Free Tibetan Protester

China, India, Nepal: Free Tibetan Protesters
March 14, 2008
Protesters Are Entitled to Freedom of Movement, Assembly, and Association
"Peaceful demonstrations are protected under international and domestic laws and they should be permitted, not violently dispersed. " (Photo: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7299546.stm)
The Chinese, Indian, and Nepali governments should release detained Tibetans and permit them to demonstrate peacefully, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/03/14/china18290.htm

China: Restrain Forces From Violently Attacking Protesters in Tibet
March 15, 2008
"The Chinese government should exercise restraint in responding to the protests and should work toward addressing the grievances of the protesters. " (Photo: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C1D2C25A-614E-4B67-B7FB-606ECFD02C28.htm)
Chinese security forces should stop violent attacks on protesters in Tibet and allow the United Nations to conduct an independent probe into alleged abuses, Human Rights Watch said today.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/03/15/china18291.htm

China: National People's Congress Must Address Rights Reforms
Leaders' Rhetoric Not Matched by Action
"Chinese leaders have committed themselves to promoting social justice, ensuring freedom of expression, and building the rule of law, yet their rhetoric hasn't been matched by action."

China's National People's Congress should not allow another session to conclude without adopting reforms to improve protections on 10 key human rights issues, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/03/03/china18192.htm
---------------------------





Karaniwan ng pangitain sa kung paano pagmalupitan, bugbugin, idisperse ng PNP ang mga mapayapang kilos protesta sa Kamaynilaan. Sa pamamagitan ng Calibrated Pre-emptive Response (CPR), BP-880, 464, emergency rule at iba pang mga kahalintulad na kautusang anti-demokratiko, inilibing ni Ate Glo ang people's democratic exercise of dissent and protest ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Tulad ng China, mas malupit din sa Pilipinas, maisalba lang ang UNANG PAMILYA, patuloy na ginagamit ng kapulisan (Pakawalang aso Ng Palasyo-PNP) ang patakarang "NO PERMIT, NO RALLY." Ang mga rally at demonstration ay tinitignang DESTABILIZATION, mga terorista, kundi mga Al Qaeda – JI at Abu Sayaff Group, inuugnay sa mga komunista, "mga nanggugulo, sanhi ng trapiko't massive inconvenience daw sa iba."

Habang ipokritang pinupuna ni Ate Glo ang kalupitan ng military Junta sa Burma (pahayag nito sa Genaral Assembly ng United Nation), bukud sa ilang daang kaliwa't kanang political killings, walang awang hinahambalos, niyuyurakan ang karapatan, ang mga mapayapang pag-aasembliya at pagpoprotesta ng kanyang sariling mamamayan.

-Doy / IPD
March 17, 2008

Related stories:
Patakarang “No Permit, No Rallies”
http://doycinco.blogspot.com/2008/01/patakarang-no-permit-no-rallies.html
RP dropped from list of world democracies
http://doycinco.blogspot.com/2008/01/rp-dropped-from-list-of-world.html
Pilipinas, Burma look alike (re Brutal dispersal of Protest Action)
http://doycinco.blogspot.com/2007/10/pilipinas-burma-look-alike-re-brutal.html

On the Farrazini Killing

Noong February 4, 2008, sa Bankerohan, Davao City, sa akalang siya'y isang military informants, walang awang pinaslang ng NPA si Vicente Ferrazinis. Bukud sa siya'y isang civilian, si Vicente Ferrazinis ay isang kilalang lokal na negosyante sa Davao na pinasimulan pa ng kanyang ama nuon pang 1940s. (Photo: interfaith rally sa Liwasang Bonifacio na pinangunahan ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan at Bayan Muna. Ang rally ay may panawagang Katotohanan, Katarungan at Pagbabago; http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar15/)

Sa isang public apology (liham) na ipinadala ng Merardo Arce Command ng Southern Mindanao Regional Operational Command, NPA, malungkot na nakasaad sa lengwaheng dayuhan ang katagang; “that Ferrazini's killing (isang malaking pagkakamali) was a highly regrettable occurrence.... that the grounds on which a lower unit command of New People's Army (NPA) based their decision to mete out the particular action taken against Vicente Ferrazini are insufficient to warrant the maximum penalty of death. "

- Doy / IPD
------------

A letter by Placida Penitente
Thursday, March 06, 2008 6:01 PM

Dear Sir,
May I call your attention on the killing of Mr. Vicente Ferrazini, a small businessman in Davao. As a family friend, I view with sympathy and concern the case of Mr. Vicente Ferrazini who was wrongly gunned down by NPA rebels last February 4. Recently, the NPA apologized for killing him, but they could never bring him back to life, back to the arms of his loving family.

This only shows that there is no justice and legal system under the NDF or CPP organization. People could be tried and meted death by a "lower NPA unit command", as openly admitted by the NPA-MAC statement. It is therefore the NPA who "prosecute", "judge" and execute their defenseless victims.
Where then is the "just people's court" that they are bragging about? Where is the "due process" that they claim to champion?

Mr. Ferrazini is a civilian murdered by an NPA team. He is protected by the International Humanitarian Law as a civilian in the middle of Internal Conflict. The NDF-CPP-NPA committed themselves to CARHRIHL. But the Ferrazini murder is a clear violation of CARHRIHL and being so, an apology is not enough.

CARHRIHL is an agreement of the government and the NDF to respect human rights and the safety of civilians and non-combatants in the conduct of the internal conflict. According to that agreement which they signed in The Hague in 1998, in such case as the Ferrazini Killing, the NDF is duty bound to prosecute the guilty persons who
committed it; aside from indemnifying the victims' family with a just and reasonable amount.

The NDF's so-called commitment to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law is clearly a mere propaganda. This case shows that there is none, but a bag full of lies. If they will succeed and come to power(heaven forbid!) they will definitely establish a Pol Pot regime and fill mass graves with peoples' bodies.

The NPA's recent apology is nothing but 'crocodile tears' shed before the public to mitigate their murderous guilt. One could be reminded of a similar case: the Digos Massacre in early 1990s. The NDF promised indemnification of the families of victims, which never happened. Now here they are again making that insincere and empty promise.

The NDF and their front organizations mounted complaints of "extra- judicial" killings and "involuntary disappearances" purportedly committed by the GMA government. Now, they are equally guilty of the same human rights violation and criminal act when they killed Ferrazini. They should stop raising the issue of "extra-judicial killings" if they temsleves commit the same crimes.

My sympathies to the family of Enting Ferrazini. Our beloved friend's death will not be in vain. For his death has brought to the fore the reality that the NDF and NPA are also human rights violators.

May we call the attention of the civil society on this case.

Sincerely,
Ms. Placid Penitente
5416 Yakal St., Pasong Tamo, Makati City
On Penitente and Ferrazini
Ka. Easel
Anakbayan-DAVAO
Thursday, March 13, 2008 6:30 PM
----------------

A Statement of Self-Criticism on the Ferrazini Killing
Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson; Merardo Arce Command
Southern Mindanao Regional Operational Command
New People's Army
February 25, 2008
After issuing a statement on February 4, 2008 claiming responsibility for the punitive action undertaken by operatives of the Ka Paking Guimbaolibot Red Partisan Brigade (KPGRB)-NPA against landlord-businessman Vicente Ferrazini in Davao City, the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (SMRPC-CPP) and the Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People's Army (MAC-SMROC-NPA) conducted an internal investigation on the matter. This investigation was initiated to clear the air in the light of various reactions from within and outside the revolutionary movement. (Photo above: "The New People's Army is branded a terror group by the US;" newsimg.bbc.co.uk/.../_41128879_ap_npa203.jpg)

The result of this investigation established the conclusion that the grounds on which a lower unit command of New People's Army based their decision to mete out the particular action taken against Vicente Ferrazini are insufficient to warrant the maximum penalty of death. Further, the implementation by the Ka Paking Guimbaolibot Red Partisan Brigade (KPGRPB) of the said flawed decision by a lower unit command of the NPA was likewise found incorrect.

As a matter of self-criticism, we apologize to the family of Mr. Vicente Ferrazini as well as to the people in general for this highly regrettable occurrence. Consistent with the principles, laws and policies on revolutionary justice adhered to by the revolutionary movement, the SMRPC-CPP and the MAC-SMROC-NPA are currently undertaking appropriate and necessary courses of action related to this grievous incident. Among others, we are prepared to make an indemnification for this and are open to meet and talk with the Ferrazini family via their choice of neutral channels.

This self-critical and public admission of fault is a hallmark of the principled standpoint, viewpoint and method of the revolutionary movement. We stand for the truth and struggle for genuine justice; we admit errors and rectify mistakes and are steadfast and undaunted in accepting responsibility all in the interest of truth and justice.

In a fundamental way, this is sharply in contrast to the terrible record of fraud and fabrication, deceitfulness and deception of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Numerous cases of the AFP's gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law under the fascist Arroyo regime's Oplan Bantay Laya I and II have tremendously risen and widely condemned here and abroad and yet the political and military leadership of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) remain in a hopeless state of denial. Despite being deeply stuck in the quagmire of state terrorism -- where serious crimes against the people such as massacres, extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances -- are perpetrated in disgusting regularity and brazenness , the AFP and PNP continue to muster the impertinence, albeit vainly, in claiming respect for human rights and adherence to international humanitarian law in its conduct of what is clearly a frantic but futile effort versus the spreading flames of peoples resistance and revolution. #
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/cgi-bin/statements/statements.pl?author=mac;date=080225;language=eng
-----------------

"On the Farrazini Killing"
On Penitente and Ferrazini
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 6:30 PM

Ka Easel (March 13, 2008 ) of Anakbayan-Davao wrote:

Dear friends,
I trust that you will be fair enough to allow me to react to the one-sided statement of Placid Penitente on the Ferrazini case in Davao. (Photo: http://www.blogger.com/www.ciw-online.org/images/Day-3&4-Udub-Anak.jpgimages/Day-3&4-Udub-Anak.jpg)

It seems that there is an orchestrated anti-communist propaganda being weaved around the killing of Ferrazini by military psywar agents. The successive news features on the case and the Penitente statement seek to protray the people's army and the NDF as "human rights violators". Everybody knows that the NPA and the NDF have the highest interests of the people in their fight against imperialism and feudalism. The people's economic and political rights are being violated by landlords and bureaucrat capitalists who deserve the punishment of the people's army.

We must not forget that Ferrazini is a landlord-comprador and his family had exploited workers and farmers for decades. His good public relations cannot cloak their family's exploitative and oppressive acts. The NPA apologized for his killing, it is true. But it is only because of political reasons and not because there was a real mistake in his killing.

Penitente invoked Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws. These are all bourgeois standards created by the western capitalist world during the cold war era, as a propaganda tool of the imperialists against the socialist camp led by Comrade Stalin. If these will be the norm in determining what is just and unjust, then the rights of individuals will gain higher premium than the rights of the oppressed people and classes. The only measurement of what is just and unjust lies in the reality of class struggles and class wars, where the few ruling social elite exploit the majority of the toiling masses.

In my opinion, it will be wrong for the NPA to tie its hands to the so-called CARHIL because they will lose the initiative from their own hands and momentum, and allow the reactionary AFPwe to launch political-military offensives under the cloak of bourgeois human rights. The NPA should continue its offensives especially now that the reactionary state has exposed its political bankcruptcy and anti-people nature. They should not forget that they are fighting a just war, a war to end all wars, a war to attain just and lasting peace, a war that will uphold the people's genuine human rights in the end.

Mayor Duterte's anger against the NPA is not because he really believes it was a mistake and of no basis. Duterte has a special relation with one of the Ferrazini women. That is the real truth. And he had to denounce the NPA because he wants to please his special friend. We will not blame him. But the public should know where his statements are coming from.

People like Penitente should stop attacking the NPA and allow herself to be used by the military agents. Stop beclouding the real issue. Stop pretending that you and your lot are the "champions" of democracy and human rights because you support the bourgeois ruling elite (if you are not one of them) who feast while our people's suffer in poverty.

Let us not muddle the issues. All efforts should be for the ouster of the US-Arroyo regime now!
----------------------------

Ka Easel (March 13, 2008 ) of Anakbayan-Davao wrote: "In my opinion, it will be wrong for the NPA to tie its hands to the so-called CARHIL because they will lose the initiative from their own hands and momentum, and allow the reactionary AFPwe to launch political-military offensives under the cloak of bourgeois human rights. .."
(Photo: www.bulatlat.com/images/4-31/Jalandoni.jpg)

Luis Jalandoni (September 03, 2002) said: In the course of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, the principals of the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels have mutually approved a series of ten agreements, including the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998. The GRP and the NDFP have thereby bound themselves to comply with the principles and standards of respect for human rights and humanitarian conduct in the civil war in the Philippines. Both sides in the armed conflict are required to prevent, avoid and combat acts of terrorism against the civilian population and the hors de combat.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/cgi-bin/statements/statements.pl?author=lj;date=020903;language=eng
Accessed 14 March 2008

Related Stories:
"Duterte hints at anti-NPA attack"
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/02/07/news/duterte.hints.at.anti.npa.attack.html
"Mayor to village chiefs: Don't carry guns"
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/02/08/news/mayor.to.village.chiefs.don.t.carry.guns.html
Debate on the NPA policy warranting death penalty against civilians : the Farrazini Killing
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=article_impr&id_article=9527
Lavina to NPA: "Apology not accepted"
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3913&Itemid=50

KAMPI - Lakas, ang BUMABOY sa pulitika ng Pilipinas

Kamakailan lang, buong pagmamayabang na ipinagmalaki ni Ate Glo ang “pag-aasawa” raw ng partidong KAMPI at LAKAS at para sa kanya, ito raw ang magsisilbing “COLOSSUS” at magdodomina ng pulitika sa bansa bago, matapos at malamang lagpas sa kanyang pagtatapos na termino sa 2010. Ito raw ay "makakapag-create ng isang malakas na partidong pang-imprastrukturang siyang susi sa maayos na delivery of basic services at good governance." Dagdag pa, "maihahalintulad daw sa karanasan ng Malaysia, ni Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad kung saan ang apat na dekadang dominasyon sa pulitika ay nakapagdulot ng walang patumanggang kaunlaran at kapayapaan."
(KAMPI at Lakas-CMD logo, walang website, kolorum na partido talaga)

Ang tanong ng marami, bangungot ba ito o propagandang pulpul? Bakit biglang minodelo ni Ate Glo ang sistemang pulitika ng Malaysia? Pareho ba ang pulitika sa Malaysia at Pilipinas?

Bukud sa parliamentaryo ang sistema ng paggugubyerno sa Malaysia, hindi hamak na magkaiba ang partidong United Malays National Organization (UMNO) kung ikukumpara sa KAMPI at LAKAS-CMD. Una, ang UMNO ay pinatakbo ng mga matitinong lider, naitatag sa kontekstong ideolohiyang MAKABAYAN ng MALAYO, kahit paano anti-imperialista, samantalang isang banana republic, mga traydor, kriminal, oportunista (political butterfly), kurakot at predatory politics ang mga pulitikong naka-anib sa KAMPI at LAKAS. Pangalawa; kung sa katiwalian ang pag-uusapan, bukud sa kurakot na pork barrel, sangkot palagi sa bilyung dolyar sa katiwalian ang pamilyang (rent seeking) Arroyo Macapagal, kung ikukumpara sa ilang daang milyon dolyar lamang kay Mahathir.

Sa “pagsanib pwersa” ng KAMPI at LAKAS, sa totoo lang, walang epekto't pakinabang ang mamamayang Pilipino at mas kapani-paniwala pang sabihing mas lalo lamang ilulubog nito sa mabantut na BABOY KURAL na pulitika at ekonomya ang bansa. Sa katunayan, ayon kay Sen Mirriam Santiago, "pinag-aawayan lamang nito ang KICKBACK, komisyon at sinasayang lamang nito ang oras at panahon sa lehislatura.” Imbis dapat asikasuhin ang mga mahahalagang mga panukalang batas (political at electoral reform), kapangyarihan at kagahaman ang siya lamang pinagkaka-abalahan ng mga taran.... ito sa Kongreso."
(Photo above:New Speaker Prospero Nograles is joined by Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo prior to the start of sessions at the House of Representatives. Photo by BOY SANTOS, http://www.philstar.com/ RIGHT Photo credit: Tobias Engay, PRID / 11 March 2008, www.congress.gov.ph/.../jdv06june07_ac.jpg)

Sa pamamagitan ng pamumudmud ng salapi at proyekto, ginamit na pang-salbabidang politikal ni Ate Glo ang KAMPI at LAKAS-CMD at balang araw, kung malalagay sa alanganin o lumubog kung sakali ang bangkang papel na sinasakyang ng mga ito, "ang siyang unang maglulundagan, unang magtatakwil, maghuhudas at magkakanulo kay Ate Glo, ang unang-unang magpapalit ng partido at allegiance."

Dapat ng idissolve ang mga partidong TRAPO sa Kamara de Representante sapagkat sa kabuuan, tulad ng KBL sa Batasang Pambansa nung panahon ni Marcos, sila'y mga rubber stamp, sila'y pare-parehong mga pekeng kinatawan, pabigat, salot at kurakot sa bayan.

Kamakailan lang, banner headline sa halos lahat ng pahayagan ang ulat na isinagawa ng Freedom House (FH), isang kilalang non-profit na institusyon, nonpartisan organization sa Amerika na nagtataguyod ng demokrasya at Kalayaan tungo sa isang panawagang kapanatagang pulitikal at ekonomya sa buong mundo. Ayon sa FH, sa patuloy na pananalaula ng prinsipyong representative democracy o government of the people, tinanggal sa listahan ang Pilipinas bilang mga bansang hindi tumatalima sa demokrasya.
Tignan: Freedom Map:http://markhumphrys.com/Bitmaps/map.freedom.2006.jpg

Nasaan ang demokrasya kung ang mga pulitiko ay nailulukluk lamang ng pampulitikang MAKINARYA, command votes-VOTE BUYING-dagdag bawas controversies, nasaan ang demokrasya kung talamak ang Oligarkiya, PADRINO, Guns, Gold, Goons? Nasaan ang demokrasya kung ang sistemang elektoral at pulitika ay kinakikitaan ng karaniwang patayan, sobrang gastos sa kampanya, dayaan, political clan, dinastiya, warlordismo at private armies?

Nasaan ang demokrasya kung ang mga pulitiko (Tongresman, Gobernador at Mayor) ay sa totoo lang ay nirerepresenta, kinakatawan ng malalaking negosyo't corporate elite, mga makapangyarihang may kontrol ng kabangyaman ng bansa at mga dayuhang gustong pangalagaan ang kani-kanilang interest at hindi ang mamamayang Pilipino. May naniniwala pa ba na ang mamamayan at botanteng Pilipino ang siyang tunay na pumipili, nagpapasya, may boses at nagdedesisyon sa mga election o sadya talagang isa lamang moro-moro ang election sa Pilipinas?

"Politics of convenience at hindi politics of conviction ang larawan ng political party sa Pilipinas. Walang matibay na pundasyong ideolohikal, pilosopiya't pananaw na pinanghahawakang ang mga TRAPONG partido saPilipinas."

MAKINARYANG pulitikal ang binubuhay at ino-organisa ng mga partido, imbis na mas patampukin ang mga programa, plataporma't mga isyu, showbiz-personality at power oriented ang litaw sa mga pulitiko't partido. Umaasa ang lahat sa padri-padrinong anyo ng oraganisasyon at relationship (Clan at patron client), imbis na mas itayo ang mas malalawak, alternatibo at mga bagong oraganisasyong panteritoryo't kilusang magtatakwil ng makalumang rela-relasyon at interest.

Kung track record ang pagbabasihan, isa ang mga pulitiko sa mga dahilan kung bakit tumindi ang karalitaan at dumami ang naguguton na Pinoy. Habang nagpapasarap, "libong Pinoy ang namamatay dahil sa sakit araw-araw at kakulangan ng hospitalization , milyong Pilipino ang naninirahan sa 'di maayos na kalagayan, walang maayos at mapanganib na paninirahan, kawalan ng serbisyo't pangkagalingang bayan tulad ng; maiinum na tubig, kawalang kuryente, kakulangan ng transportasyon, 'di kalidad at walang edukasyon.

Ang pulitiko, mga partido at ang Kongreso ang numero unong UNPOPULAR at kinamumuhiang INSTITUSYON sa bansa. Sa katunayan, sa persepsyon ng mga Pinoy, ang kahulugan ng pulitiko ay KURAKOT.


Doy / IPD
March 13, 2008

Related Stories:
Politics main industry of RP, says bishops

MANILA, March 15, 2008—Philippines is known to be God-fearing and God-loving; sadly it’s main industry is politics which ultimately lead to wealth, said 16 16 bishops of the Metropolitan Manila in their pastoral statement that will be read in Palm Sunday masses. (Photo: "A commitment Fulfilled, www.congress.gov.ph)
http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/1369
Most corrupt
For the second year in a row, a controversial annual survey by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy has found the Philippines to be the most corrupt among Asia’s 13 biggest economies. Seven years after the ouster of a plundering president, corruption has grown worse.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20080312-124344/Most-corrupt

Philippines poverty creeps upward; http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080308-123467/Admitting-that-poverty-can-rise
Mindanao Still Poorest Island in Nearly A Decade; http://www.newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4265&Itemid=88889064
Increasing poverty caused by corruption; http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080310-123763/Increasing-poverty-caused-by-corruption

Communal Action ng Transport Groups, tagumpay

Matapos ang isang matagumpay na kalahating araw na trasport holiday / strike na halos pumaralisa (90%) sa buong Kamaynilaan, sa kabila ng pagmamatigas ng Malakanyang, paglalaan ng halos ilang daang military truck (govt vehicle) na libreng sakay, daang libong mananakay ang na-stranded, nagulantang ang Malakanyang, tiklop ang buntut at bumigay si Ate Glo sa kahilingan ng grupo.
(Photo by BOY SANTOS: Stranded commuters on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City wait for military trucks and free rides offered by the city government to ferry them during a public transport strike yesterday. http://www.philstar.com/)

Agad nag-issue ng Executive Order 712 si Ate Glo at pinag-utos na ibigay ang kahilingan ng Transport Group na matagal ng dumaraing sa pang-aabuso at pangongotong ng mga ganid na LGUs at Metro Manila Devt Authority (MMDA) at hilinging i-implementa ang isang unified ticketing system sa Kalakhang Manila. Kaya lang, bukud sa malaki ang hahabulin ng Transport group sa makapangyarihang batas na isinasaad ng Local Government Code (LGC) o ang "LOCAL AUTONOMY at DECENTRALIZATION" at ang kawalan ng ngipin ng Executive Order (EO) ng Palasyo, naiwang nakabinbin ang isyu hinggil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng produktong petrolyo.

Ang isang araw na communal action ay malawakang (broad) pinangunahan ng Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (PISTON), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (FEJODAP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers of the Philippines, Makati Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide Inc. (Pasang-Masda); Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA), Metro Manila Bus Operators Association, Intercity Bus Operators Association, Northeast Manila Bus Operators Group, Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila, and 1-UTAK (United Transport Koalisyon).

Ano ang lesson na ipinakikita sa tagumpay na ito? Para kay Mang Pandoy, kung may malawak na pagkaisa, kung makatarungan at valid ang kahilingan (winnability), kung peaceful at non-violent ang pakikibaka, kung tapat at walang mga hidden agenda, kung may matitino, seryoso, may passionate at magigiting ang mga LEADER at higit sa lahat "kung 'di pinangungunahan at kinukubabawan ng mga grupong exremista, " ano mang lupit, bangis at panlilinlang ng isang evil administrasyon, NAGTATAGUMPAY ang adhikain.

Ang tanong, bagamat pinalakpakan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang matagumpay na communal action ng Transport group laban sa LGUs at MMDA, isusunod na ba ang mala-demonyong implimentasyon ng E-VAT na siyang ugat at dahilan ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina, krudo at mga bilihin, may part 2 ba? Ang isa pang tanong ng marami, kaya bang i-duplicate ng GMA Resign movement ang matagumpay na communal action ng grupong pangtransportasyon?

Doy / IPD
March 12, 2008

If political situation worsens, CBCP may reconsider its position

http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/1236
QUEZON CITY, March 9, 2008—If political circumstances worsen, the Catholic bishops of the Philippines may call for the resignation of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz.
"It is a matter of time that Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) may reconsider its stand for Arroyo's stepping down," Cruz told CBCP News.

If things do not improve much, particularly combating corruption in the high places of government, the Catholic hierarchy may rethink its present stand about Arroyo's resignation, he said.
However, for the moment, CBCP has unanimously declined the public clamor for Arroyo's resignation in the wake of ongoing NBN scam, Cruz, former CBCP president, reiterated.

Cruz also said CBCP issues pastoral statements every now and then on the issues affecting the nation, society and Church.
The latest one was on Feb 26, after 55 bishops held an emergency meeting to reassert their position on the growing misreading of January CBCP statement calling for "communal action" that was read by many as "calling for Arroyo's resignation". (Santosh Digal)
---------------

“Kundi ngayon, KAILAN PA, an-anhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?”
Kung titindi ang pressure ng mamamayan, at ilalabas ang katotohanan (ayon sa pagkakarevoke daw ng Malakanyang, ng EO 464), walang dudang mas iigting ang political crisis at posibleng umabot sa tinatawag na “critical mass,” na maaaring humantong sa tinatawag na "tipping point" na matagal ng hinihinatay ng tao.
Ang sad and lonely, sa tulong ng bilyong pisong warchest (budget) ng palasyo, gagawin ang lahat ng klase ng pamamaraan (declaration of Martial Law kung kinakailangan), imobilisa ang lahat ng resources ng estado, sawatain at mailibing lang ng buhay ang "communal action," patahimikin ang madla, hadlangan ang posibleng pagbabalikwas ng mamamayan, i-delay, baluktutin ang panawagang katotohanan, hustisya at pagbabagong adhikain ng mamamayan.

Alalahanin may pitong taon ng BIHASA sa maniubrahan, manipulasyon, pangungumando at kasanayang teknolohiya ang Malakanyang sa kung paano maisasalba politically si Ate Glo. Nagsisimula ng umalagwa ang propaganda machine ng Malakanyang, ang paghahahasik ng lagim, pananakot at mga pakulo, kontra-opensiba at kontra- pag-oorganisa na nakabisado ng gawain ng dirty tricks department ng palasyo. Kung 'di maisusustini at walang pampulitikang pag-igpaw, mula sa fluid at tablang lagay sa politika, patungo na ito sa yugto ng winning scenario ng palasyo.
Hinding-hindi magreresign sa kapangyarihan si Ate Glo. Buhay at kamatayan ng pamilyang Arroyo ang nakasalalay sa kasalukuyang labanan at unos pampulitika. Alalahanin tumagos sa kokote ng Malakanyang ang babalang banta ni Senator Enrile na kung bababa sa pwesto si Ate Glo, mamamatay at tapos ang maliligayang araw nito sa mundo.

Ang linyang "wag nang guluhin ang pulitika sa bansa dahil humahad lang ito sa magandang takbo ng ekonomiya." ay tila tumatagos na't epektibong propaganda ng Malakanyang. Mula sa media (broadcast at print) campaign at suporta ng LGUs, "ang pagpawi-pagkabig ng hearts and mind partikular sa Kamaynilaan, panggagapang at panghahati (devide and rule) sa ilang progresibong hanay sa mga paaralan, simbahan, hanay ng negosyo, unti-unting nahahatak ng Malakanyang ang timbangang pulitikang pumapabor sa rehimeng Macapagal Arroyo. "

"Ang nakakalungkot, baka sa kahuli-hulihan, ang lalabas na masama, kontrabida, mga nanggugulo, sinungaling, destabilizer at terrorista ay ang institusyon ng Senado, mga Obispo, simbahan, si Jun Lozada, Joey de Venecia, iba pang mga state witness at kilusang demokratikong naghahanap ng katotohanan at katarungan. Ang kakasuhan at ipakukulong pa ay yaong mga naghahanap ng katotohanan."

Kaya't kundi mai-susustina ang labanan, maisasa-ayos ang pagkilos ng malawak na koalisyon-alyansa, lahat ng grupo't political players sa bansa at 'di makasasabay ang CBCP, “kailan maipe-pressure ang Malakanyang na ilabas na ang katotohanan at pagbabago, kung patay na ang KABAYO?"
- Doy / IPD

Related Story:
Executive privilege versus public interest
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW031008/content.php?id=004

Spratly Deal, PAGKAKANULO

Kapalit ng pautang ($9.50 billion), suhol; NBN-ZTE deal, Southrail at Northrail projects, CyberEd at bilyong dolyar na pamumuhunan, maliban sa katiwalian, kickback, sa pamamagitan ng SPRATLY DEAL, tulad ni Judas at pakirandam ng marami, "ipinagkanulo't isinanla na ni Ate Glo ang bansang Pilipinas sa Komunistang China."

Mga puntong NAPAGCASHUNDUAN;
1.Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s hurried trip to China in late 2004 produced a major surprise.
2.Manila has given a certain legitimacy to China’s legally spurious “historic claim” to most of the South China Sea.
3.The Philippines has made breathtaking concessions in agreeing to the area for study, including parts of its own continental shelf not even claimed by China and Vietnam.
4.Some would say it was a sell-out on the part of the Philippines!
5.President Arroyo’s agreement with China for a joint seismic study was controversial in several respects. By not consulting other Asean members beforehand, the Philippines abandoned the collective stance that was key to the group’s success with China over the South China Sea.

Sa isang bahagi ng artikulong “Manila’s Bungle in The South China Sea ni Barry Wain na lumabas sa Far Eastern Economic Review January / February issue:"

“Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s hurried trip to China in late 2004 produced a major surprise. Among the raft of agreements ceremoniously signed by the two countries was one providing for their national oil companies to conduct a joint seismic study in the contentious South China Sea, a prospect that caused consternation in parts of Southeast Asia.” (Photo: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/)

“But as details of the undertaking emerge, it is beginning to look like anything but the way to go. For a start, the Philippine government has broken ranks with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which was dealing with China as a bloc on the South China Sea issue. The Philippines also has made breathtaking concessions in agreeing to the area for study, including parts of its own continental shelf not even claimed by China and Vietnam. Through its actions, Manila has given a certain legitimacy to China’s legally spurious “historic claim” to most of the South China Sea.”
“President Arroyo’s agreement with China for a joint seismic study was controversial in several respects. By not consulting other Asean members beforehand, the Philippines abandoned the collective stance that was key to the group’s success with China over the South China Sea. Ironically, it was Manila that first sought a united front and rallied Asean to confront China over its intrusion into Mischief Reef a decade earlier. Sold the idea by politicians with business links who have other deals going with the Chinese, Ms. Arroyo did not seek the views of her foreign ministry, Philippines officials say. By the time the foreign ministry heard about it and objected, it was too late, the officials say.”
“Beijing and Manila did not make public the text of their “Agreement for Seismic Undertaking for Certain Areas in the South China Sea By and Between China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Philippine National Oil Company.” After the agreement was signed on Sept. 1, 2004, the Philippine government said the joint seismic study, lasting three years, would “gather and process data on stratigraphy, tectonics and structural fabric of the subsurface of the area.””
The article hints at other agreement(s) between president Arroyo and the Chinese government aside from the seismic study agreement. The clear fact was that, after the 2004 elections, the Arroyo administration went on a natural resources development binge, signing agreements and contracts for mining and oil exploration, development, and exploitation with foreign governments and companies. The ZTE and several dozen projects with the Chinese goverment and companies are part of this policy trend.

Ang walang katapusan pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, mga unresolved at kaliwa't kanang iskandalo na kinasangkutan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon; ang multo ng “Hello Garci dagdag-bawas” Election controversy, Diosdado Macapagal Highway scandals, ang Joc-joc Bolante Fertilizer scam, Jose Pidal caper, daan-dang unresolved extra-judicial killings, ang pamumudmud at suhulan sa Malacañang at ang pinakahuli, ang kawalan ng buto sa gulugod (burikak kay Uncle Sam) sa kasong panghihimasok ng bansang Amerika sa Mindanao (MILF visit ng US Ambassador Kenney), tuluyan ng ipinagkanulo ang country, tuluyan ng nawalan ng moral ascendancy at credebility ang bangkarote at ilehitimong gubyernong Macapagal Arroyo.

Sa pitong taong pamamalagi't political survival, wala ng inatupag si Ate Glo kundi ang dumepensa't magsinungaling (cover-up / white wash) sa mga maanomalya, sustinido, sa kaliwa't kanang iskandalong bumalot sa kanyang administrasyon. Kaya pa bang tiisin ng mga Pilipino ang dalawa pang taong pamamalagi nito sa Malakanyang?
Tanging ang kabayanihang paglisan o boluntaryong pagre-resign na lamang sa trono, kasama ang buong barkada't MAPIA sa Gabinete (Puno, Razon, 2 Gonzales, Esperon, Ermita, Bunye) ang tanging paraan, solusyon upang maisalba ang kapanatagang politikal, manumbalik ang pagtitiwala ng mamamayan Pilipino at kahit paano, magMOVE ON na ang ating abang Pilipinas.
Kaya lang, isang bagungot at hindi uso kay Ate Glo (over her dead body, 'di ninyo ako magagalaw) ang PAGRE-RESIGN.

Doy / IPD
March 7, 2008

Related Story:

Text of Spratlys accord taken off DFA website--Golez http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080308-123576/Text-of-Spratlys-accord-taken-off-DFA-website--Golez

Gonzalez: 3 trillion cubic feet of gas at stake in Spratly deal"http://www.gmanews.tv/story/83938/Gonzalez-3-trillion-cubic-feet-of-gas-at-stake-in-Spratly-deal

"Gulo at Asenso"
Tonite Editorial
Sa bawat ikot at talumpati ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ay iisa ang linya nito. “’Wag nang guluhin ang pulitika sa bansa dahil humahadlang lang ito sa magandang takbo ng ekonomiya.”
Himayin natin ang pangungusap na ito. Una, ang kaguluhan sa pulitika. Saan ba at paano ito nagsimula......?
Ang buod: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0808/editorial.htm

Senators worry over Kenney visit to MILF

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080306-123177/Senators-worry-over-Kenney-visit-to-MILF
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Senator Rodolfo Biazon on Thursday expressed concern over last month's visit of United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney to the main camp of the Moro International Liberation Front (MILF).

Pimentel said he has asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if Kenney's visit had its approval, but has not gotten any response until now. (Photo; US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad emerge from a close-door meeting in Camp Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan Tuesday at which they discussed ways to resume stalled peace talks between the secessionist group and the government. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/EDWIN FERNANDEZ / INQUIRER MINDANAO BUREAU / http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080219-119822/US-envoy-Kenney-MILF-chief-Murad-meet-on-peace-process)

On February 19, Kenney, escorted by American security personnel and aid officials, visited the MILF’s Camp Darapanan and met with secessionist chairman Murad Ebrahim and members of the group’s central committee.

Pimentel said that, while Kenney’s visit did not violate any specific law, it is “diplomatic practice” to seek the permission of the host when foreign diplomats travel around a country.

“It is part of [diplomatic] custom and tradition that has ripened into an enforceable practice...It is unusual for any ambassador of any accredited country to just go to any rebel camp to talk with a rebel leader,” he said.

Normally, Pimentel said, such visits are cleared with the DFA or the Office of the President.

“What if the Chinese ambassador met with…Murad? The issue I'm trying to raise is, the US is our ally...why does it treat us as if we are still a colony?” the Senate minority leader asked.

Biazon had stronger words on Kenney's visit to the MILF camp, calling it possible “interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
“Remember, even while we are already talking peace with MILF, they are still considered enemy of the state. There could possibly be the question of interference,” he said.

Biazon, who chairs the Senate committee on national defense and security, said at least two questions need to be answered about that visit: Whether US forces provided security for the ambassador, and whether there was coordination or authority from the Philippine government for Kenney's meeting with Murad.

Biazon said that from his own personal inquiries, Kenney coordinated with the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
“But is that a sufficient level of authority for [such] a serious affair?” he asked.

----

Mas malala pa ito sa kaso ng panghihimasok sa SPRATLY......

Mas malala ang pakiki-alam at panghihimasok na ginagawa ng bansang Amerika sa katauhan ng US Ambasador Kenney sa pagbisita sa BASENG GERILLA ng MILF ( Shariff Kabunsuan Area) kamakailan lang. Parang sinaksak, trinaydor, niyurakang patalikod ang soberanya ng Pilipinas. Sapagkat, alam ng US na itinuturing “terorista't kaaway magpahanggang ngayon ng AFP at Malakanyang ang MILF at sa katunayan, isa ang MILF sa palagiang ginagamit na palusot-scapegoat ng PNP sa anumang pambobombang nagaganap sa Kamindanawan maging sa Kamaynilaan."

Sa mga larawan ipinalabas ng halos lahat ng malalaking pahayagan, kitang-kitang nakikipaglandian ang US Ambasador Kenney sa pamunuan ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Kumander Murad). Kung ang pagbisita ni Kenney ay nakapatungkol sa balangkas ng naudlut na Peace Talk (GRP / MILF), maaring tanggapin ng mga Pinoy, pero - subalit "kung ito'y sikretong pagbobroker para sa isang INDEPENDENT MORO REPUBLIC kapalit ang panggagahasa't pagnanakaw sa natural resources, pagtatayo ng US military Base at gawing Iraq ang Mindanao," mukhang hindi ito matatanggap ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ng mga kapatid nating Moro.

Kung nagawa ng US ito sa Kosovo ("independence"), walang dahilan upang i-kosovo, ipasubo rin nito ang Mindanao. Ang Kosovo na pinaninirahan ng Ethnic Albanian at Serbian minority ay matatagpuan na “parang isang islang (land lock) napaliligiran ng karagatang Christian Orthodox SERBIAN (dating Yugoslavia) sa Europa.
(Photo; "Kosovo Independence celebration" news.bbc.co.uk)

Ang nakaka-intriga, walang palag, kimi, tamimi, walang diplomatic protest man lang na ipina-abot ang Pilipinas sa bansang Amerika. Siguro, kung si Bin Laden ang dumalaw, kung TALIBAN, kung si Mahathir ang dumalaw, kung Ambasador ng China ang dumalaw, kung si Joma Sison ang dumalaw o kung si Cong Mujib Hataman ng Anak Mindanao ang dumalaw sa MILF areas, baka siguro isang makunat-kunat na banat-batikos, UMULAN NG PROTESTA mula sa Malakanyang ang nangyari. Kaso, US ambasador, tiklop ang buntut ni Ate Glo.

-DOY / IPD

Masses for truth to visit 6 metro Manila campuses

'Yan ang pinakamagandang naisip na dapat isagawa ng simbahan-CBCP (Watch, Pray and Act Movement”. Maaring tutukan naman ng civil society / Kilusang Demokratiko, sa pakikipagtuwang sa mga PAROKYA, ang mga malalaki at estratehikong mga KOMUNIDAD sa Metro Manila at mga secondary urban centers sa buong kapuluan.

Sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng mga "popular education, mga demokratikong konsultasyon at pagtatayo ng mga popular na konseho ng mamamayan" sa grassroot level, tulad ng "pulong bayan, pulong baryo, pulong iskinita, pulong ng mga magkakapit bahay, " kung saan maaaring talakayin ang mga maiinit na isyung pang lokal-pangbarangay, kasama ang paghahanap ng "Katotohanan, hustisya at kaunlaran ." Ika nga ng mga Kaliwa, "BASE BUILDING."

Tulad nga ng paniwala ng marami, "wala sa testimonya ni Neri, salaysay ni Jun Lozada, sa Senate investigation, wala sa suporta ng kasundaluhan at middle class, wala sa elite opposition at CBCP ang susi ng ikatatagumpay" ng "KATOTOHANAN," "nasa mga sarili natin at nasa mga komunidad. Ang komunidad ang isa sa magsisilbeng lunsaran ng pakikibaka't labanan para ipagtanggol ang demokrasya at Katotohanan. At dahil mukhang tatagal pa ang labanan, tatagal pa ng ilang buwan ang paghihirap at pagdurusa ng mamamayang idinudulot ng patuloy na pangungurakot, pandarambong at katiwalian ng rehimeng Macapagal Arroyo.
(2 Photos: kuha ni Doy Cinco sa isang "People's Camp" activities sa isang barangay sa QC /
Photo sa baba; Former cabinet members and other officials under five presidents including the incumbent present a manifesto calling on President Macapagal-Arroyo to take five concrete steps to show her commitment to truth. Photo by Tom Guevarra, http://www.journal.com.ph/)

Sa ganitong kaparaanan maitataas ang pampulitikang kamalayan, makakapag-ipon ng malaking pwersa, makakapagkonsolida, makakapag-organisa at mapapakilos ang malawak (broad) na mamamayan, ang pwersa ng "Katotohanan at Pagbabago." Alalahaning nagsisimula ng umalagwa ang maitim na "propaganda machine ng estado," ginagamit na ng Malakanyang ang LGUs at binuong Kongreso ng Mamamayan sa kontra-pag-oorganisa sa mga kumunidad at paaralan maisalba lamang ang buluk na pulitika ni Ate Glo at kanyang bangkaroteng gubyerno. - Doy


Masses for truth to visit 6 metro Manila campuses
http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/1172

MANILA, March 4, 2008—Six more “Masses for Truth and Accountability” will be held at six different Catholic schools beginning this Sunday, March 9 at the De La Salle University at Taft Avenue, Manila.
All the activities are under the auspices of the Church-based “Watch, Pray and Act Movement.”

Another Mass will be held on March 16 at Miriam College, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Students, faculty members and non-teaching personnel of St. Joseph’s College will host another Mass for Truth and Accountability on March 23.

The Manila Cathedral School will welcome Intramuros residents to another Mass on Sunday, March 30. The Holy Trinity Academy at Calabash Road, Balic-balic, Sampaloc, Manila will host the Mass on Sunday, April 6.

Tondo residents will have their turn on Sunday, April 13, 2008 when the Mass for Truth goes to the Holy Child Catholic School at Plaza Amado V. Hernandez.
Archdiocese of Manila’s Social Communications Director Peachy Yamsuan said all Masses will begin at 10:00 A.M. NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. is expected to join the said Masses. (Melo M. Acuña)

Related Story:
Former WB chief 'disappointed' over higher poverty incidence in RP

Former World Bank president James Wolfensohn on Wednesday said he was “disappointed” over latest government figures showing that the poverty incidence in the Philippines worsened from 2003 to 2006.
Speaking at the Asian Institute of Management, Wolfensohn noted that the country’s 30% poverty incidence in 2003 was expected to decline. Instead, it increased to 32.9% in 2006.
He said central to these debates will be issues of “equity and social injustice” amid the continued allegations of corruptions hurled against the Arroyo administration. (Photo Above:upload.wikimedia.org/.../250px-Manila_shanty.jpg)
Full Story; http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=111277


Gov't says number of poor growing as prices outpace wage rises

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=54&type=2&sec=2&aid=2008030547
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 05:40 PM
MANILA (AP) - The number of poor Filipinos rose between 2003 and 2006 despite strong economic growth because income increases failed to keep up with price hikes in food and basic services, a government statistical agency said Wednesday.
The National Statistical Coordination Board said the latest nationwide family income survey showed that a total of 4.7 million families _ or 27.6 million Filipinos _ were considered poor in 2006, up 16 percent from 4 million in 2003.
It said incidence of poor families rose to 26.9 percent in 2006 from 24.4 percent in 2003, but remained below the 27.5 percent figure for 2000, the year before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was swept to power.
The agency estimates the poverty threshold _ the monthly income that a family of five requires to meet basic needs _ rose to 6,274 pesos (US$154) in 2006, from 5,129 pesos (US$126) in 2003 and 4,774 pesos (US$117) in 2000.

‘Noli phobia saving GMA’

Ang ibig sabihin ba nito ay "matagalang labanan na naman, patuloy sa paghahanap ng lider / mukha, alternatiba at kambyo na sa electoral mode 2010 election o ang senaryong mas iigting pa ang labanan sa pagitan ng ruling elite at military (conflict within the ruling elite) at intensity ng pwersang naghahanap ng pagbabago't katotohanan at "oust GMA movement" sa kabilang banda?"

Sa kabila ng papalubhang krisis politikal at pabangkaroteng paggugubyerno, makabangon man politically si Ate Glo, mukhang mahihirapan na itong epektibong makagampan ng gawaing paggugubyerno. Sa bigwas at lakas ng propaganda machine ng Malakanyang at sa "konteksto ng NOLI PHOBIA at constitutional succession", may kakahayan pa ba ang hanay ng KATOTOHANAN at communal action na mas yugyugin hanggang sa maibagsak sa paraang extra-constitutional ang pwersa ng Kasamaan, kasinungaling at imoralidad sa lipunan? Ang tanong, may tipping point na natatanaw ba ang Oust GMA movement?

(Editorial cartoon: http://opinion.inquirer.net/)

Kaya lang, ang isa pang tanong na hindi gaanong klaro at mas mahalaga, sino ang mas makikinabang, hahamig, ang aani ng lahat ng sinsabing tagumpay kung sakaling bumaba sa pwesto si Ate Glo, ang mamamayan Pilipino, ang mga manipulador, power broker, specifically, ang hiwa-hiwalay na pwersang Kaliwa at Kanan, si Noli at ang barkadahang corporate elite o ang mga naghahanda sa 2010 presidentiable election? - Doy

By Edu Punay
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302126
Monday, March 3, 2008

It was a choice between the ouster of President Arroyo and a chance to win in the 2010 presidential race.

Presidential hopefuls are staying away from moves calling for the resignation or ouster of the President amid allegations of rampant corruption in her administration, not just to ensure elections in 2010 - but more importantly, to prevent the convenient victory of Vice President Noli de Castro, an election lawyer said yesterday.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal believes that politicians eyeing the presidency want Mrs. Arroyo to finish her term “not for anything else but because they are afraid to face the Vice President who would be a very formidable presidential bet as a sitting president.”

“With the recent dismissal of a protest filed by Sen. Loren Legarda by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and his (De Castro’s) being a strong number one in surveys for the 2010 polls, these presidential hopefuls would rather have GMA (President Arroyo) finish her term and have equal playing field with him (De Castro),” Macalintal told The STAR.

The lawyer explained that De Castro was able to prove that he won in the 2004 elections fair and square – contrary to Legarda’s claim of massive fraud – through the ruling of the PET.

“As De Castro has proven his ability and competence to lead our country and to do the task assigned to him as Vice President. He has not been involved in any anomaly and has maintained himself as one who could be trusted to manage the affairs of the government. Thus, no presidential hopeful would dare let him reign as a sitting president running for the same position with all resources of the government on his side,” Macalintal explained.

Former senator Francisco Tatad reportedly said that presidential aspirants have been keeping their distance from mass actions calling for the President to step down because they want her to hold on for two more years to ensure the holding of elections in 2010.

Tatad said the absence of the so-called presidentiables in last Friday’s protest actions only indicates that they want Mrs. Arroyo to remain in office so as not to derail their political ambitions.
He also noted that key players for the 2010 presidential derby have not taken active roles to support calls for Mrs. Arroyo’s ouster.
Tatad noted that the current political crisis involving the administration is different from the crises that ousted two sitting presidents in popular revolts in 1986 and 2001 because these were supported by the military and the Church.

"System Change," tagilid kay NOLI

Mukhang Noli constitutional succession ang senaryong pinag-uusapan ng ilang sektor lalong-lalo na sa hanay ng Negosyo (Makati Business Cluc at iba pa). Kaya lang, mukhang isang bangungot na kusang loob na magre-RESIGN si Ate Glo sa kapangyarihan. Kung Noli na nga, tiyakin lang sanang hinding-hindi muling mabibigo ang "communal ation" ng mamamayan, siguraduhing hindi maulit ang dalawang (2x) pag-aalsa sa Edsa kung saan ang senaryong pagpapalit lamang ng mukha / tao ang tanging pinagtuunan ng pansin at hindi ang pagpapalit ng buluk na sistema na siyang sanhi at pabrika ng katiwalian, pangungurakot at karalitaan ng bansa.

Marami ang nagdududa at kinakabahan sa kakayahan at kredibilidad ng VP Noli de Castro. Ang tanong ng iba, "ito na ba ang "PALACE COUP" na niluluto ng Malakanyang sa pakikipagsabwatan sa ilang corporate elite?" Bukud sa pagiging malapit, kaututang dila ni Ate Glo, may agam-agam sa usapin ng pagbabago at ang garantiya sa isyu ng "REPORMANG PULITIKA at elektoral, ang pagbabago ng mga patakarang anti-Pilipino o ang kabulukan ng sistema na lubhang nanganganib na hindi galawin ni NOLI at ng kanyang itatayong interim government. " STATUS QUO" ika nga.
(Photo: President Arroyo arrives with Vice President Noli de Castro at Malacañang..., http://www.philstar.com/)

Kung Noli ang lumalabas, ang hiling lang ng "communal action" ay magkaroon ng safety nets ang country, magarantiya ang sumusunod na kagyat na programa, tulad ng mga ss;

Una; maisigurong walang hangarin si Noli sa 2010 presidential election, i-insulate ito sa panganib na sakmalin ng predatory TRAPO politics (KAMPI/Lakas at UNO) at ang papel ni Noli ay maibalik sa political normalcy ang bansa, irehabilitate, i-overhaul, palakasin ang naghihingalong "strong republic," kawalang representasyon ng mamamayan at ihanda ang taumbayan sa isang malinis, kapani-paniwala, credible at mapayapang presidential election sa 2010.

Pangalawa, agarang imbestigasyon sa salang pandarambong ng pamilyang Macapagal Arroyo (ZTE-Broadband deal, Cyber-Ed, Northrail, Macapagal Highway, Jocjoc Bolante fertilizer scam at iba pang SCAM na kinakaharap ng huli).
Pangatlo; agarang OVERHAULING ng COMELEC (top to bottom) at pagpaparusa sa lahat ng sangkot sa Mega Pacific SCAM at Hello Garci dagdag-bawas controversy.

Pangatlo, pagbibitiw ng lahat sa gabinete, kasama ang OMBUDSMAN, TANODBAYAN at parusahan ang may kagagawan sa kaliwa't kanang political killings na isinakatuparan ng "security forces" ni Ate Glo sa basbas mula sa pamunuan ng PNP at AFP .

Pang-apat, ipawalang bisa ang "AUTOMATIC APPROPRIATION" o agarang moratorium (at least 1 year) ng PAGBABAYAD ng maanomalya at onerous na UTANG PANLABAS.

Panglima; i-institutionalized ang "communal action," ang demokratization sa lahat ng sangay ng demokratikong institution sa bansa. Tiyakin ang partisipasyon ng civil society, ng "aktibo't responsableng mamamayan" sa lahat ng organo ng kapangyarihan ng ESTADO, mula LGUs hanggang Malakanyang.

Pang-anim, ipamahagi na sa lalong madaling panahon ang bilyong pisong kompensasyon sa lahat ng biktima ng kalupitan at human right violation noong panahon ng diktadurang Marcos. Pakawalan ang lahat ng bilanggong pulitikal at mga naiditiing matataas na opisyal at junior officers na kalahok at sangkot sa "mutiny at rebelyon" ng Oukwood at Manila Pen incidence.

Panghuli, suspensyon ng lahat ng POLITICAL PARTY sa bansa at isuspindi ang pork barrel sa Kongreso, pagbuwag ng LPP / ULAP (Liga ng mga lokal na trapito ng bayan), ng lahat ng WARLORDS, private armies, guns, gold at goons sa buong kapuluan.

Kung ganito ang UNANG 100-300 days ni Noli de Castro, maaring tanggapin at kilalanin ito ng country at 'di masayang lang ang pagsisikap ng "communal action" ng mamamayan.

DOY / IPD
March 2, 2008
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Dictatorships are one-way streets. Democracy boasts two-way traffic.
Albert Moravia

Related Story:
Noli ‘all set’ to assume presidency
Written by Aries Rufo
Saturday, 01 March 2008
The vice president is in close contact with personalities who will advocate constitutional succession in case of a power vacuum. In case of a vacancy in the Office of the President, Vice President Noli de Castro is “all set” to assume the President’s functions and duties.

While he may not join efforts to oust the President, the Vice President has taken a crash course on the basics of the presidency and what to do during the first days in Malacanang. He is also in close contact with some personalities who will advocate constitutional succession in case of a power vacuum.

Members of the inner circle of the Vice President have confirmed with abs-cbnNews.com/ Newsbreak that de Castro has undergone tutorials on the demands of the presidency and how to immediately normalize the political situation if he becomes President.

The preparation includes putting the ‘house’ in order in the first few days and drafting a national development agenda, from the mid-term to long-term, as part of effecting smooth transition of power. .......
http://www.newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4241&Itemid=88889051

"Noli walang ‘k’ maging presidente!" http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0308/news02.htm