pulsong acilista

KAPATIRAN

2006-05-11T12:50:00.000+08:00

We would like to invite everyone to join the Sanggunian in partnership with PugadLawin for two prayerful mobilizations against the current charter change initiatives and for electoral reform on May 12 and May 13.

On Saturday, May 13, we will be joining a prayer-based activityinitiated by KAPATIRAN, led by Nandy Pacheco and participated in by other groups from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Meditation Circle of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Assembly will be at 4 pm at XAVIER HALL and we will have a motorcade to the Quezon Memorial Circle. Please wear white.

On Friday, May 12, we will have our own candle-lighting and prayer-basedactivity from 5:30 pm to 8 pm between gates 2 and 3 We will begin with a mass/ prayer activity and proceed to candle-lighting along Katipunan. Mass Celebrant: Fr. Jonjee Sumpaico, S.J.

No to current cha-cha initiatives!
Yes to electoral reform!
Yes to genuine democracy!

---Please email ldelacruz@ateneo.edu if you need transportation or can bring transportation on May 13 .The advocacy of both activities are limited to opposition to current charter change initiatives and support for electoral reform. On May 13, advocacy paraphernalia will be limited to those attached to cars. None will be allowed during the activity itself.

***This email service is brought to you by the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Ateneo de Manila. For inquiries, suggestions and reactions, email us at sanggu_board@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Preliminary guidelines for the present situation of "national emergency"

2006-02-28T23:38:00.000+08:00

TO THE WHOLE PROVINCE

RE: Preliminary guidelines for the present situation of "national emergency"

In view of the confusing reports regarding the present situation, and the many calls on Jesuits, lay partners and Jesuit institutions to support various movements, I wish to share with the Province some information on our present situation and some responses for your discernment and guidance. As with the earlier Guidelines from the Province Commission on the Social Apostolate, these considerations are the fruit of discussion and discernment, understandably hurried given our circumstances, of an adhoc Province Committee on Crisis Response.

At a time when things remain fluid and unstable, these guidelines are presented, not as a total and final response to the situation and the problems of political legitimacy and reform, but as an initial response to very immediate concerns and questions. Moreover, they are offered for consideration and discernment, rather than as "positions" all are required to adhere to. Those who, after prayer and reflection, find that they can, in conscience, hold these positions, may share what is contained with others, who seek guidance in a time of confusion and heightened emotional responses.

Let us continue to beseech our gracious Lord for the light, courage and hope we need as we face these challenging times in our country's history.

Sincerely in our Lord,

DANIEL PATRICK L. HUANG, S.J.
Provincial

Preliminary Guidelines for the Present Situation of "National Emergency"

A. The Situation:

There seem to be groups in the military who have seriously been engaged in attempts to seize state power. Part of the impetus for these coup plots appears to be legitimate grievances concerning the present state of the military under the present administration. But it does not seem that the ventilation of these grievances is the only agenda of the present movements among these groups. There also appears to be a genuine intent to take political control of the country. Transitional juntas, with civilians participating, appear to be envisioned. Some civilians, chiefly politicians and organized political groups, seem to know about these plans. Some, convinced that all constitutional means to oust the present administration have been exhausted, support these attempts.

There appears to be a crucial difference between the events of EDSA 1986 and the present. EDSA was a civilian-led initiative against dictatorship that received support from the military. What we are witnessing these days is quite different: a military-led effort seeking civilian support and legitimation.

The response of the government is the declaration of a state of National Emergency, through Proclamation No. 1017. The column of Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J., in today's Philippines Daily Inquirer, explains the constitutional basis for and scope of emergency powers in the Proclamation. But Fr. Bernas also points to the disturbing inclusion of what seem to be martial law powers in the President's declaration, particularly in its appeal to Article XII, Section 17 of the Constitution, concerning the temporary takeover of privately owned businesses and utilities, a move that seems aimed at government control of the press and media.

B. Some Guidelines:

1. The crisis of political legitimacy and the crying need for reform of the military are real. Nonetheless, any attempt by factions in the military to seize state power, however well motivated, cannot be supported. Such attempts overstep the noble task of the military in a democracy. The consequences of such actions that threaten civilian supremacy over the military will be extremely difficult to reverse and would be seriously harmful for the country's future. The experience of countries in which a politicized military has taken state power—what we often refer to as "banana republics"—gives sobering illustrations of these consequences. Once having captured the state, military forces have not given up power easily. A cycle of constant struggles for state control among military elements begins, to the detriment of political stability, democratic freedoms and national development.

Democracy demands the rule of civilians who are legitimately chosen from and by the people, and not simply kept in power by military might. It is important to recall the principle articulated by the CBCP in its pastoral statement of January 2006: actions that "condone violence or counter-constitutional means in resolving our present crisis" are not acceptable, especially since they "would only bring about new forms of injustice, hardships, and greater harm in the future."

2. The serious threat to democratic freedoms involved in Proclamation No. 1017 should be exposed, questioned, and resisted. Even constitutionally mandated emergency powers can be abused if they are exercised disproportionately, to the point of undermining basic rights. It is alarming that, even now, there seem to be indications of this abuse, such as the arrest of civilians without clear bases and charges. This is a serious and unacceptable violation of civil and political rights.

Furthermore, the present administration's actions towards controlling the media must be resisted. Not only are these moves of questionable constitutionality, but state takeover of media seems morally unjustified, as such a measure would violate the freedom of __expression which is a fundamental tenet of democracy.

3. We must not be naïve and uncritical. Many groups have taken and will continue to take advantage of the present confusion. We, especially religious and Church groups, must be wary about which groups we identify with, lest we indirectly legitimate and support antidemocratic groups with vested interests. The question of the future governance of the country, should the present administration collapse, is not a matter of indifference, but a serious moral consideration. Who assumes power, with what mandate and what agenda, are questions that we must seek answers to from those who would solicit our support.

4. The present administration's actions to frustrate legitimate constitutional means of reform and accountability must be held largely responsible for the present crisis. Government's constant attempts to evade accountability and true reform have made the military solution seem attractive and inevitable to some.

Thus, it is necessary that the following be addressed with greater urgency: the search for truth on the many controversies of the recent past; the revamp of COMELEC and other necessary electoral reforms; reforms in the military; and the continuing search for solutions to the problems of poverty and inequality that beset most of our people.

C. Some Immediate Courses of Action:

In this situation, the following are appropriate immediate courses of action:
· Gatherings of prayer for peace and a non-violent resolution of the crisis;
· Gatherings to exchange reliable information, and to discern collectively in the light of emerging developments;
· Expressions and actions of protest against the curtailments of democratic freedoms in Proclamation No. 1017.

A Call to Commit to the Spirit of EDSA 1

2006-02-28T23:34:00.000+08:00

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of EDSA 1, we recall how we, as one nation, held our heads up high before the rest of the world with the clear message that a revolution need not be violent. And proud we were when many nations followed suit, guided by the principles and values upheld at the very first EDSA Revolution.

Ironically, in these times of socio-political unrest and uncertainty, the spirit of EDSA 1 is threatened by dark forces demanding a swift resolution to the national crisis. It is this context that we at SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN, call on the Filipino people to renew their commitment to the spirit of active non-violence that guided the very first EDSA Revolution.

We particularly uphold the following:

That we go through this crisis within the parameters set by our constitution. We reject the unconstitutional acts of military adventurist and other parties seeking to overthrow the government through violence.

That we vigorously and conscientiously pursue the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to search for the truth. We call on the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government to lead the nation in this search by exhausting all constitutional alternatives in an impartial and expeditious manner. We entreat our leaders to open more avenues for the peaceful resolution of the national crisis instead of shutting off all constitutional options we can take.

The spirit of the times denies us the peace and unity we have always yearned for. There are no easy solutions to our predicament. But we are not about to give up as a nation. We continue to pursue the elusive truth because we believe that the Spirit of EDSA 1 can be and should be the spirit of the times.

As we re-live the spirit of EDSA 1, let us rekindle our commitment to social change and renewal through active non-violence. We invite everyone to join our celebration of the spirit of EDSA 1 entitled EDSAna Ngayon at the San Jose Seminary covered court at 6 PM today February 24, the eve of the EDSA 1 Anniversary.

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
Maki-alam. Manalangin. Manindigan.

Nasyonalismo at Totoo

2005-12-13T01:53:00.000+08:00

Kamakailan lamang nailipat sa distrikto ng Cebu ang kaso sa pagpaslang kay Marlene Esperat. Isa siyang mamahayag, na pinaslang sa harapan ng kanyang anak habang sila ay nagkakainan sa isang Banal na Huwebes, isang taon na ang nakalilipas sa isang maliit na bayan sa Sultan Kudarat. Magigimbal ka, hindi lamang sa kung paano siya pinaslang. Mas magigimbal ka kung bakit siya pinaslang.

Marami kasing nalalaman si Marlene, ayon kay Padre Bert Alejo, SJ, ukol sa katiwalian sa Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, kung saan ang mga punong opisyal sa ikalabindalawang rehiyon ay sangkot sa mga maanumalyang kontrata ng mga pataba ng pananim. Milyun-milyung piso ang nilustay ng mga opisyal, nabuko ni Marlene, pinagbantaang papatayin kung sakali mang isiwalat, at nang isiniwalat nga, inunahan na siya ng isang bala sa pagitan ng kanyang mga mata.

Pinatay si Marlene Esperat. Hindi siya nagpakamatay para sa pataba ng pananim.

Habang dito sa Maynila, abalang-abala ang karamihan sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na buhay, ang mga taong matapos marinig ang balita at nagulat pansamantala, nagkibit-balikat at muling tumuloy sa pang-araw-araw nilang buhay. At sa Ateneo naman, abalang-abala ang karamihan sa pamomroblema kung paano makabibili ng panibagong selpon, panibagong kotse, panibagong luho. May nakarinig kaya ng balita? Siguro. Pero kung meron man, nagkibit-balikat din at muling nagtungo sa kanyang sariling paninibugho sa kanyang luho.

Tutal nasa Sultan Kudarat naman nangyari. Ang layo sa kalingkingan ng Maynila.

Pinatay si Marlene Esperat. Hindi siya nagpakamatay para sa pataba ng pananim.

Magkano nga ba ang halaga ng estudyante ng Ateneo de Manila University matapos nitong grumadweyt? Kung kukuwentahin, marahil aabot sa 450,000 pesos, wala pa ang mga "extra" tulad ng baon, pangkrudo, pang-shopping, at pang-load. At dahil mula sa isang prestihiyosong unibersidad ang nagtapos, kailangang sa isang prestihiyosong larangan ang papasukin, kukunin ang pinakatuktok na posisyon masabi lamang na ako ay matagumpay na. At dahil sa ginastos nilang 450,000 (kung tutuusin, hindi naman sila ang gumastos, hindi ba?), kailangang nilang bawiin ito. Sa pinakamabilis na paraan (ito siguro ang nakakabato sa oras na kinalalagyan natin: kung kailan mabilis ang daloy, hindi pa rin tayo kuntento). Absurdo ba?

At hindi lang iyan. Nag-aral ng kung anu-anong teolohiya, pilosopiya, at tsetseburetseng tinatawag na "pang-akademiko" lamang ang Atenista. Ipinagmamayabang niya sa mundo na edukado siya, at mas nararapat siyang mabuhay dahil sa angking prestiyoso niya. Maalala ko nga: si Emilio Advincula, yung nagsauli ng pera at alahas sa isang kapwa Pinay, di hamak na taxi driver at walang college degree mula sa Ateneo, Harvard, Oxford o Brent. Pero alam niya na kahit maysakit ang anak niya, at kailangang-kailangan niya ng pera, isinauli pa rin nya. Yung dyanitor sa NAIA, na nakadampot ng mga dolyar, passport, at alahas habang naglilinis sa isang terminal, gradweyt rin kaya ng Ateneo?

At ang Atenista --- andoon sa mataas na posisyon ng isang kumpanya o korporasyon o sa Malacanang. Laging sikat --- kasi iba't ibang bintang ang ibinabato sa kanya. Laging nasa dyaryo --- binabatikos ng mga sikat na mamahayag na kung minsa'y nagdadalawang-isip na para sa kanilang mga buhay. Laging nasa telebisyon --- kasi ang pangalan niya ay nasa mga plakard na nagbabadya ng kanyang pag-alis sa puwesto.

Mas prestihiyoso? Mas matagumpay? Saan nagkulang ang Ateneo sa paghubog ng mga tinaguriang "lider ng bukas" o yung nakabibinging "kabataang pag-asa ng bukas"?

Si Marlene Esperat ay hindi namatay dahil pataba ng pananim. Namatay siya dahil malakas ang loob niyang magsabi ng hindi kayang sabihin ng karamihan sa mga Pilipino ngayon, lalo na ng mga Atenista.

Katotohanan. Ang pagbigkas sa totoo ay hindi tulad ng pagbukas ng bibig at lalabas ang tinig na nagsasabing "totoo". Ang pagbigkas sa talagang totoo ay ang pagsasabuhay sa talagang totoo, sa talagang mabuti. At dahil sa katotohanan marami ang hindi matanggap na ang mga bagay na totoo ay talagang totoo. Tulad ng mga opisyal ng DAR na hindi matanggap na sila nga ay mga magnanakaw ng pataba ng pananim. Tulad ng mga huwes na gustong ipawalang-bisa ang kaso ni Marlene dahil sa "kakulangan ng ebidensya" kahit na nasa ilalim na ng kanilang mga ilong ang ebidensyang hinahanap nila. Tulad ng mga testigong kunwari wala silang nakita noong gabing pinaslang si Marlene kahit alam nilang ang pagiging testigo ay para sa ikabubuti ito ng mga anak ni Marlene.

At hindi nagwawakas sa iisang lugar ang katotohanan. Kung sa philo at theo pinag-uusapan kadalasan ang katotohanan, ngayon siguro mas nararapat na sabihing hindi sa paaralan nagtatapos ang pag-unawa sa at pagsabi ng totoo. At mas lalong makabubuting unawain na hindi tayo nag-iisa sa mundo, sa ating kinagagalawan. Kung kaya't ang ating pagsabi ng totoo ay bumabanat hangga't sa kaya nitong ibanat, sa lahat ng tao, nasa Sultan Kudarat man o sa kapitbahay , sa katabi mong kaklase o sa Zimbabwe, may pakialam ka, dahil sa tao ka.

At kung kinakailangan mong humarap sa bala para ipagtanggol ang katotohanan, bakit hindi? Hindi ba't, ika nga ni Ninoy Aquino, ang Pilipino ay karapat-dapat na pag-alayan ng buhay?

Nanlulumo lamang ako dahil sa hindi ko natapos ang isa sa mga makabuluhang seminar ng pagka-estudyante ko, pero mula sa mga salitang narinig ko, sapat na ito para mayanig ako na hindi tayo nag-iisa, at mas lalong hindi kailangang mangamba. Katoto-hanan. Magkaibigan sa pagsabi ng tunay na totoo.

ni Nicolo Paolo P. Ludovice
San Mateo Center Head

Reflections on the Call to Heroic Citizenship

2005-12-10T12:19:00.000+08:00

Last December 05, 2005, Father Bert Alejo, SJ gave a talk entitled "Enjoying Good Schools, Enduring Bad Governance." The topic of the talk was corruption. In the context of the institution of higher education, a liberal education and Christian values formation, the talk (subtitled: Call to Heroic Citizenship) aimed to challenge the perspective of the "helpless" and "apathetic" Atenean and served as a call to action.

Two catechists, Cheenee Otarra and Bodi Yuhico, from the ESCOPA center wrote their reflections:

Reflections by Cheenee Otarra

"How dare you?!"

How could other people have the guts to deceive others? How could other people be so attracted to money that they are actually willing to allow those who are less fortunate than them to suffer worse? How dare they? Father Bert had a lot of stories during the Ed Session. He was mainly
talking about the good education that the schools here in the Philippines are offering their students and the ironically bad government we have; and his stories really made me doubt the capability of human beings to make intelligent decisions when they are said to be created in the
image and likeness of God and they have been given the free will to make choices. His stories also made me wonder if the Philippines still is a Catholic country because it is also the second or third most corrupt in Asia! His stories also made me ask if the schools here doing their job
to educate or is the so-called real world just too overwhelming for “value-inculcated” graduates.

I was shock when I heard about the P25 M worth of polio vaccines that were wasted because “the people there” insisted on purchasing new stocks even if there were still a lot of unused ones. It was a “wise” plot, but absolutely shameless—evil in fact. How could “that person” sign the order slip?! Did he actually think? It pained me realizing that evil really has its way of making excuses just so it can thrive on this world. Those vaccines could have been used to immunize hundreds of kids from polio! Those vaccines could have helped save lives and protect happiness from thieves called illness. The children are, undoubtedly, the innocent victims in this malicious crime.

The worst story I’ve heard was probably the one about the chemist-turned journalist-turned DAR employee who exposed the corruption that was going on in the government agency that she had worked for. On the night of Holy Thursday, she was killed in front of her child! That woman did not deserve to die, that killer had no right to murder her, and that kid did not deserve to see that cruelty. That kid should have been spared from the violence he was not yet ready to witness. How cruel those murderers were (yes, there were many of them who wanted to kill her). Are those what you’d call Catholics? May God forgive them.

Father Bert also had this friend who was urged to sign something for the purchase of relief goods that would be given to the people who experienced a “calamity that did not exist.” It was only a little rain, but then evil lurked again in the minds of those who are weak to temptation. How corrupt! Thank God his friend did not sign it even though he had actually thought of doing it. It actually means that some people are still strong enough to say “No.” I hope more people turn out to be like Father Bert’s friend – brave enough to resist.

But then, when I think about all these things, I realize that I don’t really have the right yet to complain or to loathe. What have I done to show that I am against corruption? What have I done to help those who are innocent victims of these crimes?

In the “Tips for Deepening Reflection and Commitment” by Father Bert, I am still in the ALIGN, or the fourth stage, and I have been here for so long! I take seriously the ethical teachings of my faith and I strongly value my culture and Filipino citizenship that I have been called “too idealistic.” (What could be “too idealistic” about trying to live by my values, anyway?) But until now, I still have not done something. What a shame.

But I won’t lose hope. I shall do my part. First, I shall constantly remember that I am, above all, a Catholic, and thus I must believe in God’s power no matter what (just like David when he fought Goliath) – I know He will save us. Second, I shall constantly remember that I am human, created in the image and likeness of God, and thus, I have to use my free will to fight for the common good of the entire humanity. Third, I shall constantly remember what my good high school had taught me: Veritas Liberabit Vos (The Truth Shall Set You Free), and thus I must assert the Truth.

I must do my part. After all, I am part of the society's Youth -- the
future of this country depends on us.

Reflections by Bodi Yuhico

There was an Ed Session for ACIL today. It was a seminar by Father Albert Alejo S.J. on "Good Schooling, Bad Governance". The subject revolved around corruption, and on how many people came from good schools to finally end up as corrupt politicians/lawyers/etc. It was a very interesting talk, especially since Pareng Bert was a very enthusiastic and interesting priest who's actually been there and done that. He wasn't just lecturing because that was what the Church said, he was lecturing because he's gone through the thick and the thin of corruption. He's a really famous priest, as I recall, and has been giving the same kinds of talks through government and private sectors. Sometimes, he said, people suddenly broke down in tears in his talks in the Departments. Some of his experiences as I remember it:

a) He was walking through the Ateneo when a really rich-looking vehicle passed him, and the window opened.
"Are you Father Bert Alejo?"
"Yes, why?""I am a lawyer. I am corrupt."
Three simple words, and the lawyer then proceeded to tell Pareng Bert the tricks of their trade. Of how they bought off judges, etc, one operation of which he was still doing.

b) Father was giving a talk in the DOH when suddenly, a woman broke down and cried. Later, Pareng Bert talked to the woman, and the woman talked about how their Supervisor wanted two buy 5 million pesos worth of more medicine when there already was a lot, some of them near spoiling because it wasn't even being distributed. She fought with her Supervisor, and in the end was kicked out of the job. Lo and behold, two months later, newspapers around the country spoke of 65 million pesos worth of medicines merely spoiling within the DOH, unused.

Hmm.. I can't seem to remember the rest, all I remember was that I felt that seething boiling sensation in my heart, the same sensation I had whenever I read the newspaper (and people wonder why I don't read the durned thang). Pareng Bert told us that he had a 5A plan for Deepening Reflection and Commitment: (it's a little paraphrased)

1) ASSESS your concrete situation- Basically, it means to recognize tensions between personal concerns and public commitment, principled positions and pragmatic considerations, demands of work and opportunities for personal needs.
2) ACCEPT your share of responsibility- Be accountable for your role in life. Accountability lies not only in answering for past actions, but in taking responsibility for the results that we want to achieve in the future.
3) AWAKEN your noble desires- Determine your own capacity for sacrifice.
4) ALIGN your values with a standard of citizenship- Observe the rule of te law. Take seriously the ethical teachings of your faith, whatever faith that may be.
5) ACT with competence and hope. Asser the truth. Fight for the common good. Work within your sphere of influence.

Among those 5, I think I am at the level of AWAKENing. Ahh, what a somber day of thoughtful thinking.

In the end, though, I believe that a lot of corrupt people come from 'good schools' because good schools generally entail in good connections, and good connections entail in a high place in society. It's not really a question on why a lot are coming from good schools. A corrupt person is corrupt, whether he be rich or poor; it's just that a lot come from 'good' rich schools. In the end, the final question is, to me, after all those retreats, spiritual meditations, and other bullshit..nagwakas ba siya sa bullshit rin?

NEWSBRIEF 2.3

2005-11-23T14:21:00.000+08:00

DFA presses RP jurisdiction on Subic rape case (abs-cbnNEWS.com)
"The department has formally asked the US Embassy to turn over the custody of the six accused to Philippine authorities citing the extraordinary nature of the case pursuant to Article 5 Paragraph 6 of the Visiting Forces Agreement," Romulo said in a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Manila. "The United States government has been made fully aware of the importance that the Philippine government and the Filipino peole are giving to this case as well as our sentiments and position that the Philippine has primary jurisdiction and that the Philippine laws shall govern," he said.

Congress urged to probe P25-M spoiled vaccines (abs-cbnNEWS.com)
"A group of health workers on Monday called on Congress to investigate the spoilage of P25-million worth of medicine purchased by the Department of Health. Emma Manuel, national president of the Alliance of Health Workers, said it is highly questionable that the health department bought in bulk medicines that were about to expire. She said millions of children could have been vaccinated had the P25-million worth of medicines did not expire. A Commission on Audit report earlier showed that P25-million worth of vaccines expired in 2004. Senate President Franklin Drilon said he also received a separate report that P10-million worth of vaccines for measles also expired last June."
National health service in crisis as doctors leave (www.philstar.com)
"MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines has become one of the biggest suppliers of healthcare workers in the world but the exodus of nurses and doctors in the last five years for higher paying jobs overseas has left the country's health system in a state of near collapse. At a summit of healthcare professionals called by the Philippine Medical Association recently delegates were told in a conference paper: "The crisis in medical human resources is now upon us. The delivery of health services is being compromised. We have to address the problem before the health system completely collapses." Jossel Ebesate, general secretary of the Alliance of Health Workers, said the situation had become so bad that the country's healthcare system would collapse within the next two to three years. Former health secretary Jaime Galvez Tan, who has been studying the exodus of doctors over the past five years, told AFP: "Doctors are leaving for a variety of reasons: political instability, low pay, corruption, poor working conditions and the threat of malpractice. But above all they don't see much hope for the future and the future of their children."

GUIDELINES IN A TIME OF CONFUSION AND CRISIS

2005-11-22T10:12:00.000+08:00

http://tatlongtala.blogspot.com/2005/11/jesuit-guidelines-on-political-crisis.html

NEWSBRIEF 2.2

2005-11-22T09:56:00.000+08:00

RP won’t force custody rights over 6 Marines (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
In an interview, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the government is content with having primary criminal jurisdiction over the Marines in light of the lack of a provision under the Visiting Forces Agreement that compels the US embassy to turn over custody of the accused. Under Article V, Section 3.a of the VFA, the Philippine government has “primary right to exercise jurisdiction over all offenses committed by US personnel.” The only exemptions provided in the article are when the crime committed is not punishable under Philippine laws, and when the offense arises out of any act or omission done in performance of official duty."
Pinoy's coconet tops BBC World Challenge (news.inq7.net)
"LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Agricultural engineer Justino Arboleda of the Philippines won the first prize in the First World Challenge contest sponsored by BBC World television in London on Nov. 17 for his soil erosion control net or coconet. Coconet, made from waste coconut husk, was adjudged the best environmental grassroots project in the world. It was among 456 entries from 90 countries. Malta, which introduced a biodiesel product, took the second prize, while Vanuatu was in third place for its rechargeable battery. From 12 finalists, the field was cut down to three. Fifty percent of one's score was given by the judges and the other 50 percent by votes cast on the Internet. The winners will be featured by the BBC in a special program on Dec. 3 and 4 and by Newsweek magazine in its Dec. 3 issue, according to the agricultural engineer."
P152-M fertilizer money diverted to foundations (www.philstar.com)
"At least P152.2 million in fertilizer and farm input funds Malacañang released three months before last year’s presidential election to 110 members of the House of Representatives ended up with the favorite foundations of many of these lawmakers. The foundations and other non-government organizations (NGOs) were tasked to buy farm inputs. Most of them bought liquid fertilizer, which, in the case of six congressional districts in the Bicol Region that were allocated farm input funds, was overpriced by 800 percent to 1,300 percent. Government auditors estimate that of the P60.7 million given to these districts, nearly P49 million was skimmed through overpricing. They discovered that liquid fertilizer was bought at P800 per 300ml bottle, when it was available on the market for only P58.50 to P90.54. Asked to comment yesterday on the use of foundations, Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., chairman of the House appropriations committee, told The STAR that as far as he knows, regulations on the handling of funds appropriated for members of Congress prohibit such practice. Andaya did not avail himself of farm input money."
Massive rainforest replanting plan up (www.philstar.com)
"Various pro-environment and non-government organizations have launched a national movement to restore at least one million hectares of the country’s rainforest by 2020. They raised the alarm over the continuing rapid rate of destruction of the country’s forests, which they predicted may dwindle to a mere 320,000 hectares of primary forest, or a measly six percent of the country’s total land area, by 2010. The Haribon Foundation and Rainforest Restoration Initiative (RFRI) would serve as the core group of the social movement, dubbed as ROAD 2020, which would be supported by the Netherlands.

RAPE CASE AS A POLITICAL ISSUE

2005-11-21T13:52:00.000+08:00

http://bulatlat.com/news/5-40/5-40-rape.htm

RICH AND POOR COUNTRIES SET TO CLASH AT UPCOMING WTO MEETING

2005-11-21T13:39:00.000+08:00

MEDIA RELEASE
IBON Foundation, Inc., 3/F SCC Bldg 4427 Interior Old Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Tel. (632) 713-2729 / 713-2737 * Fax (632) 716-0108 * E-mail: media@ibon.org * www.ibon.org
November 14, 2005

RICH AND POOR COUNTRIES SET TO CLASH AT UPCOMING WTO MEETING

A battle is looming this December between developing and developed countries as they meet to conduct trade talks in Hong Kong under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
For the WTO, the upcoming Sixth Ministerial Conference is crucial if it is to maintain its credibility and the momentum of global trade liberalization.

But for developing countries such as the Philippines, the Ministerial is an opportunity to reject rich countries’ corporate-led globalization agenda and uphold their right to economic sovereignty and genuine development, says research group IBON, a member of the broad local anti-WTO network Resist! and the global coalition Our World is Not for Sale.

Among the major issues that member-countries must reach consensus on are market access for manufactured goods, reviews of agreements on trade in services, agriculture and intellectual property rights, and the so-called Singapore issues (investment protection, competition policy, transparency in government procurement and trade facilitation). If developed and developing countries fail to arrive at an agreement, as they have in the past at Seattle and Cancun, the Ministerial will collapse.

Ministerials, which take place every two years, are the highest level of decision-making at the WTO. Their purpose is to enable trade ministers to make decisions on how to move forward on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements. A third ministerial breakdown would represent another rebuff by underdeveloped countries of developed countries’ unfair trade agenda, wherein poor countries would be forced to open their markets to their manufactured and agricultural goods as rich countries continue to protect their sectors through domestic support and export subsidies.

Locally, for example, the importation of cheap vegetables such as onions and garlic are pushing market prices down, driving farmers to bankruptcy. Consequently, the country’s agricultural trade deficits are hitting unprecedented levels: the deficit grew from $42 million in 1994 to $933 in 2004. Poverty is also rampant in the countryside: as of 2003 more than 40% of the rural population was considered poor.

Many local industries are also being killed by the influx of cheap imports, such as the footwear, textiles and cement industries. A survey conducted by the Federation of Philippine Industries from 1995 to 2002 showed that 56 of its member-firms closed down due to liberalization, affecting some 80,319 workers.

Hence, joblessness in the country is reaching record levels. Employment in agriculture has fallen from 11.4 million in 1995 to 11 million in 2005. Job creation in manufacturing has remained basically flat over the last decade. As of April 2005, there were 4.8 million unemployed and 8.4 million underemployed Filipinos, the most the country has ever seen.

This is why people’s organizations here and abroad continue to reject the spread of trade liberalization that primarily benefits the rich countries and their corporations, and developing country elites. Social movements have already succeeded in blocking further expansion of the WTO in the Seattle and Cancun ministerials.

This December, people’s groups will once again gather to express their rejection of the WTO by blocking the Hong Kong Ministerial. But even if they succeed, it does not put an end to the struggle against corporate-led globalization, as the world’s biggest corporations would still fight to maintain their stranglehold on the global economy. But it would send a signal that developing countries will continue to resist pressure from the rich countries to sign inequitable agreements that would not benefit their domestic economies, says IBON. (end)

FINDING SPACES

2005-11-21T13:33:00.000+08:00

http://www.pcij.org/i-report/3/filipino-youth.html

newsbrief 2.1

2005-11-20T23:57:00.000+08:00

Senate inquiry into wiretapping scandal resumes (inq7.net)
The chairman of the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) in Lanao del Sur province testified about alleged irregularities in the 2004 election. Hadji Abdullah Dalidig told the hearing that votes for Ms Arroyo in the 2004 election were padded in several towns in the provinces while those for opposition candidate Fernando Poe Jr. were shaved. He said he arrived at this conclusion based on election returns and certificates of canvass provided to Namfrel. He said he brought this irregularity to the attention of the Namfrel leadership in Manila but was ignored. "I call it the worst and dirtiest election, " he told the Senate. Dalidig made a similar testimony last week before the Citizen's Congress for Truth and Accountability."
4 Senate witnesses on Garci tapes back out (abs-cbnnews.com)
"Four confessed election fraud operators suddenly backed out from testifying in the Senate "Hello,Garci" scandal hearing Thursday, raising suspicions they were "blocked" from doing so.
Nagamura Moner, Lomala Macadaud, Minupun Batugan and Ahmare Lucman had been very eager to testify in the hearing, according to Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security. Biazon said Moner's group had claimed they were commissioned by the President's husband Mike Arroyo to cheat for the Chief Executive. Former Lanao del Sur NAMFREL chairman Hadji Abdullah Dalidig, who exposed election fraud in the province, said he was being convinced by Moner's group not to testify in the Senate anymore "because they have already talked to Mr. Arroyo." He also said he was offered an "initial P100,000" but he refused."
Palace 'saddened' by former social welfare head's revelations (philstar.com)
Soliman disclosed yesterday that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) participated in the distribution of health cards to indigent families to swing votes for President Arroyo in the May 2004 elections. In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said, " While the President has already forgiven her and her colleagues for their betrayal, we believe the Filipino people will remember them not as heroes but as heels who abandoned their leader when she needed them most," Bunye said."
VAT driving power bills up next month (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
The Energy Regulatory Commission said the tax will increase rates by only 22.96 centavos per kilowatthour for poorer households but jack up rates by 50 to 60 centavos per kwh for customers using 200 to 500 kwh per month. While the ERC estimated that impact of VAT on residential consumers will be only about 6 percent of the total bill, more increases are on the horizon. The commission is also set to decide the National Power Corp.’s application for increases of 45 centavos in Luzon, 64 centavos in the Visayas and 51 centavos in Mindanao for the power it generates."
Hyatt 10 on economic gains: Too early to cheer (news.inq7.net)
The Hyatt 10 members have formed a new group called INCITEGov -- International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance -- which advocates governance reforms. Speaking at a public forum, they said the media’s portrayal of the country’s economic performance was a little exaggerated, given that the Philippines still lags behind its Asian neighbors in economic terms. In a presentation, former Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin noted that the country’s debt was still rising and the heavy debt payment burden left very little in the government’s budget to fund development projects. She said more than a third, or 34 percent, of the national government’s budget is used for interest payments alone."
COA: P36-M overprice in lawmakers’ fertilizer (www.philstar.com)
"Liquid fertilizer purchased using the pork barrel funds of three Bicol congressmen and a party-list representative was overpriced by as much as P36.4 million, according to a Commission on Audit (COA) report. The report, sent this week to the Senate and the House of Representatives, showed that the "grossly overpriced" fertilizer purchases were financed out of a total of P47.2 million in priority development assistance fund (PDAF) allocations of Representatives Joseph Santiago of Catanduanes and Renato Unico Jr. of Camarines Norte, Ernesto Pablo of the party-list group Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives, and the late Rep. Fausto Seachon Jr. of Masbate. Also covered by the audit was a P3-million allocation of Minority Leader Francis Escudero for a milk feeding and livestock production program in his district in Sorsogon, but the report mentioned no finding of irregularities in the use of the money. The report showed that the liquid fertilizer was bought at P800 per bottle when it was available on the market for only P58.50 to P90.54 per bottle. Seachon allocated P20 million for the fertilizer purchases for his district; Santiago, P12.2 million; Unico, P10 million; and Pablo, P5 million."
Arroyo scored anew for another 'human rights violation' (inq7.net)
"THE PRESIDENTIAL Security Group's (PSG) strict security on Tuesday that delayed a mass to commemorate the first anniversary of the "Hacienda Luisita massacre" is another example of human rights violation under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a lawyer claimed Wednesday. At 4 p.m., Tuesday, a mass was scheduled to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the death of seven striking workers of the sugar land in Tarlac, which the family of former president Corzaon Cojuangco-Aquino owns. But the PSG's refusal to allow the entry of those who wanted to attend the mass, including San Miguel Parish Priest Ernie Cruz, Fathers Jo Dizon and Peter Casiño, resulted in an hour's delay of the activity, Capulong said. At the third session of the "People's Court" on Tuesday, witnesses recorded over 4,000 cases of human rights violations under Arroyo since assuming the presidency in January 2001 via a popular revolt that ousted predecessor Joseph Estrada. Hacienda Luisita workers, under the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU), went on strike last year to protest alleged unfair labor practice by management and to demand the release of their unpaid benefits."
Pulse: 75% of Pinoys believe they are poor (abs-cbnnews.com)
"Pessimism is growing as three out of four Filipinos consider themselves poor or very poor while only 10 percent said they are well-off or wealthy, results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showed Wednesday. While the figures remain almost the same as those in Pulse Asia's July survey, more Filipinos believe they are worse off now than last year (73%) while an even bigger percentage (87%) said the same thing about the plight of the nation as a whole. It added that level of pessimism among Filipinos regarding the future increased by nine percentage points both at the personal and national levels. In October 2005, 58% of Filipinos expect their personal circumstances to worsen in the year ahead while 74% are pessimistic regarding the country’s situation in the next 12 months. The survey, which interviewed 1,200 respondents from October 15 to 27, said pessimism at the personal and national levels are at their highest since the series were started in 1999 and 2001, respectively. The survey said majority of Filipinos remain most concerned about health and inflation with 50 percent of respondents agreeing that staying healthy is their biggest personal concern."

newsbrief 2.0

2005-11-16T15:43:00.000+08:00

Two GMA aides split on Garci 'closure' (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
"Two of the President's close advisers are split on whether the wiretapping controversy that rocked the administration in September is already a closed book or a story that is far from over.
Fresh from a month-long medical leave, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said in a radio interview on Tuesday that only the reappearance of former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano can put the issue to rest.
Gonzales made the statement a day after Environment Secretary and Political spokesman Michael Defensor said that as far as the government is concerned, the "Hello, Garci" controversy is already a closed book.
Gonzales said that although the impeachment complaint against President Arroyo has been settled, Garcillano owes the people an explanation.
Rights commission calls PNP officials (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
"Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo T. Reyes and officials of the Philippine National Police will appear on Wednesday before the Commission on Human Rights which is investigating into the alleged shootout in Pasig City last week in which three suspected carjackers were killed.
Human Rights Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano said Reyes, Director General Arturo Lomibao, PNP chief, and Chief Supt. Augusto Angcanan, Traffic Management Group (TMG) director, will explain their side even before receiving subpoenas."
House clamors for return of P70-M pork (news.inq7.net)
"CLAIMING that the fiscal crisis is over, the House of Representatives wants the pork barrel for each member of the House restored to its full amount of P70 million in next year's national budget, the appropriations committee said yesterday.
The pork barrel finances the pet projects of congressmen and senators and is a known source of kickbacks.
"There's a clamor and there's a basis for that. But the leadership has yet to make a decision," said Representative Rolando Andaya Jr. of Camarines Sur, chair of the committee.
A senior member of the House, who asked not to be named, said it was a "logical request" because most of the pet projects of House members in their districts were temporarily shelved after the pork barrel was slashed."
GMA to play leading role at Apec meeting (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
"PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will assume a lead role when she and 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) take up the war against terrorism during their annual summit in Busan, South Korea on Nov. 17 and 18.
As chairman of the Apec Counter-Terrorism Task Force, Mrs. Arroyo will preside over the leaders’ meeting on counterterrorism, which will be one of the high points of the summit.
Elected head of the task force after being nominated by US President George W. Bush during the Apec summit in Santiago, Chile last year, the Philippines will continue to discharge this distinct and prestigious assignment until next year.
President Arroyo designated Gen. (ret.) Benjamin Defensor (former Armed Forces chief) as task force head with the rank of ambassador."
DENR lifts log ban (inq7.net)
“THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has lifted a logging ban that affected 8,200 community-based forest management agreements in the country.
The ban was imposed following last year’s flashfloods that killed dozens of people and destroyed millions of properties in Southern Tagalog and Northern Luzon provinces.
Environment Secretary Michael Defensor said the decision to lift the total logging ban was based on a thorough study conducted by the environment department and by non-government organizations.
He said the ban had affected forest-dependent communities throughout the country comprising holders of some 200 Integrated Forestry Management Agreements (IFMAs), 3,000 Socialized Forestry Management Agreement (SFMAs), and 5,000 Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMAs).
Of the country’s 81 million population, 16 million Filipinos depend on the forest for their livelihood.
At present, Defensor said the DENR allows only 10 percent of the country’s forestlands to be utilized.”

recently

2005-11-13T19:53:00.000+08:00

Arroyo chides media (www.inq7.net)
"UPDATE) IN WHAT one journalist group called a "declaration of war against the media," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo unleashed her fury anew against the Philippine press for its "bad boy" image and for allowing itself to be used as "pawns in political games" of destabilization. Arroyo said media’s coverage of the "kangaroo courts, lynch mobs, and witch hunts" was "too much" and painted a grim image of the country, as good news has often been relegated to the sidelines.
"A press that loses credibility as the watchdog of government and society becomes a
drag to democracy rather than a force of freedom," she continued.

Hopes dim for legislated pay hike (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
"THE government yesterday dampened workers’ hopes of a legislated wage increase this year, saying it would push for nonwage benefits instead as a way of cushioning the impact of the Expanded Value Added Tax Law.
Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said her department is meeting with other agencies to hammer out guidelines on new workers’ benefits.
"We just had a wage increase last July. By law, we have to wait for at least 12 months before another increase can be effected," she said.
Sto. Tomas said the nonwage benefits could include income tax exemptions and access to cheaper basic goods such as rice, medicine and vegetables.
The guidelines should be ready by today or early next week, she added.
The labor department sought other ways to cushion the impact of EVAT after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo backed down from her earlier pronouncement urging Congress to pass a legislated wage hike.
The business community has vehemently opposed a new wage increase.
Sto. Tomas, for her part, said the regional wage boards granted a wage hike in July to cushion the impact of rising prices, noting that the increases were based on an assumed inflation rate of 8.3 percent, which is higher than the actual rate of 7.1 percent today."

Stocks surge to highest in 8 months (www.money.inq7.net)
"Foreign buying lifted the stock market Wednesday to its highest level in eight months on expectations that international agencies will raise the credit rating of the Philippines after the government finally implemented in full the expanded value-added tax (VAT) law, analysts said.
"There is fresh speculation that credit-rating agencies would upgrade the credit outlook, if not the credit rating itself, because of the VAT and its positive fiscal impact," said Jojo Gonzales, president at Philippine Equity Partners Inc.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Index rose 50.37 points or 2.5 percent to 2,097.30, its highest close since March 17, when it ended at 2,100.11. Traders said it would likely continue to rise.

Wage hike inflationary (The Manila Times)
"Inflation is expected to hit double digits next year if the proposed P125 increase in the daily minimum wage is approved by Congress, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday.
Guinigundo said every 1-percent increase in minimum wage translates to a .04-percent to 0.6-percent rise in inflation.
He said any wage hike based on legislation [ALONE] and not through [or disregarding] productivity would always be inflationary."

CCTA leaders may face sedition charges (www.philstar.com)
"Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and other leaders of the so-called Citizens’ Congress for Truth and Accountability (CCTA) could be prosecuted for sedition for staging a mock trial of President Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita warned yesterday.
The National Bureau of Investigation is closely monitoring the mock trial, which is meant to air poll fraud charges dismissed last September by the House of Representatives, according to a source in the NBI.

‘87 Charter amendments to strengthen party system (The Manila Times)
"The amendments to the 1987 Constitution specifically on the form of government will strengthen the country’s party system, the chairman of the Consultative Commission said.
At a forum with editors and reporters of The Manila Times Tuesday, Dr. Jose Abueva, the commission’s chairman, said the panel will propose an additional 100 seats for political parties in the parliament that will replace the present Congress.
"In addition to the members of parliament [who will be elected by the people], they will also vote for political parties. This will be the same in the regional level [autonomous regions]," he said. Leaders of party-list or political parties who will be represented in the parliament will be chosen by their members.
Allocating seats for political parties "is part of transforming our political parties. If the parties are good and credible, they will be elected by the people and this is a big inducement for the parties," Abueva said.
Strengthening the political system would make parties more accountable to the people. "We really lack party accountability and this will be addressed if we have a parliamentary system," he said."

Arroyo seeks 'middle ground' in legislated pay hike (abs-cbnnews.com)
"President Arroyo on Friday asked the business and labor sectors to find a "middle ground" in the issue of a legislated salary increase as she called for a dialogue between the sectors along with Congress and the executive department.
"While the best path to uplift the poor is through a strong economy, we must consider direct mitigating measures to ease the pain. I ask labor and business to find a middle ground on a legislated wage hike, with the participation of Congress and the executive branch through the Department of Labor," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement.
President Arroyo earlier asked Congress to prioritize a legislated wage hike to cushion the impact of the Expanded Value-Added Tax Law. Business leaders, however, opposed the proposal.

Inflation steady at 7.0% in Oct; within forecasts (XFN-Asia)
"THE CONSUMER price index rose 7.0 percent year-on-year in October, the same pace seen in the previous month, reflecting stable food prices, the National Statistics Office said.
Compared to September, consumer prices in October were up 0.5 percent after rising 0.4 percent in the previous month. Inflation in October last year stood at 7.7 percent.
World Bank to RP: Sustain reforms (www.philstar.com)
In a report released yesterday, the World Bank said sustained implementation of economic and fiscal reforms can ease the government’s finances and help the Philippines catch up with its neighbors.
"The reforms also include improvements in the efficiency and transparency of public expenditures, so that more Filipinos, especially the poor, would benefit from the increase in revenues," World Bank acting country director Chris Hoban stated in the international lending institution’s twice-yearly economic survey or East Asia Update.

Senate poised to approve Juvenile Justice Bill (abs-cbnnews.com)
"Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday said the chamber is set to approve on third and final reading the Juvenile Justice Bill, which seeks to address the problem of Filipino minors languishing in jail with adult criminals.
If enacted into law, the measure would address the problems of slow handling of criminal cases of youth offenders and minors who are locked up in adult jails along with hardened criminals.
Drilon said the Juvenile Justice Bill proposes to increase the age of criminal liability from nine to 12, as well as provide for a system of diversion from the point of arrest to spare children from the "horrors, stigma, and trauma of incarceration and contact with the criminal justice system.""

medyo lumang balita

2005-11-11T13:52:00.000+08:00

Ramos should stand by his word on cutting GMA's term, says Pimentel (philstar.com)
He said whether Mr. Ramos will abandon Mrs. Arroyo for good remains to be seen, considering that he has benefited immensely from his close association with the President."
"Mr. Ramos now makes his own calibrated response to President Arroyo’s policies. I hope it’s for real. Not for nay hidden agenda to promote his own behind-the-scenes role," Pimentel said."

No surprise on opposition's reaction on call for unity gov't, says Palace (philstar.com) Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement, "We are not surprised by the varied reactions from the opposition on the President’s call for a government of national unity." "Nevertheless, we are gratified that the more responsible and patriotic elements in the opposition are ready for principled cooperation and critical collaboration with the administration," Bunye said.

Magsaysay: P80M in Bicol fertilizer funds 'missing' (abs-cbnnews.com)"Sen. Ramon Magsaysay on Friday said liquid fertilizers purchased for the Bicol region last year was overpriced by P80 million, according to documents provided by the Commission on Audit. Magsaysay said COA reports submitted to the Senate committee on agriculture showed that bottles of liquid fertilizer, which normally retails for P65 a bottle, was bought for as much as P800 to P1,200 a bottle in the region.
"I think P91.5 million was allocated to (Bicol).If you look at the actual price, maybe they spent less than P10 million so what happened to the P80 plus million?" Magsaysay said in a DZMM interview.
He added that he also found it unusual that the Department of Budget and Management ordered the release of a large chunk of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) P728-million fertilizer fund three months before the May 10, 2004, elections."

Opposition tells Arroyo: Thanks but no thanks (inq7.net)
Saying the opposition was not interested in obtaining government positions, House Minority Leader Francis Escudero yesterday turned down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s proposal for a government of national unity.
Escudero said the offer was only part of an administration "campaign to woo" the opposition under the guise of "sharing power and responsibility."
"The problem is (their) wrong premise. The administration has been acting a tad too condescending of late, that instead of addressing the root (cause) of all our political problems fair and square, (it) is now insinuating that position and power (are) what we in the opposition have been fighting for all this time," Escudero said."

MILF guaranteed it will get own territory (The Manila Times)
"The Philippine government appears intent on granting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front its own territory to govern despite seething opposition by politicians worried about the dismemberment of the resource-rich southern Mindanao region.
Under the peace agreement being negotiated with the MILF, the government will designate lands that the secessionist group could administer.

People's court to try Arroyo (inq7.net)
The "court," to be known as the Citizens' Congress for Truth and Accountability, will hear accusations that Ms Arroyo stole the vote in the May 2004 presidential election, and committed acts of corruption and human rights violations -- charges that she has denied.
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona will lead the Citizens' Congress which, he said yesterday, would give Ms Arroyo a chance to defend herself.
The Citizens' Congress was initiated by Bukluran Para sa Katotohanan, a multi-sectoral alliance of organizations questioning the legitimacy of the Arroyo presidency."

Armed conflict costs RP economy P200b (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
ARMED conflict has cost the Philippines more than P200 billion in economic losses and missed opportunities over the last two decades, according to the Human Development Report 2005, which was released yesterday.
The report, prepared by the Human Development Network (HDN) in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program and the New Zealand Agency for International Development, said persistent armed conflict hurts human development in the Philippines.
From 1970 to 2001 alone, the country lost P5 billion to P7.5 billion annually or P108 billion to P158 billion because of armed conflict, the report said.
If the potential investments that would have come into the country without such conflicts are taken into account, losses could reach a staggering P10 billion annually or more than P200 billion over the past two decades, the report said.
HDN president Arsenio Baliscan said the actual foregone revenues and investments as a result of armed conflict in the Philippines could be even higher.
The report noted that armed conflict cost the lives of 4,700 combatants and wounded 1,500 others from 1986 to 2004. "From 1970 to 1996, around 100,000 were killed due to Moro conflict, of which 20 percent were noncombatants," it said."

SC upholds EVAT law (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
"The Supreme Court upheld Tuesday the constitutionality of the expanded value-added-tax (EVAT) law, lifting the temporary restraining order against the implementation of the broader sales tax, DZMM reported.
The EVAT law allows President Arroyo to raise the sales tax rate to 12 percent in January from the present 10 percent.
The high court's 15 justices released their decision after deliberations that started at 10:00 a.m..
Groups opposed to the measure filed another challenge with the court after its September 1 decision that the EVAT was constitutional.
It also ends exemptions on a wide range of goods and services and raises corporate income tax to 35 percent from 32 percent for three years.

P47-billion 2006 budget for ‘healing funds’ questioned (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
The 2006 national budget, which totals P1.05 trillion, includes a P47-billion allocation for the "healing funds."
President Arroyo, in her State of the Nation address in July, said her 10-point agenda needed the "healing funds" to address the "divisiveness" that the People-Power revolutions have "inflicted" on the nation.
However, the inclusion of the controversial funds in next year’s budget is causing a stir.
Villar said the Senate will scrutinize the allocation, which is broken down to P13.1 billion for compensation increase, P5 billion for the Kilos Asenso fund and P29 billion for the pension of retired soldiers.
He raised this concern during the first briefing by the development budget coordinating committee led by the Department of Budget and Management and Department of Finance on the 2006 General Appropriations Act."

balitaan

2005-10-18T12:59:00.000+08:00

Fight between Arroyo and Church looms, says bishop (news.inq7.net)
"A BISHOP drenched with a water cannon last Friday said the police dispersal of a religious procession was likely to unify prelates in what he described yesterday as a looming battle between the Holy Spirit and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. But Malacañang remained adamant it had nothing to apologize for in Friday's dispersal near Mendiola when a fire truck sprayed jets of water on protesters, including former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Senator Jamby Madrigal, Bayan Muna party-list Representative Satur Ocampo, bishops and priests. No serious injuries were reported. Tobias said the protest had drawn sympathies from Archbishops Angel Lagdameo of Jaro and Jesus Tuquib of Cagayan de Oro and Bishop Vicente Navarra of Bacolod. Similarly concerned were Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Ipil and Bishops Chito Tagle of Imus and Leo Drona of San Pablo. Lagdameo, incoming president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), on Saturday said the police dispersal was "uncalled for and objectionable." "The pattern of action of the administration reveals that it is either too insecure in holding on to power or too secure of its tenure for might. And the victim of these two extremes are one and the same -- the people," said Cruz, a leading critic of Ms Arroyo. More than the water bombardment, the bishops were angered by the apparent disrespect shown by police to the procession that uttered no political statements or carried posters or streamers but simply rosaries and two images of Mary. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said it appeared to him that the protesters had deliberately wanted to provoke the authorities. In a phone patch interview with reporters, Ermita questioned why the religious procession broke away from San Sebastian Church and headed toward Mendiola. Ermita questioned why Guingona had to be there as well, noting that the latter, who is in his 70s, should have been resting at home instead. Ermita also asked why Guingona was in the company of Ocampo of the leftist Bayan Muna. The protesters had been allowed to mass at Plaza Miranda, where they had been granted a permit to demonstrate. They had been allowed to proceed to San Sebastian Church. But when a small group of several hundred attempted to march on Mendiola, purportedly to hold yet another Mass at San Beda chapel, police broke up the procession at nightfall.

Allies urge GMA: Review CPR (www.philstar.com)
"Two pro-administration congressmen from Mindanao urged President Arroyo yesterday to review the government’s controversial "calibrated preemptive response" or CPR policy in the wake of clashes between the police and street protesters. At the same time, Reps. Gerry Salapuddin of Basilan and Isidoro Real of Zamboanga del Sur suggested that the Palace, in coordination with local officials in Metro Manila and other urban centers, designate rally sites and no-rally zones."

Miriam slams ‘creeping theocracy’ (www.philstar.com)
“Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago warned yesterday of a "creeping theocracy" as she criticized the clergy anew for their role in the political affairs of the country following the violent dispersal of protesters last Friday. "No religion can serve to camouflage law disobedience by invoking freedom of religion. That would be creeping theocracy," Santiago said. Santiago, considered to be a staunch ally of President Arroyo in the Senate, pointed out that the participation of the clergy does not change the rules on the conduct of rallies. The senator was reacting to the claim of protesters that they were merely conducting a peaceful religious march from Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila last Friday when they were hosed down by members of the Philippine National Police near the Chino Roces Bridge on the road to Malacañang. Santiago said that no citizen has the right to hold a rally in any place other than what is designated in the rally permit and that the terms of the permit cannot be changed by the mere use of the term "prayer rally." This is not the first time that the senator has criticized the clergy for taking part in the political affairs of the country.”

‘Bill on citizens’ duties must be included in amended Charter’ (www.philstar.com)
“A bill on the duties and obligations of each Filipino citizen is among the proposals to be included in recommended amendments to the 1987 Constitution. "Citizens assert so much of their rights but not their duties, such as paying of taxes. There should be a balance between rights and duties," said Jose Abueva, former University of the Philippines president and chairman of the 49-member consultative commission (con-com) to propose amendments to the 18-year-old Charter. The proposed "Bill of Duties and Obligations" would follow the Bill of Rights in the Constitution and would have eight sections. Abueva said a Bill of Duties and Obligations has already been included in the 46-page draft amendments to the Charter prepared by the Citizens Movement for a Federal Philippines (CMFP), which he also heads. The first section of the proposed bill states that it shall be the duty of each citizen to be loyal to the Federal Republic of the Philippines and to honor the Philippine flag. Citizens are also called to defend the State and contribute to its development and welfare, to uphold the Constitution and obey the laws, and to cooperate with the duly constituted authorities in the attainment and preservation of a peaceful, just and orderly society. Among the key sections of the proposed Bill of Duties and Obligations is Section 3 which deals with human life, dignity and rights.”

umaatikabong balita

2005-10-14T14:38:00.000+08:00

Luz mulls complaint vs Palace over his transfer (news.inq7.net)
“DISMISSED Education Undersecretary Juan Miguel Luz is considering filing a complaint against Malacañang with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for transferring him to the labor department. “I am an educator. I’m not a labor expert. (If) that’s what they want to do, I am just studying my options,” Luz said. “I will get a civil service ruling first. If the CSC rules in my favor, I will stay. If the CSC rules against me, I will leave. If they rule against me, why would I go to the labor department? I will just go back to the private sector and make more money and I can stay in education,” Luz said.

Lawyers ask court to void EO creating ConCom (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
“A group of lawyers asked the Supreme Court yesterday to declare as unconstitutional Executive Order 453, which created the Consultative Commission to propose changes to the 1987 Charter. In a 19-page petition for prohibition, lawyers Samson Alcantara, Ed Vincent Albano, and Rene Gorospe also asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the work of the ConCom, arguing that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had no legal authority to create the commission.”

75% of elem graduates can’t read, House told (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
“THE House of Representatives expressed alarm over the dismal report card turned in by the Philippine educational system. Members of the House committee on appropriations chaired by Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. were shocked to learn that 75 percent of elementary graduates could not read. Furthermore, out of 100 first-grade pupils, only 43 complete high school and 14 of them complete a college education. The Department of Education reported to the Andaya panel that for every 100 children entering Grade 1, 15 would not reach Grade 2. Of the 85 left by the end of Grade 2, another nine will drop out by Grade 4, leaving 76 children from the original 100. At least 68 percent of the remainder will reach Grade 6, with close to 66 percent graduating. Of this number, 58 will move up to secondary education with 43 graduating.
Of the 15 that drop out of high school, it is five times more likely that these are boys than girls. Of the 43 that finish high school, 23 will go to college and only 14 will graduate with a university degree. “Over a six-year period, we are looking at adding a million pupils and students not through population growth, but by simply keeping these kids in school,” the DepEd report said. The DepEd also lamented the “dismal failure” of public school students to meet the “acid test” in learning as gauged by several national standardized tests. In a test given last May, only one in five graduating elementary students showed “mastery in all required competencies” such as English, science and mathematics. For high school students, less than 1 percent had mastery in all required competencies. “What is worse is that 3 out of 10 Grade 6 pupils and 6 out of 10 fourth year students showed, in the words of DepEd, no mastery at all,” Andaya lamented. DepEd traced the reasons for “poor achievement” in science and math to, among others, poor English reading skills. “The 75 percent of elementary school graduates are not able to read independently, thus affecting their learning for the next higher level,” the DepEd report said. “Correlations show that English proficiency translates positively into higher science and math abilities,” the DepEd said. Equally dismaying, the DepEd said, was that too many nonscience and nonmath majors are teaching these subjects at the high school level.”

nagbabagang balita

2005-10-13T21:58:00.000+08:00

Philippines denies Australian troops joined hunt for Muslim militants (philstar.com)
MANILA - The Philippines has denied an Australian newspaper report that elite Australian troops joined Filipino soldiers in hunting for Jemaah Islamiyah militants. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Buenaventura Pascual said Australian security forces have only been involved in investigations into recent bomb attacks in the country, and that the Philippine constitution bars any foreign troops from engaging in military operations. "That is not true. The ground commanders will not allow it," he said Monday, a day after News Ltd. newspapers cited an unnamed former agent as saying that Australian agents and Special Air Service Regiment troops were cooperating with Filipino soldiers in the hunt for senior terrorist figures.

NBI: Aragoncillo's docus ended in Reds' hands (abs-cbnnews.com)Classified information allegedly stolen by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) documents analyst Leandro Aragoncillo may have ended up in the hands of communist rebels in the country, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Tuesday. NBI Interpol chief Ric Diaz said new information coming from Washington indicate that the communist movement, specifically the New People's Army (NPA), may have been a recipient of the stolen information. He added that leftist groups in the Philippines are in the forefront of demonstrations against President Arroyo and may have links to communists groups included in the US government's list of foreign terrorist organizations.Diaz earlier said the US Department of Justice could charge more Filipino politicians suspected of conspiring with Aragoncillo in stealing confidential documents from the White House and the FBI. "They said they are widening their investigation because there could be more Philippine politicians that allegedly received confidential information," Diaz said."They already have evidence that they [the politicians] received information [through] –[e-mail] accounts [of Aragoncillo]," said Diaz.

Military can disobey Arroyo if martial law illegal—Biazon (inq7.net)
"IF PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declares martial law or a state of national emergency without Congress' approval, the military may disobey this "unconstitutional and illegal order" of the commander-in-chief, a senator said Thursday. "If the President unilaterally assumes these powers without the concurrence of Congress she would be violating the Constitution," Senator Rodolfo Biazon said in a statement. "The military therefore in defense of the Constitution may disobey the orders, rules and instructions of their superiors and even the commander–in–chief if these orders, rules, and instructions are based on a declaration of emergency in violation of the Constitution," Biazon said in reaction to Malacañang's three conditions for martial rule.Biazon, head of the committee on national defense and security, said military disobedience could be similar to what then Armed Forces chief of staff Angelo Reyes did when he withdrew his support from former president Joseph Estrada."

Extended political uncertainty is "primary risk" to Philippines: IMF (philstar.com)"MANILA - Protracted political uncertainty is the "primary risk" facing the Philippine economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Thursday. The fund also identified "soaring oil prices ... (and) adverse developments in international capital markets" as other potential threats to the country's economic growth. "The primary risk to the near-term outlook for the Philippine economy is that the prevailing state of uncertainty proves to be protracted and sidelines economic reforms," the IMF said in a report. "If reforms were to stall, investment is likely to remain subdued and (gross domestic product) growth of 4.75 percent is projected for 2005 and 2006," the IMF said, referring to the opposition's five-month campaign to oust President Gloria Arroyo on charges of cheating to win last year's elections and other alleged anomalies."

Gonzales: DOJ did not stamp Northrail deal (abs-cbnnews.com)"The $503 million contract for the North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail) project did not undergo the scrutiny of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Secretary Raul Gonzales said Thursday. In an interview with DZMM, Gonzales said what the department examined was the loan agreement between China's Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) and the Philippine government for the project. The DOJ, however, was unaware of the deal between Northrail and contractor China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. (CNMEC). "Ang loan agreement po diyan ay ini-uphold po ng Department of Justice, pero ang agreement mismo tungkol sa kung sino ang i-grant diyan, hindi po dumaan sa amin 'yan," Gonzales said."

Senate starts own hearings on 2006 budget (www.philstar.com)
"Senators have taken the initiative to start hearings on the proposed P1.053-trillion 2006 national budget while awaiting the House of Representatives to transmit its version of the measure to the Senate. Sen. Ralph Recto said the Senate committee on finance headed by Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. has decided to hold parallel hearings on the budget while waiting for the House referral. Recto underscored the importance of passing the national budget for next year considering Congress has less than 80 days left in the fiscal year to approve the budget bill."

Philippines grants MILF own gov't, charter (news.inq7.net)
"THE GOVERNMENT has agreed in principle to allow a Bangsamoro government to draft its own charter, impose its own tax system, form and maintain legal and financial institutions necessary for the development of an expanded, progressive Muslim Mindanao region. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panels reached this consensus during the ninth exploratory talks held on Sept. 15-16 in Kuala Lumpur, according to documents obtained by the Inquirer from the government panel. Titled "Consensus points on the stand on governance of the ancestral domain aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001," one document revealed the creation of a Bangsamoro government with both political and economic powers over Muslim Mindanao.The concessions wangled during the talks were regarded as the most substantial since the Moro separatist movement emerged in the southern Philippines in the early 1970s. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had described the results of the discussions as a "strong breakthrough" in resolving the decades-old conflict."

House bill filed vs govt's anti-rally policies (abs-cbnnews.com)"Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo on Wednesday filed a bill seeking to repeal Batas Pambansa 880, which is being used by the government to implement the "no permit, no rally" policy and the "calibrated preemptive response" against street protests that seek President Arroyo's ouster. Ocampo filed House Bill 1555, or the Freedom of _Expression Act, on the same day Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes, NCRPO chief Vidal Querol and lawyers from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) were being investigated at a human rights committee hearing on brutal police dispersals of protests actions.

Gonzales: GMA gagged me on Venable (www.philstar.com)"National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales has a standing order from President Arroyo not to disclose the identities of those who donated funding for the government’s contract with American lobby firm Venable LLP because it might disturb Manila’s ties with Washington, his lawyer told the Supreme Court yesterday. The High Tribunal heard arguments yesterday on a petition for a writ of habeas corpus filed by Gonzales’ sister seeking his release from Senate custody. His lawyer, Antonio Bautista, told the court that it might put the private donors in danger if their identities were to be disclosed at this time."

Ramos nixes state of national emergency (news.inq7.net)
"ALL THE talk about martial law and coup attempts against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration amounts to bullsh-t, according to former President Fidel Ramos. "This is direct to the point," Ramos declared in a press conference Monday night. "Continuing media reports, coffee shop speculations, political intrigues and texted rumors to the effect that martial law will soon be enforced by the government or that, on the other side, [there will be] a coup attempt by anti-Arroyo forces, are all BS -- and I don't mean bachelor of science. They are just that -- cow manure."

Mystery ship near Zambo (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
"ZAMBOANGA CITY - A US military ship, escorted by a small gunboat, was spotted Tuesday off the southern Philippines, where security forces are battling members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group. Filipino security officials said they were unaware of the presence of the US ship. Nothing on its bow identified what class the vessel was, except a US flag hoisted on the deck. Local fishermen watched in awe as the ship appeared on the horizon off Basilan Island and sailed past Zamboanga City around 8 a.m. It was not known if the ship was involved in antiterrorism operations in Mindanao. But the US is helping the Philippine military fight terrorism in the region, where two Jema'ah Islamiyah bomb makers, Dulmatin and Umar Patek, who masterminded the 2002 Bali bombings, are believed to be hiding."

balita

2005-10-11T15:03:00.000+08:00

Bunye, Raul clash over ‘emergency’ (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
The palace on Monday disputed the announcement of Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzales that President Arroyo was poised to declare a state of national emergency. In a press briefing Gonzales said he prepared a five-page draft of the declaration, which he will submit to President Arroyo. Gonzales said, however, that the draft will not lead to the declaration of martial law.
"I made a draft for the declaration of a state of emergency, which is from my research paper. I just made it formal. It’s a draft proclamation based on my research," Gonzales told reporters.
The President’s spokesman, Ignacio Bunye, said Malacañan has not received a copy of the draft. "I talked to Secretary Gonzales; he has not submitted any draft of emergency declaration to President Arroyo. Neither has the President asked for one." Gonzales explained that under emergency rule, the government is authorized to take over vital industries while the country’s political and economic situation is still rickety. He said the takeover is justified under Article 12, Section 17, which states that "in times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately owned public utility or business affected with public interest."

Palace issues EO 467 (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
MALACAÑANG last night released Executive Order 467, but it has nothing to do with the use of emergency powers or declaration of martial law. EO 467 defines “the implementation arrangements for the Land Administration and Management Project Phase 2, the creation of one-stop shops, and for other purposes.” It was signed by the President Oct. 5 and attested to by Secretary Ermita.

US cool to RP offer of help in spy case (news.inq7.net)
"MALACAÑANG is offering to help Washington unravel the first espionage case to be uncovered in the White House and prosecute all those involved, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s rivals who may have benefited from it. But Washington is apparently not biting.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez expressed disappointment that the United States had neither asked the Philippines for help in its investigation of Leandro Aragoncillo and Michael Ray Aquino nor had it responded to his request for information. “That is the problem with the Americans,” said Gonzalez. “I wrote them a letter and they have not even answered ... maybe it’s been a month now. They meddle with us and then they don’t cooperate with us.”

newsbrief

2005-10-11T00:07:00.000+08:00

No plans for emergency rule (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
Ermita categorically denied any knowledge that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is ready to declare the existence of national emergency that would justify the use of military powers to suppress threats to national security. Citing his supposed sources from Malacañang, former senator Ernesto Maceda claimed that the declaration for national emergency has already been signed by the President and is now in the hands of Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz. He said this will pave the way for "warrantless arrests" of opposition leaders. A similar warning was issued two weeks ago by former solicitor general Frank Chavez, who disclosed that the declaration was drafted by lawyers in the Department of Justice. But Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye accused the opposition of concocting the martial law tale to provoke public anger for the government.

Nothing political, says accuser of evangelist Villanueva (news.inq7.net)
"There’s nothing political here. The law is the law. If he wants to bring it up to the public it’s his right, I would not ask him to stop. But many of the statements and allegations against me are completely wrong," said businessman Benito Araneta, a second cousin of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. Araneta filed a estafa case in late 2004 against Villanueva for allegedly reneging on a contract that the businessman’s Entertainment Network (EnterNet) had with the Zoe Broadcasting Network to operate Channel 11 on free TV.

Migrants suffer abuse to bring home $240B (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
UNITED NATIONS - Nearly 200 million international migrants fuel their home countries’ economy by $240 billion a year and spend more than $2 trillion in their host nation, but suffer exploitation and abuse, a UN-backed report said. The panel’s 88-page report, released on Wednesday, said rich countries failed to recognize how much they benefited from low-cost or highly valued labor while developing nations did little to encourage their citizens to return home. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2002 called for a review of international migration problems in hopes of putting the issue on the world agenda. "In the 21st century, one of our most important challenges is to find ways to manage migration for the benefit of all—of sending countries, receiving countries, transit countries and migrants themselves," Annan said at the launch of the report.

Golez: Ralliers, destabilizers are 'terrorists' in new bill (abs-cbnnews.com)
"I won't know whether it is a slip on their part or it is their intention or the Palace's intention, but that is dangerous," Golez told ANC. He explained that if the bill eventually gets enacted and then implemented, authorities could use the law to go after street demonstrators who are exercising their rights to hold protest rallies or even elected officials critical of the government.

SC seeks Palace word on EO 464 petition (abs-cbnnews.com)
The Supreme Court ordered Malacañan to comment on the petition filed by several sectors against Executive Order 464, which bans officials of the executive branch, including officers and men of the Armed Forces and the police, from attending legislative inquires without President Arroyo’s clearance, abs-cbnNEWS.com learned Wednesday.

Cha-cha consultative commission illegal, says House leader (www.philstar.com)
In a privilege speech, Deputy Minority Leader Rolex Suplico said under the Constitution, it is only Congress than can create an agency or office and appropriate public funds for it. "Section 29 of Article VI (of the Constitution) provides that ‘no money shall be paid out of the treasury except pursuant of an appropriation made by law,’" he said, quoting the Charter. "There is no appropriation for a con-com in the 2005 General Appropriations Act," he added. Suplico said Executive Order 453 creating the con-com has appropriated an initial P10 million for the commission."

Close UP Law Center, PCGG official urges (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
The UP Law Center should be abolished to stop it from using government funds in efforts to bring down the government, Commissioner Ricardo Abcede of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) said Sunday. Abcede said that the law center’s study on the NorthRail contract is the latest of its acts to bring down the government, and it should be its last.

New religious group wants Arroyo out (news.inq7.net)
SAYING the bishops had failed their flock, around 20 Catholic organizations of priests, nuns and laity have formed an inter-religious alliance to revitalize the clamor for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ouster. Sinag, co-convened by Fathers Ben Moraleda and Eduardo Apungan, Sister Cres Lucero, singer-activist Gary Granada and other Catholic leaders, will join the call for Ms Arroyo's ouster by working the parishes through prayer vigils, text barrages and poster campaigns.

LGUs to use P30 B for dev’t programs (www.philstar.com)
Governors, mayors and local government officials are set today to shell out P30 billion for development programs dubbed as "Kilos Asenso." Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Bohol Gov. Eric Aumentado will spearhead its launching at the Manila Hotel that will form part of the 14th anniversary celebration of the Local Government Code of 1991. "LGUs (local government units) will be shelling out Kilos Asenso funds amounting to more than P30 billion to be taken from the 20 percent development fund set aside from the internal revenue allotment," Aumentado said.

‘Gov’t spent P1.2 B for consultants’ (www.philstar.com)
Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. revealed that last year, the government spent a total of P1.2 billion for consultants, many of whom are just "15-30 political accommodations" or people whose services are not really necessary as these can be done by in-house personnel. Topping the list of agencies with the most number of consultants last year was the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), which forked over P254 million for consultancy contracts. It is followed by the Department of Agriculture, which spent P185 million for consultants, and the Department of Education, which paid P135 million.

Pakistan death toll may reach 30,000 (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
BALAKOT, Pakistan – Bodies lay in the streets and villagers pulled debris from collapsed schools and mud-brick homes with their bare hands on Sunday, desperate to find survivors from a huge earthquake that struck Pakistan and India, killing more than 18,300 people. The quake that struck Saturday in the mountainous Kashmir region flattened dozens of villages, killing farmers, homemakers, soldiers and schoolgirls, and triggered landslides that blocked rescuers from reaching many devastated areas.

tsismis

2005-10-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

ayon sa ating bubwit...

Monday, October 03, 2005
what's up next?

two things have reached me recently, both about a possible threat to the present administration. first, the "tsismis" coming from sen miriam defensor santiago about the plot to kidnap then kill gma. no less than former pres cory aquino, along with sen franklin drilon, are the alleged mastermind behind this, according to santiago. second is the "promise" given by ex presidential candidate bro eddie villanueva to his jil flock last night. he said that they should watch carefully the events of the coming days. he vaguely described it as something that will have great impact on the lives of each filipino.

about the first, im not sure whether pres cory has the capacity to will the death of gma. i don't think this has ever been her style. i however believe that they're planning something. there were reports that as early as first week of july, cory had met with drilon, along with some bishops, to talk about the possibility of a decastro-drilon tandem. this is open source. cory talked to gma and asked her to resign last 06 july. just recently, cory was also seen in a meeting with prof nemenzo and other groups, possibly talking about the transitional revolutionary government that prof nemenzo had been advocating since the start of this national crisis. about drilon, i don't have much info about him, except that i have the impression that he is really one "good politician." imagine how he managed to be always present in every administration, in varying positions, ever since the time of marcos. i won't be surprised if he finally gets himself in the position to be future vp. then kicking de castro out will be the next logical step. tsk, tsk, tsk...

if one puts sen santiago's tsismis, and the proclamation of bro eddie, one can have a vague sense that something's really brewing behind the little that we get from the news. if we also add the recent actions of gen gudani and col balutan, former marines heads and presently involved in the pma. i mean, they won't really go and defy orders if they're just by themselves right?

now the next question is whether this underground plan will succeed. im sure this plan will have violence as a crucial component. most of the high ranking officers in the military and the police is still with gma, at least this is what can be observed from their statements and actions.

is bloodshed really the next logical step to this crisis?

3oct update

2005-10-03T12:15:00.000+08:00

P6.6B resettlement tab is North Rail nightmare (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
“Imagine uprooting 40,000 families—twice the entire population of the municipality of San Juan, Metro Manila,—and relocating them elsewhere.
By any stretch of the imagination, this would be a logistical and sociological nightmare. The financial cost alone would also be staggering. This is exactly what is happening in the government program to relocate those who will be displaced by the North Rail Project. The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) estimates that the government needs to shell out at least P6.6 billion in resettlement costs, but it is not clear where this money is going to come from.
The Senate began last week hearings on the controversial North Rail project, which envisions the rehabilitation of the north line of the old Philippine National Railways (PNR). So far the hearings have focused on the allegedly onerous and illegal provisions of the North Rail contract, inked by the government with a Chinese company.
Little attention has been given to the fact that rebuilding and extending the 80-kilometer railway, a project intended to spur economic growth in Central and Northern Luzon, also means evicting more than 200,000 poor people who live alongside the railroad tracks. This would make it the biggest—and costliest—resettlement project ever undertaken by the Philippine government.”

Miriam’s oust-GMA plot claim causes stir (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
“Lawmakers are divided over Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago’s allegation that Senate President Franklin Drilon and former President Cory Aquino were conspiring to overthrow President Arroyo.
Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. said he found it hard to believe Santiago’s allegation. "I have known Senator Drilon as a colleague and friend and can guarantee that his heart is for the country. Former President Cory Aquino, on the other hand, is the embodiment of integrity," said Magsaysay, an administration senator.
He said circumstances would indicate that the allegation is a "pure smear campaign" against Aquino and Drilon.
Senators Rodolfo Biazon and Francis Pangilinan, members of Liberal Party whose head is Drilon, also found Santiago’s allegation incredulous.
Pangilinan said, "Malacañan is now in a state of paranoia and has been acting on impulse that it seems and unable to view matters in an objective and sober manner."
He added that Malacañan should "get hold of itself before it ends up digging too deep into a hole it may not be able to get out of."

weekupdate (condensed slb)

2005-10-02T13:22:00.000+08:00

Pulse Asia survey: 7 of 10 Pinoys oppose martial law (abs-cbnnews.com)
The 2005 Ulat ng Bayan nationwide survey conducted from July 2 to14 showed that 67 percent of the 1,200 respondents or nearly seven out of 10 Filipinos do not see the need for declaring martial law to solve the country's woes.
Of those polled, only 19 percent said martial rule was the answer while 14 percent were undecided on the issue. Malacañan has downplayed reports of a possible implementation of martial law.”

UP Law Center: North Rail contract illegal (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
The UP Law Center has declared illegal and disadvantageous to the government the contract between the North Luzon Railways Corp. (NLRC) and a Chinese company to build the 32-kilometer $503-million North Rail project from Caloocan City to Malolos, Bulacan.
Among the reasons cited by the center in arriving at its conclusions were:
1. The absence of public bidding even if the exceptions on competitive bidding contained under Republic Act 9184 were absent.
2. The contract cannot be viewed as a treaty or executive agreement whether seen from the perspective of international or Philippine law.
3. The contract failed to comply with the Government Auditing Code and the Administrative Code of 1987, because the government’s counterpart fund is not supported by a certification on the availability of funds.

Senate to start wiretap probe (news.inq7.net)
SENATE will begin investigating wiretapped recordings of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allegedly discussing ways to rig last year's ballot, a senator said Tuesday.
The move comes after Arroyo's congressional allies last month threw out impeachment complaints against her based on the wiretaps, in which the president purportedly discussed ways to ensure a million-vote victory with an elections commissioner.

Palace appeals to Senate: Cancel all probes this week (news.inq7.net)
APPARENTLY "rattled" by the spate of inquiries lined up by the Senate, Malacañang has asked the chamber to cancel its investigations into various alleged government anomalies scheduled for this week, a Senate source said yesterday.
The source said the Palace was asking for a "blanket cancellation of all hearings this week."
Malacañang's letter carrying the appeal was being sent late yesterday to Senate President Franklin Drilon and to the concerned committee chairs, the source said.

Blue ribbon junks Malacañang appeal to spare Gonzales (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
The Senate blue ribbon committee yesterday turned down the appeal of Malacañang for the panel to reconsider its decision citing National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales in contempt and to immediately release him from the Senate’s custody.
In a letter to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, committee chairman Senator Joker Arroyo said the rule of executive privilege does not apply to the case of Gonzales, who was being asked to reveal information that is of public interest and whose disclosure would not compromise national security.

Gudani: Palace tried to stop wiretap probe (abs-cbnnews.com)
A former high-ranking official of the Philippine Marines on Wednesday said President Arroyo has ordered military officers not to testify before the Senate wiretapping inquiry, which could link the President to election fraud.
Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani said he was pulled out of his post as 1st Marine Brigade commander at the height of the 2004 national polls for ensuring clean and honest polls in Lanao del Sur.
"For a long time I have been trying to figure out why I was relieved of such position for several days, why I was called to Manila by my superiors, instructed to stay for one week playing golf during times when all Armed Forces commanders were on red alert without giving me a relevant task to do during those days when counting of vote during the 2004 national election was being done," he testified.
He said he was later informed by a PMA classmate, now a high-ranking military officer, that a provincial election supervisor, Rey Sumalipao, asked for his transfer to ensure the election victory of Mrs. Arroyo.
"He informed me by saying that a lot of money has been given to concerned individuals for them to deliver the necessary votes in favor of President Gloria Arroyo," he said.
He added: "My classmate told me that (Virgilio) Garcillano asked the provincial supervisor of Lanao del Sur Rey Sumalipao if he could lead the election in the place. Sumalipao replied he could not lead the election with Gudani around."
Gudani, who was deputized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure the safety of elections in Lanao del Sur, said he took instructions from Sumalipao.

"My conscience has bothered me for being silent despite the fact that there were vital issues of national importance that have been the cause of national controversy. (This) controversy has divided our people, including the Armed Forces," Gudani said, reading from a prepared statement. "But because I believe that truth and justice always prevailed, and that it is my duty first and foremost as a Christian and as a good citizen to let the public know the truth, today I come in compliance of a Senate summon," he said.

Opposition leader calls on GMA to revoke 'no permit, no rally' stand (www.philstar.com)
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Wednesday challenged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to disprove the impression that the country is in a state of undeclared martial law by scrapping her “no permit, no rally” policy.
Pimentel lauded the CHR, an independent constitutional body, for coming out with its official stand that the 'no permit, no rally' policy violates the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
He expressed the view that the President is legally and morally bound to abide by the position taken by the CHR on the issue since it is the constitutional body mandated to interpret and enforce laws on human rights.

42-member ConCom elects Abueva as chair (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
The 42-member Consultative Commission handpicked by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to propose changes to the 1987 Constitution met for the first time yesterday and expressed confidence that they could meet their December deadline.
The commissioners unanimously elected former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva as chairman, and divided themselves into 10 committees to effectively revise the current charter.

Opposition leader to go to court on Palace gag-order (phistar.com)”
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said Thursday he will question before the courts the legality of Executive Order 464 prohibiting Cabinet members and subordinate civilian officials, as well as military and police officials, from appearing in congressional investigations without clearance from President Gloria Arroyo.
Pimentel cast doubt on the legality of EO 464 since the Constitutions requires only heads of departments (Cabinet members), and not officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, from seeking prior consent of the President before they can appear before the Question Hour of Congress. “It is an illegal order because I don’t think she can justify it under the present circumstances without inventing the reasons for it,” he said.
“By that precipitate action, Gloria is jumping from the frying pan into the fire. This is actually making it difficult for public officials to fulfill their duties.” The minority leader warned that the presidential gag order will create “more chaos than order” and aggravate the rift between the executive and legislative branches.”

‘Not a one-woman rule’ (news.inq7.net)
“FATHER JOAQUIN BERNAS, dean emeritus of the Ateneo Law School and a noted constitutional expert, said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could not invoke executive privilege to cover up allegations that she stole last year’s elections.
Bernas said Executive Order No. 464 prevented the legislative branch from exercising its role as fiscalizer and disturbed the balance of power among the branches of government.
“It’s a gag rule. She’s obstructing the work of the legislature. She is blocking the checks and balances among coequal branches of government,” he said. “We are still a rule of democracy, not a rule of one woman.”

RP slips further as global trader (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
“A weak economic environment and corruption in government were among the factors that pulled down the Philippines’ global competitiveness ranking by 11 notches within a span of three years, the World Economic Forum said.
In its Global Competitiveness Report 2005-06, the forum said the Philippines ranked 77th with a global competitive index of 3.47, from 76th place last year. In 2003 the country’s placed 66th among 117 countries.
The report cited corruption, lack of infrastructure, a weak government policy, irregular payment of taxes, government wasteful spending and higher inflation as among the factors that weighed down the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
Other Asian countries such as Taiwan ranked 5th with 5.58 index points; Singapore, 6th, 5.48; Japan, 12th, 5.18; Korea, 17th, 5.07; Malaysia, 24th, 4.90; Thailand, 36th, 4.50; India, 50th, 4.04; China, 49th, 4.07; and Vietnam, 81st, 3.37.
The global competitiveness index comprises three "pillars," which are widely accepted as being critical to economic growth: the quality of the macroeconomic environment; the state of a country’s public institutions; and, given the increasing importance of technology in development, a country’s technological readiness.”

Binay defies Malacañang, gives nod to 2 rallies (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
“IN DIRECT defiance of Malacañang’s policy of “calibrated preemptive response,” Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday authorized the holding of two separate street demonstrations to be held in the city’s financial district.
Binay granted the applications for rally permits of the Manila Estero Informal Settlers Alliance (Meisa), a coalition of squatter families living along Manila’s waterways, and the Employee Relations Division of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.
Meisa members will troop to the offices of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) on Makati Avenue on Monday to protest the government’s alleged inaction on their plight.
The PLDT employees, on the other hand, will have a “Walk for A Cause” rally on Nov. 20 from Makati Avenue to the Makati-Mandaluyong bridge.
Binay said the city government has the authority under the Local Government Code to issue rally permits, which he explained could not be overruled by Malacañang as claimed by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.”

23sept slb newsbrief

2005-09-25T14:14:00.000+08:00

GMA loses patience with unruly protesters (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
Talking tough again, President Arroyo said on Thursday that she is tired of extending the hand of reconciliation to her detractors who continue to sow disorder in the streets.

Mrs. Arroyo said she respects the rights of the people to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

"However, these rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution, are not absolute. They can be exercised only in a peaceful manner and always in consideration of the welfare of the majority of our people," she said.

Palace, Senate square off (www.manilastandardtoday.com)
Malacañang and the Senate squared off for a test of wills yesterday as the Palace called on senators to release National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, detained for refusing to answer their questions about a controversial US lobby contract.

“If he is ready to speak up and tell the truth as he knows it, and we are convinced, then he will be purged (of the contempt charges),” said Senator Joker Arroyo, chairman of the panel. “We have no reason to hold him indefinitely... The time frame is in his hands. The ball is in his court.”

“In observance of the principle of separation of powers under the Constitution, we ask the Senate to reconsider its decision and immediately release him,” said Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye in a statement released after the meeting.

Survey says more Filipinos going hungry (news.inq7.net)
A survey by the private polling firm Social Weather Stations from Aug. 26 to Sept. 5 showed that 15.5 percent of households nationwide considered themselves as having "experienced hunger" or had nothing to eat at least once in the past three months.

It was the second highest figure since SWS began its quarterly surveys on hunger in July 1998, the start of the Joseph Estrada administration. A record high of 16.1 percent was set in March 2001, two months after Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took over the presidency following the EDSA II people power uprising.

From the first quarterly survey to the last, hunger has been felt by 10.4 percent of the population on the average.Around this time last year, the SWS poll showed that hunger spells were reported by 15.1 percent of Filipinos.

Cebu solon, lawyers seek revival of impeach complaint (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
Cebu Rep. Clavel Martinez and a group of six lawyers on Friday filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court against the decision of the House of Representatives to dismiss all impeachment complaints against President Arroyo.

The petitioners said the justice committee violated the Constitution when it debated over "prejudicial questions" before it discussed the sufficiency in form and in substance of the complaints.

Makati mayor braces for legal battle vs rally ban (www.abs-cbnnews.com)
The mayor of Makati said Friday that the city council will not go down without fighting the order to stop activists from staging protest marches in the country's premier business district.

According to Mayor Jejomar Binay, they are prepared to challenge the order because the rally ban is tantamount to a declaration of martial rule. The mayor is a leading opposition figure and among those seeking the resignation of President Arroyo.

"Hindi din naman kami makakapayag niyan. Idudulog namin 'yan sa hukuman dahil mala-martial law features na 'yan," he said in a DZMM interview.

Pahayag ng Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League Ukol sa Pambansang Krisis

2005-09-25T13:42:00.000+08:00

Ang Ating Kalagayan

Nahaharap ang bansa ngayon sa isang malawakang krisis na sumasakop sa iba’t ibang aspekto ng ating lipunan, maging sa ekonomiya, pulitika, at lalo na sa moralidad. Sa harap ng pambansang krisis na ito, bilang bahagi ng Socially-oriented Organizations of the Ateneo at bilang suporta sa pahayag ng CBCP na nananawagan para sa pagpapahalagang moral sa pulitika sa Pilipinas, minabuti naming maglabas ng pahayag batay sa aming paniniwala sa kahalagahang gawing buhay na realidad si Kristo. Sang-ayon sa Artikulo II (Pahayag ng Paniniwala) ng aming Saligang-batas, isinasagawa ito, sa tulong ng Maykapal, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo ng katesismo at pagtugon sa pangangailangang ispiritwal, kundi pati sa pagkamulat sa kalagayan ng lipunan.

Sa gitna ng krisis na ito, sari-sari ang paninindigan ng iba’t ibang sektor ng ating lipunan, at gayundin sa loob ng ating pamantasan. Dulot nito sa maraming Atenista ang labis na pagkalito o kaya naman labis na pagwawalang-bahala dahil sa salimuot ng mga usapin. Sadyang magkakakawing ang mga suliraning kinahaharap natin, ngunit nasa gitna nito ang pagsasantabi sa mga pagpapahalaga tulad ng disiplina, katapatan, at lalo na sa pagtitiwala.

Sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin kasama ang produktong petrolyo, kasabay ang krisis sa enerhiya at ang nakaambang pagpapatupad ng E-VAT law, lubhang mahina na ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa mga institusyong pang-ekonomiya na naglulugmok sa kanila sa patuloy na lumalalang kahirapan. Sa gitna ng kasalukuyang fiscal crisis, kasama ang kakulangan sa pabahay at trabaho, ang kahinaan ng pagpapatupad ng repormang agraryo, ang kakulangan ng maka-agham at teknolohikal na pag-unlad, at ang mababang kalidad ng edukasyon, tuluyan nang nawala ang tiwala ng marami sa mga mambabatas. Sa marupok na sistema ng eleksiyon, sa mga halal na pinunong pansariling interes lamang ang isinusulong sa halip na interes ng sambayanan, at sa nangyaring pagbasura sa impeachment complaint laban sa pangulong nakukuhestiyon ang pagka-lehitimo, hindi na pinagtitiwalaan ng bayan ang ating pampulitikang sistema.

Sa gitna ng magkakaibang paninindigan ng iba’t ibang sektor ng ating lipunan, ito ang aming pahayag bilang mga ACILista—mga Atenista at Katekista na nagsisikap maging tapat sa layunin ng pamantasan na humubog ng mga mag-aaral na adhikain ang pagsisilbi at pagiging makatarungan, na hinihingi ng aming pananampalataya.

Sa gitna ng kawalang-tiwala ng bayan sa sistema ng pamahalaan sa bansa, ng pagdududa maging sa mga susunod pa lamang na mga pinuno, ng pagkalito kung bakit tila hindi na natuto ang bansa sa kanyang mga karanasan, ng pagtataka kung may magagawa pa tayo at kung ano ito, ng tukso ng pagwawalang-bahala at kawalang-pag-asa, nababatid namin na hinihingi ang aming posisiyon sa krisis na ito. At bilang organisasyong may direktang pakikiugnay sa apat na komunidad ng maralitang tagalungsod, nakikita namin ang aming papel sa pagpapanumbalik ng mga pagapahalagang moral sa ating lipunan.

Kung naaapektuhan kami, bilang mga mamamayan ng bansang ito, ng kahinaang-loob, ng inseguridad sa trabaho at sa kalagayan ng buhay sa aming hinaharap, hanggang sa pangangailangang magtipid dulot ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin, batid namin na lalo namang nahihirapan ang aming mga pinagsisilbihang komunidad. Samantalang dagli ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, lubha namang mabagal ang pag-unlad, napipilitang magtrabaho pati ang mga bata, mas mahirap umangat sa kasalukuyang kalagayan, at naaantala pa ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong laan dapat sa kanila. Higit pa rito, nagiging biktima sila ng mapanirang pamumulitika na gawain ng mga halal din nilang pinuno, nagagamit sila sa mga kilos-protesta, habang hindi naman tunay na naririnig ang kanilang tinig sa pagsasabatas.

Ang Aming Pahayag

Hinihingi ng ilan sa amin ang pagbibitiw ng pangulo, bilang pananagutan sa kanyang ginawa (kasama ang hatol na nandaya nga siya noong eleksiyon) na labag sa moral na batas. Dagdag pa rito, malinaw na (ayon sa sarbey) ang kawalang-tiwala ng mga tao sa kanya, at may naniniwalang ito lamang ang nararapat kundi patuloy na lalala ang ating suliranin, kasama ang pagpataw sa kanya ng paninisi sa nangyayaring destabilisasyon sa pamahalaan. Ngunit higit na marami ang salungat sa kanyang pagbibitiw. May nagtitiwala pa rin sa kanyang kakayahan sa kabila ng kanyang mga kakulangan, at nakakakita na hindi solusyon sa pambansang suliranin ang pagpapalit ng pinuno. Gayundin, pinagdududahan ang mga ebidensiya na inilalatag laban sa kanya; at mayroong mapagpatawad na naniniwala, sa pagtanggap na sadyang laganap ang dayaan sa eleksiyon, na karapat-dapat pa ring kalahok ang pangulo sa pagpapanibago ng bansa at na maaaring panagutan ang kanyang mga pagkukulang sa pamamagitan ng pagsisilbi sa bayan. Samantala, may mga posisyon na ayon sa posibilidad ng pagbibitiw—hindi mahusay ang papalit sa kanya, lalong magiging magulo sa hindi pagkakuntento sa papalit sa kanya. Ngunit sa lahat ng ito, nagkakaisa ang lahat sa pangangailangan ng pananagutan at pagnanais na malaman ang katotohanan sa paraang naaayon sa Saligang-batas.

Sa kadahilanang ito, kakaunti lamang ang hindi sang-ayon sa paglilitis sa pangulo sa pamamaraang impeachment. Sa kalagayan ng bansa ngayon, hinihiling nila na ibaling na lamang sa epektibong pamamahala at pagpapatupad ng mga batas ang puwersa na ginugugol ng mga pulitiko sa agawan ng kapangyarihan. Nakikita nila na maaaring masayang lamang ang malaking halaga ng pondo at oras na ilalaan para rito, na maaaring manipulado para sa makitid na interes pulitikal ang mga ebidensiya, at na patuloy pa ring kaguluhan ang idudulot nito na lalong magpapahirap sa bansa. Sa kabilang dako naman, nananaig ang paninindigan ng mga nagnanais na isulong ang proseso ng impeachment. Naniniwala sila sa pangangailangan na ilatag ang pinakamaraming posibleng ebidensiya na magpapakita sa katotohanan hinggil sa mga paratang sa pangulo. Dagdag pa nila, hindi ito dapat maging sagabal sa gawain ng mga mambabatas; at kahit hindi maiiwasan ang kanya-kanyang pagkiling, kinakailangang ituloy ito nang naaayon sa batas tungo sa isang pormal at makatarungang resolusyon. Ito ang nakikita nilang paraan tungo sa pananagutan at tungo sa pamahalaang mapagkakatiwalaan dahil sa matatag sa pagpapatupad ng kanyang mga batas.

Ngunit sadyang magkakaiba ang aming opinyon kung dapat ipagpatuloy ng pangulo ang kanyang termino; sa madaling salita, kung status quo—halos magkakapantay ang opinyong dapat, hindi dapat, at hindi tiyak. Samantalang mayroong mga naniniwala sa kanyang kakayahan, at may nagpapatawad at handang magbigay ng pagkakataon na patunayan ng pangulo ang kanyang sarili; may sumusuporta sa kanya dahil sa kawalan ng tiwala sa ibang posibleng pinuno, at dahil matatapos lang din ang kanyang termino. Para sa iba, hindi dapat matapos ang termino kung maisasantabi lamang ang mga isyu. Sa pangyayaring ito, anila, tila hinayaan na lamang ng sambayanan ang posibleng pandaraya niya at iba pang posibleng katiwalian; walang halaga ang pamumuno na hindi nakabatay sa katotohanan. Dagdag pa nila, sa gitna ng malawakang di-pagkapalagay, hindi na siya epektibong kinatawan ng mga mamamayan. At may mga paghuhusga na huwad nga ang kanyang pagka-lehitimo, at nararapat lamang ang kanyang pagbibitiw. Sa huli, anila, hangga’t walang katarungan at katotohanan, hindi mapagkakatiwalaan ng taumbayan ang pamahalaan. At hindi man nakatitiyak ang iba sa ngayon, nakadepende naman sila sa kahihinatnan sana ng impeachment na hindi pinahintulutan sa Kongreso.

Ang Aming Panawagan

Marami sana sa amin ang nagnanais ng impeachment, ngunit hindi ito pinahintulutan. Kaya hanggang ngayon, sari-sari pa rin ang nakikita naming posibilidad na nakaharap sa bansa: ang pagpapatawad sa pangulo at pagiging mas mapagmasid sa kanya, ang pagsulong ng Charter Change tungo sa sistemang federal-parliamentary, ang pagkakaroon ng transition government na may suporta ng Korte Sumprema, ang pagkakaroon ng mga bagong pinuno sa pamamagitan ng snap elections sa kaso ng sabay na pagbibitiw ng pangulo at pangalawang-pangulo.

Sa kalagayan ngayon, nananawagan kami sa pagbabago, sa nibel ng pagka-mamamayan. Kinakailangan natin ng matinong pagka-makabayan, ng epektibong pakikisangkot tungo sa epektibong pamamahala, at ng responsableng tugon sa mga kagyat na suliranin ng bansa. Huwag nating hayaan na maglahong parang bula ang usapin ukol sa pangulo, at hanapin natin ang ugat ng malawakang problema ito. Manindigan sana tayo sa katotohanan nang hindi kinaliligtaan ang personal na bahagi sa ating mga suliranin. Pagtibayin ang sistema ng edukasyon, labanan ang katiwalian, bigyang pansin ang mahihirap, dagdagan ang disiplina, bantayan nang maigi ang pamahalaan, sumapi sa mga proyektong nakatutulong sa pagbubuo at pagpapanibago ng bansa, matutong bumoto ng mga pinunong magsisilbi sa interes ng mamamayan, isapuso ang pagiging mamamayan na may pananagutan sa Diyos at hindi lamang sa batas.

Para sa pamahalaan, maayos na sana ang sistema ng pagboto kung saan laganap ang dayaan, maging tapat sana sila sa mga repormang ipinatutupad, pagtuonan din ang paggagasta ng kaban ng bayan, at matuto sana silang magsilbi para sa bayan at hindi para sa mga personal na interes.
Nababatid namin ang pangangailangan ng masusing pag-iisip at pagkilos na may pag-unawa, kaya patuloy kaming aantabay sa mga kaganapan sa bayan. Tuloy pa rin ang aming mga gawain sa aming mga apostolado, ngunit nagbabantay kami sa mga pinuno at nagsisikap pa ring tumungo sa nagkakaisang paninindigan hinggil sa ating suliranin ngayon. Kasama ang pagdarasal, pakikilahok sa mga demonstrasyon, o pananatiling nasa paaralan, nais naming maging mabuting mamamayan kaya’t hindi namin ipagkakait ang suporta sa administrasyon sa mga lehitimo nitong pagpapasya. Sa pagsasagawa namin ng misyon ng aming organisasyon, magagawa namin ang moral na pagpapanibago ng sarili, at patuloy naming gagamitin ang aming edukasyon sa Ateneo bilang instrumento ng nararapat na pagpapasya.

Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League
kasapi ng Socially-oriented Organizations of the Ateneo
Loyola Schools
Ateneo de Manila University
Ika-21 ng Setyembre 2005

People Power at ang Transition Council: Kagyat na tugon sa krisis ng gobyernong Arroyo

2005-08-29T12:37:00.000+08:00

pahayag ng league of filipino students

PAMBUNGAD

Bulok na bulok na ang rehimen ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Walo sa bawat sampung Pilipino ang nagsasabi na dapat nang alisin sa pwesto si Arroyo. Ito na ang naging lohikal na konklusyon matapos mailantad ang malawakang pandaraya sa eleksyon, katiwalian sa gobyerno, maigting na krisis sa ekonomiya at pulitika, pagpapakatuta sa dayuhan at ang tumitinding panunupil sa mamamayan.

Wala nang moral at ligal na batayan para mamuno si Arroyo. Sa lahat ng sulok ng bansa ay umaalingawngaw ang panawagan para sa pagbibitiw o pagpapatalsik kay Gloria. Lumalaki at lumalawak ang mga kilos protesta. Dumarami ang mga personahe at organisasyon ng panggitnang pwersa ang nananawagan ng pagbibitiw ni Arroyo. Nakasampa na rin sa Kongreso ang isang impeachment complaint laban kay Gloria.

Ang mga pangyayaring ito ang nagpapakita na suklam na ang mamamayan sa pekeng pangulo na mapanupil at pahirap sa taong bayan.

Ngayon ay panahon ng paninindigan. Kailangang kumilos ang mamamayan para lutasin ang krisis ng rehimeng Arroyo. Ang resolusyon ay kailangang maging pabor sa nakararaming inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan. Para magawa ito, kailangang magkaisa ang mamamayan kung paano palalayasin si Arroyo sa Malacañang. At mula doon ay ihawan ang landas tungo sa mga makabuluhang reporma para sa mamamayan habang tinatanaw ang mas makabuluhang pagbabago ng buong bulok na sistema.

1. ANO ANG IBA'T IBANG PARAAN NG PAGRESOLBA SA KRISIS NG REHIMENG ARROYO?

May iba't ibang pagtingin kung paano haharapin ang krisis ng rehimeng Arroyo. May nagpapanukala na ilimita ang pagpipilian ng mamamayan sa tinatawag na mga konstitusyonal na proseso. Ang iba naman ay nagsasabi na kailangang maging bukas sa lahat ng options, kabilang na ang sinasabing extra-constitutional option tulad ng People Power.

Truth Commission

Noong nagsimula ang kontrobersya ng "Hello Garci", may mga nagpanukala ng "Truth Commission" bilang paraan para matuklasan ang katotohanan sa pandaraya sa eleksyon. Kamakailan ay naglabas ng pahayag ang Malacañang na nananawagan din ng pagbubuo ng "Truth Commission", alinsunod sa naging mungkahi ng ilang obispo't negosyante. Lubhang malabo ang patutunguhan ng "Truth Commission" ni Arroyo. Paano aasahan ang isang akusado (Arroyo) na imbestigahan ang kanyang sarili? Susunod naman kaya si Arroyo sa magiging rekomendasyon ng 'Truth Commission" na siya ang nagbuo? Napag-iwanan na ng mga pangyayari ang panawagan para sa "Truth Commission". Malinaw na hindi ito maaaring maging tugon sa krisis ng rehimeng Arroyo. Kahit ang mga nagmungkahi ng "Truth Commission" ay hindi na nagpupursige sa pagbubuo nito.

Impeachment Process

Meron ding iba na nagsasabing idaan na lang sa impeachment ang pagpapaalis kay Arroyo. Ang nakakatawa pa nga ay mismong si Arroyo ang nagtataguyod sa impeachment process bilang TANGING ligal o konstitusyonal na paraan para mapaalis siya sa pwesto.

Pero ipinakita na ng kasaysayan na hindi madali ang impeachment ng isang pangulo, lalo't nananatiling hawak ni Arroyo ang mayorya sa Kongreso. Bagama't magagawa ng impeachment na ilantad ang mga kaso't krimen ni Arroyo, hindi tayo umaasa at wala tayong ilusyon sa prosesong ito. Sinusuportahan natin ang mga isyung nilalaman ng impeachment complaint habang binabantayan naman ang mga maniobra at panggigipit na ginagawa ng Malacañang. Kabilang sa mga maniobra ang panunuhol at intimidasyon sa mga testigo at ang maniobra sa mismong proseso ng deliberasyon at botohan sa impeachment.

Hindi natin ibubuhos ang ating pagsisikap sa impeachment lamang. Mas mahalaga na magpatuloy ang mga pangmasang aksyong protesta sa lansangan, edukasyon sa hanay ng masa at panggitnang pwersa at pagpapalawak at konsolidasyon ng mga progresibong organisasyon ng mamamayan.

Gayunpaman, kailangang bantayan ang mga pihit ng sitwasyon kaugnay ng impeachment, lalo na ang mga lantarang maniobra ng mga pro-GMA na ikakagalit ng mamamayan.

Resignation

Ang resignation o pagbibitiw ay isa sa mga paraang nakasaad sa konstitusyon bilang paraan ng pagpapalit ng pangulo. Maaaring magbitiw ang isang pangulong hindi na kayang mamuno.

Marami na ang nananawagan ng pagbibitiw ni Arroyo, kabilang ang kilusang masa, mga pulitiko, grupo ng negosyante't propesyunal at mga samahang relihiyoso. Noong July 8 ay sunod-sunod na nananawagan ng resignation ang mga dating miyembro ng gabinete ni Arroyo, si dating Pangulong Aquino at ang Makati Business Club. Pero sa kabila ng mga panawagang ito ay nanatiling kapit-tuko sa poder si GMA.

Tama ang panawagan ng pagbibitiw kay Arroyo. Ito ay ekspresyon ng malawak na diskontento at pagtatakwil ng mamamayan sa kasalukuyang rehimen. Matapos na ilang ulit nagpahayag si Arroyo na hindi siya bibitiw sa poder, malinaw din na hindi sapat ang simpleng panawagan ng resign para mapaalis si Arroyo. Kailangan ng direktang aksyon ng daan-libong mamamayan para ma-pwersa si Arroyo na lisanin ang palasyo.

Snap Elections?

May nagsasabi din na idaan na lang sa isang snap election ang krisis ng gobyerno para malaman kung sino talaga ang sinusuportahan ng tao. Kahalintulad ito ng naging snap election noong bago bumagsak ang diktadurang Marcos. Pero paano magkakaroon ng kredibilidad ang snap elections gayong ang mismong magpapatakbo nito, ang COMELEC, ay bahagi sa pandaraya noong 2004 at lubog sa kontrobersya at kabulukan?

Solusyon ba ang Cha Cha?

Nagmungkahi na rin ng CHA CHA o charter change ang rehimen bilang solusyon daw sa krisis sa pulitika. Ito rin ang isinusulong ni dating pangulong Ramos, Jose de Venecia at ang buong LAKAS-CMD. Ginagamit nila ang retorika ng "pagpapalit ng sistema" para pagtakpan ang totoong mga ugat ng kasalukuyang krisis at kung sino ang may pangunahing pananagutan. Ano ba talaga ang nasa likuran ng Cha Cha?

Ang Cha Cha ay naglalayong pagtakpan ang mga isyu't kasalanang sinisingil kay GMA. Ayon na rin mismo kay Arroyo, kaya nagkakagulo sa pulitika ngayon ay dahil sa sistema ng pulitika na presidensyal. Mas mabuti na raw ang sistemang parliamentaryo kung saan punong ministro na hinalal ng mga mambabatas ang siyang mamumuno sa bansa. Sa ilalim daw kasi ng parliamentary system, hindi na magkakaroon ng pangkalahatang eleksyon para sa pangulo dahil ang pinuno ng bansa ay ihahalal na lamang ng mga napiling mga kinatawan sa parliamento.

Malabo ang ganitong lohika ni GMA. Una ay pinagpapalagay niya na walang tinutuntungan ang mga panawagan para sa kaniyang pagbibitiw kundi ang pamumulitika lamang ng mga kalaban niyang nais mang-agaw ng kapangyarihan. Ang krisis ng rehimeng Arroyo ay hindi nagmumula sa presidential system ng gobyerno. Kaya may krisis ay dahil sa mga krimen ni Arroyo tulad ng pandaraya sa eleksyon, pagnanakaw sa kabang bayan at panunupil sa mamamayan.

Pangalawa, inililihis lamang ni GMA ang pananaw ng madla palayo sa totoong mga isyu. Nais ng rehimen na maipihit ang pambansang talakayan mula sa isyu ng kanyang pagbibitiw tungo sa usapin ng porma ng gobyerno.

Pangatlo, layon ng grupo ni Ramos na bigyan ng "graceful exit" si GMA matapos mabago ang konstitusyon. Ang pakanang ito ang magtitiyak na hindi mananagot si GMA sa kanyang mga kasalanan sa bayan. Ibang usapin pa syempre ang tila pagpalag ni GMA sa panukalang paikliin ang kanyang termino hanggang 2006.

Pang-apat, dapat ding bantayan ang pansariling interes ang grupong Ramos-de Venecia gayudin ang maka-imperyalistang agenda sa likod ng Cha-cha.

2. PAGKILOS NG MAMAMAYAN: Ang nagpapatuloy na tradisyon ng people power

Bakit kailangan itaguyod ang pambansa demokratikong kilusang masa at konsepto ng People Power bilang paraan sa pagresolba ng krisis ng rehimeng Arroyo?

Sa huling pagsusuri, batay sa karansan sa pakikibaka sa diktadurang US-Marcos at paglaban sa rehimeng US-Estrada, at batay na rin sa pagmamatigas ng rehimeng US-Arroyo, ang tuwirang pagkilos ng mamamayan ang siyang mapagpasya para lutasin ang krisis. Ang pag-aalsang popular sa tradisyon ng people power ay ang pinakamataas na ekspresyon ng demokrasya kung saan ang kapasyahan ng mamamayan ang siyang magtatakda ng pananatili o pagpapalit ng isang goberyno. Ang lakas ng mamamayan ang ating pangunahing sandigan laban sa nabubulok na rehimeng Arroyo.

Ang pagpapatalsik kay Arroyo ay mangangailangan ng kooperasyon at pagkilos ng malapad na hanay ng mamamayang lumalaban. Kabilang dito ang progresibong kilusang masa na pangunahing binubuo ng mga api at progresibong uri; ang mga pwersa ng Ligal na Oposisyon, mga taong simbahan at samahang relihiyoso, mga opisyal ng gobyerno na anti-Arroyo, mga negosyante, propesyunal, panggitnang saray ng lipunan, mass media, at maging mga aktibo at retiradong opsiyal militar. Lahat ay kinakailangang magtulong-tulong sa nagkakaisang layunin na patalsikin si Arroyo. Milyon-milyong mamamayan ang dapat na kumilos para patalsikin sa pwesto ang peke at pahirap na pangulo.

Hindi ba labag sa konstitusyon ang People Power?

Masasabing isang paraang extra-constitutional ang People Power dahil hindi ito tuwirang nasasaad sa saligang batas. Gayunpaman, ang people power ay umaayon sa probisyon ng konstitusyon na nagsasabing "sovereignty resides in the people." Mamamayan ang mapagpasya. Ito ang esensya ng demokrasya. Ayon naman sa ibang ligal na eksperto, ang people power ay maaaring ituring na extra-constitutional pero hindi unconstitutional. Ibig sabihin, bagamat hindi tuwirang nasasaad sa konstitusyon, hindi rin naman nangangahulugan na labag ito sa konstitusyon. Ang mga mariing kumokontra ngayon sa people power ay mismong mga nakinabang sa People Power noon. Kapag wala sila sa poder ay ok lang ang people power. Pero oras na sila ay maupo, kagyat nilang tinatawag na iligal ang people power. Sila din ang unang lumalabag sa konstitusyon tulad ng pandaraya sa halalan, paglabag sa karapatang pantao at paglabag sa soberanya ng bansa.

Makikita rin na sa tindi na ng inabot ng krisis ng bansa, ang mamamayan ay humahanap na ng mga solusyon na labas sa konstitusyon. Ang mga paraang extra-constitutional ay nagpapakita na hindi na kayang harapin ang krisis ng bansa sa dating mga limitasyon ng saligang batas.

Hindi ba pagod na ang mamamayan sa People Power lalo't wala namang nangyari matapos ang EDSA 1 at 2?

Hindi sa people power nagsasawa ang mamamayan. Sawa na ang tao sa pagtataksil ng mga ilang lider at pulitiko matapos ang people power. Ang bulok na pulitika, kawalan ng reporma at kawalan ng representasyon ng mamamayan ang siyang itinatakwil ng mamamayan. Kung pagbabatayan ang mga protesta ngayon, masasabing buhay na buhay pa rin ang diwa ng people power. Hindi nagsasawang maghangad ng pagbabago ang mamamayan.

Dagdag pa, masasabing nagbigay ng mahalagang aral ang EDSA 1 at 2. Una na dito ang realidad na hindi sapat na palitan lamang ang pangulo kung gusto nating magkaroon ng tunay na pagbabago. Pangalawa, ang tunay na kapangyarihan ay nasa kamay ng mamamayan. Kailangang palakasin ang kilusan ng mamamayan para maisulong ang tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan. Ang makabuluhang pagbabago ay hindi natin pwedeng iasa na lamang sa mga pulitiko't iilang naghahari. Ang mahalaga ay matapos ang bawat people power ay natututo ang mamamayan at lumalakas ang kanilang hanay at mabuo ang kanilang organisadong lakas.

Civilian-Military Junta ba o Coup d'etat ang tunguhin ng People Power?

Hindi layunin ng people power ang magluklok ng isang civilian-military junta. Ang military junta ay hindi solusyon sa krisis ng gobyernong Arroyo. Batay sa ating naging kasaysayan, ang People Power ay nagtataguyod ng civilian supremacy o kapangyarihang sibiliyan ang nangingibabaw sa militar. Hindi tayo papayag sa isang civilian-military junta, lalo't sa ganitong kalagayan ay tiyak na magiging dominante ang militar kaysa sibilyan.

Ano kung gayon ang dapat iluwal ng People Power? Ano ang ipapalit kay Arroyo?

Ang people power ay dapat magluwal ng isang transtion council bilang kagyat na kapalit ng rehimeng Arroyo. Ang transition council ay maghahawan ng mga kagyat na reporma habang inihahanda ang paglulunsad ng eleksyon sa isang resonableng panahon. Ito ay bubuuin ng iba't ibang mga pwersang pinakadeterminado sa laban para patalsikin si Arroyo.

3. TRANSITION COUNCIL: Napapanahong alternatiba sa bulok na rehimeng Arroyo

Bakit hindi si Noli de Castro o Franklin Drilon ang magiging kapalit ni Arroyo? Bakit hindi constitutional succession ang masusunod?

Kaiba sa EDSA 2, ang People Power ngayon ay hindi magreresulta ng constitutional succession kung saan ang bise-presidente ang magiging kapalit ni Arroyo. Hindi katanggap-tanggap si Noli de Castro bilang kapalit ni Arroyo. Sa panahon ng krisis sa pulitika ay nananatili siyang tagapagtanggol ni Arroyo. Kung tutuusin ay nakinabang siya sa pandaraya ni Arroyo noong nakaraang halalan. Kahit maluklok siya bilang pangulo kapag biglang nagbitiw si Arroyo, hindi rin niya kakayaning mamuno. Hindi rin niya itataguyod ang interes ng mamamayan, lalo't siya ay kilalang malapit sa interes ng malaking negosyanteng Lopez. Si de Castro ay kabilang sa dapat magbitiw matapos mapatalsik si Arroyo.

Si Senate President Frank Drilon naman ay malabo ding maging kapalit ni Arroyo. Bilang pangatlong pinakamataas na opisyal ng bansa, si Drilon sana ay maaaring maging transition president habang inihahanda ang eleksyon ng bagong pangulo sa lalong madaling panahon. Pero sa ilalim ng umiiral na sitwasyon, at dahil na rin sa problema ng katiwalian sa COMELEC, hindi magiging epektibo ang Drilon transition at snap election. Higit sa lahat, hindi nito mabibigyang kapangyarihan at representasyon ang mga pwersang nagpatalsik kay Arroyo, lalo na ang mga inaaping sektor ng lipunan. At kung gayon ay hindi mabibigyang daan ang mga repormang mapapakinabangan ng mamamayan.

Konstitusyunal ba ang transition council?

Katulad ng people power, ang konsepto ng transition council ay di tuwirang nasasaad sa Konstitusyon. Ito kung gayon ay maituturing na extra-constitutional subalit hindi rin naman masasabing unconstitutional o labag sa konstitusyon. Umaayon pa rin ito sa probisyon ng konstitusyon na nagsasabing "sovereignty resides in the people". Tatanganan din nito ang probisyon sa konstitusyon na nagtataguyod sa civilian supremacy sa gobyerno.

Ang gobyernong Aquino noon ay maituturing na extra-constitutional dahil labas ito sa saklaw ng 1973 Constitution ni Marcos. Pero dahil ito ay niluwal ng pakikibaka laban sa diktadura at dahil malinaw ang pandaraya ni Marcos sa snap elections, nagawang umiral ng gobyernong Aquino. Tinanggap ito ng publiko kahit na labas ito sa balangkas ng konstitusyon. Nagkaroon Freedom Constitution habang inaatupag ang pagbabalangkas ng 1987 Constitution.

Bakit kailangang transition council ang pumalit kay Arroyo?

Hindi n a sapat ang constitutional succession para lutasin ang krisis sa pulitika. Ito ang nakita nating aral sa kasaysayan at ito rin ang ipinapakita ng kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Malala at malalim ang krisis ng bansa. Ang simpleng pagluluklok kay Noli de Castro ay hindi lulutas sa mga problema ng bayan. Kailangang magtulong ang iba't ibang pwersa para lutasin ang krisis na ito at magagawa lang ito sa balangkas ng isang transisyon council na sa aktwal ay koalisyon ng mga pwersang anti-Arroyo.

Kailangan ding magkaroon ng kinatawan ang mamamayan, lalo na ang mga manggagawa't magsasaka, sa gobyernong papalit kay Arroyo. Sa nakaraan ay hindi naging tampok ang kinatawan ng mamamayan sa mga gobyernong itinatag matapos ang EDSA 1 at 2. Ang kinatawan ng mamamayan mula sa mga progresibong organisasyon, lalo na ng mga aping uri ng manggagawa't magsasaka at mg progresibong saray, ang magtitiyak na maisusulong ang mga kagyat na repormang pakikinabangan ng taongbayan.

Walang iisang grupo o tao ang makapagsasabi na sila/siya ang may kakayanang pumalit kay Arroyo. Walang grupo ang makapagsasabi na kaya nitong mag-isang patalsikin si Arroyo. Ang pagpapaalis kay Arroyo ay mangangailangan ng pagtutulungan ng iba't ibang pwersa at grupo. Kung kaya't ang gobyernong kagyat na papalit kay Arroyo ay mangangailangang kumatawan din sa iba't ibang pwersa't partidong pulitikal na kumilos laban kay Arroyo.

Sino-sino ang bubuo ng transition council?

Ang transition council ay bubuuin ng iba't ibang epektibong pwersa na kumilos para patalsikin si Arroyo. Maaaring magkaroon ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba't ibang partido/grupo ng ligal na Oposisyon, progresibong kilusang masa, mga negosyante, panggitnang saray ng mga propesyunal, at maging mga kinatawan ng mga retiradong militar na maaaring kumatawan sa mga aktibong militar.

Dapat tiyakin ang representasyon ng mga grupong pinaka-aktibong lumaban kay Arroyo. Dapat ding magkaroon ng tinatawag na proportional representation kung saan ang dami ng kinatawan ay itinatakda ng laki o bilang ng kinakatawan o constituents.

Isinusulong natin na magkaroon ng kinatawan sa transition council ang mga aping sektor tulad ng manggagawa, magsasaka at maralita. Dapat ding isulong ang representasyon ng mga lider na nagdadala ng makabayan at demokratikong plataporma. Sila ang kailangan sa loob ng transition council para maisulong ang mga reporma.

Ang laki ng transition council ay babatay sa aktwal na kalagayan, sa dami ng mga grupong aktibong kumikilos laban kay Arroyo. Dapat itong magkaroon ng sapat na bilang ng mga miyembro para magkaroon ng representasyon ang iba't biang pwersa at grupong pampulitika.

Ang iba pang detalye ng transition council ay bumabatay na sa paraan ng pagpapatalsik kay Arroyo. Halimbawa, magagawa lamang ang transition council kung malakas ang kilusang masa o people power. Ang mga pangunahing mga personalidad na bubuo ng transition council ay babatay sa kung sino ang pinaka-aktibong pwersa sa kilusan para patalsikin si GMA.

Paano pipiliin ang mga kinatawan ng transition council? Kailan ito bubuuin?

Sa panahong malapit nang mapatalsik si Arroyo, dapat magkaroon ng isang malawak na People's Assembly na ipapatawag ng iba't ibang pwersang pulitikal na anti-Arroyo. Ang People's Assembly ang magbibigay ng mandato para sa itatayong transition council. Ang mga pwersang mag-oorganisa ng asembliya ay dapat magbalangkas ng mga alituntunin para sa nominasyon at pagpili ng mga kinatawan ng transition council.

Kailangang tiyakin ang malapad na partisipasyon ng iba't ibang sektor sa People's Assembly. Ang People's Assembly ay dapat ding magtaguyod ng minimum na programa na makabayan at demokratiko na ipapatupad matapos mapatalsik si Arroyo.

Hakbang-hakbang na umuusbong ngayon ang kooperasyon sa pagitan ng iba't ibang pwersang anti-Arroyo. Higit na uunlad ang kooperasyon at unawaan ng mga pwersang ito habang sumusulong ang laban. Sa ganitong paraan lang magiging posible ang pormasyon ng pinakamalapad na nagkakaisang hanay laban kay Arroyo.

Maaaring mabuo ang isang pormal na alyansa ng lahat ng grupong anti-Arroyo. Ang alyansang ito ang maaaring magpatawag ang isang People's Assembly na pipili ng mga kinatawan ng transition council.

Hanggang kailan ito iiral? Gaano katagal ang buhay ng transition council?

Sa konspeto ng isang transition council, malinaw na hindi ito isang permanenteng gobyerno. Ito ay pansamantalang porma lamang ng pamamahala habang isinusulong ang mga reporma at inihahanda ang susunod na eleksyon. Sinasabing maaaring tumagal ng minimum na anim na buwan hanggang isang taon ang transition council. Kailangan ng isang panahon para ayusin ang burukrasyang babakentehin ni Arroyo. Kailangan ding tiyakin ang repormang elektoral bago mailunsad ang halalan para sa bagong pamunuan.

Matapos maihalal ang bagong pamunuan ng bansa, maaaring manatili ang People's Assembly at ang transition council bilang ekpsresyon ng nagkakakisang hanay ng mamamayan.

Ano ang magiging trabaho ng transition council?

Isulong ang mga reporma sa ekonomiya at pulitika, kabilang ang electoral reforms
Linisin ang kalat na iniwan ng rehimeng Arroyo, kabilang ang mga kaso ng katiwalian, kronyismo, mga maanomalyang kontrata etc. Punuan ang ilang nabakanteng pwesto ng rehimeng Arroyo.
Maghanda para sa halalang may kredibidilad. Ilunsad ang mga pagbabago sa COMELEC.
Isulong ang pambansang pagkakaisa para sa makabayan at demokratikong reporma
Maaari ding magpatawag ang transition council ng isang constitutional convention na magbabalangkas ng konstitusyon na magpapasaklaw sa mga karapatan ng mamamayan at magpapalakas sa mga makabayang probisyon

Ano ang mga repormang dapat isulong ng transition council?

Partikular na mga reporma na dapat isulong ay ang:

Economic relief mula sa matinding krisis sa ekonomiya, kasama na dito ang debt repudiation at pagrepaso sa mga patakarang pahirap sa bayan tulad ng EVAT.
Tunay na reporma sa lupa at makabayang industriyalisasyon, proteksyon ng ekonomiya kasama ang pagbaligtad sa mga patakarang globalisasyon.
Pagtaguyod sa karapatang pantao at katarungan para sa mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao at panunupil ng estado
Pagtuloy sa usapang pangkapayapaan
Pagtataguyod ng pambansang soberanya

Ang transition council na ba ang sagot sa malalim na krisis ng bansa?

Ang transition council na may kinatawan ng masang anakpawis at kilusang demokratiko ay isang makabuluhang hakbang tungo sa lubos na panlipunang pagbabago. Dapat lang na ilinaw na ang transition council ay hindi pa kulminasyon ng pagsisikap natin para isulong ang tunay na pagbabago. Hindi dapat magbigay ng ilusyon na ito na ang pinal na kasagutan sa lahat ng problema ng bansa, lalo't kung ang bubuuing transition council ay ililimita lamang sa mga kinatawan ng iba't ibang reaksyunaryong partido at grupong pampulitika at wala ang mga kintawan ng demokratikong kilusang masa.

Dapat kilalanin ang realidad na ang problema ng bansa ay tunay na malalim at hindi malulutas sa bisa lamang ng isa, dalawa o tatlong people power. Kinikilala din natin na dominante pa rin ang bulok na pulitika sa bansa. Posible din na sa loob ng transition council ay dominante pa rin ang mga tradisyunal na pulitiko at minorya lamang ang mga kinatawan ng progresibong kilusan. Dahil dito, hindi lubos ang mga reporma na maipapatupad ng transition council.

Ang mahalaga ay sa panahon ng pakikibaka at transisyon, makapag-ipon ng ibayong lakas ang kilusan ng mamamayan, maisulong ang ilang kagyat na reporma, at mapaghandaan ang susunod na mga paglaban para maisulong ang tunay na pagbabago.

Hangad natin ang isang bansang tunay na malaya, makatarungan at demokratiko. Sinusulong natin ito ngayon, at hanggang sa mapalitan ang rehimeng Arroyo. Mahaba ang prosesong ito. Sa hinaharap, hangad natin ang isang gobyerno na tunay na maglilingkod sa interes ng mamamayan, di lamang ng iilan.

sabi ni Badong

2005-08-01T02:30:00.000+08:00

The sona of PGMA last Monday was basically a true story with a very big chunk missing. True in a sense that the Philippines is an economy poised on the brink of takeoff. That is the first part of the story and the third part of the story is all of her future agendas and her political platforms but where are the answers to all of the issues which began from April of this year? The sona was used to nimbly and expertly avoid and placate the issues surrounding her by misdirecting people’s attention to the other issues which mill around in their heads, issues such as the shift from presidential to parliament, central to federal, and the cha-cha as well as whether a conass or a concon should be called. The sona was also a political move by which PGMA rallied support from other political bodies such as the congress by giving them the possibility of the cha-cha which would possibly lengthen and strengthen their term in office; she also addressed the LGU with the idea of a federal system which would give greater autonomy and power to them. So now it is up to us to weigh and balance the prose and cons of all of the choices and options that have been presented so that we may make a change in ourselves and begin to affect the community which we live in. All this we do under the guidance of God our Father.

Newsbriefs 29 July 2005

2005-08-01T02:19:00.000+08:00

GMA: “My term ends in 2010” (24 Oras – GMA7 reported in inq7.net)
Asked whether she was prepared to cut short her term, she told GMA 7 network's "24 Oras" program that she won the presidential election last year fair and square. She noted that the outcome of the vote counting had been observed by bishops and 100 foreign observers.

"I was elected and my term ends in 2010... This is my commitment,” Ms Arroyo said in Filipino.

The day before, she said it was up to Congress to cut her term.

Lawmakers propose 12-state Philippines (manilastandardonline)
Ten administration lawmakers yesterday pushed for the establishment of 12 states in the country through a change in the Constitution, launching the Movement for Federal Philippines (MFP).

In a news conference, Reps. Juan Miguel Zubiri of Bukidnon, Eduardo Zialcita of Parañaque City and Abdullah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte and former University of the Philippines president

Jose Abueva said MFP would mount a nationwide campaign to educate the public and persuade people to accept the idea of having 12 federal governments.

At the same time, 32 lawmakers, most of whom had signed the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, signed a resolution rejecting the constituent assembly at this time.

Newsbriefs 28 July Morning

2005-08-01T02:16:00.000+08:00

Tiglao: Term Cut Inappropriate (from article “GMA: No change, no stability” manilastandardonline)
Presidential Management Staff chief Rigoberto Tiglao, for his part, said it is inappropriate for the President to commit herself to any term cut because of the legal ramifications.

“She has a constitutional term and the legal question of whether it can be shortened would be up to the Constitutional Convention or the constituent assembly to decide. My sense is that there could be some legal infirmities because she was voted upon by 12.9 million people for a term of six years,” Tiglao told newsmen.

The President dismissed criticism that she is promoting changes to the Charter to divert public attention from the impeachment case or calls for her resignation, saying she has advocated constitutional reforms since the 2004 election campaign.

Now, it's back to 'jueteng' (inq7.net)
IT SUPPOSEDLY happened right before the eyes of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. All 13 regional directors of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) were allegedly summoned in groups into a hotel room in Metro Manila to meet the President one afternoon shortly before the 2004 elections. There, with Ms Arroyo as their witness, they each allegedly received P2 million in cash from Lilia Pineda, wife of Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda, who is widely believed to be a gambling lord in the President's home province of Pampanga. This will be the story that a new witness will give should the Senate investigation of "jueteng," an illegal numbers game, resume, Archbishop Oscar Cruz said yesterday.

Cruz and witness Sandra Cam, who was also at the press conference, refused to say if the witnesses were male or female, but Cam described one of them as a "former top government official belonging to a political dynasty."

"This is A-1 information and Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo knows the person I'm referring to," Cam said. Asked why the President would make herself available at such an illegal and delicate situation, Cam said "she trusted the person."

The Senate probe had stalled after the confrontation between Frank Chavez, lawyer of Cam, and Senator Richard Gordon over the lawmaker's badgering of Cam at the last hearing on July 12.

Supreme Court EVAT ruling delayed anew (manilastandardonline)
A delay in the Supreme Court’s much-awaited ruling on the constitutionality of Expanded Value Added Tax (RA 9337) seems inevitable. The high court yesterday issued a resolution giving respondent government officials 10 days to comment on a separate petition against the EVAT filed by Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia Jr., which was filed later than four petitions covered during the oral argument held last July 14.

“The court resolved, without giving due course to the petition to require the respondents to comment thereon within a nonextendible period of 10 days,” the court said in a resolution signed by acting clerk of court Ma. Luisa Villarama.

“The fact that the court would await the comment of the respondents who are given 10 days to respond would somehow contribute to the delay,” Khan said.

“I am hopeful that this case would still be decided by Aug. 15 in spite of this additional 10 days because even now the members of the court have started deliberating on the various memoranda (of the parties),” Khan said.

Khan said the high court justices are now concentrating on three main points: the alleged undue delegation of power to the President; the allegations that the bicameral conference committee exceeded its authority in deleting or inserting certain provisions in the law; and whether or not the court can look into the process involved in the passage of a law assailed for allegedly being unconstitutional.

Khan said the high court cannot avoid the delay because it has to look at the issues Garcia has raised in his petition. “He (Garcia) raised entirely new points that were not covered in the oral arguments or in the earlier petitions,” he said.

‘Let Gloria run for PM’ (abs-cbnnews)
KUALA LUMPUR - Former President Fidel Ramos said Wednesday that embattled President Arroyo should be allowed to run for prime minister under the new parliamentary system she has proposed. "She should be allowed to run because for now she is innocent of any of the charges until proven otherwise," he told reporters during a visit to Malaysia for an economic conference.

Ramos conceded, however, that support for constitutional reforms, which he has championed for decades, is running well below the two-thirds vote required in the Senate.

"The numbers in the [lower] house are there already. In the Senate, not yet," he said.

Just five of 24 senators supported Mrs. Arroyo’s proposal, but there were "fence sitters" among
the rest and once the changes would be enacted, Ramos added.

Newsbriefs 27 July Afternoon

2005-08-01T02:13:00.000+08:00

Arroyo: Method of Charter change up to Congress (inq7.net)
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is leaving it up to Congress to decide how to amend the Constitution and change the form of government.

"I don't want to preempt the decision of Congress. It's within their exclusive priority on how to amend the Constitution," the President said at a press conference in Malacañang on Wednesday.

"In the end, it's still Congress who will decide once they sit as an assembly. I don't want to speculate," she added.

Arroyo also reiterated that while she expressed her preference for a constituent assembly, it is up to Congress to decide on what mode to use--constituent assembly or constitutional convention--to introduce amendments to the Charter.

In the constituent assembly method, Congress amends the Charter; in a constitutional convention, a separately elected body amends the Constitution. In both cases, the amendments must be ratified in a plebiscite.

Palace eyes body to study Charter change (abs-cbnnews.com)
President Gloria Arroyo on Wednesday said Malacañan is forming a preparatory constitutional commission that will help Congress amend the Constitution and allow a shift to a federal-parliamentary form of government.

Mrs Arroyo said she will ask professor Jose Abueva, former University of the Philippines president and a known supporter of federalism, to join the commission.

"Yes, we will be doing this soon," she said in her first press conference in Malacañan Palace after Monday's State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Chief Executive also downplayed reports that she will not resign from office if a federal-parliamentary government is adopted.

Zamora: We'll give GMA her day in court (abs-cbnnews.com)
San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora on Wednesday said the political opposition will give President Arroyo her day in court as long as the same rules on impeachment used in former president Joseph Estrada's trial will be used. "We will play by the rules. The same requirements during former president Estrada's case and other impeachment complaints should be followed," Zamora said.

Zamora, who is tasked to lead the opposition's legal team in the impeachment process, said the minority remains confident that it will gather the 79 signatures needed in order to transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.

He said the opposition has three months or 60 session days to gather the needed number of signatures. The opposition has so far gathered only 42 signatures for the complaint
Proposed 2006 budget set at P1 trillion (abs-cbnnews.com)President Gloria Arroyo on
Wednesday said the Palace will submit a proposed 2006 national budget of P1 trillion to Congress next month.

"The deadline is usually one month after Congress opens for session so that's August 25," the President said during a press conference in Malacañan.

She added that new taxes will fund the proposed budget. Congress earlier passed a P907-billion budget for 2005.

Congress opened its second regular session Monday.

Shares close higher on follow-through buying (XFN-Asia)
Share prices closed higher for the second straight session on follow-through buying in selected blue chips that have posted robust second quarter earnings, or are expected to do so over the coming days, dealers said.

They noted however that profit taking on counters deemed to have become over-valued, capped the market's gain, dealers said.

Easing political tensions with fears of street protests abating for now while Congress turns its attention to the impeachment of President Gloria Arroyo, also underpinned the generally upbeat sentiment.

The composite index closed up 14.96 points or 0.76 percent at 1,974.54, its high for the day. It touched a low of 1,959.58. Volume was 436.28 million shares worth 1.09 billion pesos. The broader all-shares index gained 5.92 points to 1,186.43.
Peso at 56.145:$ mid-trade today

Newsbriefs 27 July Morning

2005-08-01T02:07:00.000+08:00

Truth commission still in the pipeline -- Ermita (manilastandardonline)
The much-ballyhooed truth commission did not merit a single line in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address but this does not necessarily spell the death of the proposal.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday Palace lawyers have already finished the draft of the administrative order to create the truth commission that will investigate charges that the President rigged the results of the 2004 presidential election.

Asked by palace newsmen whether the President still wants the fact-finding panel formed, Ermita said: “This is still being considered. We already have the draft of the administrative order. But we do not know yet what is (the) final (decision) for that particular fact-finding commission.”

The Palace had earlier said that the order creating the truth commission would be signed by the President before her delivery of the Sona. It was also announced that the initial batch of appointees to the commission will be named by the President in the course of her Sona. When none of these things happened, it was widely interpreted to mean that the Palace was losing interest in putting up the investigative body.

The proposed truth commission lost steam when some constitutional experts and lawmakers questioned its constitutionality. They argued that if the purpose of the commission is to find out the truth behind the presidential election, it would encroach on the functions of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and the impeachment court.

Hot money boosting economy, says Neda (Roderick T. dela Cruz)
The huge inflow of foreign portfolio investments, or hot money, is boosting the Philippine economy, the National Economic and Development Authority said yesterday. Dennis Arroyo, director of Neda’s National Planning and Policy Staff, noted that net foreign portfolio investments climbed by 13 times to $1.88 billion as of July 8 from the year-ago level, a proof that companies are earning more this year.

Earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that inflows totaled $3.77 billion from January to July 8, more than thrice the $1.03 billion reported a year ago.

Outflows totaled $1.89 billion since the beginning of the year, more than twice the $861 million reported in the same period last year.

Foreign portfolio investments refer to purchases by non-residents of stocks listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), government securities, money market instruments and peso deposits funded by inward remittances of foreign exchange from abroad.

Arroyo (not related to President Arroyo) said the government was closing the budget deficit faster-than-expected. “At the rate we are going, we can close the deficit by 2008 or 2009, a year or two earlier than the target year of 2010,” he said.

Senate ‘kills’ Cha-cha, GMA starts media blitz (Manila Times)
Senators on Tuesday shot down President Arroyo’s proposal to change the political system by amending the Constitution. Explaining the plan to change the Constitution is already dead in the water, Sen. Joker Arroyo said. The "proponents [of Charter change] should forget it altogether because the numbers are just not there to support it."

"Congress needs the vote of 3/4 of all its members to amend the Constitution. That means 18 votes in the Senate. Thus, six senators can block the proposal and it’s kaput," Arroyo pointed out.

Senate President Franklin Drilon agreed with Arroyo. "For the constituent assembly to push through, the Senate would need 3/4 in its favor, or 18 votes. What if six senators will oppose Charter change for various reasons? Then it won’t prosper," said Drilon, who’s getting flak for abandoning President Arroyo.

Senators agree that Charter change is not feasible at this time and won’t solve the economic and political woes besetting the country.

Other senators who oppose Charter change are Mar Roxas 2nd, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Rodolfo Biazon, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Loi Estrada, Aquilino Pimentel and Serge Osmeña. Senator Arroyo pointed out that 13 senators who were elected last year would not be amenable to shortening their terms. They are Biazon, Cayetano, Defensor Santiago, Gordon, Lapid, Revilla, Roxas, Enrile, Estrada, Lim, Estrada, Madrigal and Pimentel.
Senator Santiago agreed with Arroyo. "It might be good for the House of Representatives but not for the Senate," she said. She stressed that it was still too early to change the Constitution because "we have a young Constitution."

Senator Arroyo said it is futile to debate on the Charter change because it is not feasible at all. Senators Richard Gordon, Edgardo Angara and Juan Ponce Enrile favor rewriting the Constitution. Angara said a parliamentary system would be more efficient and less costly. He underscored the need to change the Constitution urgently.

Rosales: RP needs change in values, not political system (Philstar)
The country needs to change its value system, not its political system, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales said yesterday. Instead of changing the Constitution or form of government, Rosales said Filipinos should instead strengthen their own moral governance. Rosales compared Charter change (Cha-cha) to "improving the house but not the character of the people" living in it. "We should be careful about Cha-cha. We are right now in the middle of a crisis. The change in the Constitution and even the shift to a parliamentary form of government is only structural...

We are changing the law but we are not changing the people making the law and the people who will be living under the law," he said. Rosales also expressed disappointment with President
Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying she failed to tackle key issues that would have had an impact on the people’s lives, particularly the issue of poverty. "She should have said something about poverty in her SONA. There are now so many of our brothers who are poor. I was expecting her to mention poverty in her SONA at length," he said in Filipino. Rosales was also disappointed that the President did not mention anything about corruption in government and how she is addressing it. However, the Manila Archbishop said the President did mention good things in her SONA, specifically in calling for cooperation. "I go for that. Our enemy is ourselves. We are like a tree. Can a tree exist without leaves, without branches, without roots?" he said.

Newsbriefs 26 July Afternoon

2005-08-01T02:01:00.000+08:00

Military admits 'dissatisfaction' but says coup 'remote' (Inq7.net)
THE MILITARY confirmed on Monday that there was "dissatisfaction" within its ranks, but maintained that a coup was "remote and impossible." "It's always there. Not everyone will be satisfied but it is not even close to be a cause of paranoia," said Colonel Gaudencio Pangilinan, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Counter Intelligence Group (AFPCIG). "The chain of command down to the lieutenants is working well," Pangilinan told Camp Aguinaldo reporters.
Charter change bid loses Miriam's vote (abs-cbnnews)
President Arroyo's bid to amend the Constitution lost another vote from the Senate Tuesday, a day after she called on Congress to "start the great debate for Charter change."

"I have been an anti-amendment advocate since way back," Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said during a radio DZMM interview Tuesday morning. The senator said she was not in favor of amending the Constitution because it will lose the essence of permanence as a legal document.
Santiago joined the likes of Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senators Mar Roxas, Rodolfo Biazon and Pia Cayetano who disapproved of the proposal for constitutional amendment.

De Venecia sends Arroyo impeach raps to justice committee (inq7.net)
HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia has referred the impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the plenary and then to the committee on justice after the opposition failed to get the required 79 votes that would have sent the matter directly to the Senate for trial. De Venecia sent the complaints to the plenary at 11:23 a.m. even when he had 10 days to deliberate on the cases that lawyers Oliver Lozano and Jose Lopez filed separately.

Despite a provision in the Constitution that allows the filing of only one complaint in a year, De Venecia decided to send the two complaints to the committee on justice pending the formulation of the rules of impeachment that would determine which of the two would be tackled.

'Nuisance bets' file impeach raps vs Comelec officials (inq7.net)
FOR branding them "nuisance candidates," two former presidential candidates in the 2004 election struck back at officials of the Commission on Elections and filed an impeachment complaint against three of them on Tuesday.

Lawyer Elly Velez Lao Pamatong and former Ilocos Sur governor Antonio Villanueva accused Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Rufino Javier, et al for alleged "culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust."

In their 20-page complaint, Pamatong and Villanueva said culpable violation was committed when these Comelec officials disqualified 77 presidential candidates in the last election, which they claimed was a "wanton desecration of the government-guaranteed equal access for every citizen."

They said the commissioners also betrayed public trust when they approved Noli de Castro's certificate of candidacy for vice president without his community tax certificate and their alleged inaction to the allegations that President Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo allegedly rigged the election.

Newsbriefs 26 July Morning

2005-08-01T01:53:00.000+08:00

Opposition falls short in impeach rap (manilastandardonline)
Opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday, accusing her of election fraud and corruption, but failed to garner the 79 votes needed to immediately send the case to the Senate for trial.

Only 42 congressmen signed the complaint.

In his opening statement at the start of the second regular session of the 13th Congress, Speaker Jose de Venecia said he knew no lawmaker looks forward to the impeachment because it would destabilize the economy at a time when investors need political stability.

“But I also feel that we need to put this issue behind us - and that the President’s best recourse is to confront the accusations against her in a manner the Constitution prescribes,” De Venecia said.

President: Start Charter debate (abs-cbnnews.com)
President Arroyo on Monday called for fundamental reform of the country’s political system, which she said has become a "hindrance" to progress. The President, who is facing impeachment over allegations of vote rigging and corruption, said she supports rewriting the Constitution to change from a presidential to a federal parliamentary system.

"It’s time to start the great debate on Charter change," she said in her annual State of the Nation address to Congress. "The system clearly needs fundamental change and the sooner the better," she said. "Our political system has now become a hindrance to our national progress."
Mrs. Arroyo said the Philippines would make swifter progress "under a parliamentary system similar to that of our progressive neighbors in the region."

Opposition mounts biggest rally yet (Inquirer News Service)
IT WAS the biggest rally against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo so far. Organizers placed at 80,000 the number of people who joined the protest rally on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, about a kilometer from the Batasang Pambansa complex where Ms Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address (SONA).

A police official said only 35,000 attended the demonstration demanding the President's resignation. The Inquirer placed the figure at 40,000 to 60,000. Despite the various estimates, both police and organizers of the protest agreed that it was much bigger than the rally on July 13 on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Full text, State of the Nation Address

2005-07-26T00:06:00.000+08:00

First posted 10:21pm (Mla time) July 25, 2005 By INQ7.net

WHAT follows is the full text of the State of the Nation Address given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the 2nd regular session of the 13th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, July 25, 2005:

Every year, we meet on this day in this great hall to celebrate democracy and take stock of the nation: the country and its condition; the government and its performance; the people and their well-being.

Ours is a country divided; the story of our nation is a tale of two Philippines; almost, as it were, two countries under the same name.

One is the Philippines whose economy, after long years of cumulative national endeavor, is now poised for take off. The other is the Philippines whose political system, after equally long years of degeneration, has become a hindrance to progress.

As a country on the verge of take-off, our storyline would surprise many at home and abroad. The story includes an economy that grew more than 6 percent last year and that has continued to work in the teeth of the biggest oil price hikes in history, while generating four million jobs in the last four years.

The story includes marked improvements in tax collections, infrastructure housing construction, shelter, security for the urban poor and indigenous peoples, and rice productivity.

The story includes 69 million beneficiaries of health care insurance, including 30 million indigents, whose re-enrollment started early this year and is still ongoing.

That same story, over four years, saw the drug menace cut in half, the rash of kidnappings become a thing of the past, and insurgency in the South abated.

This story should work itself out as one about an economy as resilient and full of potential as its people are patient and hardworking, guided by a government--with the executive and the legislative hand-in-hand--that is able to pass a no-nonsense budget and make the tough decisions to put our fiscal house in order.

I specially refer to our recent titanic struggle to enact the three laws that comprised the biggest fiscal package in our history, the biggest revenue increase in a generation that will break the vicious cycle of financing development by borrowing and having to borrow again just to service those loans. This is the one reform that will snap the chain that has bound our future to a profligate past and the debt-burdened present. The Filipino's strong sense of family has given Congress a stronger resolve not to pass on today's debt, and bankrupt our children and grandchildren tomorrow. That struggle has done the House and the Senate great honor.

Congratulations.

Abroad, the story continues. We’ve worked long and hard to restore our country to the prominent place it once held as co-founder of the United Nations and the Free World's first line of defense in the East. We won a seat in the UN Security Council, where we presided over the landmark resolution calling for democracy in Iraq. The Philippines chaired the historic conference on interfaith cooperation for peace at the UN, the fruit of a bold and creative initiative by your Speaker of the House.

We head the APEC anti-terrorism task force. Our victories in the war on terror have been acknowledged by no less than president Bush before the US National Defense University. The Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf can only pick up the pieces of its broken backbone in Mindanao.

We’ve worked with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to forge peace with our Muslim brothers. Eighty percent of our peace talks with them have been completed. Permanent peace in Mindanao is within reach.

Indeed, our story as a country on the verge of take off is real. Analysts need only to look at our stock market, and even the peso-dollar exchange rate, to sense the strong anticipation of significant improvements, if only we would overcome the tendency to be our own worst enemy.
Thus, with investors both here and abroad in mind, I invite you all to join me in sending them a strong message from this great hall: We will not waver in our commitment to economic reform and fiscal discipline, whatever the political cost.

The other message to send is that we will address the burden that the other Philippine story imposes on our anticipated take-off. I refer to the story of how our political system has now become a hindrance to our national progress.

Over the years, our political system has degenerated to the extent that it is difficult for anyone to make any headway yet keep his hands clean. To be sure, the system is still capable of achieving great reforms. But, by and large, our political system has betrayed its promise to each new generation of Filipinos, not a few of whom are voting with their feet, going abroad and leaving that system behind.

Perhaps we politicians have done our best; But maybe our best is not enough, given the present system. Perhaps we have strained the present political system to its final limit.
It is time to turn to the people, bring them into government -- and change the way that government is done.

The people want government that works for them at every level. They want good government that begins at their doorstep in the barangay [village-ed], and does not end before the closed door of a bureaucrat in Metro Manila.

The system clearly needs fundamental change, and the sooner the better. It's time to start the great debate on charter change.

We must address such questions as how much more government is needed for the greater safety and economic security of our people, and how much less government is more conducive to free enterprise and economic progress.

The mode of Charter change is the exclusive prerogative of Congress. But a constituent assembly may well give our people the quickest reforms.

I shall work with Congress, civil society groups and local government executives who are convinced that Charter changes are needed to enable the country to surmount the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the local government executives who have brought about an LGU power revolution through transformative leadership.
The economic progress and social stability of the provinces, along with the increasing self-reliance and efficiency of political developments and public services there, make a compelling case for federalism.

Perhaps it's time to take the power from the center to the countryside that feeds it.
I recognize that our form of government will be the decision of the body constituted to undertake Charter change. But we should consider that legislation could be quickened and laws made more responsive to the people under a parliamentary system, similar to that of our progressive neighbors in the region.

But even as we make a serious start in Charter change, I hope we can still work together on other initiatives to the lasting benefit of our people.

In the area of education, we've spent our increased resources on better trained teachers in more classrooms, teaching students in more effective ways. We’ve laid a strong foundation by building almost 30,000 classrooms in the past four years, providing computer access to more than 3,000 high schools, and beginning a "healthy start" breakfast program for our young school children.
I ask Congress to pass the Pre-Need Code to rehabilitate, reform and regulate the pre-need educational programs that worked so well in the past as a major vehicle for youth education entitlement.

College education is the great Filipino dream. But in a world of rapid technological change, getting a job or keeping it depends as much on how well one reasons as how well one uses his hands. I have issued E.O. 358 so that hours spent in vocational training can be credited towards a college degree. That will combine job readiness with the dream of a college education while increasing the competitiveness of our nation.

But our competitiveness is greatly endangered today by the global oil crisis. I call on Congress to pass legislation encouraging renewable and indigenous energy.

In the area of national security, I urge the swift passage of an anti-terrorism law that will protect rather than subvert, enhance rather than weaken, the rights and liberties that terrorism precisely threatens with extinction.

These examples serve to highlight that there is much work to be done.

Now is not the time for divisiveness, and while there's no avoiding partisan politics, there can be a determined effort by all sides to limit the collateral damage on a country poised for take-off.

Let’s call on the Lord. Let us ask Him for the grace to make us worthy of His healing our land.

Alam kong tayong lahat ay naghahangad ng isang makabuluhang pagbabago para sa ating bayan. Tayong lahat ay nagsisikap para matamo ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Kung kaya't ako'y nakikiusap na tulungan ninyo ako, para sa kapakanan ng taong bayan.

We may disagree among ourselves but let us never lose sight of that greater battle for one people, one country, one Philippines.

Not the country of this or that president but the Philippines of our shared and passionate affections.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

©2005 www.inq7.net all rights reserved

People Power and the Transition Council as Alternative

2005-07-25T00:59:00.000+08:00

By the Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM)*Posted by Bulatlat

In these times of political crisis, turmoil and uncertainty, one thing stands clear: Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) must go. However there is as yet no consensus as to how she will be made to step down and who or what must replace her government.
Indeed, there is some truth to the observation that had there been wide agreement on this, another people power uprising would have erupted and ousted Mrs. Arroyo by now. Putting it another way, the sooner a consensus is reached by the various groups calling and working for her removal, on how and what will replace her regime, the sooner Mrs. Arroyo will be removed from office.

Affirming people power
The government and its apologists and defenders warn the public against resorting to any “unconstitutional” means of unseating and replacing the ruling regime. They equate “unconstitutional” to anarchy, chaos, violence, etc. as though the current turmoil has not been caused both by blatantly unconstitutional anomalies and criminal acts perpetrated by those in power.

They deliberately obscure the fact that People Power 1 and 2 were themselves extra constitutional undertakings. Aquino declared her new government a “revolutionary” one and decreed an interim “Freedom Constitution”. On the other hand, Arroyo insisted that her ascendance to the presidency was due to constitutional succession even as the ouster of Estrada was itself extra constitutional.

But there is a growing number of Filipinos who are open to the idea of a transition government that will do away with the constitutional presidential succession in case Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resigns or is ousted from Malacañang.

There is as well a growing consensus among many groups calling for the ouster of GMA that the best and most plausible way to override or break away from the “constitutional” process is through the formation of a “transition council” that will pave the way for the creation of a new form of government, and the election of a new administration that would be more representative of and accountable to the people and thus more responsive to the people’s interests.

It is an idea that has gained significant ground over the past weeks. This is because nobody wants to go through all the trouble of deposing Mrs. Arroyo just to install Noli de Castro, the supposed constitutional successor, as president. Neither is the option of a snap election under a transition government presided over by the Senate President acceptable, the people having lost all trust and confidence in the COMELEC; in fact, on the entire electoral process as we know it.
It is also an idea whose time has come. It springs from the widespread realization that more profound changes -- not merely of corrupt and unwanted leaders, not just of the rotten electoral process, but of the entire social, political and economic system – are necessary to lift our nation out of the morass of corruption, debt, spiraling prices, poverty, underdevelopment and violence. This sentiment is often expressed as frustration, disillusionment and even disgust over the governments installed by people power.

The people’s realization of the need for systemic reforms has maliciously been misrepresented by the GMA government and its apologists as “people power fatigue” or the supposed rejection of people power as a way out of the present crisis. On the contrary, it indicates a simple yet profound understanding that people power must aim for more than what it has achieved in the past. It shows that the people’s political consciousness has in fact significantly risen from the levels of Edsa 1 and 2.

We believe that what the people want is a people power that will lead to more substantial reforms. That will impact not only on their daily lives but also on the collective good of the nation and the future of generations to come.

On the People’s Agenda
It is not people power that we are dismayed with or tired of.

The people are tired of paying taxes, whether these be direct income taxes or indirect taxes paid through ever-increasing prices of basic goods and services, only to see that government revenues are spent on ever-increasing debt service, fat commissions and kickbacks from government contracts, vote-buying and rigging elections and the pursuit of bloody yet fruitless counter-insurgency programs. We are revolted by the shameless and brazen graft and corruption up to the highest reaches of the Arroyo government, considering that the people had installed it in power through a people’s uprising against corruption. We want a sound fiscal policy and a clean and honest bureaucracy that will not plunder the national coffers and bleed our people dry.

We are sick and tired of claims that our farmers are benefiting from the land reform program, when all around us we see supposed farmer beneficiaries being evicted from or dispossessed of their plots as these are converted into golf courses, subdivisions, commercial and industrial estates. We want genuine land reform that will free our tillers from serfdom and poverty, thereby vesting them with real democratic rights and liberate the economy from the clutches of feudalism.

We are dismayed by successive administrations’ servility to foreign capital – accelerating the removal of protective tariffs and barriers in the name of “globalization”, thereby stifling the growth and eventually killing off domestic industries and causing widespread joblessness. We are appalled by government’s schemes to amend the Constitution in order to grant foreigners the same rights Filipinos have in exploiting and profiting from our national patrimony. We want a robust industrial economy truly free from foreign domination and control.

We condemn rampant criminality, especially the involvement of officials and law enforcers in criminal activities, and the use of extra-judicial killings and other brutal and illegal coercive measures to suppress civil liberties and democratic rights. We want peace and order to reign over our land, o that each one may enjoy the fruits of his or her labor.

We oppose the Arroyo government’s blind support for the US-led “war on terror”. We shall continue to resist attempts to institute and employ draconian repressive measures to suppress protest and the bill of rights under the guise of countering “international and domestic terrorism”. We shall continue to seek and demand justice for the victims of such measures, including extra-judicial killings and harassments of mass leaders, journalists, and activists. We want peace based on justice.

We want no more of sham elections with rampant violence, vote buying and the wastage of government funds; where consequently only the rich and the powerful can win and the people are left with no real choices. We want an electoral process and political system where the poor and marginalized have a fair chance of being represented and their concerns heard and addressed by government.

We seek a government that would be truly representative of the people, especially the majority of the toiling masses and responsive to their needs in these difficult times—one that could unite and lead us in our arduous quest for freedom, democracy and social justice.
The “transition council” can pave the way to such an alternative government.

On the Transition Council as an alternative
There is as yet no consensus on the concept of an interim or transition group/committee/council as an alternative form of government. This is a matter that must be addressed cognizant of the fact that without the requisite consensus on how to remove Mrs. Arroyo from power, all talk of alternatives is at best premature; at worst, divisive.
Yet there is need and basis for describing the kind of transition council the people will identify with and embrace.

Such a transition council or government must necessarily be composed mainly of representatives of those groups that had worked the hardest for the ouster of the current regime, with due consideration to their size and political significance. Conceivably it will consist of representatives of the opposition, the militant democratic mass movement, the organizations of professionals, patriotic businessmen and other middle forces, and some of the retired military and police officers who enjoy the confidence of the active military and police forces.
It is perforce a civilian authority that is supreme to the armed forces and the police. Consequently any form of military or civilian-military junta is unacceptable and must be ejected.
Representatives of workers, peasants, women, youth and national minorities should be adequately and properly represented but this is something that must be struggled for by these sectors of society and must gain adherents from the middle classes and the political forces they lead.

But we must be realistic and come to terms with the fact that the ouster or resignation of Mrs. Arroyo cannot, by and of itself, dismantle the system of elite rule in this country. Thus it will not be progressives and mass-based leaders of the people who will be dominant in the transition council but traditional politicians and their allies who retain their basic allegiance to the status quo. In effect, the ouster or resignation of Arroyo in favor of a transition council will not resolve everything but it can be a good beginning.

This is especially so if the transition government is able to put up and unify the country on a program that is pro-Filipino, pro-people and biased for the poor, deprived and oppressed. It shall then prepare for and oversee, in a fixed and reasonable length of time, a free, fair, honest and truly democratic election process that will allow the people to choose their new executive and legislative leaders.

It can also call for the election of delegates to a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) that would in no way be similar to the “chacha” scheme of Mrs. Arroyo, former President Fidel Ramos and Speaker Jose de Venecia to change the Constitution for their vested interests. Such a constitutional convention should draft a patriotic and democratic Charter that shall be ratified by the people.

The ConCon could institute wide-ranging reforms in the electoral and political system including a shift to a parliamentary form of government that would enlarge the chances of poor candidates to win a seat in the Legislature, favor the development of party- and program-based politics and reduce the gridlock between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. It can also strengthen the pro-Filipino and pro-people economic provisions of the Charter as well as its national sovereignty provisions such as the nuclear- and bases-free provisions that have been circumvented by new treaties and executive agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Logistics and Supply Agreement (MLSA).

How will the members of the transition council be chosen? In the first place, the strongest and most effective parties and organizations in the movement to force Mrs. Arroyo to resign, or in effect oust her from power, will come to the fore through the large numbers of people they are able to lead and influence, most especially to mount the mammoth mass actions that will be indispensable, if not decisive, in deposing Mrs. Arroyo.

Negotiations are even now taking place among such parties and organizations. They must constitute a convenors’ group that will then apportion delegates to a people’s congress or consultative assembly. The latter in turn shall select and acclaim the members of the transition council in an open, transparent and democratic manner. This must be done even before the Arroyo regime completely crumbles as we know it eventually will.
Conclusion

Putting an end to the Arroyo regime is something we must all work for in unity, with determination and fortitude. We in the middle forces must take the side of the majority of our people and act now to tip the balance in their favor, for our good as well as for the good of the entire nation.Posted by Bulatlat

*Paper presented by Fr. Jose Dizon, GSM spokesperson and convenor at the launching of the White Ribbon Movement, 23 July 2005, La Salle Greenhills.

© 2004 Bulatlat ■ Alipato Publications

Sanggu Reacts

2005-07-25T00:43:00.000+08:00

To aid in the students’ own discernment in light of the present crisis, your Sanggunian has decided to explain the process of discernment it had to go through in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

On the Process
The Sanggunian has received complaints regarding the absence of a formal student consultation with regard to the released stand calling for the resignation of President Arroyo. We recognize the validity of these complaints however we believe that these criticisms are unfair. Consultation is a two-way process involving a listener and a speaker. To say that the Sanggunian haphazardly came to a decision without any initiative to listen to the students’ opinion does not do justice to the ever-present readiness of the Sanggunian to listen to views or comments of any Atenean. The Sanggunian has continuously kept its lines open, through its representatives, through school and batch e-mails, through the Ateneo Student Concern Center, and through the openness of its meetings.

Furthermore, remarks that allude to a fast-tracking or a monopoly of discussion during the meetings wherein the stand was crafted is baseless and unwarranted. Before the stand was finalized, the group had to go through two weeks of discernment, four meetings of intense deliberation, and three drafts. An examination of the minutes of Sanggunian meetings would show that your representatives from every school and year level were given time to speak out. Opposing views were entertained and discussed as they deepened the debate. Nobody was ignored and disregarded during the whole process of decision-making and voting. And in the end, guided by its mission of providing formative representation to the student body and through the mandate it received in the past election, your Sanggunian, on behalf of the studentry, came to a decision to call for the President’s resignation.

On the Content
The present situation is not as black and white as we all wish it to be. We are all confronted with various dilemmas that make the process of decision-making in this trying time ever more difficult.
Dilemmas that have been best put into words by the statement of the concerned Ateneo faculty:
… The country needs precious breathing space from political turmoil and division that prevent the government from addressing the urgent concerns of the poorest, and from pursuing its various reform programs. But also, … a government cannot simply "move on with the business of governing" without moral legitimacy and authority to rule.

… [There is a] need to defend and strengthen our very fragile institutions, especially our constitutional system and the rule of law. But also, … part of their present crisis of legitimacy comes from their unresponsiveness to the majority and the crying need for fundamental institutional transformation.

It is in the context of these dilemmas that the Sanggunian calls for the immediate resignation of the President and the adherence to the constitutional provisions on succession.
The foundation of any decent democracy is trust. We ask the President to relinquish her post because after various fora and debates we have come to the conclusion that there is a fundamental crisis of trust that the President will no longer be able to endure. She herself admitted that she had lost the trust of the people because of her self-proclaimed “impropriety” and “lapse in judgment” in calling a COMELEC official. Such a crisis of trust will only serve as an obstacle to the government in carrying out the reforms that our people have long been wanting.

We have not prejudged President Arroyo on the various scandals being hurled at her. The judgment that we have passed is that the beleaguered president has lost the capability to govern effectively and lead the Philippine nation to the reforms it has long been hungering for. As former President Aquino herself eloquently stated, “[She] will not judge the lapse of judgment… but [she] cannot escape the conclusion that is plain for all to see: the country cannot continue in its present tumultuous state; good and effective government has become an impossible undertaking.” The resignation of reform-minded government officials has only strengthened our resolve to believe in this conclusion.

The call for the president to step down is not the solution to the debacle that we are faced with
but we believe that it is the necessary first step towards genuine change.

We recognize that for many, the issue of succession is unsettling. Many would rather choose the “lesser evil”. However, we cannot allow this predicament to temper our ethical and principled resolve to rectify a wrong committed against the state and our democracy. We cannot sacrifice the very fabric of our democracy – trust – for the sake of practicality. A Doctorate in Economics does not a President make, but rather it is the trust that the people bestow upon the President through their ballots. We should gravely be disturbed not when the Doctorate goes missing but when the people’s trust has clearly been violated.

As to those who say that a call for resignation is clearly out of the bounds of the constitution, we again borrow a few words from President Aquino as to why resignation is the only logical and inevitable consequence:

At this juncture only two constitutional paths remain open for the peaceful and democratic resolution of the present crisis crippling the government and endangering the nation.
The first and most expeditious is the President’s voluntary resignation for a smooth transition to her constitutional successor, the vice president, and a swift return to normalcy for the country.
This is the fastest and most orderly path to take.

The second path is the long and inherently contentious process of a congressional impeachment that can only generate more divisions in society and cast more suspicions on the threatened institutions of our democracy.

The search for truth and justice continues even after the resignation of the President. We agree
that the truth to all the allegations must be pursued. But the impartiality of an investigation under an administration whose very legitimacy is at stake will always be in doubt. Furthermore, though we, Ateneans, may be able to endure a prolonged uncertainty caused by a protracted investigation the poorest amongst us Filipinos will not.

We believe that stepping down now will be the least harmful course of action to the nation, but if the President insists to cling on to her position we are not calling for her ouster. If she refuses to heed the call of various members of society then there is no other clear alternative within our constitution but the impeachment process.

The particulars of the present situation are clearly divisive. But let us all be one in committing ourselves to the building of a better Philippines. Let us begin this process through dialogue. Only in unity will we surpass this difficulty.

Newsbriefs 22 July AfternoonSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:52:00.000+08:00

Palace: Monday a non-working day in Metro Manila (inq7.net)
MONDAY, July 25, is a special non-working day in Metro Manila, Malacañang announced Friday.

The declaration, contained in Proclamation 880 that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita signed "is encouraging and giving opportunities to Filipinos to listen to the address of the President [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] and be involved in the affairs of the country."

The proclamation however "does not cover employees of government departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities providing police, security, fire protection, custodial, rescue, emergency, medical, and other similar services."

Ramos questions alleged YOU statement (inq7.net)
FORMER president Fidel Ramos has dared a group of junior officers who vowed to bring down President Macapagal-Arroyo to leave the service and pursue its beliefs outside the police and military establishments.

Speaking before the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Ramos said the group should not "hide under the cloak of loyal Filipino soldiers."

But Ramos stressed that the first thing that needed to be done was to make sure that the statement was really issued by the Young Officers' Union (YOU).

GRP: No official word yet on NDF peace talks (abs-cbnnews.com)
“Government negotiators on Friday said they have yet to receive an official communication from the National Democratic Front (NDF) that it is withdrawing from the peace talks.

"If (NDF Panel chairman) Mr. Luis Jalandoni was correctly quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and his statement is the official position of the NDF, we urge him to communicate this categorically to the GRP Panel," a statement from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said……Malacañan on Thursday warned that communist leaders who have come out in the open face arrest and detention if the NDF calls off peace talks with the government.
The warning came from Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who questioned the sincerity of the NDF and its allied organizations in ending the decades-old communist insurgency.”

Lozano: President's reply bolsters impeachment case (abs-cbnnews.com)
“Lawyer Oliver Lozano on Friday allayed fears of possible damage on his impeachment case against President Arroyo after the President's lawyers allegedly submitted an "answer ex abundante ad cautelam" to answer the complaint.

Lozano told DZMM that the "answer ex abundante ad cautelam", if true, bolstered his case and removed questions on the sufficiency of his charges.

"With that answer, the question of sufficiency is academic. The impeachment complaint should be endorsed in due time," he said.

The “answer ex abundante ad cautelam" is seen to be a direct answer to charges made in the original complaint, which might render as moot and academic any addition to be made to the Lozano impeachment case.”

Shares close lower on profit-taking ahead of Arroyo address (XFN-Asia)
SHARE prices closed slightly lower, ending a three-day run-up, as investors cashed in gains ahead of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's annual address in Congress on Monday, dealers said.

They added the market had been ripe for a correction with many counters viewed as fully valued after the rally. Many companies who are expected to announce strong first half earnings in the upcoming results season have drawn heavy buying interest in recent days.

As of July 21, 2005, the Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index (Phisix) went up for the 4th day in 5 days, by +16.05 points or +0.83% to close at 1960.76, the highest in more than 3 weeks (highest since June 27, 2005). Technical analysis shows that further appreciation of the index is possible in the short-term. Any sustained break above the 1939 immediate major resistance could potentially re-test/target 1970 and then the 2020.80 immediate high posted last June 17, 2005.

The broader all-shares fell 2.54 points to 1,179.26.

Peso-Dollar Trade Analysis for the Week
The Philippine financial market reacted positively to the Peso as the Pro-Arroyo Prayer Rally last week-end proceeded peacefully. This, coupled with the inward remittances by OFWs last May, the increased reserve requirement on banks and the reported budget surplus for June aided the appreciation of the Philippine Peso to trade at a range of USD/PHP 55.60 – 78 averaging 55.679 for the beginning of the trading week.

During the middle of the week, the local currency saw levels of USD/PHP 55.90s partly due to a stronger US dollar against major Asian currencies such as the Japanese Yen which traded at USD/JPY 113 levels (highest since May 2004). However, the Peso is currently trading at an appreciated range of USD/PHP 55.75 - 55.25. This is a knee-jerk reaction following China’s reported change in their pegged currency system. It was also reported that Malaysia changed its currency management system. Today, July 22 the currency closed at Php55.89 with an average of USD/PHP 55.545. It was reported that the market players positioned itself in preparation for the

State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25, 2005. Incidentally, the Philippine Dealing System will be closed on that day.

Newsbriefs 22 July MorningSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:49:00.000+08:00

Lacson holds own “SONA” (ANC 10am)
Sen Ping Lacson is at the moment holding his own version of the state of the nation address at the Manila Hotel. He says that Mrs Arroyo personally supervised the cheating in the last elections.

Young officers vow to bring Arroyo down (Inquirer)
A GROUP of officers who nearly ousted President Corazon Aquino in a 1989 coup attempt announced yesterday it was breaking a 10-year-old peace agreement to try and bring down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and save the country.

In a three-page statement released to the Inquirer, the Young Officers' Union (YOU) said it was making a "final stand to save the country from further ruin and continue the unfinished revolution of our forefathers."

In effect confirming that the military was behind the "Hello Garci" tapes, the YOU statement said the intelligence service of the AFP had wiretapped private conversations of some officials and individuals, including Ms Arroyo herself, during last year's elections. It said the wiretapping was carried out "against the advice of the officers of the intelligence command."

In a text message, Director General Arturo Lomibao, chief of the Philippine National Police, said he would look into the YOU statement.

"We will validate if this is the organizational position or just the position of some members," Lomibao said.

Susan Roces shows interest in presidency (Inquirer)
THE WIDOW of Fernando Poe Jr. yesterday left open the possibility of seeking the Philippine presidency amid the launching of a broad coalition calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the formation of a caretaker government.

Sixty-six people who attended the inaugural meeting at the Quezon City Sports Club of the coalition calling itself Unity for Truth and Justice were asked to nominate people who would form the council.

Susan Roces topped the straw poll with 36 votes; followed by former Agrarian Reform Secretary Horacio Morales, 27; retired General Fortunato Abat, 24; deposed President Joseph Estrada, 23; evangelist Eddie Villanueva, 22, and former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa, 21.
The launching of the coalition coincided with Roces' first provincial political sortie since she delivered a fighting speech on June 29, accusing Ms Arroyo of stealing the presidency, "not once, but twice."

In Davao City, Roces met with supporters of her late husband, heard stories of how he was allegedly cheated in last year's balloting and wiped tears as she was serenaded in advance of her 64th birthday on July 28.

She also keynoted the launching of the Gloria Step Down Now Movement Mindanao, a coalition of progressive groups, academe, lawyers, students and opposition parties.

Asked by a local reporter if she was aspiring to become president, she replied, "Depende. Hindi lang natin alam kung kailan at paano dahil hindi pa natin napaalis si Gloria (It depends. We just don't know when and how because we have not gotten rid of Gloria)."

New BIR wants to settle, not sue (Roy Pelovello)

In a sharp departure from the current policy and the tough stance of his predecessor, the new chief at the Bureau of Internal Revenue says he is willing to consider compromises with those charged with tax evasion.

BIR Commissioner Jose Mario Bunag told journalists yesterday he has asked the Department of Finance to reconsider its “no-deal” policy, which bars the government from entertaining any deals after a criminal case is filed. In a press briefing yesterday, Bunag said his mandate is to collect more taxes, not to punish tax evaders.

“I will be judged at the end of my term on how much (in taxes) I collected, and not how many people I sent to jail,” Bunag said.

Opposition forms caretaker gov’t (The Philippine Star)Opposition groups said yesterday they will soon form a caretaker government amid calls for President Arroyo to resign over alleged election fraud. Horacio Morales, a former agrarian reform secretary under Estrada and one of the conveners of the proposed interim government, said it is "the best alternative to the current situation." The so-called caretaker council will operate for "not more than 1,000 days" during which it would pave the way for regular elections, Morales said. The activists also rejected the possibility of constitutional succession by Vice President Noli de Castro. "A simple succession will mean the continuation of the same current administration, minus GMA," said Patricia Sison, another advocate of the caretaker council, referring to Mrs. Arroyo by her initials. The group said the caretaker government would include representatives from groups who actively participate in efforts to oust Mrs. Arroyo.

Foreign investments down 75% in January-April (Inquirer News Service)
FOREIGN direct investments registered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP, the Philippine central bank) dropped 75 percent in the January-April period to $102.57 million from $407.29 million in the same months last year, the BSP reported Thursday.
The impact on foreign investments of the current political crisis is expected to be reflected in the BSP investment reports in the coming months.

Recent surveys by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank showed that perceptions of macroeconomic instability, corruption and poor infrastructure were considered as the top three factors behind the weak investment climate in the country.

Unlike direct foreign investments, foreign portfolio investments -- short-term capital placed mainly in stocks and debt papers -- registered a 12-fold rise in net inflow to $1.72 billion in the January-April period, from $146.5 million in the same months last year.

Generals on ‘Garci tape’ probed (Inquirer)
IN AN apparent turnaround, the military on Wednesday said Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Efren Abu has finally ordered an investigation into at least four generals implicated in
"Hello Garci" election fraud controversy.

Abu directed Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, the military's Inspector General, to conduct such probe "more than two weeks ago," said AFP deputy chief of staff Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan.

"The AFP has taken cognizance of these allegations of the involvement of some generals and we have directed the inspector general to investigate," Adan told reporters Wednesday night. "We did not set aside the issue, we acted on it," he added.

It was the first time the military said there was an ongoing investigation. Last July 6 military officials dismissed calls for an investigation.

At the time there was a reported threat by junior officers and even some generals to resign or go on mass leave unless the generals who allegedly conspired with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to cheat in the last elections are investigated.

Impeachment bid gains speed: 50 on board, 29 to go (Inquirer)
ONLY 29 signatures to go.

An opposition leader yesterday claimed at least 50 lawmakers have committed to sign an impeachment resolution against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, just 29 signatures short of the number needed for the transmittal of the complaint to the Senate for trial.

"We have breached the 50 count and we're gaining ground," House Minority Leader Francis Escudero told the Inquirer.

Escudero said he was confident at least 79 lawmakers -- one-third of the 236-member House of Representatives -- would sign the opposition resolution "for the sake of truth and justice," paving the way for Ms Arroyo's impeachment trial at the Senate.

Newsbriefs 21 July AfternoonSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:46:00.000+08:00

Two gov't officials who quit not members of GMA family, Palace clarifies (philstar.com)
Senior consultants Vicky Garchitorena and Corazon Guidote, who have announced their "resignations from the Cabinet" a few days ago, were not members of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 2004-2010 Cabinet. Cabinet Secretary Ricardo L. Saludo made this clarification in a press statement to rectify misimpressions on the announced resignations of Garchitorena and Guidote which detractors of the President instantly magnified to serve their political ends. Saludo said Garchitorena was appointed Senior Consultant for Poverty Alleviation and Good Governance in April 2002 in an honorary capacity without compensation, but had not attended Cabinet meetings since late 2003.

Impeachment complaint filed vs De Castro (inq7.net)
AN IMPEACHMENT complaint has been filed against Vice President Noli de Castro at the House of Representatives for alleged "betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution."

In his 13-page complaint submitted Thursday, lawyer Elly Velez Lao Pamatong said De Castro committed betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution when he failed to affix a community tax certificate (CTC) to his certificate of candidacy (Coc) during the last election and did not have it sworn before a notary public as required by law.

Pamatong said De Castro evaded paying community tax by not affixing a CTC to his Coc.
The complainant also cited De Castro's silence over the audiotapes scandal linking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to electoral fraud.

Reds deny plan to infiltrate SONA rally (abs-cbnnews.com)
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) denied Thursday a police and military report that it is planning to infiltrate the ranks of ralliers during next week's
State of the Nation Address of President Arroyo at the House of Representatives complex in Quezon City.

CPP spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are scaring the public against participating in the anti-Arroyo rallies on July 25.

He said the CPP prohibited the NPA from participating in mass actions since the first People Power revolution.

He said the NPA would continue its offensives against the AFP and the PNP in rural areas.

AFP probes generals linked to 'Gloriagate' (abs-cbnnews.com)
The military ordered Thursday an investigation of four generals linked to an alleged plot to rig last year's elections in favor of President Arroyo.

Gen. Efren Abu, Armed Forces chief of staff, instructed Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga of the Inspector General's Office to start a probe against Maj. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon, Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani and retired Lt. Gen. Roy Kyamko.

The four were earlier mentioned in the alleged wiretapped conversations between President Arroyo and a poll commissioner to rig vote-counting in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Esperon, incoming Philippine Army chief, is a former Army brigade commander based in Mindanao while Habacon headed the 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Comet in Mindanao in 2004.

Gudani headed the 1st Marine Brigade and Task Force Ranao based in Marawi City while Kyamko held the top post at the Southern Command based in Zamboanga in 2004.

Shares close 0.82 percent higher as peso strengthens (abs-cbnnews.com)
The Philippine stock market closed higher Wednesday due to easing of political concerns, the index gaining by 16.05 points to 1,960.76. Likewise, the All-Shares market ended higher by 6.78 points to close at 1,181.80. Trade volume was pegged at 828 million shares worth 1.01 billion pesos. Advancers beat decliners, 50 against 30, with 36 issues unchanged. At the foreign exchange market, the local currency was trading stronger against the US dollar at 55.740 pesos as compared to yesterday's close of 55.830 pesos.

IPAGLABAN ANG KATOTOHANAN

2005-07-23T22:44:00.000+08:00

IPAGLABAN ANG KATOTOHANAN

MANALANGIN
Sa gitna ng iba’t ibang pagsubok na hinaharap nating lahat, hinihikayat namin ang Sambayanan na manalig sa kapangyarihan at bisa ng panalangin. Maging ang Tagapagligtas nanalangin ng lalong mataimtim sa oras ng Kanyang paghihirap. Ipinayo rin sa atin ni Jeremias na manalangin tayo ng buong puso at kaluluwa.

Kaya’t sa biyaya at mahabaging awa ng Ama, pagsama-samahin natin ang ating puwersa bilang isang Bayan ng Diyos at magsumamo na iahon tayo sa ating kinasasadlakan. Dalhin nawa tayo ng Kanyang grasya sa tamang landas nang maangkin natin ang hinahangad na kaginhawaan ng lahat lalo na ng mga maralita nating kapatid at di lang ng iilang Pilipino.

Si Hesus na Siyang DAAN, KATOTOHANAN at BUHAY ang ating Pag-asa.

MANINDIGAN
Magbunga nawa ang ating panalangin sa isang paninindigan ayon sa Mabuting Balita tulad ng payo ng Kalipunan ng mga Katolikong Obispo sa Pilipinas.

Sa diwa ng batas ng moralidad, hinihingi sa bawat isa ang pagpapasya matapos ang mapangilatis na pagninilay.

Hindi maaring isantabi ang nakahain na krisis.

Kalupitan sa Inang Bayan ang pagsasawalang kibo at pangingimi sa gitna ng daluyong humahagupit sa ating lahat!

Huwag nating kalimutan na ang kinabukasan natin at ang mga susunod pa na henerasyon ang nakataya sa tunggalian ng mga mabuti at masama.

Isabuhay natin ang ating mga prinsipyo na makabubuti sa bawat isa. Bigyan natin ng saysay ang ating mga pinapahalagahan bilang paggalang sa ating mga pagkatao. Isaalang-alang natin ang hindi mabilang na bayaning nagtaya ng kanilang mga buhay. Galangin natin ang ating kasaysayan at tumugon sa kanyang hamon na manindigan.

MAKIALAM
Ang matapang na pagkatig ang magdadala sa atin sa punto ng pakikisangkot. Kailangang kumilos kundi maaring lumaganap ang sigalot na maaring kumitil sa anumang natitirang hininga ng ating kasarinlan. Hindi nalilimita ang pagsulong ng paninindigan sa pagtungo sa lansangan. Iba’t iba ang taktika ng mga malisyosong elemento kaya’t kinakailangang higitan pa natin ito.

Maging matalas sa pag-alam ng tunay sa bantog ngunit huwad at mapalinlang.

Ipalaganap ang kilusang pagmumulat ng kamalayan ng bawat Pilipino.

Tutulan ang mga mapagsamantalang grupo na may makasariling adhikain!

Anumang tugon ang ating masusing pinag-aaralan, sundin natin ang panawagan ng karamihan ukol sa paggalang sa ating Saligang Batas at mga batas ng bayan.

Higit sa lahat, maging mapagbantay at hingin ang katarungan tulad ng tawag ng mga Obispo:

“Higit sa paghingi ng tawad, nararapat na may pananagutan, sapagkat kasama ng pagpapatawad ang katarungan. Upang mapanumbalik ang pagtitiwala, kinakailangan ng masusi, mapagkakatiwalaan at malayang proseso ng pagsuri na siyang magpapatunay sa katotohanan ng mga tinatawag na Garcillano tapes, patunayan ang anumang maaring pagtataksil sa tiwala ng bayan, at ibigay ang nararapat na kaparusahan sa sinumang matagpuang may sala. Parusa din ang nararapat na ipataw sa mga matatagpuang may sala ng katiwalian at illegal na gawain, tulad ng jueteng at wire-tapping. Kasama sa pananagutang moral ang lubusang pagpapanibago ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang ang mga ito ay lalong makatugon sa pangangailangan ng integridad at ng mga pangangailangan ng mahihirap.”

IPAGLABAN ANG KATOTOHANAN!
MANALANGIN MANINDIGAN MAKIALAM

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) * Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
* 4266101 loc 3440 * Telefax 426-5968 * slb@admu.edu.ph

Newsbriefs 21 July MorningSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:43:00.000+08:00

Economist: RP economy remains healthy (manilastandardonline)
Despite the lingering political uncertainty, the Philippine economy remains healthy and is poised to grow by 4.9 percent year-on-year in 2005, according to a University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist. “The Philippine economy is manageable and recovering from the previous administration’s woes such as low tax collection and high level spending,” Ramon Quesada, executive director of the UA&P Business Economic Club, said in a news briefing.

Quesada cited the country’s huge domestic savings of about 25 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), surging balance of payments on the back of the double-digit increase in remittances, and record-high gross international reserves. Quesada said while the national government continues to incur a budget deficit, most provinces, cities and towns enjoy a budget surplus. In 2004, 10 provinces led by Rizal posted a budget surplus of over P150 million each while 10 cities led by Cebu reported a surplus of more than P180 million each.

“Is the Philippines in an economic crisis? No, we are not,” he said, citing the above figures as his bases.

He said while international credit raters Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch have downgraded their outlook for the Philippines, their evaluation did not consider the fact that the country’s revenue collection showed remarkable improvement in the first five months of 2005, even without the expanded value added tax (EVAT) law.

‘Critical’ Sona to be secured by PNP, AFP (manilastandardonline)
More than 15,000 police and 1,000 soldiers will be deployed near the Batasang Pambansa Complex Monday when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivers what may well be her most crucial State of the Nation Addess. Defying mounting calls for her to resign over allegations that she conspired to rig the 2004 election results, the President is scheduled to address the joint session of Congress at 4 p.m. amid tight security.

The opposition bloc, meanwhile, will hold its own Sona in which it will make public evidence in its impeachment complaint against President Arroyo. House Minority Leader Francis Escudero said the opposition will file the impeachment complaint and deliver its own Sona on Monday ahead of the President’s speech.

Reds scrap peace talks (Inquirer)
THE COMMUNIST-LED National Democratic Front has closed the door to peace talks with the "crumbling" administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, saying it would rather wait for a new government.

Luis Jalandoni, chief negotiator of the Utrecht-based NDF panel, said there was no point in resuming peace talks with the Arroyo administration because it was "not going to last very long."

Besides supporting the "ouster" of Ms Arroyo and her constitutional successor Vice President Noli de Castro, the NDF is backing the setting up of a "transitional governing council" that would call for new elections within six months, Jalandoni said.

The NDF has been holding peace talks on and off with the government since 1986, starting with the administration of former President Corazon Aquino. The talks had been suspended several times by either party.

He said Ms Arroyo's regime "has been mortally wounded since the exposé on the 'Hello Garci' tapes," the wiretapped conversations between the President and Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano purportedly showing that she stole the election. The President "will not last very long" because the people no longer trust her, according to Jalandoni. He said De Castro was not a good alternative because his legitimacy would also be questioned.

"What is emerging now is a transitional governing council composed of representatives of a broad sector of patriotic and progressive individuals," the NDF negotiator said.

He said the council would have to call a special election within six months.
"In our view, (party-list Representatives) Satur (Ocampo) and Crispin Beltran would qualify (as council members)," Jalandoni said.

Newsbriefs 20 July AfternoonSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:40:00.000+08:00

Propoor reforms bared (manilastandardonline.com)
“The President yesterday came up with a list of urgent propoor measures designed to enable her to recover lost ground and win back estranged supporters and friends…

“I intend to win the people’s trust with good governance and urgent reforms,” the President said at the 107th founding anniversary celebration of the Department of Foreign Affairs at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang…

The propoor measures identified by the President included energizing all barangays, potable water for every town and village, cheaper medicine, assistance to college students enrolled under troubled preneed education plans, and state-subsidized health insurance coverage for indigents.”

Opposition mulls charges vs Garcillano (abs-cbnnews.com)”Lawyer Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said the political opposition might file charges against former election official Virgilio Garcillano, who went into hiding after the "Gloriagate" tapes surfaced last month, to force him to come out.
Vinzons-Chato, counsel of former National Bureau of Investigation deputy chief Samuel Ong, said the only way to compel Garcillano to surface is to file charges against him and "make him a fugitive" from law…

The contents of the tape are being studied to determine what case can be filed against Garcillano, she said, adding that it should be the government that should file charges against him.

If a case is filed and the former Commission on Elections official fails to show up during preliminary hearings, Vinzons-Chato said the opposition can request for a hold departure order against Garcillano before the Bureau of Immigration.”

Heritage think tank says US should not take sides in RP crisis (philstar.com)
“WASHINGTON — The United States should be strictly nonpartisan in the current political crisis in the Philippines, the influential think tank Heritage Foundation said. Senior policy analyst Dana Dillon, in an article entitled "Crisis in the Philippines: What does it mean for the US?" said whether President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stays or goes, efforts to encourage economic development and fight the war on terrorism in the Philippines are weakening…"The United States has long been devoted to promoting both of these agendas, but Filipinos will view any American involvement in the current political crisis as meddling. Therefore, US efforts to help should advance the process without crossing the boundaries of Philippine sovereignty, responsibility and leadership," Dillon said. He said Manila’s "descent into political chaos" triggered by opposition allegations that Arroyo cheated her way to victory and close members of her family were involved in a gambling racket, presented the United States with three major concerns:
• The war on terrorism will continue to take a back seat to the political mess in Manila.
• Economic development and reform and trade expansion will be delayed as politicians
focus on Manila politics; and
• Chinese influence will continue to expand while Arroyo fights for her political life.”
Stocks up 55.16 pts, peso at 55.934:$ mid-day (abs-cbnnews.com)”Share prices rose 2.9192 percent Wednesday, with the main index adding 55.16 points to 1,944.71. Except for the mining index, which retreated, all other sectorial indicators advanced. Gainers outnumbered losers, 57 to 16, while 35 issues were unchanged. Value turnover was pegged at P1.192 billion.

Traders said investors are taking positions in stocks that are expected to report robust earnings in the first half.

Ismael Cruz, a veteran stockbroker, however, said investors are wary of positioning for the long-term due to political uncertainties.”

Newsbriefs 20 July MorningSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:38:00.000+08:00

Illegal, say legal eagles; diversionary, say critics (Inquirer)
AN AFFRONT to the Constitution and a political ploy were how legal stalwarts and opposition leaders called President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to set up a commission that would investigate allegations that she cheated in the 2004 election.

"If there'd be any investigation into electoral fraud, the proper venue for that would still be the Presidential Electoral Tribunal and the impeachment court," Father Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, told the Inquirer.

"Any parallel investigation would be an attempt to subvert the Constitution."
Bernas, one of the legal experts whom the House of Representatives consulted about the admissibility of the "Hello, Garci" tapes as evidence in its investigation of electoral fraud, added:

"There is a Constitution and there are institutions [tasked to undertake certain functions]."

"I don't know what truth is it about [that they'd be looking into]," Bernas said.

8 out of 10 Filipinos want Arroyo out, says Pulse Asia poll (Inquirer)
WHETHER by resignation or impeachment or unconstitutional means, nearly 8 out of 10 Filipinos want President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo banished from Malacañang even before she completes her six-year term. This was the result of a nationwide survey conducted by the independent polling firm Pulse Asia Inc. from June 20 to 23, disputing Malacañang's claim that the views of respondents in Metro Manila differ sharply from those of the rest of the country.

Some 1,200 respondents took part in the nationwide survey.

"The survey findings indicate that Metro Manilans generally reflect the sentiments of the rest of the country insofar as the continuation of the Arroyo administration until 2010 is concerned, but not in the choice of the country's leaders," Pulse Asia executive director Ana Maria L. Tabunda said in a statement.

A survey conducted by Pulse Asia on July 2-8 (300 respondents) found that 72 percent of residents in Metro Manila distrusted Ms Arroyo and that 58 percent wanted her to resign.
"Probes into Metro Manilans' views regarding the best and worst political scenarios for the country reveal very little support for the incumbent administration," Tabunda said.
The Pulse Asia Inc. survey conducted nationwide showed that Filipinos considered the President's stay in office (22 percent) the "most destructive political scenario," similar to a coup d'état (22 percent) in which a group of military and police officials choose the group that will govern.

Twenty percent considered a coup and a military junta a "destructive political scenario."
Only 17 percent said an impeachment of Ms Arroyo and her replacement by Vice President Noli de Castro was destructive.

For 30 percent of Filipinos, De Castro is the best person to lead the country, followed by deposed President Joseph Estrada (19 percent) and Senator Panfilo Lacson (16 percent).

The President remained a poor fourth with 8 percent.

In Metro Manila, residents not only wanted the President out but they chose three others -- Lacson (36 percent), De Castro (15 percent), and Estrada (8 percent) ahead of her (7 percent) as the best person to lead the country.

Interestingly, Susan Roces, who has shunned calls for her to join politics, was chosen by 7 percent, the same figure as that of the President, as the best person to lead the country.
Tabunda noted that the choice of best leader was the only significant difference between the July survey in Metro Manila and the June nationwide survey.

In Metro Manila, the President (25 percent) emerged on top of the list of public figures unacceptable to lead the country ahead of retired Army chief Fortunato Abat (17 percent), De Castro (12 percent), Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. (12 percent), Estrada (9 percent), Roces (6 percent) and Lacson (5 percent).

Nationwide, Ms Arroyo (53 percent) ranked No. 1 on the list of the most unacceptable leader for the country ahead of former President Fidel V. Ramos (25 percent), evangelist Brother Eddie Villanueva (23 percent), Roces (23 percent) and De Castro (23 percent).

Tabunda noted that the June nationwide survey had similar results for the same question as Ms Arroyo, Ramos and Villanueva emerged the top three most unacceptable leaders.
To further refute Malacañang's claim of divergent results between surveys in Metro Manila and the provinces, Tabunda said the June nationwide survey showed no evidence of an urban-rural divide in which performance and trust ratings of Ms Arroyo and opinion on her continuing to serve as president of the country are concerned.

Despite the political and economic problems, 67 percent of the people in Metro Manila believe that there is hope for the Philippines. Only 17 percent have given up hope on the country, according to Pulse Asia.

In addition, 74 percent of Metro Manilans believe that it is not necessary to impose martial law
in the country. Eighteen percent are in favor of martial rule.

AFP cuffs emerging leaders of coup (abs-cbnnews)A military-led takeover is unlikely to succeed because the Armed Forces of the Philippines has moved against officers it considers likely coup leaders.

The Armed Forces deputy chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan, said the military leadership has taken steps against those who have defied the chain of command.

"We’ve already relieved those officers who have issued statements against the institution, and sanction awaits those who are planning to do the same," Adan said at a roundtable with reporters and editors of The Manila Times.He assured the nation that the Armed Forces is doing everything to discourage military "adventurism" and is continuously sending messages to all its men to follow the Constitution. Adan said the military has learned its lesson from the two people-power revolts in 1986 and 2001 where the military took sides.

CBCP STATEMENT TAGALOG VERSION

2005-07-23T22:34:00.000+08:00

ANG PAGPAPANUMBALIK NG PAGTITIWALA:ISANG PANAWAGAN PARA SA PAGPAPAHALAGANG MORAL SA PULITIKA SA PILIPINAS

Ang Kasalukuyang Kalagayang Pastoral
1. Bilang isang bayan tila baga tayo’y napaaanod sa ibat’t ibang anyo at sunod sunod na krisis. Maraming tagasuri ang nagsasabi na ang mga krisis na ito ay pinalalala ng ilang mga pag-uugaling may kabutihan subali’t maaaring magamit sa masama, tulad ng palakasan, pakikisama, utang na loob, at ang pagiging makapamilya. Bilang inyong mga Obispo matagal na naming ipinapaalala na ang mga krisis na pinagdaraan natin ay isang suliraning moral – ang kakulangan ng moralidad sa personal na buhay, sa ating mga ugnayan, at sa mga sistema o istrukturang panlipunan.

2. Ngayon, muli tayong nahaharap sa isang napakalaking suliranin na nagiging sanhi ng pagkakahati-hati ng ating bayan at nagtutulak sa kanila sa iba’t ibang mga pagpapasya mula sa makakanan hanggang makakaliwang pagkiling. Sa ganitong lumalalang kalagayan, may mga iba’t ibang grupo na ibig samantalahin ang bawat isa, gamitin ang mga pagkakataon para sa kanilang makasariling hangarin at naghahasik ng pagkalito sa ating bayan, minsan nagpapahayag ng haka-haka at pag-aalinlangan na animo’y mga katotohanan na, na ang nais lamang ay mang-agaw ng kapangyarihan.

3. Sa gitna ng mga krisis na ito ay ang suliraning moralidad, lalo na ang usapin ng pagtitiwala. Hindi nagtitiwala ang ating bayan sa mga institusyong pang-ekonomiya dahil ito’y naglalagay lamang sa kanila sa ilalim ng kalupitan ng mga kapangyarihan ng pangangalakal na dahil sa kawalan ng moralidad ay lalo lamang nagdidiin sa ating mga kababayan sa mapanupil at di makataong kahirapan. Hindi rin pinagtitiwalaan ng bayan ang isa sa ating mahalagang institusyon – ang ating pampulitikang sistema. Hindi lang naman ngayon dumating ang kakulangan sa pagtitiwalang ito. Bagamat ang bayan ay nakikilahok sa mga gawaing pulitikal, matagal na ring nagpapahayag ang bayan ng pag-aalinlangan sa mga taong gumagalaw sa pulitika, sa mga gawain at pamamaraang pampulitika. Madalas na ang halalan ay pinaniniwalaang may bahid ng pandaraya at hindi bunga ng katapatan. Ang mga pagdinig sa Kongreso at Senado ay kadalasang nauuwi lamang sa katanungan ng pamamaraan at nagsisilbi para sa mga partidong pampulitikal. Kailan man hindi mabungang natutugunan ng pulitika ang mga pangangailangan ng mga mahihirap at isinasa-isang tabi ng lipunan.

4. Ang usapin ng pagtitiwala sa mga pambayang sistema (istruktura) ay lalong napalala sa pagbibitiw ng ilang mahahalagang miyembro ng Gabinete, ang pagsasanib ng ilang partido pulitikal at ang pagbubuo ng mga bagong pwersa. Sa gitna ng ganitong mga pagsasanib ng mga partidong politikal, pinupuri namin ang malinaw na paninindigan ng ating militar at pulisya na nagpahayag ng kanilang katapatan sa ating Saligang Batas, na humahadlang sa kanilang pakikilahok at pagkatig sa mga partido.

5. Gayon din naman, iba’t ibang paninindigan ang naipahayag ng mga tagapagturo, mga mangangalakal, mga propesyonal at mga tao kaugnay sa Pangulong Macapagal Arroyo. Ang ilan ay may ibig ng isang Truth Commission. Ang iba naman ay ibig ng impeachment. Ang iba ay nagnanais ng pamamaraan ng Saligang Batas at ang iba naman ay para sa pamamaraang labas sa Saligang Batas. Ngunit, sa isang banda, mayroon din naman mga pagpapahayag ng pagtangkilik para sa pinuno ng bayan mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng lipunan.

6. Ngayon, tinatanong namin an gaming sarili, “Bilang inyong mga Obispo ano ang maaari naming maialay sa aming kawan?” “Maaari ba kaming maglatag ng paglilinaw at patnubay sa gitna ng nakalilitong kalagayang ito?” Ang tugon namin ay maaari lamang manggaling sa katotohanan kung sino kami. Hindi kami mga pulitiko na kailangang maghain ng isang pampulitikong balangkas upang lutasin ang isang pampulitikong suliranin.. Ngunit kami’y mga Obispo na tinawag ng Panginoon upang pastulan ang kawan sa liwanag ng pananampalataya. Kaisa ng Santo Papa Benito XVI, hindi namin kinakatigan “ang panghihimasok sa pulitika ng mga namumuno sa Simbahan.” Ngunit kailangan din naman naming suriin ang mga gawaing pantao, tulad ng ekonomiya at pulitika, sa aspeto ng moralidad at pangrelihiyon, sa pananaw ng Mabuting Balita ni Jesus at ng Paghahari ng Diyos. Kinakailangan naming maghain ng gabay pang-moralidad at ayon sa pananampalataya para sa aming kawan. Ito nga ang aming maiaalay sa ganitong katayuan ng krisis. Kung hindi namin ito magagawa ay magtataksil kami sa aming tungkulin.

Ang Aming Tungkuling Pastoral at ang aming Paniningdigan
7. Sa gitna ng masalimuot at magkakasalungat na pananaw at paninindigan, ang aming tungkulin ay hindi upang ituro ang isang pagpapasyang pulitikal o isang bungkos ng mga pagpapasya bilang natatanging pasyang naaayon sa Mabuting Balita, lalo’t higit kung ang isang pasya ay nakaugat lamang sa haka-haka at mapabubulaanan ang pinangalinagan. Sa ganitong katayuan naniniwala kami na walang iisa lamang na konkretong paraan para kay Presidente Macapagal Arroyo na maaaring sabihing hinihingi ng Mabuting Balita. Kaya, sa diwa ng kababaang loob at pagiging makatotohanan, ipinapahayag namin ang pagpapasyang bunga ng aming sama-samang pananalangin at pagsusuri na hindi namin hinihingi ang pagbibitiw ng Pangulo. Ngunit hindi rin naman niya dapat baliwalain ang mga tawag ng iba para sa kanyang pagbibitiw. Sapagkat kinikilala namin na ang mga di-marahas na panawagan para sa kanyang pagbibitiw, ang panawagan para sa isang Truth Commission at ang pagsampa ng impeachment case ay mga hakbang na hindi salungat sa Mabuting Balita.

8. Sa lahat ng ito ay pinapaalala natin sa ating sarili na ang matuwid na ayos ng pulitika at moralidad ay mainam na maisusulong sa kasalukuyang mga pangyayari sa pamamagitan ng malinaw at matapang na pagkatig sa pamamaraan ng Saligang Batas na nagmumula sa mga pinahahalagahang moral at sa Natural Law. Kaya nananawagan kami sa bayan, lalo na sa ating mga kinatawan at mga namumuno, na suriin ang kanilang pagpapasya hindi lamang ayon sa kanilang mga panig sa pulitika kundi sa liwanag din ng itinuturo ng Mabuting Balita ng katotohanan, katarungan, at ang kabutihan ng lahat. Hinihimok namin ang lahat sa aming mga parokya at mga pamayanan, mga samahan at mga movements, ang mga Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano na magsama-sama upang manalangin, umunawa, magpasya at kumilos upang sa kinalaunan ang kalooban ng Diyos ang maghari sa kaayusang pulitika. Ang mga taong may mabubuting kalooban at kredibilidad mula sa iba’t ibang paninindigang pulitikal ay kinakailangan magsama-sama at magbahaginan upang matulungan ang bansa sa kasalukuyang pagkakasadlak. Naniniwala kami kaisa ng Santo Papa Benito XVI na sa pamamagitan ng panalangin ang bayang Filipino at ang kanyang mga kinatawan at namumunong pulitikal, sa liwanag ng mga alituntuning moral, ay maaaring makarating sa pagpapasya para sa kabutihan ng lahat, hindi lamang ayon sa mga pampulitikang kaganapan bagkus higit sa lahat ay naaayon sa mga batas ng moralidad.

9. Pagkatapos natin mailahad ito ay ibig din naming isailalim ang ilang mga kalagayan sa isang pagsasaliksik na moral upang akayin ang bayan sa higit na malalim na pagsusuring moral.

Pagpapanumbalik ng Pagpapahalagang Moral
10. Hinggil sa moral na pananagot: “Ang kapangyarihang pulitikal ay mananagot sa mga tao. Ang mga namumuno ay may tungkuling managot sa kanilang mga pinamumunuan.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 408). Ang ating Pangulong Macapagal-Arroyo ay umamin at humingi ng tawad dahil sa “pagkukulang sa wastong paghuhusga” sa pagtawag sa isang opisyal ng COMELEC. Dahil sa pag-aming ito, lalong gumuho ang tiwala ng mga tao sa pinaghihinalaan nang sistema ng halalan at nagbigay-daan sa higit pang pagdududa sa integridad ng halalan. Higit sa paghingi ng tawad, nararapat na may pananagutan, sapagkat kasama ng pagpapatawad ang katarungan. Upang mapanumbalik ang pagtitiwala, kinakailangan ng masusi, mapagkakatiwalaan at malayang proseso ng pagsusuri na siyang magpapatunay sa katotohanan ng mga tinatawag na Garcillano tapes, patunayan ang anumang maaaring pagtataksil sa tiwala ng bayan, at ibigay ang nararapat na kaparusahan sa sinumang matagpuang may sala. Parusa din ang nararapat ipataw sa mga matatagpuang may sala ng katiwalian at ilegal na gawain, tulad ng jueteng at wire-tapping. Kasama sa pananagutang moral ang lubusang pagpapanibago ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang ang mga ito ay lalong makatugon sa pangangailangan ng integridad at ng mga pangngailangan ng mahihirap.

11. Hinggil sa kilos na naaayon sa Saligang Batas: Sa panahong ito ng krisis, marami ang humihingi ng pamamaraang hindi sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas. Itinatampok ng Saligang Batas ang mga pagpapahalagang tulad ng karangalan ng tao, ang kabutihan ng karamihan, kalayaan, pamamayani ng batas at ang takdang pamamaraan. Batay sa mga ito, hindi namin tinatanggap ang anumang madaliang pagsasaayos na kumikiling lamang sa mga makasariling hangarin sa pulitika at hindi sa ikabubuti ng marami. Iwinawaksi namin ang anumang pakikipagsapalanan ng mga grupong ang nais ay samantalahin ang nanganganib na sitwasyon ng ating bayan upang magdulot ng pagkalito at gulo at nakawin ang kapangyarihang mamuno sa pamamagitan ng mga paraang laban sa Saligang Batas. Hindi namin sinasang-ayunan ang pagtawag ng mga juntas o konsehong rebolusyonaryo. Ang mga namumuno sa pulitika ang dapat manguna sa pagtalima at matapat na pagpapatupad ng Saligang Batas. Ang tugon ay dapat nating hanapin sa balangkas ng Saligang Batas at mga batas ng bayan upang maiwasan ang mga kaguluhan, ang unti-unting paghina ng sistemang pulitikal, at ang higit pang kapahamakan sa hinaharap.

12. Hinggil sa Pamamaraang Mapayapa – Itinuturo ni Papa Pablo VI na ang marahas na solusyon ay nagdudulot ng higit pang kawalan ng katarungan, nakararagdag sa kaguluhan at naghahatid ng lalo pang sakuna (Populorum Progressio, 31). Sa panahong ito, mayroon pa ring mga nagmumula sa iba’t ibang panig na pulitkal at panlipunan na ang tanging nais ay karahasan para sa kanilang sariling kapakinabangan. Hindi namin tinatanggap ang anumang paggamit ng pwersa at karahasan upang maging solusyon sa ating mga problema. Ito ay hindi naaayon sa ebanghelyo, sapagkat batid natin na sa Mabuting Balita si Jesus na ating Panginoon ay nagturo ng pag-ibig at daan ng kapayapaan.

13. Hinggil sa Mabisang Pamumuno: “Upang makamit ang kabutihan ng nakararami, kinakailangan din na ang kapangyarihan sa pamumuno ay mabisa sa pagkakamit ng nararapat na mithiin.” (Pacem in Terris). Bukok sa kakayahang mamuno, ang personal na integridad ay isa sa mga mahahalagang katangian ng isang pinuno. Ang hindi mabisang pamumuno ay maaaring nag-uugat sa kakulangang ng personal na integridad o kakulangan ng kakayahang mamuno. Maaari din naman itong maging bunga ng pagsasama-sama ng iba’t ibang dahilan na nagpapaguho ng tiwala at kredibilidad, gayun din ng mabisang pamumuno. Sa ating katatayuan ngayon, kinikilala namin na maraming maaaring pagbalingan ng sisi, maging tayong lahat. Datapwat hinihingi namin mula sa Pangulo na suriing niyang mabuti ang kanyang sarili kung gaano kalaki ang kanyang naging bahagi sa pagguho ng mabisang pamumuno at kung ang pagguho ay napakatindi na hindi na maaaring mapanumbalik pa. Sa kanyang puso, kailangan siyang gumawa ng nararapat na desisyon para sa kapakanan ng bansa. Maging tayong lahat ay dapat ding gumawa ng gayon. Tunay na ang pagsusuri sa larangan ng moralidad ay napakahirap sapagkat ito ay hindi nakabatay sa mga kinikilingan at sinasamahan sa pulitika kundi sa mga batayang moral.
Pangwakas

14. Minamahal na Bayan ng Diyos, kalungkutan at pagkaligalig ang aming nadama noong kaming mga Obispo ay nagtipon upang pag-aralan ang maraming aspeto ng krisis na ating pinagdaraanan. Ang harapin ang mga takot at kawalan ng pag-asa na siyang laging karanasan ng mga mahihirap nating kapatid ay nagpapamulat na tayo bilang Simbahan ay nakibahagi din sa pamamagitan ng ating kapabayaan, pagkiling at pagkamaka-sarili.

15. Upang tumugon sa katatayuang pastoral na ito, itinatalaga namin ang aming sarili sa mas mabisang pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos sa salita at gawa upang ang mga pagpapahalagang moral ang maging lakas na namamayani sa buhay ng tao sa ekonomiya, pulitika at kultura. Itinatalaga namin ang aming sarili sa paghuhubog ng mga taong may angking kakayahan at integridad at biniyayaang maging mabisang tagapamuno sa larangan ng ekonomiya at pulitika. Taglay ang Mabuting Balita ng katotohanan, katarungan, kapayapaan at pag-ibig sa kanilang puso, sila nawa ay maging tagapaghatid ng pagbabago sa ating bansa.

16. Sa taong ito ng Eukaristiya, ipinapaalala sa atin ang walang maliw, mapagmahal at nagbibigay-lunas na pananatili ng ating Panginoong Jesus sa ating piling. Sa biyaya at awa ng Diyos at sa maka-inang pagkalinga ng Mahal na Birheng Maria, ipinapanalangin namin na nawa ang marubdob na paghahangad sa pag-asa ang mamayani sa gitna ng madilim na bahaging ito ng ating kasaysayan. Tatayo tayong matatag mula sa krisis na ito. Babangon tayo taglay ang higit na integridad. Magiging saksi tayo sa kapangyarihan ng biyaya ng Diyos na siyang magpapanibago sa atin upang maging bansang marangal, Simbahang banal, nagkakaisang sambayanan.

SA NGALAN NG KALIPUNAN NG MGA KATOLIKONG OBISPO SA PILIPINAS:

(SGD) + FERNANDO R. CAPALLA, D.D.
Pangulo
Arsobispo ng Davao
10 July 2005

Newsbriefs 19 July AfternoonSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:32:00.000+08:00

Palace to form truth commission (abs-cbnnews)
“President Arroyo on Tuesday authorized the formation of a truth commission that will investigate allegations that she cheated in last year’s elections.
In an open letter to Archbishop Fernando Capalla, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) president, Mrs. Arroyo said the commission will also look into the angle that various groups were using the political crisis in a bid to remove her from power.

"On the matter of moral accountability and the need to restore trust, I have initiated the creation of a commission or similar body to look into the truth behind issues recently raised against me. We are accepting the principle of accountability," she said.”

Escudero: Truth commission has no constitutional basis (abs-cbnnews)
“The formation of a truth commission to investigate charges leveled against President Arroyo has no constitutional basis, The opposition lawmaker said there is no law that supports the creation of the commission. It might even conflict with the impeachment proceedings readied in Congress against Mrs. Arroyo, Escudero said.

"On the assumption that the truth commission reveals that there was cheating and on the assumption that this truth commission shows that President Arroyo did not actually win in the last election, what power does it have to implement that concern?" Escudero said.
He said “the President should wait for her impeachment to proceed.”

Opposition lawmakers to file up to 10 criminal charges in bid to impeach Arroyo (Philippine Star)
“Opposition lawmakers said Tuesday they will file up to 10 criminal charges, including election fraud and corruption, in a bid to impeach President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo while urging her to resign to avoid a painful trial. The lawmakers looked for witnesses among the 13 former Cabinet members and top aides who have quit Arroyo's government in recent weeks-- some of whom said they are willing to testify against their former boss.

"Our charges against her would revolve around the crimes of cheating, lying and stealing," Rep. Francis Escudero said. “Lacson to boycott President's speech to Congress on July 25 (INQ7.net)
“SENATOR Panfilo Lacson will boycott President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's State Of the Nation Address on Monday and will deliver his own “true” speech on Friday this week. He said the President's speech would contain “lies and more lies."

"Year in, year out, her [the President's] SONA is about reforms. It's four and a half years now, so I expect that on Monday, there will be more of the same,” he said.”

Stocks down 19.70 points, peso at 55.641:$The main index lost 19.70 points to 1,889.55. (abs-cbnnews.com)
On Monday, stocks posted its highest finish so far this month at 1909.25 as investors took advantage of a calmer political scene after last week's turbulence.

“The peso, meanwhile, averaged 55.641 to the US dollar at mid-day, weaker than Monday's close of 55.60. The currency opened 55.58 and the dollar was traded at a range of P55.72-P55.57. Volume has reached $251 million.”

The USD/PHP corrected higher after posting declines for 3 straight days, by +0.09 to trade at 55.69 as of mid-day, after reaching an intra-day low of 55.57, which was the lowest in 3 weeks (lowest since June 28, 2005. Immediate minor resistance levels are at 55.78 and then at 55.90 (which happens to be the initial target for any healthy upward technical correction, should there be any). First important resistance is the 56.00 immediate cap, where there could be some initial selling-on-rallies, especially by those with immediate requirements to sell the USD/PHP.
“The peso on Monday gained about 0.4 percent from Friday's close, recovering some ground after a two-month long sell-off, helped also by a weekend rally in support of embattled President Arroyo.”

Newsbriefs 19 July MorningSimbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

2005-07-23T22:30:00.000+08:00

Purisima apologizes to tribunal (manilastandardonline)
Former Finance secretary Cesar Purisima apologized to the Supreme Court yesterday and asked the justices to spare him from contempt charges, saying he never spoke ill of the high tribunal. “If my actions have been misconstrued by the print and broadcast media, I apologize with all sincerity and humility,” Purisima said in a four-page statement denying published reports that he hinted Malacañang had a hand in pressuring the Supreme Court to suspend the unpopular expanded value added tax.

On July 12, the court gave Purisima five days to explain why he should not be cited for contempt for making such a suggestion. In his statement, Purisima denied ever saying this, saying he only admitted that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had on several occasions discussed the possibility of postponing the implementation of Republic Act 9337 or the EVAT Law with the economic team.

“While I believe that President Arroyo wanted to postpone the implementation of the said law, I never claimed or insinuated that this honorable court was influenced or pressured to issue the TRO (temporary restraining order) against its implementation.”

CBCP spells out formula to solve political crisis (inq7.net)
FIRST, Truth Commission, then impeachment.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday spelled out in more concrete terms how the country should deal with the present political crisis. Monsignor Hernando Coronel, CBCP secretary general, said the bishops were open to the establishment of a Truth Commission to determine if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had indeed cheated in the 2004 elections, as suggested by her wiretapped conversations with a high election official. And once findings are available, the President should be subjected to an impeachment process to settle the legitimacy of her administration, he said. "The Truth Commission will lay the groundwork for an impeachment process," he told reporters. "We urge our people to discuss and reflect on these options. These options are not mutually exclusive (from one another) and they can complement each other, (while) at the same time giving the President the chance to confront herself and her conscience."

Coronel said the CBCP had consulted moral theologians before exploring the twin options of establishing the commission and jumpstarting an impeachment process. The CBCP had actually hinted at these options in its official statement released more than a week ago.

Cabinet quitter wants back in? (manilastandardonline.com)
One of 10 administration officials who quit two weeks ago is reconsidering her position and is willing to come back.

This was disclosed yesterday by Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas as she categorically denied reports that she too was resigning.

Sto. Tomas declined to identify the resigned Cabinet member who has signified her intention to return. But there was immediate speculation that it could be former Budget secretary Emilia Boncodin, who was the only member of the so-called Hyatt-10 who has maintained her silence since they tendered their collective resignation July 8.

Boncodin, still undergoing therapy after a kidney transplant last January, declined to be interviewed when she was contacted by media by phone.

Political opposition now on war footing — Malacañang (Phil. Star)The political opposition is now on "war footing" as it sets aside all legal options in a desperate attempt to remove President Arroyo from office, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said yesterday. Gonzales claimed the political opposition is now being beefed up by leftist groups who are equally desperate to topple the administration. "We have an opposition now so emboldened it has adopted a stance of a war scenario where law or rules don’t matter anymore," Gonzales said.

"This is what’s going on right now, there are so many forces that suddenly decided this is the time to oust this President and set aside all the law and the rules that we have in society," he said. Gonzales said the political debate has "gone beyond what is right and wrong" and deteriorated to an "alarming level" that the illegally obtained wiretapped conversations are being used as ammunition to bring down the government. Gonzales noted that up to 85 percent of those participating in anti-government demonstrations are from the so-called communist front organizations. He said the militant groups have shifted their strategy to assist in all efforts to topple the President. Gonzales cited intelligence reports that communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and allied underground groups formed "special operations groups" to carry out assassinations and bombings when the opportunity arises to create chaos and instability. It is also possible, Gonzales stressed, that the same anarchist groups would "sacrifice" one of their own to trigger violence during protest rallies. "They are trying to intensify moves to topple the President," Gonzales said.

Drilon shoots down Charter change proposal (inq7.net)
SENATE President Franklin Drilon shot down proposals to amend the Constitution, saying the 18 votes in the Senate, which the Constitution requires, will not be reached.
In a press conference, Drilon said Article 17, Section 1 of the Constitution required that three-fourths of the Senate should agree to the Charter change proposal.

“Six votes will kill any proposal and from the public statements and my own private consultations, I do not see 18 senators agreeing to convert Congress into a constitutional assembly. It will not pass the Senate,” he said.

SLB Newsbrief 18 July PM

2005-07-18T20:28:00.000+08:00

PCSO director Garchitorena resigns (abs-cbnnews)
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office director Vicky Garchitorena has resigned from
her post. Garchitorena is the 12th government officials to leave President Arroyo’s
Cabinet.Explaining her reason to quit, Garchitorena told the reporters that she was
dismayed by the tape scandal that rocked the Arroyo presidency.

She reportedly tendered her resignation on July 7, a day before former Finance
Secretary Cesar Purisima and the rest of “Hyatt 10” resigned and called also for the
resignation of Mrs. Arroyo. It was, however, only announced on Monday.

Police brace for protests during Arroyo speech in Congress (Inquirer News Service)
`THE CROWD that broke into the Department of Agriculture building on Friday was
just "a glimpse" of how things could shape up during President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo's State of the Nation Address in Congress on July 25, a top police official said.
Querol sees a bigger and rowdier demonstration compared to the pro-administration
rally at the Luneta Park in Manila last Saturday."(It's going to be) a lot bigger
definitely," said Querol, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The NCRPO is fielding up to 15,000 policemen in Metro Manila on July 25.
These include around 1,000 anti-riot personnel from the Armed Forces' National
Capital Region Command."In Batasan [Pambansa] alone, we will have at least 5,000
anti-riot cops," he said, referring to the congressional building in Quezon City.

Anti-Arroyo noise barrage set Wednesday (INQ7.net)
MILITANT groups will spearhead a noise barrage on Wednesday to press for the
resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, one of its leaders said Monday.
The latest anti-Arroyo campaign will be held in the Cubao district, Mabuhay Rotonda,
Sto. Domingo Church, Philcoa, Agham Road, and Araneta Avenue in Quezon City;
Ayala Avenue and Guadalupe in Makati City; the Agora market in San Juan; and
Crossing in Pasig City, said Gerry Albert Corpuz, spokesman of the Pambansang Lakas
ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya).

The noise barrage will be heard between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Corpuz said.

Economy, not ratings more important — GMA (Philippine Star)
President Arroyo is more concerned with the rise and fall of the country’s economic
indicators rather than the unfavorable ratings she received in a recent opinion poll
conducted in Metro Manila, Malacañang said yesterday.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, in a telephone interview, said the Palace will not
commission nationwide surveys just to prove that she is still popular.

"The President is more concerned with the economic numbers, which have been
favorable lately, as the better indicator that she is doing the right thing," he said. "

The President has made it clear that this is not a popularity contest."

Opposition: No boycott, walkout in Arroyo speech to Congress (INQ7.
net)
OPPOSITION members at the House of Representatives dismissed a
colleague's claim that they might either walk out from or boycott the opening of the
14th session of Congress where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver her
State of the Nation Address on July 25. House Minority Floor Leader Francis
Escudero, Iloilo Representative Rolex Suplico, and An Waray Representative Florencio
Noel denied Ilocos Norte Representative Imee Marcos' claim that they were
considering either one to show their "disgust" over Ms Arroyo's refusal to resign amid
accusations that she cheated in the 2004 election.

"That's not true." Escudero said in a text message to INQ7.net.

Shares rise on respite in political tension but traders still wary (Philippine Star)
Stocks rose for the third day Monday as political tension eased and the
government appeared to be gradually refocusing on economic reforms.
Traders said early indications that the Supreme Court may lift the suspension on the
expanded value-added tax law, the centerpiece of the government's fiscal reform
program. Second-quarter corporate earnings were also expected to be robust.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 12.17 points, or 0.6 percent,
to 1,909.25, its highest finish so far this month.

The broader All Shares Index finished 4.13 points up Monday at 1,162.22 after
advancing 10.90 points Friday.

SLB Newsbrief 18 July AM

2005-07-18T20:17:00.000+08:00

Charter change won't solve RP woes, says CBCP head (inq7)
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo -- The newly elected president of the influential Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday slammed as "cosmetic" moves to
amend the Constitution without changes in the "warped and wobbling" values of the
current crop of leaders.

In an exclusive interview with the Inquirer, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro
narrated how the 81 members of the CBCP "painfully" listened to "125 interventions"
before they issued a statement on July 10, staying away from mounting calls for the
resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over allegations she stole last year's
election.

Explaining the bishops' position, Lagdameo said the prelates wanted the President "to
examine herself and to institute reforms in the graft-ridden institutions of the
government."

Lagdameo said what government officials needed at this time was a change of heart
-- a radical adoption of correct values in governance from the President down to
barangay (village) officials.He said the CBCP was not even convinced that changing
the Constitution now would solve the country's problems."If people in leadership are
products of a system with warped and wobbling values, what can we expect but to
have a warped and wobbling republic," Lagdameo said. "Healing the system and
renewing the political and economic culture means more than a change of
Constitution, but a transformation and alignment of values of people in governance.
Without this, change of Constitution will only be peripheral and cosmetic," he said.

$58.7m in ‘hot money’ fled RP in 1st week of July, BSP reports (manilastandardonline)
About $58.7 million of hot money or foreign portfolio investments fled in the first week
of July when 10 members of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Cabinet, including
most members of her economic team, resigned. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
reported an inflow of $71.4 million in foreign portfolio investments for the week ending
July 8 and an outflow of $130.1 million.

Foreign portfolio investments, which refer to money put in the stock or money
markets, are also dubbed as hot money because of the ease with which they can be
pulled out of a country.

On a year-to-date basis, however, net hot money inflows are still over 1,000 times
higher than the levels reported a year ago. Net foreign portfolio investments inflows
amounted to $1.88 billion from January to July 8, almost 1,200 percent higher than
the $146.3 million reported in the same period last year. Inflows totaled $3.77 billion,
more than thrice the $1.03 billion reported a year ago. BSP Governor Tetangco
declined to comment on the trend in hot money flows for the rest of the year, saying
the week ending July 8 is considered a “blip” by statisticians.

No Resign, No Remit
Malacañang yesterday accused Migrante International of sabotaging the economy by
urging OFWs to stop remitting money through banks as part of a civil disobedience
campaign against the Arroyo administration. Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye
said Migrante, headed by its chairman Connie Bragas Regalado, is committing an
unpatriotic act by persuading OFWs to eschew the banking system when sending
money back home. Migrante is reportedly encouraging overseas workers to send their
dollar earnings through private courier systems which deliver directly to the residence
of their families. Overseas workers remit about $8 billion to $10 billion a year to the
country. These dollar remittances are a major factor for the stable economic growth
and for maintaining the international dollar reserves amount to about $18 billion.
Migrante launched the “no remit campaign” to force President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo to step down.

Pimentel wary of calls for Truth commission (abs-cbnnews)
The Senate minority leader, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., views with suspicion the call for the
creation of a Truth commission that will investigate President Arroyo’s alleged
involvement in the election fraud. In a statement Sunday, Pimentel said the proposal,
made by the Roman Catholic organizations, could be another ploy by Mrs. Arroyo’s
defenders to take the heat off her and counter the clamor for her resignation.
"If the Truth commission will be formed, that will enable Gloria to buy time to regain
support and blunt the moves to evict her out of Malacañan," Pimentel, an opposition
stalwart, said.

On Saturday Malacañan said its officials are ready to sit down with the Bishops-
Businessmen’s Conference to discuss the process of creating a Truth commission.

Afable’s turn to resign (abs-cbnnews)
Communications Director Silvestre Afable has resigned and became the 11th Cabinet
member to quit during the political crisis fueled by allegations President Arroyo rigged
last year’s closely contested election.
Bunye denied Afable resigned because he was demoralized. Bunye said Afable wanted
to concentrate on negotiations with the MILF which has entered a critical phase.

"The Challenge for Peace and Justice" by Fr. Ambo David

2005-07-18T04:29:00.000+08:00

As we were walking towards where the processional will start, One of the EMCDs said, "Father palagay ko PRO-GLORIA kayo." Hindi ako sumagotng yes or no, ngumiti lang ako. At idinugtong pa niya, "Pero ang kapatid ninyo na si Randy David ay anti-Gloria, hindi po ba?" Hindi rin ho ako sumagot ng yes or no, ngumiti lang ako. Kayo ho PRO-GLORIAba kayo? ANTI-GLORIA ba kayo? Huwag rin ho kayong sasagot, ngumi tilang kayo.

I do not think we should add more fuel to the already intense state of division that we find ourselves in as a nation. We are now deeplydivided country. And I know that at some point, people have to make astand and they have to be respected for whatever stand they make. Ofcourse we hope that whatever stand they make, the stand is not either for or against a person but rather for or against a particularprinciple that has to do with the Gospel. We are for the truth, we arefor Justice, we are for Peace.

Ang tema po natin ngayon sa ating Novena Mass na ibinigay sa akin ni Sis. Agnes is "The Challenge for Peace and Justice." Noong unangnatanggap ko yung invitation pati na yung titleng ating topic ngayonghapon, ang unang reaction ko, ang sabi ko, " Mukhang baligtad yata". Because commonly, when you encounter the two words Peace and Justice,very common yung ang order nila ay yung Justice & Peace. Alam niyo hoparang itong question na " Which come first, the chicken or the egg?" Is it Justice first before Peace? Or Peace first before Justice?

Ang common opinion ay dapat kiatarungan muna bago magkaroon ng
kapayapaan.There can be no peace without justice. That is the common opinion. Ithink it is not pure accident that allowed the topic for thisafternoon's Homily to be entitled,
"The Challenge for Peace and Justice." Inuna ang kapayapaan sakatarungan. Peace first before Justice. And as I reflected on this, I realized," Tama, dapat mauna ang kapayapaan." Peace first beforeJustice. If we want to have Justice, we have to have Peace first.Lhata na lang ay naghahanap ng katarungan. And usually, kapaghumihingi ka ng katarungan ay nanggagalaiti ka sag alit lalo na kung sa paniniwala mo, ikaw ay inalipusta. Kapag sa paniniwala mo, ikaw aybiktima. Kapag kinawawa ka, natural lang, magagalit ka. Rememeber whatSusan Roces looked like on television. Yun, that is the look of aperson who si calling for justice. Galit! Kapag ang paniniwala mo ay ninakawan ka ng dapat sana ay sa iyo, magagalit ka nga. Ang tanong,ninakawan ba sila o hindi?

Maraming galit ngayon.

I am sure nagalit si GMA dahil sa destabilization campaign laban sa kanya. Pati ang timing ng jueteng issue, at ang timing ng paglalabas ng mga "Hello Garci Tapes". Galitsiya dahil sa paniniwala niya, ang lahat ng ito ay pagsusumikap naibagsak ang kanyang pamahalaan.

Galit din of course ang maraming mga taong bumoto kay FPJ. Ang paniwala nila, ay dahil ayaw ng mga mayayaman kay FPJ,nagbubulag-bulagan sila at pati na ang simbahan nagbubulag-bulagan dawsa pandaraya na kinumpirma lang di-umano ng mga "Hello Garci Tapes".
Galit din ang administrasyon, mga kakampi ni GMA. Bakit daw hindinatin daanan sa impeachment ang complaint laban sa kanya? Ay mayconstitution naman tayo, may batas na dapat sundin.

Galit din ang oposisyon, dahil sa obvious na cover-up na ginawa tungkol sa Gloria-Gates scandal na inamin din naman n gating Pangulopero tinawag niyang "A mere lapse of judgement." Na ikinadagdag pa ng galit ng maraming tao dahil mukhang hindi ito simpleng kaso ng impropriety.

Galit.

Nakita ninyo si Susan Roces. Alam ninyo, galit din siya sa kanyangkapwa oposisyon dahil ngayon lang inilabas ang "Hello Garci Tapes."Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? I think that is how she reacted. Ngayon pang patay na si FPJ, ngayon kayo maglalabas ngebidensiya? Sino ang makikinabang niyan?. Galit din siya kay GMA. You saw how she expressed her anger on television. "You stole thepresidency not once but twice!", ang sabi niya.

Galit din yung 10 Cabinet Members na nag-resign. Hindi daw tinupad niGMA ang pangako niyang reporma after apologizing.

Galit din ngayon ang natitirang Cabinet Members na tapat kay GMA. Atang tawag nila sa mga nag-resign ay MGA TRAIDOR.

Galit ang mga PRO-GMA kay Cory, dahil nanawagan ng resign ang datingPangulong Corazon Aquino. In fairness, sa tingi ko ang tunay niyangpanawagan ay TO MAKE A SUPREME ACT OF SACRIFICE NOT TO DIVIDE THE NATION FURTHER. Pero nakatanggap ako ng text message na galit na galit kay Cory Aquino. Ang sabi nung text message, " E, kung ang anak mong si Kris Aquino hindi mo mapasunod, kami pa susunod sa'yo?". Hindi ba galit ang susulat ng text message na ganyan?

At galit din daw si Erap na nakakulong hanggang ngayon. Bakit siya nagagalit? Dahil ngayon, we keep invoking the Constitution, we keep saying," Follow the Constitution". Pero nung pinatalsik si Erap, we did not follow the Constitution. How come sa kanya puwede? Kay Gloria hindi puwede? Ang daming galit na tao ngayon.

Galit ka kapag humihingi ka ng hustisya

How do we hope to settle our issues kung lahat tayo ay galit? If ouremotions are high? My brothers and sisters, I think we are in the brink of a Civil War. We are in a very serious situation. Galit angmahihirap dahil hindi umuunlad ang buhay nila. Ang tingin nila, 2beses silang humalal kanilang bida, 2 beses inalis ng mga mayayamanang kanilang bida. Kaya labanan na ito ng mahirap at mayaman. Iyon ang tingin ng marami.

In marriage, counseling and I have quite an extensive experiencecounseling people who are angry with one another. Kapag parehong galitang magkabilang panig, walang patutunguhan ang kanilang pag-uusap. Kapag sila'y parehong kumukulo ang dugo at nagsisigawan, wala silangkarapatang mag-usap. They need a facilitator whose first task is tocalm them down. Kaya habang ako'y nagmamaneho patungo sa misang
ito,naka-on ang aking radyo, sa sasakyan at pinkikinggan ko ang statement ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and I was very happythat I heard a voice of sobriety. Ang narinig kong tinig ay hindigalit. Ang narinig kong tinig ay hindi pumapanig pero nakikisangkot,gusting makagawa ng paraan upang ating maayos ang sigalot n gating kasalukuyang kalagayan. I think we need Peace before Justice.

That is why our topic is about "The Challenge for Peace and Justice."More than ever, we need Peace before we can get Justice. We needfacilitators who can make us aware of our anger and teach us to riseabove our own emotions. Sa tingin ko, para tayong naghahanap ng gintosa maputik na tubig. Kung kailan ka nagpa-panic, kung kalian moginagalaw ang tubig, mas lalong lumalabo. Pero subukin mong huminto, let the water subside, let calm take over so that the waters ofpolitics will subside, so that the sediments will settle down. I thinkwe will gradually find what we are looking for.

Justice is about sorting out the right from the wrong, the good from the evil, the truth from falsehood. Kung talagang nandaya an gatingPresidente, tama, wala siyang karapatang mamuno sa baying ito. Tama,dahil lahat tayo ay naniniwala sa 10 Commandments "Thou shall notsteal". Kung nagnakaw siya, kailangang isoli ang ninakaw. But we haveto establish the truth. And how will you do that if you don't calmdown? If you don't allow reason? If you don't allow Peace to let thetruth emerge? Today's Gospel has many different images for the Obstacles to Peace and Justice. The image that we get is that of asower. Maraming mga hadlang sa pagtubo ng binhi ng Kaharian ng Diyos.

Ang unang hadlang any mga ibon, tinutuka ang binhi, nasasayang.Pangalawang hadlang ay mga bato, hindi magka-ugat ang mga binhi dahil mababaw lang ang lupa, hinahadlangan ng bato. Pangatlong hadlang, mgatinik sinasakal ang mga binhi, hindi ito makatubo at makapamungangmabuti.

How can we have good soil for the seed? If we do not first remove the obstacles? Kaya inaaro muna, binubungkal muna ang lupa bagotinataniman ng binhi. Ang pagbubungkal ay parang pananakit, sinasaktanmo ang lupa. How can we clear the ground if the soil is hard and dry?The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines is calling the Filipino people for sobriety, for prayer, and discernment. Ito angmagpapalambot sa matigas na lupa. Hindi ka basta-basta mag-aararo

kungmatigas ang lupa upang puwede mo nang bungkalin. Mas madalingbungkalin ang basing lupa.

Second, They're calling for discernment. And that is what we do afterthe pagbubungkal. Nasabi ko na ang pagbubungkal ay pananakit.Sinsaktan na tin ang lupa. We let it go through the plow which is likea knife.We allow the soil to get hurt, we allow it to get wounded sothat it will open up, so that the soil can make the seeds welcome. Sapagbubungkal, we do sorting out and discernment is sorting out.Panatilihin ang dapat manatili, isang tabi at itapon ang mga hadlang. Ang mga hadlang ay mga ibon, mga bato, mga tinik.

I wonder if you noticed na maikli lang ang binasa ko sa ebanghelyo. Idid not read the whole chapter. Kung may iba sa inyo na may hawak namisalet, marahil nagtaas kayo ng kilay at nagsabing," Ay, pinutol ni Fr. Ambo ang pagbasa." Pinutol ko ho talaga. Dahil mayroon kamingoption between the long form and the short form. Yung long form ay mayparable and an interpretation. Part 1 nung long form is the storyitself of the man who sow. Part 2 of the parable is the interpretationof the parable itself. Kayak o pinutol ay dahil alam ko na talinghagaay hindi nangangailangan ng paliwanag.

When Jesus said His parables, He did not have to explain them. They were self-explanatory. It was the early Christian Community esp. thecommunity of St. Matthew, that added the interpretation part and theinterpretation part, ang mga bato, ang mga tinik, ang mga ibon, aynagkakaroon ng kahulugan. Ang mga hadlang daw ay mga tao. I don't
want to use that interpretation because we may tend to be very judgmentalof one another. Then we will start labeling people around us as tinik,bato, o masamang ibon na tumutuka sa binhi ng salita ng Diyos. Theparable is about the soil itself. Lahat tayo ay lupa at lahat ng lupa ay magkakahalo. Lahat ay nahaluan ng mga bato at mga tinik at lahat aynilusob ng mga ibon. All of us bear the obstacles.we cannot be blamingall the troubles of our country only to GMA. We cannot be blaming all the troubles of our country only to the politicians. Nag-eexpect tayong apology sa isang tao. I think the apology has to come from all ofus. We are all in this together.
Our country has become rotten to the core. So corrupt! And that is not only because of politicians. We all in one way or another have a sharein this corruption. We have to start with ourselves.

Minsan kausap ko yung aking hipag who is now the Commissioner of CivilService about corruption in the government and how they intend to control thru the Civil Service Commission. Gumawa siya ng anatomy ofcorruption in Phil. Society. Ang sabi niya " Corruption begins athome". And she gave a very simple example. Halimbawa, ang teacher sa eskuwelahan nagbigay ng assignment sa bata. Ang bata inuwi yungassignment sa nanay, ang nanay dahil walang panahon turuan ang anak,siya ang nag-answer ng assignment ng kanyang anak. Ang anak, kinuhaang assignment na ginawa ng nanay at kinopya niya, word for word. Isinubmit niya sa teacher niya. Ang teacher, nakita naman niya,obvious na hindi magagawa ng bata ang ganyang kahusay na assignment,pero tsinek niya at binigyan pa rin ng 100%. What do you call that?CORRUPTION! When that child becomes a senator, he will do the same thing! When that child becomes a congressman, he will do the samething! When that child becomes a mayor, he will do the same thing!When the child becomes a PRESIDENT he will do the same thing! When hebecomes a PARISH PRIEST, he will also do the same thing! When he becomes a BISHOP, he will also do the same thing!! Hindi kami exemptedsa simbahan, at alam ninyo when it comes to moral authority, & moralascendancy, hindi kami exempted- ang simbahan sa corruption! Dapat din kaming umamin sa pagkakasala sa simbahan dahil marami rin katiwalianat pangungurakot na nangyayari sa loob ng simbahan. And I am sure asparishioners, sometimes you feel very indignant for lack of financialaccountability of your own parish priest.. Totoo po ba ito? And if youare feeling like that, it means, LAHAT TAYO, NOBODY is exempted fromthat call, on that call to PENANCE! Lahat tayokasangkot sa pagtatamasa mga pagkakamali sa ating lipunan. We cannot just make a tall order as one person to do it all. GMA entered the system and that system wasalready rotten. And I am not saying this to justify her. Because Ithink, if she did what people claim she did, she really must resign.If she did, what people claim she did, she has no right to be there. In the name of truth, in the name of justice. But we are dealing witha whole system that created ourselves. At lahat tayo ay may bahagi dito.

Si Fr. Tasseco, isang Jesuita kaninang umaga sa article niya saPhil. Star, meron siya knoute na isang author. Sumulat ng isang librona ang pamagat ay "12 Little Things Everey Filipino can do to help theCountry."

Follow traffic rules. Period! Sumunod sa batas. When you buy something, ask for an official receipt.Do not buy smuggled or pirated or stolen products. Esp. pirated. -Ilan kaya sa inyong naka-upo ditto ang mayroong pirated DVD, VCD sakanilang bahay, inyong mga kuwarto? And yet you say' "Thou shall not Steal."? Ano ang tawag diyan? Pagnanakaw! That's corruption! ARAY!Kasi mayroon din ako sa kuwarto ko. Hindi ko sinasabi ito na parang playing self-righteous. I am saying this so that we canstart humbly admitting our share in all of these.
When talking to other people of other country, Be proud of your Country. Respect your Traffic Officers, Policeman and Soldiers. Do not litter. Dispose garbage properly. Segregate, compose and recycle. Kung ikaw ay nakasakay ng sasakyan at itatapon mo ang basurasa kalsada, ano ang tingin mosa inyong bansa? Isang MALAKINGBASURAHAN!! Kaya nagiging basurahan ang bansa natin. Support your church. During elections, do your solemn duty. Pay your employees well. Pay your taxes properly. Adopt a scholar or a poor child. Be a good parent. Teach your children good values. Teach them to follow the law. Teach them to LOVE OUR COUNTRY.
I think we have to begin by loving our country all over again. And in the spirit of prayer and discernment, we can address our issue ofJustice. And so together, for the rest of this Eucharist Celebration, I would like to ask you to please HEED THE CALL OF THE CATHOLICBISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR SOBRIETY, FOR PRAYER,
ANDDISCERNMENT AND FOR TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE SOLUTION.

Because we are ourselves, each one of us is also a part of the problem of this country.

SLB newsbrief July 15 PM

2005-07-18T04:27:00.000+08:00

Arroyo given ultimatum to form truth commission (abs-cbnnews.com)
“A group of businessmen and Catholic bishops on Friday gave President Arroyo until her State of the Nation Address on July 25 to form a truth commission to determine if she had indeed violated public trust amid accusations of electoral fraud against her.”

"The best scenario is for the President to issue an Executive Order and ask Congress to strengthen this order by giving the commission subpoena powers," said Ricardo Pascua, national co-chairman of the Bishops and Businessmen Conference for Human Development.”

Estradas vow to quit govt posts if tape proven real (abs-cbnnews.com)”
Sen. Loi Estrada and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito on Friday vowed to resign from their post if the recording produced by Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson linking former President Joseph Estrada to alleged plot to unseat President Arroyo is proven authentic. "Magre-resign ako kapag napatunayan lahat ang pinagsasabi nila (I'll resign if their allegations are proven true)," Loi said in a radio interview referring to Singson's so-called X-Tapes.”

“Estrada's wife said she will also asked her son, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, to do the same.”
Bishops-Businessmen's Conference bat for truth commission (inq7.net)

“THE Bishops'-Businessmen's Conference on Friday urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to establish a "truth commission" aimed at settling the current political crisis.

In a press conference at the Manila Polo Club, the group suggested that the following could compose the commission: Christian Monsod, Isagani Cruz, Michael Mastura, Joaquin Bernas, Ramon Farolan, Randy David, and Romeo Capulong.

The group said the commission must look into allegations that Arroyo took advantage of her office as president to alter the results of the 2004 presidential elections and that the Commission on Elections committed systematic fraud during the 2004 elections.

It also wants the commission to determine who authorized and executed the wiretaps.”

Stocks and Peso – Dollar Exchange Rate (inq7.net)
The composite index closed up 17.62 points or 0.94 percent to 1,897.08 on 729. 4 million shares worth 2.3 billion pesos. It traded between 1,879.46 and 1,899.99 points
As of 4:00 pm July 15, 2005, the exchange closed at Php 55.88 per US dollar.

Drilon claim on LP solons' support of Arroyo impeach rap hit (inq7.net)
“A "LONG SHOT" was how a lawmaker at the House of Representatives described Senator Franklin Drilon's claim that the 34 Liberal Party members at the House of Representatives would likely endorse an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. . .
. . .Suntok sa buwan yon (That's a long shot). You might be surprised of the final result," Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya said in an interview.”

Military adventurism a thing of the past -- defense chief (inq7.net)
"Never again will the soldier be used to advance the self-serving agenda of anyone," Cruz said in a speech during turnover ceremonies at the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) headquarters in Tarlac City. . .
. . .Cruz at the same time lauded Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Efren Abu for standing firm in his decision to remain neutral amid the political storm threatening to topple President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

SLB Newsbrief Jul 15 AM

2005-07-18T04:24:00.000+08:00

Chavit Singson’s Wiretapped CD on Erap (RJTV, inq7.net)
Gov Chavit Singson, released to media yesterday a CD containing wiretapped conversations allegedly between former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada and several other persons, including former AFP Chief of Staff Gen Joselin Nazareno.

"Former President Estrada was the one who was on the tape," said Singson. "I know his voice well."

In statement issued yesterday, Estrada scoffed at Singson's effort although he admitted he was caught in the wiretap as well.

"It was very clear in those tapes that I was asking about the areas where Fernando Poe Jr. and the opposition were losing, since the person I was talking to kept providing me with information on where they were leading," said Estrada.

Plans to assassinate “pandak” (believed to be PGMA) and “tanda” (could either be FVR or Gen Abat) could also be heard from the tape.

Despite turmoil, prospects for peace with MILF remain bright (Philippine Star)
“ DAVAO CITY — The prospects of a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) this year remain bright despite the country’s political crisis. "The prospects for the ongoing peace process with the MILF have remained bright as certain mechanisms have already been put in place," said Rene Sarmiento, newly appointed officer-in-charge of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process. "We have in particular the mechanism of the local monitoring team and that of the international monitoring team that has helped in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement," he said. Sarmiento said as the members of the technical committees and even those of the negotiating panels have continued to resolve the issues at hand in the peace process, the ceasefire mechanism has remained in place. Sarmiento noted that since May 2004, there have been no clashes between government troops and MILF rebels.”

RP posts budget surplus in June (Philippine Star)
The Philippines had a budget surplus in June, its second in four years, National Treasurer Omar Cruz said yesterday. The surplus of P246 million followed a P7.6-billion deficit in May and a P2.8-billion deficit a year earlier. The median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of seven economists was for a P1.2- billion deficit. The P3.3-billion surplus reported for April was the first monthly surplus in exactly four years. For the first six months, the deficit totaled P67.5 billion, less than the government’s P98.5 billion estimate for the period, Cruz said. That’s 38 percent of the government’s P180 billion estimate for the year.

SLB Newsbief July 14 2005 PM

2005-07-15T02:40:00.000+08:00

Arroyo appoints Neri budget secretary (abs-cbnnews.com)
”President Arroyo appointed her economic planning secretary Romulo Neri as budget secretary on Thursday, as she began rebuilding her economic team after mass resignations.”

“Neri replaces Emilia Boncodin, who resigned along with a group of other ministers last week and then called on Arroyo to quit over allegations of electoral fraud that have sparked the worst crisis in her four-year presidency.”

World oil prices fall below $60 as US storm concerns ease (inq7.net)
“SINGAPORE -- Oil prices dropped below 60 dollars a barrel in Asian trade Thursday as concerns eased over US production in the Gulf of Mexico being disrupted by the latest tropical storm, dealers said.”

Arroyo survived from Wednesday’s Big Rally (inq7.net)
“PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has weathered the storm after a tumultuous week which began with damaging cabinet defections and ended with a mass rally calling for her resignation over a political scandal, analysts said Thursday.”

“Various opposition groups mustered their forces to bring an estimated 30,000-40,000 onto the streets of Manila's Makati financial district on Wednesday--but this was short of the 50,000 they had originally promised.”

“Government supporters were organizing a pro-Arroyo rally of their own on Saturday even as security forces braced for an even bigger anti-Arroyo protest when she makes her annual speech to Congress on July 25.”

Favila appointed head of DTI (inq7.net) ”
PETER Favila has been appointed head of the Department of Trade and Industry while National Economic and Development Authority head Romulo Neri has been appointed budget chief, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced Thursday.”

“Augusto "Tito" Santos, Neri's deputy, will replace him at NEDA, Arroyo added in an address aired on television. Zamzamin Ampatuan has also been appointed head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.”

Shares close higher after peaceful anti-Arroyo rally (inq7.net)
“Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Holdings, said some investors might have started taking positions ahead of the second quarter earnings season.”

"We can expect a good set of corporate results for the second quarter, which I believe was still immune to the political crisis," he said.

"But if this crisis drags on, it will definitely create a major dent on corporate earnings."

“Analysts said investors would remain cautious given concerns stemming from the international rating agencies' negative outlook on the country's credit ratings and the delayed implementation of the new value-added tax (VAT) law.”

“Newly appointed Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said they would look at other options to boost government revenues, if the government fails to convince the Supreme Court to immediately lift the suspension order on VAT. He said Wednesday he is eyeing the participation of city, provincial and municipal treasurers to augment the government's campaign to improve revenue collection.”

"We will look for other options to cover the 4.5-5.0 billion pesos in monthly revenue losses (resulting from the VAT suspension)," Teves said in a television interview ahead of Thursday’s court hearing on the legality of the tax measure.”

Lawmakers continue to bicker over Charter change (abs-cbnnews.com)”
The proposed Charter change will be on top of the priority agenda of the House of Representatives when it resumes session on July 25, the majority leader, Prospero Nograles of Davao City, said Wednesday.”

“Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Rules, believes that “amending the 1987 Constitution will face a smooth sailing now that President Arroyo and the country’s major political parties are supporting constitutional reforms through a constituent assembly.”

Pinoys in San Francisco rally vs Arroyo (abs-cbnews.com)
“Filipino-Americans in San Francisco, California, on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) staged a protest rally against President Arroyo, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau reported. Thirty (30) activists belonging to the US chapter of the left-wing Bayan Muna protested outside the Philippine consulate at about the same time that a similar demonstration was being held in Makati Wednesday afternoon.”

Peso – Dollar Exchange Rate closed today at Php 56.124 per dollar for July 14, 2005, 4:00 pm. (bsp.gov.ph)

Phisix earned 25 points higher, ends at 1,879.46 (ANC)

SLB Newsbrief July 14 2005 AM

2005-07-15T02:36:00.000+08:00

Overhaul of Comelec remote, Ermita opines (manila standard)
“Unless the members of the Commission on Elections voluntarily resign, the “complete overhaul” sought by various groups to restore the credibility of the poll body will not be possible.

This was the response of Malacañang to the recommendation of 17 political parties that Comelec be totally revamped to restore its credibility amid allegations of massive cheating in last year’s election.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Malacañang cannot remove Chairman Benjamin Abalos and other Comelec commissioners because they enjoy a fixed term of seven years as constitutional officials.

“Unless they resign, there can be no revamp,” Ermita said during a Palace briefing.”

UP won’t make a stand on crisis, says president (manila times)
“As an institution, the University of the Philippines will stand clear of the political crisis gripping the Arroyo administration.

"We don’t have an institutional stand, that’s a no-no," UP President Emerlinda Roman said Wednesday at a roundtable with editors and reporters of The Manila Times. "But that will not stop any group in the university from making a statement and we’re going to respect its position."

Roman also declined to reveal her personal views on the growing call for Mrs. Arroyo to resign on allegations she rigged the result of last year’s election and her family benefited from jueteng operations.

Among the groups in UP that have joined the clamor for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation are the UP College of Law, the student council of UP Manila, a faculty group in UP Baguio and the multisectoral group UP Aware (Alliance Working for Arroyo’s Removal), composed of organizations from academe, students, faculty members and employees.”

Pro-GMA rally on Saturday
President Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives plan to mount a rally at Rizal Park Saturday as their reply to the anti-Arroyo demonstration in Makati City Wednesday.
Representatives Federico Sandoval of Malabon, Eduardo Zialcita of Parañaque and Bienvenido Abante of Manila said at a press conference Wednesday that they plan to gather between 100,000 and 200,000 Arroyo supporters, including lawmakers, mayors and students, for the
"Gathering for Peace and Unity for the Rule of Law."
30,000 to 35,000 according to PNP, 40,000 according to Inquirer, 70,000 according to Rep. Paras joined the rally in Makati yesterday, seeking PGMA’s and VP Noli de Castro’s resignation

House to PNP, AFP: Get Garci (Philippine Star)“
The five House committees investigating the "Hello, Garci" recordings directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday to find missing former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The committee made the decision after House process servers, aided by policemen, tried to serve a subpoena on Garcillano but informed the House members they could not find the former official. Meanwhile, the House committees decided to suspend their investigation until Aug. 3, a week after the opening of the second regular session of Congress. The committees made the decision in the wake of the failure of subpoena servers to locate Garcillano and former NBI official Samuel Ong.”

SLB Newsbriefs July 13 PM

2005-07-15T02:32:00.000+08:00

Some MBC members reject group's call for Arroyo to quit (inq7.net)
DISSENTING members of the Makati Business Club here have rejected the club's call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.

They said the call reflects the sentiment of only a few within the club, and does not represent the feeling of the majority of its members.

Moody's cuts RP credit outlook amid Arroyo crisis (inq7.net)
(UPDATE) International ratings' agency Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday downgraded its outlook on Philippine sovereign debt to negative from stable due to the political crisis surrounding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

BSP: Fiscal reforms to continue amid Moody's warning (inq7.net)
CENTRAL bank governor Amando Tetangco Jr allayed concerns raised by Moody's Investors Service that the government may be unable to preserve recent improvements in the country's fiscal performance following the resignation of most of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's economic team.

Arroyo calls for two-party system (manila times)
President Arroyo on Tuesday asked political and civil groups to join her in bringing about political reform, including changing from a presidential to a parliamentary government.
Mrs. Arroyo said in a live broadcast that she wanted to focus her energies on fundamental reform and give her new Cabinet a "free hand" in governance.

The "fundamental law of the land" needed to be changed to confront issues such as federalism, a parliamentary form of government, campaign finance reform and "modernizing the economic provisions of the Constitution", Arroyo said.

Garci, Ong defy House probe subpoena (abs-cbnnews.com)
Former poll commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and former National Bureau of Investigation deputy director Samuel Ong defied Wednesday a House of Representatives invitation to appear at the continuation of the congressional investigation on the wiretapping controversy.

Drilon nixes 'graceful exit' for Arroyo (abs-cbnnews.com)
Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday expressed doubt that Charter change that would pave the way for a shift to a parliamentary government can solve the current political crisis. He added that he disagreed with the plan as it was meant to give President Arroyo a "graceful exit" from power.

Massive rally aims for immediate Arroyo resignation (abs-cbnnews.com)
Protesters began gathering in Makati Wednesday morning for what they say will be the biggest rally yet calling for President Arroyo to step down over election fraud allegations. "We're relying on mobilizing huge numbers so the President will be forced to step down," Reyes said.

Palace debunks Pulse Metro Manila survey (abs-cbnnews.com)
Malacañan on Wednesday questioned the authenticity of the latest Pulse Asia survey, which showed Metro Manila residents distrust for President Arroyo soaring to 72 percent early this month.

The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from July 2 to 8, showed that 58 percent of Metro Manila residents believe that the President should resign after making her admission on June 27.
Cagayan execs warn of food blockade on oust GMA move (The Manila Times Reporter)
Local officials in Cagayan Valley have threatened to put up a "food blockade," or food embargo, to Manila if opposition and militant groups continue pressing for the resignation of President Arroyo. Supporting the reform program of Mrs. Arroyo, the local executives are blocking efforts to force the President to resign.

Cagayan Valley is made up of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Lacson to join Makati rally, says Roces will too (inq7.net)OPPOSITION Senator Panfilo Lacson is joining the massive anti-Arroyo rally in Makati City later on Wednesday and says Fernando
Poe Jr.'s widow, Susan Roces, will too.

Members of Lacson's "Be Not Afraid" movement have started converging in Makati to show their support for calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Lacson told the Inquirer that Roces would also attend the rally and speak before the crowd.

Peso–Dollar Exchange Rate closed at Php 56.15 per dollar today (July 13, 2005)

SLB Newsbriefs July 13 AM

2005-07-15T02:30:00.000+08:00

U.S. crude oil prices go down
For the third straight day, U.S. Crude Oil price posted a decline of $0.71 to close at $58.92 per barrel, the lowest since 01 July 2005. Earlier fears that hurricane Dennis will disrupt oil facilities in the U.S. did not materialize.

De Villa urges ‘bold’ approach to change (Manila Times)
“A revolutionary government run by a council is the best option if President Arroyo decides to resign, former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa said Tuesday.”

He adds that he is in constant communication with the military.

Impeach plans gain ground (abscbnnews)”
Opposition lawmakers vowed Tuesday to gather the numbers necessary to impeach President Arroyo, who has defied mounting calls to step down over allegations of election fraud.
The complaint stems from wiretapped recordings purporting to show that Mrs. Arroyo and a senior election official, believed to be Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, plotted to rig the May 2004 vote.

The opposition was previously reluctant to use the impeachment route, hoping other forms of pressure would persuade Mrs. Arroyo to quit.

Zamora said the opposition has already received "commitments" from some 50 to 60 members of the House. "This is a figure you can build on, especially if you can make a substantial complaint on impeachment," he said.

At least one-third, or 79, of the 236 members of the House must vote to impeach the President for the case to go to the Senate for trial.

The new complaint will first go to the House Committee on Justice, which can block it from going to the full House.

A member of the House majority, Rep. Gilbert Remulla, said there is a big possibility that the President would be impeached on the day she delivers her address.
Remulla said the opposition needs to look for only nine more congressmen who would sign the impeachment complaint to complete the 79 signatures needed to transmit the complaint against the President to the Senate.”

SLB News Brief July 12 Afternoon

2005-07-13T00:04:00.000+08:00

Evangelical churches reject demands for Arroyo to resign (Inquirer News Service)
By Blanche Rivera
“THE PHILIPPINE Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) has rejected calls for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign, saying she should be given her day in court. PCEC president Efraim Tendero said that the President had a right to due process and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The PCEC's announcement followed the decision of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines not to ask the President to resign.”

Police on full alert ahead of anti-Arroyo rallies (INQ7.net)By Joel Francis Guinto
“POLICE forces nationwide were placed on the highest full alert on Tuesday, a day before anti-Arroyo rallies are scheduled to hit the streets to demand President Gloria Macaagal-Arryo's resignation. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao, quoting intelligence reports, said the Abu Sayyaf and the communist New People's Army (NPA) could infiltrate the protesters' ranks. "We are on full alert because of reports that several extremist groups might take advantage of the protest rallies," Lomibao told a news conference in Camp Crame.”

CBCP stand to stop funding for opposition (abs-cbnnews.com)
“The decision of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines not to endorse the resignation of President Arroyo will stop the flow of funds for anti-GMA rallies, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago predicted Monday.”

“Santiago’s prediction came after the anti-Arroyo forces vowed to hold their biggest rally in Makati on Wednesday.”

"The soft CBCP stand means we have to work harder, mobilize more people and food so Susan Roces will come to our rally," said Linggoy Alcuaz, secretary-general of the National Coalition of Concerned Volunteers.”

“Mayor JV Ejercito of San Juan said the rally on Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue could draw at least 50,000.”

SC tells Loren, Noli to submit ballot recount proposals (abs-cbnnews.com)
”The Supreme Court Tuesday ordered Vice-President Noli de Castro and former senator Loren Legarda to submit proposals on the conduct of the recount of the vice-presidential race.”

“The court also ordered Legarda to submit the names of witnesses that could support her claims that she was cheated in the vice-presidential race last year. “

“De Castro was proclaimed winner of the vice-presidential race with an edge of about 880,000 votes over Legarda.””

Two agencies slash RP’s credit rating (abs-cbnnews.com)
“The political crisis took its toll on the economy Monday, with two international rating agencies revising their outlook on the country to negative from stable.Stocks closed 1.25 percent lower and the peso weakened to 56.220 against the dollar at the close of trading just above its all-time low of 56.45.”

“International rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings said separately that their outlook downgrade of the Philippines reflected prevailing political uncertainty. Both Fitch and S&P reportedly cited the suspension of the E-VAT Law implementation.

Palace names Teves as new finance secretary (abs-cbnnews.com)
“Malacañan on Tuesday named Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive officer Gary B. Teves as the new secretary of the Department of Finance.”

Opposition joins Lozano in bid to unseat Arroyo (abs-cbnnews.com)
“Opposition lawmakers on Tuesday said they will revise an existing impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Oliver Lozano instead of filing a separate impeachment charge at the House of Representatives. San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora said opposition congressmen are also eyeing taking control of the impeachment complaint after it was endorsed by Alagad party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.”

“Lozano, meanwhile, said he will allow the opposition to supplement the impeachment complaint but denied that it was insufficient to impeach the President.”

“The Chief Executive has issued an apology for "lapse in judgment" when she made calls to an election official during the 2004 elections, a move seen by her detractors as an admission that the voice in the audio recordings belonged to her.”

Peso-Dollar Rate and Stock Market.
The exchange rate closed today at P56.11 per dollar. High at P56.20, Low at P56.08 and Average P56.124.

Stocks closed today with phisix higher by 16.16

SLB Newsbriefs (morning)12 July 2005

2005-07-13T00:03:00.000+08:00

Anti-government rallies start tomorrow (manilastandardonline)
“Various antigovernment forces, including communists, the political opposition, and Church, labor and student groups will launch “Oplan: Alis Gloria,” a well-funded series of protest actions on Wednesday to pressure President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo into resigning.
Participants will be egged not to go home (walang uwian) and politicians, actors and actresses identified with deposed President Joseph Estrada and the late Fernando Poe Jr. will attend the rallies.

Initially, bigwigs from the opposition camp will hold a press conference at a Makati hotel. They will be joined by Bishop Teodoro Bacani and other bishops and priests who want the President to resign.”

SC to fasttrack review of EVAT (XFN-Asia)
“THE SUPREME Court said the new value-added tax (VAT) law, the implementation of which it ordered stopped, is now the court's top priority, and said it will decide on the law's constitutionality within a month.

In a statement, Ismael Khan, the Supreme Court spokesman, said the court is well aware of the economic anxieties concerning the early resolution of the case.”

Shares seen lower on credit rating outlook downgrades (XFN-Asia)
“SHARE prices are likely to open lower after Standard & Poor's followed Fitch's lead in downgrading the outlook for the Philippines' credit ratings to negative from stable, dealers said.
Dealers said that while stocks reached oversold levels and looked attractive to bargain-hunters, investors would likely remain sidelined amid persistent economic and political uncertainties. “

Franklin Drilon exposes North Rail irregularities (ANC)
Senator Franklin Drilon, after leading a significant group of the Liberal Party to call for GMA’s resignation, and after denying as “black propaganda” rumors of his eyeing the vice presidential post, bares alleged overpricing in the North Rail transaction by the government.

Concept Paper for Alliance of Artists

2005-07-12T23:58:00.000+08:00

"The filmmaker, like his fellow artists in different media, has now realized that the artist is also a public person. He does not work in isolation from society. Instead of working alone in his ivory
tower he is a citizen of the slums, of the streets, of the battlefield if need be. The artist is always a participant. He tries to be true not only to his craft but also to himself. For it is the supreme duty of the artist to investigate the truth, no matter what forces attempt to hide it. And then to
report it to the people, to confront them with it,like a whiplash that will cause wounds but will free the mind from the various fantasies and escapist fare that the Establishment pollutes our minds with.

To the best of our abilities, and even if we oftentimes fail, we want to do works that will hurt,
films that will disturb, films that will not make you rest. For the times are really bad, and given
times like these, it is a crime to rest. We can not rest, and we should not, while there's a fellow
Filipino starving in Negros, an Aquino or Galman crying for justice, a salvage victim lying in a
mountain of garbage while a corrupt family rules the country with uncontrolled power and
wealth. While it is the duty of the artist to work for what is true, good, and beautiful, first we
have to expose and fight for what is wrong.

In these times when most of the media hide the truth from us, when most of what we get from
the media are silly gossip and petty flesh and sensationalized crimes, we go to the streets to find
out what's happening. We listen to those artists who dare risk their lives and livelihoods, who
reiterate once more the utmost duty of the artist --- that the artist is a committed person, that he will always take the side of any human being who is violated, abused, oppressed, dehumanized whatever his instrument --- the pen, the brush, or the camera."

Lino Brocka
Artist as Citizen

Concept Paper for Alliance of Artists
July 9, 2005 Draft

Critical periods in Philippine history are replete with artists who fulfilled their roles as citizens who challenged and fought an exploitative ruling order. These artists took the side of the violated, abused, oppressed and dehumanized and created works that exposed repressed realities and shattered bourgeois illusions. These artists effectively articulated and projected the vision of the people's struggle in the theatre of social change. They areremembered as artists who coauthored and codirected mass movements, whether these be the scenes in political upheavals, refrains of people power uprisings or the powerful crescendos of revolutions.

The artists of this alliance will continue this legacy of commitment by engaging our cameras, our
pens, our brushes, our guitars, our songs --- our weapons and bullets in the raging discourse and
brewing movement for the imminent removal of President Macapagal-Arroyo from office.
The alliance aims to facilitate the crystallization of a clear, informed and common stand and
commitment to action among artists in the light of the current political situation in the country.
The alliance will create venues for the study and discussion of the fundamental problems in
society and support a sound answer to the present political crisis.

The alliance will be composed of artists and their supporters --- individuals, organizations and
institutions involved in a broad range of traditional and new art media. It will be fuelled
primarily by artists from the grassroots, alternative and independent sectors. It will be open to
student and youth cultural and arts organizations as well as art critics, educators, administrators
and enthusiasts.

The artists will participate in political actions and transform non-traditional art venues like protest camps, picketlines, detention centers, urban poor and peasant communities into open places formusic, theatre and dance performances, video installations, shadow plays, poetry readings, exhibits and film showings. Visual artists areenjoined to create sculptural effigies, puppets, graffiti, murals and other street art forms.

The artists believe that interacting with the most marginalized and disenfranchised of Filipinos
will fulfill our responsibility of making our art accessible to a broader spectrum of society and in
turn transform our consciousness and enrich our art. We believe that this will be an opportunity
to open art to the scrutiny and appreciation of the people and expose us to the art and culture
of the sector of peasants, workers, indigenous peoples and urban poor. This will be a challenge
for us produce meaningful artworks forged by our unity with the struggle of the masses and
deliver performances and productions evolved by precarious conditions and fluid scenarios. This
will be humble contribution to the aspiration of ultimately liberating our people from the cycle
of injustice and suffering.

Basis of Unity

We recognize that the calls for the President's ouster has long been driven by a popular
movement against her militarist stance and skewed economic policies that has been
detrimental to the welfare ofthe majority of Filipinos. This includes the President's inaction and culpability in the politically motivated human rights violations which resulted in the killings of members and leaders of progressive people's organizations and journalists throughout the nation; unequivocal support for the unjust US imperialist war policies; condonement of the haphazard branding as "Enemies of the State" a broad spectrum of groups including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA), Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and progressive-party list groups such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Migrante, Anakbayan and other people's organizations; implementation of the onerous fiscal reform agenda that included the expanded Value Added Tax law and approval of the Mining Act of 1995.

We support the escalating call for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whose
illegitimacy to rule which has been bolstered by the revelation of recorded conversations that
presentedevidence of her direct involvement in massive and systematic fraud during the May 2004 National Elections. We regard as insincere, superficial and deficient the belated admission and apology of Pres.Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the Filipino people. Far from being a confession done in good faith, it was a calculated political move intended to cushion and circumvent the political consequences of herinvolvement in massive electoral fraud by appealing the "forgiving nature" of Filipinos. The President's statement glossed over issues of bribery, graft and corruption, violation of the constitution that involved not only herself, but the First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, along with certain members and officials of the military, police, government and commission on elections. It was a contrived, self-serving, and convoluted script designed to further confuse the people and absolve the President from the grave affront that she committed against the Filipino people and the very foundation of thedemocratic system and justify her continued rule. It was not a mere "lapse in judgment" but a serious legal and political offense that should be investigated and tried by the people.

We will join the ranks of many other Filipinos who have been demanding the president to resign.
We will be vigilant against all explicit and implicit attempts of the government to censure the
Filipinos freedom of __expression. We will take action and battle infringements on the right of the public to develop and raise their awareness regarding matters of national concern. We will
defend the liberties that the people have struggled to regain during EDSA People Power 1 in
1986. The cases of graft and corruption, culpable violation of the constitution, betrayal of public
trust and bribery allegedly committed by the President are not private issues but impeachable
offenses that should by all means be transparent and given the full benefit of public scrutiny and
criticism.

We will exhaust all the possible constitutional means to seek truth and justice but will not
hesitate to support and resort to the extraconstitutional process of an ouster when compelled to
do so.

SLB Newsbrief 11 July 2005 Afternoon

2005-07-12T23:57:00.000+08:00

Credit Rating Outlook Revised To Negative From Stable--Fitch (Inq7.net)
“Fitch Ratings has cut its credit rating outlook on the Philippines to negative from stable, citing the heightened political uncertainty and the Supreme Court decision to freeze the implementation of a crucial tax measure.

A rating downgrade could be triggered by protracted delays in the Supreme Court decision, an eventual decision was that the expanded value-added tax legislationis unconstitutional, or continued political disorder," Fitch said in a statement.”

Militant Groups To Rally On Wednesday (ANC)
Opposition groups announced that they will continue with their plans to push for the resignation of PGMA. On Wednesday, they will organize a rally at Makati City. They expect 20,000 people to join the event.

Cory Repeats Her Call For GMA To Resign (ANC) Speaking at De La Salle University, former president Corazon Aquino acknowledged the CBCP letter but maintained that the request for PGMA to resign still remains as her call. She lauded the courageous example of the 10 Cabinet secretaries who resigned from the GMA government.

Army Junks Report Of Mass Leave Among Troops (ABSCBN Interactive)
“The Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division based in Capiz belied reports Monday that ranking officers have filed mass leave amid the political crisis plaguing the Arroyo administration.

He said that some soldiers went on leave but most of them were paternal, emergency and forced leaves. These, he said, are allowed for the rank-and-file and have been availed mostly by noncommissioned officers.”

House To Garci, Ong: Show Up Or Face Arrest (ABSCBN Interactive)
“Former poll commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and former National Bureau of Investigation deputy director Samuel Ong were given until Wednesday by the House of Representatives to appear at the wiretapping probe or face arrest, it was learned Monday.

Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla, joint-committee investigation chairman, issued the statement after both witnesses had refused to appear at the hearing despite being summoned by the House.
Remulla said that if Garcillano and Ong are still absent on Wednesday, the panel will use its congressional powers to issue arrest warrants and detain the two.”

Mayors Throw In Support For Arroyo (ABSCBN Interactive)
The league of more than 1,500 local chief executives does not support any extra constitutional means to unseat the President. Their spokesperson also mentioned that the protests in Metro Manila do not necessarily reflect the sentiments of other places in the country.

RESTORING TRUST: A PLEA FOR MORAL VALUES IN PHILIPPINE POLITICS

2005-07-12T23:51:00.000+08:00

The Pastoral Situation

1. As a people we seem to have passed from crisis to crisis in one form or another. For many analysts, reinforcing these crises are ambivalent cultural values such as palakasan, pakikisama, utang na loob, and family-centeredness. As Bishops we have long contended that the crises that we have suffered are basically moral--the lack of moral values in ourselves, in our relationships, in our social structures.

2. Today we are beset with yet another political crisis of such magnitude as to polarize our people and attract them to various options ranging from the extreme right to the extreme left. In this grave situation, various groups take advantage of one another, manipulate situations for their own agenda and create confusion among our people sometimes by projecting speculation or suspicion as proven fact, with the aim of grabbing power.

3. At the center of the crisis is the issue of moral value, particularly the issue of trust. The people mistrust our economic institutions which place them under the tyranny of market forces whose lack of moral compass produces for our people a life of grinding dehumanizing poverty. They also mistrust yet another key institution – our political system. This mistrust is not recent. For a long time now, while reveling in political exercises, our people have shown a lack of trust in political personalities, practices, and processes. Elections are often presumed tainted rather than honest. Congressional and senate hearings are sometimes narrowly confined to procedural matters and often run along party lines. Politics has not effectively responded to the needs of the poor and marginalized.

4. This question of trust in national institutions has taken a critical urgency with the resignation of some key Cabinet members, the realignment of political parties and the creation of new alliances. Amid this realignment of forces we commend the clear official stand of our military and police authorities who reiterated their loyalty to our Constitution that forbid them from engaging in partisan politics.5. Moreover with academe, business, professional and civil society varied positions have been taken with regard to President Macapagal Arroyo. Some want her to resign; others want her to go through due process. Some want a Truth Commission. Others impeachment. Some want a constitutional process and others an extra-constitutional process. On the other hand there is also a wide manifestation of support for the chief executive by a cross section of society.

6. Today, we ask ourselves, “As bishops what can we offer to our people? Can we provide some clarity and guidance in the present confusing situation?” We can only answer these questions from who we are. We are not politicians who are to provide a political blueprint to solve political problems. Rather we are Bishops called by the Lord to shepherds the people in the light of faith. With Pope Benedict XVI we do not believe in the “intrusion into politics on the part of the hierarchy.” But we are to interpret human activities such as economics and politics from the moral and religious point of view, from the point of view of the Gospel of Jesus end of the Kingdom of God. We are to provide moral and religious guidance to our people. This is what we offer in the present crisis. Not to do this would be an abdication of our duty.

Our Pastoral Role and Our Stand

7. In the welter of conflicting opinions and positions our role is not to point out a specific political option or a package of options as the Gospel choice, especially so when an option might be grounded merely on a speculative and highly controvertible basis. In the present situation we believe that no single concrete option regarding President Macapagal Arroyo can claim to be the only one demanded by the Gospel. Therefore, in a spirit of humility and truth, we declare our
prayerfully discerned collective decision that we do not demand her resignation. Yet neither do we encourage her simply to dismiss such a call from others. For we recognize that non-violent appeals for her resignation, the demand for a Truth Commission and the filing of an impeachment case are not against the Gospel.

8. In all these we remind ourselves that a just political and moral order is best promoted under the present circumstances by a clear and courageous preference for constitutional processes that flow from moral values and the natural law. Hence, we also appeal to the people, especially their representatives and leaders, to discern their decisions not in terms of political loyalties but in the light of the Gospel values of truth, justice and the common good. We urge our people in our parish and religious communities, our religious organizations and movements, our Basic Ecclesial Communities to come and pray together, reason, decide and act together always to the end that the will of God prevail in the political order. People of good will and credibility who hold different political convictions should come together and dialogue in order to help move the country out of its present impasse. We believe with Pope Benedict XVI that through prayer the Filipino people and their political representatives and leaders guided by moral principles are capable of arriving at decisions for the common good that are based not only on political realities but above all on moral precepts.

9. Yet having said this we wish to subject specific situations to moral inquiry to guide our people in deepening their moral discernment.Restoring Moral Values

10. On Moral Accountability: “Political authority is accountable to the people. Those who govern have the obligation to answer to the governed “ (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 408) President Macapagal Arroyo has admitted and apologized for a “lapse [in] judgment” for calling a COMELEC official. The admission further eroded the people’s trust on the already suspected electoral system and raised serious questions on the integrity of the elections. Beyond apology is accountability. Indeed, with forgiveness is justice. To restore trust would require a thorough, credible and independent process to examine the authenticity of the so-called Garcillano tapes, verify any possible betrayal of public trust and mete out due punishment on all those found guilty. Punishment should also imposed on those duly found guilty of corruption and illegal acts, such as jueteng and wire tapping. Moral accountability calls for radical reforms in various agencies of the government to make them more responsive to the requirements of integrity as well as to the needs of the poor.

11. On Constitutionality: In the present crisis some calls are being made of measures that are counter-constitutional. The Constitution enshrines cherished values such as human dignity and the common good, freedom, the rule of law and due process. On this basis, we reject quick fixes that cater to selfish political agenda and advantage rather than to the common good. We deplore the attempts of those groups who seek to exploit our vulnerable national situation in order to create confusion and social chaos, in order to seize power by unconstitutional means. We reject calls for juntas or revolutionary councils. Our political leaders have to be the first to observe and faithfully implement the Constitution. Revolving the crisis has to be within the framework of the Constitution and the laws of the land so as to avoid social chaos, the further weakening
of political systems, and greater harm in the future.

12. On Non-Violence: Violent solutions, as Pope Paul VI taught us, “produce new injustices, throw more elements out of balance, and bring on new disasters” (Populorum Progressio 31) There are today, on different sides of the social and political spectrum, those who would instigate violence in order to promote their own agenda or causes. We reject the use of force and violence as a solution to our problems. Such cannot be an option of the Gospel, for we know that Jesus the Lord taught a Gospel of Love and non-violence.

13. On Effective Governance: “Public authority in order to promote the common good… requires also the authority to be effective in attaining that end” (Pacem in Terris, ch. IV) Together with competence, personal integrity is one of the most necessary requirements of a leader. Ineffective governance may be due to a lack of personal integrity or lack of competence. It could also be the result of a confluence of factors that have eroded trust and credibility and hence effectiveness. In our present situation we recognize that blame could be attributed to many, even all of us. Yet we would ask the President to discern deeply to what extent she might have contributed to the erosion of effective governance and whether the erosion is so severe as to be irreversible. In her heart she has to make the necessary decision for the sake of the country. We all need to do the same, Indeed moral discernment is very difficult since it is not based on political allegiance and alignments but on moral considerations.Conclusion

14. Dear People of God, sadness and anxiety were our feelings when we as Bishops first met to study on various aspects of the crisis. To confront the fears and hopelessness that are the daily companions of our poor is to realize that we of the Church likewise contributed to them by our neglect, our bias, our selfishness.

15. To respond to the pastoral situation we commit ourselves to a more effective evangelization in word and deed so that moral values might become dynamic forces of human life in economics, politics and culture. We especially commit ourselves to the formation of men and women endowed with competence and integrity and empowered to effective leadership in the
economic and political spheres. With the Gospel of truth, justice, peace and love in their hearts they might, indeed, be a leaven of social transformation for our country.

16. This year of the Eucharist reminds us to the abiding, loving, and healing presence of the Lord Jesus in our midst. By the grace and mercy of God and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray that a deep sense of hope will prevail in these dark moments of our history.Our loving God will not abandon us no matter what pit of evil we have fallen into. We shall emerge stronger from this crisis. We shall rise endowed with greater integrity. We shall be witnesses to the power of God’s grace to transform us into a noble nation, a holier Church, a united people.

FOR THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF THE HILIPPINES

Fernando R. Capalla, D.D.
President
Archbishop of Davao

SLB Newsbriefs 11 July 2005 (morning)

2005-07-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

CBCP Shuns Arroyo-Quit Call (Inquirer News Service)
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines did not demand for the resignation of PGMA. It also rejected all unconstitutional methods of unseating the president. The CBCP also recognized the “nonviolent appeals for her resignation, the demand for a Truth Commission and the filing of an impeachment case” as not against the Gospel.

The bishops also urged the president to acknowledge appeals coming from the people. They reminded her “to discern deeply to what extent she might have contributed to the erosion of effective governance and whether the erosion is so severe as to be irreversible.”

Ex-Cabinet Members Admit Talks With Noli (Manila Standard Online)
Ex-Cabinet Secretaries Cesar Purisima and Florencio Abad confirmed that they talked with Vice President Noli de Castro in Hong Kong last week to convince him to join them to break away from PGMA. They mentioned that de Castro “was reluctant to join them although he promised to consult with his political advisers and allies.”

AFP, PNP Form Strike Force To Stop Power Grabs (Manila Standard Online)
“The Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police have formed a contingency task force composed of at least 20,000 men to quell anarchy in the streets or any coup attempt by forces from the extreme left and the extreme right.

The joint task force is said to be on standby mode and would be “mobilized ASAP” if the situation in the streets becomes unbearable or if any armed group would come out and try to grab power.”

Ramos Resents Being Called Kingmaker (Inquirer News Service)
Former President Fidel Ramos resented being called a "kingmaker." He brushed aside remarks that his action on last Friday showed him as the de facto leader behind PGMA. He emphasized that he continues to help out as it is his duty as a concerned citizen and as an ex-President.
He also dismissed suggestions that he is posing to be the nation's first prime minister in the event the country adopts the parliamentary system.

Follow The Constitution (Mindanao Times)
“THE business sector in Mindanao has cautioned groups calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to follow the Constitution in advocating for change in leadership.

“We respect and agree with the sentiments and convictions of our counterparts in Manila that any change in leadership should be in accordance with the Constitution,” said the Mindanao Business Council in a statement released yesterday afternoon.

The MBC, however, noted that the “political storm brewing in Manila once again threatens to involve and affect the economic progress and viability of the business sector in Mindanao.”“We have always been treated as a bystander to events unfolding in Manila but are made to suffer the consequences of their actions. This crisis has only deepened our political immaturity and has paved way for economic destabilization,” he said”.

A CALL TO NATIONAL HEALING IN A TIME OF CRISIS from CONCERNED FACULTY, PROFESSIONALS AND STAFF OF THE ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY, 5 July 2005

2005-07-10T17:29:00.000+08:00

The crisis we currently face presents us with extremely difficult dilemmas and choices as a people.

We believe that the President should be made personally accountable for her actions, particularly as the country’s highest official on whom the people place so much of their trust. But we also recognize that the charges against her point to much deeper problems in our electoral processes, political structure and cultural system of which she is only one, albeit a central part.
We see the need to defend and strengthen our very fragile institutions, especially our constitutional system and the rule of law. But we also recognize that part of the present crisis of legitimacy comes from their unresponsiveness to the majority and the crying need for fundamental institutional transformation.

We realize that the country needs precious breathing space from political turmoil and division which prevent the government from addressing the urgent concerns of the poorest, and from pursuing its various reform programs. But we also know that a government cannot simply “move on with the business of governing” without moral legitimacy and authority to rule.
We know that the present crisis requires swift and decisive action lest it lead to a prolonged stalemate that could in the end bring about greater polarization and violence. But we also discern that our cultural divisions and social wounds run very deep, and bringing about unity, healing and renewed hope will require much time, dedicated action, personal sacrifice and profound conversion.

We, concerned faculty, professionals and staff of the Ateneo de Manila University, call on the President to begin the process of healing by paving the way for an orderly political transition within the framework of the Constitution. We appeal to the generosity of spirit she expressed in her December 30, 2002 speech, when after much discernment she said that she would be an instrument of unity and reform rather than of division. We pray that she would set the example of the kind of humility and self-sacrifice needed to confront our national crisis, by voluntarily giving up power. The crisis of authority we face today goes beyond the “Garci tapes” and the charges of electoral fraud. There is a fundamental crisis of trust which we fear threatens not only the President herself but a whole range of our institutions. We call on her to make this personal sacrifice in order to defend the institution of the presidency and our fragile democracy. We ask her to step down.

Because we believe that our problems do not come solely from the President, and thus cannot be solved by a mere change of personalities, we also call for a formal process of “truth telling” through the setting up of an independent Truth, Reform and Reconciliation Commission along the South African model. The mandate of this commission will no longer be primarily the investigation of the “Garci issue” although it may form part of the agenda to bring into the open the nature of our electoral system. The process will be political rather than judicial. The objective is not to pinpoint the legal culpability of individuals, especially of witnesses, who will be protected from self-incrimination. The aim is to uncover our deep wounds of social resentment, division, oppression and injustice as a people. In the hope that by exposing them, we can begin a process of cleansing and healing in our society. Part of the task of the commission will be to identify areas of reform that can be addressed at various levels and through different mechanisms.

But in order to rebuild trust and renew hope in our people, especially among those who are always the most severely affected by crises. There is a need to effect immediately governance reforms aimed at addressing urgent issues, such as corruption, lack of transparency and efficiency in the delivery of services, tax evasion, and poor education, housing and health services.

It is also imperative that the COMELEC be revamped. We join the call for the COMELEC Chair and Commissioners to resign as a crucial step towards wider electoral reforms.

Finally, the process of constitutional reform should also be worked out in the political transition, so that there are clear mechanisms for a Constitutional Convention that will revise the charter, rework the country’s political institutions and provide for democratic elections under this new framework.

It is clear that we all need to be personally accountable for the immense and seemingly insurmountable problems plaguing our country. Solving our national crisis demands that we transcend our frustrations, disillusionment and cynicism, and summon our inner strengths as a people to become politically involved. In making these radical proposals, we are putting our hope and trust in the deep reserve of human dignity, goodness, energy and wisdom in our society that will allow us, with God’s grace, to reimagine and rebuild our national community.

SLB July 8 Newsbrief and Analysis

2005-07-10T17:23:00.000+08:00

GMA not stepping down, orders Cabinet to resign (Philippine Star)

In her statement, PGMA reiterated that she is not resigning her office. She also requested her cabinet secretaries to tender their resignation so that she will be able to restructure and strengthen her reorganization of her government.

She also introduced reform proposals to work with civil and political sectors who are willing to cooperate with her government. One of those proposed is to explore the possibility of having a federal form of government.

Sources also said that PGMA was forced to issue her statement after receiving reports that some of her secretaries were planning to resign. Opposition figures continued to belittle her statement saying that it was a desperate move to hold on to power.

Police rally round President amid talk of restive military (Inquirer News Service)

Philippine National Police Chief Lomibao renewed his support for PGMA. This show of support comes at a time when reports of cracks within the police force and the military surfaced.
Sources say that it is important for PGMA to check the ranks of the armed services as it is important for the stability of her government.

Charter change 'exit option' for Arroyo, says Ramos (Inquirer News Service)

FVR called for a quick revision of the Constitution to prepare the way for a parliamentary form government and new elections in May 2006. He proposed this as "a graceful exit option" for PGMA.

Ramos said it was not advisable for Ms Arroyo to resign because the country needed a leader until the elections were held. But he said his suggestion of allowing Ms Arroyo to remain in power was only brought about by a lack of an alternative.

Cabinet secretaries resign and ask the president to resign (ANC)

Ex-cabinet secretaries conducted a press statement and asked for the president to resign. They also discussed the need for reforms to benefit the poor. They pointed out the need to have a leadership with a moral courage that will lead healing and reconciliation. They also reiterated their commitment to continue serving their country. Some of those who were at the press conference were secretaries Florencio Abad, Education; Juan Santos, Trade and Industry; Cesar Purisima, Finance; Emilia Boncodin, Budget and Management; Imelda Nicolas, National Anti-Poverty Commission; Ging Deles, Peace Adviser; Dinky Soliman, Social Welfare and Development; Rene Villa, Agrarian Reform; Alberto Lina, Bureau of Customs; Guillermo Parayno, Bureau of Internal Revenue

Peso dives to P56.44:$1 in early trade (XFN-Asia)
“THE PESO on Friday immediately nose-dived to 56.44 to a dollar a few minutes after the foreign exchange market opened for trading from Thursday's close of 56.28 to a dollar.
The rate is just a tad short of its historic low of 56.45 against the US dollar registered in September last year. As of 10.20 a.m., volume of trades already reached 128 million dollars, with the peso trading from 56.25 to 56.44 to a dollar. Weighted average was at 56.39.”

Analysis

Developments have been quick this day. It has also been a sad day for GMA as her allies begin to leave her holding the fort.

Before lunch seven cabinet secretaries and three undersecretary-rank members issued a press statement regarding their severing off from the GMA government. This was led by Cesar Purisima, and key members GMA economic team of GMA.Former president Corazon Aquino, who is perceived to be a neutral party and a moral guardian of the nation, also spoke this afternoon. The fact that she requested for GMA’s resignation affirms the sentiments of other groups that a change in leadership is the first step in solving the nation’s crisis. Given the strong sentiments of the public, GMA’s reaction in the next 12 to 24 hours would be very crucial.
We are on a wait-and-see mode. We should also be on the watch for movements of political opportunism that may use the situation to fan the sentiments of discontent. There is a potential that many remarkable events will happen this coming weekend.

In financial sector, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reportedly increased the Reserve Requirements on Bank Deposits by 2 percentage points to 21%. The new figure is broken down as follows: Statutory Reserve at 10% and Liquidity Reserve at 11%. The changes will take effect on July 15, 2005. This was done in order to manage excess Peso Liquidity in the Financial System and keep inflation at manageable levels. Due to the decreased amount of Philippine Pesos circulating in the system, the cost of borrowing may also increase (we still have to see if the Bureau of Treasury would reject high bids on Monday which is the weekly auction day for Treasury Bills) On the other hand, the siphoning of funds used for speculating on USD/PHP trades would help curb the already depreciating Philippine Peso.

Today (July 28, 2005), the PHP reached a high of 56.44 which was the highest since December 29, 2004. Still, it is very close to the all time high of 56.45 which was posted last October 14, 2004. This is an indication that market players are still basing trades on the technical formation of charts that indicates 56.45 as a strong resistance. There are also unconfirmed reports that the Philippine central bank is presently defending the peso at around the 56.40’s level. After former President Aquino’s request for GMA’s resignation the USD/PHP reached a low of 56.05 and closed at 56.10. Technical analysis still shows a strong support level of USD/PHP 56.00.
On a more positive note, the Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index (Phisix) posted gains for the 2nd straight day, by +28.96 points or +1.57% to close at 1876.28, the highest since July 4, 2005

further News Updates

Loyal Cabinet Ex-Secretaries React (ANC)

Remaining cabinet secretaries expressed support for PGMA. They blasted the group led by ex-Sec. Cesar Purisima of not being loyal to the president who needs help at this time. The best that they could have done was to keep mum about their leaving the PGMA’s cabinet.
Lacson appeals to PMA men in the Cabinet (ANC)

Senator Lacson asks fellow “mistahs” in the cabinet to follow suit. He refused to join the calls of the opposition for everyone to resign. He gave his support for VP de Castro if PGMA resigns.
Cory issues a press statement (ANC)

Former president Corazon Aquino called on PGMA to make the supreme sacrifice of resigning. She recognized that good and effective government is not possible. She also pointed out the regimes two remaining constitutional options.

The first is a voluntary resignation to a smooth transition to VP de Castro. The second is a congressional impeachment which will be long and will cast further suspicions towards PGMA.
She asked PGMA to spare our country and herself of the second option and make the sacrifice of resigning. Though she acknowledged the good things that PGMA has done, she invoked that the oath that PGMA took now urges her to relinquish the presidency. She ended her statement by asking the Lord to guide PGMA as she makes her decision.

Business Organizations Take Different Paths (ANC)

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry sympathized with key resigned cabinet members but stressed that resignation is voluntary. It continued to support constitutional processes and promised that it will work with the economy.

The Makati Business Club also gave a briefing that asked the president to relinquish the position of president for the sake of unity and moving forward. All moves must take firmly within the context of the constitution.

Regarding the Liberal and Nacionalista Parties (ANC)

Some members of the Liberal Party led by Senate President Drilon, appealed to the president to vacate by way of voluntary resignation. The group said that if PGMA does not do so, it will support an impeachment process. After intensive analysis series of consultations, it sent an advisory vote to its executive council. The Nacionalista party said that it will not join calls for the president to resign. They promised to continue critical collaboration with the administration and support constitutional processes. Speaking for the party, Senator Villar also admitted that the GMA regime is unstable.

Opisyal na Pahayag ng Matanglawin

2005-07-10T17:04:00.000+08:00

Sa pag-amin ni Pangulong Arroyo na kanya nga ang boses sa mga kumakalat na "Gloriagate tapes," at sa paghingi niya ng paumanhin para rito, lalo lamang siyang hindi patatawarin ng sambayanan. Hindi ito maaaring palampasin gaya ng nais niya. Kailangan niyang managot sa taong-bayan. Kailangan niyang magbitiw.

Hindi lamang "lapse of judgment" ang nangyari. Mangilang ulit siyang tumawag sa isang opisyal ng COMELEC upang pangalagaan ang kanyang boto sa kasagsagan ng bilangan. Kakulangan lamang ba ito sa kanyang pagpapasya?

Siya mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan upang mawalan ng tiwala sa kanya ang taong-bayan. Ang urong-sulong na mga pahayag ng kanyang opisyal na tagapagsalita at ang kanyang matagal na pananahimik sa gitna nito ay nagpagulo pa lalo sa mga bagay-bagay.

Nagsinungaling na siya dati sa mismong araw ng kabayanihan ni Rizal – na hindi na raw siya tatakbo ulit; heto't nagsinungaling ulit siya.

Aniya, patawarin na raw natin siya at hayaan siyang magpatuloy sa kanyang mga reporma. Paano siya nagkaroon ng mukhang sabihin ito sa gitna ng papataas na presyo ng bilihin at pasahe, mga pinapaslang na mamamahayag, at mababang badyet sa edukasyon?

Kinakailangan niyang magbitiw sa lalong madaling panahon. Ang kanyang pananatili sa puwesto ang siyang nakagugulo sa katatagan ng sambayanan, higit pa sa mga pinararatangan niyang "destabilizer." Hindi na dapat pang hayaang dumaan sa impeachment ang pangulo. Kitang-kita naman ang lamang ng administrasyon sa parehong kapulungan sa Kongreso.

Subalit sa pagkakabakante ng puwesto ng pangulo, kailangang maging mapagmatyag ang mamamayan. Hindi natin maaaring hayaang magtagumpay ang isang military junta. Sapat na ang karanasan natin bilang bansa sa ilalim ng Batas Militar noong dekada '70 upang payagan pa ito.

Gayundin sa pagtatawag ng snap elections. Sa ganitong paraan, papalitan lamang natin ang mukha sa liderato habang nananatili ang bulok na sistemang umiiral sa bansa. Wala tayong maaasahan kung hindi mapagkakatiwalaan ang mismong mga batayang demokratikong institusyon tulad ng halalan dahil sa kagagawan ng COMELEC.

Marami ang nagsasabing wala nang maaari pang maging alternatibo kay Arroyo. Sa isang banda, pagpapakita lamang ito ng huwad na demokrasyang umiiral. Nakikita na ng mamamayan na walang ipinag-iba sa isa't isa ang mga taong naglalaban-laban para sa puwesto. Lantad na ang elitistang katangian ng ating sistemang pulitikal.

Dahil rito, nanawagan ang Matanglawin sa pagbubuo ng isang "transitional government." Hindi lang si Arroyo ang dapat palitan kundi ang bulok na sistemang pulitikal sa bansa. Pamumunuan ang pamahalaang ito ng Punong Mahistradong si Hilario Davide, Jr, na naipakita ang kanyang
kakayahang mamuno at pagiging patas sa Impeachment Trial kay Joseph Estrada. Bubuuin ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa iba't ibang sektor upang mabigyang-tinig ang masang napag-iiwanan palagi. Pantay-pantay rin dapat ang representasyon sa iba't ibang rehiyon sa Pilipinas upang maiwasan ang pagiging Manila-centric ng pamahalaang ito.

Tungkulin ng pamahalaang ito na pangasiwaan ang pagpuno sa puwesto ng pagkapangulo. Subalit higit pa rito, tungkulin rin nitong magpatupad ng mga reporma sa ating mga demokratikong institusyon. Dagdag pa, layon din nitong ibasura ang mga kontra-mamamayang batas na ipinatupad sa ilalim ni Arroyo tulad ng E-VAT, Mining Act, at iba pa. Kung hindi natin ito maisasagawa, palagi na lamang tayong magkakaroon ng mga pangulong magpapakasasa sa puwesto.

Bilang isang bayan, maaari nating baguhin ang suliraning ito at gawing pagkakataon upang ganap nating mabago ang sistemang pulitikal sa bansa. Sa ngayon, hindi natin maaasahan ang ating mga demokratikong institusyon. Ngayon ang angkop na panahon upang suriin, at baguhin kung
kinakailangan, ang mga institusyong dapat ay mangangalaga sa kaayusan ng bansa. Mabuti nang sumailalim tayong mga Pilipino sa isang panahon ng pangangapa at pagtatanong, kaysa manatiling kawawa sa rehimen ng isang sinungaling at kontra-mamamayang pangulong hindi naman natin hinalal.

Tama na. Sobra na. Palitan na ang sistema.

Alternatibo, Meron Ba?

2005-07-07T23:41:00.000+08:00

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Statement on the Current Political Crisis: CRUX OF THE MATTER

2005-07-07T23:09:00.000+08:00

We, the SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN of the Society of Jesus, would like
to issue our own apology to the whole nation. Much as we would like to
accompany the President to the Promised Land or join her in her vision of a
“great” nation for our country, we have to say that we are sorry, especially
to the President, but we cannot just forgive, forget, and simply move on. We
feel that to do so, the Church would be betraying the Filipino people and the
moral principles which she teaches. We are saddened that her supposed
apology, couched in careful and calculated language, rather than put an end
to the scandals plaguing her administration, did not appease the populace
and only further eroded her credibility. This we gather from the simple,
ordinary folk in the parishes we work in and not from “the opposition” or any
militant groups.

The people are angry. They cannot be taken as fools, they say. And we
believe there is righteousness in their anger and this we celebrate for their
anger reveals their respect for the sanctity of the elections and the sanctity
of the public office. About the first, the Pastoral Letter of the CBCP before
the 1986 snap elections reminds us: “the power to choose our leaders comes
from God. From him all authority derives. In a democracy, he chooses to
designate the bearers of this authority through the free and honest
_expression of the people’s will. Hence, voting is a sacred right and duty. To
exercise this right is to do God’s will. To respect this right is to respect God
himself.” As for the sanctity of the public office, the 1986 Constitution,
which is the sovereign will of the Filipino people, states: “Public office is a
public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable
to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and
efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives (Art XI, Sec
1).” To this end, it also declares that “the state shall maintain honesty and
integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures
against graft and corruption (Art 2, Sec. 27).”

These are the two democratic institutions, we believe, that have been put
into question by the current controversy which revolves around the alleged
corruption in the 2004 elections by the poll body and the highest public
office of the land. That is why beyond the person of the President and her
personal stake in all these or that of her family, the very foundation of
democracy in this country is being shaken. What is at stake is the very faith
of the Filipino people in its democratic institutions.

We cannot therefore just forgive, forget and move on, although our energies
are nearly spent with all the political crises that this country has weathered
in recent decades. We are not in anyway prejudging the President in as
much as the verdict is still forthcoming. But we would like to remind the
President, that more than the radical reforms she is now undertaking in an
effort to atone for her “lapse of judgment,” the people are demanding the
truth. More than regaling them with rosy economic scenarios, they want
their President to lead them in ferreting out the truth and nothing but the
truth in this current controversy.

In this regard, the late Pope John Paul II warns us in Veritatis Splendor (The
Splendor of Truth): “ In the political sphere, it must be noted that
truthfulness in the relations between those governing and those governed,
openness in public administration….the rejection of equivocal or illicit means
to gain, preserve or increase power at any cost—all these are principles
which are primarily rooted in, and in fact derive their singular urgency from,
the transcendent value of the person and the objective moral demands of
the functioning of States. When these principles are not observed, the very
basis of political existence is weakened and the life of society itself is
gradually jeopardized, threatened and doomed to decay.”

The people demand the truth and the government will be courting disaster if
it dismisses this demand. St. Paul says, “For we cannot do anything against
the truth but only for the truth (2 Cor 13:8).” That at this juncture is the
people’s bottom line. It appears, however, that government strategy would
like us to look the other way, promising us radical reforms. What radical
reforms, we ask? Clean the government of graft and corruption? Why not
start with the current allegations surrounding her office? Push for radical
social and economic measures such as the proper implementation of the
country’s urban and agrarian land reform? Can she really go against the
vested interests of the powers-that-be whose support her weakened
presidency now desperately needs? We doubt it. Perhaps in the short term
but not in the long term. The book of Proverbs tells us, “truthful lips endure
forever, a lying tongue lasts only a moment (Proverbs 12:19).” A few sectors
have joined in asking the people to forgive the President and move on. They
argue that the economy is already taking a beating with the current political
crisis and only the President can lead us out of this rut. In effect, we are
being told to sacrifice our demand for the truth.

It is precisely this delusion that St Paul speaks of: “But if God’s truth
redounds to his glory through my falsehood, why am I still being condemned
as a sinner (Rom 3:7)?” For his part, Pope John Paul II warns us of “the risk
of an alliance between democracy and ethical relativism, which would
remove any sure moral reference point from political and social life and on a
deeper level make the acknowledgement of truth impossible.” He writes that
“indeed, ‘if there is no ultimate truth to guide and direct political activity
then ideas and convictions can easily be manipulated for reasons of power.
As history demonstrates, a democracy without values easily turns into open
or thinly disguised totalitarianism’ (Veritatis Splendor).”

There is therefore no skirting the people’s clamor for the truth. There is no
real forgiveness or atonement without the truth. Once again, Pope John Paul
II tells us “Forgiveness, in its truest and highest form, is a free act of love;
but precisely because it is an act of love, it has its own intrinsic demands:
The first of which is respect for the truth….we are all called to live the truth.
Forgiveness, far from precluding the search for truth, actually requires it. Evil
that has been done must be acknowledged and, as far as possible, corrected
(Go in Peace: A Gift of Enduring Love).”

We can never move on without settling first the truth behind the current
political controversy, without government responding to this clarion call to
let the truth out. The credibility not only of the President but our democratic
institutions as well will further be eroded if the question of truth surrounding
her presidency is not resolved. Our salvation as a nation can only come from
an appreciation of the truth, as Paul tells us: “But we ought to give thanks
to God for you always, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you
as the first fruits for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and
belief in truth (2 Thes 2:13).”

We have been warned of possible dark scenarios ahead if we pursue this
path. But St. Paul finally tells us not to fear but instead to “stand fast with
your loins girded in truth, clothed in righteousness as a breastplate, and your
feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace (Eph 6:14).” And Jesus himself
assures us: “…You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Jn 8:
32).”

Sanggunian's Call for PGMA to Step Down

2005-07-07T23:08:00.000+08:00

Last June 27 2005, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went on national television to admit that it was she who was talking in a wiretapped conversation about an alleged conspiracy to manipulate the results of the 2004 elections, thereby breaking her 22-day silence on the issue.

"I was anxious to protect my votes and during that time had conversations with many people, including a COMELEC official," narrates the president. She, however, claims that her "intent was not to influence the outcome of the election, and it did not." Mrs. Arroyo went on to assert the legitimacy of her presidency by citing that the outcome of the elections "had been predicted by every major public opinion poll and adjudged free, fair, and decisive by international election observers, and our own NAMFREL."

However, these explanations, regardless of whatever reasons, do not preclude misdoing on the president's part. She herself admits to speaking with a COMELEC official, potentially infringing upon the commission's independence—an aspect fundamental in enabling the agency to carry out fair and impartial elections. It is to be noted that Commissioner Garcillano, who was purportedly the commissioner being spoken to in the wiretapped conversation, was appointed by the president without going through the Commission on Appointments. Her repeated actions do not demonstrate merely a "lapse of judgment" but impropriety, suspicion of electoral fraud, and most gravely, betrayal of the public's trust. Recognizing that it is upon trust, manifested through the populace's vote, that the effectiveness of a democracy rests, this display of imprudence shakes the very foundations upon which our democracy is built. We agree that "nothing should stand in the way of this work [of economic management], or the next phase of [her] reform agenda," but to truly realize her vision of a strong republic, we cannot but allow doubt to cloud our trust and render our democracy ill-exercised. Offenses of this magnitude cannot and should not be tolerated.

The alleged rigging of the elections may have raised the question of legitimacy, but the June 27 admission immediately effects the loss of moral credibility of no less than the country's highest official – the very person elected to execute our laws. Indeed, as more and more of the truth comes to light, the president's moral leadership is progressively corroded, and her ability to govern for five more years becomes ever more uncertain.

President Arroyo professes "to take full responsibility for [her] actions" and assures us, her constituency, that she has "redoubled [her] efforts to serve the nation and earn [our] trust," as if to say that her efforts can at least compensate for her misdoing; as if to contend that trust can as easily be won back after having been lost. But a grave injustice committed against the state—"the people [she] was elected to serve"—may not be undone by mere protestations of service and trustworthiness: a wrong can never be undone by a simple apology.

The president is quick to recount that from the time she took her oath of office, she has "focused on making the tough but necessary decisions to make up for years of economic neglect," as if a commendable performance can absolve her from owning up to any alleged faults. But justice is not a currency to be haggled: the good derived from an immoral act does not nullify the act's immorality.

Mrs. Arroyo appealed to the Filipino people "to help forge One Philippines, where everyone is equal under the law." Accordingly, we cannot simply "close this chapter" and allow the president to "move on with the business of governing." Disregarding the case or giving the president "a second chance," would not only set a precedent to all others who will eventually run for public office, but would also redraw the moral landscape of the Filipino nation.

If the president's apology is truly sincere and she really means to take full responsibility of her actions, then she should consider stepping down as the only logical and inevitable consequence. Any other response would leave the critical public dissatisfied and our democracy wanting.

We recognize that for many, the issue of succession is unsettling. However, we cannot allow this predicament to temper our ethical and principled resolve to rectify a wrong committed against the state and our democracy. Our present situation does not only call us to respond to the matter of the person of the president but it also compels us as a nation to work for long overdue electoral, economic, and most importantly, institutional reforms.

Mrs. Arroyo, as a final act of leadership, step down and partake in our efforts to change our nation.

IBON: ARROYO GOV'T FACES FINAL HOUR

2005-07-07T22:54:00.000+08:00

MEDIA RELEASE
IBON Foundation, Inc.,
3/F SCC Bldg 4427 Interior
Old Sta Mesa, Manila,Philippines
Tels. +632 713-2729, +632 713-2737
E-mail: media@ibon.orgJune 30, 2005

Even if President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo played all her cards right, herregime would still be on a losing end as the issue is no longer electoral, but about the economic and political crises combining into her administration's final hour, IBON Foundation research director AntonioTujan says.

Even before the issue of the Hello Garci tapes broke out, thePresident's satisfaction rating has been at an all-time low because of her failure to address the country's economic problems. According to Tujan, the present political crisis is only a manifestation of this deeper economic crisis.

IBON's Tujan says that Arroyo's admission to the Hello Garci tapes has only fueled another level of popular rejection and politicalspeculation. The crisis today is so severe that not even the state's resources and military support can work in Arroyo's favor and prevent mass unrest from worsening.

"Arroyo will not be able to easily ride out this crisis of confidence because she is perceived to be responsible for a deeper economic and political crisis besetting the country. The masses are in dire straits inthe face of increasing joblessness, shrinking incomes, and higher costsof living," Tujan explains.

Tujan adds that no amount of "flashing the President's badge" tactics candismiss the jueteng or the Hello Garci tapes scandals. This tactic willnot work because IBON's and other surveys have shown that majority ofFilipinos already want Arroyo out. This should have warned her that "flashing the badge" when the jueteng and Hello Garci scandals broke out would fail terribly.
Amid calls for Arroyo to step down, Tujan says the option of arepresentative governing council is more workable towards a peaceful transition to a truly representative government.

"Filipinos now talk of genuine change, policies that are genuinely responsive of the people's welfare and interests. The next task is to build national unity to realize that change," Tujan stresses.

Discernment on the National Crisis

2005-07-02T02:57:00.000+08:00

We are in very trying times. There has been much said about this fact. Where there have been positive gains done by the country, negative movements have also been present. When will this end? When will Filipinos find themselves in a time when they may just get along with
life?

In these past months, there has been a prevailing feeling of fatigue coming from the jueteng and the wiretapping scandals that have shook our country’s leadership. Many have joined the bandwagon and have pointed accusing fingers at each other. And we just hear ourselves saying,
“there we go again”. But where are we going? Where do we want to go? As we remain to be one of Asia’s predominantly Christian nation, do we still believe that the Good News of Christ may still give hope to our nation given the situation of our specific place and time?

People power fatigue is a topic that has been mentioned during these past months. There is difficulty in getting the support of those who were present before in different mobilizations. Analysts claim that “Filipinos have grown tired of taking to the streets to sack their
leaders only to discover time and again that their problems go beyond individual personalities”. (Regis Report, 9 June)

Another way to look at this is that Filipinos have become more discerning regarding their choices. As people become more critical, they begin to weigh the pros and the cons more given the difficulties in our nation. We are being transformed as people not easily swayed. “It
remains to be seen if the people of the Philippines will forgive Arroyo for the latest scandal, or condemn her to stand down from the presidency.” (Stratfor, 29 June 2005)

Truth, justice and accountability are being sought by most Filipinos. But isn’t it also time that we begin to also seek out hope? Isn’t it time to say enough to what pulls us down and get on with rebuilding our lives? We do not aim to turn a blind eye to the negative experiences in
our land. But just like any experience, we should aim to learn from them.

Given these points that have been mentioned, it may be important to use our faculties of discernment to plan our next moves. The following are guidelines that may help us discern our national and local directions for the next few weeks or even months.

GUIDELINES FOR ADDRESSING THE PRESENT NATIONAL SITUATION:

1. Church personnel addressing the present situation should clearly speak—and be perceived to be speaking—from moral principles and conviction, rather than partisan political affiliation or sympathies.

2. No support, direct or indirect, should be given to groups that seek to seize state power by unconstitutional means.

3. Constitutional means should be used to arrive at the truth in cases where serious charges have been raised against government.

4. Genuine, decisive, and swift reforms of the president’s office, addressing problems of graft and corruption, should be advocated.

5. The urgent concerns and basic aspirations of the majority of our people, especially the poor, namely social and economic reforms, should be focused on, rather than partisan political intrigues among the elite.

Advocacy of constitutional means is precisely for the sake of the poor, for the sake of ensuring the conditions that will make possible the sustained attention and energy needed by government and society to address their problems and improve their lives.

A Prayer When We Are in Distress
(from Bringing the Imitation of Christ in the 21st Century, p.54.)

Lord, you have the whole world in your hands. You know us and love us, and we will trust in you. When it comes to the bottom line, we do believe that every hardship and temptation that we face is intended by you for our benefit. This is true even when we are personally responsible for our problems. To those who love you all things will work together unto good. Help us to love you and seek first your kingdom. Then everything else will fall into place. Lord, we will welcome every trial we have to face. We will receive them with an open mind and an open heart, and see them as gifts from you. We will patiently await from each difficult situation an unexpected
blessing. And then we will let it go! We will turn our faces to you and our open hands knowing from you comes only blessings. Even when we do not, at the moment, experience it, we will trust your promise that your yoke will be sweet and your burden light.