manipulated by media…
manipulated by the rich…
manipulated by the poor…
manipulated by their government…
manipulated by the Americans, Koreans, etc…
manipulated by politicians…
manipulated by criminals…
manipulated by our priests…
…this is not even a 10th of the list…
December 5th, 2009 15:26
btw, the most “horrible pictures” of the Maguindanao massacres are going the rounds on the Internet!
i dare not forward it myself! it’s sickening!
we must be vying for another world record???
God bless us all!!!
December 5th, 2009 18:10
blindness is when we ALLOW Gma to run for congress which is really shameless because she should have serve this nation at its fullest for nine years and still she can’t comprehend that she is awful as a leader.
blindness is when we ALLOW Gma to let the suspects to the massacre in Maguindanao free. I believe that she doesn’t had the guts to jail or charge them. Even they declare martial law. It is all for show.
December 5th, 2009 18:38
Chito,
The best way to stop being manipulated is for people to stop accepting it.
Here, when a government official tells you that you have to pay extra to get a government service, no one challenges it. They all just meekly pay it. Sometimes they even prepare the money in advance, knowing that it will be required. But they never report it, and they never fight it.
When a government official does something crooked, we don’t get mad. We just accept.
As long as we let others (including our own government) walk all over us, the will continue to do so.
December 6th, 2009 08:46
rapist and fratricidal cannibal.
when you inflict your hateful self to an unwilling nation through a small posterior orofice called 2nd district of pampanga.
thats rape!
when, after feeding, caring, and nourishing your man child called ampatuan into your own image of a twisted monster that beckons to your every wishes, you slice and devour him on the altar of public opinion; thats cannibalism!
yours is a morality that than can only thrive in the darkest chamber of mammon.
December 6th, 2009 12:30
The discovery of a major arms cache in the Ampatuan compound reinforces what I said last week in your previous blog about the culpability of those in the ‘Chain of Command’ above the Ampatuans, right up to the Commander-in Chief.
The President and her Secretary of Defense not only authorized the Ampatuans to have their own private Army, but they also allowed police, CAFGUs and CVOs, employed and armed by the Government, to be assigned to the Ampatuan Army, and it seems that some of them took part in the abduction and massacre of 57 innocent civilians.
I recall that after the Oakwood Mutiny, Senator Trillanes and other officers testified in the Senate that they had been ordered to deliver ammunition to Muslim insurgents, including the Abu Sayaf. It is evident that this practice is continuing four years later, with 2009 batch numbers clearly printed on the ammunition boxes that were dug up in the Ampatuan compound, ammunition that was purchased by the Government for use by the AFP and PNP.
Does this not constitute grounds for the impeachment of the President? Why do we need to wait until 2010 to get rid of her?
Why are Senator Trillanes and the other officers still being detained?
December 6th, 2009 12:45
Alice,
It really makes me wonder if the martial law declaration was to cover-up this brouhaha about the discovery of caches of heavy arms and ammos with DND and PNP markings on them.
December 6th, 2009 13:11
Ricky,
You said:
“The rise of the Ampatuans is inextricably linked to the rise of the Arroyos. When she assumed the presidency in 2001, she was aware that she had no mandate (so she) quickly had to secure the support of local politicians both in the provinces and in Congress. She cultivated and enabled the Ampatuans and they delivered in 2004 when she “beat” Fernando Poe Jr., in ARMM and Maguindanao and in 2007 when the 12 administration senatorial candidates managed a not-so-clean 12-0 sweep in Maguindanao. And she repaid them by turning a blind eye to their abuses. So when public school teachers in the province complained that their GSIS contributions over the years had never been paid to the GSIS and therefore they were ineligible for their pensions, nobody did anything. When witnesses to cheating in the 2007 election just disappeared off the face of the Earth, nobody did anything. In fact the Ampatuans were rewarded with an executive order that effectively enabled them to legally build their own private army; the same one apparently that massacred those 59 people in the video.
And while this was going on the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police did absolutely nothing about it, in part because the Ampatuans were also an instrument of their counter insurgency policy. The Ampatuans and their private army were also being used as an augmentation force against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Ampatuans were, in effect, subsidizing the operations of the AFP against the MILF.”
GMA turned a blind eye, the AFP and the PNP did nothing, nobody did anything! Just curious: What was the press doing all these times? Did the fourth estate also turned a blind eye to everything? Where was the public outrage from the media all along? For sure, we did not hear them howl as we do now—now that members of the media themselves became victims. Do you really think wearing black shirts and dresses, and black armbands with “Do not kill journalists!” on them stop the killing spree? Why holler now when nobody did earlier? Just asking. The Philippine press should be more vigilant next time and all the time. If the media collectively sleeps on the watch, atrocities such as this Maguindanao massacre happens. And sometimes, members of the media become victims.
December 6th, 2009 23:50
Hindi kikilos ang mga AMpatuan kung walang go signal galing sa itaas. Remember na bago naganap ang krimen ay magkausap si Ampatuan Sr. at si Pandak. Ang utos ni Pandak, siguraduhing magiging kontrobersiyal at sensesyonal ang gagawing krimen para magkaroon ng dahilan na makapag-deklara ng Martial Law. Kasi wala namang rebelyon? Kinuha lang ang simpatiya ng tao para pumayag ang mamamayan sa gagawing pagdidiklara ng Martial Law pero ang totoo ang lahat ay pakana ng malakanyang. Bakit hindi nagdeklara ng Martial Law sa pag-hunting sa mga rebeldeng general ng MILF at maliwanag na sila ay rebelde kaya may rebelyon pero walang deklarasyon ng Martial Law.
Ang galing talaga ng strategist ni Pandak, para siyang si Napoleon Bonaparte. Magkasing laki kasi sila kaya puwedeng tawaging small but terrible talaga si pandak…
December 7th, 2009 01:18
Pat,
I’ve been writing and reporting about the situation in Maguindanao for years and so has ABS-CBN.
I don’t think we can be accused of turning a blind eye. Problem is when we’ve reported nothing happens. We’re not prosecutors, all we can do is report. And we have been “hollering” since at least 2004. The truth is, very few people have cared until this happened.
December 7th, 2009 06:20
The day i said the clergy should stop dipping their fingers on politics (see my previous comment), this comes out on a newspaper - http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/vidal-rebukes-bogo%E2%80%99s-priest
Ricky is right, as journalists all they can do is report saka mahirap bantayan lahat..almost every week me isyung lumalabas and they all have to report that too.
December 7th, 2009 08:59
Pat (and Ricky),
I think many people misunderstand the role of media.
Media isn’t there to report to government, although those in government should listen too. Media is there to inform the public. An informed society is an empowered society.
The problem is, when media tells us about something going on, the only thing we do with that information is talk about it over our morning coffee. What are we supposed to do about these news reports? we are supposed to complain to our government. If the issue is serious enough, we march in protest.
Sure, one voice won’t make a difference. But “the public” is not just one person. It is millions. Have you ever noticed that, whenever the public clamor grows loud enough and persistent enough, government often does respond?
The word “impunity” which we toss around alot, means that you can do bad things without fear of reprisal. In some societies, elected officials are afraid of the collective voice of their citizens. Not here in the Philippines. Because we don’t use that voice.
December 7th, 2009 10:27
Michael,
True enough. May I take it a step or two further?
Politicians in the Philippines (in my opinion) believe that, once elected, they have the right to do whatever they see fit. Vote on Bills which may have negative impacts on their constituents, veto Bills which would help, etc. When reporters ask them “why”, the usual response is “the people voted for me therefore…”. If the VOTING public does nothing, the politicians will keep doing what they want. Next thing you know, we have private armies in the south wreaking havoc and everybody asking “how did this happen?”
Civilian activism does not stop after you cast your vote. Activism does not mean you have to march on EDSA every time something bad happens in government. If your ELECTED government officials do something you don’t agree with, tell them via phone, fax, email, post or just go to their office. If your ELECTED officials are about to debate or vote on something that will impact your life, tell them how you feel about it BEFORE they vote.
Congress will hold a caucus on the issue of Martial Law in Maguindanao. Have any of you reached out to your Congressmen to let them know how you feel about it?
December 7th, 2009 11:13
Leonard,
I DID, i’m DOING, will continue to DO so!
How about you, Pare?
I have all the email addresses of all Philippine “honorable” ’senatongs’ and ‘tongressmen”. Todate, I have not received any single reply to all my emails to them (broadcast kasi when I transmit my emails) at least to say, “We acknowledge receipt and have noted your concern.”
If these “honorable ladies/gentlemen” have assistants, they must all be sleeping on the job!
These guys no nothing about “customer service.” Talo pa sila ng Jolibee at McDo! At least kahit “mechanical” ang customer service nila, they “try.”
And are we surprise they know nothing about governance?
December 7th, 2009 11:48
ufortunately, our supposed “leaders” fail at very basic attributes such as communications! feedback is important. but then again, education (no referring to BS degrees or diploma education) is the culprit.
observe around you when people say greet others “good morning” the reply would be “o” and when people say “thank you” the response is, (there’s no response!). so bata palang hindi na natuturuan! eh di maliwanag, kasalanan ng mga “magulang.” sama sa pandinig ang salitang “MAGULANG” di ba ga??? maliit na bagay pero malaki ang epekto mga friendsters!
anyways . . .
alancayetano@yahoo.com
aqp@senate.gov.ph
senbongrevilla@senate.gov.ph
sen.escudero@gmail.com
rjgordon@senate.gov.ph
edgardo_angara@hotmail.com
gringo_chq@yahoo.com
mam@senate.gov.ph (si “mam” madrigal yan ha!)
senator_enrile@senate.gov.ph
office_sen_jokerarroyo@yahoo.com
kikopangilinan@gmail.com
loren_b_legarda@yahoo.com.ph
mb_villar@yahoo.com
mar@marroxas.com
miriam@miriam.com.ph
sbsa_iii@noynoyaquino.ph
pongbiazon@yahoo.com
senatortrillanes@gmail.com
senzubiri@yahoo.com.ph
yong iba, mukhang bogus…
pero willing to bet, lalo na yong “damatans” na, eh ni hindi marunong mag-email!!! lalo na pumindot ng laptop!!! the rest they don’t care unless its my “pocket.” kahiya ano? dehins nila alam kung ano ang “packets” ang ano ang “tcp/ip”!!!
worst, ‘ala talaga sa pamumuno!!!
P.S. yong sa tongressmen, kayo na lang… ako alam ko ang sa lugar namin…
December 7th, 2009 12:15
Chito,
Glad to know you’re trying to reach them. If they don’t answer, at least you have a record (I hope you keep your “sent” emails) of it. I agree that too many so-called leaders lack the graces or ability to give a simple reply to an email. I have visions of government staffers, hired directly by certain politicians, struggling to use a stapler (but they look good doing it).
In answer to your question; Yes. I do reach out and touch my elected representatives frequently and they do respond.
December 7th, 2009 12:27
Michael,
easier said than done! some are even “takot” (or whatever their resons are) to put their full names in their blogs and email addresses. understandable, but…anyways…
i was in edsa i, and in edsa ii, and in edsa… and i try to communicate to people in positions of influence.
in the gym i associate myself with generals, their wives and children, businessmen, politicians, “SOBs, (takes one to know one!!!)” and ordinary pipol, to get to know them and of course get “informed” and continue to be “educated.” i talk to pipol while waiting for the MRT/LRT, or the bus to conduct my own surveys, para i can validate the “paid” surveys in the newspapers, i use my alumni asso. to get to know gov’t officials, eg. former commissioner of customs, or former secretary of finance, former congressman of sultan kudarat, etc.
so i’m not really surprised about the news on corruption or cheating during elections. those are ordinary daily happenings in our society and government.
agree 101% there is “something” we can do!
…ang yes, maria, there is “Santa Claus!”
December 7th, 2009 12:51
if gov’t is sincere and transparent with its declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao and that they have nothing to hide, then If I were gma, I would make Maguindanao an open house to “media” during the duration of “Martial Law.”
i would allow media to be imbedded with the troops in the front line to take pictures and record any and all events. kung sa iraq at afghanistan pwede yon, bakit hindi pwede todits kaya???
ricky, would be nice to see your picture with a helmet, once in a while, right???
December 7th, 2009 13:16
Ricky (and Michael),
I don’t think we are going into a debate here about the role of responsible media to accurately, efficiently, effectively, and timely report the facts. However, when the government tries to hide the facts, media should not just roll over. The government will cry executive privilege, national security or sub judice cover-ups, but the media must press on. The media must not stop! I am talking largely about investigative journalism. The media must incessantly ask “Why?” Could you imagine if the Philippine press was on the US beat during the times of President Richard Nixon? Do you think it could uncover the Watergate scandal with the way the Philippine press works? I don’t think so. Nixon would have been able to finish his second term.
Ricky, if the media had hollered loud enough in 2004, and since then, as they profoundly do now, the Maguindanao massacre may not have happened. Fifty seven people, or so, may still have the chance to enjoy the spirit of this coming Christmas.
December 7th, 2009 19:56
Hey everyone I’ve been looking at the reactions to martial law coming into ABS-CBNnews.com and our Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo sites and it looks like there’s a mixed reaction to martial law.
Those who are against it say it will be the first step in a wider martial law or a means of trying to prevent the Ampatuans from blowing the whistle on Arroyo’s misdeeds.
Those who support it are hoping it will be used to free Maguindanao from the Ampatuans once and for all. One boto patroller from Maguindanao even said that martial law there is better than the Ampatuan’s reign of terror.
December 7th, 2009 22:28
Ricky, if i am GMA , i will have to save my head. If the Ampatuan blow the whistle . Well, hell broke lose. That is why , they have to get the custody to the old Ampatuan as hostage. It is like a pawn. Check mate.
December 8th, 2009 00:20
What concerns me is the legal impediments that martial rule will bring to the prosecution of the Ampatuans, assuming that SC will rule that Arroyo’s declaration of martial law was not legal.
The arrests of the Ampatuans, except Jr Ampatuan, were done under the premise of martial law and without warrants. Most of the evidences were also seized without search warrants. It means the defense will have strong argument for the release of the Ampatuans because their detention is based on a voided legal ground. If declaration of martial law is ruled illegal, the actions of the government made in the pretext of martial law will have to be declared illegal as well. It also means all the rebellion cases will have to be thrown. The Ampatuans, except Jr. Ampatuans, could end up being free in less than a month, unless the DOJ can come up with another case.
There is also the question of whether the collected evidences can be presented during the trial. I expect the defense to file a motion to suppress all evidences that were collected during the illegal reign of martial law. I don’t see any strong ground for the government to deny the motion. What will happen to the prosecution’s case? Perhaps the government will rely on state witnesses to pin the Ampatuans, but definitely the case is not as strong with cache of high powered weapons being presented in front of the judge.
Perhaps a grand plot to free the Ampatuans? I don’t know, but it is better to be warned. We all agree that this administration is capable of anything.
December 8th, 2009 06:18
Guys,
For lack of a better term, what is happening in Maguindanao is a grand moro-moro.
December 8th, 2009 07:37
Pat,
The entire Philippines under GMA is!
December 8th, 2009 09:11
Guys,
Like I said before… It will be interesting to see how this plays out. This may be more devious and dastardly than “Senator Palpatine” taking over the “Republic Senate”. On second thought, maybe GMA has based her scheme on Star Wars. Crazier things have happened.
December 8th, 2009 10:24
Hey Ricky,
Here’s an off-topic question: Gloria’s people say that she will not use the resources of her current position as president to support her campaign for a seat in congress.
Yesterday I heard Presidential Spokesman Cerge Remonde respond to a question about someone filing a case seeking to disqualify Mrs Arroyo as a candidate. Remonde said “We welcome any challenge.” When he said “we” did he mean “we” the office of the president? When he uses an official briefing, and sits in front of the Malacanang seal, doesn’t that constitute using presidential resources to support a local campaign?
December 8th, 2009 10:38
Mike,
Technically I guess you’d be right.
But he was asked the question and I guess he had to answer. Maybe he was speaking in a personal capacity. You know how these “honorable” government guys have a tendency to use the imperial sounding “we” instead of the “I” or “me” that we normal folks use.
December 8th, 2009 14:02
General Palparan has now confirmed that the “Government armed the Ampatuans” ostensibly to help fight the insurrection in Maguindanao. How ironic that the Ampatuan Army have now become the outlawed insurrectionists! It just shows how reckless the Government policy has been over the past few years.
Unless the AFP/PNP disarm all the private armies in Maguindanao, there is a distinct possibility that the Mangudadatus will emerge from this in a position of strength and, long after the dust has settled, they could exact revenge on what remains of the Ampatuans.
I am actually in favor of Martial Law in Maguindanao, to give the Government forces the necessary powers to deal with this problem effectively and expeditiously, and to restore law and order. Having been forced to suspend the entire police force of the Province (1,000 men) the Government will have to use the AFP to fill the vacuum, and the soldiers must be given the necessary powers of arrest and detention etc to do the job properly.
As the judges and prosecutors have taken leave of absence, the DOJ/AFP/PNP were finding it difficult to file charges in court, obtain warrants of arrest, search orders etc. With Martial Law in place, the investigation can proceed at pace without hindrance or obstruction.
It will be much easier for the AFP to disarm everyone in the Province.
Government can immediately replace all the civil servants who are now absenting themselves from work (civil disobedience).
Let us give credit to Lieutenant General Ferrer and his men and all the investigators, who it seems are now doing a damn good job, under very difficult circumstances. They are arresting and detaining the culprits, gathering evidence, and finding huge arsenals of weapons and ammunition
December 8th, 2009 17:33
If the leaders of the Catholic Church can’t even do anything about their own priests who have gone the way of the Evil One, what moral authority do they have over the laity members of their flock?
And how come the Church continues to give Holy Communion to the Evil One?
December 8th, 2009 22:38
Ricky,
Ayon sa mga reliable sources, bukod sa bala at armas, nahuhukay din ang mga ebidensiya ng pandaraya sa eleksyon tulad ng mga balota, ballot boxes at iba pa. Nakakabahala rin ang balitang ang mga naarestong mga suspek sa Maguindanao massacre ay pangalawang grupo na dinala sa lugar ng krimen binigyan di umano ng mga armas, inutusang magpaputok at putukan muli ang mga patay ng biktima kaya halos sabog ang mga parte ng katawan. Sila ang positibo sa paraffin test at naaresto samantalang ang mga tunay na pumatay ay mas malamang na hindi pa nadadakip. Planong plano talaga!
December 9th, 2009 10:26
priests, historically, have been known to turn a blind eye to the excesses of their lords and patrons.
that Kapampangan sacerdote is no different — he’s just keeping a sad tradition alive.
December 9th, 2009 11:40
needless to say, what had happened sure is sickening.
this is clearly an exhibition of how grave the condition the country is in thanks to the leaders that’re supposed to govern and impose law and order among others.
such a disgrace among tons tons of other disgraces… just one of the many gruesome pics to the world — a reflection of present-day Philippines one can’t help but wonder: do we really have a government?
December 9th, 2009 11:41
errr: x-had: has
December 9th, 2009 15:29
Dear ricky,
what is the policy for abscbn in showing the bodies of the slain?
the bodies are still being show, online for example.
is this a good idea?
is it possible to conceal the bodies out of respect for the victims?
there is no journalistic value in the continued showing of these pics…
December 9th, 2009 19:26
GabbyD,
I agree! There is no value in showing the horrible pictures. In fact, it continues to circulate via the Internet. When I received mine via Internet, I deleted it! I would not want to keep in in my laptop or even pass it around, with due respect to our massacred and violated countrymen!
December 9th, 2009 19:44
if anyone of those in the massacred pictures is my mother, father, brother or sister, I would not want said pictures to be used by others for whatever reason!
regardless whether we have relatives or not involved in said cruel did, we should be sensitive to people’s right for self-respect!
how “disensitized” to such inhumanly acts many have become!!! media is actually directly responsible for this since they put emphasis to gory and negative news incidents all the time, everyday, day and day!
we are really all messed up, aren’t we?!
December 10th, 2009 06:27
The pictures are a record of the event. The record of the event becomes evidence to the world. The world should never forget what happened in Maguindanao (Bosnia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Nazi Germany, etc).
December 10th, 2009 08:18
GabbyD,
Chito and Leonard just described in a nutshell the two ways of looking at it. It was the subject of much discussion in the newsroom as to whether we should show the pictures in full or blur them and you can see how we began with blurring them and then showing them in ful and we kept going back and forth. I think this reflects the ambiguity we all felt. Some said that we should blur them out of respect for the victims and so as not to shock the viewers. But later, it was argued that to do so would be to somehow downplay the horror of what the Ampatuans did. Some felt that people should see just how terrible a crime it was so they can be roused out of their indifference.
We never really resolved it and it has been left to the discretion of the producers. In the end, many have opted to show the less gory photos unblurred. I personally feel that people should be shocked and angered and I would tend to favor showing the pictures.
December 10th, 2009 10:06
@ricky
i’m somewhat surprised that there is no newsroom-wide policy on the showing of gory pics in general.
surely the late night news would be different from the early evening news, where kids are watching. no?
i would also be in favor of showing it, especially in the first week, for the reasons u said.
but now, everyone knows alot of people died. everyone knows about it. the journalistic impetus is very much reduced as we’ve seen all the pics for the past 2 weeks already.
do we still need to see it now?
at anyrate, its down now.
December 10th, 2009 10:18
Gabby in general the policy is we blur the gory or sensitive stuff, but this case was a bit different. I agree with you that the journalistic impetus may have been reduced at this point given how many people have seen the pics.
But again my personal inclination is to let them stay out there so that the 57 dead are not an abstraction or a stastistic but real people who lived real lives. People should be so disturbed by it that it forces the Arroyo regime to do something about this.
December 10th, 2009 10:20
The Joint Session last night really opened my eyes! There are (were) so many things the government could have done instead of declaring martial law. Justice Secretary Devanadera “The Hut” (c’mon. you gotta admit she does look like Jabba The Hut)could have installed temporary judges in the region. The AFP could have replaced the command staff who’s loyalties were questionable. The PNP could have done the same along with sacking the rank & file there. There was no rebellion. I can see that now.
There was, however, a mass murder which should have, could have been investigated, the perpetrators apprehended and the crime scene protected. Yes, I still have serious questions about the nature in which the crime scene/s were not properly protected. I have a feeling that this issue will come up in court. It doesn’t take a Johnny Cochran to bring up contaminated evidence as a reason to acquit.
Additionally, and as Senator Joker Arroyo stated, the entire time during the MILF conflict, martial law was never declared. Why declare it now over a mass murder?
My eyes are now wide open and, once again, I see how the administration is attempting to completely cover up their own misdeeds.
The saga continues…
December 10th, 2009 11:26
Or was that the Gentlemen from Maguindanao who brought up the MILF non-martial issue?
December 10th, 2009 11:52
Leonard,
I agree with your comment,” I see how the administration is attempting to completely cover up their own misdeeds”, because I think it is clear that the Government is heavily implicated. I also feel that the Government representatives who testified yesterday in Congress did not present convincing arguments. However, I still see the need for Martial Law in this situation.
The Government has now admitted that, of the 132 private armies in the country, 42 of them are in Maguindanao, all apparently heavily armed. They have also uncovered (so far) three arsenals of weapons, including heavy machine guns and mortars and 400,000 rounds of ball ammunition all buried by the Ampatuans. How much more is there in the other 41 armies?
You may have seen on TV that, while the police were uncovering weapons that were buried in Ampatuan Snr’s mango orchard, shots were fired in the vicinity, and the police had to beat a hasty retreat. Was that not a deliberate act of rebellion, designed to disrupt the investigation? Was the presence of armed militia casing the hotel where the overseas forensic pathologists were staying not deliberate threatening behavior. It certainly had the desired effect, for they left the next day for Manila, only to return when the area was properly secured after the implementation of Martial Law. According to the police, there are still more than 2,000 rebels at large, in heavily armed groups at various locations in the Province.
If CAFGUs and CVOs, who previously declared allegiance to the Government switched allegiance to the Ampatuans, took part in the mass murder of 57 innocent civilians, who they were mandated to protect,on the orders of the Ampatuans, and now refuse to obey the Government order to disarm and surrender themselves for investigation, that to me is an act of rebellion.
The police officers who stopped the Mangudadatu convoy at the check point and diverted it to the massacre site on top of the hill were clearly not following their constitutional mandate to protect civilians.
Strategically, Maguindanao is like the tinderbox of Muslim Mindanao. Unless the Government moves fast to restore peace, law and order, this situation could easily spread to dissident members of the MILF and other private armies in Maguindanao and beyond.
December 10th, 2009 13:39
Alice,
So by your reasoning, there should be martial law everywhere “private armies” are located? I agree, the Ampatuans had way too many firearms and ammo. I worked for two PMCs in Iraq and between them, I don’t think they even had anything close to that amount (and we were “using” ammo everyday). What was the AFP figure? Something like 900 crew served weapons?
The fact is law enforcement has failed in maguindanao. It failed miserably! However, there are other remedies that could have been put in place.
How many times have the MILF or the ASG, for that matter, engaged Government troops? Was martial law declared at any time in response to the MILF or ASG attacks? Nope! How many times have the NPA attacked and/or engaged Philippine Government troops, facilities and/or personnel? Was martial law declared in response to the NPA attacks? Nope!
Did the private armies of the Ampatuans engage Government troops? Nope, but they were thinking about it! The thought was “looming” in their minds. The “looming” thought was so strong that it became fact to the Arroyo administration. This is where their reasoning falls to pieces.
Lets take this a step further Alice. Suppose, just suppose, a threat (either real or imagined) is discovered wherein several “private armies” are planning to destabilize the Government. Sound familiar? Suppose this threat turned out to be merely a “looming” threat. Still, would GMA have the right to declare martial law? Would she not have to increase said martial status to include the Philippines in its entirety?
Be careful Alice. Its a very slippery slope!
December 10th, 2009 14:03
Alice,
And by the way… Shots being fired in “the vicinity” is a not the same as being fired “at you”. Two totally different events. Allow me to give an example:
Driving in any city, town or village in Iraq on a Friday night, one might encounter a wedding or two. During these weddings, it is customary for the men in attendance to engage in “celebratory fire”. That is, pointing their firearms skyward, usually AK47s (although in Baghdad the night the Iraqi football team beat Kuwait locals were shooting off everything they had including heavy MGs), and shooting until they run out of ammo. This is disconcerting to say the least but not taken as a direct threat. Now, should those same weapons be pointed and aimed directly at (say) a security convoy passing by… Well that would definitely be taken as a threat and should be dealt with immediately.
In the video you were referring to, did any of the AFP/PNP personnel investigate where the shooting had originated? Did any rounds come near their AO? Was their any reason, other than the fact that they heard shots, to think that they were under attack?
I’m not saying that the shots heard were from a wedding but who knows. Still, its no reason to declare martial law.
December 10th, 2009 14:19
Oh! Alice… Please don’t think I’m slamming you for your opinion. At the beginning, I was actually in favor of Martial Law down there. It was only after hearing the facts brought up in the Joint Session that changed my mind. Although, I was always cautious of GMAs true intentions…
December 10th, 2009 14:23
Many of you sound like Metro Manilans analyzing the situation in Maguindanao through Metro Manilan eyes.
Have you ever considered the unique cultural situation in Maguindanao and how martial law may be the only way to break the suffocating stranglehold of the Ampatuans in the many facets of Maguindanaoan lives?
December 10th, 2009 15:01
Leonard,
Good debate! I agree with you about the ’slippery slope’, because it is a real worry in this country, and you make a good point about Abu Sayaf, MILF and NPA actions elsewhere.
Sadly, we will never know if there was a wedding going on in Ampatuan’s mango orchard, because the cameraman also beat a hasty retreat, and yes some of the police did follow up.
But as you know from your days in Iraq, the situation there improved significantly after the “Surge” took effect. Sometimes one needs a massive show of force to provide a sense of security for the civilian population, who must be scared stiff right now. In this respect, I agree with Alberto. Incidentally, I am from Visayas.
December 10th, 2009 19:55
Look at the record of this administration with regard to its treatment of “friends”: we read reports of “good conduct” credits resulting in deduction of days of incarceration and commutations of sentence with resultant release from prison…plus some “special” pardons? How about the “weak” cases which were suspected to be deliberate to have the cases dismissed. Another one for the books is the case of Sec. Perez.
The main reason why there are many questions today is that because of her “record,” there is NO MORE TRUST. Can we blame people when they think that declaring martial law in Maguindanao because of a “looming” rebellion is a favor to the Ampatuans so that most of them will be merely charged for rebellion and not multiple murder…to prevent the suspects from spilling the beans on what they know about alleged previous election offenses?..or so that pieces of evidence from alleged crimes related to the 2004 and 2007 election will be securely moved or destroyed?.. Creating fear is the best element for the police/military to do possible cover-up operations. I do not know whether media will still be bold enough in this situation to “shadow” the police/military in all its activities so that there is a record for all to see…like the report on the discovery of the Ampatuans having in their possesion election paraphernalia…
December 11th, 2009 09:05
Alice,
A show of force is one thing but throwing away the Constitution is another. As was stated last night in Session, the rights of search & seizure should still be in effect. Failing that (which they did) will mean a judge, any judge, declaring all evidence obtained without search warrants inadmissible. By the way, the Ampatuan lawyers are already filing cases to that effect (if my Tagalog has not completely failed me and I got the translation correct from the news piece).
With regards to the “Surges” in Iraq; throughout each surge, martial law was NEVER enacted. The Iraqi Government still functioned on all levels, police and military still did their duties (albeit limited). Actually, the only change in law enforced was curfew in certain hot-spots. No martial law.
Quick CORRECTION: Iraqi wedding night is Thursday not Friday. My bad.
Back to my point. A massive show of force can be accomplished without the imposition of martial law. It just takes the will and determination of those involved with making the decisions and those charged with executing said actions.
As we now see, a convoy was attacked (probably no more than one or two gunmen whose rifle skills are severely lacking) last night. Add to that a hostage crisis involving another CAFGU group and now word of a possible attempt to liberated Amapatuan Jr. from jail. This is the beginning of a perfect storm for the imposition of nation wide martial law.
MikeL,
Totally agree with you man! GMA’s track record is suspect! Of course everything coming out of that administration is treated with caution and/or disbelief.
December 11th, 2009 12:43
This Malacanang horn tooter Gary Olivar says Gloria is too busy to attend the joint session. There she goes again. Giving a slap to each and every Congressman and Senator.
Then her spokesman (only an appointee)again inflates his ego and acting like he was higher in rank than the elected ones.. says he’s satisfied with how the joint session was conducted on Wednesday.
“It’s a good start and let’s keep it up,” he said. “I would like to have more civility.”
“I?” “I?” “I would like to have more civility?” Who’s he? Who cares about what you like, O-lie-var!
It’s time the Congressmen and Senators give this guy a return slap in his face.
December 11th, 2009 12:51
…and this is how impunity builds up. Spokesmen treat Senators and Congressmen like dirt and slap them around a few times and the elected ones don’t slap back.
The President and the Executive Secretary tolerate it. Senators and Congressmen tolerate it. Soon the slapping around is done with impunity.
December 11th, 2009 13:48
Phil,
Such has been the attitude of administration officials since that woman took office.
December 11th, 2009 15:31
“Cooperative” members of the lower house deserve the insults they are getting from Aling Glo’s appointees. Let us continue to observe if they still refuse to see the light and toe the line when Nograles and Ponce-Enrile call for the votes in the joint session. If they side with the “evil” one, then we the people must make sure to vote them or their annointed ones out of office next May.
Beware…all that is before us now is most probably a well thought-of moro-moro, with unsuspecting lower ranked members of the police and military being used to carry out the plans of their higher to highest-ranked officers, to cover up or to make sure that the cases will be thrown out by the judges. There was a news clip of an Ampatuan lawyer complaining about a third search with one and the same mission order…if that is right and since, even under this martial law, the 1987 constitution is still in effect, the evidence collected may not be accepted by the court and the People of the Philippines will be defeated again…as planned?
December 11th, 2009 16:17
The Filipino is patient and peace-loving. However, if Aling Gloria pushes him to the wall, she may not end her term. History may repeat itself…a peaceful rebellion, another People Power, backed by properly discerning and right-minded ranked officers, may take place again and she will get what she did to Erap.
At this late stage, the Filipino will go with VP Noli who will make sure we get a fair and just May 2010 elections. This may happen especially after someone attached to the “evil” one laughed at and insulted VP Noli who seems to be retiring from politics and leave a good legacy, and who together with the People of the Philippines may have the last laugh.
There’s still time to repent and reform… The Filipino is also forgiving.
December 11th, 2009 18:11
Any unconstitutional or “street parliamentary action” type moves from now on till gma’s end of term will just justify “HER” wanting to declare martial law in the entire country and hence prolong her term!
Patience has its rewards (hopefully)?
December 12th, 2009 01:12
History is on the side of people power. But, yes, patience has its rewards…
December 12th, 2009 08:45
I would have to agree with Chito on this one. Civilian mass protests will only give the administration a reason (excuse) to expand martial law over and above what is defined in the Constitution.
December 12th, 2009 08:48
Guys,
Check out “Does The Crime Justify The Means?” opinion article in today’s edition of the Philippine Star. Pay particular attention to paragraphs 2,3, & 4.
December 12th, 2009 18:37
So Ermita and company announced a few hours ago that martial law in Maguindanao will end tonight at 9pm.
So why were their faces so glum?
December 12th, 2009 20:58
Leonard,
I dont understand why Dean Bautista is raising the issue of warrantless arrest in time of martial law.
During martial rule the designated area is virtually under police power. Essentially all civil liberties are suspended including the right to due process. Court ordered warrants are part of due process requirements to guarantee that civil rights of suspects are protected. Therefore, what is there to protect when civil rights are non existent?
Writ of Habeas Corpus is a power given to courts to compel the military to present the accused to the court and bring charges. When writ of habeas corpus is suspended the court’s last resort to enforce due process is gone.
Warrants can also be issued by the legislative and the executive branch. Congress can issue a warrant of arrest on a congressional witness who refuses to appear in a hearing. If we have to follow American jurisprudence, in time of martial law such as during war the US president can issue warrants through the secretary of the DOJ. If you recall the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War was effected without court order but through an Executive Order from Rosevelt.
December 13th, 2009 10:02
According to news reports, Mayor Mangudadatu is claiming that soldiers or police stole his wife’s p500,000 Rolex watch while investigating the massacre crime scene. He said he gave it to her as a gift.
I have to ask the same question we are asking about the Ampatuan’s: How can a mayor, who legally earns around P500k per year, afford to buy such a gift? And I guarantee, that watch is not his only valuable possession. You only buy an expensive watch after many other luxury needs are met.
December 13th, 2009 10:28
caught the tail end of media in focus over at anc last night…
cerge remonde is really incredible! can’t believe how he defends his ‘master’ with a straight face, may pa-galit-galit effect pa! totally annoying
if i were his wife, i’d be very scared, as he can lie with a straight face and twist and turn any situation in any which direction he wants… Mr Remonde, we’re not dummies to believe anything you say!
kudos to anc and Maria Ressa, your show exposed just how horrible this gov’t is, as verbalized by its spokesperson
December 13th, 2009 11:59
i wonder what is the status of the government-issued-firearms-investigation? is media not going after this? this is a big story if the editors and publisher would pursue it. they can start with Sen. Trillanes IV, if they want to.
December 13th, 2009 15:02
Bangungot,
Good question.
What scares me is not that some weapons end up in the hands of bad guys (although that is definitely bad). What scares me is that the AFP didn’t seem to notice them missing.
How is it possible that the military doesn’t know that it is missing more than 1 million rounds of ammunition? Is there no inventory control or accountability? Even if you have sloppy inventory control, you might still lose tens of thousands of rounds. But to lose 1 million can only mean that you have NO accountability procedures at all.
Somebody needs to be held accountable for that.
December 13th, 2009 15:05
gov’t of “patronage” and not of “servant leadership,” indeed! “i scratch your back, you scratch mine” system of governance.
remonde is a subservient employee! what do you expect? remember what gibo told us during the public forum? how can he not be grateful to the one who “gave him a chance?” claro! our character of “utang na loob” has been totally misunderstood, misused, and manipulated to the hilt! result? subservience!
and this type of governance has created a monster, the military! if you believe what “brenda” was claiming, that the present lawlessness is a “creation” of “certain” elements, a precursor to staging “something,” then will really in deept shit! but was surprising was when she claimed that gma is a hostage to this “elements?” hindi “subservience” din??? kala ko pa naman “tigasin” talaga.
now, who is really “hostage” here? or who is really not “subservient?” and to whom? quite a few indeed. but these few “free willed” men and women are now six feet under!
unfortunately, in our country, everyone has lost the element of trust. we don’t trust the gov’t, the military, the police, the justice system, comelec, our priests, lawyers, pharmaceutical cos. (for selling their drugs & testing it on us), etc. and suprisingly i read in a column of the bulletin that si ombudsman “mercidits” daw is spearheading a “graft & corruption awareness campaign?” what an irony, a farce!
but there is sure hope! but the help ain’t gonna come from anyone we know on this earth.
December 13th, 2009 15:19
heard stories about many complaining how hard it is if you follow the “correct way” of doing business with gov’t?
e.g. ask your fiends who bought imported vehicles! people end up doing it the “easier” way not the “correct way.” transfers of vehicle ownership pa lang yan ha! eh paano na rin yong sa customs?
and expect the military to account for what…?!! what a credibility gap!!!
ay yayyayyay!
December 13th, 2009 15:24
how about firearms lincensing???
ay sus ginoo ina ng awa!!!!!
mey kumikita…at mey kumimita…
December 13th, 2009 16:53
Ricky,
Just watched “Under One Sky”. Very very well done! Please express my congratulations to the Production Team at ANC.
All,
There is a movie floating around on the net. It’s called “Kalibo”. Based on a true story, it centers around media killings in East Timor prior to and during the Indonesian invasion. If you have the means (and bandwidth) I strongly suggest you download it. The subject matter relates directly to this post.
December 13th, 2009 17:32
Not all is lost during the recent historic joint senate and congress hearing on martial law. But blindness is truly evident!
1. by now we can claim to be the most educated as well as most ignorant about martial rule (unfortunately, the ignorance belong to those who are suppose to be the learned);
2. we saw bright men and women educated on the principle of law and their ability to tweat it to suit the views of individuals these men & women of law are subservient to;
3. those in position of power, again showed us how really “powerless” they are, inspite of martial law;
4. we have three recorded incidents for the basis of declaring martial law, and its not really based on the law, but more of a character trait of the individual (at least in two incidents). But contrast this to the incident of actual bomb shells being dropped in Malacanang during the Cory presidency, clearly a rebellon against established authorities and actual danger to the people, but that no martial rule was declared, regardless!
We definitely know better, one way or the other. Nevertheless, blindness ensues…
December 15th, 2009 10:22
I don’t know if the media has already picked up on this idea but, something occurred to me last night so I’ll share it with you.
During the so-called investigation and subsequent confiscation of weapons, I’m sure everyone made note of the outrageous amount of items seized. Some say there were enough weapons and ammo for an entire battalion.
Now, unless the Ampatuans were planning on raging all-out-war against a rival clan of considerable size and strength (1000+ combatants), the MILF or the AFP, we all have wondered why did they amass so much firepower.
While you’re thinking about that, keep in mind the amount of money and assets this group (the Ampatuans) has been able to obtain and how could they gain so much presiding over one of the most poorest areas in the Philippines.
I may have an answer… Maybe, just maybe, those weapons were not intended for use in battle. Maybe the weapons are actually the Ampatuans sales inventory. Maybe they are arms dealers (albeit illegal). Why else would anyone outside of the military need to store so much weapons and ammunition?
Actualy, I hope “someone” in the media will be able to look into this. Like I said, it hit me last night while watching footage of the weapons caches being unearthed. They’re ARMS DEALERS!
December 15th, 2009 13:34
those who are in their right mind couldn’t really stand and stomach our congress. even mayon volcano couldn’t. it puked!
so the truth finally came out about gma’s lifting of martial law. and no, it’s not because of the law, nor is it her being sensitive to many’s clamor against it.
it’s because she’s going to Copenhagen!
…and be ridiculed while there because of it?
December 15th, 2009 17:36
I hope it’s a one way trip for her to Copenhagen.
December 16th, 2009 09:06
Did any of you catch GMA’s speech? She’s talking like she was on the ball from the get-go when in fact, only the softest words were heard from the Palace a\from the start of the Maguindanao killings. If she’s so big and bad, why didn’t she bother to show up at the Joint Session? I guess you guys are right. That entire speech was only for the benefit of those in Copehagen. She’s probably bringing a DVD copy of the speech to distribute among the delegates.
December 16th, 2009 11:06
They say the eyes are the windows of the soul. Have you observed her eyes lately? Evil spews out of them.
Those eyes have morphed and continue to morph the longer she stays in power.
December 16th, 2009 11:10
Another interesting item in today’s Inquirer.
The article is about the gun dealer who sold weapons to the Ampatuans. According to the article, the sales were all legal, and were sanctioned by the appropriate government agencies.
The article also described the process by which an LGU can buy firearms. It mentioned that there are several layers of review before the purchase can be made. And of course, being a government purchase, the article explained that the transaction requires an LGU budget allocation, as well as approval from the provincial, city, or municipal council.
But then the article quoted the gun dealer, who said that the Ampatuans always paid cash on the spot, and never haggled about price.
If that is true, then these purchases clearly did not follow the legal procedure. That may sound like a trivial thing, but here is my point:
The reason that western countries, like the US, Canada, Australia, etc., have relatively clean, effective governments, with much lower levels of corruption, is not because the people are more honest. It is actually because those countries strictly enforce their own laws. Not just the big laws, but the little ones too.
Traffic runs smoothly because drivers are not allowed to get away with even minor violations. Taxes are paid, because if you don’t pay, you are sure to get caught. Kickbacks and bribes are minimized, not because those countries have so many laws, but rather because those laws are enforced.
Rules about disclosure are enforced. Suspicious bank accounts or transactions are investigated openly (which, by the way, does not result in any increased risk of kidnapping of the businessman in question).
The 3 branches of government actively work to keep each other in check. Here, we talk about checks and balances, but in the same breath we glory in the idea that each branch is independent and co-equal, and that it is a violation of protocol for one branch to interfere with any other.
The famed Chicago Mafia boss, Al Capone, was sent to prison for life, but not because of all the murders he had committed. He was convicted of tax evasion. He didn’t pay his taxes, and they punished him for it!
In the case of the Ampatuans, the whole thing might never have happened if we had just enforced our own laws. Laws about weapons purchases, and the use of government funds, and all the other little laws that, if enforced, would make it impossible for a family, or a person, to acquire so much power.
December 16th, 2009 11:52
Michael,
Completely agree with your point.
Enforcement, Enforcement, Enforcement is the magic word.
A dishonest leader will frequently bend or go around the law and not even enforce the law when it suits him or her.
The solution is an honest leader at the top with a lot of political will.
December 16th, 2009 12:26
Quoting what gma has said as quoted by the Inquirer, “Throughout the imposition of martial law, many critics found fault with our actions. They had no faith in our Constitution. They had no faith in men and women in the military and police to do their job. In fact, I am not sure if they have faith in the democracy.”
GMA still has the nerve to say this, as if she didn’t know why people “didn’t have faith” in government.
It’s not what is done, but rather the results that counts! Results not activities. Having done many things does not prove effectiveness. Results does!
RESULTS to date: (1) helpless people are continuously being violated by the rich and the powerful; (2) even judges are afraid and helpless versus the lawless elements; (3) the police and military continue to be helpless, inspite of martial rule; (4) justice continue to be manipulated by the lawless-rich-powerful; (5) gov’t continue to tramp on the governed; (6) corruption is a way of governance; (7) OFWs continue to work abroad because they are not recognized here, but their dollar remittances are the ones helping an underserving government; (8) we have to role models in good governance; (9) congress continue to serve only the president and their own personal agendas, and not its real constituencies; (10) the gov’t is first to violate the constitution, (11) the military’s arsenal find their way to lawless elements, (12)law enforcement agencies maintain different standards for the rich and the poor, etc. etc. etc.
…and with these results, they are suprised we don’t have “faith” in them…?
December 16th, 2009 13:39
the corrupt midget will say anything with a straight face in the hope of deflecting attention from the fact that she is the godmother of the ampatuans and their minions. it is very natural for her to pretend that it is in the constitution and democracy that we are losing faith in and not in her and her administration. it is really getting to be more difficult to maintain an indifference towards her just to keep one’s sanity while hoping that her days are numbered. thanks to the power of the remote control, i really don’t have to listen to her when she appears on tv.
December 16th, 2009 14:11
I am certain that she is no longer trying to fool us. She knows we know her only too well.
It’s the outside world she’s speaking to whenever she makes those statements. It’s all “for the record”.
December 16th, 2009 17:52
And just like his boss, Gibo is just as deceptive.
He says we must put an end to this dependence on warlords.
Why didn’t he say that when he was still DND Chief? He depended on them while he was in that office. He even hosted a meeting with the Ampatuans and the Mangudadatus. Meaning he was that close and influential to these clans.
What a fibber. Another Gloria in the making.
December 16th, 2009 18:32
Phil,
You said “The solution is an honest leader at the top with a lot of political will.”
I agree, but I have to add something.
We keep saying that nothing will change until an honest leader gets elected to lead us away from corruption.
I think the real solution is honest citizens, who refuse to participate in, or accept, corruption.
Each individual has to do the right thing on his own. And Each individual has to shout NO! when he becomes aware of an official committing an illegal act.
I don’t think an honest leader alone will ever be able to make a difference.
If that were true, then Panlilio would have been able to change Pampanga. But the truth is, those around him, including mayors and other local officials, would not allow him to implement any real change.
One man just cannot do it. Citizens must get involved.
December 16th, 2009 20:58
Michael,
Unfortunately, what you said is true. Electing an honest president with all the best intentions in the world will not solve the problem of this country, although he can set a good example for all, as a good start.
Corruption cannot be eradicated. It can only be managed and controlled. It will stay with us till the end of time. It does not only involve people but the established “systems” of corruption itself in all levels of the government bureaucracy. Sa mga private companies nga, hindi surprising that the purchasing dept. is prone to anomalous transactions. It’s not impossible but it is hard.
No doubt that a strong and incorruptible leadership working closely with its counterpart leaders in all branches and levels of government is needed. Question is how does one ensure that every leadership position in every level in the government bureaucracy is occupied by people of high integrity & capability?
Treating corruption problems in our present government systems is like treating terminal “cancer.” It is indeed easier said than done. We can ask people who used to work with private companies who ended up with government. These people are either “eaten up” by the “system” or they leave frustrated. The work ethics is totally opposite!
Like in management, the principle of “carrot and stick” is also a useful tool in trying to change some bad habits.
One thing that may reduce (but not eliminate) corruption, is automation. Some gov’t depts have had certain successes due to automation.
The key really is to elect gov’t officials with strong leadership characteristics, excellent management skills and some technical know-how. Those of you who have watched the movie Star Trek should have seen several good leadership attributes modeled, starting with “TRUST.” Remember how easily the capt. can leave the ship and turnover command to his first officer? An “insecure & weak” leader will have second thoughts!
We (both gov’t and the governed) need to accept and start with present realities and work from there.
The main question now is, with so many, who can we bet on?
December 17th, 2009 06:58
Michael, what you said is true but you missed the whole point. We are voting for leaders. If our leader, no matter how a genius he or she is, is not morally upright, honest–then we have nowhere to go. Just look at our present situation now.
December 17th, 2009 08:12
I would like all of you to think for a moment…
Think about five of your closest relatives. Think about them standing abreast (shoulder to shoulder) of each other in front of you. Now, think about five of your closest friends standing behind your relatives, also abreast of each other. Behind them, I want you to think about five co-workers you know. Now, start thinking about people you know or see everyday. They could be taxi drivers, cashiers, whatever. The important thing is seeing their faces in your mind. Keep doing that until you have sixty people standing in twelve rows of five standing directly in front of you. Try to get an idea of how much space is taken up by sixty people and what that looks like. Do you have that image in your mind? Ok.
Now, imagine those same sixty people suddenly dying right in front of you; one by one.
If you can imagine that, you have a limited idea of what happened that day in Maguindanao. I say limited because the victims, at some point in time, all knew they were going to die and there was nothing they could do about it. Some may have held out hope for being the one who’d be spared but that was fleeting. One by one, they all were killed. One by one, they all had to deal with the most terrifying step we all must eventually take. In life, there are two things we will do alone; being born and dying. Fifty-seven people were faced with their own fears, faiths, doubts and disbeliefs but, in the end, they all stopped breathing.
It is IMPORTANT that we remember this event for what it was. It was not rebellion. It was unadulterated MASS MURDER! Do not ever forget that.
December 17th, 2009 09:24
Ricky,
I don’t know if you happened to see it, but Greg Macabenta wrote a great letter in Business World yesterday, about the latest Harapan debate. I think it was titled “Kid Gloves”.
I thought he raised an excellent point. I know you don’t have anything to do with planning those debates, but why do we treat the candidates with such kid gloves? I admit that I did not see the whole debate, but I was pretty disappointed with what I did see.
Every question that I heard was a cute question. And the candidates all gave cute answers. And the audience cheered and laughed. It was a grand old time.
Have you ever told a lie?
What vice can you live without?
In my personal opinion, the debate was a disservice to the public. It gave the candidates another opportunity to do exactly what we always complain about: to score pogi points.
The media complains that they don’t have access to the current president, to be able to ask her the tough questions, but now, when we have this golden opportunity, we drop the ball.
Is there some agreement with the candidates beforehand, that dictates the kind of questions that can be asked?
I know you don’t have anything to do with it, but maybe you can pass this feedback up to those who do.
Please, please, hold one more debate, and ask the tough questions:
Is your SALN complete, is it available to the public, and will you guarantee that right now?
What concrete actions will you take to curb corruption?
What is your stand on presidential appointments?
What is your stand on executive privilege?
What concrete steps will you take to improve transparency in government?
And so many more.
I guarantee the ratings will go the the roof.
December 17th, 2009 09:37
Michael,
You’re right on target! Absolutely right! Seems “some” reporters are taking journalistic advice from Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda!
Enough with the cutey cutey shit! Let’s get down to what’s really going on!
December 17th, 2009 11:20
Mike, Leonard,
The questions were in part done to try to draw out the personalities of the candidates. As Manny Villar told me when I interviewed him, anyone can hire consultants to craft policy recommendations. In my view, it doesn’t really reflect what they will do once they get into office. Look at Gloria.
But questions that may seem soft may bring out a side of the candidate or an insight that normal policy questions don’t do. And I think that more than policy platforms, people vote based on their emotions and their perceptions of someone’s personality. Not just here but anywhere.
Just an idea. NOt that we should do away with policy questions altogether but really, what do their answers indicate?
December 17th, 2009 12:27
Ricky,
Of course they (the elected) will hire consultants but what’s important is whether or not the candidate are intelligent or knowledgeable enough to know the difference between a good idea and a bad one.
As to “giving the people what they want… One of the longest (if not THE longest) running news shows in the US is called “60 Minutes” which airs on CBS; you may have heard of it. Their interviews are “hard-hitting-go for the throat-don’t even try to lie because we have the video and documents” journalism. They spare no one! Yet, they continue to enjoy high ratings at least when I started watching the program with my parents when I was very young. If television is truly to serve the public, it should at least attempt to educate. If not, then the only thing television is good for is merely entertainment. Didn’t Edward R. Morrow say something to that effect?
Maybe I would like to see the candidates naked during the interviews but that doesn’t mean the networks should allow that. If the public’s main interest is whether or not a candidate has a crush on a movie star then, like it or not, the public must be taught that there are more important matters they should be concerned with. Do you recall when Nelson Mandela visited the Philippines? He was, at some point, interviewed by a female reporter (doesn’t matter that it was a female I’m just sayin). This reporter asked Nelson Mandela, a man who spent most of his adult life in prison because of his beliefs, a man who helped bring down apartheid in South Africa, a man who became President of South Africa, whether or not he was dating someone since he had recently divorced his wife Winnie. Mr. Mandela’s reply was something like “besides me being the President of South Africa, you’re way too young to be asking a question like that of me”. Something like that. Do you recall that interview? In the short time allotted, how many IMPORTANT questions could have been asked of Mandela?
So what if the Philippine public wants to know about if a given candidate has vices. Ask the tough questions, educate the public on policy and current events and they’ll be better for it. I thought that was the job of “The News”. If a candidate can’t answer a tough question about policy, then that candidate will show the Philippines that he (or she) may not be as qualified for the position as once was thought.
Leave the cutey cutey shit to Kris & Boy. ANC, I thought, is supposed to be the leader in news and information.
December 17th, 2009 12:31
Ok Leonard.Will do.
December 17th, 2009 12:33
I ain’t mad at ya Ricky
December 17th, 2009 12:36
I know Leonard. You’re making a point. And I’ll do it.
December 17th, 2009 13:19
leonard, if they do it like 60 minutues they might lose income from political advertisements.
December 17th, 2009 14:09
Right on, Leonard and Michael.
Ricky, I would like to propose the following samples of questions (the numbers are arbitrary):
1. Efren Penaflorida was selected CNN Hero of the Year for pushing a cart to teach kids in his neighborhood around garbage dumps, in cemeteries, in the streets, and in playgrounds. The Philippines do not have enough classrooms for these kids. How many classrooms are you going to build in your first year of office and throughout your term?
2. Our teachers are migrating to other countries to work as domestic helpers because of low salaries. How many teachers are you going to hire during your first year in office? Are you committed to raising the salary of an elementary school teacher with a master’s degree and ten years experience to P30,000 a month? Why not?
3. Will you be committed to raising the standard of living of our policemen and firemen with ten years experience to P30,000 a month? Why not?
4. Will you be amenable to change the salary standard for our civil servants based on the salary scale for teachers and policemen as proposed above? Why not? How will this affect the inflation rate in our country?
5. How many miles of super highways and bridges will you build in your first year of office and throughout your term?
6. How will you attract investors to build industrial plants in our country?
7. How will you get rid of the garbage in our rivers and esteros? Would you dredge the same rivers and esteros to deepen them? What will you do with the Laguna Lake? What will you do to avoid floodings? What will you do with the sewer systems?
8. What do you propose should be done with our garbage disposal system? How?
9. How many dams are you willing to build to conserve water to solve water shortage? Where?
10. What should you do with the Bataan Nuclear Plant? Should it be destroyed, rebuilt, or retrofitted? How many electrical generating plants are you planning to build during your term?
11. Our country is bestowed with rich, natural, and beautiful resources. What will do to conserve them? How?
12. How do you plan to help OFW’s with their needs abroad and locally?
13. What needs to be changed in our present Constitution? Why? Will you favor a constitutional convention, or a constituent assembly? Why?
14. What will you do to avert another Maguindanao massacre? Would you have declared martial law if you were President Arroyo?
December 17th, 2009 16:09
and…
15. Our nurses and doctors are leaving the country in droves, and yet our health care system is faltering with lack of medical attention to the poor and the needy. What do you propose to do to alleviate the lack of health care to our indigent population?
December 17th, 2009 16:14
Leonard,
Personally, I really don’t want to see any of those candidates naked! On stage or anywhere else.
Ricky,
I agree that their answers will not really reflect what they will actually do in office, but I tuned in to hear the candidates express their positions on the important issues. I want to know if any of them have a plan.
In my view, these debates are like job interviews. We should use them to help us choose the person best qualified for the position.
You know what I would like to see? A presidential debate, with a panel of interviewers made up of Ricky Carandang, Jarius Bondoc, Winnie Monsod, Billy Esposo, Simeon Marcelo, and maybe a few others. A no-holds barred, ask whatever you want kind of exchange.
I would pay money to see that.
December 18th, 2009 11:34
Zelbo,
ANC already wastes so much potential advertising time promoting their own shows and the 10min music video promo as it is. What political ads? All I see is self-promos.
December 18th, 2009 11:54
Everyone has a point.
Ricky, agree with you that just asking any type of question (soft or hard) does bring out certain characteristics and personality of a person. It’s true that the answer may be scripted or what may be “politically” right to say, but the manner of expressing views tells a mouthful. “From the abundance of the heart, speaks the mouth!”
Congruence gives us away. In human communication principles, WORDS constitute only 7% of what really is being said. The meaning and depth of the entire message is being expressed by TONE of voice (38%) and non-verbal or BODY LANGIAGE(55%). Personal characteristics do come out by asking totally unrelated questions, and psychologist out there will confirm this.
Intelligence is measured through technical questions, no doubt. Ask one of them 13 x 13 and he should be able to answer 169 in less 5 seconds, showing he/she is good in ’social studies!’
Measuring both INTELLIGENCE and CHARACTER is important for gauging political candidates!
Those in the business of ‘human resources’ now follow an unwritten rule: “hire based on “ATTITUDE” not on “INTELLIGENCE.” Particular types of questions can bring out certain personalities and characteristics of people.
Of course up until you’re married and living together for a couple of years; don’t be surprised if you’ve made a mistake! And like in marketing, after all the funfare, promotions, and sales gimmicks, and you are now a “customer,” you may still find out you’ve just been duped by a bill of goods!!!
One thing is important. GET THEM TO OPEN THEIR MOUTHS!!!
December 18th, 2009 12:25
actions speak louder than words…
1st judge declines…2nd judge accepts… does one have fear and the other doesn’t?
nay…both have fear in their hearts, but CHARACTER clearly distinguishes one from the other…
December 18th, 2009 13:07
The first judge should be disbarred! As was stated in a related article; what message does it send to the witnesses if even the judge is too chicken- s#*t to hear the case?
December 18th, 2009 13:16
Very valuable knowledge and interesting information, Chito. For myself, thanks!
Regarding the judge issue, I agree with you. I’ll refine CHARACTER further: guts and balls. The lady judge has them with INTEGRITY, too.
Off topic: Has anybody seen or watched the COMELEC hearing by the joint Senate/House committee the other day? I see a doom-day scenario: the production and delivery of the computers are still uncertain five months going into election day; the printing and delivery of computer or manual ballots are pending per finalization of the candidates’ list; when and if automation fails, the timetable for manualization is uncertain. The COMELEC people seemed to me lost with the questions asked by the legislators. I sense a failure of elections declared at the end of the day, martial law is pronounced, La Gloria stays on as president ad infinitum.
December 18th, 2009 14:57
…ad nauseam!
December 18th, 2009 19:23
Gibo should be accountable to the selling of arms to the ampautuan. The privilege of the ampautuan are enjoying makes me wonder , are they guarding the ampautuan with the high power firearm they are holding in justice dept . today? It sucks.
I hope that we will not be a Columbia in the making which are control by the drug lord thru election. The judge that refuse to take the job is a serious sign that we are on our way to the control of the drug cartel. Please don’t deny the fact that it exist and we as the citizen of this country should stop this.
December 19th, 2009 01:40
susan,
You are probably referring to mexico and not columbia. I think Mexico is now confronted with drug violence probably more widespread than what Columbia experienced about 15 years ago. Drug killings remain unabated in almost every US-Mexico border town, from Tijuana to Juarez Mexico to twin towns of Laredo Mexico and Texas. I believe Columbia’s drug violence ended after the execution of Pablo Escobar of the Medellin cartel. Medellin is now one of the most progressive city in Columbia. Here’s is a recent report on that city:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/world/americas/15iht-colombia.1.6660612.html
Pat,
Ricky’s got to oblige; else you are going to take over this blog site hehe!!
December 19th, 2009 10:47
Coyote,
US MIL had “some” involvement with drug interdiction operations in Colombia in the past (as well as the present). The violence didn’t stop with the death of Escobar. It is the cooperation between Colombian-US forces which have severely loosened the strangle hold of the drug cartels there. The operation/s continue…
Not totally contradicting you; just giving props where due.
December 19th, 2009 12:24
coyote,
We hope (and pray) Ricky obliges so. I would like to see more debates after the Comelec had sorted out the final lists of candidates, but NOT before. GMA’s “Isang Tanong” debate was done so prematurely; it was conducted even before the CoC-filing deadline. (Fernando was still in it.) ABS-CBN’s “Harapan” was conducted just a day after the deadline itself. I would like to hear the five main contenders: Nonoy, Villar, Gibo, Gordon, and probably either Villanueva or Madrigal. (Reyes should run for mayor first; Estrada, for Pete’s sake, should have been kept in jail.) With the aid of Chito’s information on communication principles (WORDS, TONE and BODY LANGUAGE), I would add CONTENT (the gravity of the WORDS), SENSE (the meaning and direction of ideas) and VALUE (the effectivity of the suggestions) to how I would rate the candidates on what they would say. Efren Penaflorida’s final question on the “Isang Tanong” program, was a big letdown for me. This was his opportunity to air his gripes and yet he asked, “How does one become a hero?” What? What person with a grade six education would not dance around that question?
December 19th, 2009 21:34
I was also dismayed that the first judge recuse himself for reasons not related to the case. In most US states the judge will probably face a judicial review by the state commission on judicial conduct. Thi is an oversight body composed of lawyers, former judges, and representatives from the public, and whose job is to review judges’ questionable behaviour. The commission can suspend, admonish, censure or even initiate a removal proceeding of a judge.
As far as I know there are very few grounds when a judge is allowed to recuse from a case, but not difinitely fear for his and his relatives’s lives. If the judge is related to one of the litigants or one of the material witnesses, if the judge has prior knowledge of the case, if the judge’s feel that his emotional state will render him incapable of handing fair judgement,are some of the reasons.
I am not familiar with how the Philippine Supreme Court will handle the judge’s refusal to hear the case. Perhaps they can admonish, or suspend the judge. But difinitely something has to be done to send a message to other judges.
December 19th, 2009 21:52
leonard,
you are correct. I read that FBI and CIA operatives were in Medellin months before the killing of Escobar. But there are so many versions of the events, some are controversial. I think a former CIA agent involved in the planning has book detailing the events leading to Escobar’s execution.
But difinitely Escobar is one hell of a criminal. Al Capone’s, Mafia’s criminal acts, were cupcakes compared to the terror that Escobar put the whole country of Columbia on its feet. Escobar by the way was also the elected representative of the state of Cali Columbia.
December 19th, 2009 23:25
Leonard,
let me add this to prove my point that Mexico’s current drug related violence is worst than Escobar’s reign of terror in Columbia. In Chihuahua state where Juarez is located, this year alone the recorded drug related murders were counted at 5,400. Those numbers do not include the states of Sinaloa (where Cancun is located), Tijuana (near San Diego) and the southern tip of Mexico where the source of Cocain from south American are processed. The killings in Juarez is just a result of a turf war between two rival drug gangs. These two gangs are different than the gangs that have control of drug distribution in the border towns along the panhandle of Texas.
It is estimated that this year alone drug related murder in Mexico will be between 20,000 to 25000. That is astronomical number!
December 20th, 2009 00:47
Pat,
I agree with you.
Very few Filipino journalists have earned my respect. Ricky, is definitely one of the best in the business, along with Lazaro. Ted Failon is not bad as he tries to throw tough questions once in a while.
I think the problem with our interviewers is not just their lack of knowledge of the subject of the interview. (This is what Ricky and Lazaro are at their best. I have never caught these two conducting an interview without doing their homework. Sometimes I feel like I am paying 20 dollars to see Big Picture and Probe on TFC.) Unlike other reporters who come unprepared and sometimes have no idea why he/she is there; some don’t even know what to ask; worst are those interviewers who seem to be groping for words to articulate a question.
It seems it is related to our culture as Filipinos. Generally, we are conflict-averse people. We don’t want to offend people and try to avoid conflict as possible. We’d rather settle a problem in an amicable way instead of meeting the issue head-on and discuss it openly like Americans do. We think that putting someone in an uncomfortable situation by asking an honest to goodness question is culturally unacceptable. We tend to think that it is personal insult to publicly confront a person for his/her previous wrong actions. This is what I noticed with most of them: they are not asking tough questions because they fear they will offend the interviewee.
December 20th, 2009 11:39
Coyote,
I actually brought up that point for two reasons. One; to give props. Two; to show an example of how Foreign Internal Defense can be utilized without jeopardizing (in any way) the sovereignty of a given country.
December 20th, 2009 11:49
After watching the chaos surrounding the movement of Ampatuan Jr., I am certain that he will either escape or an attempt to end his life will be successful. Do those guys know the meaning of “securing a defendant”? Anybody could have made their way through the crowd and BAM! Game Over! What a joke!
These guys must have learned about Close Protection watching a movie! A total DISGRACE!
December 20th, 2009 19:01
Coyote,
You raised a good point about the interview style being related to the Filipino culture of conflict-avoidance.
I would take it a step further. I would say that the crooked politicians are very familiar with that particular cultural protocol, and that they take advantage of it. That’s why they throw up a little smile and laugh when asked a question they don’t want to answer. And the interviewer takes the cultural cue, causing him/her to drop the question and move to another topic.
The truth is, the interviewee is just manipulating the interviewer. Our leaders are some of the most crooked, dirty politicians in the world, and yet we continue to follow the cultural rules of polite society when we “try” to call them to account.
I myself would not feel any pressure to answer questions under those conditions. Look at Mikey Arroyo’s house-in-the-US issue. We never got to the bottom of that, because we did not pursue it. He laughed and we dropped the questions.
December 20th, 2009 22:37
Michael,
True. All those big news months or years ago are now all shoved back to the backburner. We dont know what happened to the Bolante’s prosecution, the Dacer case, and so many others. Headlines that have relevance to public policy and interest are now just footnotes. Yet, the public is aware of how old is Kris Aquino’s young son, Boy Abunda’s birthday, willie Revillame’s new home, Edu Manzano and Pinky Webb’s split, etc. Why would eighty million people care about Kris son’s birthday when most of Filipinos can barely celebrate the birthdays of their kids because of poverty? That is why I am not a fan of ABS-CBN and the philippine media in general. These TV networks are self-promoting entity. If Don King is considered the king of self promotion, I think ABS-CBN has raised the art to a new level.
You know whose personal life would I be interested in? I’d like to know the personal life of Gabby Lopez, Charo Santos and other executives of these networks. Why? Because these are the people that decide what will come out of that little box called TV.
December 20th, 2009 22:45
In today’s Inquirer opinion pages, two key issues caught my attention: (1) the Editorial entitled, “Partisan commission;” and (2) former Chief Justice Panganiban’s, “Uphold the Constitution.” These two articles covered the COMELEC and the Supreme Court.
As the editorial portion stated in its opening statement, and I quote: “The Commission on Election must be not only impartial; as importantly, it must also be perceived to be impartial. For it can only do its job when it is perceived to be so.”
This editorial stattement also clearly applies to what former Chief Justice Panganiban wrote about the Supreme Court, more specifically, about their actual response to the declaration of martial rule.
Let’s all realize that in any kind of governance, “perception” equals “reality.” No doubt that these two key branches of government is presently perceived to be partial and biased to individuals and not the LAW & CONSTITUTION. Look at actual RESULTS!
Remember what gma remarked recently before she left for Copenhagen about “us, the people,” that “we don’t trust our goverment???”
Bakit nga kaya wala tayong tiwala??? The nerve…#@?!&
No doubt guys, why LAWLESSNESS is now the rule in this country!
May God give us real peace…!
December 21st, 2009 12:31
I dont really think that news organizations stop following an issue because of some internal policy. I think they are simply responding to the market. When the public loses interest in a particular story, the media follows suit. That’s just simply supply and demand. I respect that.
But, that also creates a situation where the media, as one of the watchdogs of a society, isn’t as persistent as it might need to be.
Maybe this is an opportunity for citizen journalism to step in. Bloggers and such are not motivated by economics, but rather by a simple desire to see the truth uncovered.
It creates an interesting situation.
December 21st, 2009 14:37
I don’t think the media should follow a story only because it sells; the media should dig a story because it is the truth.
December 21st, 2009 16:35
NBI says there were no security lapses during the Amp Jr move, it’s just that the crowd got too close…
Crowds getting too close IS a security lapse where I come from!
You need wings to stay above all the BS coming out from this case!
December 21st, 2009 17:36
I equally feel your frustration or perhaps anger, Pat. And it’s really borne out of our unbearable disappointments with our government and the many and continuing bad things happening to our country and citizentry.
Michael is right about media. It’s just a given reality. Like any other business entity, bottom line and profit is the main driving force of media, regardless what they claim in their company vision/mission statements. “Public service” per se is really more of an aside. Media live and die by means of viewership/readership ratings, which is the basis for AD agencies’ patronage (placements) on media companies. It’s just how the game is played.
And local media is just a copycat of foreign (mostly American) media. If they just follow one format, which is reportorial, it simply becomes monotonous. That’s why they added various “talk show” formats and a few “investigative type” shows/reporting (both electronic and print) to add variety (improve viewership/readership).
But, as Micahel stated, media airs/report/print what “sells,” ergo marketing! But I personally don’t think media is short on the effort of reporting everything. In fact, that’s the reason why they employ mobile patrols and local news correspondents to search/dig out news. And they do get killed doing so once they open “pandora’s boxes,” or step on someone’s BIG TOES! But when they do run out of “hot” news, they dig up olds ones and sell them again! …nag suicide nga ba si hayden or is it tiger woods…? …anyways…
But let me bring it back to the point of why we feel the way we feel:FRUSTRATED, ANGERED, MISTRUST, BETRAYED, CHEATED, LIED, etc.
In private organizations, investors and the board of management (business owners) require periodic reports from the CEO/COO/VPs/Dept Heads/etc. of what is happening to the business and their investments. Everything must be explained satisfactorily or else what…? We who pay our TAXES, and create BIG DEBTS for ourselves while doing so, do deserve, and it is our right, to be appraised by government to our satisfaction, what the hell is happening up until resolution of issues and problems!
In private organizations, heads will definitely be rolling (CEO fired)… in government, heads are “rejoicing” (they will run for higher offices, yak!!!) … and how do we all feel thereafter…#@!?&…
Media has, however, de facto assumed the responsibility of presenting the government’s “report card” since government failed to do so. How do we think media, in gerneral, is doing insofar as this is concerned?
December 21st, 2009 19:38
Leonard,
Perhaps its the market, but who created the demand? Its the network, by heavily promoting their “stars”. Do you think the public will care who these “mestisos” and “mestisas” without constant plaguing from the networks? Try surfing through all the TFC channels for a day and an hour will not pass without a story about their celebrities.
Its ridiculous, we are paying twenty dollars to get constant infomercials promoting what else, but their own.
December 22nd, 2009 09:09
coyote,
It has been said that the condition of a country’s public toilets define the character of that country.
Likewise, the type of TV/Radio/media materials define the country and its people as well!
…bellybottons for lunch time shows… lots of gossip shows (mostly about movie/tv idols)…dramas and “iyakans”, and the worst of family problems like adultery and sex and “patayans”…
…and that’s the objective/result involved in marketing principles, a constant bombardment of audio/visual materials of “bill of goods” that appeal to our respective values and characters. And hence, we have all been subjects of manipulations by many…with MEDIA as main conduit!
The approach used, as we term it in marketing, is “target marketing.” …mey pang business, pang chismoso, pang bakla, pang politico, pang drama, pang chat-chatan (talk shows), pang relihiyoso, pang kusinero, pang hoodlums, pang bakya, pang totyal, etc.
Whether we like/realize it or not, we all have been programmed through MEDIA.
December 22nd, 2009 18:37
Chito.
I agree with you that TV/Radio/media materials reflect the state of our country and I do hate the fact most Filipinos lives revolve on idolatry.
Ourlocal media notably ABS-CBN and GMA 7 irridates our people with intellectually insulting and shallow entertainment because the truth of the matter is, most Filipinos are shallow people. And for shallow people, you don’t need to present intellectually stimulating shows, it just has to be entertaining whether it’s some korean shitnovela, local bullshit drama and the most popular even politicians are now joining or appearing on it because it’s election time again are noontime shows where you see Filipinos jumping and clapping like a crazed lunatics for some chance to earn cash at the expense of their dignity. Even media perpetrates injustice and dishonesty, When the cast of wowowee in particular Willie Revilliame was shown rehearsing their cheating as seen on videos in the internet, much like how comelec conducted our 2004 election when Arroyo’s taped conversation leaked, no heads have ever rolled…
December 23rd, 2009 09:30
zelbo,
Amen to that.
December 23rd, 2009 12:12
Coyote,
One of the best news programs I have seen in the Philippines so far is Story Line. Its raw enticing stories of people involved in current events told from their own experiences. The photography is outstanding! Actually, its almost like watching a mini-movie-documentary. I bring up this program to serve as an example of the talent and imagination of Filipino journalists and film makers. For me, this program is at the top of the game and all other news shows need to catch up and join the 21st century.
Lets take modern Filipino music. If I was to rely solely on the major Philippine networks for music, all I would see & hear would be that bubble-gum-ocho-ocho-lame-ass-simple music that only infants would enjoy. However, checking out MTV Philippines once in a while, I discover a whole new world of original and REAL Filipino music.
In my opinion, the market is out there. The networks just have to stop doing it the easy way and really showcase the huge amount of talent that’s in the Philippines, not just the “cover artists”.
Let’s take movies, for example. Most movies produced in the Philippines have one huge flaw, as far as I can see. It is their use (over use) of “voice-over dialogue”. The dialogue of the entire movie, which is in Tagalog, is “voice-over”. That is, re-recorded in a sound studio. Its like dubbing a foreign move into the exact same language. Why not just use better sound equipment during filming? You ask the movie makers and their answer is “well, that’s what the public likes”. Well, actually, that is all the public knows. Give them something better and let the industry grow.
The same with news. Produce a good, professional product and let the people grow. Produce a product that gets International recognition, and every other network will follow suit.
December 23rd, 2009 20:09
leonard,
Yes, I’ve seen that show a couple of times. I agree its a good show, an antithesis to most host-centered TFC programs.
This is another problem with Philippine TV. Most of their shows are not based on great programming concept. Their programs are heavily dependent on the host to carry the program’s ratings, instead of the the show itself. That’s why people like Kris Aquino, Willie Revillame and Korina Sanchez are hauling tons of money. Instead of developing quality program concepts, the networks promote their stars to carry the ratings of a new show. Its like Hollywood in the old days, when movie stars are promoted ahead of the storyline of a movie. When movie stars became bigger than the movie itself. This is basically how a movie or a TV program is developed in the Philippines now. No wonder moviemaking is not as profitable as it used to be. I think Phhilippine moviegoers are now sophisticated than they used to be.
Now in hollywood its the movie that can make or break career of new actors. Just like Titanic created de Carpio, or Superman launching Christopher Reeve’s career, or how Rambo made Stallone a star.
December 23rd, 2009 20:23
I think we went a little off topic here.
I’m not sure why, but whenever one of Ricky’s blog postings hits around 100 comments, the subject always seems to shift to bashing the media.
I think many people expect too much from the news organizations. We expect them to report the news impartially, but only as long as their reports line up with popular sentiment about a particular issue.
Tabloid journalism usually gives us nothing but biased news. And we seem to like that. One thing about Filipinos, they love a good conspiracy. But we seem to think that all news organizations do that. And I don’t think that’s true. We seem to believe that, if the story doesn’t line up with what we think are the real facts, then it must be the owners (of the news organization) trying to sow intrigue. I don’t think that’s really true either. I think that most of the big news organizations, whether broadcast or print, have enough hard-headed, principled journalists working for them that it would be difficult for the owners to “alter” the truth.
The problem in the Philippines is not, and never has been, the media. The media doesn’t “manipulate” anyone. The problem is what we do, or don’t do, with the news that we receive.
The funny thing to me is, if we don’t trust the news we are receiving, we all have the ability to go out and start collecting the news ourselves. It’s not that hard to do. But I don’t see anyone doing that.
Go back up and re-read Ricky’s article. The title is “Blindness”. Among other things, it tells us how we can see such a horrible thing as the Maguindanao Massacre, and at the same time, not see it. Because we get caught up in the various little intrigues that we all find so much more interesting.
Why are Filipinos so incapable of expressing, and focusing, outrage?
December 23rd, 2009 21:24
MIchael,
Why are Filipinos so incapable of expressing, and focusing, outrage?
because of deep seated fear instilled through hundred of years of political, religious and social retribution..hard to take out but hopefully it’s the New Filipino that would prevail in the next decade or so.it won’t be anytime soon. a culture change isn’t like instant noodles. it’s just painful to watch especially since we are a country still in transition.globally there are movements to change destructive (i shall not put a label) thinking already to create a new mindset and prevent another global economic, environmental and social crisis yet we are still in the midst of it.
it isn’t right to expect so much from media. for entertainment media,they are there to entertain, shallow as they may be most of the time. for news and current affairs, it isn’t fair to treat them as watchdogs and stalwart defenders of society. that is not at all their job but the administration’s. if we continue to have an administration that supports, breeds and are like the Ampatuan’s who kill and slaughter..then it is no surprise that Filipinos have the fear to express anger and would rather go in denial and blame the poor journalists who are at the end of the day, are just supposed to be “messengers”.
it is a freakin’ vicious cycle..that’s why after 100 comments everything goes back to media bashing. we are not only blind, we choose to be blind and deny it.
December 24th, 2009 02:31
Micheal, I don’t think we are off topic, we are simply letting out our hate on the ignorance and shallowness that permeates our society. Media is partly to blame because it encourages this type of mentality.
Filipinos are incapable of expressing and focusing outrage because our society dictates us to conform and not to stand out to fight for our rights. Our society suppresses assertiveness and encourages submissiveness. We’re raising generations of drones and servants.
December 24th, 2009 04:16
Regarding the priests who turn a blind eye, I begin to think how different are they from those in government, the military or the police, the foot soldiers who have to deliver the goods (MONEY) to their superiors so as to be SEEN or get promoted? What more of some of the present leaders of the Catholic church? They seem to be in parallel with their counterparts in government!
December 24th, 2009 08:35
You’re right Michael…
You know, this whole episode has really put me on edge. The last straw (for me) was GMA’s statements prior to her trip to Copenhagen. She really reminded me of most dictators speaking for the benefit of the outside world while trying to keep a lid on the real story at home.
I can’t understand why more people are not furious about what’s going on. I understand your points on rage or the lack thereof but DAMMM! 57 (maybe 62) people were murdered! What will it take to get folks to wake up and smell Adobo? This is not some hair-brained conspiracy theory like OBL is alive and running a 7-11 in Queens. This was a real, thought out and executed mass murder.
If the public is going to sleep on this, then why should the rest of the world bother to care?
Sidebar note:
The NBI says they’ll dispatch more security personnel for the Amp Jr. case… Seems to me, even if they have 200 boots on the ground it won’t make a difference if those 200 are clueless.
December 24th, 2009 09:29
Mele Kalikimaka! I wish peace, good health and a blissful 2010. Happy Holidays everyone.
Cheers!
December 24th, 2009 11:36
Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PEACEFUL celebration with FAMILY & FRIENDS!
GOD bless you all!
December 24th, 2009 11:50
Have A Merry Merry Christmas One & All!
December 24th, 2009 12:08
Happy holidays to all of you! May we all have a peaceful and happy time these next few days. Thank you all for being part of my year. See you all next year!
December 25th, 2009 12:53
Merry Christmas, may we all hear the bells toll for justice this blessed day.
Thank you Ricky for standing by.
December 25th, 2009 13:53
merry christmas to all.
may your lights shine
as beacons to the truth.
merry christmas ricky.
thanks for letting me in your space.
December 25th, 2009 19:03
Merry Christmas Ricky!! love u!
January 4th, 2010 06:59
Happy New Year everybody!
Did anyone else happen to see the latest footage of the Ampatuan’s weapons cache and notice the markings on one of the rifles? I only got a quick look but I think it was USMC issue. If that is correct, I am wondering how US MIL issue weapons end up in the hands of the Ampatuan’s or anyone else outside of the AFP.
January 4th, 2010 11:36
leonard,
it could have come from Edu Manzano. he might have hid it from the US army before going AWOL… hahah!!
January 5th, 2010 09:51
Coyote,
I laughed out loud reading your comment! Thanks for adding “cheer” to my otherwise boring day.
January 8th, 2010 19:30
leonard,
wanna stimulate your mind? watch vanguard news investigative reports on youtube. i’ve been a fan of their reports for a long time now. a really in-depth reporting not just on american issues but the world’s. notice how these young brilliant journalists cover the issues deeply, and you can really appreciate their thorough knowledge of the subject. one of their correspondents Laura Ling is the same journalist who was detained in Korea, and the sister of the more famous Lisa Ling (formerly of “The View”). enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFTZ3flsipE&feature=PlayList&p=skoSHD1hH_A
January 9th, 2010 10:10
Reports of looting in Maguindanao??? WTF! Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t the State Of Emergency still in effect down there? What are the soldiers doing?
January 10th, 2010 10:46
Thanks Coyote! Will do with interest.