By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
20 November 2011
The Tuesday hullabaloo, which was shot on location at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and which Malacanang tagged as “high drama” literally and figuratively sends a different kind of signal: political, if not at all constitutional, chaos!
While Justice Secretary Leila De Lima might have made a very popular and novel decision of denying the Arroyo’s travel access, the fact that a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was issued by the Supreme Court in the latter’s favor matter-of-factly rendered her decision revocable.
Putting my two cents in, the Aquino administration has itself to blame for these!
Firstly, it’s now more than a year when Pres. Aquino articulated his commitment to hold the Arroyo’s and their cohorts accountable for plunder and electoral sabotage cases charged against them. Unfortunately, not even one has been finally docketed in any of the courts, which consequently slows down in putting his predecessors behind bars, assuming that a court for that matter will act in his favor.
In contrast, after being ousted for plunder, former Pres. Estrada was arrested and convicted after three months. Again, this makes Arroyo better off than him: swifter to decide sans the oral argument on the plausibility of the decision made.
The obvious delay and the uncalled-for press releases of Sec. De Lima and Pres. Aquino most often gave the Arroyo’s the tactical mechanism to maneuver around the justice system and to leave the country. As Sen. Ping Lacson puts it, Sec. De Lima did noting but conducts press releases for her works and never comes up with finality. De Lima’s “lame excuses,” and her many attempts to, places her in bad light and thus makes her useless and unworthy to be in the cubicle of the lame man of the Palace. Truly, she has won for her the title of a photographer-friendly cabinet stuff of the century.
Secondly, the “open defiance” of the feisty Sec. De Lima purports a behavior that is totally disgraceful to the legal profession. The issue on travel ban becomes pointless at this juncture as it was overshadowed by the lame intention to disobey the High Tribunal. Sec. De Lima, a Human Rights lawyer and advocate profoundly defied the order of the Court; she brandished the supremacy of her Department over the High Court, which is tantamount to contempt.
Assuming De Lima has reservations on the TRO, as a lawyer she would have dutifully checked with the High Court to find out if indeed a TRO was issued; assuming that she has suspicion on the issued TRO, as the Secretary of Justice she would have dutifully verified with the High Court if indeed the TRO was truly executory, assuming that this is logically coherent. To reason that a motion for reconsideration is yet to be filed by her team is apparently illogical and professionally unreasonable. As far as I know, correct me if I am wrong, a TRO issued by the High Court is executory. And what stops her from acting on it?
Assuming that De Lima and Aquino’s political junctions meet at one point or lay on the same plane of thought on the issue, is this not causing political chaos? Does anyone of them deserve another treat of respect?
A cabinet secretary defying the orders of the High Court is rhetorically sending the shivers down the spine of the Aquino Administration; more excruciating than the shivers to leave the country one hour, one Tuesday to conceivably escape the prosecution; and more throbbing than the shivers down Gloria’s spine!
All hail to a feisty woman but where is the lame man behind the tall orders? Oh boy, what happens to the big mouth?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Truth or dare
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
13 November 2011
Arguably though, it seems that the Arroyos and her cohorts are in the hook of the new administration these days. As the cases are progressing, the most riveting saga of the century starts unfolding.
As bannered in one of the national dailies, Pres. Noynoy Aquino supports the decision of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to deny permission to former president now Pampanga 1st District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad. The paper added that the President decided to fly in medical experts to attend to Arroyo’s medical condition on the government’s expense.
Sounds great! Sec. de Lima didn’t just make the right decision in the line of duty; she made the utmost decision of protecting the national interest at the same time. In addition, the decision of Pres. Aquino to fly in medical experts from Germany where the former president wishes to seek medical attention did not just embolden Sec. De Lima; it at the same time buoys up the decision itself.
First off, the cases filed against the former president are matters of national interest. Electoral fraud in connection with 2004 presidential election, for instance, where actor Poe has allegedly won the race, has not been resolved. While the dramatis personae of the “Hello Garci” chronicle vis-à-vis “mental lapses” account of the petite lady may no longer be plausible inside the court for the reason that the former election commissioner negated his first testimonies, substantial and unequivocal pressure of witnesses, once again, can be employed to eventually lead to the closure of the case. After all, if Aquino made this brilliant idea, he could be creative and innovative in wooing the principal witness to the case as well.
Undoubtedly, had Sec. de Lima made a decision on the contrary, she would have placed the entire community of Filipino people at the losing end. The illegitimate queenship of the petite lady, that is as despicable as the illegitimacy of the Marcosian Kingship, if not as grotesque and barbaric as the devils in the Grecian “sea of death” would always be the howling and lamentations of the subjects who installed them in the dirt-controlled Palace by the commercially ill and grimy river.
Second off, allowing the former president to seek medical treatment to a country without extradition treaty with the Philippines runs the risk of losing the physical presence of the former president. While the former president, through her spokesperson, announced and kept on announcing, that she will return after the medical treatment, a pronouncement that is as vile Sodom Gomorrah, her promise not to run in the later days of 2004 was a hoax. This is the prize for crying wolf several times.
Technically, there is no “trial in absentia” for nonbailable cases such as plunder. As such, the cases filed against her will not move and consequently, no closure can be made. Again, what is the use of doing all these activities if at all these cases would die a natural death? Will the Aquino administration, or the President for that matter, ever be as credible as his mother, assuming that former President Cory Aquino wears no dishonorable robe?
Third off, the decision was merely to ensure just and speedy resolution of the cases. While she is sick and constitutionally has the right to seek medical attention elsewhere, the decision of bringing into the country medical experts for her condition is enough proof that the administration does not prevent her from exercising her right to live a good and healthy life. In fact, her immediate recovery from her alleged life-threatening illness, assuming that this is true despite negation from government doctors, is also the concern of the administration as this may, in the long run, derail the proceedings of the cases.
Truth or dare: Will the predecessor object the decision of the successor to bring home medical experts for her purpose? With this new development, will Arroyo bring forward new twists and turns that will tickle millions of Filipino viewers of this prime time melo-dramatic soap dish?
Look out for it, Philippines!
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
13 November 2011
Arguably though, it seems that the Arroyos and her cohorts are in the hook of the new administration these days. As the cases are progressing, the most riveting saga of the century starts unfolding.
As bannered in one of the national dailies, Pres. Noynoy Aquino supports the decision of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to deny permission to former president now Pampanga 1st District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to seek medical treatment abroad. The paper added that the President decided to fly in medical experts to attend to Arroyo’s medical condition on the government’s expense.
Sounds great! Sec. de Lima didn’t just make the right decision in the line of duty; she made the utmost decision of protecting the national interest at the same time. In addition, the decision of Pres. Aquino to fly in medical experts from Germany where the former president wishes to seek medical attention did not just embolden Sec. De Lima; it at the same time buoys up the decision itself.
First off, the cases filed against the former president are matters of national interest. Electoral fraud in connection with 2004 presidential election, for instance, where actor Poe has allegedly won the race, has not been resolved. While the dramatis personae of the “Hello Garci” chronicle vis-à-vis “mental lapses” account of the petite lady may no longer be plausible inside the court for the reason that the former election commissioner negated his first testimonies, substantial and unequivocal pressure of witnesses, once again, can be employed to eventually lead to the closure of the case. After all, if Aquino made this brilliant idea, he could be creative and innovative in wooing the principal witness to the case as well.
Undoubtedly, had Sec. de Lima made a decision on the contrary, she would have placed the entire community of Filipino people at the losing end. The illegitimate queenship of the petite lady, that is as despicable as the illegitimacy of the Marcosian Kingship, if not as grotesque and barbaric as the devils in the Grecian “sea of death” would always be the howling and lamentations of the subjects who installed them in the dirt-controlled Palace by the commercially ill and grimy river.
Second off, allowing the former president to seek medical treatment to a country without extradition treaty with the Philippines runs the risk of losing the physical presence of the former president. While the former president, through her spokesperson, announced and kept on announcing, that she will return after the medical treatment, a pronouncement that is as vile Sodom Gomorrah, her promise not to run in the later days of 2004 was a hoax. This is the prize for crying wolf several times.
Technically, there is no “trial in absentia” for nonbailable cases such as plunder. As such, the cases filed against her will not move and consequently, no closure can be made. Again, what is the use of doing all these activities if at all these cases would die a natural death? Will the Aquino administration, or the President for that matter, ever be as credible as his mother, assuming that former President Cory Aquino wears no dishonorable robe?
Third off, the decision was merely to ensure just and speedy resolution of the cases. While she is sick and constitutionally has the right to seek medical attention elsewhere, the decision of bringing into the country medical experts for her condition is enough proof that the administration does not prevent her from exercising her right to live a good and healthy life. In fact, her immediate recovery from her alleged life-threatening illness, assuming that this is true despite negation from government doctors, is also the concern of the administration as this may, in the long run, derail the proceedings of the cases.
Truth or dare: Will the predecessor object the decision of the successor to bring home medical experts for her purpose? With this new development, will Arroyo bring forward new twists and turns that will tickle millions of Filipino viewers of this prime time melo-dramatic soap dish?
Look out for it, Philippines!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
City without traffic lights
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
06 November 2011
Imagine a city without traffic lights, and here’s the plan: It will have two sets of roads. The roads in one set will be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the roads in the other set. All roads will be one way. The direction of traffic on each road will be opposite to that on the adjacent roads. There will be a simple flyover at each intersection.
To assure motorists of no intrusions from the sides, all roads will be fenced. Each block will have an internal ring road that will be connected to each of the four roads forming the block and to the internal roads in the block. Stopping and parking of vehicles on main roads will be prohibited; it will be permitted only inside a block. Pedestrian, cyclists and bicyclists will have their own independent network on similar lines that will be interwoven with this network and flyover wherever they cross each other.
And this how I wished Dumaguete would have been.
It was in December of 1991 when I first stepped in the soils of Dumaguete to fulfill the promise: to have our wedding at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bacong. I fell in love with the place: pristine environment, laidback culture, unassuming corporate behavior, and organized traffic.
In May 2003, my wife and I finally decided to leave Imperial Manila and settle here; worked for about four years and most recently, re-settled in Saudi Arabia in the last three years.
Vertigo may have attacked my senses but truly though, in the first day of my homecoming, I was amazed to see how the traffic converged from one road to the other. For instance, the Daro Highway from the airport was moderate to heavy between five and six o’clock in the evening. The inner roads, Perdices, Real and Boulevard in particular were frantically heavy.
Farther south, the intersection where Robinson’s, the caterer of the first major commercialism in the “City of Gentle People” nestles was an instant (and will be a) perpetual irritant. As the flow converges from the south, from the area of Hypermart and Talay, and from two exits points from the City, no motorist could ever take the dilemma of the moment.
It was a classic taste of commercialism, the consequential reaction of embracing development more than naïveté already at hand. But of course, for the City or the province to farther enhance its growth and development, it has to buy-in commercialism being sold out in the market in the guise of development.
And development always has its idiocy and mayhem. The Metropolitan Manila is a classic example; commercialism included.
Lately, it took us more than thirty minutes to reach the city from Bacong. Before Dumaguete adapted commercialistic development, it would only take us ten to fifteen minutes to ply the same route.
As I and other motorists trudge the same paths people in the city and the province travel, the ire brought about by under-studied traffic condition is getting into one’s nerves. Urgently, city planners or officials should wander around and check for themselves the gravity of the situation.
But this is progress. Arguably though, it’s taking its toll in different tone. Moving north of growth or development is not an option; moving south of it, for some peculiar and uncontrollable reason or circumstance, is.
Under the norms or precepts of growth or development, a city without traffic lights becomes a far lesser idea. At the crossroads, it would be better if the city will venture into erecting traffic lights instead of installing traffic officers who hide in the middle of the day or under heavy rains. It’s in fact, a traffic-causing action.
What a spectacle to wander around and ply the city streets sans the hassles of congestions, both of humans and vehicles!
Onward, Dumaguete!
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
06 November 2011
Imagine a city without traffic lights, and here’s the plan: It will have two sets of roads. The roads in one set will be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the roads in the other set. All roads will be one way. The direction of traffic on each road will be opposite to that on the adjacent roads. There will be a simple flyover at each intersection.
To assure motorists of no intrusions from the sides, all roads will be fenced. Each block will have an internal ring road that will be connected to each of the four roads forming the block and to the internal roads in the block. Stopping and parking of vehicles on main roads will be prohibited; it will be permitted only inside a block. Pedestrian, cyclists and bicyclists will have their own independent network on similar lines that will be interwoven with this network and flyover wherever they cross each other.
And this how I wished Dumaguete would have been.
It was in December of 1991 when I first stepped in the soils of Dumaguete to fulfill the promise: to have our wedding at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bacong. I fell in love with the place: pristine environment, laidback culture, unassuming corporate behavior, and organized traffic.
In May 2003, my wife and I finally decided to leave Imperial Manila and settle here; worked for about four years and most recently, re-settled in Saudi Arabia in the last three years.
Vertigo may have attacked my senses but truly though, in the first day of my homecoming, I was amazed to see how the traffic converged from one road to the other. For instance, the Daro Highway from the airport was moderate to heavy between five and six o’clock in the evening. The inner roads, Perdices, Real and Boulevard in particular were frantically heavy.
Farther south, the intersection where Robinson’s, the caterer of the first major commercialism in the “City of Gentle People” nestles was an instant (and will be a) perpetual irritant. As the flow converges from the south, from the area of Hypermart and Talay, and from two exits points from the City, no motorist could ever take the dilemma of the moment.
It was a classic taste of commercialism, the consequential reaction of embracing development more than naïveté already at hand. But of course, for the City or the province to farther enhance its growth and development, it has to buy-in commercialism being sold out in the market in the guise of development.
And development always has its idiocy and mayhem. The Metropolitan Manila is a classic example; commercialism included.
Lately, it took us more than thirty minutes to reach the city from Bacong. Before Dumaguete adapted commercialistic development, it would only take us ten to fifteen minutes to ply the same route.
As I and other motorists trudge the same paths people in the city and the province travel, the ire brought about by under-studied traffic condition is getting into one’s nerves. Urgently, city planners or officials should wander around and check for themselves the gravity of the situation.
But this is progress. Arguably though, it’s taking its toll in different tone. Moving north of growth or development is not an option; moving south of it, for some peculiar and uncontrollable reason or circumstance, is.
Under the norms or precepts of growth or development, a city without traffic lights becomes a far lesser idea. At the crossroads, it would be better if the city will venture into erecting traffic lights instead of installing traffic officers who hide in the middle of the day or under heavy rains. It’s in fact, a traffic-causing action.
What a spectacle to wander around and ply the city streets sans the hassles of congestions, both of humans and vehicles!
Onward, Dumaguete!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Beyond the grave
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
30 October 2011
After the series of atrocities carried out by members of the Abu Sayaff against government troops, reports claiming demoralization in the military is top-billing political hullabaloos these days. As advised by Malacanang, demoralization is an exaggeration. In an earlier report, government troops seized rebel camp that is hosting about 100 outlaws.
Sen. Marcos hits Pres. Aquino over the alleged demoralization. Sen. Trillanes affirms that coup plot maybe possible due to alleged demoralization.
The world, the Islamic world, is watching them! Apparently, the country experiences two wars lately: Abu Sayaff and political bifurcation. The entire Philippines watches them, too!
The war, to put it globally generic, the rebel troops is executing is classic. To put it more universal, it is classified as terrorism. Since time and opportunity created rebellion, terrorism has long been plaguing the country, the government, and the people. Additionally, it has forged business deals between and among powers, super or inferior, in the guise of stopping it. Powers, whether in the suit of nations or politicians, have amassed wealth, in the guise of political programs. Undoubtedly, the fire is still burning.
Indisputably, you can’t put out the fire unless the will outwits lethargy; you can’t put out the fire unless the will outdoes greed, be it political or personal. Since this tumor has grown to be malignant, there is no way to stop it. The government cannot stop terrorism!
Marcos hitting Aquino maybe biased. For one, the country’s top executive announces that there will be no military burial for the former dictator. This was condemned by the Marcoses themselves, and the loyalists. Ironically, Vice Pres. Binay who meddles for the burial of the strongman is still waiting for his most opportune time to laugh and cry as in the olden days.
Look at the sky outside. Sometimes it is azure, significant of a good weather; sometimes, dark, significant of a coming storm. When the late dictator ruled the country, no military burial or honor was conferred to the older Aquino. Look who’s talking now?
It would be a novel idea to keep the cadaver in its frozen state until Bongbong Marcos becomes president or vice president. At the side, yes, he is capable. With Binay planning to run for president, I strongly believe Bongbong is a perfect veepee! Not only Ilocos but the entire nation watches over this. Just you wait!
Perfectly, what comes around goes around; what goes around comes around!
Just as the way they were, the Aquino administration is on its way to persecute, or prosecute the Arroyos and their cohorts by hook or by crook. About close to forty other personalities, other than the couple, are summoned to attend the joint DOJ-Comelec preliminary hearing slated Nov. 3, 2011 for two cases: electoral sabotage and electoral fraud.
Will somebody be convicted? Will the Aquino engines towards “tuwid na daan” ever be effective?
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Political crimes gave birth to clemency; clemency paved the way for pardon. To date, several personalities were pardoned: The actor-turned politician for plunder and Trillanes and his cohorts for military uprisings.
Putting my two cents in, the waterloo of the Philippine justice system is the vicious cycle of prosecute and pardon in the sense that offenders are put on trial, convicted and eventually pardoned.
Scratch my back and I will scratch yours! A classic story of time and tide, hit and run, and hate and love is in the offing, once again!
And this cycle will never cease, and will continue to be, even beyond the grave of the last man of the Palace unless honesty and pure service precede politics!
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
30 October 2011
After the series of atrocities carried out by members of the Abu Sayaff against government troops, reports claiming demoralization in the military is top-billing political hullabaloos these days. As advised by Malacanang, demoralization is an exaggeration. In an earlier report, government troops seized rebel camp that is hosting about 100 outlaws.
Sen. Marcos hits Pres. Aquino over the alleged demoralization. Sen. Trillanes affirms that coup plot maybe possible due to alleged demoralization.
The world, the Islamic world, is watching them! Apparently, the country experiences two wars lately: Abu Sayaff and political bifurcation. The entire Philippines watches them, too!
The war, to put it globally generic, the rebel troops is executing is classic. To put it more universal, it is classified as terrorism. Since time and opportunity created rebellion, terrorism has long been plaguing the country, the government, and the people. Additionally, it has forged business deals between and among powers, super or inferior, in the guise of stopping it. Powers, whether in the suit of nations or politicians, have amassed wealth, in the guise of political programs. Undoubtedly, the fire is still burning.
Indisputably, you can’t put out the fire unless the will outwits lethargy; you can’t put out the fire unless the will outdoes greed, be it political or personal. Since this tumor has grown to be malignant, there is no way to stop it. The government cannot stop terrorism!
Marcos hitting Aquino maybe biased. For one, the country’s top executive announces that there will be no military burial for the former dictator. This was condemned by the Marcoses themselves, and the loyalists. Ironically, Vice Pres. Binay who meddles for the burial of the strongman is still waiting for his most opportune time to laugh and cry as in the olden days.
Look at the sky outside. Sometimes it is azure, significant of a good weather; sometimes, dark, significant of a coming storm. When the late dictator ruled the country, no military burial or honor was conferred to the older Aquino. Look who’s talking now?
It would be a novel idea to keep the cadaver in its frozen state until Bongbong Marcos becomes president or vice president. At the side, yes, he is capable. With Binay planning to run for president, I strongly believe Bongbong is a perfect veepee! Not only Ilocos but the entire nation watches over this. Just you wait!
Perfectly, what comes around goes around; what goes around comes around!
Just as the way they were, the Aquino administration is on its way to persecute, or prosecute the Arroyos and their cohorts by hook or by crook. About close to forty other personalities, other than the couple, are summoned to attend the joint DOJ-Comelec preliminary hearing slated Nov. 3, 2011 for two cases: electoral sabotage and electoral fraud.
Will somebody be convicted? Will the Aquino engines towards “tuwid na daan” ever be effective?
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Political crimes gave birth to clemency; clemency paved the way for pardon. To date, several personalities were pardoned: The actor-turned politician for plunder and Trillanes and his cohorts for military uprisings.
Putting my two cents in, the waterloo of the Philippine justice system is the vicious cycle of prosecute and pardon in the sense that offenders are put on trial, convicted and eventually pardoned.
Scratch my back and I will scratch yours! A classic story of time and tide, hit and run, and hate and love is in the offing, once again!
And this cycle will never cease, and will continue to be, even beyond the grave of the last man of the Palace unless honesty and pure service precede politics!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Terrorism and the President
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
23 October 2011
Early on, Pres. Aquino has always expressed optimism to stop Abu Sayaff’s terroristic activities in the country. Basically founded in the badlands of the south, the left wing of MILF has been considered by the local and international governments as among the most notorious of Islamic factions.
This is according to him!
The President met Abu’s high ranking officer in Japan, a move his colleagues considered novel and tactical. Since the meeting was not made known to everyone nor consultation was made, it came out as a surprise.
Apparently, the nation is still experiencing the wrath of the rebels.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to crush the “communist insurgency, rebellion in the South, and terrorism” by the end of her term in 2010.
This was according to her. Surprisingly, it was during her term that the terroristic activities of this group heightened: kidnappings, bombings, et al. Worse, Abu Sayaff gained confidence and enormous strength after getting international alliances and financial support.
These were according to intelligence report!
When Marcos assumed powers in the Palace, one of his foremost aims was to stop insurgency, rebellion, and terrorism. Sadly though, before his forced exit from the Philippine, not even one stopped.
Cory Aquino was sworn into office after the controversial snap election. A neophyte in politics, she was faced with the same dilemma. Until her dominion expired, terrorism was not resolved. Worse, several military coups were born that further gave birth to a senator.
Ramos, a West Pointer and a military man took over the palace. He vowed the same thing. But he failed and was failed by his own colleagues in the military. The short-lived term of actor Joseph Estrada also did not accomplish what the entire country hoped for.
Shortly before the start of the Ramadan this year, five members of the elite Philippine Marines were beheaded in Sulu. In a clash between the Islamic rebels and the government troops in Basilan in the 18th of October, at least 19 people were slain. The troop was claiming that they lacked pre-loaded magazines and they were outnumbered.
Reading through the statements, it seems that the government is not at all ready to stop the long time insurgency in the south; in ultimately putting a dot to the rhetoric of MILF. With the bloated budget and un-resolved “pabaon” issues in the military, what the “um” are we doing with our emissaries? – sending them off to battlefields without weapons? - And in number lesser than the enemies?
Arguably though, none of them knew what they were talking about; none of them knew what they were working at. At the rate the government is going, there is no way terrorism, insurgency, or rebellion – however we would call it – will ever be stopped. Unless our lawmakers put some teeth on the Anti-terrorism Law, we will never succeed as a nation.
And this ‘teeth” should be something that would express desire for life more than political greed or articulate life more than passion for the animal deduced to “pork in a barrel.”
Let me express my thought here: Unless political greed is reduced to nil, only then can Juan and Pidro claim that the battle against terrorism, insurgency or rebellion has been won. Greed brings about terrorism; terrorism is greed!
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
23 October 2011
Early on, Pres. Aquino has always expressed optimism to stop Abu Sayaff’s terroristic activities in the country. Basically founded in the badlands of the south, the left wing of MILF has been considered by the local and international governments as among the most notorious of Islamic factions.
This is according to him!
The President met Abu’s high ranking officer in Japan, a move his colleagues considered novel and tactical. Since the meeting was not made known to everyone nor consultation was made, it came out as a surprise.
Apparently, the nation is still experiencing the wrath of the rebels.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to crush the “communist insurgency, rebellion in the South, and terrorism” by the end of her term in 2010.
This was according to her. Surprisingly, it was during her term that the terroristic activities of this group heightened: kidnappings, bombings, et al. Worse, Abu Sayaff gained confidence and enormous strength after getting international alliances and financial support.
These were according to intelligence report!
When Marcos assumed powers in the Palace, one of his foremost aims was to stop insurgency, rebellion, and terrorism. Sadly though, before his forced exit from the Philippine, not even one stopped.
Cory Aquino was sworn into office after the controversial snap election. A neophyte in politics, she was faced with the same dilemma. Until her dominion expired, terrorism was not resolved. Worse, several military coups were born that further gave birth to a senator.
Ramos, a West Pointer and a military man took over the palace. He vowed the same thing. But he failed and was failed by his own colleagues in the military. The short-lived term of actor Joseph Estrada also did not accomplish what the entire country hoped for.
Shortly before the start of the Ramadan this year, five members of the elite Philippine Marines were beheaded in Sulu. In a clash between the Islamic rebels and the government troops in Basilan in the 18th of October, at least 19 people were slain. The troop was claiming that they lacked pre-loaded magazines and they were outnumbered.
Reading through the statements, it seems that the government is not at all ready to stop the long time insurgency in the south; in ultimately putting a dot to the rhetoric of MILF. With the bloated budget and un-resolved “pabaon” issues in the military, what the “um” are we doing with our emissaries? – sending them off to battlefields without weapons? - And in number lesser than the enemies?
Arguably though, none of them knew what they were talking about; none of them knew what they were working at. At the rate the government is going, there is no way terrorism, insurgency, or rebellion – however we would call it – will ever be stopped. Unless our lawmakers put some teeth on the Anti-terrorism Law, we will never succeed as a nation.
And this ‘teeth” should be something that would express desire for life more than political greed or articulate life more than passion for the animal deduced to “pork in a barrel.”
Let me express my thought here: Unless political greed is reduced to nil, only then can Juan and Pidro claim that the battle against terrorism, insurgency or rebellion has been won. Greed brings about terrorism; terrorism is greed!
Terrorism and the President
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
23 October 2011
Early on, Pres. Aquino has always expressed optimism to stop Abu Sayaff’s terroristic activities in the country. Basically founded in the badlands of the south, the left wing of MILF has been considered by the local and international governments as among the most notorious of Islamic factions.
This is according to him!
The President met Abu’s high ranking officer in Japan, a move his colleagues considered novel and tactical. Since the meeting was not made known to everyone nor consultation was made, it came out as a surprise.
Apparently, the nation is still experiencing the wrath of the rebels.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to crush the “communist insurgency, rebellion in the South, and terrorism” by the end of her term in 2010.
This was according to her. Surprisingly, it was during her term that the terroristic activities of this group heightened: kidnappings, bombings, et al. Worse, Abu Sayaff gained confidence and enormous strength after getting international alliances and financial support.
These were according to intelligence report!
When Marcos assumed powers in the Palace, one of his foremost aims was to stop insurgency, rebellion, and terrorism. Sadly though, before his forced exit from the Philippine, not even one stopped.
Cory Aquino was sworn into office after the controversial snap election. A neophyte in politics, she was faced with the same dilemma. Until her dominion expired, terrorism was not resolved. Worse, several military coups were born that further gave birth to a senator.
Ramos, a West Pointer and a military man took over the palace. He vowed the same thing. But he failed and was failed by his own colleagues in the military. The short-lived term of actor Joseph Estrada also did not accomplish what the entire country hoped for.
Shortly before the start of the Ramadan this year, five members of the elite Philippine Marines were beheaded in Sulu. In a clash between the Islamic rebels and the government troops in Basilan in the 18th of October, at least 19 people were slain. The troop was claiming that they lacked pre-loaded magazines and they were outnumbered.
Reading through the statements, it seems that the government is not at all ready to stop the long time insurgency in the south; in ultimately putting a dot to the rhetoric of MILF. With the bloated budget and un-resolved “pabaon” issues in the military, what the “um” are we doing with our emissaries? – sending them off to battlefields without weapons? - And in number lesser than the enemies?
Arguably though, none of them knew what they were talking about; none of them knew what they were working at. At the rate the government is going, there is no way terrorism, insurgency, or rebellion – however we would call it – will ever be stopped. Unless our lawmakers put some teeth on the Anti-terrorism Law, we will never succeed as a nation.
And this ‘teeth” should be something that would express desire for life more than political greed or articulate life more than passion for the animal deduced to “pork in a barrel.”
Let me express my thought here: Unless political greed is reduced to nil, only then can Juan and Pidro claim that the battle against terrorism, insurgency or rebellion has been won. Greed brings about terrorism; terrorism is greed!
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
23 October 2011
Early on, Pres. Aquino has always expressed optimism to stop Abu Sayaff’s terroristic activities in the country. Basically founded in the badlands of the south, the left wing of MILF has been considered by the local and international governments as among the most notorious of Islamic factions.
This is according to him!
The President met Abu’s high ranking officer in Japan, a move his colleagues considered novel and tactical. Since the meeting was not made known to everyone nor consultation was made, it came out as a surprise.
Apparently, the nation is still experiencing the wrath of the rebels.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to crush the “communist insurgency, rebellion in the South, and terrorism” by the end of her term in 2010.
This was according to her. Surprisingly, it was during her term that the terroristic activities of this group heightened: kidnappings, bombings, et al. Worse, Abu Sayaff gained confidence and enormous strength after getting international alliances and financial support.
These were according to intelligence report!
When Marcos assumed powers in the Palace, one of his foremost aims was to stop insurgency, rebellion, and terrorism. Sadly though, before his forced exit from the Philippine, not even one stopped.
Cory Aquino was sworn into office after the controversial snap election. A neophyte in politics, she was faced with the same dilemma. Until her dominion expired, terrorism was not resolved. Worse, several military coups were born that further gave birth to a senator.
Ramos, a West Pointer and a military man took over the palace. He vowed the same thing. But he failed and was failed by his own colleagues in the military. The short-lived term of actor Joseph Estrada also did not accomplish what the entire country hoped for.
Shortly before the start of the Ramadan this year, five members of the elite Philippine Marines were beheaded in Sulu. In a clash between the Islamic rebels and the government troops in Basilan in the 18th of October, at least 19 people were slain. The troop was claiming that they lacked pre-loaded magazines and they were outnumbered.
Reading through the statements, it seems that the government is not at all ready to stop the long time insurgency in the south; in ultimately putting a dot to the rhetoric of MILF. With the bloated budget and un-resolved “pabaon” issues in the military, what the “um” are we doing with our emissaries? – sending them off to battlefields without weapons? - And in number lesser than the enemies?
Arguably though, none of them knew what they were talking about; none of them knew what they were working at. At the rate the government is going, there is no way terrorism, insurgency, or rebellion – however we would call it – will ever be stopped. Unless our lawmakers put some teeth on the Anti-terrorism Law, we will never succeed as a nation.
And this ‘teeth” should be something that would express desire for life more than political greed or articulate life more than passion for the animal deduced to “pork in a barrel.”
Let me express my thought here: Unless political greed is reduced to nil, only then can Juan and Pidro claim that the battle against terrorism, insurgency or rebellion has been won. Greed brings about terrorism; terrorism is greed!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tic-tac-toe
By Rolo B. Cena
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
16 October 2011
Last Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III announced that charges would be filed against former President now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next month amidst report that the latter would seek medical treatment in Germany due to a life-threatening and very “rare disease.”
On the other hand, Justice Sec. Leila de Lima pronounced that the cases are going on through the process and that her team is yet to finish before December. In addition, she does not give any commitment as to the date of filing these charges. In relation to the former president’s ailment, her husband disclosed that she is suffering from hyperparathyroidism, a non-life-threatening disease, contrary to the announcement made by Arroyo’s spokesperson.
Surely, the optimism of Pres. Aquino is just hard to suppress, one that his mother Cory had exhibited and executed against her predecessor, Ferdinand Marcos and his cohorts. Very fortunately though, the Marcoses are still free and continue to enjoy the same freedom victims of Martial Law enjoy; worse, they still enjoy the fruits of their plunder, if at all it was the most plausible, or to say the least, the decided case against them.
Arguably, De Lima wouldn’t prematurely announce any development her investigating team has raked in; an accuracy she needs to calculate precisely in defense of the Palace. While the President marks the first square based on the mark indicated by the investigating Team, the last square in a row cannot be marked until December comes in.
On the other hand, Arroyo and his cohorts are more ready than Leila de Lima, et al. Whether or not the ailment is “life-threatening,” their defenses are tactically calculative of their state; supporters are playing their own hullabaloos in counterstrike. With the number of cases under the chair of de Lima still undecided, the target of filing plunder charges next month against the petite lady, et al is“water under the bridge.” It is me-and-my-big-mouth syndrome plaguing the Palace Court once again.
At the rate our system is going, any offender can go loosely unnoticed even before the search operation begins. This is a very classic phenomenon in the country especially when political power converges with the colors of the money the offender has in his vault.
Synchronicity is one hell of a game; most cases fail because witnesses and statements are not in synch with each other; worse, people and events, if ever glossily fabricated, are not coordinated according to the flow.
Tact is another.
Clearly, we can see the game played by two players who alternately mark squares in a grid with X’s , with one of them trying to capture the last square in a row they both know cannot be drawn with final “oops.”
When Speaker Belmonte granted Congressman Arroyo with three travel authorities, the former deliberately marks the first square in the latter’s favor. When she finally leaves for Germany for medical treatment, the government, in the guise of the Speaker, marks the second square, again, in her favor. Unless the administration bars the next square, then the game is over.
Tic-tac-toe: Arroyo in self-exile and political asylum! And what could her defense be? – Politically motivated!
Plunder cases are nonbailable; the same are not covered in the Extradition treaty we signed with several countries, including Germany where Arroyo is seeking medical treatment. Loosely, this is one matter the government has to look into without giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Series of inconsistencies from Aquino and his team are clearly happening from day one. Ronaldo Llamas, Presidential Adviser for Political affairs, has recently captured the sixty-second spotlight. His rhetoric: self-defense. Aquino has advocated a “wang-wang-less” administration as one of the engines of “tuwid na daan.” But what surprises the public now is the introduction of a more complicated and edgy program: the bang-bang!
Tic-tac-toe, give me my last square, else: Doesn’t’ “history repeat itself?”
Hushed Poppies
Dumaguete Star Informer
16 October 2011
Last Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III announced that charges would be filed against former President now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo next month amidst report that the latter would seek medical treatment in Germany due to a life-threatening and very “rare disease.”
On the other hand, Justice Sec. Leila de Lima pronounced that the cases are going on through the process and that her team is yet to finish before December. In addition, she does not give any commitment as to the date of filing these charges. In relation to the former president’s ailment, her husband disclosed that she is suffering from hyperparathyroidism, a non-life-threatening disease, contrary to the announcement made by Arroyo’s spokesperson.
Surely, the optimism of Pres. Aquino is just hard to suppress, one that his mother Cory had exhibited and executed against her predecessor, Ferdinand Marcos and his cohorts. Very fortunately though, the Marcoses are still free and continue to enjoy the same freedom victims of Martial Law enjoy; worse, they still enjoy the fruits of their plunder, if at all it was the most plausible, or to say the least, the decided case against them.
Arguably, De Lima wouldn’t prematurely announce any development her investigating team has raked in; an accuracy she needs to calculate precisely in defense of the Palace. While the President marks the first square based on the mark indicated by the investigating Team, the last square in a row cannot be marked until December comes in.
On the other hand, Arroyo and his cohorts are more ready than Leila de Lima, et al. Whether or not the ailment is “life-threatening,” their defenses are tactically calculative of their state; supporters are playing their own hullabaloos in counterstrike. With the number of cases under the chair of de Lima still undecided, the target of filing plunder charges next month against the petite lady, et al is“water under the bridge.” It is me-and-my-big-mouth syndrome plaguing the Palace Court once again.
At the rate our system is going, any offender can go loosely unnoticed even before the search operation begins. This is a very classic phenomenon in the country especially when political power converges with the colors of the money the offender has in his vault.
Synchronicity is one hell of a game; most cases fail because witnesses and statements are not in synch with each other; worse, people and events, if ever glossily fabricated, are not coordinated according to the flow.
Tact is another.
Clearly, we can see the game played by two players who alternately mark squares in a grid with X’s , with one of them trying to capture the last square in a row they both know cannot be drawn with final “oops.”
When Speaker Belmonte granted Congressman Arroyo with three travel authorities, the former deliberately marks the first square in the latter’s favor. When she finally leaves for Germany for medical treatment, the government, in the guise of the Speaker, marks the second square, again, in her favor. Unless the administration bars the next square, then the game is over.
Tic-tac-toe: Arroyo in self-exile and political asylum! And what could her defense be? – Politically motivated!
Plunder cases are nonbailable; the same are not covered in the Extradition treaty we signed with several countries, including Germany where Arroyo is seeking medical treatment. Loosely, this is one matter the government has to look into without giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Series of inconsistencies from Aquino and his team are clearly happening from day one. Ronaldo Llamas, Presidential Adviser for Political affairs, has recently captured the sixty-second spotlight. His rhetoric: self-defense. Aquino has advocated a “wang-wang-less” administration as one of the engines of “tuwid na daan.” But what surprises the public now is the introduction of a more complicated and edgy program: the bang-bang!
Tic-tac-toe, give me my last square, else: Doesn’t’ “history repeat itself?”
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