"A traitor is everyone who does not agree with me."
--George III of the United Kingdom
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Who is the Judas Escariot of Iloilo City in the Philippines?
This question has been buzzing ever since the erratic President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed both Iloilo City and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog figuratively in the shooting range for being "the most shabulized city" and "narco-politician" respectively.
With no evidence to show to sustain his serious allegations, President Duterte had caused so much panic and confusion over his repeated attacks on the reticent city mayor that boggled the minds of the Ilonggos.
Ilonggos have been asking: Who has been feeding the president with wrongful information about Iloilo City and Mayor Mabilog? Who is the Judas Iscariot who sold Iloilo City and Mayor Mabilog for several pieces of silver to the angry and unpredictable President Duterte?
DISCIPLE
Judas Iscariot was one of the 12 original disciples of Jesus Christ and son of Simon Iscariot, according to the New Testament.
Judas was known for the kiss and betrayal of Jesus to the Sanhedrin for 30 silver coins.
In her recent Facebook account, Marivic Mabilog, the mayor's wife, posted an undated photo of President Duterte listening to a lady apparently talking across the table. Sitting beside the lady was Iloilo City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon. Several others were also present.
"Guessing time. What do you think Jeffrey Ganzon is telling Digong about Digong's unfair comments and misconceptions of Iloilo City?" screamed the photo's caption on Mrs. Mabilog's Facebook account.
Ganzon was reported several months back to have been appointed by the President as his "point man" for Iloilo City.
CAPTION
Although Mrs. Mabilog did not accuse anyone of being a "Judas", the caption ostensibly was pregnant with many interpretations.
Because of bizarre events that transpired in the past few weeks that prompted Mabilog to take a leave, we can't blame the Doubting Thomases and political pessimists to make their own independent conclusions.
Based on that photo alone, however, it's premature to conclude that Ganzon is the Real McCoy in the game of political intrigues.
Even before Ganzon was given the "point man" portfolio, Duterte was already hot after Mabilog's heels after the President had falsely accused the city mayor of being the "cousin of (slain drug lord) Melvin Odicta."
Mabilog is the second cousin of opposition senator, Franklin Drilon, not Odicta.
PRIVILEGED
Being one of those privileged individuals who can break bread and engage the President in a tete-a-tete on political issues and otherwise, Ganzon must have told the President about how great Iloilo City is and how efficient and competent are its elected officials.
Ganzon and President Duterte must have talked more about "other matters" and not just purely politics. That "other matters" must be something else and not about accusing someone of being engaged in protection racket and enriching himself while in political power.
As an Ilonggo elected official and son of the late illustrious former senator and three-time city mayor Rodolfo "Roding" Ganzon, Councilor Ganzon certainly can't afford to betray the city that made him and his family famous.
We're giving Councilor Ganzon the benefit of the doubt.
Showing posts with label #President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Most abused mayor in the world
"Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation."
--Atifete Jahjaga
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- With the way he is being persecuted by the Duterte administration, Dr. Jed Patrick Mabilog could go down in history as the most abused city mayor not only in the Philippines, but also all over the world.
The abuse is not only verbal, but mental and emotional.
To be tagged as coddler of drug traffickers repeatedly by no less than the President (when in truth and in fact, he is not), is already the worst abuse any incumbent local chief executive could get.
The shame, embarrassment, humiliation, and indignity of being ranked alongside with the dregs of society without any morsel of truth, is already a mental and emotional torture.
To add insult, a police with the rank of chief inspector had joined the fray and reportedly dared Mabilog "to surrender" as if the city mayor was a convicted criminal in hiding.
If he really said that, this is the first time we heard a police officer with a lower rank boldy haranguing an elected civilian chief of a highly urbanized city without any regard to the mayor's authority and seniority in civil service.
NAPOLCOM
If this is not conduct unbecoming and unprofessionalism, we don't know what it is. The National Police Commissiom (Napolcom) should investigate this overexcited cop who has been reassigned in Iloilo City. Is this the way you orient your cops, Gen. Bato?
Whatever the reason why President Duterte has stubbornly continued to link the well-mannered and clean-living Mabilog to illegal drugs when he couldn't even substantiate it (the accuations were reportedly based on hearsays and "tips" from Mabilog's vindictive and jealous political detractors), he alone knows.
It, of course, boggles the minds of the Ilonggos who know Mabilog pretty well.
All the allegations against Mabilog have not been proven and contrary to reports of agencies concerned like the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which has repeatedly cleared Mabilog.
Only the angels in heaven have not descended on earth to tell the president that he is wrong to condemn an innocent man.
Even the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales will swear to God that Mabilog is not engaged in narco-politics as the President had alleged.
PERSONALITY
Soft-spoken Mabilog doesn't have a gung-ho personality despite the dirty brickbats thrown his way. He doesn't fire back using foul words at critics. Quality of a true, highly-educated and religious leader.
In fact, some supporters have ribbed him for being too soft and kind even to his most trenchant political enemies.
Detractors called him names and a coddler of drug syndicates, Mabilog offered them prayers.
They're lucky Mabilog is not the late Mayor Roding Ganzon who called his persecutors "bastos" (uncivilized) and who fought tongs and hammer with his tormentors, including the late former President Cory Aquino.
He never gave the Mabilog family any shame and scandal and was never involved in any crime when he was younger. Instead, he elevated the pride of his family, the pride of the Ilonggos when he was chosen as the No. 5 city mayor in the world two years ago. He gave all Ilonggos reason to be proud of Iloilo City with all the success the "City of Love" is reaping in terms of infrastructure, economic and tourism development.
The more they pummeled Mabilog with abusive words, the more he lowered his head in submission like a true biblical Christian; the more he gets sympathies from people from all walks of life in the Philippines and abroad who monitor his predicament from Malacanang.
And the world is watching.
--Atifete Jahjaga
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- With the way he is being persecuted by the Duterte administration, Dr. Jed Patrick Mabilog could go down in history as the most abused city mayor not only in the Philippines, but also all over the world.
The abuse is not only verbal, but mental and emotional.
To be tagged as coddler of drug traffickers repeatedly by no less than the President (when in truth and in fact, he is not), is already the worst abuse any incumbent local chief executive could get.
The shame, embarrassment, humiliation, and indignity of being ranked alongside with the dregs of society without any morsel of truth, is already a mental and emotional torture.
To add insult, a police with the rank of chief inspector had joined the fray and reportedly dared Mabilog "to surrender" as if the city mayor was a convicted criminal in hiding.
If he really said that, this is the first time we heard a police officer with a lower rank boldy haranguing an elected civilian chief of a highly urbanized city without any regard to the mayor's authority and seniority in civil service.
NAPOLCOM
If this is not conduct unbecoming and unprofessionalism, we don't know what it is. The National Police Commissiom (Napolcom) should investigate this overexcited cop who has been reassigned in Iloilo City. Is this the way you orient your cops, Gen. Bato?
Whatever the reason why President Duterte has stubbornly continued to link the well-mannered and clean-living Mabilog to illegal drugs when he couldn't even substantiate it (the accuations were reportedly based on hearsays and "tips" from Mabilog's vindictive and jealous political detractors), he alone knows.
It, of course, boggles the minds of the Ilonggos who know Mabilog pretty well.
All the allegations against Mabilog have not been proven and contrary to reports of agencies concerned like the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which has repeatedly cleared Mabilog.
Only the angels in heaven have not descended on earth to tell the president that he is wrong to condemn an innocent man.
Even the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales will swear to God that Mabilog is not engaged in narco-politics as the President had alleged.
PERSONALITY
Soft-spoken Mabilog doesn't have a gung-ho personality despite the dirty brickbats thrown his way. He doesn't fire back using foul words at critics. Quality of a true, highly-educated and religious leader.
In fact, some supporters have ribbed him for being too soft and kind even to his most trenchant political enemies.
Detractors called him names and a coddler of drug syndicates, Mabilog offered them prayers.
They're lucky Mabilog is not the late Mayor Roding Ganzon who called his persecutors "bastos" (uncivilized) and who fought tongs and hammer with his tormentors, including the late former President Cory Aquino.
He never gave the Mabilog family any shame and scandal and was never involved in any crime when he was younger. Instead, he elevated the pride of his family, the pride of the Ilonggos when he was chosen as the No. 5 city mayor in the world two years ago. He gave all Ilonggos reason to be proud of Iloilo City with all the success the "City of Love" is reaping in terms of infrastructure, economic and tourism development.
The more they pummeled Mabilog with abusive words, the more he lowered his head in submission like a true biblical Christian; the more he gets sympathies from people from all walks of life in the Philippines and abroad who monitor his predicament from Malacanang.
And the world is watching.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Why they jump ship
"Honor is not the exclusive property of any political party."
--Herbert Hoover
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- When Marcos fell in 1986, many Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) stalwarts jumped ship and were "rescued" by the late former Vice President Doy Laurel's United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO).
Some opted to stay behind the "defrocked" party particularly the "Marcos loyalists" hoping for the strongman's political resurrection which fizzled out with his death in 1989.
When Mrs. Aquino took over and became estranged with Laurel, many of them abandoned UNIDO and embraced PDP-Laban, Tita Cory's official party until 2009.
When FVR reigned supreme in 1992, these unprincipled minions hastily formed a beeline to the new ruling Lakas-NUCD party.
REFUGEES
Then came Erap. From KBL, UNIDO, and PDP-Laban, these political grutnols and druggles "fled" like refugees to Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Everyone knows what happened next when Ate Gloria took over: the balimbings, bereft of principle, were again in mad scramble to take oath this time as KAMPI members.
When P-Noy became president, the political pendulum abruptly tilted to the Liberal Party (LP)'s favor in a mass exodus that could dwarf the myth of Israel.
Under the new dispensation, some LP members did not only forsake the party that helped enrich many of them through "pork barrel", they also burned their bridges swearing allegiance not only to President Duterte's PDP-Laban, but to many of the hard-hitting former mayor of Davao City's programs that didn't sit well with their previous political party.
The mass exodus from LP to PDP-Laban appears to be "only the beginning."
Duterte's political party is expected to make a major sweep of the remnants of LP and other coalition parties once his pet program, federalism, takes the center stage.
What does the changing of political bandwagon from one disintegrating political party to another ruling party indicate?
OPPORTUNISM
It's neither a sign of renaissance nor headway. It's pure and simple opportunism.
Philippine politicians fight for survival and can't afford to stay away from the political party of those in power like President Duterte.
Many of these politicians have pending graft and corruption cases in courts. Some of them are engaged in protection racket.
Illegal loggers, smugglers, gambling and drug lords financed some of these politicians during elections. If the sitting president will lower the boom, they will find their way to the doldrums like tottering fools.
If they are "outside the kulambo", so to speak, when the new administration beckons, there are strong chances that their slumbering cases will be expedited; and they might end up snoring in the calaboose.
We will wait when Mr. Duterte makes an exit from the Malacanang and another president will occupy the presidency.
We will surely see the same political merry-go-round similar to what we are seeing today. That's the reality of politics--only in the Philippines.
--Herbert Hoover
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- When Marcos fell in 1986, many Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) stalwarts jumped ship and were "rescued" by the late former Vice President Doy Laurel's United Nationalist Democratic Organization (UNIDO).
Some opted to stay behind the "defrocked" party particularly the "Marcos loyalists" hoping for the strongman's political resurrection which fizzled out with his death in 1989.
When Mrs. Aquino took over and became estranged with Laurel, many of them abandoned UNIDO and embraced PDP-Laban, Tita Cory's official party until 2009.
When FVR reigned supreme in 1992, these unprincipled minions hastily formed a beeline to the new ruling Lakas-NUCD party.
REFUGEES
Then came Erap. From KBL, UNIDO, and PDP-Laban, these political grutnols and druggles "fled" like refugees to Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Everyone knows what happened next when Ate Gloria took over: the balimbings, bereft of principle, were again in mad scramble to take oath this time as KAMPI members.
When P-Noy became president, the political pendulum abruptly tilted to the Liberal Party (LP)'s favor in a mass exodus that could dwarf the myth of Israel.
Under the new dispensation, some LP members did not only forsake the party that helped enrich many of them through "pork barrel", they also burned their bridges swearing allegiance not only to President Duterte's PDP-Laban, but to many of the hard-hitting former mayor of Davao City's programs that didn't sit well with their previous political party.
The mass exodus from LP to PDP-Laban appears to be "only the beginning."
Duterte's political party is expected to make a major sweep of the remnants of LP and other coalition parties once his pet program, federalism, takes the center stage.
What does the changing of political bandwagon from one disintegrating political party to another ruling party indicate?
OPPORTUNISM
It's neither a sign of renaissance nor headway. It's pure and simple opportunism.
Philippine politicians fight for survival and can't afford to stay away from the political party of those in power like President Duterte.
Many of these politicians have pending graft and corruption cases in courts. Some of them are engaged in protection racket.
Illegal loggers, smugglers, gambling and drug lords financed some of these politicians during elections. If the sitting president will lower the boom, they will find their way to the doldrums like tottering fools.
If they are "outside the kulambo", so to speak, when the new administration beckons, there are strong chances that their slumbering cases will be expedited; and they might end up snoring in the calaboose.
We will wait when Mr. Duterte makes an exit from the Malacanang and another president will occupy the presidency.
We will surely see the same political merry-go-round similar to what we are seeing today. That's the reality of politics--only in the Philippines.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
'Don't fear death for we will all go there'
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."
-- Mark Twain
By Alex P. Vidal
FAIRFAX, Virginia -- A septuagenarian Fil-Am religious leader has called on all faithful in the Philippines and the United States to unite and rally behind President Rodrigo Duterte as the latter faces the "difficult" task of solving both the insurgency and terroristic problems in his first year in office.
"I support the style of President Duterte. I can connect with his brand of leadership. We all need to support him," suggested Mariano C. Evangelista, preacher and head of the Falls Church-based Christian Evangelization Ministry.
Evangelista, 83, one of the first Filipino civil service recruits to serve in Vietnam War in 1964, said religion is not a hindrance to serve God and the country.
Duterte has to succeed as president because the Filipinos' problems on ISIS-backed Maute terrorism and the insurgency from the left are not ordinary, warned Evangelista, an Ilocano who has lived in the US for at least 30 years.
ENGAGE
Maute rebels continued to engage government troops in bloody battle in Marawi City and refused to surrender. The gunbattle has been raging for over three weeks now and killed hundreds of protagonists from both sides, including civilians caught in crossfire.
Duterte has decalred Martial Law in Mindanao.
The peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are also in jeopardy amid efforts from both sides to resume them.
"You maybe a born again, a Baptist, a Catholic, a Hindu, a Buddish, a Muslim, a Seventh Day Adventist, a Mormon, or an Iglesia (Ni Kristo), God doesn't discriminate," sighed Evangelista. "We all need to unite. Let us not fear death because we will all go there anyway. That alone can give us salvation and peace of mind."
He said he believed in the statement of fomer US President George W. Bush who reportedly claimed in a TV interview that "the Philippines is the richest country in the world."
RICH
"I knew what President Bush meant. He meant that the Philippines is the richest in the world because of the bullions of gold that have been hidden in various islands during the World War II," Evangelista, a highly-respected community leader in Falls Church, Virginia, explained,
"Until now, the gold bars are still there (in the Philippines) and thousands have died just to protect their secret locations."
According to Evangelista, the late President Ferdinand Marcos knew some of the codes where the bullions of gold were hidden.
"That's why Marcos was already rich even before he became president," he argued. "He was ousted not by the People Power as what we all have seen on TV in 1986. He was ousted by a powerful person because Marcos knew too much and refused to be manipulated."
-- Mark Twain
By Alex P. Vidal
FAIRFAX, Virginia -- A septuagenarian Fil-Am religious leader has called on all faithful in the Philippines and the United States to unite and rally behind President Rodrigo Duterte as the latter faces the "difficult" task of solving both the insurgency and terroristic problems in his first year in office.
 |
| EVANGELISTA |
"I support the style of President Duterte. I can connect with his brand of leadership. We all need to support him," suggested Mariano C. Evangelista, preacher and head of the Falls Church-based Christian Evangelization Ministry.
Evangelista, 83, one of the first Filipino civil service recruits to serve in Vietnam War in 1964, said religion is not a hindrance to serve God and the country.
Duterte has to succeed as president because the Filipinos' problems on ISIS-backed Maute terrorism and the insurgency from the left are not ordinary, warned Evangelista, an Ilocano who has lived in the US for at least 30 years.
ENGAGE
Maute rebels continued to engage government troops in bloody battle in Marawi City and refused to surrender. The gunbattle has been raging for over three weeks now and killed hundreds of protagonists from both sides, including civilians caught in crossfire.
Duterte has decalred Martial Law in Mindanao.
The peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are also in jeopardy amid efforts from both sides to resume them.
He said he believed in the statement of fomer US President George W. Bush who reportedly claimed in a TV interview that "the Philippines is the richest country in the world."
RICH
"I knew what President Bush meant. He meant that the Philippines is the richest in the world because of the bullions of gold that have been hidden in various islands during the World War II," Evangelista, a highly-respected community leader in Falls Church, Virginia, explained,
"Until now, the gold bars are still there (in the Philippines) and thousands have died just to protect their secret locations."
According to Evangelista, the late President Ferdinand Marcos knew some of the codes where the bullions of gold were hidden.
"That's why Marcos was already rich even before he became president," he argued. "He was ousted not by the People Power as what we all have seen on TV in 1986. He was ousted by a powerful person because Marcos knew too much and refused to be manipulated."
Thursday, May 25, 2017
No to Martial Law in Visayas
"It is impossible for us to break a law. We can only break ourselves against the law."
--Cecile B. DeMille
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Please spare the Visayas.
In his arrival speech in Manila from Russia May 24, President Rodrigo Duterte hinted he might also declare Martial Law in Visayas if the situation warrants.
Duterte's statement came hours after he signed a document in Russia placing the entire Mindanao under Martial Law after a band of terrorists belonging to the Maute Group rolled over Marawi City and killed scores of unarmed civilians and cops and damaged government properties on May 23.
They also hostaged a priest and several others while fleeing from scene of the carnage.
The blitzkrieg caught both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) by surprise.
While many groups, experts, military and civilian leaders supported Mr. Duterte's order in Mindanao, we doubt if he can gather the same sentiments once he includes the Visayas if the Maute Group is not annihilated in Mindanao.
ENTER
The only time that a terrorist group entered the Visayas area was during the Holy Week in April this year when Abu Sayyaf bandits sneaked into Bohol only to be demolished by the government's superior forces before they could inflict mayhem on civilians and government properties.
There was no need for the President to declare Martial Law to nip Abu Sayyaf in the bud in that bloody raid.
Tourism and economy will be badly affected if Visayas is placed under Martial Law.
All the efforts and sacrifices undertaken by our tourism and economic officials these past months will go to waste once military rule is established in the Visayas albeit temporarily.
The Martial Law in Mindanao is only for 60 days, Mr. Duterte asserted, but it could last until the end of his term as president.
MILITARY
Investors are not comfortable with a military rule. Tourists will shy away from our country in general.
In a language understood by ordinary civilians, Martial Law is synonymous to violence. It also means curtailment of their basic rights.
Authorities will, of course, argue that Martial Law is necessary in order to protect the state; or, the interest of the state will always be paramount over the interest of individuals residing in the state.
If Martial Law is "good" for Mindanao in order to restore peace and order and put to total stop all potential terroristic activities by Maute or any Islamic rebellious group, it may be a bane for Visayas, Luzon and the entire country in general.
Mr. Duterte's national security advisers must evaluate and reevaluate the situation thoroughly before making drastic military decisions for Visayas and Luzon.
Congress must also do its share and utilize its constitutionally-mandated powers to help guide the President on this crucial matter.
--Cecile B. DeMille
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Please spare the Visayas.
In his arrival speech in Manila from Russia May 24, President Rodrigo Duterte hinted he might also declare Martial Law in Visayas if the situation warrants.
Duterte's statement came hours after he signed a document in Russia placing the entire Mindanao under Martial Law after a band of terrorists belonging to the Maute Group rolled over Marawi City and killed scores of unarmed civilians and cops and damaged government properties on May 23.
They also hostaged a priest and several others while fleeing from scene of the carnage.
The blitzkrieg caught both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) by surprise.
While many groups, experts, military and civilian leaders supported Mr. Duterte's order in Mindanao, we doubt if he can gather the same sentiments once he includes the Visayas if the Maute Group is not annihilated in Mindanao.
ENTER
The only time that a terrorist group entered the Visayas area was during the Holy Week in April this year when Abu Sayyaf bandits sneaked into Bohol only to be demolished by the government's superior forces before they could inflict mayhem on civilians and government properties.
There was no need for the President to declare Martial Law to nip Abu Sayyaf in the bud in that bloody raid.
Tourism and economy will be badly affected if Visayas is placed under Martial Law.
All the efforts and sacrifices undertaken by our tourism and economic officials these past months will go to waste once military rule is established in the Visayas albeit temporarily.
The Martial Law in Mindanao is only for 60 days, Mr. Duterte asserted, but it could last until the end of his term as president.
MILITARY
Investors are not comfortable with a military rule. Tourists will shy away from our country in general.
In a language understood by ordinary civilians, Martial Law is synonymous to violence. It also means curtailment of their basic rights.
Authorities will, of course, argue that Martial Law is necessary in order to protect the state; or, the interest of the state will always be paramount over the interest of individuals residing in the state.
If Martial Law is "good" for Mindanao in order to restore peace and order and put to total stop all potential terroristic activities by Maute or any Islamic rebellious group, it may be a bane for Visayas, Luzon and the entire country in general.
Mr. Duterte's national security advisers must evaluate and reevaluate the situation thoroughly before making drastic military decisions for Visayas and Luzon.
Congress must also do its share and utilize its constitutionally-mandated powers to help guide the President on this crucial matter.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Don't fear the 'point man' yet
"To me, there is no greater way to achieve clarity than to run alone, or share miles with a trusted friend."
-- Kristin Armstrong
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Ilonggos will have to take at face value the claim of Iloilo City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon that he has been designated as President Duterte's "point man" in Iloilo City.
Now that Ganzon has disclosed he visited Davao City to meet the President on March 27 where he was reportedly invited to join the PDP-Laban, many Ilonggos will start to speculate that he might run for city mayor in 2019, even if Ganzon has nixed the idea.
Assuming that Ganzon will change his mind and run for city mayor under PDP-Laban; and assuming that Rep. Jerry Trenas will also run for the same post, Ganzon's biggest stumbling block would be the principle of the "equity of the incumbent"--assuming the party will honor that rule--asTrenas has been a PDP-Laban stalwart since the start of the Duterte administration.
It will be another story, however, if Trenas will pave the way for Vice Mayor Jose "Joe III" Espinosa as Liberal Party's official standard bearer for the mayoralty race.
-o0o-
In a political context, "point man" means a person at the forefront of an activity or endeavor.
In other words, a "point man" could mean "organizer" or "coordinator". A point man doesn't have any official portfolio other than his being affiliated with the administration party.
Since Ganzon is an elected official and has not relinquished his position, his designation as "point man" may be assumed as liaison in nature.
It could also mean being tapped as the President's eyes and ears in Iloilo. The most important for Ganzon is he now presumably has the trust and confidence of the President.
Ganzon's potential rivals should have no reason to worry yet since the alderman from Molo has not been officially sworn in as new PDP-Laban member.
Trenas and other PDP-Laban members may start to cross the bridge once Ganzon has become a full-fledged member of the ruling party.
-o0o-
WE will be watching the three Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) musketeers who cast aspersions on the reputation of dismissed Secretary Mike Sueno when they poisoned President Duterte's mind.
We hope they can exorcise the ghost that bedeviled them in their widely known fracas versus the grand old man of South Cotabato.
Sueno, a well-loved and much-admired former South Cotabato governor, has insisted he never pocketed a single centavo from the 76 firetrucks worth P20-million each in Austria since no public funds have been paid yet to the supplier, which will be done on a government to government basis.
It's not a joke to be fired because of allegations of corruption especially if your guilt has not been proven.
In his age, Sueno must be hurting so much. If he were Japanese, he would have committed suicide because of the degree of shame he received from the unforgiving President Duterte.
-- Kristin Armstrong
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Ilonggos will have to take at face value the claim of Iloilo City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon that he has been designated as President Duterte's "point man" in Iloilo City.
Now that Ganzon has disclosed he visited Davao City to meet the President on March 27 where he was reportedly invited to join the PDP-Laban, many Ilonggos will start to speculate that he might run for city mayor in 2019, even if Ganzon has nixed the idea.
Assuming that Ganzon will change his mind and run for city mayor under PDP-Laban; and assuming that Rep. Jerry Trenas will also run for the same post, Ganzon's biggest stumbling block would be the principle of the "equity of the incumbent"--assuming the party will honor that rule--asTrenas has been a PDP-Laban stalwart since the start of the Duterte administration.
It will be another story, however, if Trenas will pave the way for Vice Mayor Jose "Joe III" Espinosa as Liberal Party's official standard bearer for the mayoralty race.
-o0o-
In a political context, "point man" means a person at the forefront of an activity or endeavor.
In other words, a "point man" could mean "organizer" or "coordinator". A point man doesn't have any official portfolio other than his being affiliated with the administration party.
Since Ganzon is an elected official and has not relinquished his position, his designation as "point man" may be assumed as liaison in nature.
It could also mean being tapped as the President's eyes and ears in Iloilo. The most important for Ganzon is he now presumably has the trust and confidence of the President.
Ganzon's potential rivals should have no reason to worry yet since the alderman from Molo has not been officially sworn in as new PDP-Laban member.
Trenas and other PDP-Laban members may start to cross the bridge once Ganzon has become a full-fledged member of the ruling party.
-o0o-
WE will be watching the three Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) musketeers who cast aspersions on the reputation of dismissed Secretary Mike Sueno when they poisoned President Duterte's mind.
We hope they can exorcise the ghost that bedeviled them in their widely known fracas versus the grand old man of South Cotabato.
Sueno, a well-loved and much-admired former South Cotabato governor, has insisted he never pocketed a single centavo from the 76 firetrucks worth P20-million each in Austria since no public funds have been paid yet to the supplier, which will be done on a government to government basis.
It's not a joke to be fired because of allegations of corruption especially if your guilt has not been proven.
In his age, Sueno must be hurting so much. If he were Japanese, he would have committed suicide because of the degree of shame he received from the unforgiving President Duterte.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Tears of joy or guilt?
"Nobody deserves your tears, but whoever deserves them will not make you cry."
--Gabriel Garcia Marquez
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- While facing the media after his boss had been kicked out by President Duterte as secretary of the Department Interior and Local Government (DILG), Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo shed tears.
"Inalisan kami ng bodyguards (our bodyguards had been recalled)," Hinlo, who speaks fluent Hiligaynon (dialect of the "Ilonggos") mourned, his voice shaking.
"Mahal namin si secretary (We love the secretary)," retorted Undersecretary Emilie Padilla.
"We only relayed to the President what is happening in the DILG," hissed Undersecretary John Castriciones.
The three, all lawyers, authored the "confidential" memorandum that spelled out dismissed Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno's alleged anomalies.
CONFRONT
When confronted by President Duterte during a cabinet meeting in Malacanang on April 3, 2017, Sueno denied the allegations contained in the hurtful letter.
Not satisfied with Sueno's explanation, the President sacked the country's 16th DILG chief.
Sueno, who had earlier asked the President to oust the three, lost in the most celebrated power play in the Duterte administration.
While Duterte was lowering the ax on Sueno, the three probably waited with bated breath and under suspended terror. "Kami ba o siya ang patatalsikin?"
The three musketeers, all members of the Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Council, prevailed.
Now, what were those tears for, Usec. Hinlo?
Joy that Goliath had been toppled?
Or guilt because some of the allegations in the "confidential" memo were half-truths if not downright hogwash?
-o0o-
TOLENTINO RECOGNIZED. The Iloilo City Council, through a resolution sponsored by Councilor Joshua Alim, has recognized the "extraordinaire" achievements of New York-based Jhett Dizon Tolentino, who hails from Zone 7, Brgy .Calumpang, Iloilo City during the Council's regular session on April 3, 2017.
Tolentino is the first Filipino to receive a Grammy Award in the field of music and art, and the second Filipino to bag a Tony Award 22 years after Lea Salonga of the famed "Miss Saigon." Alim, who hails from Sueno's province in South Cotabato, also recommended to the organizing committee of the Outstanding Ilonggo to consider the diminutive Tolentino as awardee.
-o0o-
DRUG LIST. According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agenct (PDEA-6) Assistant Director Levi Ortiz, there are currently 20 government officials included in their latest drug list.
Where are they and who are they? One of them is reportedly a politician in Pototan, Iloilo who is connected with a big family of politicians in Ajuy and Estancia towns.
We are sure PDEA won't disclose their names. At least not yet.
Before forwarding their names to President Duterte, Ortiz must see to it that there should be no more repeat of what happened to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was wrongly accused of being engaged in "narco-politics" and was repeatedly shamed by the President in the latter's various speeches.
--Gabriel Garcia Marquez
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- While facing the media after his boss had been kicked out by President Duterte as secretary of the Department Interior and Local Government (DILG), Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo shed tears.
"Inalisan kami ng bodyguards (our bodyguards had been recalled)," Hinlo, who speaks fluent Hiligaynon (dialect of the "Ilonggos") mourned, his voice shaking.
"Mahal namin si secretary (We love the secretary)," retorted Undersecretary Emilie Padilla.
"We only relayed to the President what is happening in the DILG," hissed Undersecretary John Castriciones.
The three, all lawyers, authored the "confidential" memorandum that spelled out dismissed Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno's alleged anomalies.
CONFRONT
When confronted by President Duterte during a cabinet meeting in Malacanang on April 3, 2017, Sueno denied the allegations contained in the hurtful letter.
Not satisfied with Sueno's explanation, the President sacked the country's 16th DILG chief.
Sueno, who had earlier asked the President to oust the three, lost in the most celebrated power play in the Duterte administration.
While Duterte was lowering the ax on Sueno, the three probably waited with bated breath and under suspended terror. "Kami ba o siya ang patatalsikin?"
The three musketeers, all members of the Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Council, prevailed.
Now, what were those tears for, Usec. Hinlo?
Joy that Goliath had been toppled?
Or guilt because some of the allegations in the "confidential" memo were half-truths if not downright hogwash?
-o0o-
TOLENTINO RECOGNIZED. The Iloilo City Council, through a resolution sponsored by Councilor Joshua Alim, has recognized the "extraordinaire" achievements of New York-based Jhett Dizon Tolentino, who hails from Zone 7, Brgy .Calumpang, Iloilo City during the Council's regular session on April 3, 2017.
Tolentino is the first Filipino to receive a Grammy Award in the field of music and art, and the second Filipino to bag a Tony Award 22 years after Lea Salonga of the famed "Miss Saigon." Alim, who hails from Sueno's province in South Cotabato, also recommended to the organizing committee of the Outstanding Ilonggo to consider the diminutive Tolentino as awardee.
-o0o-
DRUG LIST. According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agenct (PDEA-6) Assistant Director Levi Ortiz, there are currently 20 government officials included in their latest drug list.
Where are they and who are they? One of them is reportedly a politician in Pototan, Iloilo who is connected with a big family of politicians in Ajuy and Estancia towns.
We are sure PDEA won't disclose their names. At least not yet.
Before forwarding their names to President Duterte, Ortiz must see to it that there should be no more repeat of what happened to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was wrongly accused of being engaged in "narco-politics" and was repeatedly shamed by the President in the latter's various speeches.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
If only he isn't 'promdi'
"What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence."
--Christopher Hitchens
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If he were not a "promdi" (from the province), Ismael "Mike" Sueno would have survived the power struggle in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Because he didn't have the stature of Alfredo Lim, Mar Roxas, and Gibo Teodoro, Sueno, a former governor of South Cotabato, had to go.
It's the president's prerogative to sack any cabinet official for "loss of trust and confidence."
We can't blame President Duterte. No ifs. No buts.
Even without any solid evidence of alleged corruption, cabinet officials can be terminated anytime.
They don't have a security of tenure. They all serve only at the pleasure of the president.
There should be no holy cows in cabinet jobs.
A mere "whiff of corruption" means, you have to go, the President has emphasized several times.
We aren't privy to the spat between Sueno and the three undersecretaries--John Castriciones for operations, Jesus Hinlo for public safety and Emilie Padilla for legislative liaison and special concerns.
But we are aware that DILG has been notoriously labelled as among the "shark-infested" government offices.
CONCERNS
Aside from dealing with the concerns of mayors, governors and the Philippine National Police nationwide, the DILG boss has to tackle complicated and in-house issues right within his own territory.
Which explains why Sueno had a turbulent relationship with his three subalterns, nominated to their positions by somebody else.
Because they usually do the field works and have direct access and meetings with local officials and police, many DILG undersecretaries compete with their boss in terms of accomplishments and attention from the President.
Some of them also have their own agenda and interests; they can be emboldened to display recalcitrance and engage the secretary in a power play.
In numbers game, they can out-muscle the secretary especially if they believe the latter doesn't have the savvy, depth, charisma and fire of Lim, Roxas, and Teodoro (who must've smelled the same disaster that awaited him the reason why he didn't accept the portfolio when it was first offered to him by the President last year).
CHARGES
We find the charges contained in a "confidential" letter leveled against Sueno that caused his early departure from the Duterte administration to be shallow, to say the least (these are all allegations and could be true or false):
--“There is a new hotel in Marbel, South Cotabato which is suspiciously owned by Sec. Sueno, although he alleges that this property belongs to his brother. His farm in South Cotabato which used to have only one nipa hut prior to his being a secretary, now has several expensive structures being built."
Sueno said the property really belongs to his brother.
--Sueno purchased several trucks for his personal rice business and his grandson police official, identified only as “Senior Supt. Sintin” and “who has a position during the time of President Noynoy,” is known to be the DILG chief’s collector in many illegal gambling activities.
--“Sueno has pursued the payment of the Rossenbauer firetrucks despite the fact there is a pending case in the Supreme Court. Worse, he with his family, personally went to Austria and made side trips to other countries to pursue a second delivery of 76 firetrucks which caused more or less P20 million compared to a firetruck which can be purchased for more or less P7 million only,” the letter read.
Sueno clarified the issue on firetrucks was a government-to-government transaction, which was made during the previous administration. “It was a 76 percent grant and 24 percent loan. It’s an ODA (overseas development assistance),” he said.
--Sueno tried to influence the Task Force Agila, the investigating team of the narco-mayors in the listing of the President, to clear a mayor from Misamis Occidental.
Sueno said TF Agila has its own set of officials and he could have not interfered in its operations.
TRIP
--Sueno authorized a mayor to join the Washington trip regarding illegal drugs when in fact the local official was included in the President’s list of known narco-politicians under investigation by Task Force Agila of the DILG.
“The delegation to Washington DC was prepared by (the) Local Government Academy and I was not even part of the trip,” Sueno said.
--“...he is inefficient and incapable of the position he occupies. We hope and pray that if there is a new secretary to be appointed, then he would cause the investigation of the afore stated incidents."
--Sueno is using all his powers as secretary of the DILG to force the three undersecretaries to resign because of his 'mistaken belief' that they were the ones behind his ouster."
--Sueno initiated actions to stop the three undersecretaries in the performance of their limited functions as well as investigations to pin them down on trumped-up charges. This was meant to destroy their credibility and to preempt his looming ouster.
--The three officials tried to understand Sueno but as months passed, they saw that the DILG secretary had become more interested in pursuing his own interests as manifested by his policies and activities.
LOYALTY
--Sueno spelled out his policy to the undersecretaries: “Your loyalty should be to me (Sueno) and not to the President.”
--Sueno also maintained and strengthened the powers of Panadero and assistant secretary Esther Aldana, head executive assistant to Jo Leysa, all well-known supporters and loyalists of former DILG chief Manuel Roxas II, by giving them powers to control all the projects and programs of the department with huge funding.
Sueno said Panadero is a career officer and has been in the DILG for over two decades now.
--Sueno revised the delegation of authority so much so all signing authorities are controlled by the three “yellow protégés” of Roxas. The head executive assistant, who is not even a presidential appointee, has more powers than any of the three MRRD undersecretaries.
--Sueno refused to investigate past transactions of Roxas that were allegedly tainted with corruption.
--Sueno’s wife was likewise the one in charge of many contracts and other transactions.
Sueno denied all the accusations against him in the letter and had issued clarifications.
--Christopher Hitchens
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If he were not a "promdi" (from the province), Ismael "Mike" Sueno would have survived the power struggle in the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Because he didn't have the stature of Alfredo Lim, Mar Roxas, and Gibo Teodoro, Sueno, a former governor of South Cotabato, had to go.
It's the president's prerogative to sack any cabinet official for "loss of trust and confidence."
We can't blame President Duterte. No ifs. No buts.
Even without any solid evidence of alleged corruption, cabinet officials can be terminated anytime.
They don't have a security of tenure. They all serve only at the pleasure of the president.
There should be no holy cows in cabinet jobs.
A mere "whiff of corruption" means, you have to go, the President has emphasized several times.
We aren't privy to the spat between Sueno and the three undersecretaries--John Castriciones for operations, Jesus Hinlo for public safety and Emilie Padilla for legislative liaison and special concerns.
But we are aware that DILG has been notoriously labelled as among the "shark-infested" government offices.
CONCERNS
Aside from dealing with the concerns of mayors, governors and the Philippine National Police nationwide, the DILG boss has to tackle complicated and in-house issues right within his own territory.
Which explains why Sueno had a turbulent relationship with his three subalterns, nominated to their positions by somebody else.
Because they usually do the field works and have direct access and meetings with local officials and police, many DILG undersecretaries compete with their boss in terms of accomplishments and attention from the President.
Some of them also have their own agenda and interests; they can be emboldened to display recalcitrance and engage the secretary in a power play.
In numbers game, they can out-muscle the secretary especially if they believe the latter doesn't have the savvy, depth, charisma and fire of Lim, Roxas, and Teodoro (who must've smelled the same disaster that awaited him the reason why he didn't accept the portfolio when it was first offered to him by the President last year).
CHARGES
We find the charges contained in a "confidential" letter leveled against Sueno that caused his early departure from the Duterte administration to be shallow, to say the least (these are all allegations and could be true or false):
--“There is a new hotel in Marbel, South Cotabato which is suspiciously owned by Sec. Sueno, although he alleges that this property belongs to his brother. His farm in South Cotabato which used to have only one nipa hut prior to his being a secretary, now has several expensive structures being built."
Sueno said the property really belongs to his brother.
--Sueno purchased several trucks for his personal rice business and his grandson police official, identified only as “Senior Supt. Sintin” and “who has a position during the time of President Noynoy,” is known to be the DILG chief’s collector in many illegal gambling activities.
--“Sueno has pursued the payment of the Rossenbauer firetrucks despite the fact there is a pending case in the Supreme Court. Worse, he with his family, personally went to Austria and made side trips to other countries to pursue a second delivery of 76 firetrucks which caused more or less P20 million compared to a firetruck which can be purchased for more or less P7 million only,” the letter read.
Sueno clarified the issue on firetrucks was a government-to-government transaction, which was made during the previous administration. “It was a 76 percent grant and 24 percent loan. It’s an ODA (overseas development assistance),” he said.
--Sueno tried to influence the Task Force Agila, the investigating team of the narco-mayors in the listing of the President, to clear a mayor from Misamis Occidental.
Sueno said TF Agila has its own set of officials and he could have not interfered in its operations.
TRIP
--Sueno authorized a mayor to join the Washington trip regarding illegal drugs when in fact the local official was included in the President’s list of known narco-politicians under investigation by Task Force Agila of the DILG.
“The delegation to Washington DC was prepared by (the) Local Government Academy and I was not even part of the trip,” Sueno said.
--“...he is inefficient and incapable of the position he occupies. We hope and pray that if there is a new secretary to be appointed, then he would cause the investigation of the afore stated incidents."
--Sueno is using all his powers as secretary of the DILG to force the three undersecretaries to resign because of his 'mistaken belief' that they were the ones behind his ouster."
--Sueno initiated actions to stop the three undersecretaries in the performance of their limited functions as well as investigations to pin them down on trumped-up charges. This was meant to destroy their credibility and to preempt his looming ouster.
--The three officials tried to understand Sueno but as months passed, they saw that the DILG secretary had become more interested in pursuing his own interests as manifested by his policies and activities.
LOYALTY
--Sueno spelled out his policy to the undersecretaries: “Your loyalty should be to me (Sueno) and not to the President.”
--Sueno also maintained and strengthened the powers of Panadero and assistant secretary Esther Aldana, head executive assistant to Jo Leysa, all well-known supporters and loyalists of former DILG chief Manuel Roxas II, by giving them powers to control all the projects and programs of the department with huge funding.
Sueno said Panadero is a career officer and has been in the DILG for over two decades now.
--Sueno revised the delegation of authority so much so all signing authorities are controlled by the three “yellow protégés” of Roxas. The head executive assistant, who is not even a presidential appointee, has more powers than any of the three MRRD undersecretaries.
--Sueno refused to investigate past transactions of Roxas that were allegedly tainted with corruption.
--Sueno’s wife was likewise the one in charge of many contracts and other transactions.
Sueno denied all the accusations against him in the letter and had issued clarifications.
Monday, April 3, 2017
DILG Sec. Mike Sueno fired
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte fired Interior Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno, the former South Cotabato governor who helped convince him to run for president, over corruption allegations following a Cabinet meeting Monday night.
News of the firing leaked early Tuesday and was later confirmed by Malacañang and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella cited loss of trust and confidence as the reason for Sueno’s removal as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“The President had earlier asked a few questions of Mr. Sueno but the summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the Cabinet,” Abella said.
“The Secretary had, in fact, been instrumental in convincing the President to run for election, but this did not deter the President from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption,” he added.
Sueno’s departure followed the sacking in March of Peter Tiu Laviña, the former Duterte campaign spokesman, as head of the National Irrigation Administration also over corruption allegations.
Aguirre confirmed Sueno’s firing in an interview over radio station dzMM, saying the dismissal of the DILG chief was made in the Cabinet meeting Monday night.
On Monday, Sueno denied the allegations of corruption said to have been made by his three undersecretaries, John Castriciones, Jesus Hinlo and Emily Padilla, in a confidential memorandum to the President.
Sueno admitted he had received a request to protect gambling syndicates in exchange for payoffs, but said he turned it down.
“There is a group that insisted that I take the payoffs from illegal gambling. They got in touch with the gambling lords about the payola [and]I rejected their offer,” he said in a statement.
Sueno also admitted he has a grandson who holds a “high position” at the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame, but said he had no influence over the police officer.
He also denied owning a hotel in Marbel, South Cotabato, saying it belongs to his brother.
“My brother is probably 20 times richer than me. I do not have the financial capacity to build such a big structure,” Sueno said. JEFF ANTIPORDA/The Manila Times
News of the firing leaked early Tuesday and was later confirmed by Malacañang and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.
In a statement, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella cited loss of trust and confidence as the reason for Sueno’s removal as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“The President had earlier asked a few questions of Mr. Sueno but the summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the Cabinet,” Abella said.
“The Secretary had, in fact, been instrumental in convincing the President to run for election, but this did not deter the President from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption,” he added.
Sueno’s departure followed the sacking in March of Peter Tiu Laviña, the former Duterte campaign spokesman, as head of the National Irrigation Administration also over corruption allegations.
Aguirre confirmed Sueno’s firing in an interview over radio station dzMM, saying the dismissal of the DILG chief was made in the Cabinet meeting Monday night.
On Monday, Sueno denied the allegations of corruption said to have been made by his three undersecretaries, John Castriciones, Jesus Hinlo and Emily Padilla, in a confidential memorandum to the President.
Sueno admitted he had received a request to protect gambling syndicates in exchange for payoffs, but said he turned it down.
“There is a group that insisted that I take the payoffs from illegal gambling. They got in touch with the gambling lords about the payola [and]I rejected their offer,” he said in a statement.
Sueno also admitted he has a grandson who holds a “high position” at the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame, but said he had no influence over the police officer.
He also denied owning a hotel in Marbel, South Cotabato, saying it belongs to his brother.
“My brother is probably 20 times richer than me. I do not have the financial capacity to build such a big structure,” Sueno said. JEFF ANTIPORDA/The Manila Times
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Chinua Achebe and our own 'Digong'
"Remember that politics, colonialism, imperialism and war also originate in the human brain."
--Vilayanur S. Ramachandran
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- "You crazies and sons of a whore leave us alone. Don't impose your culture on us."
President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte's curt message to the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) is also an attack on a lingering colonialism in the criticism of his administration's bloody assault on narcotics by non-Filipinos.
Duterte wanted to emphasize his method to eviscerate peddlers and--to some extent--users of illegal drugs is none of the business of outsiders.
The Filipinos make their own laws, the Filipinos implement their laws.
The piling up of bodies in the streets is a byproduct of Duterte's all-out war against illegal drugs, his campaign promise that earned him 16 million votes in the 2016 presidential elections.
Duterte thus became the Philippines' version of Chinua Achebe. What Achebe is in literature, Duterte is in politics.
CRITIC
A well-known Nigerian novelist and critic, Chinua Achebe has produced numerous novels, short stories, and critical essays over the past decades.
His essay "Colonialist Criticism" is an attack on a lingering colonialism in the criticism of African literature by non-Africans. The African writer writes the text or 'they produce literature, their literature goes to Europeans for analysis. Every African literature has to get thought the grids of European writers.
Born on November 16, 1930 in Ogidi, Anambra and died on March 21, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts, Achebe's best known critical essay is a discussion of racism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, which he gave originally as a lecture at the University of Massachusetts in 1975 and is reprinted in Hopes and Impediments.
It evoked both high praise and strong antipathy on the spot and has given rise to further discussion and response as questions of racism and colonialsm have been more vigorously debated.
Given originally as a lecture at a meeting of the Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies at Makerere University, Uganda, it is an attack on lingering colonialism in the criticism of African literature, mainly but not entirely by non-Africans.
CRITICISM
The faults of this criticism stem from implied assumptions that the African writer is a "somewhat unfinished European" and that somehow outsiders can know Africa better than the native writers.
These assumptions lead to, among other things, the specious man-of-the-worlds theory of the African intellectual and imply a continued European arrogance
Achebe's principal theoritical point involves his rejection of universalism, represented by critical statements that generalize the particularity out of African literature.
The two problems of universalism, according to Achebe, are, first, that the presumed universality that critics find is merely a synonym for the "narrow self-serving parochialism of Europe" and, second, that every literature must "speak of a particular place, evolve out of the necessities of its history, past and current, and the aspirations and destiny of its people."
UNIVERSAL
It would seem, then, that if there is to be a concrete universal in African literature it must stem from a much deeper human source than any parochial view can uncover.
But Achebe doesn't say this. Rather, his concentration in on the particular alone, for he puts literature, at least his writings, in service of the need to alter specific things in specific places, especially attitudes.
It is in this context that Achebe defends the "high moral and social earnestness" of Christopher Okigbo (the Philippines' version of Graciano Lopez-Jaena) against the charge of outspokenness.
Achebe's point is that earnestness is appropriate to Okigbo's and his situation and that a certain levity would be inappropriate.
--Vilayanur S. Ramachandran
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- "You crazies and sons of a whore leave us alone. Don't impose your culture on us."
President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte's curt message to the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) is also an attack on a lingering colonialism in the criticism of his administration's bloody assault on narcotics by non-Filipinos.
Duterte wanted to emphasize his method to eviscerate peddlers and--to some extent--users of illegal drugs is none of the business of outsiders.
The Filipinos make their own laws, the Filipinos implement their laws.
The piling up of bodies in the streets is a byproduct of Duterte's all-out war against illegal drugs, his campaign promise that earned him 16 million votes in the 2016 presidential elections.
Duterte thus became the Philippines' version of Chinua Achebe. What Achebe is in literature, Duterte is in politics.
CRITIC
A well-known Nigerian novelist and critic, Chinua Achebe has produced numerous novels, short stories, and critical essays over the past decades.
His essay "Colonialist Criticism" is an attack on a lingering colonialism in the criticism of African literature by non-Africans. The African writer writes the text or 'they produce literature, their literature goes to Europeans for analysis. Every African literature has to get thought the grids of European writers.
Born on November 16, 1930 in Ogidi, Anambra and died on March 21, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts, Achebe's best known critical essay is a discussion of racism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, which he gave originally as a lecture at the University of Massachusetts in 1975 and is reprinted in Hopes and Impediments.
It evoked both high praise and strong antipathy on the spot and has given rise to further discussion and response as questions of racism and colonialsm have been more vigorously debated.
Given originally as a lecture at a meeting of the Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies at Makerere University, Uganda, it is an attack on lingering colonialism in the criticism of African literature, mainly but not entirely by non-Africans.
CRITICISM
The faults of this criticism stem from implied assumptions that the African writer is a "somewhat unfinished European" and that somehow outsiders can know Africa better than the native writers.
These assumptions lead to, among other things, the specious man-of-the-worlds theory of the African intellectual and imply a continued European arrogance
Achebe's principal theoritical point involves his rejection of universalism, represented by critical statements that generalize the particularity out of African literature.
The two problems of universalism, according to Achebe, are, first, that the presumed universality that critics find is merely a synonym for the "narrow self-serving parochialism of Europe" and, second, that every literature must "speak of a particular place, evolve out of the necessities of its history, past and current, and the aspirations and destiny of its people."
UNIVERSAL
It would seem, then, that if there is to be a concrete universal in African literature it must stem from a much deeper human source than any parochial view can uncover.
But Achebe doesn't say this. Rather, his concentration in on the particular alone, for he puts literature, at least his writings, in service of the need to alter specific things in specific places, especially attitudes.
It is in this context that Achebe defends the "high moral and social earnestness" of Christopher Okigbo (the Philippines' version of Graciano Lopez-Jaena) against the charge of outspokenness.
Achebe's point is that earnestness is appropriate to Okigbo's and his situation and that a certain levity would be inappropriate.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Iloilo businesses can't fire workers yet
"Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor."
-- Ulysses S. Grant
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man. Thus was one of Germaine Necker de Stael-Holstein's most famous quotes.
From her detention cell, Senator Leila de Lima continued to actively participate in public discussions involving critical issues in government by distributing hand-written notes to media and other concerned agencies.
De Lima reminds us of Germaine Necker de Stael-Holstein, daughter of the French statesman Jacques Necker, whose dismissal as director of finances by Louis XVI led to the fall of the Bastille.
Like De Lima, Madame de Stael, as she was usually called, was involved in politics through her affairs with famous men, her spirited opposition to Napoleon (which earned her banishment from Paris), and her own writings.
ACTIVE
De Lima continued to fiscalize the modern Napoleon--President Rodrigo Duterte--behind bars; she is still very much active in national debates through her hard-hitting hand-written notes.
A child of the Enlightenment, de Stael saw the relation of literature and society as one of mutual influence under the presumption of "the slow but continual march of the human mind in philosophy and its rapid but interrupted progress in the arts.
In her time, de Stael saw the French Revolution produce violence, tyranny, and eventually Napoleon, whom she wrote about critically in Considerations on the Principal Events of the French Revolution (1816).
She remembers first meeting Napoleon: "...when I was somewhat recovered from the confusion of admiration, a very strong sense of fear followed."
Nevertheless, it was de Stael who years later, after Napoleon had exiled her, warned him of a plot on his life.
-o0o-
UNDER the law, Iloilo businesses aren't supposed to lay off workers if the reason is primarily to cushion the impact of the new wage increase, which took effect on March 16.
If the wage increase is under appeal, business establishments can't fire their employees yet.
Iloilo Business Club (IBC) Executive Director Lea Lara reportedly considered as a "heavy burden to businesses" the P15 to P25 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has approved Wage Order No. 23, which was submitted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-6) to the commission on Feb. 15, as announced the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-6) on March 1.
Because of this, the only way to cut costs and to survive is for employers to lay off at least two in every 10 employees mostly in service-related businesses, Lara stressed.
In the same breath, Lara disclosed that Iloilo businessmen filed an appeal before the RTWPB-6 on March 10.
MANDATORY
Under the law, it shall be mandatory for the Commission to decide such appeal within sixty calendar days from the filing thereof.
From March 10, sixty calendar days falls on June 9, 2017.
Art. 123 on Wage Order on DOLE's Conditions of Employment states, to wit: "The filing of the appeal does not stay the order unless the person appealing such order shall file with the Commission, an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Commission for the payment to the employees affected by the order of the corresponding increase, in the event such order is affirmed. (As amended by Republic Act No. 6727, June 9, 1989)"
During the public hearings and consultations, representatives from the workers and the Iloilo businesses had all the chances to demand from the Regional Board to consider some relevant factors in the determination of such regional minimum wages.
These are: The demand for living wages; wage adjustment vis-Ã -vis the consumer price index; the cost of living and changes or increases therein; the needs of workers and their families.
Also, the need to induce industries to invest in the countryside; improvements in standards of living; the prevailing wage levels; fair return of the capital invested and capacity to pay of employers; effects on employment generation and family income; and the equitable distribution of income and wealth along the imperatives of economic and social development.
-- Ulysses S. Grant
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The desire of the man is for the woman, but the desire of the woman is for the desire of the man. Thus was one of Germaine Necker de Stael-Holstein's most famous quotes.
From her detention cell, Senator Leila de Lima continued to actively participate in public discussions involving critical issues in government by distributing hand-written notes to media and other concerned agencies.
De Lima reminds us of Germaine Necker de Stael-Holstein, daughter of the French statesman Jacques Necker, whose dismissal as director of finances by Louis XVI led to the fall of the Bastille.
Like De Lima, Madame de Stael, as she was usually called, was involved in politics through her affairs with famous men, her spirited opposition to Napoleon (which earned her banishment from Paris), and her own writings.
ACTIVE
De Lima continued to fiscalize the modern Napoleon--President Rodrigo Duterte--behind bars; she is still very much active in national debates through her hard-hitting hand-written notes.
A child of the Enlightenment, de Stael saw the relation of literature and society as one of mutual influence under the presumption of "the slow but continual march of the human mind in philosophy and its rapid but interrupted progress in the arts.
In her time, de Stael saw the French Revolution produce violence, tyranny, and eventually Napoleon, whom she wrote about critically in Considerations on the Principal Events of the French Revolution (1816).
She remembers first meeting Napoleon: "...when I was somewhat recovered from the confusion of admiration, a very strong sense of fear followed."
Nevertheless, it was de Stael who years later, after Napoleon had exiled her, warned him of a plot on his life.
-o0o-
UNDER the law, Iloilo businesses aren't supposed to lay off workers if the reason is primarily to cushion the impact of the new wage increase, which took effect on March 16.
If the wage increase is under appeal, business establishments can't fire their employees yet.
Iloilo Business Club (IBC) Executive Director Lea Lara reportedly considered as a "heavy burden to businesses" the P15 to P25 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has approved Wage Order No. 23, which was submitted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-6) to the commission on Feb. 15, as announced the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-6) on March 1.
Because of this, the only way to cut costs and to survive is for employers to lay off at least two in every 10 employees mostly in service-related businesses, Lara stressed.
In the same breath, Lara disclosed that Iloilo businessmen filed an appeal before the RTWPB-6 on March 10.
MANDATORY
Under the law, it shall be mandatory for the Commission to decide such appeal within sixty calendar days from the filing thereof.
From March 10, sixty calendar days falls on June 9, 2017.
Art. 123 on Wage Order on DOLE's Conditions of Employment states, to wit: "The filing of the appeal does not stay the order unless the person appealing such order shall file with the Commission, an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Commission for the payment to the employees affected by the order of the corresponding increase, in the event such order is affirmed. (As amended by Republic Act No. 6727, June 9, 1989)"
During the public hearings and consultations, representatives from the workers and the Iloilo businesses had all the chances to demand from the Regional Board to consider some relevant factors in the determination of such regional minimum wages.
These are: The demand for living wages; wage adjustment vis-Ã -vis the consumer price index; the cost of living and changes or increases therein; the needs of workers and their families.
Also, the need to induce industries to invest in the countryside; improvements in standards of living; the prevailing wage levels; fair return of the capital invested and capacity to pay of employers; effects on employment generation and family income; and the equitable distribution of income and wealth along the imperatives of economic and social development.
Google it, kapitan
"Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community."
-- Simon Mainwaring
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- We won't be surprised if President Rodrigo Duterte will next invite detained Senator Leila de Lima to dinner after Vice President Leni Robredo.
The President might also invite in the future his chief critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, and all those who have tasted real terror from his cussing and threats.
It's another story if they accept the invitation.
After all, Judas dined with Jesus. Voltaire had a sumptuous meal with Catherine the Great.
The President has always been unpredictable.
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
The right had accused him of siding with the left when he allegedly made a "sweetheart deal" with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison during the campaign period.
But when President Duterte terminated the peace talks with the rebels, their doubts about his being a pro-communist were gone.
-o0o-
LEADERS of the smallest political unit in the Philippines are in the news nowadays now that there is a proposal that instead of electing them in October, President Rodrigo Duterte intends to just appoint 340,000 of them nationwide.
The number includes both the village chiefs or barangay chairs and council members.
The proposed appointment process is facing major legal obstacles, but whether they will be appointed or elected, it's certain, barring unforeseen circumstances, that we will have new or reelected barangay leaders before end of the year.
We suggest to all those aspiring to become village chiefs to at least study the rudiments of technology.
It may not be mandatory for them to have college degrees, but in this age, they have to be at least technology-literate. Especially those living in urban areas.
Everything is now operated by technology -- communication, transportation, monitoring systems, financial transactions, among other basic necessities and services.
They can expedite their transactions and important messages to their constituents, their mayors, and the police if they are updated with the latest wonders of technology.
SERVICES
Our village leaders will be left behind--and basic services will be delayed and stymied--if they don't even know how to use or operate a smartphone, a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications.
There are instances when village officials can't immediately rely on their secretaries like when a visitor suddenly goes directly to them to inquire about some important information.
With the use of Google in their laptops, tablets, or mobile gadgets, the matter is addressed with alacrity and dispatch.
It's understandable though that there are incumbent village officials in far-flung barangays, or in places with no electricity and concrete roads, who haven't even touched a computer.
-- Simon Mainwaring
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- We won't be surprised if President Rodrigo Duterte will next invite detained Senator Leila de Lima to dinner after Vice President Leni Robredo.
The President might also invite in the future his chief critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, and all those who have tasted real terror from his cussing and threats.
It's another story if they accept the invitation.
After all, Judas dined with Jesus. Voltaire had a sumptuous meal with Catherine the Great.
The President has always been unpredictable.
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
The right had accused him of siding with the left when he allegedly made a "sweetheart deal" with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison during the campaign period.
But when President Duterte terminated the peace talks with the rebels, their doubts about his being a pro-communist were gone.
-o0o-
LEADERS of the smallest political unit in the Philippines are in the news nowadays now that there is a proposal that instead of electing them in October, President Rodrigo Duterte intends to just appoint 340,000 of them nationwide.
The number includes both the village chiefs or barangay chairs and council members.
The proposed appointment process is facing major legal obstacles, but whether they will be appointed or elected, it's certain, barring unforeseen circumstances, that we will have new or reelected barangay leaders before end of the year.
We suggest to all those aspiring to become village chiefs to at least study the rudiments of technology.
It may not be mandatory for them to have college degrees, but in this age, they have to be at least technology-literate. Especially those living in urban areas.
Everything is now operated by technology -- communication, transportation, monitoring systems, financial transactions, among other basic necessities and services.
They can expedite their transactions and important messages to their constituents, their mayors, and the police if they are updated with the latest wonders of technology.
SERVICES
Our village leaders will be left behind--and basic services will be delayed and stymied--if they don't even know how to use or operate a smartphone, a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications.
There are instances when village officials can't immediately rely on their secretaries like when a visitor suddenly goes directly to them to inquire about some important information.
With the use of Google in their laptops, tablets, or mobile gadgets, the matter is addressed with alacrity and dispatch.
It's understandable though that there are incumbent village officials in far-flung barangays, or in places with no electricity and concrete roads, who haven't even touched a computer.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Duterte wants to hurt Drilon, not Mabilog
"I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend."
--Thomas Jefferson
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- It is becoming obvious that in repeatedly tormenting Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with unfounded accusations that the Ilonggo mayor is engaged in narco-politics, President Rodrigo Duterte's real target is Senator Franklin Drilon.
For the nth time, the president, without any solid proof, mentioned Mabilog's alleged involvement in illegal drugs--out of the blue.
The president also reportedly erroneously referred to Mabilog anew as the "cousin" of slain drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr.
He was actually aware that Mabilog is Drilon's second cousin.
President Duterte must have read Law 46 of Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power that states: "Never appear too perfect!---Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity."
But in making Mabilog as veritable punching bag, the president unwittingly "violates" the book's Law 19 which exhorts that "Know who you are dealing with---do not offend the wrong person."
ALLY
Aside from having been marked as the chief ally of defeated Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Mar Roxas, President Duterte considers Drilon as a colossal obstacle in the measures and programs that he intends to introduce in the senate.
As one of the most senior members of the minority bloc and a former senate boss to boot, Drilon still has the respect of his peers and wields influence on many of those in the majority bloc.
In the soon-to-be-debated death penalty bill, for instance, Drilon is expected to fight tooth and nail, along with fellow LP and some "independent" senators to oppose it.
The president must be jittery that Drilon, et al could derail or even steamroll his pet bills and other programs once they reach in the upper chamber.
Mr. Duterte appears to have succeeded in transforming the House of Representatives into his toy soldiers courtesy of the iron-grip tactics employed by Speaker Pantaleon "Bebot" Alvarez.
JUDICIARY
He is also poised, God forbid, to possibly get a ballroom dance with the judiciary with the recent appointments of Supreme Court Associate Justices Samuel Martires and Noel Tijam.
We are not saying though that the president could now solidly hold the courts in the scrotum, but it looks like only the senate has become the Last of the Mohicans.
Aside from Sen. Drilon, Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Bam Aquino, Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo Lacson, Riza Hontiveros, and detained Leila de Lima could still give the president a potential migraine.
The same senators did not join the dinner party with the president held in Malacañang on March 14.
A dream grand slam or political coup de grace may be impossible to attain if Drilon, et al are not neutralized.
--Thomas Jefferson
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- It is becoming obvious that in repeatedly tormenting Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with unfounded accusations that the Ilonggo mayor is engaged in narco-politics, President Rodrigo Duterte's real target is Senator Franklin Drilon.
For the nth time, the president, without any solid proof, mentioned Mabilog's alleged involvement in illegal drugs--out of the blue.
The president also reportedly erroneously referred to Mabilog anew as the "cousin" of slain drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta Sr.
He was actually aware that Mabilog is Drilon's second cousin.
President Duterte must have read Law 46 of Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power that states: "Never appear too perfect!---Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity."
But in making Mabilog as veritable punching bag, the president unwittingly "violates" the book's Law 19 which exhorts that "Know who you are dealing with---do not offend the wrong person."
ALLY
Aside from having been marked as the chief ally of defeated Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Mar Roxas, President Duterte considers Drilon as a colossal obstacle in the measures and programs that he intends to introduce in the senate.
As one of the most senior members of the minority bloc and a former senate boss to boot, Drilon still has the respect of his peers and wields influence on many of those in the majority bloc.
In the soon-to-be-debated death penalty bill, for instance, Drilon is expected to fight tooth and nail, along with fellow LP and some "independent" senators to oppose it.
The president must be jittery that Drilon, et al could derail or even steamroll his pet bills and other programs once they reach in the upper chamber.
Mr. Duterte appears to have succeeded in transforming the House of Representatives into his toy soldiers courtesy of the iron-grip tactics employed by Speaker Pantaleon "Bebot" Alvarez.
JUDICIARY
He is also poised, God forbid, to possibly get a ballroom dance with the judiciary with the recent appointments of Supreme Court Associate Justices Samuel Martires and Noel Tijam.
We are not saying though that the president could now solidly hold the courts in the scrotum, but it looks like only the senate has become the Last of the Mohicans.
Aside from Sen. Drilon, Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Bam Aquino, Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo Lacson, Riza Hontiveros, and detained Leila de Lima could still give the president a potential migraine.
The same senators did not join the dinner party with the president held in Malacañang on March 14.
A dream grand slam or political coup de grace may be impossible to attain if Drilon, et al are not neutralized.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Why Iloilo mayor with Ombud case is unfazed
"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."
--Mary Tyler Moore
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Some public officials facing a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines, normally refuse to talk to the media for fear of the oft-repeated adage that "more talk more mistakes."
And if they feel they have an iota of guilt, these public officials would be dissuaded by their lawyers from talking about the merits of the case in public.
They panic and avoid the press like they were hiding from creditors.
In many cases, they cry "political harassment" even before the suit has reached the public attention.
But not Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez of San Enrique, Iloilo.
Instead of saying "no comment" or "just talk to our lawyers" as we usually hear from any accused in a court case, Fernandez confidently declared that she “will defend myself in court. I will prove that no public funds were stolen.”
TREASURER
Fernandez and former municipal treasurer Imelda Celebrar are facing charges at the Sandiganbayan for the delayed contributions of San Enrique, Iloilo municipal employees to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG) amounting to P5.96 million.
GSIS contributions that were not paid right away covered the months of January to October 2011, April 2012, and June to October 2012.
Fernandez and Celebrar also failed to remit on time a total of P620,000 to the HDMF, popularly known as Pag-Ibig. The contributions should have been remitted “within 30 days from the time they became due and demandable.”
When the news broke out last month, the lady chief executive gamely allowed the press to get her side and never gave them a hard time.
READY
As long as she did not steal, Fernandez said she is ready to face the case. She declared: “Amo man lang ‘ni ang aton lapse pero ma-assure ko ang akon mga kasimanwa nga wala sang may nadula nga pundo."
She explained further: “Seguro for some reason seguro negligence man kun kis-a masalig sila (treasurer and accounting office), ma-delay ang mga remittances, not being aware nga may legal impediment ini s’ya gali. Clean and transparent ang governance naton. Ang ini nga lapse is delay sa remittance, not nga gintakaw ang kwarta."
-o0o-
In the Philippines today, what President Duterte wants President Duterte gets.
If the president wants congress to "urgently" pass the death penalty bill before his term expires, President Duterte's wish will surely be granted --barring some unforeseen circumstances like the passionate and aggressive opposition of the church and human rights organizations.
The debate on the restoration of capital punishment in a pre-dominantly Catholic country like the Philippines is expected to explode and produce violent lava that will define the Duterte administration.
The events that will unfold in the next three months are worth watching.
--Mary Tyler Moore
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Some public officials facing a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines, normally refuse to talk to the media for fear of the oft-repeated adage that "more talk more mistakes."
And if they feel they have an iota of guilt, these public officials would be dissuaded by their lawyers from talking about the merits of the case in public.
They panic and avoid the press like they were hiding from creditors.
In many cases, they cry "political harassment" even before the suit has reached the public attention.
But not Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez of San Enrique, Iloilo.
Instead of saying "no comment" or "just talk to our lawyers" as we usually hear from any accused in a court case, Fernandez confidently declared that she “will defend myself in court. I will prove that no public funds were stolen.”
TREASURER
Fernandez and former municipal treasurer Imelda Celebrar are facing charges at the Sandiganbayan for the delayed contributions of San Enrique, Iloilo municipal employees to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF or Pag-IBIG) amounting to P5.96 million.
GSIS contributions that were not paid right away covered the months of January to October 2011, April 2012, and June to October 2012.
Fernandez and Celebrar also failed to remit on time a total of P620,000 to the HDMF, popularly known as Pag-Ibig. The contributions should have been remitted “within 30 days from the time they became due and demandable.”
When the news broke out last month, the lady chief executive gamely allowed the press to get her side and never gave them a hard time.
READY
As long as she did not steal, Fernandez said she is ready to face the case. She declared: “Amo man lang ‘ni ang aton lapse pero ma-assure ko ang akon mga kasimanwa nga wala sang may nadula nga pundo."
She explained further: “Seguro for some reason seguro negligence man kun kis-a masalig sila (treasurer and accounting office), ma-delay ang mga remittances, not being aware nga may legal impediment ini s’ya gali. Clean and transparent ang governance naton. Ang ini nga lapse is delay sa remittance, not nga gintakaw ang kwarta."
Fernandez probably is not afraid to be penalized as long as no taxpayer's money went to her pocket.
This makes her case unique among other cases filed in the Office of the Ombudsman.
-o0o-
In the Philippines today, what President Duterte wants President Duterte gets.
If the president wants congress to "urgently" pass the death penalty bill before his term expires, President Duterte's wish will surely be granted --barring some unforeseen circumstances like the passionate and aggressive opposition of the church and human rights organizations.
The debate on the restoration of capital punishment in a pre-dominantly Catholic country like the Philippines is expected to explode and produce violent lava that will define the Duterte administration.
The events that will unfold in the next three months are worth watching.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Linking Mayor Mabilog to illegal drug trade a mistake
"There are lots of people who mistake their imagination for their memory."
--Josh Billings
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte linked anew Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog to the illegal drug trade not because an evidence has been found to support the president's first accusation.
If Mabilog has become Mr. Duterte's favorite punching bag each time he lambasted local chief executives involved in illegal drugs, it's because the city mayor is the cousin of Senator Franklin Drilon, an opposition leader and chief supporter of Duterte's rival in the recent presidential race, Mar Roxas.
In absence of any damning evidence, it is becoming apparent that Mabilog is only a collateral damage in the feud between the president and the Liberal Party bigwigs.
Mabilog's critics took advantage of his closeness to Drilon and linked him to illegal drug trade even if there was no corpus delicti to support the slanderous accusation.
REMEMBER
President Duterte remembered Mabilog's name in a speech during the turnover of a drug rehabilitation facility in Davao del Norte February 24. He bewailed, "Naay mayor ug mga syudad. Ang usa diha ig-agaw ni Drilon, si Mayor Mabilog sa Iloilo City, ug daghan pa (The list also contains names of city mayors. One of them is Drilon's cousin, Mayor Mabilog of Iloilo City, and many others)."
I personally don't believe that Mabilog is engaged in business or protection racket of illegal drugs.
Mabilog's enemies may have used his "friendship" with suspected drug pusher Jingjing Espinosa, a barangay councilman, as the basis to include his name in the so-called "Duterlist" that contains the names of mayors, governors, policemen, judges, lawyers, and showbiz personalities allegedly involved in narco-politics.
Many times in the past the president erred in mentioning some names and their affiliations. The president once erroneously announced that Mabilog is the "cousin" of slain drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta.
MISTAKE
Mr. Duterte was probably referring to Drilon, but mistakenly mentioned Odicta's name.
Espinosa, grandson of former Rep. Pascualing Espinosa Sr., reportedly became Mabilog's political ally when the city mayor upset the late former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez in the May 2010 mayoral contest.
There were fears that Gonzalez hired the services of priest killer Norberto Manero during the campaign period.
Espinosa, who is now back in Iloilo jail for an old frustrated homicide case, was reportedly seen as an effective antidote to neutralize any threat that may have been posed by Manero a.k.a. Kumander Bukay.
But after Mabilog secured reelection wins over Rommel Ynion in 2013 and Dr. Gold Gonzalez in 2016, Espinosa was still reportedly visible in Mabilog's camp even if Manero was no longer around.
--Josh Billings
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- President Rodrigo Duterte linked anew Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog to the illegal drug trade not because an evidence has been found to support the president's first accusation.
If Mabilog has become Mr. Duterte's favorite punching bag each time he lambasted local chief executives involved in illegal drugs, it's because the city mayor is the cousin of Senator Franklin Drilon, an opposition leader and chief supporter of Duterte's rival in the recent presidential race, Mar Roxas.
In absence of any damning evidence, it is becoming apparent that Mabilog is only a collateral damage in the feud between the president and the Liberal Party bigwigs.
Mabilog's critics took advantage of his closeness to Drilon and linked him to illegal drug trade even if there was no corpus delicti to support the slanderous accusation.
REMEMBER
President Duterte remembered Mabilog's name in a speech during the turnover of a drug rehabilitation facility in Davao del Norte February 24. He bewailed, "Naay mayor ug mga syudad. Ang usa diha ig-agaw ni Drilon, si Mayor Mabilog sa Iloilo City, ug daghan pa (The list also contains names of city mayors. One of them is Drilon's cousin, Mayor Mabilog of Iloilo City, and many others)."
I personally don't believe that Mabilog is engaged in business or protection racket of illegal drugs.
Mabilog's enemies may have used his "friendship" with suspected drug pusher Jingjing Espinosa, a barangay councilman, as the basis to include his name in the so-called "Duterlist" that contains the names of mayors, governors, policemen, judges, lawyers, and showbiz personalities allegedly involved in narco-politics.
Many times in the past the president erred in mentioning some names and their affiliations. The president once erroneously announced that Mabilog is the "cousin" of slain drug lord Melvin "Boyet" Odicta.
MISTAKE
Mr. Duterte was probably referring to Drilon, but mistakenly mentioned Odicta's name.
Espinosa, grandson of former Rep. Pascualing Espinosa Sr., reportedly became Mabilog's political ally when the city mayor upset the late former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez in the May 2010 mayoral contest.
There were fears that Gonzalez hired the services of priest killer Norberto Manero during the campaign period.
Espinosa, who is now back in Iloilo jail for an old frustrated homicide case, was reportedly seen as an effective antidote to neutralize any threat that may have been posed by Manero a.k.a. Kumander Bukay.
But after Mabilog secured reelection wins over Rommel Ynion in 2013 and Dr. Gold Gonzalez in 2016, Espinosa was still reportedly visible in Mabilog's camp even if Manero was no longer around.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Gigi, Mia, Leila fall before the 'Ides of March'
"Destiny is a good thing to accept when it's going your way. When it isn't, don't call it destiny; call it injustice, treachery, or simple bad luck."
-- Joseph Heller
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Year of the Fire Rooster proved to be disastrous for three lady lawyers in the Philippines, as they were waylaid one after the other in a series of bad lucks that unraveled before the "Ides of March."
Of the three, Manuelita “Mia” Mascariñas-Green, 49, suffered the most as she was brutally killed by gunmen in front of her three children inside a car in Bohol on February 15.
Investigations showed that Mascariñas-Green's murder was work-related and the suspects, including the mastermind, have been identified.
Two others--Jessica Lucila "Gig" Reyes, 53, and Senator Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima a.k.a. Leila De Lima, 57 -- are both in jail and accused of non-bailable crimes.
DENY
The Sandiganbayan has denied Reyes' motion to quash her plunder charge over the pork barrel scam, paving the way for the plunder trial.
Reye is the former chief-of-staff of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly with strong links to "pork barrel queen" Janet Napoles.
De Lima, No. 1 critic of President Rodrigo Duterte's alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings (EJK), is facing drug-related charges. She became the administration's "first political prisoner", according to her lawyer Jose Diokno.
While Mascariñas-Green's sensational killing got less attention from national media, De Lima's quarrel with President Duterte has been known all over the world and being watched by human rights advocates who believed that the lady senator is a victim of "political persecution" for opposing the hard-hitting president.
CALENDAR
The "Ides of March" is a day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to March 15, the day when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated in the Senate by senators led by Brutus and Cassius in 44 B.C.
Because of what happened to Caesar, we have been always warned to listen to the soothsayer as "Ides of March" approaches.
We have been alerted that the year 2017 of the Fire Rooster "will be full of positive events and very good news, career progress and profitable businesses for those born in the year of the Dragon."
During this year, the Snake natives are going to stand out professionally and be promoted, the Chinese Horoscope warned.
-- Joseph Heller
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Year of the Fire Rooster proved to be disastrous for three lady lawyers in the Philippines, as they were waylaid one after the other in a series of bad lucks that unraveled before the "Ides of March."
Of the three, Manuelita “Mia” Mascariñas-Green, 49, suffered the most as she was brutally killed by gunmen in front of her three children inside a car in Bohol on February 15.
Investigations showed that Mascariñas-Green's murder was work-related and the suspects, including the mastermind, have been identified.
Two others--Jessica Lucila "Gig" Reyes, 53, and Senator Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa Magistrado de Lima a.k.a. Leila De Lima, 57 -- are both in jail and accused of non-bailable crimes.
DENY
The Sandiganbayan has denied Reyes' motion to quash her plunder charge over the pork barrel scam, paving the way for the plunder trial.
Reye is the former chief-of-staff of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly with strong links to "pork barrel queen" Janet Napoles.
De Lima, No. 1 critic of President Rodrigo Duterte's alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings (EJK), is facing drug-related charges. She became the administration's "first political prisoner", according to her lawyer Jose Diokno.
While Mascariñas-Green's sensational killing got less attention from national media, De Lima's quarrel with President Duterte has been known all over the world and being watched by human rights advocates who believed that the lady senator is a victim of "political persecution" for opposing the hard-hitting president.
CALENDAR
The "Ides of March" is a day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to March 15, the day when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated in the Senate by senators led by Brutus and Cassius in 44 B.C.
Because of what happened to Caesar, we have been always warned to listen to the soothsayer as "Ides of March" approaches.
We have been alerted that the year 2017 of the Fire Rooster "will be full of positive events and very good news, career progress and profitable businesses for those born in the year of the Dragon."
During this year, the Snake natives are going to stand out professionally and be promoted, the Chinese Horoscope warned.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Duterte might clear some but not all Iloilo 'narco-mayors'
"Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something."
-- Plato
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Some Filipino-Americans here said Pinoy illegal immigrants in the United States should stop worrying "because the Trump administration will never touch them with a ten-foot pole unless they commit a crime and violate federal laws."
There are so many important things to be prioritized in the White House, according to them.
President Trump's executive order banning entry of Muslims from seven countries for 90 days was part of his campaign promise that he needed to implement or his supporters would rib him, they added.
The controversial executive order has been temporarily suspended after being torpedoed by a state judge.
"Only those with criminal records will be the first to go," Merlinda, wife of a federal official, told me in a birthday party in Manhattan recently.
"Filipinos are not criminals. They have contributed a lot in the labor and economy of the United State. They are not targets of the threat of mass deportation."
-o0o-
Misinformation, not miscommunication, will be the king-sized obstacle of the four Iloilo "narco-mayors" in their quest to clear themselves and convince President Rodrigo Duterte that they're not the illegal drug trade's Real McCoys.
Miscommunication can be remedied because of mass media's active involvement in the issue.
Misinformation will further exacerbate the mayors' woes because of false hopes and false alarm like the recent report that the mayors' names have already been removed from the "Dutertelist."
To "confirm" that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been tasked to exonerate the mayors is both miscommunication and misinformation.
President Duterte merely asked the DILG to investigate the allegations against the 160 local government executives on the "Dutertelist."
AUTHORIZE
He never authorized the DILG to decide who should be declared innocent and who should remain in the shame list.
The accusation that the 160 local government executives were involved in illegal drug trade came from the president's mouth based on tips provided by his intelligence network and field investigators.
The president regularly airs his diatribes against wrongdoers in police and government--including his cussing- through the media.
If President Duterte will decide to clear anyone, he will even apologize if necessary.
The grapevine said the president might remove the names of some but not all.
-- Plato
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Some Filipino-Americans here said Pinoy illegal immigrants in the United States should stop worrying "because the Trump administration will never touch them with a ten-foot pole unless they commit a crime and violate federal laws."
There are so many important things to be prioritized in the White House, according to them.
President Trump's executive order banning entry of Muslims from seven countries for 90 days was part of his campaign promise that he needed to implement or his supporters would rib him, they added.
The controversial executive order has been temporarily suspended after being torpedoed by a state judge.
"Only those with criminal records will be the first to go," Merlinda, wife of a federal official, told me in a birthday party in Manhattan recently.
"Filipinos are not criminals. They have contributed a lot in the labor and economy of the United State. They are not targets of the threat of mass deportation."
-o0o-
Misinformation, not miscommunication, will be the king-sized obstacle of the four Iloilo "narco-mayors" in their quest to clear themselves and convince President Rodrigo Duterte that they're not the illegal drug trade's Real McCoys.
Miscommunication can be remedied because of mass media's active involvement in the issue.
Misinformation will further exacerbate the mayors' woes because of false hopes and false alarm like the recent report that the mayors' names have already been removed from the "Dutertelist."
To "confirm" that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been tasked to exonerate the mayors is both miscommunication and misinformation.
President Duterte merely asked the DILG to investigate the allegations against the 160 local government executives on the "Dutertelist."
AUTHORIZE
He never authorized the DILG to decide who should be declared innocent and who should remain in the shame list.
The accusation that the 160 local government executives were involved in illegal drug trade came from the president's mouth based on tips provided by his intelligence network and field investigators.
The president regularly airs his diatribes against wrongdoers in police and government--including his cussing- through the media.
If President Duterte will decide to clear anyone, he will even apologize if necessary.
The grapevine said the president might remove the names of some but not all.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Retired Iloilo top cop once caught 'sleeping on the job'
"Let me be clear about this. I don't have a drug problem. I have a police problem." -- Keith Richards
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If ever the four Iloilo "narco-mayors" will be cleared, it should be President Rodrigo Duterte who will announce it because he was the one who made the accusation in August 2016.
People, particularly the Ilonggos, will only believe and listen to what the president will say next.
Not to any of his subalterns. Not to any agency under the Office of the President.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will have no credibility "clearing" the embattled mayors unless explicitly ordered by the president.
The DILG was supposed to protect the four mayors and other local chief executives implicated in illegal drug trade before their names landed on the "Dutertelist" in presumption that they could only be victims of political harassment and vendetta.
The DILG also can't declare with absolute certainty that the names of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones, Calinog Mayor Alex Centena, and Carles Mayor Sigfriedo Betita have been removed from the "Dutertelist" if the president hasn't made a latest pronouncement regarding the hullabaloo.
Even if the DILG will "clear" the four mayors but President Duterte didn't confirm it, people will remain suspicious and pessimistic.
-o0o-
THIS retired police superintendent, formerly assigned in the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) or Camp Delgado in Port San Pedro, Iloilo City, is lucky he is no longer in service when President Duterte assumed power.
The retired police official would have joined the more than 200 rogue Metro Manila cops recently insulted and ordered by President Duterte to be assigned in Basilan.
President Duterte would have been embarrassed by the offense made by the now retired police official albeit he can't dismiss him from police service.
Not all of the 200 rogue cops were implicated in crimes that would warrant their outright dismissal.
CASES
Either they were facing administrative cases for being AWOL (absent without official leave), or were caught moonlighting or doing "extra jobs" not related to their mandate as law enforcers.
This retired police official, who is now a top adviser of a prominent Iloilo City executive, was once spotted in a downtown gay bar when a city hall task force on anti-drugs, pornography and prostitution conducted a surprise raid.
He was not there to moonlight as bouncer. The retired police official, who was then active in police service, was literally snoring near the dance floor when members of the task force barged in.
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- If ever the four Iloilo "narco-mayors" will be cleared, it should be President Rodrigo Duterte who will announce it because he was the one who made the accusation in August 2016.
People, particularly the Ilonggos, will only believe and listen to what the president will say next.
Not to any of his subalterns. Not to any agency under the Office of the President.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will have no credibility "clearing" the embattled mayors unless explicitly ordered by the president.
The DILG was supposed to protect the four mayors and other local chief executives implicated in illegal drug trade before their names landed on the "Dutertelist" in presumption that they could only be victims of political harassment and vendetta.
The DILG also can't declare with absolute certainty that the names of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones, Calinog Mayor Alex Centena, and Carles Mayor Sigfriedo Betita have been removed from the "Dutertelist" if the president hasn't made a latest pronouncement regarding the hullabaloo.
Even if the DILG will "clear" the four mayors but President Duterte didn't confirm it, people will remain suspicious and pessimistic.
-o0o-
THIS retired police superintendent, formerly assigned in the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) or Camp Delgado in Port San Pedro, Iloilo City, is lucky he is no longer in service when President Duterte assumed power.
The retired police official would have joined the more than 200 rogue Metro Manila cops recently insulted and ordered by President Duterte to be assigned in Basilan.
President Duterte would have been embarrassed by the offense made by the now retired police official albeit he can't dismiss him from police service.
Not all of the 200 rogue cops were implicated in crimes that would warrant their outright dismissal.
CASES
Either they were facing administrative cases for being AWOL (absent without official leave), or were caught moonlighting or doing "extra jobs" not related to their mandate as law enforcers.
This retired police official, who is now a top adviser of a prominent Iloilo City executive, was once spotted in a downtown gay bar when a city hall task force on anti-drugs, pornography and prostitution conducted a surprise raid.
He was not there to moonlight as bouncer. The retired police official, who was then active in police service, was literally snoring near the dance floor when members of the task force barged in.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Iloilo dads should get their hands off 'Bato' case
"There are three major social issues that this country is struggling with: education, poverty, and drugs. Two of them we talk about, and one of them we don't."
-- Steven Soderbergh
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The night before the Iloilo City Council in the Philippines unanimously passed a resolution in its regular session on January 30 "urging" Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to stay put, President Rodrigo Duterte announced in a haste press conference in Manila that he had rejected Dela Rosa's resignation.
Had Duterte let Bato go and announced it in the press conference on January 29, the Iloilo City councilors would have nothing to "urge" from the top cop in as far as his stint in the PNP was concerned.
Either proponents would revise the resolution from "urging Bato not to resign" or to "urging President Duterte to reinstate Bato."
Or they would forget about the Bato resolution and remove it from the regular session's agenda.
NECESSARY
Was the Bato resolution, penned by Councilor Joshua Alim, necessary?
It may be wise and symptomatic but not necessary, to say the least.
As a national figure, Bato has been the subject of intense discussions in the House of Representatives with some solons calling for his resignation in the light of the kidnapping and murder of a Korean businessman perpetrated by policemen inside the Camp Crame.
Newspapers, news websites, TV networks have been tackling issues about Bato. Even during the Miss Universe Pageant, Bato was among the "top grossers" in the news and social media.
Bato's fate is too broad for a local legislature like the Iloilo City Council.
Too many cooks will spoil the broth.
Instead of joining the fray in complicated national issues, the city council will look good and earn more pogi points if it will instead focus on local issues.
DINAGYANG
Like an "urgent" resolution commending government agencies, city and provincial officials, private individuals, participating schools, sponsors, choreographers, among other unsung heroes responsible for the successful staging of the just-concluded 2017 Dinagyang Festival.
There's a myriad of socio-economic, health, business, education, political and environmental issues that affect the life of local populace.
More pressing issues like the success or failure of smoking ban on public places, malnutrition and housing programs in villages, the reported increase in number of AIDS, murder, and rape cases.
The Department of Tourism's (DOT) efforts to push for chartered flights between Taiwan and the Iloilo International Airport in the town of Cabatuan, Paraw Regatta 2017 preparations, Iloilo City's aim to become "City of Excellence", real estate boom, investment and business expansion and opportunities, among other local issues.
Meanwhile, if there was one thing significant about the Gen. Bato Dela Rosa resolution, it was the city council's avowed display of solidarity behind the Duterte administration's "strong campaign against illegal drugs and criminalities."
-- Steven Soderbergh
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- The night before the Iloilo City Council in the Philippines unanimously passed a resolution in its regular session on January 30 "urging" Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to stay put, President Rodrigo Duterte announced in a haste press conference in Manila that he had rejected Dela Rosa's resignation.
Had Duterte let Bato go and announced it in the press conference on January 29, the Iloilo City councilors would have nothing to "urge" from the top cop in as far as his stint in the PNP was concerned.
Either proponents would revise the resolution from "urging Bato not to resign" or to "urging President Duterte to reinstate Bato."
Or they would forget about the Bato resolution and remove it from the regular session's agenda.
NECESSARY
Was the Bato resolution, penned by Councilor Joshua Alim, necessary?
It may be wise and symptomatic but not necessary, to say the least.
As a national figure, Bato has been the subject of intense discussions in the House of Representatives with some solons calling for his resignation in the light of the kidnapping and murder of a Korean businessman perpetrated by policemen inside the Camp Crame.
Newspapers, news websites, TV networks have been tackling issues about Bato. Even during the Miss Universe Pageant, Bato was among the "top grossers" in the news and social media.
Bato's fate is too broad for a local legislature like the Iloilo City Council.
Too many cooks will spoil the broth.
Instead of joining the fray in complicated national issues, the city council will look good and earn more pogi points if it will instead focus on local issues.
DINAGYANG
Like an "urgent" resolution commending government agencies, city and provincial officials, private individuals, participating schools, sponsors, choreographers, among other unsung heroes responsible for the successful staging of the just-concluded 2017 Dinagyang Festival.
There's a myriad of socio-economic, health, business, education, political and environmental issues that affect the life of local populace.
More pressing issues like the success or failure of smoking ban on public places, malnutrition and housing programs in villages, the reported increase in number of AIDS, murder, and rape cases.
The Department of Tourism's (DOT) efforts to push for chartered flights between Taiwan and the Iloilo International Airport in the town of Cabatuan, Paraw Regatta 2017 preparations, Iloilo City's aim to become "City of Excellence", real estate boom, investment and business expansion and opportunities, among other local issues.
Meanwhile, if there was one thing significant about the Gen. Bato Dela Rosa resolution, it was the city council's avowed display of solidarity behind the Duterte administration's "strong campaign against illegal drugs and criminalities."
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Double standard in war vs illegal drugs
“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
― Voltaire
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Here's another case of "double standard" when it comes to dealing with characters involved in illegal drug trafficking in the Philippines.
If the suspect is a street-level drug peddler or drug addict, he is killed in a "shootout" with lawmen "after resisting arrest."
If the suspect is a drug lord, he is accorded a "special treatment" by allowing him to face the media and destroy the reputations of authorities allegedly receiving protection money from the syndicate.
To add insult, the drug lord could escape prosecution if his revelations on the payola scandal would be proven based on the reports below.
Reports from Negros Occidental in the Philippines referred to one Ricky Serenio, 34, of Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City as "a drug lord under the target list of Negros Island Police Regional Office (PRO)."
Serenio, who has been placed under PRO's witness protection program after he named several members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), court employees, and media personalities as among those who received regular "payola" from the "boss" he refused to name.
DISMISS
Being placed under the program could reportedly help dismiss the cases against Serenio, "if he can prove that his revelations are true."
Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, PRO acting regional director, said Serenio, who is under the custody of the Regional Special Operations Task Group, is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives after police recovered from him a .45 caliber pistol with magazine containing five live ammunition and a fragmentation grenade when he was served with an arrest warrant for grave coercion at Rizal Street, Barangay Zone 9 in Talisay City on January 8, 2017.
Why place Serenio under the witness protection program if the evidence is sufficient to convict him in a fair trial?
If the cases filed against him will eventually be dismissed only because his revelations were proven, the public trust and confidence on our law enforcers will definitely be eroded.
When small fries are trampled like grasses and the big fishes get away with murder, it will defeat the "all-out war" campaign of President Duterte against illegal drug trafficking.
― Voltaire
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- Here's another case of "double standard" when it comes to dealing with characters involved in illegal drug trafficking in the Philippines.
If the suspect is a street-level drug peddler or drug addict, he is killed in a "shootout" with lawmen "after resisting arrest."
If the suspect is a drug lord, he is accorded a "special treatment" by allowing him to face the media and destroy the reputations of authorities allegedly receiving protection money from the syndicate.
To add insult, the drug lord could escape prosecution if his revelations on the payola scandal would be proven based on the reports below.
Reports from Negros Occidental in the Philippines referred to one Ricky Serenio, 34, of Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City as "a drug lord under the target list of Negros Island Police Regional Office (PRO)."
Serenio, who has been placed under PRO's witness protection program after he named several members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), court employees, and media personalities as among those who received regular "payola" from the "boss" he refused to name.
DISMISS
Being placed under the program could reportedly help dismiss the cases against Serenio, "if he can prove that his revelations are true."
Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, PRO acting regional director, said Serenio, who is under the custody of the Regional Special Operations Task Group, is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives after police recovered from him a .45 caliber pistol with magazine containing five live ammunition and a fragmentation grenade when he was served with an arrest warrant for grave coercion at Rizal Street, Barangay Zone 9 in Talisay City on January 8, 2017.
Why place Serenio under the witness protection program if the evidence is sufficient to convict him in a fair trial?
If the cases filed against him will eventually be dismissed only because his revelations were proven, the public trust and confidence on our law enforcers will definitely be eroded.
When small fries are trampled like grasses and the big fishes get away with murder, it will defeat the "all-out war" campaign of President Duterte against illegal drug trafficking.
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