Possible bedfellows: Roxas-Clinton, Duterte-Trump, Poe or Binay-Clinton

"Perfect partners don't exist. Perfect conditions exist for a limited time in which partnerships express themselves best."  
Wayne Rooney

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- There should be no more false hopes for supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders as the number of Democratic open primaries is getting smaller, with Sec. Hillary Clinton must now win only 33 percent of remaining delegates to hit the 2,383 magic number as of April 6.
In order to oust Clinton, Sanders must win 67 percent of the remaining delegates. 
Clinton now has 1,728 against Sanders' 1,058 (this is the latest count even after Sanders clobbered Clinton in Wisconsin, 57 percent-43 percent).
With the next primary heading to New York (April 19), Clinton's home state, the prospect has become dimmer for Sanders.
Assuming that Clinton clinches the Democratic presidential slot, pollsters have predicted she could put away either Donald Trump (753 delegates) or Ted Cruz (514) of Republican party in the November general election.

SUPPORT

With full support from President Noynoy Aquino, Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party could pull the rug from under PDP Laban's Rodrigo Duterte, Nationalist People's Coalition's Grace Poe, and United Nationalist Alliance's Jejomar Binay.
Because of health problems, Miriam Defensor-Santiago has fallen by the wayside and isn't anymore expected to put up a good fight with barely five weeks to go.
Assuming that Roxas will win on May 9, 2016 and Clinton becomes president after the November 8, 2016 general election, they can work together harmoniously as both the Liberal and Democratic parties almost share the same political ideology and philosophy.
Although LP distances itself from the political extremes on the left and right, it can tune in with the Democrat's modern liberalism.

LANDSCAPE

If Duterte will make it and Trump will upset Clinton, the political landscape will change drastically as both gentlemen are known tough guys determined to wield iron hands to govern their nations.
Duterte has vowed to wipe out criminal elements and feed them to the fishes in the Manila Bay, while Trump has promised to build a wall to prevent Hispanic illegals from crossing the US-Mexico border; round up and yank out overstaying aliens.
Duterte's PDP Laban democratic centrist socialism
and consultative and participative democracy principles will have to sit well with Trump's Republican American conservatism.

SMOOTH

Poe's NPC can work smoothly with the Republican as it is also a conservative party.
Since it is in the right wing, Binay's UNA can engage in a romance with both the Democrat and Republican parties as it also embraces the ideology of conservatism, Filipino nationalism, social conservatism, and populism.
This means that a Binay victory in the Philippines and a Clinton or Trump victory in the United States can't be a case of a round hole in a square peg.

If I want to...on Poe, Roxas, Duterte, Binay, Santiago

"Peace of mind comes from not wanting to change others."  
Gerald Jampolsky

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- Until our next president is elected in May 2016, we continue to be a divided nation.
The gaping wounds of hostility and conflict will continue to exacerbate and won't heal for a while, because of cascading passion and emotional bickering brought by heated partisan politics.
Some friendships will suffer--or have already suffered--from mortal blows and may never be repaired again. 
Even family members have their own share of hellish moments because they have their respective bets for certain elective positions--the father for Vice President Jejomar Binay because of fraternity ties; the mother for Sec. Mar Roxas because of business attachment; and daughter and son for Grace Poe because of Eat Bulaga and Heart Evangelista.

CHANGE

We can't change the reputation of our leaders and the circumstances that made them famous and infamous--what and where they are now in the periphery of political hierarchy. 
But we can change the way we think, how we behave, and how to deal with these leaders or aspirants for higher public office, if given the opportunity to go along with any of them in a real or imagined world.
For instance, if I saunter in the lairs of the underworld, the beasts and the cannibals, I will ask Rodrigo Duterte to accompany me.
If I want to personally meet showbiz characters, ask autograph of Susan Roces, gyrate on noontime shows with Tito, Vic an Joey, and get to know more about sob stories involving foundlings, I want Grace Poe to be on my side.

FREE

If I want to watch free movies in the country's premier city and enjoy other pelf and privileges, dabble in construction business, corner rich contracts without the benefit of a bidding process, enlist as adult commander in the Boys Scouts of the Philippines, and open more than a dozen savings accounts, I will befriend Jejomar Binay.
If I want to have a "selfie" with Korina Sanchez without having to form a beeline in a Quezon City mansion and learn Economics 101, I will ask Mar Roxas to be my guidance counselor.  
If I want to meet Superman, Spiderman, Bionicman, Batman and Robin, Wonderwoman, join the Star Wars, and to have a Close Encounter with the Third Kind, I will stay beside Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
After all we are in a free world.

Defensor: Lucero is an honest man, some of his men aren’t

“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.” George Washington

By Alex P. Vidal

ILOILO Governor Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr. described Engr. Gracianito Lucero, chief of the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) as “an honest man.”

“Honest ini sia nga tawo. Dugay ko na ini sia kilala. I trust this man, but not some of his men. Damu gid man dira kawatan kag gina pa imbistigar naton ina (He is an honest man. I have known him for a long time. I trust this man but not some of his men who are really thieves. And that’s why I am investigating them),” Defensor told me in front of Lucero inside the governor’s office on Friday morning.

The governor was referring to the “pa-ihi” or fuel pilferage scam allegedly committed by some corrupt PEO employees.

Defensor has tasked Provincial Administrator Raul Banas to leave no stone unturned in the investigation.

“We are now doing the investigation,” Dr. Banas told me.

Executive Assistant Ruel Von Superio confirmed that “there is an ongoing investigation.”

Broadcaster Ibrahim Calanao, meanwhile, has owned up to the “pa-ihi” expose.

“Ako sina una nag expose, Lex. Ulihi na lang ina ang write-up mo. Dugay ko na ina gina hambal sa radyo. Ang iban nga truck didto gapa amolya sa patyo sang Janiuay ho. Didto nila ginapasuyupan gasoline ang tangke. (I was the one who first made that expose. Your write-up came later. I have been announcing this anomaly on my radio program. Some of the trucks were brought to a cemetery in Janiuay where the fuel pilferage was done),” Calanao said.

Lucero, by the way, told me his wife, who is a doctor, owns the “expensive” vehicle referred to by a source in my previous column.

 -o0o-

My visit in the governor’s office on Friday morning actually coincided only while Defensor was waiting for Lucero to arrive.

They had an important meeting regarding the “pa-ihi” imbroglio.

Defensor showed strong eagerness to rid the PEO with corrupt elements.

I went there together with former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol, who asked me to accompany him and his brother, Mlang, Cotabato Mayor Joselito, in his second visit to Defensor in one week.

Pinol, who was there two days earlier, was head of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s advance party in the courtesy call to Defensor.

I was not part of Duterte’s activities in Iloilo. 

I came only because of Pinol, my long-time colleague in sports writing (we first met in 1991 during the House committee on youth and sports hearing on alleged sports anomalies when Pinol was still writing for Tempo, sister publication of Manila Bulletin).

Pinol, who dabbles as boxing manager, and I last met in Las Vegas three years ago when Manny Pacquiao lost by KO5 against Juan Manuel Marquez.

“This is your first visit in my office since I became governor (for the second time),” Defensor told me.

-o0o-

WE support the call of the Animal Welfare Association (AWA) of Iloilo headed by Anna Marie Rivera Wharton to halt the use of carbon monoxide poisoning via the “tambutso” or car exhaust in exterminating stray dogs and cats.

City Veterinarian Tomas Forteza has confirmed the practice in a radio interview, according to Wharton in her letter dated February 23, 2015.

Wharton’s expose surprised Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who admitted “he has no idea of a humane method of killing stray animals that is lawfully acceptable.”

Mabilog referred the matter to Dr. Forteza and asked him to “research and check on the methods that may not be considered afoul with the law.”

Republic Act. No. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998) mandates that “the killing of animals shall be done through humane procedure at all times.”

Humane procedure, under the law, “shall mean the use of the scientific method available as may be determined and approved by the committee (Committee on Animal Welfare).”

The law does not, however, specify these scientific methods, according to a recent article written by Wenceslao Mateo.

“But is killing of stray animals by carbon monoxide suffocation lawfully acceptable and a scientific method?” asked the article.

The article added: “A news report abroad reveals that carbon monoxide killing of stray animals, especially those in shelters, is outlawed in the US states of California, Tennessee, Maryland and Rhode Island.

“Also, both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States reject killing by carbon monoxide.

“They observed that carbon monoxide poisoning causes animals to suffer horribly while they are slowly suffocated, and often scream and go into convulsions while struggling for air.”

Mabilog admits mistake; Duterte visits Defensor

“Success produces confidence; confidence relaxes industry, and negligence ruins the reputation which accuracy had raised.” Ben Jonson

By Alex P. Vidal

MAYOR Geefre “Kalay” Alonsabe of Alimodian, Iloilo, a Liberal Party (LP) member, was the lone municipal mayor who joined Iloilo Governor Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr. when Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte, a PDP-Laban stalwart and rumored presidential aspirant, visited the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on Friday morning.

If the LP hierarchy is not jealous, it will not sanction Alonsabe, who seemed to be more excited and interested only on Duterte as a tough guy or a macho man, than as a potential rival of LP’s presumed standard bearer in 2016, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Mar Roxas.

Alonsabe’s personal admiration for Duterte does not mean he is willing to shift allegiance from LP to PDP-Laban.

Admiration is different from loyalty.

He admires Duterte but his loyalty is still probably with Roxas.

Currently scouring for more grassroots support, Duterte would love to be adopted by Alonsabe and other Iloilo mayors who are mostly LP allies.

Duterte did not have any idea, of course, that Alonsabe, an aggressive and popular public servant, is facing a graft case in the Ombudsman for the release of P3.241-million fertilizer funds in 2004 to a cooperative linked to former Iloilo second district congressman Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco Jr.

Duterte’s campaign in Western Visayas is expected to snowball with the help of his well-respected regional coordinator, Rotarian and lawyer Hansel Didulo.

-o0o-

If the mea culpa committed recently by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog in the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the enforcement of the wheel clamping ordinance happened when the city mayor was Mansueto Malabor, the city council would have been up in arms.

Malabor could not commit an error without being bamboozled by opposition leader Councilor Perla Zulueta (now a consultant of Mabilog).

Under a vigilant and confrontational city council then, debates and conflicts were healthy signs that our government officials were doing their job.

With the executive and legislative branches engaging in a Punch and Judy show, media had a field day.

That’s how the check and balance worked if the two branches of government—executive and legislative—are independent of each other.

Thanks to the 12-0 win of the Liberal Party city council bets in the 2013 local elections, nobody will be willing to rap partymate and political benefactor Mabilog in the knuckles.

-o0o-

What happened was an honest mistake, according to Mabilog.

Because of the volumes of papers that the city mayor regularly signs on his table, he “mistakenly” inked his signature on the MOA with 3L company, which should have been forwarded first to the General Services Office (GSO).

As a matter of procedure, GSO would have to look first for 3L company’s competitors before any agreement was signed.

The signed document would then be sent to the city council for confirmation.

Because the cart was pushed ahead of the horse, Mabilog is asking the city council to cancel the agreement.

In the first place, if City Administrator Norlito Bautista and other officials in the city mayor’s office were doing their job, Mabilog would have been spared of this very fundamental error and the inconvenience of facing a backlash from critics.

It’s the task of the city administrator and the executive assistants to screen the papers, especially the MOAs, being stockpiled on the city mayor's table.

The staff’s fatal negligence can bring unnecessary delays on important transactions and embarrassment to the executive office. 

Heads must roll.

-o0o-

“What will happen to our country if Binay becomes the president?”

This was the straight and frank reply made by former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol when retired Philippine News Agency (PNA) Iloilo chief Neonita “Mommy Nitz” Gobuyan asked him pointblank: “Ngaa nagabira bira ka gid kampanya kay Mayor Duterte? (Why are you working so hard campaigning for Mayor Duterte?)

Gobuyan, who recently told Vice President Jejomar Binay in a chance meeting in Iloilo that Binay would be the next president of the country, asked the question to Pinol when they met inside the office of Gov. Defensor on Friday.

Duterte can’t shoot all people

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell

By Alex P. Vidal

The alleged threats of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte that he would shoot those behind the “Duterte for president movement” is just a pakitang tao.

A hogwash.

Some observers believe Duterte is only overexcited because there are sectors all over the country that really demand for a change in the leadership of our country from “soft” to “hard” whatever that means.

For all we know, those pushing for Duterte’s presidential candidacy in 2016 could be his own people masquerading as “independent” reformers and advocates of law and order.

Duterte is a known disciplinarian and tough guy who believes in the extra-judicial solution for heinous crimes in our society.

In other words, he does not care or advocate for the human rights of criminals.

Duterte wants to finish off every criminal he meets on the street, if he has his own way.

FLOAT

As early as 2004, his name was already floating as among those potential presidential aspirants. His fans and admirers believe this country needs an iron hand to deal with dangerous criminals who kill civilians with impunity after robbing them and raping women and children.

But Duterte can’t just issue threats left and right against anybody in this peace-loving country.

For sure, the Roman Catholic Church as well as other religious groups that don’t advocate violence as a solution to improve peace and order in our country will oppose him from pillar to post.

It’s OK to issue a stern warning and send shivers down the spine of kidnappers, rapists, bank robbers, smugglers, drug traffickers, etcetera, but there is a limit to all of these braggadocios.

When dealing with civilian groups, apolitical sectors and non-combatants in our society, Duterte must learn to choose his words.

In others words, he must be circumspect and observe proper decorum even in the way he expresses himself and his ideas.

Duterte can’t just issue bizarre threats against anyone he suspects of being a threat to society.

If there are civilians in this country who really want him to be the next president because they believe in his leadership, Duterte should not be so cruel with his statements toward them.

The final decision still rests on him.

FORCE

Nobody can force Duterte to run if he doesn’t feel like extending his political tentacles to the Malacanang.

By issuing threats that he would shoot those who spearhead the movement to compel him to run for the highest position of the country, Duterte sounds corny.

He should remember that he is not the only human being who carries a gun or any deadly weapon.

If Duterte continues to chew more words than what he can actually swallow, he is sending a mixed signal to the criminals.

There are criminals who are not intimidated by mere words. There are those who will really test Duterte’s mettle whatever position he carries if cornered and have nowhere to hide.

If he wishes to attract more admirers and supporters in the national level, Duterte must learn how to speak softly.

He can always carry a big stick without the need to telegraph his punches.

In that manner, Duterte can gain the respect of even those in the sectors of religion, academe, and business. 

Will cops behave if they get a P50,000/monthly pay?

“Let me be clear - no one is above the law. Not a politician, not a priest, not a criminal, not a police officer. We are all accountable for our actions.” Antonio Villaraigosa

By Alex P. Vidal

Another reason why members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are demoralized aside from their low salary is because of the way they are treated by our justice system after doing their job.

Take the case of Inspector Rey Castro and PO3 Aaron Gaton.

They were ordered arrested by Judge Rene Hortillo of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 68 for the killing of poultry dealer Pinky Decolongon at the Dumangas public market in Dumagas, Iloilo early this year.

Castro was the town deputy police chief while Gaton was investigator when the incident happened on January 2, 2014.

The two responded to a complaint that a man was making trouble inside the public market at around 11 o’clock in the morning.

When they pacified the suspect identified as Decolongon, the latter fired at the cops but missed, according to Senior Inspector Jonathan Pinuela, former Dumangas police chief.

Castro shot Decolongon on the left thigh to neutralize him, Pinuela added.

SHOOT

When the suspect tried to shoot them anew, Castro reportedly finished him off with his .9mm service pistol.

The cops insisted they killed Decolongon “in self defense” and the encounter happened “in the line of duty.”

It was Decolongon’s family that pursued the case against Castro and Gaton, it was learned.

The family insisted the cops murdered the wounded and defenseless Decolongon.

When the arrest warrant came out the other week, they voluntarily surrendered one after another to Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director.

The two cops are now detained at the Iloilo Provincial Integrated Jail in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo.

This scenario where the cops land in jail for a job-related offense is sending mixed signals to other cops.

When confronted with the same situation like the one in the Dumangas public market in the future, other cops will no longer react according to how they were trained to react as law enforcers in the face of imminent danger.

Because of what happened to Castro and Gaton, the other cops will now face a dilemma of damned if you do and damned if you don’t when in the same situation with Castro and Gaton.

-o0o-

Will a low-ranking policeman who gets a P50,000 monthly salary stay away from temptations of committing crimes like “hulidap” and "kotong"?

Will a police chief superintendent who brings home a monthly salary of P200,000 to P500,000 reject a monthly payola from illegal gambling and other organized syndicates?

This is the question that authorities should study and deal with seriously if the proposal of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will push through or taken into consideration.

Duterte said he would implement the eye-catching salary increase once he becomes president of the country.

The mayor believes that the reason why some cops are engaged in criminal activities like the members of the La Loma PNP in Quezon City, is because they get only P18,000 a month.

‘KULANG’

He described it as “kulang na kulang talaga yan.”

One way to discourage them from doing monkey business while in police service is to increase their salaries and other privileges, according to the tough mayor known for executing criminals in his city.

Duterte’s proposal must have sent shivers down the spine of other rogue cops beholden to crime syndicates.

Because they are at the beck and call of crime syndicates, these ruffians in uniform can’t just easily severe their ties with the underworld or face the consequences—even if they receive the “decent” monthly pay from the government as suggested by Duterte.

But Duterte must run and win first before this proposal will be realized.