Good Riddance Merceditas Guttierez

I was almost impressed by Pres. Nonoy Aquino’s reaction in saying that the resignation of Ombudsman M. Guttierez is not personal. He says that with Guttierez gone, so are some of the enigmas that we faced that is a waste of our time. Hmmmnnnn, I wonder what is it that is so mystifying with OMG that he wants us to be thankful for her “concern” on the welfare of the state. Really Pnoy, what is it exactly that we should be grateful for? Are we supposed to be grateful when she should not have been considered by the Judicial Bar Council in the first place because she is not exactly brilliant, according to our great statesman Jovito Salonga for failing the bar exam.

This is truly worrisome and I am afraid that you are enabling the haters insisting that you are clueless. I want Pnoy to succeed but it bothers me that Pnoy haters may have a point when asked if he will hold Guttierez accountable his response while it sounded grounded is troublesome:

Unfortunately, one of the problems of this country is it takes six years to adjudicate a case. I have five years two months left. I cannot go after everybody that I think we can file charges upon. Hindi puwedeng lahatan. I'm not saying hindi siya priority but there are people who have higher priority.

It makes me wonder if Pnoy has a real appreciation of the corruption problem and is just mouthing his tuwid na landas (straight path) because it sounds good. First of all Aquino was elected president and supported by the people who longs for meaningful change. As such he is the acknowledged leader or is he not aware of that? A leader sets the tone and direction of where the nation is headed but at the rate he makes excuses where exactly do you think we are headed? If the president lay down a solid foundation it does not matter whether he cannot the finish the job but what matters is setting the tone towards good governance. In short once you up the ante the future president to follow in your footstep will have no choice but to step up the same plate or even better because it is expected of them to do no less.

Now what kind of an excuse is that when he says we can’t hold everyone accountable, is he not together with the judiciary and police agencies not just morally but duty bound in their oath of office to uphold the law without fear or favor? Is that not being selective once again as has always been the case thus we never see an end to hooligan thievery if not plunder among politicians once they are in the cheat errr seat of power?

I wonder what is it that makes him so indecisive when his platform of governance was supposedly rooted on a straight path. It is bad enough that the problem of inept Arroyo appointee left over has not been resolved, but what is worse is when Pnoy re-appoints some of them. Some of whom are not exactly without controversy as we are seeing now with the Plunder Case being readied by former Solicitor General Frank Chavez.

Now, if I may ask. When Guttierez asked that her security be retained was that a condition for her resignation? It is not as if the kotong republic errr the republic is a washed with dinero but I think that was a little bit on the soft side. Why did Pnoy not countered that she should not worry about security if she spilled the beans pronto. If she is jailed she will be in the most secure place complete with guards…. Guards guarding her 24 hours a day seven days a week, now that’s the best security she can have except that they are there to ensure she does not attempt to escape. That’s like hitting two birds in one stone, she gets what she wants and a tremendous savings because the prison is an existing facility avoiding the extra expense if she is mobile.

NATIONAL UNION OF PEOPLES LAWYERS DENOUNCES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ON ROXAS CASE

Melissa Roxas' Press Conference (2 of 4): Statement by Melissa Roxas from Habi Arts on Vimeo.

Late last year, the Supreme Court of the Philippines in Roxas v Arroyo ordered the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the abduction and torture of Fil-Am activist Melissa Roxas. In her amparo petition, Roxas claimed that she was abducted by elements belonging to the Philippine military. The Supreme Court found that the police and the military investigations on the abduction were one-sided. In ordering the CHR to conduct a thorough investigation, the Supreme Court said:

Ironic as it seems, but part and parcel of the reason why (Roxas) was not able to adduce substantial evidence proving her allegations of government complicity in her abduction and torture, may be attributed to the incomplete and one-sided investigations conducted by the government itself. This “awkward” situation, wherein the very persons alleged to be involved in an enforced disappearance or extralegal killing are, at the same time, the very ones asked by law to investigate the matter, is a unique characteristic of these proceedings and is the main source of the “evidentiary difficulties” faced by any petitioner in any amparo case.

Last week, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines en banc released its resolution which may be summarized in one sentence: The New People's Army, not the military, abducted and tortured Roxas! However, the CHR did not substantiate this with any evidence. Rights groups all over the country were and remain outraged. In a press release today, the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, the largest organization of human rights lawyers and paralegals in the country, through Atty. Edre U. Olalia, its Secretary General, castigated the CHR for its resolution.

The full text of the NUPL press release is as follows:

RIGHTS LAWYERS TELL CHR – STOP OBSCURING TRUTH REGARDING FIL-AM ACTIVIST TORTURE

Human rights lawyers association National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) challenged the resolution of the Commission of Human Rights on the abduction and torture of Melissa Roxas, a Filipino-American activist and Bayan-USA member.

“We are at a loss to interpret such illogical legal reasoning ,” states NUPL Secretary-General Atty. Edre Olalia. He was referring to the Resolution’s findings that Roxas was indeed abducted and tortured, but then stops short of holding the military accountable. The resolution further went into unprecedented speculations on who could possibly be behind these human rights violations, pointing at the New People’s Army (NPA).

Roxas was abducted on May 19, 2009 in La Paz, Tarlac. She was repeatedly subjected to physical and psychological torture to force a confession that she was a member of the NPA.

The Resolution states that there was “insufficient evidence” to conclude that military agents were the ones behind Roxas’ abduction and torture. It then, in a leap of inference perhaps betraying a scarcity of objectivity, went on to say that it has received “information” from unspecified individuals saying that the NPA could have possibly committed the kidnapping and other human rights violations on Roxas.

Atty. Olalia points out that “the CHR is quick to deflect AFP’s hand in Melissa’s torture, while giving credence to flimsy and questionable sources to surmise NPA involvement. However, CHR was not able to produce a shred of evidence to substantiate its incredible claims.”

The CHR itself admits the dubiousness of its findings, adding in its defense, “the failure to identify specific persons to accuse and hold responsible is not fatal to the competence of the CHR to make a finding on the question of the commission of human rights violation.”

The Court of Appeals had earlier granted Roxas’ petition for a writ of amparo, declaring that her testimony was “credible and worthy of belief.” The Supreme Court itself had additionally directed that further investigation be conducted with the use of extraordinary diligence in order to identify the perpetrators behind the abduction and torture. And yet with one stroke of the pen, the CHR aims to remove the burden of responsibility on the military to prove that it was not guilty of abducting and torturing Roxas. “Where is this extraordinary diligence?” asks Atty. Olalia. “It is downright ironic for the CHR, which is constitutionally tasked to investigate human rights violations, to be the first to mask the AFP’s role in Melissa’s abduction and torture.”

Joining other other human rights victims, their relatives, and human rights advocates, the NUPL tells the CHR, “Stick to the issue: given the facts, pattern, motive, means, opportunity and context of her ordeal, Melissa was clearly abducted and tortured by the State security forces under the Oplan Bantay Laya program of GMA. Ignoring the overwhelming facts will only engender impunity and make perpetrators gloat and swagger like they were her protectors rather than cut them down to size and make them accountable.”#

Reference: Atty. Edre U. Olalia, NUPL Secretary - General (09175113373)

Posted by: CHERYL L. DAYTEC

Phil. Representative signatories to a Resolution allowing a Heroes burial for Marcos

Below is the article found at Alleba Politics listing the 216 representatives written by Maria Jose. The list of the history revisionist are indeed familiar if not a permanent fixture in the sorry pathetic state of Philippine personality and patronage politics. Can we expect any different, of course not but that does not mean that we have to suffer in silence especially those victims of the despotic regime being elevated from the Philippine history's villain to herp with a mere stroke of their revisionist poisonous pen.

Call, write or email your representatives if they are on list and ask what drives them to rewrite history to elevate former dictator Ferdinand Marcos into a hero. Their election to that office is embarrasment enough but their action will definitely make us the laughing stock of the world at the expense of thousands of human rights victims under the despotic regime of the conjugal dictatorship.

The least we can do is to sign this petition to stop the shameless history revisionist from their madness located at this link titled Marcos is not a Hero! Protest the Plan to Make Him One!

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216 representatives have signed the House of Representatives resolution filed on March 23, 2011 entitled “A RESOLUTION URGING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO C. AQUINO III TO ALLOW THE BURIAL OF THE REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT FERDINAND EDRALIN MARCOS AT THE LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI.” Here is the list of the 216 representatives who signed the said resolution:

• Abayon, Daryl Grace J., AANGAT TAYO
• Acharon, Pedro Jr. B., South Cotabato & General Santos City, 1st District, NPC
• Acop, Romeo M., Antipolo City, 2nd District, Independent
• Aggabao, Giorgidi B., Isabela, 4th District, LPC
• Aglipay, Emmeline Y., DIWA
• Agyao, Manuel S., Kalinga, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Albano, Rodolfo B., Isabela, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alcover, Pastor Jr. M., ANAD
• Almario, Thelma Z., Davao Oriental, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Almonte, Jorge T., Misamis Occidental, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alvarez, Antonio C., Palawan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alvarez, Mercedes K., Negros Occidental, 6th District, NPC
• Amante-Matba, Angelica M., Agusan del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Amatong, Rommel C., Compostela Valley, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Andaya, Rolando Jr. G., Camarines Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Angping, Ma. Zenaida B., Manila, 3rd District, NPC
• Antonino, Rodolfo W., Nueva Ecija, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Antonio, Patricio T., ABIAG
• Apacible, Tomas V., Batangas, 1st District, Liberal
• Apostol, Sergio F., Leyte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Aquino, Jose II S., Agusan del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arago, Ma. Evita R., Laguna, 3rd District, Liberal
• Arenas, Ma. Rachel J., Pangasinan, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arnaiz, George P., Negros Oriental, 2nd District, NPC
• Arquiza, Godofredo V., SENIOR CITIZEN
• Arroyo, Diosdado Macapagal, Camarines Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arroyo, Ignacio, Negros Occidental, 5th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Asilo, Benjamin DR., Manila, 1st District, LP/KKK
• Aumentado, Erico B., Bohol, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Avance-Fuentes, Daisy, South Cotabato, 2nd District, NPC
• Bagasina, Catalina C., ALE
• Bagatsing, Amado S., Manila, 5th District, KABAKA
• Balindong, Pangalian M., Lanao del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Barzaga, Elpidio Jr. F., Dasmariñas City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Bataoil, Leopoldo N., Pangasinan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Batocabe, Rodel M., AKO BIKOL
• Bautista, Franklin P., Davao del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Belmonte, Vicente Jr. F., Iligan City, Lone District, Liberal
• Benitez, Alfredo ‘Albee’ B., Negros Occidental, 3rd District, NPC
• Bernos, Ma. Jocelyn V., Abra, Lone District, PDSP
• Bichara, Al Francis DC., Albay, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Bondoc, Anna York P., M.D., Pampanga, 4th District, Nacionalista
• Bravo, Narciso Jr. R., Masbate, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Brawner Baguilat, Teddy Jr., Ifugao, Lone District, Liberal
• Briones, Nicanor M., AGAP
• Bulut-Begtang, Eleanor C., Apayao, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Cabaluna, Salvador III P., 1-CARE
• Cabilao Yambao, Jonathan, Zamboanga Sibugay, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cagas, Marc Douglas IV C., Davao del Sur, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L., Caloocan City, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Calimbas-Villarosa, Ma. Amelita A., Occidental Mindoro, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Canonigo, Ranulfo P., KAKUSA
• Cari, Jose Carlos L., Leyte, 5th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Castro, Jane T., Capiz, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Catamco, Nancy A., North Cotabato, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Celeste, Jesus ‘Boying’ F., Pangasinan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Cerafica, Arnel M., Taguig City, 1st District, Liberal
• Chipeco, Justin Mark SB., Laguna, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Co, Christopher S., AKO BIKOL
• Cojuangco, Enrique M., Tarlac, 1st District, NPC
• Cojuangco, Kimi S., Pangasinan, 5th District, NPC
• Collantes, Sonny P., Batangas, 3rd District, PMP
• Cortuna, Julieta R., A TEACHER
• Cosalan, Ronald M., Benguet, Lone District, Liberal
• Crisologo, Vincent ‘Bingbong’ P., Quezon City, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cua, Dakila Carlo E., Quirino, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dalog, Maximo B., Mountain Province, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Datumanong ,Simeon A., Maguindanao, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dayanghirang, Nelson L., Davao Oriental, 1st District, Nacionalista
• De Venecia, Ma. Georgina P., Pangasinan, 4th District, NPC
• Del Rosario, Antonio A., Capiz, 1st District, Liberal
• Diaz, Antonio M., Zambales, 2nd District, Lapiang Manggagawa
• Dimaporo, Fatima Aliah Q., Lanao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dimaporo, Imelda Quibranza, Lanao del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Duavit, Joel Roy, Rizal, 1st District, NPC
• Durano, Ramon VI H., Cebu, 5th District, NPC
• Dy, Napoleon S., Isabela, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ejercito, Joseph Victor G., San Juan City, Lone District, PMP
• Emano, Yevgeny Vincente B., Misamis Oriental, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Enerio-Cerilles, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M., Quezon, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Eriguel, Eufranio ‘Franny’ C., M.D., La Union, 2nd District, NPC
• Escudero, Salvador III H., Sorsogon, 1st District, NPC
• Espina, Rogelio J.,M.D., Biliran, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Estrella, Robert Raymund M., ABONO
• Evardone, Ben P., Eastern Samar, Lone District, Independent
• Fariñas, Rodolfo C., Ilocos Norte, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S., Laguna, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ferrer, Antonio A., Cavite, 6th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ferrer, Jeffrey P., Negros Occidental, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Fortuno, Salvio B., Camarines Sur, 5th District, Nacionalista
• Fua, Orlando B., Siquijor, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Fuentebella, Arnulfo P., Camarines Sur, 4th District, NPC
• Garay, Florencio C., Surigao del Sur, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A., AKO BIKOL
• Garcia, Albert Raymond S., Bataan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Garin, Janette L., Iloilo, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Garin, Sharon S., AAMBIS-OWA
• Gatchalian, Rex, Valenzuela City, 1st District, NPC
• Go, Ana Cristina S., Isabela, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Go, Arnulfo F., Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Golez, Anthony Rolando Jr. T., Bacolod City, Lone District, NPC
• Gomez, Lucy T., Leyte, 4th District, Liberal
• Gonzales, Aurelio ‘Dong’ Jr. D., Pampanga, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Gonzalez, Fernando V., Albay, 3rd District, Liberal
• Guanlao, Agapito H., BUTIL
• Gullas, Eduardo R., Cebu, 1st District, NP-ALAYON
• Haresco, Teodorico T., ANG KASANGGA
• Hataman-Salliman, Jim S., Basilan, Lone District, Liberal
• Herrera-Dy, Bernadette R., BH
• Jaafar, Nur G., Tawi-Tawi, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Jalosjos, Cesar G., Zamboanga del Norte, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Jalosjos, Romeo Jr. M., Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Jalosjos, Seth F. P., Zamboanga del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Joson, Josefina M., Nueva Ecija, 1st District, NPC
• Kho, Antonio T., Masbate, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Kho, David L., SENIOR CITIZEN
• Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique R., Malabon City, Lone District, NPC
• Lagdameo, Antonio Jr. F., Davao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lanete, Scott Davies S., M.D., Masbate, 3rd District, NPC
• Lapus, Jeci A., Tarlac, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lazatin, Carmelo F., Pampanga, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Leonen-Pizarro, Catalina G., ABS
• Lico, Isidro Q., ATING KOOP
• Limkaichong, Jocelyn S., Negros Oriental, 1st District, Liberal
• Loong, Tupay T., Sulu, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lopez, Carol Jayne B., YACAP
• Loyola, Roy M., Cavite, 5th District, Liberal
• Macapagal Arroyo, Juan Miguel, ANG GALING PINOY
• Macapagal-Arroyo, Gloria M., Pampanga, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Madrona, Eleandro Jesus F., Romblon, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Magsaysay, Eulogio ‘Amang’ R., AVE
• Magsaysay, Ma. Milagros H., Zambales, 1st District, Lakas
• Malapitan, Oscar G., Caloocan City, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Maliksi, Erineo S., Cavite, 3rd District, Liberal
• Mandanas, Hermilando I., Batangas, 2nd District, Liberal
• Marañon, Alfredo III D., Negros Occidental, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Marcoleta, Rodante D., AVE
• Marcos, Imelda R., Ilocos Norte, 2nd District, KBL
• Matugas, Francisco ‘Lalo’ T., Surigao del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mellana, Evelyn P., Agusan del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mendoza, Joselito ‘Jonjon’ R., Bulacan, 3rd District, Liberal
• Mendoza, Mark Llandro L., Batangas, 4th District, NPC
• Mercado, Roger G., Southern Leyte, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mercado-Revilla, Lani, Cavite, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Miraflores, Florencio T., Aklan, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Montejo, Neil Benedict A., AN WARAY
• Nava, Joaquin Carlos Rahman A., Guimaras, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Noel, Florencio G., AN WARAY
• Nograles, Karlo Alexei B., Davao City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Obillo, Reena Concepcion G., ANG PAMILYA
• Ocampo, Rosenda Ann, Manila, 6th District, LP/KKK
• Olivarez, Edwin L., Parañaque City, 1st District, Liberal
• Ong, Emil L., Northern Samar, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ortega, Francisco Emmanuel III R.ABONO
• Ortega, Victor Francisco C., La Union, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Padilla, Carlos M., Nueva Vizcaya, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Palmones, Angelo B., AGHAM
• Pancho, Pedro M., Bulacan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Pangandaman, Mohammed Hussein P., Lanao del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Pangandaman, Solaiman C., AA KASOSYO
• Panotes, Elmer E., Camarines Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Paras, Jesus Emmanuel M., Bukidnon, 1st District, NPC
• Payuyo, Ponciano D., APEC
• Piamonte, Mariano Jr. U., A-TEACHER
• Pichay, Philip A., Surigao del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Plaza, Ma. Valentina G., Agusan del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ponce Enrile, Juan Jr. C., Cagayan, 1st District, NPC
• Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L., Pangasinan, 6th District, NPC
• Puno, Roberto V., Antipolo City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Quimbo, Romero Federico ‘Miro’ S., Marikina City, 2nd District, Liberal
• Quisumbing, Gabriel R., Cebu, 6th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B., Sorsogon, 2nd District, Liberal
• Remulla, Jesus Crispin C., Cavite, 7th District, Nacionalista
• Rivera, Michael Angelo C., 1-CARE
• Robes, Arturo B., San Jose del Monte City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Rodriguez, Isidro Jr. S., Rizal, 2nd District, NPC
• Rodriguez, Maximo Jr. B., ABANTE MINDANAO
• Rodriguez, Rufus B., Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd District, PMP
• Roman, Herminia B., Bataan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romarate, Guillermo Jr. A., Surigao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin G., Leyte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romualdo, Pedro P., Camiguin, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sacdalan, Jesus N., North Cotabato, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sahidulla, Nur-ana I., Sulu, 2nd District, NPC
• Sakaluran, Raden C., Sultan Kudarat, 1st District, Independent
• Salimbangon, Benhur L., Cebu, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Salvacion, Andres Jr. D., Leyte, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• San Luis, Edgar S., Laguna, 4th District, NPC
• Sarmiento, Cesar V., Catanduanes, Lone District, Liberal
• Sarmiento, Mel Senen S., Western Samar, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sema, Bai Sandra A., Maguindanao & Cotabato City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Singson, Eric Jr. G., Ilocos Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Socrates, Victorino Dennis M., Palawan, 2nd District, NPC
• Suarez, Danilo E., Quezon, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sy-Alvarado, Ma. Victoria R., Bulacan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tan, Milagrosa ‘Mila’ T., Western Samar, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Teodoro, Marcelino R, Marikina City, 1st District, Independent
• Teves, Pryde Henry A., Negros Oriental, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tiangco, Tobias ‘Toby’ M., Navotas City, Lone District, Partido Navoteno
• Ting, Randolph S., Cagayan, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tomawis, Acmad M., ALIF
• Tupas, Niel Jr. C., Iloilo, 5th District, Liberal
• Umali, Reynaldo V., Oriental Mindoro, 2nd District, Liberal
• Unabia, Peter ‘Sr. Pedro’ M., Misamis Oriental, 1st District, PMP
• Ungab, Isidro T., Davao City, 3rd District, Liberal
• Valencia, Rodolfo G., Oriental Mindoro, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Vargas-Alfonso, Baby Aline, Cagayan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Vergara, Bernardo M., Baguio City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Villafuerte, Luis R., Camarines Sur, 3rd District, NPC
• Villar, Mark A., Las Piñas City, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Violago, Joseph Gilbert F., Nueva Ecija, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yap, Arthur C., Bohol, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yap, Susan, Tarlac, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yu, Victor J., Zamboanga del Sur, 1st District, NPC
• Zamora-Apsay, Ma. Carmen, Compostela Valley, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD

Is your representative one of them?

Unfortunately, my district’s representative (whom I didn’t vote for) is on the list.

As the daughter of parents who are both martial law victims, I can find no rhyme or reason for burying Marcos in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” or for giving him a hero’s burial rites. For one, being a soldier alone does not cancel out his wrongdoings. Nor does it make him a hero.

I am utterly disgusted at these 216 representatives.

The Marcos era and Martial Law may have long gone, but let us NEVER FORGET!

Singapore's softy soldier

Got this article from Mong Palatino about a softy Singaporean soldier.

Now if only all the soldiers are like this softy we may see an end to wars of aggression. If this young soldier can't even carry his own backpack I am sure he cannot be depended to defend his country or join in wars of aggression.

I wonder what future awaits this soldier? If he stays, that is if he has the cajones to stand the rigors of soldiering, what is the likelihhod that he will be promoted? If he gets promoted I can foresee that he will probably not just have his maid or his subordinate not just carry his backpack but emulate this Philippine General.....

Ayala Alabang Barangay Talibani Pro-Lifers ran amok

As we agonizingly laugh at the dumb and dumber theatrics of the freak circus side show of Tito Sotto in his legislative “brilliancy” of introducing a bill to ban poppy seeds, the Ayala Alabang Barangay council truly tops them all with an ordinance that effectively categorize contraceptives as a controlled substance. That is until we see another hilariously ridiculous theatrics that is coming our way, boy will we ever have a respite from all these madness. If Sotto’s bill passes, not that it will by any stretch of imagination, but in the Philippine legislative branch who knows what they are capable or incapable of doing embarrassing legislations. If Sotto’s bill passes does that mean the bakers will be treated as traffickers? Now, how exactly will they treat those who love their breads and pastries with poppy seeds in it or on top of it?

If you think the poppy seed fiasco is bad enough wait till you see how the circus unfolds down south of the itch errrr Makati. The Barangay Ayala Alabang ordinance penalizes anyone who advertises “by billboard, brochures, leaflets, flyers or similar means or any manner of form, sell, offer for free or endorse, promote, prescribe or distribute abortifacients.” Quite an ordinance I should say signed by its chairman, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., and council members Alice Bacani, Joanna Calugcug, Maria Carmen Reyes, Maria Soledad Tugade, Mariano Manas Jr., Apolinario de los Santos III and Giancarlo Nazario. It was also signed by Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Juan Enrico Parfan and attested by barangay secretary Santos Rancudo. This is like the Talibani religious fanaticism but with an elitist twist or was it twisted? Not content with the prohibition even married couples will now have to get a physician’s prescription in order to buy and use contraceptives, what is this… a marijuana like substance that needs a prescription?

I wonder how the Barangay tanghod errr tanod will enforce the ordinance they passed, does that mean they have the authority to search couples for illegal possession of condoms. Remember these tanghod are not trained professional police but then again even professional police like that dumb cop in the tourist hostage massacre is not a guarantee that laws are enforced strictly. How much more with an ordinance passed by a mere Barangay policed by their sidekicks acting like cops with sticks in their hands.

Ayala Alabang is taunted err touted to be the Forbes Park of the south, you would think that majority if not all  the residents are a breed apart being successful in their lives, so how can they elect ignoramuses in their Barangay council? Does that mean that most of them have a Taliban mindset allowing their Barangay officials in passing ordinances that are not just judiciary questionable but violative of womens rights. Since when did Barangay had the authority to impose their ignorant fanatical views on people and the privacy of couples bedrooms. Does that mean that they will now investigate couples that are not breeding like rabbits as a suspected condom or pill popping couples doing their sexual intramurals out to emjoy it and not to produce babies? Let me end this with an apt quote from Leah Salonga:

“Ignorance, at the end of the day, is what will be the death of us all. Plain and simple”

Japanese boy teaches lesson in sacrifice

Brother,

How are you and your family? These last few days, everything was in chaos. When I close my eyes, I see dead bodies. When I open my eyes, I also see dead bodies.

Each one of us must work 20 hours a day, yet I wish there were 48 hours in the day, so that we could continue helping and rescuing folks.

We are without water and electricity, and food rations are near zero. We barely manage to move refugees before there are new orders to move them elsewhere.

I am currently in Fukushima, about 25 kilometers away from the nuclear power plant. I have so much to tell you that if I could write it all down, it would surely turn into a novel about human relationships and behaviors during times of crisis.

People here remain calm - their sense of dignity and proper behavior are very good - so things aren't as bad as they could be. But given another week, I can't guarantee that things won't get to a point where we can no longer provide proper protection and order.

They are humans after all, and when hunger and thirst override dignity, well, they will do whatever they have to do. The government is trying to provide supplies by air, bringing in food and medicine, but it's like dropping a little salt into the ocean.

Brother, there was a really moving incident. It involves a little Japanese boy who taught an adult like me a lesson on how to behave like a human being.

Last night, I was sent to a little grammar school to help a charity organization distribute food to the refugees. It was a long line that snaked this way and that and I saw a little boy around 9 years old. He was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.

It was getting very cold and the boy was at the very end of the line. I was worried that by the time his turn came there wouldn't be any food left. So I spoke to him. He said he was at school when the earthquake happened. His father worked nearby and was driving to the school. The boy was on the third floor balcony when he saw the tsunami sweep his father's car away.

I asked him about his mother. He said his house is right by the beach and that his mother and little sister probably didn't make it. He turned his head and wiped his tears when I asked about his relatives.

The boy was shivering so I took off my police jacket and put it on him. That's when my bag of food ration fell out. I picked it up and gave it to him. "When it comes to your turn, they might run out of food. So here's my portion. I already ate. Why don't you eat it?"

The boy took my food and bowed. I thought he would eat it right away, but he didn't. He took the bag of food, went up to where the line ended and put it where all the food was waiting to be distributed.

I was shocked. I asked him why he didn't eat it and instead added it to the food pile. He answered: "Because I see a lot more people hungrier than I am. If I put it there, then they will distribute the food equally."

When I heard that I turned away so that people wouldn't see me cry.

A society that can produce a 9-year-old who understands the concept of sacrifice for the greater good must be a great society, a great people.

Well, a few lines to send you and your family my warm wishes. The hours of my shift have begun again.

Ha Minh Thanh

EDITOR'S note:

THIS letter, written by Vietnamese immigrant Ha Minh Thanh working in Fukushima as a policeman to a friend in Vietnam, was posted on New America Media on March 19. It is a testimonial to the strength of the Japanese spirit, and an interesting slice of life near the epicenter of Japan's crisis at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. It was translated by NAM editor Andrew Lam, author of "East Eats West: Writing in Two Hemispheres." Shanghai Daily condensed it.