Baseline Bill Gave up Philippine Territories; Shows Weak Government

The recent approval of the bicameral committee on the Philippine Baseline Bill show how weak the Philippines is. Most of the critics of the approved bill says that the terms in the bill excluded the Kalayaan Group of Islands and the Scarborough Shoal. These islands are long been disputed by several countries which includes China, Vietnam and other Asian countries.

After the approval it was reported that the Philippine consul in China was requested by the Chinese government to explain on the issue. Some lawmakers says that China is starting to bully the Philippines on this issue. It is giving too much pressure on the current administration specially that the Chinese government has given loans and other investment to the country.

It is also a fact that China is much more powerful than our country when it comes to military and other resources. This is one of the reasons why the congress gave up these territories and did not include them as part of the Philippine Islands.

Kalayaan Group of Islands and the Scarborough Shoal is noted for its rich mineral deposits and still abundant in marine resources. Giving up this islands would also mean that the Philippines will be giving away resources which can be a great source of income in the future.

Legal experts are questioning the passage of the bill specially its constitutionality. Some lawyers says that the bill is not in accordance with the provisions in the treaty made under the Spanish government and the US when it acquires the Philippines under the previous regime.

Some lawmakers who failed to block the Baseline Bill were also planning to file cases in the Supreme Court once the Bill is signed into law by the current President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Congress expedited the passage of the bill to meet the deadline set by the UN. Proponents are confident that what they have done is constitutional and it will benefit the country.

World Bank Report on Rigged Biddings; the President's Husband Participation

Here's in an excerpt of the World Bank report on the result of their investigation on the philippine projects with anomalies. As already reported in newspapers and TV's, the name of the First Gentleman is again included in the report including the name of the late former Sen. Barbers.

This report was provided by Senator Lacson to the media and for some who missed the details you can download or view this report. This is said to be an original copy of the World Bank report.

Mike Arroyo denies all the allegations contained in this report. He even told reporters that his enemies would try to kill him by including his name in every controversy that is being faced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration.


http://media.inquirer.net/inquirer/media/WB-report-on-rigged-bidding.pdf

Merging of Lakas and Kampi: Far from Reality

The efforts of some Kampi official to merge with Lakas is far from reality. Although they have agreed on some issues but again when it comes to political agenda, they have different objectives. Another issue raised by Lakas officials is to make them the dominant party in the merging and Kampi will just be part of the minority.

One obvious reason why Lakas is not letting go of Kampi as an ally is the resource and machinery they can provide. Although Kampi officials are trying to get more support from other Lakas members specially in the local politics. Shifting of political affiliations will not be surprising specially if there will be some promises given as what was made before. In the philippine politics, our politicians will only shift allegiance if they can get something in return. If Kampi will give what they want, maybe they will get the majority in the coalition. Again this would mean a lot of money.

Another problem with the merging is in the local level where there are aspiring candidates for both party. It already happened last election where both Kampi and Lakas have their own candidates in the local level which caused some problems in the coalition. although they were able to surpass this issues but this coming election in 2010, it is expected that more cases will be occurring. This will test how strong the coalition is.

As of this moment, no one can tell if the merging will take place, would it be sooner? or it will just be a dream of Kampi.