A TALE OF TWO SAN MIGUELS

2008 Bb. Pilipinas World JANINA SAN MIGUEL: 

 

 

2008 ZTE-NBN “surprising” witness LEO SAN MIGUEL:   

 

The girl has balls.  The man doesn’t.  TONGPATS! 

GLORIA IS EVIL?

I beg to differ with Romulo Neri and Jun Lozada.  Contrary to their belief, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is definitely GOD’S CHOICE.  Look here: 

See what I mean?  No less than God’s appointed son has made such a declaration.  Who are we ordinary mortals to oppose the will of God?

WORDS OF WISDOM from the CHIEF PRESIDENTIAL LEGAL COUNSEL

 

When asked by reporters as to what he thought of Rodolfo Lozada, Jr.’s testimony at the Senate on the ZTE controversy, Serge Apostol, without batting an eyelash, said: 

“Drama-drama lang yan, crying boy (It’s mere play acting from a crying boy).”

“They say he’s a Chinese from the province.  Bagay sa iyo ideport ka.  Magulo ka dito (You should be deported because you’re troublesome).” 

What a brilliant idea, Mr. Legal Counsel.  You’re definitely an asset to the legal profession.  No wonder President Arroyo has put so much trust on your legal expertise.  Keep it up!

Pero baka magselos na si Gonzalez nyan.. 

(photo above courtesy of gmanews.tv)

PINAY BIG BRIBER

Click on this link to evict the lone housemate of Big Briber’s House. 

(a project of the Black and White Movement)

HOW TO BE A GOOD PUBLIC SERVANT

 

Similar to the previous post on HOW TO BE A LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN, the following are some tips I would like to suggest to all public officials who aspire to be model public servants: 

1.  Never make the mistake of going public to expose whatever you may have received in confidence.  Always impute good faith to the motives of the giver.  The source of the funds and the legal purpose for which they were given do not matter so long as you know they were given out of the generosity of you-know-who. 

2.  If the spouse of your political boss happens to be involved in a major corruption scandal, insulate your boss from the controversy.  Make it appear that your boss had no personal knowledge or had nothing to do with it. 

3.  Always follow and say “yes” to the whims and caprices of the powers that be.  It’s the surest and safest way to solidify your own hold to power.  Don’t worry.  The rule that you can only obey lawful orders has been relaxed to include unlawful orders as well.

4.  Follow the instincts of your political boss.  Deal with every problem as if it can be remedied through bargaining and negotiation.  This is known as transactional politics.  Don’t mind what the law says.  It is only as good as the people who implement its provisions. 

5.  Learn to survive through the political turmoil.  Swim with the current.  If bribery is the “in” thing, do it.  It is being practiced by no less than the highest officials of the land so there’s no rhyme or reason why you shouldn’t imitate their tried and tested ways.

6.  Use taxpayers’ money wisely.  Circumvent the bidding process.  If you’re a Congressman, build bridges, skywalks, waiting sheds, basketball courts, etc. and publicize them as if they were realized through your honest-to-goodness efforts.  

7.  Don’t antagonize the drug lords and gambling lords in your area of jurisdiction.  Befriend them if possible.  They can be your source of funds.  From time to time however, conduct fake police raids for show and share your “blessings” to ACDC radio commentators and journalists so as not to earn their scourge and condemnation. 

8.  See to it that you donate a chunk of the money you received as payola to religious cults operating in your locality.  Be sure to attend some of their religious services and let them feel that you believe in the sanctity of their beloved Pastor. 

9.  Join elitist clubs to maintain your linkage with socialites and hypocrites who think they’re a cut above the rest.  Satisfy their egos by luring them into thinking that you value their insights on politics and governance. 

10.  Trust no one, not even your most loyal ally. Don’t leave a trail of evidence of wrongdoing that may haunt you one day.  In this country, it’s perfectly okay to lie, cheat and steal as long as no one knows about it, right? 

(photo courtesy of demutualization.org)

NOT ALL PLUNDERERS ARE IN JAIL

 

Yes, Erap is a man of conviction not because he was adjudged guilty for plunder but because for the last six years, he was brave enough to face his accusers before a court widely believed to have been pre-programmed to convict him from the start.  As if putting the final nail on the coffin on what was EDSA 2, Erap calmly accepted the Sandiganbayan’s verdict — statesmanlike at that — but vowed to fight for his freedom to the finish which means going all the way to the Supreme Court. 

I will no longer discuss about the merits of Erap’s appeal to the court of last resort.  I’m more interested in making a comparison between the accused and his accusers because it seems to me that this administration has lost the moral fitness to rejoice about the guilty verdict. 

Let’s start with GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO who promised to restore “morality” in governance way back in 2001.  Six and a half years later, we ask ourselves:  DID SHE?  Instead of restoring morality, she aggravated the prevailing immorality when she and her allies engaged themselves in scandal after scandal, almost with impunity.  As most observers would say, Erap’s malfeasance was a mere speck compared to Gloria’s judging from the gravity and magnitude of the corruption involved.  Will she suffer the same fate as the President before her?  SHE SHOULD.  And I hope that by that time, the death penalty will have been reimposed! 

Next stop — CHAVIT SINGSON.  Was he really the “hero” that risked life and limb to expose Erap’s jueteng connections?  It turned out (and as he himself admitted) that he went against his kumpare because of his disappointment that Erap chose Atong Ang over him in the management of the Bingo 2-ball. 

Here’s my unsolicited advice to writers of history books:  NEVER MAKE THE MISTAKE OF REGARDING CHAVIT AS A HERO LEST JOSE RIZAL, ANDRES BONIFACIO OR NINOY AQUINO WILL COME OUT FROM THEIR GRAVES TO PROTEST HIS INCLUSION IN THEIR ROSTER! 

And lastly, Ombudsman MERCEDITAS GUTTIEREZ.  Never mind SERGIO APOSTOL.  He’s more of a comic relief than a legal luminary.  He is in the same category as Sir RAUL GONZALEZ.  If you don’t mind me asking Madam Ombudsman, when will you prosecute the cases against Nani Perez and Jocjoc Bolante?  I’m excited to know! 

REACTIONS TO THE TRILLANES PROCLAMATION

 

Let’s hear it from our morally upright generals: 

Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Chief of Staff–  

ON WHAT HE WOULD DO ONCE TRILLANES IS PROCLAIMED SENATOR. 

“Once he gets proclaimed, I will start talking about his case. Ganun lang para fair. For that matter, it is not really Trillanes that I will be talking about, (but) the rules on general court martial, how it applies to anybody who has a case before the court martial, and for that matter in the regional trial court for a non-bailable offense.”  (source:  Malaya)

ON TRILLANES’ NEW FOUND STATUS AS SENATOR OF THE REPUBLIC.

“Election does not change your status as a respondent. It does not extinguish your criminal or civil liabilities.”  (source:  The Daily Tribune) 

ON UPHOLDING THE ARTICLES OF WAR EVEN IF IT MEANS GOING AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION. 

“Just imagine if barangay elections will come and all soldiers who have cases will file for candidacy so they can get off the hook. Is that it? Hindi naman. Again I repeat, I do not want anything to do with the election of Trillanes whether he wins or lose. The AFP has nothing to do with that, but we have our concerns insofar as upholding the Articles of War.”  (source:  Malaya) 

ON THE MATTER OF GRANTING BAIL TO TRILLANES SO THAT HE COULD ATTEND TO HIS SENATE DUTIES. 

“There’s no such thing as bail in the military.  If we disregard the Articles of War, then we might as well forget discipline in the armed forces. Let’s forget that we have an army.”  (source:  ABS-CBN Interactive) 

ON THE PROSPECT OF TRILLANES HOLDING OFFICE INSIDE FORT BONIFACIO. 

“It will run counter to the apolitical nature of the military. Imagine the military, an apolitical institution will become an office of a senator?”  (source:  The Daily Tribune) 

ON THE POSSIBILITY THAT TRILLANES MIGHT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS POSITION TO INVESTIGATE ANOMALIES IN THE AFP. 

“That’s the job of a senator. That’s perfectly all right with us. But why should we look at him as a problem? Siya ang may problema. Siya ang may kaso.”  (source:  Malaya)

Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, NCR Command Chief– 

ON TRILLANES GETTING ELECTED DESPITE BEING CHARGED WITH COUP D’ ETAT. 

“The situation is uncomfortable because he is being held accountable for the rules and regulations of the Armed Forces and our justice system. It’s like an unusual situation - somebody who is charged of coup d’état is becoming a senator.” (source:  Malaya) 

Lt. Gen. Horacio Tolentino, Air Force Chief– 

ON TRILLANES BEING A BAD EXAMPLE TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AFP. 

“It opens up a situation…a predicament where you fight the duly constituted government and then be recognized as a prominent public official…that it could be done, that one can take that shortcut to fame. It can happen that those inside might think, ‘Ah, it’s that easy, that’s the way.” 

“It [has] a negative impact on those in the service because those who toe the line were not recognized, in a way, while he was recognized [by being voted] a senator and yet he did something bad to the society, to government, that that can happen.” 

“Do you think as a senator he will espouse again rising against the government? He is already in government, the more that he should denounce violence as a form of changing this government…The more he should toe the line. The more that he should be civil.” (source:  PDI) 

Of course, the lapdogs at the Palace were likewise quick to react: 

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita– 

ON THE VALUE OF RESPECTING THE PEOPLE’S WILL.

“I suppose we’ll just have to agree that the people voted him to office and we wish him the best in his duty as senator of the republic.” (source:  PDI) 

Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio–  

ON HIS ADMISSION THAT JUSTICE IS BLIND.. BUT ONLY SO WHEN IT APPLIES TO TRILLANES. 

“Why should his status influence the cases against him? Justice continues to be blind irrespective of one’s status and they should make a decision according to the merits of the case and not on the basis of whether he’s senator or not.” (source:  PDI) 

SORRY FOLKS.  MISSING IN ACTION IS JUSTICE SECRETARY RAUL GONZALEZ.  THE MEDIA PROBABLY FORGOT TO INTERVIEW GLORIA’S LEGAL LUMINARY.  HIS REACTION WOULD HAVE MERITED A HEADLINE IN THE PAPERS!   

THE TOP FIVE

The prospect of a Lakas vs. Kampi struggle for the House leadership notwithstanding, Gloria Arroyo’s hold of the throne, I believe, would remain intact at least for another year. This means impeaching her again will not prosper under a quantitatively inferior opposition in the House of Representatives. With gatekeepers like Villafuerte and de Venecia, it will be very difficult indeed for the impeachment complaint to even touch first base.

For this reason, it is clear that the most hated President this country ever had is here to stay (and probably till kingdom come). So, as a way of congratulating Mrs. Arroyo for a chea… este job well done, allow me to mention the top five departments that have shown unwavering loyalty and dedication in matters of (mis)governance.

  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

“The mandate of the DOJ is to uphold the rule of law. Its mission is to establish and maintain a just and orderly society through an effective, speedy and compassionate administration of justice.”

Actually, the logo above is an old one. The Justice Secretary has commissioned the making of a new design that will show the scales of justice tilting more to the right where a picture of the President can be seen. There is also a proposal to amend the first sentence of the mission statement which will then be read as “The mandate of the DOJ is to uphold the rule of law as Malacañang or the Secretary of Justice sees fit. x x x x x”

A compilation of Raul’s side comments is currently in the works and is slated for distribution as a guidebook to all prosecutors in the country.

  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

“The Department shall… assist the President in his general supervision over local government units, oversee and monitor the implementation of the Local Government Code of 1991, enhance the capabilities of the LGU’s for self-governance, and implement plans and programs on local autonomy x x x x x”

Serving suspension orders in the dead of the night on a weekend and during the campaign period is what you call supervision at its finest. It is a sure fire formula for “suspended” local executives to win by wide margins over their closest opponents. 

Lito Lapid found out to his dismay that President Arroyo after all is an ally of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.  He vowed to never again be deceived by the promise of victory in a city far away from his home province of Pampanga. 

Reports indicate that both he and his son, defeated gubernatorial candidate Mark Lapid, are now in Mount Pinatubo to reflect on the fate that befell on their respective political careers.

  DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 

“The Department of National Defense is tasked with the responsibility of providing the necessary protection of the State against external and internal threats; directing, planning and supervising the National Defense Program; maintaining law and order throughout the country; and performing other functions as may be provided for by law.”

To curb internal threats, it has issued a top secret policy to annihilate all members of the Left, particularly the political activists and pass them off as NPAs in disguise. 

Months ago, several hundred soldiers were deployed in the slums of Metro Manila to maintain law and order and quite frankly, the military has been successful in its so-called mission. 

But here’s the catch. The policemen assigned in those places have become very insecure. They are now contemplating on taking a mass leave, saying they’re better off as full-time hoodlums rather than play second fiddle to seargents and corporals.

  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

“The Department of Agriculture is the principal agency of the Philippine government responsible for the promotion of agricultural development growth. In pursuit of this, it provides the policy framework, helps direct public investments, and in partnership with local government units (LGUs) provides the support services necessary to make agriculture and agri-based enterprises profitable and to help spread the benefits of development to the poor, particularly those in rural areas.” 

In the light of the recently concluded 2007 midterm elections, Malacañang in a press statement said that they sorely missed the services of Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante, the evasive former Undersecretary who has a lot of explaining to do with respect to his mismanagement way back in 2004 of the P728-million fertilizer fund. 

Jocjoc, however, is unavailable for comment.  He is currently detained in the United States after his visa was cancelled.  But in a text message he sent to a Palace operative a month ago, he told the group not to worry as there will always be someone out there who would take the cudgels for him. 

In a related development, the President announced that Makati City will again be one of the beneficiaries/recepients of the proposed 2007 fertilizer fund. 

Congressman Teddy Boy Locsin couldn’t help but laugh. 

  DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

“The DFA is the prime agency of governemnt responsible for the pursuit of the State’s foreign policy and the nerve center for a Foreign service worthy of the trust and pride of every Filipino.” 

As part of the government’s campaign to fully implement an independent foreign policy, the DFA has proposed a slogan:  “WE ARE LITTLE BROWN AMERICANS LIVING IN AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY LIKE THE PHILIPPINES”, distinguishing us from the whites and blacks living in the land of milk and honey. 

Perfect! Mrs. Arroyo was reported to have exclaimed after being informed of the proposal.  She now plans to invite the Subic rape victim to be her ambassador of goodwill. 

TRAPO

Jueteng at illegal logging
May sideline, rape at kidnapping
Dealer ng shabu at uzi
Commander ng private army

May ari ng subdivision
Stock holder ng corporation
Landlord na land grabber pa
Anak ka ng, bobong tanga

Ang hirap mong hulihin
Lahat kaya mong bilhin
Wala kang silbi
Wala kang silbi sa amin

Trapo trapo ka kasi
Trapo trapo trapo ka kasi

Di na binoboto pero nanalo

May misis pero siyam ang kabit
Naadik kaya sabik na sabik
Ang kapal mo, hindi ka manipis
Ginugudtaym mo lang ang aming buwis

Mas maraming absent kesa sa present
Di ginagawa, kanyang assignment
Mula lunes hanggang biyernes
Wala sa congress, panay beauty rest

Ang sarap mong ihawin ipalamon sa mga pating
Wala kang silbi
Wala kang silbi sa amin

Trapo trapo ka kasi
Trapo trapo trapo ka kasi

Di na binoboto pero nanalo

GHOSTS YOU SAY?

meet gloring, the vindictive ghost!

xxx

They accuse Mayor Jejomar Binay and the entire City Council of hiring “ghost” employees as if they are the only ones liable for such misrepresentation. The thing is, when you point an accusing finger at someone, there are three other fingers that point back to you. This is basically what the hypocrites are doing to the beleaguered mayor of Makati — singling him out for an act which practically all mayors and governors in the country have been guilty of doing.

xxx

Now, whether the allegations against Binay are true or not is no longer my or anybody’s problem. The burden of proof rests on his accusers. If they really have the evidence, then let the axe fall where it should fall. Implement the law if they must, but they must never do so maliciously and selectively.

xxx

What I find revolting is the callousness with which this administration is taking advantage of its powers just for the sole purpose of pinning down a leader of the opposition.

xxx

Erap hit the nail right on its head when he declared:

“The true issue that our people confront today is not the ghost employees of Makati, but the ghost of the 2004 elections which represent the illegitimate presidency of Mrs. Arroyo. The real ghost employee is in Malacañang and not in Makati.”

The detained former President went on to state:

“The culture of corruption and cheating has worsened in this regime, with cheating in the nursing exams, the Palarong Pambansa, the signatures in the Sigaw ng Bayan People’s Inititative and, more importantly, the cheating during the last presidential elections. 

Is this the country we stand to have today? Rampant deception and cheating have become the rule while those who served honorably and honestly are harassed with court cases, removed from their positions, or at worst, put to jail, abducted and summarily executed? 

Are the continuing efforts to remove non-cooperating local officials part of the grand project to insure the forcible change of the Constitution? Is this part of a sinister design to ensure the victory of a bankrupt People’s Initiative orchestrated by Malacañang?”

Haha. So very true Mr. President.