GMA is Still Extending Her Term: The Clues

1. Ouster of Speaker Jose de Venecia as Speaker of the House of REpresentatives
2. GMA Allies in the lower house files for charter change
3. Change of the leadership in the Senate, putting an ally of the administration
5. Failure to appropriate enough budget for computerization of the next Presidential election.
6. Creating problems in the agreement between MILF and the government ( although they failed on this area when the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional)
7. Recent personal campaign of the President's son in the lower house gathering signatures to open the issue on charter change.
8. Prayer of her Press Secretary that her term should be extended.
9. Classmates of the President are campaigning for charter change.
10. Putting of allies in the Supreme Court when most of the Justices retire this year.
11. Maintaning close ties with the Generals in the armed forces and extending their term or appointing them to new positions.
12. Change from Prsidential to Parliamentary and Federal form of government.

US is Expecting a New Black President

With only a few time left for John McCain, Barack Obama is enjoying a good lead. Based on the polls conducted by different media, Obama is leading as much as 10% over MaCain which is an indication that he has the clear advantage over his rival. If these survey will not change, there wil be a new black president for the United States of America.

Obama promises that he will again unite the nation. With his platform and program of government we can see that he is getting the support of more US citizens.The first task that he will be facing is on how to solve the financial crisis that is hitting worldwide economies.

With the automated elections in the US, the result of the Presidential Elections is fast. We just hope that the Philippine government will also do the same to avoid cheating and fraud.

The election in the US should be a model for our government. Results of the election is fast, there are only 2 candidates for the Presidency, voters are well informed of their candidates, and computerized elections.

And for Barack Obama, if he wins this contest, Philippines will always feel and will be affected of whatever changes that he will implement in the White House.

103,000 Euros? Where did this came from:

The recent issue that is haunting the PNP is the holding of Russian authorities of Dela Paz, who serve as the disbursing officer of the Philippine delegation to the InterPol General Assembly in Moscow, Russia. There are many criticism why the General is holding such a huge sum of money. There are also some speculations that it may came from PNPs patrons which may came from the illegal gambling and drug syndicates. According to reports, the approved budget is lesser than what was on Dela Paz custody. It also prompted Senator Miriam Santiago to look into this matter and create an inquiry in the Senate. This was also seconded by Senator Panfilo Lacson.

With this huge sum of money given to government officials, we can again think that the peoples taxes are not used properly by the government. With just a handfull delegation, they were given millions of money to spent in other countries while there are so many Filipinos who can't even eat 3 times a day. Government expenditures should be checked carefully by COA and other agencies of the government. In this case NAPOLCOM should check on this matter. They should not let this issue taint their reputation again.

Recent Philippine Headlines and Issues:

Supreme Court Junks the MOA-AD between the government and MILF as contrary to law and unconstitutional.

An ex-cop was held at an airport in Russia for Undeclared sum of MOney. The PNP explained that it was part of the fund used in an international convention in Russia.

An eye witness shows the Commission on HUman Rights a previous militarty camp in Bataan where activists are tortured by the Military. Some bones are unearthed and personal belongings.

Ateneo beats UP in the quality of education and other criteria based on the recent survey. LA Salle and UST were also able to get into top 500 best universities worldwide.

A bettor from Davao won more than 130 million jackpot price from the Lotto draw

Philippines is the least country in Asia that will be affected by the financial crisis worldwide according to a financial organization.

New Security Adviser for President GMA: Another Hot Issue

Political accommodation never ends in the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Even if she only have 2 more years to serve, her allies continue to flock her cabinet and other major position in the government. Althoughthis is a prerogative of the president but the question is, how qualified these people are?

Lets take a look at her new appointee, Former Governor Luis Chavit Singson, an administration candidate for senator who lost in the last senatorial elections, is now the new security adviser. If we will take a look at the credential of Singson, can we say that he is capable of doing his job?

Although I want to discuss more the achievements and issues associated with Singson, I rather not. I don't want to be sued for libel for just commenting on his credibility :-). Anyway, we all know something about the former Governor.

Is this in preparation for the coming 2010 Presidential Elections... hmmmm

Lets wait and see what he can do ...

The MILF in Mindanao: Should We Declare War or Continue the Peace Process

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Peace Negotiations Between MILF and The Philippine Government:

With the recent TRO issued by the Supreme court on the MOA between the MILF and The Philippine Government negotiators more people are asking why the government is so eager in signing the agreement. Although we want to have a continuing peace in Mindanao but most lawmakers feel that the government is after something else. They believe that it is a backdoor for creating a federal government, cha-cha, imposing martial law since it is belive that if the MOA will be signed it will create disputes between Christians and Muslims.

What is your opinion on this issue?

Campaigning for 2010 Elections: Early Moves of Philippine Politicians

What can you say about the strategies being made by politicians running for the 2010 Presidential Elections? Most of these politicians are now doing some media and pr campaign. Although their strategies cant be consiered as electioneering, but their actions are really an example of campaigning for the next elections.

Here are some people who are already busy establishing their ground in the possible position that they are running for in 2010 elections.

Manuel Villar - advertisements on television about helping OFW.

Bayani Fernando - posters all around Metro Manila, the metro gwapo campaign.

Loren Legarda - advertisements/endorsement of products on televisions, and taking part in the negotiation for the release of Ces Drilon.

Ping Lacson - endorsement of a product/billboards

Those people who can sustain the high cost of advertising can really have an extra mileage come the 2010 Presidential elections.

GMA's State Visit to the United States in the Midst of a Tragedy

With the recent visit of the President to the US, there are some opposition from her critics. The most vocal critics of the President said that she should have cancelled her state visit to the US because of the problems that she left in the country. the devastion of typhoon Frank is so vast that hundreds of people died and thousands of families left with no shelter. The estimated damages to infrastructure and agriculture already reach 4.5 billion pesos.

Another issue that the president should handled personally was the tragedy met by MV Princess of the Stars, the biggest ship by the Sulpicio Lines. The total passenger of the ship was 800 plus including the crews. As of this moment, there are only 50 plus who were able to survive from the tragedy. Although rescuers from the PCG and Navy still continue to search for possible survivors but according to them the possibility is very nill. The US already sent their help by sending 2 ships to help in the rescue operations. One of the ship is the US Ronald Reagan, a nuclear powered ship which was criticized by some senators especially Senator Biazon. He questioned the presence of the ship since according to him it violates some of the provisions in the constitution.

The number of fatalities is still increasing as more bodies are recovered from the ship. Some were recovered from nearby islands and some from other provinces including Masbate and Quezon Province. The bodies recovered were now moree than 100.

The main issue is why should the President still continue her state visit to the United States when she is badly needed by her people? Although some people may have the point in bringing up this issue. However, state visits are not that easy to cancel. The use of information technology also helped the President to do her obligations even outside of the country. She conducted several video conferencing with her cabinet secretaries to update her of the situation especially the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy. We can say that all of her cabinets and responsible government agencies are working to solve the problem and issues. At least we know that these government officials are working.


WE just hope that President GMA will bring back home more aid from the US to at least help those provinces hit by the typhoon and the families of the victims of the tragedy.

Typhoon Frank Updates and Destructions

The country was again put into another disaster when Typhoon Frank hit the country leaving so many casualties and destruction to infrastructure and the agriculture sector. Although the typhoon was not the strongest that hit the country but it caused a lot of damages including properties and lives of Filipinos.

The following are some of the facts and statisitics on Typhoon Frank:

Estimated affected individuals and families - 504,711
Total estimated destruction - 4.3 billion pesos
Total Deaths - 300+ and still increasing

Iloilo
Displaced people - 350,000 people
135 of 180 brangays were flooded
Damage to infrastructure - 500 million pesos
163 deaths 128 missing 16 injured

Antique
31 deaths

Eastern Visayas
33 thousands Families displaced

Central MIndanao
20 dead
many villages were flooded

Quezon
2 deaths
320 houses destroyed by a tsunami

Marinduque
3 deaths
500 houses were damage

Cavite
3 coastal towns were flooded

Zambales
2 mountaineers died 1 missing

Pangasinan
179 families were affected

Bulacan
4830 people were evacuated
10 towns, 71 villages were under a 4 ft floodwater

Metro Manila
suspension of all classes
many low lying barangays were submerged to floods

Sinking of MV Princess of the Orient: A ship of Sulpicio Lines
total people onboard the ship - 849
751 passengers
111 crew
20 deaths and still counting as more bodies were found trapped inside the ship
57 survivors... still hoping for more survivors

With these destruction brought by Typhoon Frank... filipinos were again put into another difficult situation. Some analyst said that it may again drive the prices of the basic commodities up including the price of rice.

Abduction of ABS-CBN Crew and Ces Drilon

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

US Politics an example for Philippine Politics

With months of debates and exhausting primaries, nominees for the next presidential elections in the U.S. are now trimmed down to just two contenders. John McCain and Barack Obama stands to be the most strong candidate for the next election for each party, the democrats and republicans.

Here's the latest update of electoral votes for the two presidential nominees. This is quoted from http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/

* Barack Obama - 282
* John McCain - 256

This is a very tight battle for the Presidency comes November. But what is good in U.S. Presidential elections? They only have 2 candidates for Presidency. The voters are guided on who will they choose since this candidates were chosen as the best from a handful of nominees.

Loosing nominees in the U.S. primaries concedes when they are defeated but not in the Philippines. Loosing candidates will always continue to file protests and claims of being cheated is a normal situation.

In the Philippines, anybody could run for President. Even a farmer can file his candidacy. In the Philippines, presidential election is always with nuisance candidates.

When can the Philippines adopt a similar method of choosing candidates for Presidential Elections? The government can save money and resources. Elections will be more organized and hopefully peaceful as what is happening in the U.S. It is a battle of intelligence, capability, and the power to lead.

In the Philippines, it is a battle of money and power.

Philippine Ports: Transhipment of Drugs in Asia?

With the latest apprehension of PASG of a large shipment of first grade shabu in Subic port, it is now alarming that the Philippines may be the transhipment point of syndicates for the trade of illegal drugs. It is also noted by the authorities that the shipments are of first grade shabu that can still be processed to make more of the said drug. The shipments of illegal drugs is also intended for the demand in the Philippines.

The PDEA or Philippine Drug enforcement Agency also appealed on a morning TV program that other government agencies should also police their own ranks because of the possible involvement of their personnel in the shipments of this illegal drugs to the philippines. Since money is involved in this illegal trade, there are people who are tempted to be part of big syndicate which includes foreign nationals mostly Chinese.

Allowing this illegal drugs penetrate the local market is a big problem of the government and of the society. Since it is now the start of the school year, the demand for this drug will increase. It will ruin the life of many youths who are the common victims of this illegal drugs.

Every filipino should be vigilant in helping our government stop this illegal trade. Let us not be complacent on this issue. With so many problems haunting our government and the problem of poverty in the Philippines, illegal use of drugs will make us suffer more.

Control of Meralco Still in the Lopezes

The result of the stockholders meeting yesterday still favored the Lopez family. Although there was tension on the stockholders meeting since the group of Winston Garcia was also there.

The results of the meeting is remarkable since even the small shareholders attended the stockholder's meeting. It seems that every stockholder of Meralco is doing their part in at least solving the crisis in the public utility firm.

Some of the comments from stockholders prove that more are still confident to the existing management. As one of the stockholder said that they dont like Winston Garcia run Meralco. Still the stockholders meeting is a mix of anti and pro Lopez.

The Lopez family also rejected the order of the SEC not to let proxy vote on the said meeting. Gina Lopez said that the decision of the SEC is unfair.

Now that the Lopezes still control Meralco, changes in policies and the rate of services should be taken into consideration. They have to listen to the voices of the people, their clients. Public interest should prevail.

Proposal for Free Text Messages: A Dream

The proposal of the Speaker of the House Prospero Nograles making the text messaging service of the telecommunications firms to make it free is something that the Speaker should think first. This is only a clear politicking. A nonsense proposal?

If you are an intelligent person, making the text messages free to your subscriber would just mean you want to loose income or worst it would lead you to bankcruptcy. The telcos get their bulk of income from this service and making it free would mean a big problem for them. Some of the executives of these telecommunications firms already reacted to this proposal of the Congressman.

If this proposal is insisted by the government just to "help the Filipinos" in their crusade against poverty, I think the government is not thinking intelligently. They will interfere to a purely private business activity. A business entity put up their businesses to gain profit. And asking these business entities to provide their services for free is ridiculous. The country will be loosing investor in this case. Or we can also say that this is a form of harassment to the business sector or maybe this is just another divertionary tactics of the allies of the President.

The intention of some politicians to make text messages for free is a contradiction to their previous proposals wherein they want to include or put a tax on text messaging service. Its confusing.

Should we ask from our lawmakers to just focus on their jobs and stop riding to the issues which sometimes make them funny. Formulate laws that will really help the Filipinos from the crisis that are still plaguing our country.

Why not reduce taxes on Oil?
why not speed up the development of alternative fuels?
Why not stop corruption in the government?
Why not use your pork barrels to more significant projects not just building kiosk, unfinished roads and bridges?
Why not reduce red tape in the government?
Why not implement cost cutting measures to at least they can effectively use the taxes of the people?
Why not reduce the perks and other benefits of high ranking government officials?
why not put competent people that will run the government?
why not lead the people by example?

We have so many questions that our lawmakers and the people in the executive department failed to address. For how long should Filipinos wait for these people to work for the best interest of the country.

I am also in favor of a much lower rates for text messages and in other sevices provided by SMART, GLOBE and Sun Cellular but it should be based on actions and proposals which are not impossible to attain. Just make it lower. Asking them to give it for free is impossible.

Death of RCBC Massacre Suspects is a Rubout?

The employees union and other bank organization claimed that there was something wrong with the latest development on the RCBC massacre. There might be a rubout in the deaths of 3 suspects which a barangay captain is included. Why should the policemen killed these suspects? The victims sustained 5 to 12 gunshot wounds. If these suspects will not be able to talk, they could not anymore give information as to who is the mastermind and other information that will solve the case.

Another development is the possibility that 2 or more police or military officers are involved in the massacre. Although the investigators are not giving complete information on the identity of these suspects. there might be some active or high ranking officers in uniform that may be involve in this case. A really organized syndicate.

I hope the authorities would be able to solve this crime soon. No cover ups, no rub outs. Just do their job - to protect the people.


Update:
The CHR (Commission on Human Rights) made a pronouncement that the deaths of 3 suspects in the RCBC Laguna Massacre is really a rubout. This is based on their envistigation as requested by the relatives and other groups. There is no indication that the suspects attacked the arresting police. Another violation committed by the police is the absence of Warrant of Arrest for the suspects. There is also no clear evidence identifying the suspects to the RCBC bank robbery.

This is again a big question to the integrity of the operation of the PNP or Philippine National Police. It seems that there is a cover up on this case and probably protecting somebody who is in uniform.

Laguna Massacre: The Worst in Philippine History

The country was shocked when 10 people died in a bank robbery in RCBC Laguna a few days ago. The victims were shot point blank according to police reports. It is estimated that the total amount robbed from the bank was around 9- 12 million pesos. The police has some leads on the suspects and are continuing the investigation and pursuit of the suspects.

The reward for the capture of the suspects for RCBC Bank Robbery have already totaled to 2,000,000 pesos. The government already created a task force to facilitate the investigation and the arrest of the suspects.

Another shocking news was the massacre of a family in Hornalan, Calamba. This is another town in Laguna. The lone suspect which according to some witnesses has a grudge on one of the members of the massacred family, used an armalite rifle and made a shooting spree in middle of the night.

The casualties on that massacre includes 4 children and their parents. There are 8 victims who died on the spot and 6 people were wounded. Police had already identified the suspect as Bernabe Fiesta, a caretaker of a farm in the said locality.

This massacre in Laguna is considered as the worst in the history of the Philippines. The Philippine National Police and other government agencies should double their efforts to capture the suspects to these 2 massacres. They should not let these people to do these horrific acts again.

Should the government bring back the death penalty (again) to prevent these kind of acts?

updates:
the police already filed charges to more than 5 suspects on the RCBC Bank Robbery. One of the members of the group who served as the look out is now being considered if he can be a state witness to facilitate the case and the convictions of the suspects. The other suspects in the RCBC massacre are those people who were killed in the previous week, which were alleged to be a rubout.

Passport Scam at DFA: A Billion Peso Scam

There is a one page paid advertisement in Inquirer today exposing the alleged scam at department of Foriegn Affairs. This is about their use of new technology in procesing of Passports. The project, as alleged, is overpriced by at least P50.00 pesos per passport.

The advertisement even included some documents related to the project and documents that even support their allegations. The group behind the expose is the college editors guild of the philippines. The group filed charges to Secretary Romulo and other people involve in the approval of the said project. The project was awarded to a foriegn company and there was no bidding.

If this allegation is true, this would amount to more than a billion peso scam. Since this expose is a paid advertisement, we have to get more information on this. I hope this is not true.

The government is again in the limelight not for good news but for anomalies that President Arroyo would always ignore.

Earthquakes and Storms in Asia:

The recent earthquake that hit China already caused an alarm to other Asian countries. There are already some text messages that the Philippines would be the next one. Although this is not true since earthquakes cant be predicted as to where and when it will occur. The death toll in China is already estimated to reach at least 50 thousand casualties and the number will still rise as there are more bodies found in the hardly hit province of China.

The destruction to Burma of the cyclone a few weeks ago is another issue of how governments would address problems during calamities and other emergencies. the continued reluctance of Burma to accept humanitarian relief from United Nations, U.S. and other countries only adds up to the suffering of its people. Estimated casualties of the storm already hit more than 133,000 deaths including missing persons.

Since these natural calamities can happen to any nation, third world, developing or industrialized countries, governments should have a plan in dealing with these situations. Although the Philippines is frequently hit by these calamities, The country have not yet experienced having casualties similar to these Asian nations. It is still important that safety measures are always there. The Filipinos should be prepared all the times. Government agencies should always on guard on the possibilities that these may happen to our country.

Let us just hope and pray that the Philippines will be spared from these destruction. Its enough that we have dirty politics, poor Filipinos, high inflation and unemployment.

Latest Satisfaction Survey for President GMA

The latest satisfaction survey conducted by Ibon Foundation reveals a very low satisfaction of the Filipinos to the performance of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The result is the lowest rating the President recieved for her years of tenure as the President.

April's results shows a -74 net satisfaction rating which is 10 lower than the previous month. The results showed that 81.67% of respondents said they are unsatisfied, while 7.69% are satisfied.

If we will compare this result to the satisfaction survey conducted by the same organization in April 2004, the President recieves -30 while this year she recieved -70. A big drop on the satisfaction rating.

The net satisfaction rating is the difference between the percentage of satisfied and unsatisfied responses. Ibon Foundation latest survey round was conducted across various sectors nationwide from April 7 to 16 with 1,495 respondents. They used a multi-stage probability sampling scheme with a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.

President GMA's Secret Meeting with ZTE

A new witness interviewed by ABS-CBN presented some photos of the alleged meeting between President GMA and some officials of ZTE Corporation in China. She was with her husband First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

According to former congressman Suplico, if this is really true, the President can be held accountable for the ZTE - NBN Scam. It can be considered a violation of graft and corrupt practices act.

Why meet ZTE official in a secret meeting where you can conduct it in their corporate offices? This would really prove that there is a grand conspiracy in the ZTE-NBN Deal.

I hope those who have the photos or new evidences can really present these evidences in the proper forum. No more politicking. They should not be used by some politicians who also have self-interests.

Again this is a wait and see scenario. Who will take the limelight again. Is it the senate, the lower house, or the activists in the streets ...

What would President GMA do. Deny it or make another issue to divert the attention of public?

Takeover of Meralco: A Political Move

We have seen in the news for the past few days the planned takeover or control of Meralco by the government. Although the President does not directly admit the possible takeover since it is not in accordance with the existing policy of the government which is on privatization.

What is in Meralco that the government is really interested. I really doubt if it is really for the public interest. Why only now. Meralco is charging high on its consumers for so many years but why now? This is a very big question. What is the motive. Should we believe what Mr Lopez have said that the government is just diverting the issues. And they are the victim. It is a fact that the Lopezes are not that close with the present administration.

Another critial issue here is the intervention of GSIS. Garcia wants to have a change in management. He also said that GSIS can purchase the bigger portion of the stocks so that they can already change not just the top management but at the same time the way Meralco is being run. A suggestion that Meralco should be divided into 2 is again a dangerous move. The question is, can GSIS, a financial instituion can run a utility company. Do they have the expertise?

If Meralco is charging above board, there are so many government agencies that should act to make inquiries or investigations but not a takeover.

The issue on the utility rates is a long time issue. Still no concrete actions are taken by the government to at least lower the rates. The EPIRA law and other energy related laws are still there. There are some laws which should be repealed but up to now it is still being implemented.

With the spiraling of gas prices, rice shortage, high ulitility rates, high inflation rates, and poverty, what will happen to us, the filipinos, and the Philippines.

Soaring Prices of Fuels and Food, and 8.3% Inflation: This is the Philippines

With the soaring prices of fuels and food especially rice, what will happen to the Philippines now. An 8.3% inflation rate is an alarming figure. If this will go higher in the succeeding quarters, the Philippines may experience social unrest and riots similar to African nations.

Oil companies are still planning to increase the price of fuels to .50 a liter for the next few weeks. These companies said that they still have to recover at least P4/liter. That would bring the prices of petroleum products to more than P50 pesos a liter.

The failure of the government to import additional rice to support the demands of the Filipinos during lean season is another major concern. Based on some analysts, the price of rice would go as high as P60 per kilo for ordinary rice.


If our government would just lift the VAT(value added tax) on oil, the estimated cut in the price of petroleum products would be P5 pesos per liter. Why is it the government dont want to do this. At least it will have an impact on the prices of our basic commodities.

Again, this is economic development, according to the present administration.

Enterovirus 71 in the Philippines? A threat

A news from one of the TV station yesterday reported about the Enterovirus 71 which now kills more than 20 children and made 1,179 others ill in China. It is already causing an alarm in China.

A report from a website states that the EV71 virus which can cause hand, foot and mouth disease, has appeared before in China but this outbreak was only publicly acknowledged by authorities on lately.The children presented with fever, blisters and ulcers in the mouth, or rashes on the hands and feet resulting in brain, heart and lung damage to some of the victims.

Of the deaths the majority were children under the age of two - another 341 children remain in hospital, 27 of whom are in a critical condition; another 8 are not expected to survive.

Enteroviruses are bad news because there is no vaccine or antiviral agent available to treat or prevent the virus and they spread easily through contact with infected blisters or faeces, causing high fevers, paralysis and swelling of the brain or its lining. Treatment relies on managing these complications, which can include meningitis and heart failure.

Although the Department of Health already assured the Filipinos that the Philippines is still safe from the virus. But still we should be concerned on this since the virus thrives in tropical climate and usually prevalent during summer and rainy season.

Additional information from emedicine.com.

- Enteroviruses belong to the Picornaviridae family of viruses and are further organized into the subgenera polioviruses, coxsackieviruses (groups A and B), and echoviruses.
- Enteroviruses are transmitted predominantly via the fecal/oral route, although respiratory-oral spread and spread by fomites are also possible. Upon entry into the oropharynx, the virus replicates in submucosal tissues of the distal pharynx and alimentary tract. Viral particles are shed in the feces and in upper respiratory secretions for days prior to symptom onset. The average incubation period is 3-10 days, during which the virus migrates to regional lymphoid tissue and replicates. Minor viremia results, which is associated with the onset of symptoms and viral spread to the reticuloendothelial system (spleen, liver, bone marrow). Dissemination to target organs follows, and viral replication in target organs causes major viremia with secondary seeding of the CNS. Target organs include the skin, heart, and CNS.
- Enteroviruses are distributed worldwide and are influenced by season and climate. Infections occur in summer and early fall in temperate areas, while tropical and semitropical areas bear the brunt all year.

Let us all hope that this plague will not cause an outbreak in the philippines. It will just add more problems on our government and to the Filipinos

Philippines Rice Sufficient in 2010?

Todays headlines in the newspapers caught my attention. IRRI assured GMA that the Philippines would be Rice Sufficient comes 2010.

With years of existence of IRRI (International Rice Research Institute)in the Philippines, would you agree that this will materialize in 2010? This is again a strategy of the Arroyo government to ease the Filipino people on the problems of rice crisis in our country today. She's giving us falsehopes, again.

Should we say that IRRI is an ineffective institution in helping the Filipinos solve rice crisis. I do agree that IRRI was able to developed so many varieties and high yeilding rice. They even help other countries in developing and providing them with best variety of palay. But how about the Philippines? We do the research and development but we do not benefit from this.

Or should we blame again the government for failure to address the real problems in the agriculture sector. According to some economists, GMA is unwittingly driving the international prices of rice. Because of our problems here, other Asian countries are now forming rice cartels. We cant even find enough bidders for our rice importation.

How about the current Agriculture Secretary, Arthur Yap? Is he efficient in his job. With months of suffering from high prices of rice, still the agriculture secretary is assuring the Filipinos that there is no crisis. That NFA rice is reaching its intended beneficiaries, the poor. But how about other filipinos, who are not "considered poor" but is also affected by this situation. With so many pronouncement nby the Agriculture Secretary, we can't even feel the effects of his solution to the problems

They have to bear in mind that the Philippines is not a country of poor filipinos only. There are other sectors that should be taken into consideration.

A New Cabinet Revamp by Pres. GMA

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo already confirmed the Cabinet revamp. It was reported that the revamp would take place this week or next week.

The following are the possible new appointees for the cabinet positions:

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro - Department of Justice
DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno - Executive Secretary
Executive Sec. Ermita - Ambassador to Washington

Payback Time for defeated Team Unity Candidates:
Michael Defensor - Press Secretary
Former Sen. Tessie Aquino Oreta - DEpt of Education
Former Sen. Vicente Sotto - Political Adviser
Former Sen. Ralph Recto - Finance Secretary\

Presidential Anti Smuggling Group Chief Antonio Villar - Customs Commisioner
Gariel Claudio - PCSO Chairman


What would be the implication of this revamp? Since the prohibition in the constitution of appointing defeated candidates would already expire, the President can now appoint these defeated candidates in Malacanang.

She would again build a new team. A new group of think tank. Is this a preparation for her extension of office come May 2010? Filipinos should think again and observe.

Headlines for Health Care Scams for US Retirees in the Philippines:

The following are some of the stories and information that are in the headlines of broadsheets in the Philipines. The health benefits and claims of US retirees in the Philippines were used to scam Tricare:

- A federal judge orders an RP firm to pay $100 million for health scam.

- Health Visions Corp. which pleaded guilty has inflated claims by nore than 230%, operated aphony insurance program, billed for medical services never deliveredm and it totaled to almost $100 M from 1998 to 2004.

- Thomas Lutz, Health Vision former President could face up to 5 years in prison plus forfeiture of $910,000 plu $500,000 fines.

- Dr Alberto Marzan, afilipino doctor who played a big role in $100M swindle of the US Military Health Insurance Program recruited dozens of military retirees in the Philippines to falsely claim they and their relatives were confined at his clinic and recieve expensive medical services. He made $1.5M fraudulent claims.

- Health Scam continues in the Philippines according to some US retirees. Some blacklisted clinics just change their names and some clinics in Olongapo City still continue to overprice their services.

- Some beneficiaries already reported this scheme to Tricare but still the scam continues.

- Tricare spokesperson, Austin Camacho said the program had already adopted new controls to combat fraud in the Philippines. In 2001 to 2007, they refused to pay $288 M in fraudulent or excessive claims.

Again the Philippines is in the spotlight with this news. When can we stop hearing news of scams from the Philippines.

GMO Rice is being sold in the Philippines.

What is GMR

GMR is genetically modified rice. It is developed through the use of gene technology, a process where the genes of the rice variety is altered to increase yield, nutritional value, or its resiliency.

Examples of these GMR are the Liberty Link Variety (LL601) and the Golden Rice Variety. LL601 is genetically altered to survive the powerful herbicide glufosinate while the Golden Rice Variety with turned off genes that lead to the production and accumulation of beta-carotene in the grains. It is recognizable thru its yellow to orange color.

These GMR have not been subjected to rigorous testing. Some of the noted effects of genetically manipulations in rice and other foods is it may produce allergens and cause allergic reactions.

GMO is being sold in the Philippines.

According to Greenpeace, the government imported rice contaminated with an unauthorized genetically modified organism or (GMO rice LL601) has already reached the tables of the Filipino households. It was the Blue Ribbon Texas long grain which is tested positive for GMO rice strain LL601 from Texas and Arkansas, USA. It is the 44,000 MT of long grains rice imported from the US. Although, the National Food Authority or NFA already cleared the rice shipment and denied that it was contaminated with GMO. This rice variety is sold at the public markets at P25.00 per kilo.

Another Broadband Scandal at NTC!

Neal Cruz wrote in his column, As I See It, (Inquirer) that the NTC secretly allocated Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) frequencies to a bankrupt company, Liberty Network Inc. (LBNI). Court records shows that LBNI currently has no financial capacity to provide the service. LBNI has since effectively ceased operations. According to Cruz, NTC conducted the allocation of frequency without any hearing and publication and service of notice as required by law and NTC Rules.

Again the question here is how much. Is it worth a million or billion of pesos.

The Congress Vows to Pass 17 Food Bills to Address Food Shortage?

As usual our congress is again late in taking necessary action to avert the effects of food crisis in the philippines. With so much politicking, they were caught unguarded on what to do to protect food security. They allocated much of their time doing investigations such as the ZTE Deal but forgot to address a much bigger problem that our country is facing right now.

Even if they pass these 17 bills, it would be too late.. Millions of Filipinos are now suffering from the food crisis. If these politicians would only experience falling in line for a 1 kilo NFA rice and suffer from the long ques and scourging heat of the sun, they would probably act earlier. Anyway these politicians are eating 3 complete meals a day, why bother for others.

What are these Food related Bills?

- Affordable Quality Medicine Act
- Income Tax Exemption for Minimum Wage Earners
- Credit Information System
- Personal Equity Retirement Account
- Amendments to the Customs Brokers Act
- Strict Regualation and Stiffer Penalties for Illegal Importation
- Manufacture and Disposition of Explosives
- Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act
- Renewable energy
- National Tourism Policy
- Amnesty Proclamation
- Extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian reform program
- Consumer Protection
- Amendments to the Ombudsman Act
- Anti Smuggling Act
- Witness protection
- Fire Protection Modernization
- Magna Carta for Women

It will be a long way to go for these bills. It will take months and even years before it will be approved. What will happen to the poor filipinos.

Suffer...

Who is to Blame for the Rice Shortage in the Philippines

Who is to blame for the rice shortage in the Philippines?

the Traders?
the Government?

Pointing of fingers to who is to blame for this problem continues. The rice traders accuses the government for harassment. Raids conducted on their warehouses seems to b a form of harassment according to some rice millers. It is of course normal for this businessmen to store stocks of palay or rice for the lean season. But how can we determine if what they are doing is not a form of rice hoarding? What is the guideline of our government agencies especially the NFA and DA in determining that a particualr trader is committing an illegal act? If they will prevent these traders to at least maintain an inventory for the lean season, we will be suffering a bigger problem. There will be scarcity of this item comes the lean season.

As a result of this fear by rice traders that they will be accused of hoarding, some already stop buying palay from the farmers just like what happened in Nueva Ecija and other neighboring provinces. There are some farmers who are already complaining that their produce are already affected because some rice traders would not buy their harvest. Again who is the losser in this situation. The Poor farmers, the masa.

I hope the government can think of a better solution to solve this crisis. Most of our government official would always assure the public that the price of rice would become stable. But when?

Still the government should be blamed for this rice shortage in our country. It should not be the traders, it should not be the farmers and it should be the people who are relying on this commodity as their staple food.

Rice Shortage in the Philippines

The government keeps on telling the filipino people that there is no rice shortage. That there is no problem with the current inventory of rice in the country. That it can still feed millions of filipinos for several months. That they are doing something to solve this problem. That they are giving millions of fund to help farmers.

Do we have to believe them? If there is no rice shortage, why is it that a kilo of rice now would cost a consumer as high as P60/kilo. And there are hundreds of poor filipino families staying under the scourge of the heat of summer just to be able to get a kilo or 3 kilos of rice. They have to wait for hours before they can purchase NFA rice.

The government shell out fund to solve this situation. They give millions of pesos to the Agriculture department to support farmers through farm inputs and technical support. The government of President MaCaPaGal ARRoyo is too late the hero in confronting this problem. Can this fund generate an automatic supply of rice?

It seems that the think tank of the president is not doing their jobs effectively. Maybe they are just busy looking for new sources of "kickbacks". Anyway, they are not feeling this situation. Only poor filipinos. Our government officials can still eat three complete meals a day. The poor filipino would just be contented with a kilo of NFA rice to feed his family.

Government official would also say that the shortage is due to the rice cartel and hoarders. This would just imply that they are not doing their jobs. Why let this cartels exists if you know that they are doing illegal acts?

updates:
Some facts and causes why there is a rice shortage in the Philippines:
1. Department of Agriculture recieves an average of 2% of annual budget for the past 6 years.
2. NFA failed to purchase at least 10% of harvest every year that would at least influence pricing movements. NFA only purchase a total of 1% every harvest season.
The Philippines consumes about 33,000 tons a day. We import as much as 2.2 million MT a year.
3. Rice accounts for 25% of the food expenses of the poorest of the poor which consist 30% of the Filipino population.
4. Corruption. Rice importation is a very good business for some people who are connected with the concerned agencies.
5. Poor support of the government to agricultural development.

updates:
A 58 year old man from Cagayan de Oro died of heathstroke because of long queues from an NFA rolling store in one of the Public markets in the said province. He started waiting to be served from 9 am to 1 pm. After going home, the man collapsed. He was still brought to the hospital but after a few days he died. According to the doctors it was heathstroke. Its now a common scenario in the public markets to see the long pile of poor filipinos trying to at least get 2 to 3 kilos of rice. This may get worst if the rice shortage in the Philippines will not be addressed by the government.

update:
GMO(Genetically Modified Organism) rice is being sold in the Philippines

Conspiracy Theories: The Malacanang Strategy in 2010

I have read this nice article from a blog:

If I were Gloria, and I wanted to hold on to power absolutely until 2010 and shield me from the suits that will come my way in 2010, . . .

1. I would appoint Mercy Gutierrez, the gatekeeper, to the Supreme Court anytime before 2010 and appoint another equally loyal and inept classmate/friend/crony to be Ombudsman in her place; that way, I would have another vote in the Supreme Court and an Ombudsman with a 7-year term that would last beyond 2010.

2. I would do everything to cure/heal Cory Aquino of her cancer because I do not need another loooooong funeral march, in the event that Cory Aquino passes away, and I do not need another martyr that would create another genuine EDSA.

3. I would find a way to convince Chief Justice Reynato Puno to step down before May 2010--through gentle reminders, if possible, but through forceful assertion, if gentle reminders do not succeeed--and then bypass Tony Carpio, who would be the most senior Associate Justice by 2010. That way, the entire Court would be Gloria's.

4. I would make sure that the Opposition would be hopelessly divided by allowing Erap to run for President, before going to the Supreme Court to question his entitlement on the ground that the pardon extended to him is conditional and that the condition is that he does not run for election ever again. Before that, I would make sure that none of those seeking election as President would ever be united--by enticing JDV to run as President perhaps.

5. I would keep Dinky Soliman and her singing of "If we hold on together" as far away from my cabinet as possible.

6. I would make sure that I have another Arroyo in Congress, but this time in the Senate; Luli, are you there?

For more articles you can visit the site:

THE GRAND MANNER: Conspiracy theories and others

News on the Swine Scam at Quedancor

This is a news report from GMA News for the latest scam at Quedancor.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Formulation of Local Laws: The Legazpi City's Ordinance

I just would like to tackle for moment the issues of formulating and implementing local laws in Legazpi City, Albay. It seems that those people in the local government is using their power to impose laws which are considered onerous and unjust. The controversy came from the ordinance passed by the city government imposing a fine or penalty for owners of motorcycle who are not wearing the "prescribed helmet". A fine or penalty of P1000 for first offense and up to P3000 for succeeding offenses plus imprisonment. The funny thing about this is the content of the ordinance which requires the motorcycle riders to wear half-faced helmet which according to experts is posing a greater risk to the rider than using the full faced helmet.

Im just wondering why this local offical formulated such an ordinance. Actually we already have existing laws on wearing helmets for motorsycle riders.A friend told me that the reson behind this ordinance is the inability of the city government to fund the PSPO (Public Safety Personnel) of the city. To let tthis office contnue its ineffective service to the people, (yes, ineffective)they to look for other sources of funds. and unfortunately this ordinace came out.

Why do I say that PS Office is ineffective? Everybody knows it. If you are a resident of Legazpi City, you will definitely agree with me. They are not even effective in controlling traffic. ( An example of this is the intersection near Aquinas University). And where can you find these Public Safety Officers? Dont look farther. You can find them sitting at waiting sheds during rush hours. What do they do to jeepneey drivers loading and unloading passengers on undesignated areas.

Why continue to compensate these people if they are not doing thier functions properly. And now that the ordinance is in full implementation. They are there busy finding their PREY. The helpless motorists. For every P1000 fine that they will be able to generate, almost half will be given to them as incentives. Just imagine if they can apprehend at least twenty people a day. Wow, they will be earning more than a manager or an executive is earning a day. Indeed this is a very good source of income. Im sure there are a lot of people here who would want to become a Public Safety Officer.

I know some people in the council. Some are lawyers. I would like to ask them these questions if they still know these terms. What is just and unjust and onerous? What do we mean by welfare of the people. Do you think that imposing this ordinance would prevent crimes? If your people are not doing their jobs efficiently, can we prevent crimes? Why should people shoulder the burden of funding the expenses of the local government?

Maybe its time for every Bicolano or Legazpeño to let your voices be heard. Maybe its time for us to look at these people in the LGU. Who are them? What are the things that they are doing? Maybe we have chosen the wrong people.

The Mother of All Scams: Swine Scam at Quedancor

This is very alarming.It involves billions of pesos. The funds cant be traced anymore where and when it was used or distributed to its beneficiaries. If this is true, we can say that this is the mother of all scams in the Philippines. Quedancor has yet to give their side on this issue. Moreover, the head of this GOCC cant be contacted for comments.

Although I have little information on this issue, other bloggers or readers may give some inputs on this. If you have some information on this scam, feel free to share or make a comment on this blog.

Supreme Court's Decision on Neri

The senators are up in arms with the latest decision of the supreme court about the issue of executive previlege envoked by Neri during the Senate investigation on NBN-ZTE Deal Scandal. The Supreme Court voted 9 - 6 in favor of Secretary Neri. Can these senators do something to compel Neri to take the witness stand again?

This can be considered a great victory of Malacañang against its political opponents. At least the President can take a rest and probably stop worrying for a moment. This would at least stop the pressure on his cabinet secratary in divulging to the senate inquiry what he really knows about the ZTE-NBN Deal.

And of course Sec. Neri is lucky to have the Supreme Court's decision to favor him. We just hope that the supreme court justices dicided based on law not based on affiliation. Like for example the newly appointed justice who favored with the decision.

New Witness on NBN-ZTE Deal

Senator Panfilo Lacson will present today another witness on the very controvertial NBN-ZTE Deal. What would be new testimony of this new witness. Would it make another Big Impact or just another comic and another witness that will make the investigation confusing. Lets wait today...

Government of the Philippines: Government of Greed?

The recent development on the testimony of Jun Lozada makes the Filipino think what is happening to the entire political system of the Philippines. It seems we are going back to the regime of the late Ferdinand Marcos. We never learned our lessons from the past. We allow these government officials to amaze wealth thru illegal acts.

From the testimony of Lozada, the kickbacks is normal in the procurement system of the government. Moderation of GREED. This should be thought in schools. What is greed? It seems that the word ETHICAL, LEGAL, FAIR, HONESTY,JUST are not in the vocabulary of our government officials. I think we have to teach them the basics. Send them to a bible study. Let them undergo a refresher course on good governance and ethics. Or maybe let them see a priest and ask for guidance.

For cabinet officials. think, think about the future of the filipino people. Reform now. Instead of thinking on how to get millions of kickbacks from government projects, just think of the millions of filipinos who are jobless, who are homeless, who cant afford to eat at least 3 times a day.

This is a call for everyone in the government.... the timeis now!

New House Speaker: Coup de etat in the House

The House of Representatives of the Philippines have installed a new speaker. The positions in the congress is really a numbers game. It does not matter who is a better servant but it matters who have the numbers.

For more information and updates:

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/79267/Mindanao-lawmaker-Nograles-is-new-Speaker

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080205-116846/De_Venecia_ousted,_Nograles_is_Speaker

This is philippine politics.

The ZTE Deal and Other Scam Deals: The Philippines setting

When can we end up this story on the ZTE scandal. Its been month now but still there is no final conclusion on the issue. Who are the people that should be held responsible for this contract which is considered onerous.

The senate is more concerned on politicking. I hope they will not use that for their own benefits. They should think what they could give to the filipino people. Public service.

Why is it that they could not get Secretary Neri and his unofficial adviser on the contract. It seems that the senate is powerless. Where is the checks and balance between the three branches of our government.

No doubt, the Philippines is still one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The authorities are only after the small ones, where are the big fishes? Like Bolante, Abalos, First Gentleman, Neri, Tesda Director? and others....

United Opposition?

Election 2010 is not far and Philippine politics is now on go again.The qustion is who will dominated in the 2010 Presidential elections. With so many politicians interested in the position, can we choose the right one?

Here are the short list of possible candidates:

Mar Roxas
Manny Villar
Loren Legarda
Francis Escudero
Panfilo Lacson
Richard Gordon
Noli de Castro
Bayani Fernando
Gilbert Teodoro
Joseph Estrada

Anyone in the list will again make the history in the philippine politics.