A piece of advice for the Grabatos

“I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it—you will regret both.”

—Soren Kierkegaard

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE learned from the report of Joseph B.A. Marzan in the Daily Guardian on October 24 that Mina, Iloilo mayor Lydia Grabato, mother of United States Ponzi scheme accused Rey Grabato II, will call for a press conference in Iloilo on October 25 “to clear matters.”

The information about the press conference was relayed to the Daily Guardian by the mayor’s husband, Rey (namesake and father of the accused), who is also former mayor of Mina, a fifth class municipality in the third district of Iloilo province.

The press conference may have something to do with their son’s alleged involvement in the $650 million Ponzi scheme that reportedly cheated roughly 2,000 investors mostly in New Jersey and New York—as well as scheming to dodge $26 million in federal taxes.

If the press conference is about the case of their son, we expect former mayor Rey to also join his wife, the incumbent mayor.

The son Grabato has been touted to be a successful developer with a lucrative business based in New Jersey.

No parent will allow any attempt to besmirch a son’s reputation without putting up a resistance.  

In most cases when a family member was implicated in a massive scam or horrific scandal, the parents or relatives wouldn’t speak to the media for fear their words and actions might further incriminate or expose to danger their beleaguered family member.

 

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Not the Grabatos, a respected political clan in Iloilo, who probably believe in their son’s innocence. Parents will never abandon their children who are in trouble and in distress.

But, except if the couple will have something valuable to say that could help in their son’s case; or if the son is a minor, it is best if they say less than necessary—or completely dodge any publicity.

Except if people will question the sources of their wealth and businesses or link them to their son’s alleged fraudulent transactions in New Jersey, yes, they need to speak out and “clear some matters.” 

However, it might not be wise and healthy to talk about the son’s scandalous case in public at the moment when an overwhelming outcry, especially from the “conned” investors, appears to be tilting against his favor now that charges have been filed in the US court. 

It’s a damn-if-you-do and damn-if-you-don’t situation. Even if they’ll release vague and ambiguous statements to avoid being misinterpreted, people will always think they only want to camouflage something. 

The accused is already adult; he can best defend himself—or speak for himself even without his parents. 

The best that the parents can do in this situation is provide the son the moral support and otherwise. But let him do the talking about his own case, if needed, and stand on his own feet. 

 

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Grabato II, 43 of Hoboken and his partner, Thomas Nicholas Salzano, 64, of Secaucus, both in New Jersey, have been charged in an 18-count indictment unsealed recently, according to U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger.

Grabato II remained at large as of this writing, while Salzano, the suspected mastermind, was already arrested, reports said.

They each face conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the U.S., stemming from activities with National Realty Investment Advisors, a high-profile company in Secaucus, according to a report from the New Jersey 101.5.

Both Salzano and Grabato reportedly face up to 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine if convicted of federal securities fraud alone.

The wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud counts are both punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The fraud reportedly involved selling securities—in the form of membership units in a real estate investment fund known as the NRIA Fund—to people across the United States, including 380 investors in New Jersey, state prosecutors said.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deterrence

“You can distill deterrence down to two factors: capability and will.”

—Chris Gibson

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THE only way for a sensational crime to be prevented from happening again in the future is for the authorities to exert strong efforts to solve it and bring to justice all the perpetrators—from the hired killers to the masterminds, including the so-called “middlemen” even if some of them are murdered to prevent them from “singing.”

Once they have been identified, arrested and brought behind bars, those who are emboldened to commit the same cowardly act in the future will think twice.

Even if the mode of payment for the killers is now done electronically, there are still strong chances that the masterminds will fall if the law enforcers are hell-bent to round-up the criminals with or without any bounty or whatever emolument.  

If masterminds are cornered after being “fingered” by the perpetrators, the method or idea of hiring murderers through this mob style will somehow decline if not be totally abandoned, at least in the urban areas.

That’s why there is a need for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to solve the celebrated murder of the well-adored broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa even if there were obvious efforts to stonewall the investigation with the sudden “death” (sometimes it’s a farce because the “dead” are not actually the real persons) of key persons of interest in the case.

 

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If the masterminds will not be traced, this will motivate the enemies of the press and other criminals to perpetrate the same crime in the future, especially if they are offended by crusading media practitioners.

The spate of extra-judicial killings involving suspected criminals, peasants, human rights lawyers and red-tagged activists; and the executions of prominent media personalities in the Philippines continued unabated because in the past, no mastermind has been paraded in public through the mandatory mugshot in the police station.

No criminal mastermind has served a jail term.

All those who fell, so far, were the “small fries” or those who don’t really have the real intention to kill but were only paid to do the hit. 

This is where the culture of impunity prevails. This is where lex taliones or the law of the jungle prospers. When no one is punished it’s become a “free-for-all” and come-let’s-do-it-more binge for these criminal elements. 

Condemnation from politicians and media organizations will not send fears in the hearts of these criminal elements. Denunciation from sectors affected by the criminal act won’t bring back the life of the victims or the murdered media crusaders.

 

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Writing from Sardinia, Italy where the world junior chess tilt is now being held, US master Marlon Bernardino recently sent a report to this writer that Filipino Jose Efren Bagamasbad has bagged the 65-and-over title in Auckland, New Zealand Asian Seniors.

Bernardino said the win earned Bagamasbad Grandmaster Norms and an outright International Master title at the conclusion of the 2022 Asian Seniors Championships was held from October 15 to 21 at the Auckland Rose Park Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand.

Still an active tournament player at 66, Bagamasbad emerged unscathed with 6 wins and 3 draws for 7.5 points that gave the top player of PCAP's Laguna Heroes the 65-and-over division crown plus the coveted gold medal.  

“I’m very happy to win again, especially in an international tournament like this Asian Seniors with One Grandmaster norms and an outright International Master title. Maagang Pasko ito (This is an early Christmas gift),” said Bagamasbad, who pocketed the top prize of $350 plus free single room and food at the 2023 World Seniors Chess Championships.

Miles Patterson of Australia finished second with 7.0 points for the silver medal plus IM norms while Fide Master Robert W Smith of New Zealand wound up third with 6.5 points for the bronze.

Robert Racasa, acknowledge God Father of Philippine Memory and long-time supporter and close confidante of Bagamasbad had something to say to the latest achievement of the latter: "Congratulations to the newest International Master of the Philippines IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad for bagging the 2022 Asian Seniors Chess Championships in Aukland, New Zealand. Nagbunga yung mga pinaghirapan natin."

Meanwhile, Bernardino added that International Master Gary Lane of Australia dominated the 50-and-over division crown with 8.0 points in nine outings.                               

He also got a Grandmaster norms for his effort aside the gold medal.

Another Filipino entry and Singapore based Fide Master Arlan Cabe came second with 7.0 points for the silver plus International Master norms.

Fide Master Alexei Kulashko of New Zealand settled for third with 6.0 points for the bronze medal.

Woman Fide Master Vivian Smith of New Zealand (in the over-65 category) and Candidate Master Helen Milligan of New Zealand (50-and-over) won the top Woman awards, respectively.

Other Pinoy woodpushers who participated in this week-long event are CM Benjamin Lim, Nunilon Fulo III and Ceferino "Jun" Isaac, all based in New Zealand.-Marlon Bernardino-

Photo credit to CM Helen Milligan, Paul Paul Spiller and New Zealand Chess news.

Photo shows from left Grandmaster Murray Chandler, NZ 's only Grandmaster and winner of the 1st Asian Junior Championships in Baguio City in 1977 and newest International Master and Grandmaster candidate Filipino Jose Efren Bagamasbad. Last round matches pitted Fide Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad of the Philippines versus Paul Beach of New Zealand. The game was ended into a draw.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

So near and yet so far

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

—Desmond Tutu

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

NOT all cases of murder involving journalists in the Philippines came almost a cinch away to being solved like the killing of tough-talking broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa of dwBL radio station in Metro Manila on October 3.

For a while, we heaved a sight of relief when confessed gunman Joel Escorial was finally identified and surrendered to the police in only two weeks after the slay when a P6 million bounty was offered for the tipsters.

Like some fellow journalists who have been following the progress of the investigation of Mabasa’s case, I didn’t write an opinion yet about Escorial’s capture. We waited for more developments; more heads to fall; more arrests, if possible.

He pointed to a certain Crisanto Palana Villamor, an inmate in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), as the alleged “middleman” after identifying his cohorts Israel Dimaculangan and his brother Edmon, and a certain Orly or Orlando as among those who “planned and executed” the assassination with the “inducement” of Villamor who promised to pay them P550,000.

We monitored the developments and have nothing but praises for Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and his team of police investigators.

 

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We thought Mabasa’s case would be exceptional in as far as the quick solution of the case was concerned. But as soon as the confessed triggerman and his fellow “hired” killers have been inquested for murder, the alleged “middleman” Villamor suddenly “died” as reported on October 18.

The police and the Department of Justice (DoJ) have been scrambling to explain the circumstances behind Villamor’s alleged sudden death.

So far, none of the actors deserved the Famas. The more they talked, the more people noticed either they didn’t understand what they were saying, or they were part of the suspected cover-up.

All suspicions now point to a murder, or Villamor was probably silenced in order to shield the mastermind or masterminds. As usual, a dead man tells no tale.

The charade obviously has all the suspected signature of a mob hit—right inside a supposed to be secured institution?

What are the chances that the mastermind or masterminds will ever be known? Authorities said they have “secured” another “middleman” who is also an inmate (meaning there were two).

How soon can this other one stay “alive”? Will he ever be seen again?

With no assurance from authorities that the mastermind or masterminds might still be identified now that Villamor is gone, everyone is now literally and figuratively facing a blank wall.  

Justice Secretary Boying Remulla was correct to suspend Bureau of Correction (BoC) Director General Gerald Bantag, who must have been caught only between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The solution of this treacherous and senseless murder was (once) so near and yet (it proved to be) so far.

 

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I made a prediction before the start of the official campaign period of the May 2022 presidential election that retired boxer Senator Manny Pacquiao might stage a comeback in the ring after his defeat in the presidential election.

There have been reports that he was indeed contemplating to fight seriously again and has, in fact, been taunting his fellow boxing senior citizens like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and other retired former world champions in order to be noticed.

Because of the noise that he reportedly made and owing to his celebrity image, Pacquiao might succeed in convincing promoters to back his desire to fight again, but he will not be bankable anymore; he will no longer be a monster who used to devour his prey with gusto.

In fact, he might end up in a deplorable physical shape (God forbid) if his 44-year-old body can no longer receive and absorb brutal punishments.

Pacquiao is a pugilist by heart and mind. He was never meant to be a politician, but his celebrity status had brought him to politics, a strange territory tailor-made only for the talkative, the deceivers, and the plunderers, not for a ring warrior with abundance of athletic talent meant to entertain and make sports fans happy.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed) 

 

 

  

What if Korean actor Ji Chang-wook and Ilongga lady are really ‘sweethearts’?

“Fairy tales can come true it can happen to you if you're young at heart. For it's hard, you will find to be narrow of mind if you're young at heart.”

—Frank Sinatra in Young At Heart

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I WON’T be dwelling more on the hullabaloo that rocked the alleged scheduled appearance of popular Korean actor-singer Ji Chang-wook in Iloilo City on November 8, which has now been reportedly scrapped.

I don’t have the complete details, thus I am not in the position to tackle it. 

Since rumors had swirled around that Ji and his supposed Iloilo producer, Cleo “Cleigh” Dimayuga, could have a “deeper” relationship, I will go straight to the jugular: there must be more than meets the eye in the controversy.

True or not, it’s up to Cleigh—and most importantly to Ji—if they admit or deny it.

To begin with, I will assume, as Cleigh had sworn to me repeatedly, that the Ji Chang-wook who will have a confirmed show in Manila on November 7, is the same Ji Chang-wook who is “known to her personally” and “who may have maintained a dalliance with her in the past six months.”

(I am not urging the readers to swallow hook, line, and sinker the claim of a tryst. Lovers are entitled to privacy—unless they come out in the open and confess it publicly. I am just analyzing the possible angles that may have led to the ill-fated Iloilo event.)

 

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Except if Cleigh herself had been scammed by someone claiming to be Ji from the very start of their “relationship” and, thus, was able to successfully con her into believing he was the Real McCoy (let’s marshal our analytical minds and pump a deeper analysis into this possibility.).

I will hold on to the faith I have with Cleigh, for the time being, amid allegations she may have attempted to pull a fast one by arranging an “unauthorized” side event in Iloilo. 

The woman is educated and intelligent. She isn’t stupid to arrange/promote something illegal and unauthorized if she didn’t have a prior talk and direct link to Ji (assuming he is real).

If Cleigh became involved in Ji’s aborted Iloilo “promotion”, it could not be all because of the desire to commit a “scam” as had been loudly claimed by her bashers in the social media.

If no single ticket was sold for the Iloilo event and no individual or group had forked out a single centavo for sponsorship to benefit anyone, there could have been no scam. 

If there was no other event for Ji in Iloilo aside from the one supposedly arranged by Cleigh, no one could have printed or sold counterfeit  tickets.

Was it because of love first, and a chance to make a legitimate business deal with a “sweetheart” second?

 

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Assuming that the real handsome 35-year-old Korean heartthrob and the 44-year-old beauty from Dingle, Iloilo in the Philippines are really “sweethearts” in real life and only opted to keep the relationship under wraps in consideration to their respective circumstances and other personal reasons.

Assuming for the benefit of discussion that the real Ji and his managers/handlers had given Cleigh the imprimatur to promote the Korean superstar’s event in Iloilo, will the allegations of scam or whatever wrongdoing and misrepresentation as Cleigh’s primary motive be weeded out from public perception?    

Ji, whose genre includes pop, soundtracks, and Korean OST, is very famous—well-known and adored by fans worldwide.

Celebrities may not want their private affairs advertised in public. Could this explain why no “Cleigh Dimayuga” appears in any of Ji’s public records or social media platforms where he is incredibly desired and hotly pursued—if the romantic liaison really existed between two real human beings?

To validate everything and put all doubts, fears, puzzles, suspicions (only in as far as the real score between the two is concerned), we respectfully request media and entertainment reporters in Manila who will cover Ji’s show on November 7 to ask him about her.

In her 1961 hit song, “Crazy”, Patsy Cline asked: 

Worry, why do I let myself worry?

Wondering what in the world did I do?

Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you

I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying

And I'm crazy for loving you

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

An ounce of prevention

“Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.”

—Bill Gates

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE invite those who easily get sick (like me) when the weather suddenly changes from humid to cold to get a flu shot this early, or before the real battle royal—the winter season, which will officially kick off on December 21 in the East Coast.

I was a non-believer of flu shot until I contracted the flu for straight five years during the winter season—except in the last two years when I decided to start taking the flu shot at Walgreens.

Afraid to catch the cold, I again took my flu shot for this year’s winter season at Walgreens in Queens on October 17.

I was injected on my left muscle with 0.5ml of Flucelvax PFS good for 2022-2023. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

I was wrong when I thought that with my “excellent” immune system, I could battle the flu, a contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract, when the symptoms showed up in my first five winter seasons in New York.  

Flu is, perhaps, the most common illness seen throughout the winter, aside from the common cold at least.

The flu, according to health authorities, is caused by an influenza virus (the exact strain or strains vary from year to year) and the symptoms can be mild to severe. 

 

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Symptoms typically commence two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week, although the cough may last for more than two weeks, according to health authorities. 

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy individuals), and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age.

Influenza might be just a minor two-week annoyance for us. However, according to my source, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu causes more hospitalizations and deaths in children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems compared to any other vaccine-preventable disease in North America.

For instance, during the 2019–2020 flu season, approximately 434 children reportedly died from influenza-related complications. While seniors, aged 65-years and older, had 13,673 deaths reported by the CDC.

The flu shot vaccination is reportedly shown to reduce our chances of catching the flu. 

The effectiveness has varied year to year, in 2019-2020 it was 39-percent effective, said the CDC.

Most t of us can get a flu shot free of charge. The CDC in the U.S. makes many flu shot clinics, as well as shots through our medical practitioner available free of charge. 

Why wouldn’t we take advantage of a free flu shot to protect ourselves against influenza?

We have been told that those with certain allergies or conditions should not get the flu shot. Infants under 6-months and those with life-threatening allergies to one or more of the influenza vaccine ingredients should not get the flu shot. 

If we’re thinking about forgoing a flu shot this season, Joseph DeVeau, M.D., a Piedmont primary care physician, gives us 10 reasons why we should reconsider, according to Paidmont.

1. A flu shot can save our life. The flu can cause some serious complications that sometimes require hospitalization, such as dehydration, worsening of chronic illnesses, bacterial pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections.

“Every year, about 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu,” says Dr. DeVeau.

In fact, influenza can lead to death in serious cases. During the 2017-2018 flu season, the CDC estimates 80,000 people died.

2. Getting a flu shot can reduce your sick days.

Whether you are hospitalized or take time off to recuperate at home, it’s going to cost you and your employer. The flu accounts for 111 million lost workdays and nearly $7 billion in lost productivity and sick days annually, says Flu.gov.

3. Most people are eligible to get the flu shot.

The CDC has made it easy to know who should get a flu shot.

“Pretty much anyone over six months of age should get a flu shot,” says Dr. DeVeau.

4. There is a needle-free flu vaccine. Afraid of needles? No problem – a needleless flu vaccine is available.

“A nasal spray can be given to people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are healthy, not pregnant and don’t have asthma,” he says.

Another version, the intradermal shot, has a very small needle that can be used on people 18 to 64.

“Really, you can’t feel the needle at all,” he says.

5. There is a flu shot for older adults. There’s the regular flu shot that’s given to people over the age of six months, as well as a version suitable for people 65 and over, which gives them even better protection against the flu.

6. You won't get the flu from the flu shot. A common misconception is that you can contract the flu from a flu vaccine, but Dr. DeVeau says that is not possible because the shot uses a deadened form of the virus.

7. The flu shot changes each year. Before each flu season, the CDC determines which strains of influenza appear to most likely to occur that year. The vaccine will still reduce your chances of contracting certain strains of the virus and if you do get sick, having the vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms.

“They kill that strain and they introduce it through the flu shot into our body,” he explains. “When your immune system comes into contact with that killed virus, it activates the immune system and creates antibodies. When you do come across the real flu, then you’re ready to fight it off and not get sick from the flu.”

8. Flu shot side effects are usually mild. There are a few possible side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, stuffy nose or sore throat. While many people experience no side effects, if you do, they should only last for a day or so. Considering that the flu itself typically lasts for one to two weeks and the symptoms can be severe, the flu shot is a better alternative.

9. The sooner you get the flu shot, the better.

Flu season usually starts sometime in October and can last until May, so it is important to get vaccinated early.

“We used to want to wait until later in the flu season to give the shot, but because it’s so variable, the CDC now recommends that when you’re able to find a flu shot, you go ahead and get the flu shot at that time,” says Dr. DeVeau.

Ideally, the flu shot would take effect right away, but it takes about two weeks for your body’s immune system to create the necessary antibodies to fight off the flu so you’re protected against getting sick.

10. The flu shot helps with herd immunity.

“There’s a concept called herd immunity that refers to populations getting immunizations,” he explains. “If we all get immunizations, of course we can’t spread the virus elsewhere, so we’re all protected from it.”

The flu virus spreads easily – we can contract it when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes and droplets get in our nose or mouth. We can also get the flu by touching something that has the virus germs on it, then touching our eyes, nose or mouth.

“It’s easy to give to other people, and we see people all over the place, so you really are at risk,” says Dr. DeVeau. “The bottom line is definitely get your flu shot. It’s so important not only for yourself, but for the community to get your flu shot and keep us all protected.”

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Flu shots are also available at Piedmont’s urgent care locations, primary care offices and at many pharmacies.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

I don’t tolerate shenanigans of friends

 

“A friend to all is a friend to none.”

—Aristotle

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I WILL flatly say no to anyone involved in illegal activities who will seek my “help.”

What help could I possibly do since I’m a mere journalist? 

I’m not a PAO lawyer; I’m not a spin doctor. I’m not even someone who has the power or position in the higher echelon of government. 

Or someone with extra-ordinary ability to create miracles. 

Some erring individuals who tried to seek my “help” thought I could “reverse” the hellish situation they were in if I would intervene in their cases (read: defend them and vouch for their “good” character and background).

No. Never. That’s impossible. In the first place, I neither have the authority nor the power to intercede on cases I am not familiar with, or those beyond my capacity to intrude.

One of them is a popular woman recently arrested in Metro Manila for wide-scale scam. I met this woman when I was in the Philippines in 2004. 

She was introduced to me by a young lady who is now a congresswoman while I was doing an interview with a very popular national politician, a former political detainee during the Martial Law years, in a famous Iloilo hotel.

The popular politician, who died three years ago, was the woman’s father-in-law.

To make the long story short, we (the woman) became “acquaintances.”

The connection, however, was worthless. She was (once upon a time) a celebrity while I’m a nobody. 

 

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Through an intermediary, she “wanted” me to write something positive about her to extirpate the negative circumstances surrounding her arrest and alleged involvement in the scam. 

Suddenly, I, who is not anymore based in the Philippines, came across her mind—of all people in the world.

Recently, I had four “missed audio calls” from the intermediary. 

I had no reaction; I had no reply. I wouldn’t; I couldn’t. My silence meant no. 

My values and personal philosophy tell me I don’t and cannot waltz with ruffians who willfully and intentionally violate the laws and take advantage of the weaknesses of others, especially the gullible. 

I endorse the heroes and patriots. I praise those who deserve accolades for a job well-done; I salute those who hammer out sterling achievements amid odds and adversity; and those who unselfishly make sacrifices to eke out outstanding services to humanity. 

But not the hooligans, the pagans, the rascals, the bloodsuckers, the twenty percenters, the thugs, the nincompoops, the barbarians, the scoundrels, the mercenaries, and the godless punks. Sorry.

 

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I WILL continue to cover important and major events in the United States as a newsman, but on November 8, 2022, the midterm elections in America, I won’t be able to give my full time—meaning, I won’t be in the polling centers running to and fro to log incoming results like what I did when I covered the 2016 US presidential elections.

Everything is now electronically available. Results of any race—election and sports—can be obtained in seconds. The technology has made everything so easy and accessible; even reporters can have direct access to data base and information made available for public. 

This was my experience when I covered the 2020 US presidential election; I managed to monitor even the “live” debates in my tablets and other gadgets. 

When radio networks in Manila and Western Visayas (Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Negros) sought my help for any “breaking news”, I was quick as a night owl to transmit important facts—because of the power of technology.

At this early, observes think the US midterm election “were long expected to deliver bad news for the Democrats.” 

I have been regularly monitoring the events leading to next month’s election and, routinely, at the half-way mark between presidential elections, voters give the incumbent party a beating. 

Yet, as The Economists recently reported, despite high inflation, and the low approval ratings for President Joseph “Joe” Biden, Jr., this year could bring some cheer for the Democrats. 

“The party has notched up some notable legislative achievements. Although they will expect to lose control of the House, their chances of holding the Senate are improving,” reported The Economist.

“Our model provides an up-to-date statistical forecast of the contest. We'll collect, and regularly update, our midterms coverage here, including reporting on primaries, the most compelling congressional and state-level races, and the personalities involved.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

 

 

We didn’t ask Canada mayor to resign; Remulla will stay

“Journalist: a person without any ideas but with an ability to express them; a writer whose skill is improved by a deadline: the more time he has, the worse he writes.”

—Karl Kraus

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I WAS working as part time journalist in Vancouver, Canada when the scandal involving the foster son of then Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson hit the headlines in December 2011.

The foster son, Jinagh Farrouch Navas-Rivas, 21, was one of five men charged in connection with alleged cocaine trafficking and weapons charges.

But he remained at large together with three others. Only one of the five was in police custody.

I noticed that the press treated the well-mannered Robertson with kid gloves. 

First, nobody had asked him to resign unlike what happened to Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, whose eldest son, Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III, 38, was allegedly caught receiving a parcel that contained over a million pesos worth of marijuana.

Second, nobody had speculated he was coddling the spoiled brat.

Robertson, a very popular politician even in the Filipino-Canadian community, was enjoying a free ride from media pillory.

 

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I was editor of a community newspaper based in Surrey but the publisher wouldn’t dare print anything negative against a “friendly mayor.”

I realized journalism in the Philippines and Canada—in terms of adversarial stance and dust-up vis-à-vis the subjects of news—is oceans apart.

To some gutless journalists, the mayor’s charisma was simply irresistible, enough to exempt him from media criticism.

In the vacuum of critical press, I told myself “I have an important job to do.”

Every Thursday morning (I was a working journalist from Thursday to Sunday and salesman of instant coffee from Monday to Wednesday), I chose as my “hideout” a faraway coffeeshop in Richmond, a city in British Columbia, to write my story about Robertson’s son and why it was “difficult” for authorities to locate him when he was a well-known character.

Can a suspected felon or criminal dodge Canada’s sophisticated radar? 

I felt comfortable and safe in the City of Richmond, known for its Asian influences and is home to the International Buddhist Temple, an elaborate complex resembling Beijing’s Forbidden City.

There, I wrote some of my critical stories about the foster son who became a thorn in Robertson’s family.

Canada papers, as expected, didn’t publish them for reasons I elaborated earlier.

Never mind. I have two blogs; and some news websites and newspapers in California, Illinois, Nevada and Texas in the United States regularly lifted and used my stories from the Philippine News Service (PNS).

I did my job and saw to it my stories were objective and fair; there was no harm whatsoever on the part of Robertson, who never had any hostile reaction to my critical stories. 

I needed to tell my readers what’s going on and how the case against the mayor’s son was treated by authorities—even if it meant a voice in the wilderness.

 

-o0o-

 

Before New Year 2012 or in the last week of December 2021, Robertson finally urged his former foster son to give himself up to police after a warrant was issued for the 21-year-old's arrest on cocaine trafficking and weapons charges.

"I am disappointed to hear that Jinagh is wanted by the Richmond RCMP and I urge him to turn himself in to the police immediately," Robertson said.

Navas-Rivas lived with Robertson and his wife Amy between 2007 and 2009. The couple has three other children.

"My wife and I foster parented Jinagh for two years until 2009. We have always believed that providing support to youth in need is of great importance and that fostering is an important contribution our family can make.

"It was in this spirit that we took in Jinagh to live with us. He has been on his own now since June 2009."

Robertson was vacationing with his family in Hawaii when the hullaballoo erupted.

The charges alleged Navas-Rivas, along with four other men, trafficked cocaine in Richmond and Vancouver and illegally transferred a .22-calibre pistol in New Westminster.

The case of the Remullas is different. First, it happened in the age of social media; thus, the first wave of condemnation came from the unforgiving netizens who called for the father Remulla’s resignation for delicadeza. It didn’t happen. It will not happen.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local papers in Iloilo.—Ed)