Only in the Philippines!

Capitol of country’s second poorest province has Jacuzzi!

2009-12-12T12:08:00.001+08:00

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao (MindaNews/11 December) -- The Office of the Provincial Governor of the country’s second poorest province on the third floor of this peach and pink palatial building with an “ala CCP” driveway that leads to the second floor, has three living room sets, a conference table for 16, a huge executive desk with a leather swivel for the governor and leather chairs for guests, a toilet exclusively for the governor’s use, a center table for flowers and a door that leads to a room with a bed (and a refrigerator with several bottles of softdrinks), that leads to an alley where you can find to your left, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub.

Going up to the third floor. Left to the Governor's Offfice. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

The executive table. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Three sofa sets. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

The conference table for 16. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

The bedroom adjacent to governor's office. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Jacuzzi tub. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

The alley leads to the dining area for eight (after the bathroom) where china and other silverware are kept inside a cabinet, and where a door leads to the bigger conference room, for 26.

Dining table. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Beside the dining room, separated by a wall, one finds the kitchen and fronting it, a space that has become, for the moment, a storeroom for stackable plastic chairs and tables.

Outside the door from the “storeroom,” one finds an escape route: a stairway to the left which leads to a driveway three floors down, on the side where the provincial gym is. If you don’t want to go down that route, there’s another door to the right outside the “storeroom” that leads to another bedroom that opens to the Office of the Provincial Administrator which is also linked to the third and last office on the third floor: the Office of the Provincial Budget.

The Provincial Governor’s Office appears well-preserved. The maroon leather sofa, the sofa behind it upholstered in fabric and the Cheers recliner sofa appear new. The conference appears unused and the beds’ upholstery in the adjacent room and in the room adjacent to the Administrator’s are still wrapped in plastic.

Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr. is rarely seen in this office, preferring the provincial government’s “satellite office” or “sub-office” within the compound where his mansion is. From his mansion to the provincial capitol is only about 400 meters.

The provincial capitol used to be in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindano, along the Davao-Cotabato highway but citing security reasons and an alleged ambush, Ampatuan Sr., elected governor in 2001 and reelected in 2004 and 2007, opted to have the capitol moved to Shariff Aguak.

The new capitol was opened shortly before the May 2007 elections. Then, the provincial Commission on Elections office was still on the ground floor. Maguindanao provincial administrator Norie Unas was seen more often in the capitol, the governor going there only during special functions or when receiving dignitaries.

But the capitol was inaugurated formally only on March 27 this year when Ampatuan Sr., had resigned as governor and his vice governor son, Sajid, was appointed acting governor (the patriarch resigned, claiming he had no mandate from constituents of Shariff Kabunsuan, the province that the Supreme Court said was created in violation of the Constitution and which should be returned to Maguindanao; another view on the resignation is that doing so would allow the patriarch to run for governor of the reconstituted Maguindanao since he did not complete his third term).

With 22 Maguindanao towns and 11 Shariff Kabunsuan towns, the total number of towns of what earlier this year they referred to as New Maguindanao is 33 plus three other new towns created – for a total of 36.

President Arroyo personally came to inaugurate the P218-M provincial capitol, P25 million o which came from the President’s Social Fund on March 27.

The provincial capitol compound used to be heavily guarded by police and the governor’s armed Civilian Volunteers’ Organizaiton.

In the elections of 2007, some journalists were barred entry into the capitol where the elections office is.

Source:Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews.com

SWS: GMA satisfaction rating slips further to -20!

2009-12-08T09:51:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - One in two Filipino adults is dissatisfied with the performance of the Arroyo administration, bringing its new net satisfaction rating to -20, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in its recent survey.

The Third Quarter 2009 Social Weather Survey found 30 percent of adults satisfied and 50 percent are dissatisfied with the overall performance of the national administration, for a “poor” net satisfaction rating of -20.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted from Sept. 18 to 21, used face-to-face interviews of 1,800 adults divided into random samples of 300 each in Metro Manila and Mindanao, and 600 each in balance of Luzon and the Visayas.

SWS said the net satisfaction rating of the present administration has been poor for three consecutive quarters since February 2009, when it was at -19.

The latest net satisfaction rating of the administration is nine points lower than the -11 in June 2009, the SWS said.

The net satisfaction rating is the difference between the percentage of satisfied and unsatisfied responses.

SWS defined net satisfaction ratings as follows: +50 and above, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 or lower, “very bad.”

Meanwhile, the survey firm also asked the respondents to rate the performance of the Arroyo administration on specific issues.

“Of the 14 issues tested in the survey, the public rated the National Administration as good on one issue, moderate on five issues, neutral on five issues, and poor on three issues,” the SWS said.

The national administration scored a “good” net satisfaction rating of +31 on the issue of protecting the public from the outbreak of diseases.

It received moderate ratings on the issues of ensuring that all food products in the market are safe (+29), promoting the welfare of OFWs (+19), ensuring that medicine is affordable (+18), foreign relations (+12), and helping the poor (+10).

It scored neutral ratings on fighting terrorism (+5), reconciliation with Muslim rebels (+3), reconciliation with communist rebels (+3), campaigning against illegal drugs (+3), and fighting crime (-8).

It scored poor ratings on fighting inflation (-19), ensuring no family will ever be hungry and have nothing to eat (-20), and eradicating graft and corruption (-28).

The latest poll showed that public satisfaction improved on three issues.

“Compared to when last surveyed by SWS, the net satisfaction ratings of the National Administration were better on three out of 14 issues,” it said.

It switched from negative neutral to positive neutral for reconciliation with communist rebels, up by nine points from -6 in March 2005 to +3 in September 2009.

It became more positive for ensuring that all food products in the market are safe, up by five points from moderate +24 in February 2009 to +29, and for ensuring that medicine is affordable, up by four points from moderate +14 in June 2009 to +18.

Sampling error margins of plus or minus 2.3 percentage points for national percentages, plus or minus six percentage points for Metro Manila and Mindanao, and plus or minus four percentage points for balance Luzon and the Visayas were applied in the survey.

Malacañang: GMA’s accomplishments unappreciated

Meanwhile, Malacañang believes that the achievements of President Arroyo remain unappreciated and takes the recent SWS survey as a challenge for all the appointees of the President to work even harder to make the people realize what she is doing for the country.

Reacting to the survey showing that 50 percent of Filipinos are dissatisfied with the performance of the Arroyo administration in general, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde attempted to fall on his sword and take some of the blame for failing to convey to the people the efforts being taken by Mrs. Arroyo to improve their lives.

“We consider that as a challenge to work harder and for my part as press secretary, that is a challenge for me to help people realize all the good things that President Arroyo is doing for them,” Remonde said. – With Marvin Sy

By Helen Flores
The Philippine Star

Puno: ARMM still exercising autonomy!

2009-12-08T09:49:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno assured the people that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continues to enjoy its autonomy despite the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao.

Puno said ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, who was arrested along with eight other relatives for rebellion, was replaced by his lawful successor ARMM Vice Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong.

“To date the regional governor continues to take charge of the entire autonomous region. Whatever supervision is exercised over autonomous region has to be exercised through the regional governor,” Puno said during a forum.

Puno clarified that President Arroyo merely transferred to the DILG the supervision in the region.

“So although there is supervision, this was merely transferred from Office of the President to DILG and the supervision does not impair autonomy of the region, the region continues to be autonomous… what we need to do now is to examine the responsibilities of the regional governor over the exercise of his duties,” he pointed out.

Mrs. Arroyo declared martial law in Maguindanao to restore peace and order, which has been affected after the gruesome murder of 57 persons, including over 30 journalists and relatives of a political rival of the Ampatuan clan.

Among the dead were the wife of Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao and two of his sisters, two female lawyers and 30 media men who covered the supposed filing of certificate of candidacy of the vice mayor who is running for governor of Maguindanao to challenge a scion of the Ampatuan clan.

The Mangudadatus have blamed the Ampatuans for the incident, specifically pointing to Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao as the leader of 100 armed men who abducted Mangudadatu’s supporters.

The Ampatuan family has denied any involvement in the killings.

Andal Jr., who turned himself in last month, is the only one charged with multiple counts of murder.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said prosecutors would file rebellion charges against the other Ampatuans who were arrested over the weekend for allegedly organizing armed resistance.

Government troops arrested ARMM Gov. Ampatuan, his father and clan patriarch former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., several relatives and more than 50 supporters after President Arroyo declared martial law in the province last Saturday.

Defense and military authorities raised yesterday the Philippine flag at the Maguindanao provincial capitol in Shariff Aguak town in an apparent display of government control.

Maj. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, Eastern Mindanao Command chief and military administrator in Maguindanao Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, and local Army battalion commanders led the regular Monday flag raising ceremony at the provincial capitol.

Alcantara said civilian employees of the provincial government joined the ceremony.

The situation in the province has prevented some employees from reporting for work.

“We would like to assure the employees that social services should not be hampered by this situation,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said in a separate interview.

He said one of the objectives of imposing martial law is to restore normalcy in the area and the flag ceremony has signified that the government is in full control of the situation.

“It also shows that the people have pledged their allegiance to the flag,” he said.

Brawner said one of the conditions for imposing martial law is the loss of the people’s allegiance to the flag and the duly constituted authorities.

Army and police operatives padlocked yesterday the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) of the ARMM inside the 32-hectare ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

Employees of the ORG, dubbed as the ARMM’s little Malacañang, were surprised when the armed troops used chains to close the front door of the 4,000-square-meter two-storey building.

Policemen also placed a written notice at the entrance of the building entrance that included a directive from the Philippine National Police ordering the closure of the ORG, the provincial capitol in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, and the municipal centers of Shariff Aguak and Ampatuan towns.

“We were surprised to see the doors of the ORG closed. Of course we don’t question this action by the PNP because we are aware of the situation the ARMM regional government is in,” said a Muslim government employee. – With James Mananghaya, John Unson, Helen Flores

By Cecile Suerte Felipe
The Philippine Star

Arroyo proclaims martial law in Maguindanao!

2009-12-05T12:03:00.000+08:00

MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo officially declared martial law in the province of Maguindanao on Saturday morning.

In a press conference past 7 a.m, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Proclamation No. 1959 declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the province of Maguindanao, except for certain areas identified as bailiwicks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) separatists.

The declaration of martial law will lead to the arrests without warrants of other members of the Ampatuan family who have been linked to the November 23 massacre of 57 innocent civilians.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado announced that joint police and military teams have taken into custody Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan.

Ibrado said Ampatuan Sr. was brought to a hospital in Davao City, while the ARMM governor was brought to General Santos City.

As of posting, Maguindanao Vice Governor Akmad Ampatuan Sr. and Shariff Aguak Anwar Ampatuan have also been taken into custody.

There are now five Ampatuans under government custody, including Datu Unsay town Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who has been charged with 25 counts of murder for the massacre.

The carnage, where 57 innocent civilians were killed, drew both local and international condemnation. It was allegedly led by Ampatuan Jr., who is detained at the National Bureau of Investigation.

Abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak reported early Friday evening that President Arroyo had ordered a state of martial law in Maguindanao, which would take effect on Saturday.

Reasons for ML declaration

Ermita said President Arroyo decided to declare martial law because "heavily armed groups in the province of Maguindanao have established positions to resist government troops, thereby depriving the executive of its powers and prerogatives to enforce the laws of the land and to maintain public order and safety."

The declaration added that despite the state of emergency declared last November 24, peace and order in the province continued to deteriorate "to the extent that local judicial system and other government mechanisms are not functioning."

Ermita said President Arroyo officially signed the proclamation around 9 p.m. Friday based on the recommendation of Ibrado and Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa.

Imminent threat

Ibrado said that even before the discovery of a huge arms cache near the ARMM governor's residence in Shariff Aguak last Thursday, he and Verzosa had been receiving field reports about the massing of private armed groups all over Maguindanao.

He said they received reports that the armed groups will "undertake hostile action" in case the Ampatuans and other local government officials allegedly involved in the massacre will be arrested.

"We felt that this is a very imminent threat and so we recommended for this proclamation," Ibrado said, adding that each group sighted numbered from 40 to 400.

Verzosa, for his part, said that they also recommended the suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus to speed up the police investigations into the massacre.

He said police were having a hard time securing search and arrest warrants against the suspects in the massacre, particularly members of the Ampatuan clan, because court judges are too afraid to act on their requests.

Ermita said the massing of forces and the recovery of the huge arms cache near the Ampatuan mansion in Shariff Aguak are indications of a pending rebellion and further lawless violence in the province.

Verzosa said the sizes of the private armed groups give them the capability to carry out more killings as gruesome as the Maguindanao massacre.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that Mrs. Arroyo's martial law proclamation is an "answer to the cry for justice of the victims of the horrendous massacre."

Lifting martial law

Ermita said the proclamation, which is allowed by law to take effect for 60 days, will be lifted only after the situation in Maguindanao has normalized.

He said the recommendation for the lifting of the proclamation should come from Verzosa and Ibrado.

"We'll have to get the report from the field from the AFP and PNP that the conditions that prompted the President to issue the proclamation, have improved, and therefore, the threat of further lawlessness and probability of rebellion is already down," he said.

Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo will immediately lift the proclamation once the police has confirmed that its investigation can push through "unimpeded and unfettered."

Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo will not appoint a military official as caretaker of the Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Maguindanao province.

Ermita said the ARMM governor and Ampatuan Sr. will be succeeded by their deputies if there is a need to further hold the two officials under custody.

Nograles backs martial law

House Speaker Prospero Nograles is in favor of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's declaration of martial law in Maguindanao.

In an interview over dzMM on Saturday, Nograles said that "as a Mindanaoan, my personal opinion is, for a limited period of 60 days, I will support it so that the prosecution arm of the government can move freely and get the witnesses and gather evidence without fear."

"For 60 days, 2 months, para lang matapos yung evidence gathering, okay naman sa akin," Nograles, who will be running for Davao City mayor in next year's polls, said.

He noted that the government was having difficulty applying the rule of law with respect to the suspects in the killings of 57 innocent civilians in the November 23 Maguindanao massacre since many witnesses and even judges are afraid.

Nograles also said that there was already a de facto martial law in Maguindanao since the military "has been all over the place" after they took over the provincial capitol of Maguindanao last week.

"So, this declaration of martial law there today, Proclamation 1959, is only an official declaration of what is a de facto situation there," he said.

Nograles also said there is no need for Congress to convene in joint session if it does not intend to revoke Proclamation 1959.

Under the 1987 Constitution, he said Congress can revoke the martial law declaration by a majority vote of both Houses in joint session.

"If they feel it's not necessary, they will let it go on in 60 days," Nograles said.

Congress will wait for report

However, he said President Arroyo must submit a report to Congress on her declaration and on the situation in Maguindanao within 48 hours.

Congress will then assess her report and decide whether to revoke the declaration.

"If we will, we will immediately hold a joint session in order to revoke it, but I don't think we need to hold a joint session in the event we won't revoke it. There is no need to affirm it," he said.

After accepting Arroyo's report, Nograles said Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will call for a caucus of senators while he will call for a caucus of the members of the House of Representatives.

The legislators will then decide whether they plan to revoke Proclamation 1959.

When Congress is in joint session to take up martial law, Nograles said the "ball is in the court of the House" since they can outvote the Senate.

Most congressmen support?

There are 268 congressmen and only 23 senators.

"So the player here is the House more than the Senate because we outnumber them," Nograles added.

In a text message sent to reporters on Saturday, Nograles said "majority of [House] members think that the decision by the president is correct."

"Fact is, that many say it should have been done sooner," he added.

Nograles said he intends to call a caucus on Monday before putting the issue on the House agenda.

He said anyone can also stand up to support or attack the martial law declaration during the privilege hour held every Monday.

"Personally, I think that in this case both Houses of Congress do not indicate any majority numbers with any intention to revoke the proclamation, which is only good for sixty days," he said.

Human rights concern

Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer, and a congressman representing Maguindanao, on Saturday criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for setting a bad precedent by declaring martial law in Maguindanao despite the absence of rebellion or invasion in the province.

Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) lawyer Manuel Diokno told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) that the 1987 Constitution allows for the declaration of martial law if there is rebellion or invasion.

In this case, he said martial law was declared on the basis of the mass murders that happened November 23. He warned this would set a bad precedent for the country.

Maguindanao Rep. Didagen Dilangalen, interviewed on ANC on Saturday, expressed the same view.

Dilangalen said the government can only declare martial law if there is rebellion or invasion.

"The basis for the declaration does not exist," he said.

Dilangalen said it was ironic that martial law does not apply in areas of the MILF where rebellion exists.

He insisted that there is no rebellion in Maguindanao, adding that the suspects in the November 23 massacre are actually allies of the government.

Members of the Ampatuan family linked to the murders were allies of President Arroyo prior to the massacre. They were expelled from the ruling party after the carnage.

"Is there shooting going on? No. Has there been bombings after the massacre? No," Dilangalen said.

On armed groups allegedly converging to opposed the arrest of the other Ampatuans linked to the murders, Dilangalen said the government can just direct the police to address this problem.

Dilangalen warned that there was a “grand scenario” behind the martial law declaration. He did not elaborate.

He said that if the president can do it in Maguindanao, she can also declare martial law in other provinces using bases not allowed by the Constitution.

Martial law under 1987 Charter

Under the 1987 Constitution, the declaration of martial law will suspend the writ of habeas corpus, which means some citizens may be arrested without warrants.

Section 18 of the Charter states: "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law."

However, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus only applies to persons charged for "rebellion" or offenses connected with an invasion.

"The suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in, or directly connected with, invasion," the Constitution also says.

It also adds: "During the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released."

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

Arroyo files candidacy for Congress!

2009-12-01T12:16:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 2) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo filed her certificate of candidacy for the congressional seat in Pampanga’s 2nd district on Tuesday, according to television reports.

Arroyo, clad in an aquamarine pants and blouse, arrived at the Commission on Elections office in Pampanga province past 10 a.m.Footage showed her with husband, First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, at the Comelec office.

Arroyo was all smiles as she greeted Comelec officials at Pampanga. She first attended mass at the St. Augustine Parish Church.

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

'RP showing culture of impunity'!

2009-11-27T15:44:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The Washington-based nongovernment organization Freedom House expressed shock over the killings of civilians and journalists in Maguindanao last Monday, which showed a prevailing climate of impunity in the Philippines and the government’s inability to protect the freedom of expression.

Freedom House, which has been monitoring political rights and civil liberties in the Philippines since 1972, strongly condemned the killings, saying it added to the worst violence in recent history where 57 people, including 13 journalists, were killed and buried in shallow graves in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao.

The victims included the wife of Vice Mayor Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao and two of his sisters, two female lawyers and 13 journalists who covered the supposed filing of certificate of candidacy of the vice mayor, who will run for governor of Maguindanao and challenge a scion of the Ampatuan clan in the May 2010 elections.

“These killings are of the most shocking and brutal nature and must be addressed immediately and thoroughly by the government,” said Jennifer Windsor, Freedom House’s executive director.

She said the country is becoming known for a culture of impunity and the government has a responsibility to demonstrate a commitment to reversing this trend.

Freedom House noted that in the past several years, there were significant declines in freedom of expression and political rights attributed to electoral fraud, corruption, and government intimidation of the political opposition.

The organization said the government, which has close ties with the Ampatuan family, has imposed a state of emergency in two provinces and has promised to investigate the killings.

“The foundations of a strong and healthy democracy are under grave threat,” Windsor said.

Australian Ambassador Rod Smith expressed concern that the increasing lawlessness in Mindanao would slow down the Australian government’s development cooperation activities and prevent the benefits of programs from reaching the people in the Southern Philippines.

“Australia is a committed development cooperation partner of the Philippines. We are deeply concerned, however, that signs of increasing lawlessness in parts of Mindanao will inhibit our development cooperation activities and prevent the benefits of these programs reaching those who need them most,” said Smith in a statement.

Australia condemned the senseless and brutal killing of civilians and journalists in Maguindanao on Monday.

Foreign lawyers condemn Maguindanao massacre

The Lawyers Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) and the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) condemned yesterday the execution of two human rights lawyers, journalists and civilians in Maguindanao, saying it has left members of the human rights community around the world in shock.

Human rights lawyers Concepcion Brizuela and Cynthia Oquendo were among the 57 people killed in the massacre in Maguindanao on Monday.

The LRWC is a committee of Canadian lawyers who promote human rights and the rule of law internationally by engaging in education and research and providing support to lawyers and other human rights advocates, while the ALRC is a Hong Kong-based nongovernment organization.

They called for the creation of an international body to conduct a thorough investigation of the Maguindanao massacre.

Reporters without Borders said at least 22 journalists were killed in the attack, the largest killing of journalists in a single day.

The groups pointed that since 2001, over 800 people have been killed in the country, all of them in some way seen as opponents or critics of the government. Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur for extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions, made a number of recommendations in 2007 to prevent extrajudicial killings.

Sen. Loren Legarda has called on the United Nations Office for Human Rights to step in and pressure the government to give justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre.

“As a United Nations office mandated to promote and protect human rights, may I request you to take this matter up with your constituency of nations in order to put pressure and to seriously hold the government of the Republic of the Philippines accountable for immediate justice to the victims of the massacre,” Legarda said in a one-page letter sent to the UN agency. – With Christina Mendez

By Pia Lee-Brago
The Philippine Star

Maguindanao Massacre suspect surrenders!

2009-11-27T15:42:00.000+08:00

AMPATUAN, Philippines (AP) – A scion of a powerful clan suspected in the massacre of 57 people in an election caravan in the southern Philippines turned himself in Wednesday amid mounting pressure on the government to crack down on lawlessness and warlords.

The dead from Monday's massacre include the wife, family and dozens of journalists and supporters of a gubernatorial candidate who wanted to challenge the rival Ampatuan clan, which has ruled Maguindanao province unopposed for years.

Andal Ampatuan Jr., a town mayor who allegedly stopped the convoy with dozens of police and pro-government militiamen, surrendered to presidential adviser Jesus Dureza in the provincial capital of Shariff Aguak, said military commander Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer.

He boarded a military helicopter to a nearby city, from where he will be flown to the capital, Manila, for investigation, Ferrer said.

"The family voluntarily surrendered him and they agreed that he will be investigated," he said.

Ampatuan's family denied the allegations of his involvement in the slayings.

The military deployed tanks and truckloads of troops throughout the province under a state of emergency to hunt down the attackers and prevent retaliatory violence from the victims' clan.

Police and soldiers on Wednesday found 11 more bodies at the site of the attack, bringing the death toll to 57. Six of the bodies were discovered in a large pit buried alongside three vehicles, and five were found in a mass grave a few miles (kilometers) off the main highway.

The vehicles — a sedan and two vans — were crushed by a large backhoe that ran over and buried them, investigator Jose Garcia said.

Ampatuan's surrender followed days of negotiations between his family and Dureza, apparently in a bid to prevent hostilities between the clan's followers and government forces.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said he had warned the Ampatuan family they risked a military attack unless they turned over Ampatuan Jr. by midday Thursday.

Ferrer said the area around the provincial capital was tense after troops disarmed about 350 pro-government militiamen loyal to the Ampatuans. The militia is meant to act as an auxiliary force to the military and police in fighting rebels and criminals but often serve as a politician's private army.

The clan, which has ruled the province since 2001, helped President Arroyo and her allies win the 2004 presidential and 2007 senatorial elections by delivering crucial votes.

Mrs. Arroyo came under intense pressure at home and abroad to seek justice for the victims of the massacre, with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and media and human rights watchdogs voicing their concern over the scale of the killings.

The vice Mayor of Buluan township, Ismael Mangudadatu, after receiving death threats, sent his wife and relatives to submit his candidacy Monday when the convoy, including at least 18 journalists, was ambushed.

Mangudadatu said four people whom he refused to identify told him Ampatuan Jr. was seen with the gunmen.

Five police officers, including one provincial police chief, were relieved of duty and will be brought to Manila to face the investigation together with Ampatuan Jr., Ferrer said.

Mrs. Arroyo vowed justice for the victims and declared a national day of mourning.

"This is a supreme act of inhumanity that is a blight on our nation," she said in a statement. "The perpetrators will not escape justice. The law will haunt them until they are caught."

Few think she will be able to restore the rule of law in the impoverished region that has been outside the central government's reach for generations, and where warlords backed by private armies go by their own rules. Maguindanao's acting governor is Sajid Ampatuan, another son of former Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., the clan's patriarch.

Human Rights Watch expressed concern that the administration's relationship with the family would hinder an impartial investigation. Arroyo's ruling party, in an emergency meeting late Wednesday, expelled Ampatuan Sr. and his two sons.

Among the 18 dead journalists — the highest number of reporters killed in a single attack anywhere in the world — was Alejandro "Bong" Reblando, 53, a former Associated Press stringer. He was the most senior in the group of reporters. Reblando, who was based in General Santos City, was a staffer for the Manila Bulletin daily newspaper.

He covered the southern Philippines for The AP from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, reporting on the Muslim separatist insurgency as well as local politics.

He is survived by his wife and seven children.

The Philippine Star

Maguindanao Under Stae of Emergency due to the bizarre massacre!

2009-11-27T08:55:00.000+08:00

Maguindanao , Sultan Kudarat provinces, and Cotabato City, were placed under a state of emergency. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued the order on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.

A gruesome massacre on the wife of Maguindanao Vice Mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Mangudadatu and her convoy happened on Monday, November 23, 2009. At least 57 people, including 12 journalists, in the area were found dead.

They were attacked by about 100 men on their way to Shariff Aguak town to file the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Toto, who intends to run for governor in the province.

The Mangudadatus blamed the killings on their political rival, the Ampatuan political clan.

Thee presence of many journalist who wanted to have a scoop of the major news as the Ampatuan family has not been challenged politically in the province.

The provincial capital Shariff Aguak is known to be Ampatuan territory. Toto sent his female relatives to file for COC together with journalists. Toto believed that they will not hurt women because of their Islamic tradition. But, they were dead wrong.

ABS-CBN and GMA7 statements on Maguindanao Massacre

2009-11-27T06:27:00.000+08:00

Here is the official statement of ABS-CBN regarding the Maguindanao massacre:

“Three days have passed since more than 50 people, including journalists, were brutally murdered in Maguindanao, and we have yet to see government take decisive action.

“This unprecedented scale of violence erodes our faith in the rule of law. It sends a chill through journalists who continue to shine the spotlight on these killing fields.

“We at ABS-CBN urge the authorities to hold the guilty parties accountable and show that justice is blind to politics.”

Here is the official statement of GMA 7 regarding the Maguindanao massacre:

“We are no longer who we were before Monday. Even in the annals of political violence in the Philippines, there have been no parallels to the slaughter that occurred on the lonely road to Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on November 23.

“52 unarmed civilians all, the majority of whom were media professionals, the victims were en route to perform basic functions in a civilized democracy: the Mangudadatu women were to file certificates of candidacy; the lawyers were to provide legal advice; and the journalists were to bear witness on behalf of the public and to report on an important event without fear or favor.

“All of these roles are essential for a political system where power is meant to be transferred without violence.

“What met them in a town recently renamed Ampatuan was the exact opposite: a force and mentality that invoked the barbarity of more primitive times.

“The crime that occurred in Ampatuan was uniquely savage, but it was also an extreme example of the violent tendency in our politics. At the other extreme are the many citizens who are bravely committed to the difficult and complex process of peacefully deciding who our leaders should be, such as those souls who perished on Monday.

“It is this tension between savagery and peaceful process that has marked our electoral history. Those are the most critical choices in 2010.

“Much will depend on how the government reacts in the coming days. For what is emerging is evidence that the assailants were not outside the law but part of the political machinery of local officials backed by the Arroyo administration.

“The President so far has ordered a thorough investigation and declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City. Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has relieved four PNP officials in Maguindanao.

“We trust that this is just the beginning of a series of actions that will bring all of the perpetrators to justice, including the warlords who orchestrated this bloodbath.

“If they are permitted to escape harsh punishment, it will clearly be a vote for barbarity and for the other savage armies prepared to assault our maiden automated elections.

“As we wait for action, we grieve. We grieve for the believers in a democratic system who paid with their lives. We grieve for the martyred journalists who believed the Constitutional protection of their rights was enough.

“By travelling without arms to perform their democratic duties in hostile territory, the 52 made their choice. We honor their example and sacrifice, as their fate continues to chill our bones. As fellow believers, we could have easily been them.”

Efren Peñaflorida CNN Hero of the Year is back in the Philippines!

2009-11-27T06:25:00.000+08:00

He was welcomed as Hero in his country!

Order of Sikatuna given to Manny Pacquiao!

2009-11-21T15:39:00.000+08:00

Manny Pacquiao was awarded the highest honor that Philippines can give an individual which is usually given to Prince, Ambassadoors and Diplomats. He was given the award for his ecxellence in Boxing. Manny received the Order of Sikatuna which was also given to US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Get to know the real Edu Mnzano for Vice-President!

2009-11-14T14:21:00.000+08:00

Edu Manzano is the official Vice-Presidential candidate of Sec. Gibo Teodoro who is the administratins bet for President for 2010 elections!

MANILA, Philippines—Eduardo Manzano ran for vice mayor of Makati in 1998, but his citizenship was brought up by his rival's supporter as ground for his disqualification.

Manzano was born in San Francisco, California on September 14, 1955, and acquired US citizenship by operation of the US Constitution. Manzano however insisted his Filipino citizenship as he was born to Filipino parents.

On May 7, 1998, four days before the elections, the Commission on Elections Second Division disqualified Manzano for his dual citizenship.

The next day, in a press conference, he held up his American passport before tearing it up to pieces, asking Makati constituents to vote for him as his camp filed a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec.

Manzano won the May 11 elections, but it was only in August 31 when the Comelec, in an en banc decision, ruled that he is a Filipino citizen as records showed that Manzano asked the Bureau of Immigration to cancel his alien registration in 1993.

During his term, he became the national president of the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines.

He was awarded the Outstanding and Unblemished Vice Mayor Award by the National Press Club and the Outstanding Vice Mayor Award by the Consumers Union of the Philippines.

In 2001, Manzano ran for mayor, but lost to incumbent Mayor Jejomar Binay.

In February 2004, Arroyo appointed Manzano as chairman of the Optical Media Board, which regulates the production of optical discs and combats piracy. He resigned from the post in August 2009.

The 54-year-old multi-awarded actor is one of the hosts of the morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda" and the main host of the game show, "Pilipinas, Game KNB?", both on ABS-CBN.

Manzano is the ex-husband of Batangas Governro Vilma Santos, who is now the wife of former socioeconomic planning secretary Ralph Recto.

Manzano was also married to actress Maricel Soriano.

Surce:
By Inquirer Research
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tom will be forcely evicted!

2009-11-13T19:23:00.000+08:00

Kahit bumalik na si Tom sa PBB Double Up House mapapatawan pa rin siya ng force eviction dahil sa violations nya!

Abangan live mamaya!

Pinoy Big Brother Magazine out now!

2009-11-13T19:20:00.000+08:00

You can buy your copies now of the Pinoy Big Brother Magazine at your favorite newsstands and bookstores!

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto free live streaming!

2009-11-13T17:17:00.000+08:00

We are giving away the links to the Free Live Streaming of the Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto fight this Saturday, November 14, 2009!

Click here for the free live streaming of Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto fight!

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto facts revealed!

2009-11-13T16:58:00.000+08:00

Factfile on Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto 12-round WBO welterweight title fight on Saturday at MGM Grand hotel and casino:

CHAMPION: Miguel Cotto 34 wins, one defeat, 27 KOs

Cotto, 29, has held a world title every year since 2004. Rebounded from the most disappointing loss of his career to Antonio Margarito in July last year by gutting out a 12-round decision over Joshua Clottey in June. The eight-year pro is Puerto Rico's brightest star and has already had a hall-of-fame career. Weighed 156 pounds as an 11-year old so started fighting as a way to lose weight. Needed plastic surgery to repair a nasty gash over his left eye from a head butt in the Clottey bout. This is his second fight with Joe Santiago as his head trainer.

CHALLENGER: Manny Pacquiao 49 wins, three defeats, two no contests, 37 KOs

Pacquiao, 30, is going for his seventh world title in seven different weight divisions. He is coming off two superb victories dominating Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008 before destroying Ricky Hatton in just two rounds in May. This month he made the cover of the Asia edition of Time magazine, joining former president Corazon Aquino as one of the few Filipinos to grace the cover. The 14-year pro made his debut at age 16 as a 106 pounder and captured his first title in the 112-pound flyweight division. His world titles have come in weight classes ranging from 112 to 140 pounds.

Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 Video 1!

2009-11-02T15:31:00.003+08:00

More Filipinos rate themselves poor!

2009-10-30T09:22:00.000+08:00

Seven out of 10 Filipinos consider themselves poor, an increase of more than four percent from the last survey, according to the October poll conducted by research organization Ibon Foundation that was released on Thursday.

Malacañang, for its part, downplayed the survey results and said the poll was conducted shortly after two devastating storms that left many people despondent. Ibon said the survey was conducted to find out the people’s perception of the economy, their livelihood and income, government performance, and other pressing issues.

The nationwide survey conducted last October 2 to 8 among 1,496 respondents showed that 71.4 percent of Filipinos rate themselves as poor. The figure is higher than the 67 percent who said they were poor in the preceding survey conducted in July.

Correspondingly, the number of Filipinos who do not consider themselves poor slightly declined to 21.52 percent from 22.01 percent last July.

Almost six percent of Filipinos are unsure of their status.

According to Ibon, the results are “not surprising” since 57 percent of the respondents also said their family’s income is not enough to meet their needs, an increase from 53 percent in July.

About 1.20 percent of Filipinos said they have more than enough to satisfy their needs, while 57.02 percent said their income is not enough for their daily needs.

Likewise, 47.3 percent of the respondents said there is not enough jobs/livelihood in their area, higher than the 39.2 percent in the last survey round.

Meanwhile, 47.26 percent of Filipinos believe there are available jobs but not enough for the unemployed individuals.

Some 27.14 percent said there are no job opportunities in there area.

Ibon noted that the increase in the number of poor Filipinos nationwide could be attributed to the increase in the number of poor respondents in the National Capital Region (NCR).

A total of 62.4 percent of respondents in the NCR rated themselves as poor in the October survey, up from 49.5 percent in July.

The Ibon survey has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.

Malacañang for its part downplayed the latest Ibon survey.

Presidential economic spokesperson Gary Olivar and Deputy presidential spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said the research group conducted the survey after the onslaught of typhoons that are reflected in the poll results.

“While we are not questioning their technical capability, they have known political sympathies,” Olivar said.

Fajardo also explained that given the circumstances, the survey yielded such outcome. (With a report from Charissa M. Luci)

Source: ELLALYN B. DE VERA, http://mb.com.ph

Mar, Korina exchange 'I do's' today!

2009-10-27T15:35:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - After five years together, a two-day postponement (from Oct. 25 to 27), two-life altering events (a political decision and a super typhoon), Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas and broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez walk down the aisle of the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City today before some 2,000 guests in what has long been touted as the “Wedding of the Year.”

Undated photos show Sen. Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez as toddlers: ‘Whatever happens in the future, it is Korina who is with me and we’ll go through it together.

The Roxas-Sanchez nuptials unite high society with the working middle class, politics and show business, the newsmaker and the news reporter. And despite bets (mostly from women) that it wouldn’t push through, tales of disapproval and political strategizing (mostly from men), the wedding unfolds in what the groom describes as the beginning of “a great adventure.”

Roxas says no one knows what the future will bring, “what and where every twist and turn will be, what the peaks and troughs are, what the surprises will be.”

“The only certainty is magkasama naming haharapin ang lahat na ito (we will face all this together),” Roxas, 52, who has a 15-year-old son Paolo Gerardo, told The STAR. Paolo will be his father’s best man.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s like starting off on a great adventure with a traveling companion, someone I want to be with,” Roxas added. “The adventure is not in what we’ll see or encounter but that whatever it is, it is Korina who is with me and we’ll go through it together.”

The “adventure” will begin with an eight-day honeymoon in Japan after the wedding.

Sanchez, 45, who will wear a Pepito Albert wedding gown of embroidered piña that she will accent with antique tambourine brooches belonging to her late mother Celia, told The STAR that for Roxas, she is ready to say goodbye to her 25-year career in broadcast journalism.

“As I have agreed to marry, I am even closer to saying goodbye to my 25-year career in news. I will continue doing Rated K but hard-core journalism may have to wait a while before I can get back to it. This is a very serious matter for me and a difficult decision to have made. Mar knows how much I love him,” she said.

Roxas gave up his presidential bid just over a month ago to give way to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, one of today’s principal sponsors. They are running under the Liberal Party, to which their late fathers, Senators Gerardo Roxas and Benigno Aquino Jr., respectively, belonged.

Aside from Aquino, the sponsors are Chief Justice Reynato Puno, former Senate president Jovito Salonga, ABS-CBN president Eugenio Lopez III, Jorge Araneta, Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro, Ruby Roxas, Baby Fores and Helen Costales.

Aside from her mother’s brooches, Sanchez will wear one of her late father Ramon’s cufflinks “somewhere on my body.” She says she will miss her parents, “who came from families of meager means but worked hard and well to afford the good life they gave us, their children.”

“My parents will be part of this ceremony, no matter what,” Sanchez vowed.

Sanchez admitted that having been an independent-minded journalist and commentator, adjusting to the role of political wife would not be easy. “I’ve never liked politics, I like it even less now that I am so close to it. So marrying into politics is not a prospect I particularly savor.”

But she is entering into the marriage with eyes wide open, saying, “I am aware of whom I said yes to marrying. I think he also is aware of who he has asked to marry him.”

Due to the devastation wrought on the country a month ago by tropical storm “Ondoy,” the couple has decided to forgo a reception at the Araneta Coliseum and instead donate the money earmarked for the reception to rehabilitation efforts.

In a daze

Roxas, who had withdrawn from the presidential race to give way to Aquino, has always said that matters of the heart were separate from politics when speculations floated that his wedding might also be called off.

“Ask me tomorrow about how I feel,” Roxas said as he admitted he was in a daze.

Yesterday afternoon, Roxas and Aquino swore in to the LP local executives from Cavite led by Gov. Erineo “Ayong” Malicsi, who were previously allied with the administration and the LP group led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.

The Filipiniana-themed wedding at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City at 3 p.m. is expected to gather the who’s who in politics and show business as well as representatives from various political organizations, non-government organizations and communities.

“We can sacrifice our dream wedding. What’s important is that we’re finally getting married,” said Sanchez, whose matron of honor will be Dang Cecilio-Palanca.

The ring bearer will be actress Kris Aquino’s son, James Yap Jr., while Miguel Sanchez and Matthew Garcia will be the coin and Bible bearers, respectively.

Aquino quipped during the program for the swearing in of Cavite leaders that he was at first reluctant to be the godfather of Roxas and Sanchez because “I would like to be married too” someday.

He said there was a traditional Filipino belief that single men who become sponsors at a wedding would remain bachelors. Roxas said it was not true because he stood as sponsor in many weddings before he himself decided to marry.

Aquino told reporters he could not say no to his friends Roxas and Sanchez and agreed to stand as sponsor in place of his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino.

Aquino, an ex-boyfriend of Sanchez, said he had not yet prepared a gift for his godchildren and that he was happy for them.

He said there would probably be no need for him to give any advice as godfather because “the two are not having any problems.”

Aquino said he would like to have his own family too but at the moment his engagement was to the people and marriage would have to wait.

Meanwhile, Malacañang wished Roxas and Sanchez good luck in their new life as a married couple. – With Aurea Calica, Paolo Romero

By Joanne Rae Ramirez
The Philippine Star

Joseph Estrada rdeclares his intntion to run as President: "This is my last performance"!

2009-10-22T21:30:00.001+08:00

2 analysts say 'Erap magic' won't work again

MANILA - Dismissing a Palace warning that he is barred from running again in May 2010, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Wednesday declared to thousands of his supporters gathered in Tondo in Manila that he will again run for the presidency.

“Kaya po tinatanggap ko ang hamon at hiling ng ating mga kababayan upang ibalik ang dangal ng mga api, ng mga masang Pilipino, upang ibalik ang pag-asa sa mga mahihirap, upang ibalik ang tinig ng masang Pilipino. Kaya't ako, sumusumpa ako, na ako si Joseph Ejercito Estrada, ay lalahok sa susunod na halalan upang muling maglingkod sa masang Pilipino bilang Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas,” said Estrada in a rally at Plaza Hernandez in Tondo.

Estrada, who is also an actor, won the presidency in 1998, but was ousted in a military-backed civilian revolt in January 2001, leading to the assumption of President Arroyo.

“This is the last performance of my life. And I will not fail you. Ito pong laban na ito ang magiging huling laban sa pelikula ng aking buhay. Nguni't ang magiging bida dito ay hindi ako kung hindi ang masang Pilipino,” said Estrada.

Estrada also announced his running mate will be Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay.

“Ikinagagalak ko ring ipaalam na ang aming napiling maging susunod na bise presidente ay ang natatanging alkalde na kinikilalang isa sa pinakamagaling sa ating bansa,” Estrada told his supporters, citing Binay’s records and achievements as chief executive of the country’s premiere financial district.

Political party, Senatorial ticket

The former president also announced that he will run under the banner of the United Opposition (UNO) coalition of his political party, Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino and Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban or PDP-Laban.

He said that those who will be included in the senatorial lineup would be Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, his reelectionist son Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, NBN-ZTE whistleblower Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Makati City 1st district Rep. Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Aquillino “Koko” Pimentel III.

Estrada said Pimentel was included in the lineup even though he has yet to decide if he would run due to a pending protest against Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri in the 2007 elections.

He also said the guest candidates who would be adopted are Agusan Del Sur Rep. Rodolfo 'Ompong' Plaza and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.

In a 40-minute speech, Estrada laid out his political and economic platform and defended his record as president. He also criticized the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and promised to continue programs to help the poor.

Estrada told Reuters in an interview last month he would run in the May 2010 election to clear his name and leave a legacy as "the man who championed the cause of the masses."

In an interview after his announcement on Wednesday, Estrada also said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who attended his rally. Manila police estimated the crowd to be 10,000.

2 analysts doubt 'Erap magic' will work again

Two political experts, meanwhile, doubt former President Joseph Estrada can still work the so-called "Erap magic" that gave him close to 11 million votes when he ran for president in 1998.

Political Science Prof. Edwin Tayao of the University of Sto. Tomas doubts Estrada's ratings in recent surveys, particularly since Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party announced his intention to run for president, would still peak.

"Whether we like it or not, we've already had a taste of Erap. So that will be part of the choice of the people. Whether that will translate to the same popularity is another question," Tayao told ANC on Wednesday.

Atty. Edwin Lacierda, constitutional law professor of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Eastern University Institute of Law agreed.

"For the longest time, nagsu-survey, laging kasama sya. Whether he declared or not, alam ng tao tatakbo siya. Hanggang doon na lang numbers niya. Tapos pumasok si Noynoy, biglang bagsak numbers niya. What does it say? It says that kinain na ni Noynoy iyong preference for Erap. (Estrada was always included in surveys. The people knew he was going to run whether he declared or not. His numbers will stay the same. Then Noynoy came in, his numbers suddenly went down. Preference for Erap has transferred to Noynoy.)," Lacierda said.

Lacierda called Noynoy the "game-changer."

"The entry of Noynoy really changed the whole scenario. (Nacionalista Party’s Sen. Manuel ) Villar was doing well. Look at his numbers right now. It seemed it has peaked," he explained.

Tayao and Lacierda added that it would be hard for Estrada to shake off the perception that he was corrupt while he was in Malacañang.

"So talagang kahit sabihin niyang gusto kong ituloy campaign ko para sa mahihirap, nakita nating kung ano'ng klase ang Cabinet niya (Even if he says he wants to continue his campaign for the poor, we've already seen the kind of Cabinet he had.)," Lacierda said.

Barred due to Arroyo pardon?

A Palace official said on Wednesday that President Arroyo's grant of pardon to Joseph Estrada in 2007 contains a pre-condition that bars the former president from running again in May 2010.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told Palace reporters the pardon has a provision which says: "Whereas Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office."

Ermita believes that since this is a "whereas" clause, Estrada is prevented from running again for the presidency or from any public post.

Estrada agreed to the pardon after he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for plunder or large-scale corruption in 2007 following a six-year trial. He was charged with taking bribes from gambling lords and stealing from state coffers.

However, the grant of pardon also restores Estrada's civil and political rights, which means he can vote and seek an elective post.

The pardon says: "In view hereof and pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua. He is hereby restored his civil and political rights."

Ermita said it will be up to the courts to settle this legal issue.

But Estrada, in an interview, reiterated his civil and political rights were restored in the "dispositive portion" of the pardon. “If I can vote, I can be voted upon,” he said.

Constitutional ban?

There is also the question of whether Estrada is eligible to run again because of a constitutional ban on a president seeking a second term. Estrada is convinced he is not covered by the ban because he did not complete his term.

His bid will almost certainly be challenged in court once he formally registers in November.

An Estrada ally, former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda, said the former president is eligible.

"Kaya nga sa Constitution, ‘The President’ at hindi ‘A President’, meaning the president ay iyong incumbent o nakaupong presidente. Iyon ang hindi puwedeng tumakbo muli para hindi magamit ang vast resources ng gubyerno," said Maceda.

Maceda also said Estrada’s second run would not also be considered a re-election.

"A re-election ay tuloy-tuloy na pagkandidato ng isang nakaupong presidente seeking another term.... Erap is running again after so many years.... Therefore he is not seeking re-election but running again," said Estrada’s close adviser.

This view was however contradicted by Professor Carlos Medina of the Ateneo Law School.

".. Pero sinasabi naman sa Saligang Batas ay ‘any re-election’, samakatuwid.... lahat ng klase ng pagtakbong muli bilang presidente ng isang dating presdiente, bawal,” Medina told ABS-CBN News Channel.

Binay is running mate

Binay, meanwhile, formally accepted Estrada's offer to be his running mate in the 210 polls.

Binay said he has an edge over the other vice-presidential aspirants due to his track record in making Makati a prosperous city, after serving as its chief local executive for nearly 20 years.

He added he will campaign for empowerment of local governments, which, he believes, is the key to a progressive nation. He will also focus on the problems of poverty, lack of jobs, and fighting corruption.

Although he will be up against popular senators like Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Liberal Party, and possibly Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Binay said he has the advantage when it comes to experience in governance.

He said the Senate is basically a debating club, while local officials like him are involved in enforcement of laws and implementation of projects.

Strong support from poor

Estrada still commands a sizeable following among the poor and those living in the countryside, who see in him the romantic folk hero of his box office successes, battling the rich and the corrupt. His nickname is Erap, a play on the word Pare, or buddy.

But Estrada remains a thorn in the side of the powerful church and of business leaders, who have worried about fiscal profligacy during his term in office and tales of a "midnight cabinet" of drinking and gambling buddies who influenced policy.

Traders have warned that prospects of an Estrada victory closer to the elections could spook financial markets.

"We want to have a new leader, not the old one, especially with a tainted record," said Astro del Castillo, managing director of the First Grade Holdings brokerage. "Investors will shy away if there is a candidate who has a poor track record and is not trusted by business."

Estrada has said the three main problems of the country that must be addressed are: ending insurgencies by Muslim and left-wing rebels, controlling the population increase, and removing corruption in government.

He has aged since his term in office. He said he smokes a pack a day, and enjoys French wine. Renowned for having a string of mistresses, Estrada has fathered 12 children.

Asked with how many women, he told Reuters last month: "That's private property, no trespassing." But he added: "I have borne children out of wedlock. My wife is not complaining, so you don't have to complain.

Winning next year's election would be a vindication, he said.

"One more chance and that's it. It's really the last performance of my life. I have no more ambition in life except that when I exit, I be remembered as the man who championed the cause of the masses." -- reports from Willard Cheng, Sheryll Mundo, ABS-CBN News; Ayen Karingal, ANC; and, Reuters

SPED Seminars this November 2009!

2009-10-20T13:29:00.000+08:00

Patricia Muñoz, a fully credentialed special education teacher in California will conduct a seminar on Preparing an Effective Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a Vital Tool in the SPED Program on Oct. 25.

Other seminars are Utilizing Effective Strategies to Serve the Needs of Special Children on Nov. 8; Implementing an Effective Inclusion Program for Special Needs Students in an Inclusion Program, Nov. 15; and Utilizing Instructional and Curricular Modifications for Special Needs Students in an Inclusion Program, Nov. 29.

All seminars will be held at Protégé SPED Center, Unit 1A Rexxon’s Arcade, 36 Xavierville Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City (with tel. nos. 0918-3588855, 436-2620 or 434-6064). Seminar hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration starts 8 a.m. Classes on SPED strategies, IEP Writing and Inclusion Program are held regularly.

Basic Sign Language classes will be held on Oct. 25 and Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Muñoz offers consultancy on setting up special education schools and programs.

For details, e-mail at patmunoz2001@yahoo.com.

Another Priest Kidnapped

2009-10-13T11:43:00.004+08:00

Fr. Michael Sinnott, 78, Irish, was reportedly walking inside the mission compound in Pagadian Cityafter dinner and when three of the convent’s employees were about to close the gate, a man pushed the gate and said he wanted to talk to the priest.

Witnesses said three or four other men immediately entered and took the missionary to a vehicle. The vehicle was later found torched in the city’s coastal area by local authorities.

As of the press time there was no ransom demanded yet, but this is another kidnap for ransom case, just like any kidnapping that involving a foreigner.

“Father Sinnott is a good man. We don’t know why he was kidnapped. He lived almost all his life in Mindanao.

He is weak and old, but still active in many interfaith forums,” said one of the priest's friends who declined to be identified.

“They cannot do anything because the men were armed. They pleaded, but the men still took Father Michael. We are praying for his safety,” she said.

The motive for the kidnapping remained unknown and no group has claimed responsibility.

Sinnott, of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, was ordained in 1954 and following studies in Rome was assigned to Mindanao in 1957.

He served in Mindanao until 1966 and was then assigned to the theology staff in Dalgan Park, Navan in Ireland. He returned to Philippines in 1976 where he has served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles.

Since 1998 he has been involved with “The Center and School for Special Children” which he established.

Philippine Peso strengthens to P46-$1!

2009-10-07T14:10:00.000+08:00

The peso strengthened to its strongest level in nine months, breaking the P47-$1 level again and closing at its high of P46.70 against the dollar yesterday.

Yesterday’s close was the strongest since Jan. 9, when the unit closed at P46.45.

A trader from a foreign bank said the government’s announcement of another bond issue this year also pushed the peso up, even as it took the market by surprise. The new bond issue was reported to help finance the rehabilitation spending in the wake of storm Ondoy.

The peso may also have been helped by improved fundamentals, with the government’s plan to sell assets this quarter helping to put the budget-deficit target “back on track,” Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said.

Philippines keeps its ranking!

2009-10-07T14:05:00.000+08:00

THE Philippines retained its 105th ranking among 182 countries in a development report released yesterday, placing it in the medium development bracket with a human development index of 0.751 based on 2007 data.

That was slightly higher than its index of 0.747 in a previous report, but below the average of 0.770 for East Asia and the Pacific, according to the Human Development Report 2009 prepared by the United Nations Development Program.

The human development index looks beyond the gross domestic product to a broader definition of well-being. It provides a composite measure of three dimensions of human development: living a long and healthy life (measured by life expectancy), being educated (measured by adult literacy and gross enrollment in education), and having a decent standard of living (measured by purchasing power or income).

Norway topped the list with an index value of 0.971, followed closely by Australia. Iceland, which topped the list in 2008, was relegated to third spot. An index value closer to 1.0 means better quality of human development.

At the bottom of the list was Niger, with an index value of only 0.340, followed by Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Mali.

“Between 1980 and 2007 the Philippines’ [index] rose by 0.53 percent annually from 0.652 to 0.751 today. [Index] scores in all regions have increased progressively over the years, although all have experienced periods of slower growth or even reversals,” the UNDP said.

“This year’s [index], which refers to 2007, highlights the very large gaps in well-being and life chances that continue to divide our increasingly interconnected world.”

The report says that despite progress in many areas over the past 25 years, the disparities in people’s well-being in rich and poor countries continue to be unacceptably wide.

“Migration can be a force for good, contributing significantly to human development,” UNDP administrator Helen Clark said.

“But to realize its benefits, there needs to be a supportive policy environment as this report suggests.”
Source:Roderick T. dela Cruz, MmanilaStandardToday.com

Super Typhoon Coming!

2009-10-02T08:42:00.001+08:00

After the onslaught of typhoon "Ondoy" that devastated many lives in the Metro Manila area, a new super typhoon is again coming this way in the Philippines. Most people who are affected by the last typhoon that submerged parts of Metro Manila has not yet recovered from their losses are now facing another super typhoon "Pepeng"(Parma)which is estimated to hit grounds tomorrow wich brings stron winds and hopefully not much rain as the previous typhoon.

Pepeng is the 16th weather disturbance that hit the Philippines this year. The country has not yet recovered from the devastation caused by tropical storm "Ondoy (Ketsana)," which claimed at least 277 lives and damaged close to P5 billion worth of infrastructure and agricultural crops.

A category 5, the highest tropical cyclone level, based on the Saffir-Simpson Scale that packs minimum sustained winds of 250 kph.

Meanwhile, Pagasa weather forecaster Mario Palafox said a tropical depression (international codename "Melor") which is following Pepeng is still outside Philippine territory and is unlikely to enhance the typhoon.

We just hope that this time it will not bring as much rain as the previous typhoon and people are more prepared for this one to arrive.