Boycott
Manny Villar’s allies in the senate pulled off a smooth parliamentary maneuver today by boycotting the expected vote to censure Villar over the C-5 road diversion. Ed Angara, Joker Arroyo, Alan and Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Nene Pimentel, Bong Revilla, Miriam Santiago, and Villar himself were absent at the last day of the senate’s session. The absence of a quorum made it impossible for the chamber to conduct business, including to take up the expected vote on the senate resolution on Villar.
As majority senators pointed out, it made not only a vote on Villar impossible, it also made any other votes on any other pending bills impossible. Now tied with Noynoy Aquino in the surveys for the top spot among presidential candidates, Villar probably calculated that his absence would not make enough of a dent on his numbers as much as a censure by his peers would. Future surveys will tell if this calculation was correct, but from a procedural point of view, this boycott was completely unnecessary.
First of all, the majority did not have the numbers to pass the censure motion.
Lets do the math.
The senators who would have voted to censure Villar are Enrile, Honasan, Aquino, Roxas, Gordon, Madrigal, Lacson, Pangilinan, Estrada, Escudero, Biazon, and Zubiri. Twelve senators that would have been just enough for a simple majority to “convict” Villar, assuming that a simple majority was all it takes, as Enrile says, and not a two thirds majority as Santiago claims. Nevertheless, Lacson is out of the country and would not have been able to vote. In short, with Lacson absent, the majority did not have the numbers to pass the censure motion against Villar, making the boycott unnecessary.
Unfortunately, the boycott also made it impossible for the senate to do its job–to pass bills on the last day of the session. Partisan politics has once again trumped legislation. Its not only the bills that are the casualty here. The senate, who spent months fighting over the Villar C-5 issue only to fail to resolve it one way or another, now looks diminished.
February 3rd, 2010 18:21
The sad thing, Ricky, is that the citizens of this country just accept that behavior. We treat senators and congressmen as if they were some kind of royalty, over which we have no control.
The truth is, senators and congressmen are government employees, no different than any other civil servant. They work for us. They can and should be reprimanded if they don’t report for work.
This one has always baffled me too. How can a government employee go on “indefinite leave”? What would happen to me if I just told my boss I was going on “indefinite leave”?
The citizens of this country need to take back control. If they want it, which I am not sure of.
February 3rd, 2010 19:24
Cowards can never be moral.” Mahatma Gandhi
February 3rd, 2010 19:35
‘Partisan politics has once again trumped legislation’ the same notion was agreed by Sen Enrile.
The boycott is a parliamentary maneuver and it was a good move by Villar supporters than another day will be wasted in debates. Besides they do not recognize the committee report in the first place.
Should this issue continue, this will be the main driver that Villar will gain not only the Caviteno sentiments, but fromm other sectors as well.
February 4th, 2010 02:06
Senators and congressmen and GMA same dog. The only difference is GMA has balls, lots of them.
February 4th, 2010 02:53
This happens when Mr. Villar politicalized
the C-5 issue against him. Senators who are
partisan. Dont see the right thing, as most
politicians do. They do what is politically
expedient. Our country’s money was spent
to make Mr. Villar a Billionaire. Then, these
Senators do not see anything wrong?
What a shame for these people! They lost their
moral compases already. For what is right and
for what is wrong.
February 4th, 2010 04:47
Lagi na lang naiisahan ang minoriya.
February 4th, 2010 10:42
All I see is the immature actions of a bunch of morally devoid slimebags more attached to their allegiances than to any real nuance of professional duty.
They’re no different from the spoiled-brat child who refuses to go to school because somebody was being “mean” to them.
I hope they rot.
February 4th, 2010 12:00
This morning I saw a news story about a hearing in the House of Representatives. The hearing was postponed because there were not enough congressmen to form a quorum.
But it seems that there were in fact enough congressmen present, but some of them just chose not to answer the roll call!
How incredibly unprofessional. How unpatriotic. How irresponsible. And how lucky they are to work in a job where the bosses don’t care how you perform.
These are the guys you folks elected to manage the country.
You get what you pay for.
February 4th, 2010 13:04
Way off topic but…
Doesn’t Senator Enrille look EXACTLY like the “world’s foremost authority” in the Pentagon segment who gets sucked into the spaceship with the secretary in the 1981 animated movie Heavy Metal? I swear the resemblance is uncanny!
Back to topic…
Once again, the legislative branch of the government forgets their own job description; to PASS LAWS!!! Although, it was quite funny to see all the crying and whining in chambers, its a sad state affairs!
On the other hand, Villar played his hand beautifully! His opponents gave him a platform and he ran with it. Gamby was left like the child who dropped ice cream as Villar headed for the door.
Great comedy and drama to say the least but…
AREN’T THESE PEOPLE SUPPOSED TO PASS LAWS AT SOME POINT?
February 4th, 2010 15:15
I believe Professor Monsod’s analysis of Senator Enriles’s report with regard to the double insertion issue. Even if Senator Enrile may not be likeable, he is still one of our respected legal minds. It is unlikely that he will mix politics with all the evidence presented before him. Senator Villar claims politics is behind his “persecution.” He is the one who politicized the issue to turn himself into the “dehado” to get the Pinoy’s sympathy. He may have calculated that the majority (most probably the D&E) does not care or understand anyway. He made use of the situation as a scapegoat for him to “boycott” the Senate to campaign, when he is being paid by us to do legislative work. Senator Villar is fooling the people. If he becomes president, God help the Philippines…
Imagine the expenses alone for the radio and tv ads since 2008?.. and with the concentration today… and the expected further saturation in the next two months, who do you think will eventually pay for the return of his/their investment, if and when he holds power?
February 4th, 2010 16:33
Cayetano and Pimentel already sound like the spokesmen of Malacanang. Senseless and illogical statements. Grasping at straws to buttress their shallow case. Listen to them:
Cayetano: “we were absent not so much because of the C-5 Road issue but to show protest against extending the term of the head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and reorganizing the National Telecommunications Commission. (ehh?!)
“…why is it that when they don’t have a quorum, they blame the minority for it?” (duhh..because the minority was the one absent, stups.)
Pimentel: “This was a failure of leadership. The first time in the annals of the Senate where on the last day of session the Senate leadership could not mobilize his majority members to get a quorum,” (ehh..and duhh again..Gurang na talaga).
February 4th, 2010 17:17
It is the saddest day for the Phillippines Republic. Bec. Villar is one running for President of this republic and such scandal can’t wake up to let Filipinos say NO to him. This republic can’t stand another Gloria in Villar. Which for every scandal they will just turn the other cheek and went on with their lives.
Villar should be disqualify for presidency if he didn’t answer and held himself responsible for all the charges in c5.
February 4th, 2010 17:19
Just wanted to add , I am fed up in hearing that bec. of lack of numbers that we can’t get justice and truth.
February 4th, 2010 23:32
Of course all the dramas happened because of politics. The timing and the inconsistencies on how to go about the inquiry, the changing opinions of the senators, and Enrile’s revelations of his private conversations with Villar happened because of politics. (How damn is it for a lawyer to disclose a private conversation that can never be proven in a court of law!) The senators have changed positions depending on what suit them in that particular time. Does anyone really believe that Enrile suddenly in the forefront of the inquiry has nothing to do with his own self interest? That’s baloney! He also wants the media limelight for his own senatorial candidacy. Polls show he is not in the top 10 senatorial bets.
The Enrile group must be bunch of idiots to think that Villar will just keep silent and let them continue to attack his person. Villar used the situation to his advantage by delivering a privilege speech not necessarily as response to the accusations. Clearly, his speech was addressed to his political base and to send message to the majority poor. (I like it a lot that he seemed to attack the entitled Filipino elites. And look how many of them are in the senate: Madrigal, Enrile, Aquino, Roxas, etc, people who made it through the old fashion Filipino way not by working hard but by virtue of being born to rich wealthy entitled families!) It was the correct political strategy.
Now that Villar has the upper hand in terms of public opinion, his senate opponents are scrambling and out of option to make a counter move. Its like a poker game, the senators overplayed their hands. But Villar not only called their bluff but also re-raised the stake by making an all-in bet, now they are left thinking what they got into!
As I said before, yes there was a conflict of interest on the part of Villar. I also agree there was an overpricing in the price of road-right-of-way acquisitions, but the man is a competitive real estate investor. He’s got to do what will make his investments profitable. Any legitimate Filipino businessman who is on Villar’s shoes would have made the same move. As a public servant and a politician did Villar break ethical boundaries? Absolutely yes! But we are talking about the Philippines. One must no be in the Philippines to believe that there is one single politician out there who has never gotten a kick back.
What I am waiting is for corruption accusations. The senators have never accused Villar of corruption. Not even Lacson, with his loose mouth, has not alleged or implied payolas or kickbacks. What they want is just a censure for ethics violations. In short just to smear Villar’s name. To me that shows no money changed hands. The worst perhaps was a quid pro quo deal between Villar companies and some government people. Although in the US, a quid pro quo deal involving government officials is also a corruption offense, but I doubt under Philippine laws.
By the way, I think I had predicted correctly that Noynoy poll numbers will go down.
February 5th, 2010 03:08
Mr. Villar insisted that he did not do anything
wrong. “Walang duwag na taga Tondo.”
Is his subdivisions in Tondo?”
To tell you the truth. Mr. Villar was running
away from answering questions regarding the
C5 controversy. Then like a RAT. He went inside
his HOLE. So that nobody can question him. After, summoning courage. He asked fellow
Senators, who are bunch of idiots boycott the
hearing. Then declare in the Senate:”Walang
duwag na taga Tondo.” I cannot decide if I will
laugh or be angry. Mr. Villar show seems
stupid, in poor taste and lacking in imaginary
directorship. Maybe, he would had consulted
Jinggoy Estrada to direct his political show
the next time. To make it more believeable.
February 5th, 2010 08:25
Coyote,
Well put.
February 5th, 2010 09:36
It appaears with time, (GENERATIONS??), the people of the Philippines champion anyone in this soceity that can gain by any means MONEY!
It isn’t a matter of just screwing foreigners at very twist and turn, but THEIR own kind!
Apparently, it’s the Pinoy life?
It is CLEAR, the Government system(s), including the Media(s), can run these Citizen through the mill and spit them out in pieces with FACTS!
But for a Citizen having to go through such an ordeals is just part of the price for the GAIN, right?
The question becomes, how many over the decads have walked after such an ordeal with a smile and some even been elected to an office, (locally or Nationally)?
Can two words describe that appears PARAMOUNT……IE: SAVE FACE??
Granted, those two words are catch words! But, do they apply??
Ricky, I as an outsider, (more questions then answers), ENJOYS your mode of operation with interviews!
Even with your sheepest grin when asking HARD questions, putting your guest on the spot that most likely they will be uncomfortable responding too.
You SIR, champion the flip side of just about every subject at hand! THANK YOU!!!!!
B-Ray (formally with KEWQ radio)
February 5th, 2010 15:10
It sickens me to realize that the tax that I pay goes to the luxurious lives of these… people… and one of them is going to be the President.
Gah!!!
February 6th, 2010 00:26
So is doing the politicking then? Judging from the reactions I’ve been hearing, the minority miscalculated the reaction of the people.
Btw, you may want to check out the documents I published on my blog. Maybe you can have someone look into the matter.
February 6th, 2010 01:44
In this country money is power, and fortunately for manny he’s got tons of it to spend on his goons in the senate. If he could make Joker Arroyo a complete joke by making him side by him after all those exposes and Loren a political whore by being his running mate. He’ll clean this country’s coffers to the last centavo.
February 6th, 2010 12:06
I commiserate with all for what you feel about what’s happening to our government and society. However, besides expressing our anger and disgust, what else can you and I actually do?
I quote a portion of a business article I chanced upon, as follows: “THE PROCESS. It’s the root cause — albeit, often a hidden one — of our failures. The great insight of W. Edwards Deming, the manufacturing guru who popularized Total Quality Management, was that whenever patterns of repeated failures arise, the problem almost certainly lies in the process, not the people. The same holds true in government.”
A Filipino who goes to Singapore, throws chewing gum on the street, gets caught and fined. A Filipino in Saudi strictly follows the rules otherwise he gets beheaded. A Filipino in the U.S. religiously crosses only on pedestrial lanes. And have anyone of you driven inside Clark and Subic, especially when they were still managed by the Americans?
Let’s realize there are plenty of “crooks” in these countries/places, just the same. But where and how do they end up when caught?
Ha ha ha… you and I are now wearing those “funny straps” while driving! Are you kidding…? How come…? Why…?
I hope I’m not being just naive or overly simplistic, but I’d like to think there is hope for this country, and because there are people like you and me, and others out there willing to take that one more step from where we all are today. This blogging is one good start. How do we move from here on? Where can we start?
Questions, more than “telling,” is a powerful human tool, if we just know and realize how to use it. And questions should first be asked and answered by no other than our selves.
Btw, is “media” partly to blame for “brainwashing” (consciously or subliminally) many of us…?
Anyways…for me, I continue to throw my waste in trash bins or keep them inside my pocket until I see one; yes, I wear my seatbelt (think I look better in it), I participate in blogsites such as this (but trying to taper my language and emotions, lest I wrongly/unduly influence others); funny, but I’m now a volunteer No. 5626 of one presidential candidate;…and yes, I scrutinize what media says and throws at us…what else do I do…?…oh, I still have to work to eat…and debt!…and taxes!…
February 6th, 2010 12:16
…and on a “serious” note?…Revilla and Estrada tops the senatorial lineup?…can you and I imagine what the next senate (& congress) will look like?…is there anything you and I can do to reverse this situation…?…well I guess not in this particular election era…!…perhaps the next….or the next…or perhaps…
February 6th, 2010 14:59
I got a text message today which reads:
“Now the cat’s out if the bag… Manny Villar is the secret candidate of Pres. GMA…Mike Arroyo himself met with Manny Villar at the house of Mike Defensor last Jan. 7… Villar secretly agreed to make GMA as Speaker of the House and protect her should Villar wins the presidency… Villar agreed to GMA’s offer of massive logistical support in GMA’s commissioners in the Comelec who will assure Villar’s victory… pls pass para di tayo maloko ulit…”
Scary, if indeed this is true. So, we need to be vigilant. It makes me sad to know that our so called leaders are so blinded with greed for power, privilege, and prestige that they will do anything and everything to buy and cheat the election. Have they totally lost their moral values and sold their souls and our country, while at the same time projecting themselves as compassionate, honest, hardworking, leaders concerned about the plight of the poor?
I hope and pray that voters will not be blinded by misleading ads of these so called leaders whom we call “Your Honor” and “Your Excellency”.
I am not even a voter, but I do hope we see a change in this country – a change which means a shift from corrupt governance to honest administration at all levels of government. A change in the form of government will not achieve this, as GMA and her allies think. Only a change of heart, mind and attitude towards a genuine servant leadership will. A total revamp in government leadership is called for.
February 6th, 2010 23:42
I am not saying that Villar is as clean as an altar boy on his way to become billionaire, but so as most of our wealthy few. Name a wealthy filipino businessman who has played by the rules and had not kissed ass, not bend the law, not sucked up with the powers to be, but become rich just by doing their business? Danding Cojuangco, Lucio Tan, Chiongbian, Aboitez did not made money by just having a talent for business. Wonder why the Ayalas who are pure Spanish have so much land holdings in the Philippines? Yeah right, they acquire them without involvement of some sort of corruption, unless one is born yesterday. These names not just become rich and famous by just doing their business fair and square.
Perhaps a brave enterprising journalist would take a shot at researching the origins of their wealth.
You better believe it, in the Philippines business is as dirty as politics. Oh I am sure Villar did some illicit wheel and deals on some of his business. Do I hold it against him? No, because I understand that’s the way business is done in the Philippines. If you are a businessman and dont play the dirty games forget about bagging those billion dollar deals. That is the reality of the business climate in the Philippines. I am sure Ricky, having been involved in business journalism, understands the dirts in the world of business.
February 7th, 2010 10:28
I feel sorry for you coyote, it’s about time you get a paradigm shift. You equate success to corruption.
February 7th, 2010 10:34
In the Philippines, to become successful in business or politics, you have to be corrupt in some form or fashion. Even just starting out a medium size business means you have to pay this and that under the table to get things done. That’s how things are here. Doesn’t make it right but that’s the way of the Philippines.
If the truth is hard to swallow, try it with a spoon full of sugar.
February 7th, 2010 18:07
Most Filipinos who prefer these “trapos” and artists senators belong to the poor and impoverished sector of our society, and they are being manipulated by these politicians. Most common people belong to this class, so mos of them look up to their favorite film stars as politicians. I think these people should be educate about the good governance so they need to vote intelligently. It’s time to choose the right leader now.
February 8th, 2010 09:45
Coyote is just keeping it real and I do agree with him. That is the way it is and not just in this country.
There is a very thin line between idealism and delusion.
February 8th, 2010 22:32
FACTS (I quote the following from the source):
Quote:
A class are the top 5% (5 million people) – P25,000 to very big money, millions of dollars, billions of pesos. Senior Politicians, Land owners, Large Business Owners
B class 10-15% (10-15 million People) – P15,000 – 25,000 a month
Mid-Level Politicians, Professionals – doctors, engineers, supervisors
C ‘middle class’ of 20% (20million people) – P5,000 -15,000 a month Skilled craftsman teachers and nurses as well as bank clerks and retail shop assistants.
D class bottom rung 60% (60 million people) – P1,000 – 5,000 a month subsistence farmers, small fishermen, trike drivers, security guards, salesladies, waitress, waiters, janitorial, guards, private drivers, cooks, standby’s*, lavenders and helpers.
With 60 million people in this country, and despite all the new SUV’s you see on the streets, you realize because of this disparity in income, this is a country of mostly poor people, economically.
Unquote.
P.S.
Results of recent surveys showed a majority of the ABC classes support Aquino while a majority of Ds support Villar. Personally, I don’t agree in the above classifications, but that’s beside the point. But if 20M people earn a household income of say P20k-P25K mo., but pays rent between P6-8K, utilities (including cf prepaid loads) of P3K-P4K, food & subsistence of P10K-P12K, and the rest spread for schooling, transpo, medical, and a few bottles of San Mig, I would say its an “economic miracle” or that we really do have much more poor (or rich) people than we believe.
But if we indeed believe that the number of class C population is as shown above, then our so called “middle class” couldn’t even elect the next president! The ABs couldn’t care less who is president, but the Ds will decide for all Filipinos who becomes one!!! As my Chinese friend says, “Paktay na!”
No wonder haba ng pila sa Lotto all day long, haba na rin pila sa “noontime shows,” it must be magic! Or are we all in a very bad dream? One thing is for sure, the trapos, crooks & murderers are laughing their way to the bank!
February 9th, 2010 00:11
zee,
true! I like that most young filipinos are idealist, but with idealism there is a reality that is called “real world”. Unfortunately real life is way different than what most young filipinos would like to believe. We can learn all these fancy theories and sanitized histories of in the best universities. But how to fit them in an unconventional world is the biggest hurdle.
February 9th, 2010 00:22
zelbo,
Being born to wealthy parents and having the luxury of making it without working hard is not what i can call success, it is called lucky. Success is earned through hard work and talent.
February 9th, 2010 01:23
I was fortunate to have attended all of the leadership conventions conducted by author John Maxwell in the Philippines.
He defined “success” as having to go through three steps or processes, and I’ve, since then, used it to evaluate people:
1st: Being able to identify ones purpose in life whatever it may be (e.g. architect, doctor, educator, priest, machinist, welder, etc.)
2nd: Being able to develop ones full potential through hardwork, training and experience (i.e. the best architect, the best doctor, the best priest, the best machinist, etc.)
3rd: And finally, being able to already help others also develop and reach their own full potentials.
With this definition, I truly believe a farmer or machinist may well be defined as “successful”, if in spite of their limited “financial” stature in life, they were able to support their children to become doctors, teachers, nurses, and lawyers, engineers, among others, and at the same time demonstrate characters such as integrity, hardwork, prudence, love & respect for parents, Love of God and country, responsibility, accountability, like some of YOU?
February 9th, 2010 04:28
Ricky:
Sana maitanong sa mga kumakandidato ang tanong na ito sa kanila:
Ang tagal tagal na ninyong naglilingkod sa Bayan pero bakit hindi umaasenso ang ating Bayan at sa halip na pasulong, paurong ang nangyayari gayong tuwing eleksyon ang pangako ninyo sa sambayanan Pilipino ay iaangat ninyo ang kanilang pamumuhay at pauunlarin ang ating Bansa. Ang tanong saan ba kayo nagkukulang at bakit kayo lang ang gumiginhawa sa buhay?
February 9th, 2010 21:53
And once again the whole world saw how The Senate of the Philippines can be turn into CIRCUS. It’s like magic, when they want to appear and disappear they can do it.
God bless the Philippines!
February 10th, 2010 07:32
Ricky,
I hope you’ll be posting an article about the latest Government Screw-up (IE BOC vs Shell).
February 10th, 2010 09:08
leonard,
Read the internet news saying that “60 Minutes” is doing a segment on Manny Pacquiao? Arum was also quoted to having said that ABC-News and Good Morning America will also have a feature on Manny Pacquiao before the scheduled bout with Clottey. Very few athletes have been featured on 60 Minutes. The exclusive list includes Jordan, Tiger Woods, Jetter, Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Ali, Tyson. I guess he has made it in America! Good for him and the Philippines!
February 10th, 2010 09:34
ABSO-F’n-LUTELY! That is great news!!! Manny has indeed arrived!
February 10th, 2010 09:59
I suppose people will accept certain levels of corruption so long as it’s not beyond insanity. Foreign companies like FRAPORT, Shell, etc, accept the fact that business in the Philippines involves more “rule bending” then say doing business in Japan. So long as the rules stay the same, there’s no problem. Obviously, there are other factors to consider when “we” accept corruption. A good example is former US Vice President Dick “Don’t Think I Won’t Shoot You” Cheney and his relation with HB-KBR. Everybody knows he used his position to get the contract in their favor but, it being war time, the majority of the public choose to ignore it.
Maybe, the general Philippine population has grown to expect a certain (albeit huge by comparison to other countries) amount of corruption as long as it stays within reason.
So, if we believe the Senate report, here’s Villar with this property just outside of the boundary of a proposed road project. A phone call here & there, maybe a little cash here & there and faster than you can say “Show Me The Money” he’s sitting on prime real estate. It could be that the general population chooses to let this one slide as its not anywhere near the level of corruption that GMA has (and continues to) achieve.
If that’s the case then, maybe, the Senate misjudged public support. Maybe those in the Senate should spend a little more time talking WITH (not TO) their constituents instead of wasting time with hearings that seem to have no end and no teeth.
February 10th, 2010 12:31
Leonard,
Additionally,let’s realize that corruption is pretty much part of the system of government in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, including America (e.g.film “The God Father”), among many others. Yet, why are these countries in a much better economic state than the Philippines.
Those of you who may have had the opportunity to visit these countries and/or talk to some of their citizens, or people who have done business there are aware corruption do exists. But that the “system” is so organized and “predictatble” that you “only give once” and things are taken care of. Bakit kaya may Pinoy TNT sa America?
As I said many times, corruption will stay with us till kingdom come. And despite incorruptible leadership, corruption is a system engrained in human systems long before the three kings visited Bethlehem. Reality is, we all have to live with it, whether we like it or not! No leader, whatever they say or promise, can eliminate corruption. It can however, be managed.
Leonard, you’ve hit the “nail in the head!” The operative word is “JUSTICE,” or a more generic term, “equality.” You violate this principle and all hell breaks loose!
A perfectly working and organized “akyat bahay gang” or “carnapping syndicate” will disolve if their “corruption,” as you said, “goes beyond insanity.” Otherwise, “business as usual!”
“Labing isang pirasong ‘pilak’ lang, or whatever the number was!” Do I hear higher?
Now and interesting question, “Sino sa atin ang hindi corrupt?”
Now, this may be another blog issue for Ricky??? It may as well bring us back to the discussions about the church and “what’s that HB No…?”
February 10th, 2010 12:44
…on a more SERIOUS note…this is the period I like most! Election campaign period!!!
…because this is the only time where all the VOTERS win and all the CANDIDATES lose, regardless!!!
…we can make them ALL, dance, sing, eat balut, talk about galungong, stand on their head, and all, and any of those funny things we can think of…!
after this period, guess what…?
((
…back to reality!
February 11th, 2010 03:45
Ito nga ang isang pinakamalaking katanungan na mahirap ikuha ng kasagutan, kahit saan ka magpunta may corruption pero bakit ang Pilipinas hindi umaasenso gayon ang mga katabi nating bansa ay sumusulong?
Ito ay dahil sa ang yaman ng bansa ay napupunta lamang sa iilan at hindi pa magkasya sa biyaya nilang tinatanggap ang gusto ay lahat ng yaman ay maputna kung pupuwede nga lang pati yaman ni Bill Gates ay kukunin pa rin nila. Ganyan kasugapa ang mga tao sa Pilipinas. pansinin mo na lang kunga gaano kabilis lumaki ang yaman ni Manny Villar kumpara sa yaman ng kanyang mga kalaban sa pagkapangulo…. nakakatakot pag siya pa ang nananalo baka ang kakainin natin ay kunin pa niya. Nagpahayag na siya na ang una niyang gagawin ay magdagdag ng tax. Iyan ang sabi niya sa Makati Business Club.
Diyos namin iligtas mo po kami sa isa pang EVIL.
February 11th, 2010 09:40
I consider the senate investigation of villar as nothing but politics because the senate had not summoned other government officials who have more to explain in the rigging of road right of way appraisals and why the C-5 project came into being. If the senate is really interested in knowing the truth about the C-5 controversy, the Public Works and Highway people are more accountable than Villar because the department is wholly responsible for the approval and implementation of the project, including the overpriced appraised land value. Villar is not in a position to explain why his property was appraised 100 times compared to the neighboring lands. The land appraiser and the Department of PUblic HIghway officials should have been grilled in the senate because they are the ones who are supposed to represent and protect the interest of the government during the negotiations of the road right of way acquisitions. If negligence, breach of fiduciary duty or corruption occured it was on the part of the government people. The senate is barking at the wrong tree. Is the senate practicing selective persecution, or perhaps protecting other higher government officials? Hindi naman puwedeng nagkaroon ng kalokohan sa project na yan at si villar lamang ang isang taong gumawa ng kalokohan.
Please dont forget that in the negotiations of the road-right-of-way lands Villar is wearing the hat of an owner and not as a senator. Halimbawa may ari ako ng lupa at may nag-offer ng mataas na presyo kaysa sa mga kalapit lupa, tatanggi ba ako sa mataas na presyo? Siyempre hindi.
February 11th, 2010 14:55
cayote,
the point is that the others are not running for president. villar is. and using the poor in the process. if he indeed cares so much for the poor, as a responsible senator, wouldn’t he have instead pursued another project with the money poured into the C-5 road to probably benefit the poor of tondo where he claims he comes from?
February 11th, 2010 21:05
ysmael,
you just agree with my opinion that the senate inquiry is all about politics because Villar is running for president. If villar is not running would have not heard anything about C-5.
It shows that the senate is more interested in making sure that villar is not elected than cleaning the government of corrupt officials which is part of the function of the legislative body. The senate in a tripartite system of government has a responsibility to check abuses in the executive department. But in the C-5 issue the senators have set their focus on the ethical violitions of Villar which is not a crime, instead of on the criminal culpability of the people in the department of public works.
The senators are acting like the cops who investigated the suicide of Failon’s wife. Instead of focussing their investigation on whether the death was suicide or murder the cops were seen handcufing the househelps of Failon, and calling them outright suspects.
February 12th, 2010 13:16
Politics, smoke, mirrors and misdirection. While the Senate mulls what to do about Villar in the next session (after their break), we are facing the return of rotating black-outs, fleeing foreign investments (not to mention the real posibility 30% of the fuel market leaving as well), government agencies which change their policy more often than people change underwear. In short, the Philippines is going back in time to the pre-Ramos era.
Villar is small potatoes.
February 12th, 2010 16:15
Received this message via email last night.
Mikee Cojuangco Leads Black Propaganda Campaign for Cousin Noynoy
The buzz in the blogosphere is that Noynoy Aquino, through cousin Mikee Cojuangco, engaged a web development firm called Voncore to design and develop a black propaganda website to help take down Aquino’s chief rival Manny Villar in the May 2010 elections.
According to its company website, Voncore is owned by Rogelio Santos, Jr, a US-based entrepreneur who also happens to be a fan of Noynoy Aquino on Facebook.
The whistle-blower hinted that a briefing for the project was held at the residence of Mikee for the development team.
The plan was to copy the look and feel of Manny Villar’s website and use a close-sounding web address — reportedly mannyvillar.org — to draw voters to the site, and then bombard them with black propaganda content once there. This is a tactic known as “phishing”, and commonly used by Internet hackers to steal credit card numbers and other sensitive information from unsuspecting users.
February 13th, 2010 00:32
Its a pity how fellow Filipinos are treated like PROSTITUTES by these goverment EMPLOYEES, yeah senators are nothing but government employees. We THE PEOPLE must tell these guys who THE BOSS is.
And to do this…
I remember my posts here some good time ago…. about how many of our people do not fully realize our “divine” dignity…if only…then perhaps our people would not allow themselves to be treated as LOWLY PROSTITUTES and they would hold these senators accountable for their irresponsible actions…
If only….
February 13th, 2010 00:53
SELF-WORTH, DIGNITY, HONOR
kulang na kulang sa mga Pilipino…
Rizal embodied this reality of filipinos (with small F) in his Noli me Tangere… in the characters of Dona Victorina and Dona Consolacion…
mga mapagpanggap na mga pilipino…. na ang pagpapahalaga sa sarili ay nakakabit sa kanilang mga napangasawa at sa yaman ng mga ito…
na dapat sana’y nagmumula sa sariling bait at pagkatuto (ayon kay Mabini)
(….just some words from the geniuses of the Filipino race)
February 14th, 2010 18:47
Suddenly, Villar’s picture is all over…one on every other or three posts or trees!..up to the south…showing his money and machinery. Boy, he is really pushing it, daring to defy (or at least, tease) the comelec ruling that levels the playing field. With this move which to me is no longer fairplay, if he becomes the next President, God help the Philippines.
February 16th, 2010 11:39
BATINGAW
“…SELF-WORTH, DIGNITY, HONOR
kulang na kulang sa mga Pilipino…”, quoted as you stated above, is a reality on the ground…
…can you imagine if you and I belong to the so called class “D” category whose income is from P1000 to P5000 per month (eg trike drivers, farmers, waiters, etc.)? what indeed would those three terms mean to us? Our daily priorities would just be all about subsistence, nothing more!
And yet this group are the ones being wooed to decide and elect the next president. A very disturbing situation indeed!
Rizal must be turning in his grave…”mas dumami ang mga mapagpanggap na filipinos…”
February 16th, 2010 11:50
BATINGAW
…and yet, as I remained glued to my tv set during the entire funeral cortage for H.E. Corazon C. Aquino, except for those inside airconditioned vehicles, majority of the crowd who were following on foot, seemed to me more of the class “D” crowd!
…”SELF-WORTH, DIGNITY, HONOR”…nah!…perhaps?…no!…can’t be!
February 16th, 2010 13:37
Sounds like a good reason to ensure the poor are better educated. Better schools, better teachers, the whole “nine”. Then again, I know a few “so-called” upper class types who plan to vote for Class-A-Idiots. Just goes to show you; education doesn’t ensure wisdom.
February 16th, 2010 16:18
For Coyote and Leonard,
I’m not the wealthiest or the smartest but I’m smart enough to know what is right from wrong.
I don’t see the point in making someone clean by stating wrongdoings of others and claiming it as a norm. We’re talking of billions of pesos benefiting Villar’s company, taxpayers money hard earned by Filipinos, one of them happened to be a middle class working student like me. I hurts to think that all the income tax and VAT I contributed goes to projects like C5 extension.
Doesn’t matter who’s involved in the controversy, the point is it’s WRONG!
Stop the JACKASS way of thinking.
February 16th, 2010 22:01
…while you all are thinking about many things in your minds, here’s an advertisement…
…about “corruption”…German style…
http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_eigen_how_to_expose_the_corrupt.html
Just follow the link or if you have problems, it’s available at http://www.ted.com/
the speaker is: Peter Eigen
February 21st, 2010 02:21
The looming water crisis ahead will for sure distract the public’s attention from people like Money Villar and Arrovo as the country starts to go into survival mode with droughts affecting not only water supply but food and power supply.
February 21st, 2010 10:02
Faber-Castell,
I think you’re take on my statements may be a little off. I am NOT in favor of Villar, his candidacy or his business dealings. Nothing will make Villar, if he is indeed guilty, “clean” in the spirit of the law. Fact is, the general population of the Philippines is willing to accept his transgressions. There are no public outcries for his indictment. No crowds in the streets. As a matter of fact, his poll numbers have increased. In addition to that, you have a CONVICTED felon running for President without so much as a peep of outrage from the public.
A “jackass”, as you put it, will be voting for convicted felons, mutineers, showbiz personalities and corrupt businessmen/politicians.
You don’t see corrupt business practices in the Philippines as “the norm”? You need to wake up and smell the coffee. Doesn’t make it right, but that’s the harsh reality of life in the Philippines. Corrupt from top to bottom.
February 21st, 2010 13:58
It is indeed a pity. It seems that we are tired of marching…after EDSA II. Gloria was successful…she was successful in shipping out so many Filipinos, there won’t be enough bodies in EDSA, or in the major cities, to form a critical mass. But at what cost?..except for a chosen few who were able to bring their family with them, most were forced to leave behind their individual families…and it will take at least one generation to see the social cost of Gloria’s ingenuity. Gloria was also successful in soliciting the help from some to many members of the two other branches of government (and most probably even the protectors) to stave off attempts to find out the truth to unseat her…for now…but time is on the side of Juan dela Cruz… The same goes to Villar…if he is guilty, he will have to face the music…in time…even if he is elected President. It took 14 years after martial law to remove Marcos and to reveal the truth. It may take longer to get the real facts out about the accusations against Gloria and Villar. But in time, the truth will out. What we should be seriously concerned about is…what if Juan dela Cruz develops the “i don’t care” attitude and decides to leave the country…for good?
February 22nd, 2010 22:29
MikeL and Faber
Have you heard any of the senators accused Villar of corruption or bribery? What I have read are breach of ethical norms and conflict of interest.
These are all moral issues but not criminal offenses. Its no different than Noynoy Aquino’s role in the building of an exit ramp to Hacienda Luisita when it was not part of the original plan of the highway. Aquino is as guilty as Villar of conflict of interest and ethics violation. I am sure if there is evidence of corruption or bribery against Villar Ping Lacson and Enrile would have gone to the media.
I agree with both of you that if Villar violated any law, he should be prosecuted to the full extent, but so as Aquino.
As I’ve been saying in both these issues the media and the senators should have been looking for explanations from the Public Works and Highway people for explanations.
February 23rd, 2010 00:12
Leonard,
Well, maybe I’m one of those who would like to use their vote for change come May. It may not be in EDSA or rallies. I have to agree that corruption is around but I’m not enjoying it like the “smell of coffee.”
I’ll do something versus the wrong norm. I only have one vote, and I’ll use it wisely.
February 23rd, 2010 10:04
That’s good but it doesn’t stop there. I can’t stress this enough.. Communicate with your elected officials. Let them know how you feel about pending bills, hearings, whatever. Most of these politicians think, since hardly anybody tells them otherwise, they can do anything they want once in office simply because they were elected. I’m not talking about rallies or protests. I’m talking about writing letters and/or emails. I’m talking about constituent signature campaigns. I’m talking about REALLY staying involved in the process.
Nothing will change if people just vote the same idiots back into office. Nothing will change if people JUST vote.
February 23rd, 2010 13:18
… “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!”… Martin Luther King
…I also have a dream…
…that the president, and all department heads of all branches of government, will show good example by following traffic rules and regulations. No more “wang-wangs,” so that they do not become models to others…
…that any and all appointed officials, or heads of department, who become involved in any and all HIGHLY questionable transactions, or are suspect of the same, including but not necessarily limited to just anomalous deeds, must/should/will immediately resign to demonstrate good faith, go on leave without demand, submit himself/herself to due diligence investigations, and wait and accept the President’s “SOLOMONIC JUDGMENT/DECISION.”
… that we will enjoy a “NO REASON LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT,” meaning, if things remain undone, or issues unresolved, the president or any head of department should not give “reasons,” but rather, state what has been done and what needs to be done, present alternatives, provide new target dates, and provide the PEOPLE regular and timely status or feedback until resolved. No open-ended issues! “We deserve to know, Mr. President!”…
…that every centavo accounted for GOVERNANCE! The Presidential “website” immediately shows where the president’s budget is/was used. And so for the rest, especially the department heads and elected officials…
…that it’s about time to change the image of “MENDIOLA.” Mendiola should be a place where people can bring FLOWERS to, and not police bringing “barbwires!” The president must not show he’s afraid of the PEOPLE. Malacanang should not be afraid of the people but instead welcome them to discuss/hear their problems and concerns. This is true PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT!…
…that by the end of the six-year term, the Judiciary and military/police would have changed and improved their image insofar as leadership, integrity, and respect for the constitution and rule of law are concerned…
and that by the end of the six-year term, the EDUCATIONAL system would have improved by means of substantial fundamental changes in the entire system of education, not just involving the academe, but starting with the family unit, the private & business sectors, government and society as a whole. This will be fundamental to ECONOMIC growth!…
“…and yes, we can dream!” JUAN DELA CRUZ
February 23rd, 2010 22:09
Leonard,
Wow, definitely more than just vote I have to agree. If I may share, I’m doing a study that could contribute to the body of knowledge needed to substantiate a very important health bill. After election, the goal is to publish the study and help the legislators develop that health bill.
I’m DOING my part.
February 25th, 2010 22:18
ricky,
i just have to ask this question regarding your news article on PM and Fortune.
Will the merger not go through the approval of FTC since 95% of the market is involved?
It looks clear that before these two giant companies can join together some anti trust laws will have to be disregarded. Whether they call it a joint venture, a partnership or any other name, it cannot be denied that the assets of the new group will come from the same companies therefore technically it is still “merger”. A merger that is probably an illicit one under anti trust laws.
BTW your comparison of the merger to a long affair rather than a marriage is I thought a perfect description. good job!
February 25th, 2010 22:22
ricky,
I mean SEC not FTC. I was thinking of FTC or the US Federal Trade Commission, which is perhaps the equivalent of SEC in the Philippines.
February 27th, 2010 14:06
Thanks Coyote.
March 10th, 2010 17:37
i saw you last night on TV patrol with Sen. Jamby. can i ask for your private email add? you might be interested.