An Open Letter to Mdm Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines Petition

An Open Letter to Mdm Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines Petition

An honorable decision

Ellen Tordesillas

‘Escudero is out of the presidential race. But he saved his soul.’

 

SORSOGON Rep. Salvador "Sonny" Escudero said when he talked with his senator-son Chiz the first hour of Tuesday, he was not yet decided on his political plans.

As he was going out of the church yesterday morning, "6:47 a.m., to be exact", he got a text from Chiz: "Tatay, I will not run."

Congressman Escudero said he is happy with his son’s decision. He believes that the political system in the country is not yet ready for an independent candidate for president.

"He is taking the honorable path and I’m proud of him," he said.

A source close to Escudero said last week, a businessman close to the Arroyos offered him P100 million campaign assistance in exchange for voting for Justice Agnes Devanadera to bejustice of the Supreme Court.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice, Escudero is the representative to the Judicial and Bar Council that screens nominees for Supreme Court justice. The source said that money could have been a substantial contribution to his campaign fund. But he turned it down.

As he said in his speech yesterday when he announced he was not running for any elective office in the 2010 elections: "I’ve always said that for me, it’s the presidency but not at all cost. Not at the cost of losing my soul, not at the cost of losing myself, not at the cost by being eaten up by the system and the process and certainly not at the cost of not being able to do the things that I was and set out to do."

Escudero was the choice of the Magdalo group for president. With his withdrawal from the race, whom will the Magdalo, with 40,000 members all over the country support?

Magdalo spokesman Ashley Acedillo, who is running as representative in Cebu, said there would be a new consultation among the members. In last October’s voting, Escudero was number one, Sen. Noynoy Aquino was the second choice. Others in the list were Sen. Manny Villar and former president Joseph Estrada.

In a conversation days after he left his party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition last month, Escudero said, "I did not plan to take this path because I have always been a party man. I was led to this path, and to tell you the truth, I feel good."

Escudero is out of the presidential race. But he saved his soul.

Following is his speech yesterday:

"Simula noong umalis ako sa NPC noong ika-28 ng Oktubre, ginawa ko yun upang malaya kong makita at matanaw ang dapat kong gawin kaugnay ng 2010 elections.

"Ginawa ko ‘yun upang hindi nakapiring at hindi nakatali ang aking mga mata’t mga kamay para malaman kung ano ang dapat kong magawa sa ating sambayanan sa darating na panahon. Mula sa aking Malaya na pagkakatayo, tunay namang mas nakita ko ang dapat nating gawin bilang isang bansa at bilang isang lahi. Kabilang na ang pag-amin at pag-ako ng aniuman kakayanan o kawalan nito kaugnay sa mga mithiin, pangarap at layunin natin para sa ating bansa.

"Nitong mga nagdaang araw, nagnilay-nilay ako, kumausap sa maraming malalapit na kaibigan at gayundin pamilya, kinausap ang ilan sa ating mga kababayan at pinagpasyahan ang aking papel na gagampanan sa darating na halalan.

"Akala ko magiging madaling desisyon pero hindi pala. Akala ko napakadali ang magiging pasya pero hindi pala. I’ve always said that for me, it’s the presidency but not at all cost. Not at the cost of losing my soul, not at the cost of losing myself, not at the cost by being eaten up by the system and the process and certainly not at the cost of not being able to do the things that I was and set out to do.

"Para sa akin panguluhan lamang ang aking nasa isip subalit hindi ko ito hahanapin at kukunin kung sa proseso ng pagkuha nito mawawala po ang aking sarili’t kaluluwa

"Hindi ko rin kayang gawin ang dapat at gusto kong gawin at kung makakain lamang ako ng sistema. Para sa akin, hamon itong dapat tingnan ng lahat na ng unang nagdeklara, sila ba’y nakain na ng sistema o hindi pa, sa daan tungo sa panguluhan. Sila ba ay kaya pa ring gawin ang lahat ng pinangako sa atin na magaganda at matatamis habang nangangampanya.

"Hindi ko makokonsensyang sabihin ‘yan kung hindi ko rin lang kayang gawin kung ako ay pagtitiwalaan niyo. Dahil po sa lahat ng nabanggit ko, akala ko’y madali pero hindi.

"Napagpasyahan ko, na hindi tumakbo bilang pangulo sa darating na halalan. Napagpasyahan ko na hindi man bilang kandidato, ako’y may papel na pwedeng gampanan bilang Pilipino at ordinaryong botante sa panahong ito.

"Napagpasyahan ko na hindi lang ngayon ang panahon para matupad ang pinanghahawakan kong pangarap at layunin kong panguluhan nang hindi nakatali. Patuloy kang panghahawakan ang pangarap at pangakong iyan. Hindi man ngayon kundi sa darating na panahon.

"Nais kong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito para magpasalamat sa lahat nang mga naniwala at nagtiwala; sa lahat ng gumalaw at kumilos maski na walang salapi o pera; sa lahat ng nagsalita at naniwala, sumigaw at nakiisa sa aking pangarap ng walang katumbas at kapalit.

"Kaninang umaga, bago ako umalis binisita ko yung dalawang anak ko na kambal at yun lang ang nagbigay sa akin ng lakas humarap sa inyo ngayon dahil maraming nagsasabing kung hindi ka rin lang naman tatakbo Chiz bakit kapa magpepress-con? Mag press release ka na lamang. Buong tapang at buo ang loob kong nais sabihin ito sa harap ninyo. Dahil hindi ko kinakahiya anumang salitang binigkas ko ngayon."

'No diplomatic immunity for Ebarle son's killer' - Pinoy Abroad - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine Ne

'No diplomatic immunity for Ebarle son's killer' - Pinoy Abroad - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

The Cojuangco Wars in politics

Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:16 PM

Subject: The Cojuangco Wars

The Cojuangco Wars  22 September 2009  PerryScope by Perry Diaz For the past three generations, the Cojuangcos have been at war among themselves. First the sons, then their grandchildren, and now their great grandchildren. It all started about money and now it’s all about power and the ultimate political plum — the nation’s presidency. It all began when Ko Guiok Huang, an ethnic Hakka from Fukien, China, emigrated to the Philippines in 1871. He converted to Catholicism and Hispanized his name to “Cojuangco” adopting Jose as his first name. The newly minted Jose I Cojuangco then moved to Paniqui, Tarlac where he started his businesses. He prospered as a rice merchant, sugar mills owner, and money lender. He married Antera Estrella from a wealthy family in Malolos, Bulacan. They had three children: Ysidra, Melecio (Melencio), and Trinidad. Ysidra and Trinidad were spinsters; however, Ysidra had a love child, Felicidad, reputedly with the revolutionary Gen. Antonio Luna. Melecio Cojuangco Melecio entered politics and became town president of Paniqui and was eventually elected as a representative in the National Assembly in 1907. He was married to Tecla Chichioco and they had four children: Jose “Pepe” Sr, Juan, Antonio, and Eduardo “Endeng” Sr. Melecio died in 1909. Melecio’s four sons went into business with their aunt Ysidra and established the Paniqui Sugar Mills in 1928. A few years later, they ventured into stock brokering and established the Finance and Mining Investments Corp., in partnership with the Jacinto and Rufino families. By the 1930s, the Cojuangcos were the biggest land-owners — tens of thousands of hectares — in Central Luzon. In 1938, the Cojuangco, Jacinto, and Rufino families founded the Philippine Bank of Commerce, the first bank in the country wholly owned by Filipinos. Jose “Pepe” Cojuangco Sr. Pepe entered politics and was elected to the Philippine Commonwealth Legislature. In 1938, he bought the 6,453-hectare Hacienda Luisita, a sugar plantation and golf course complex, from the Spanish company Tabacalera. The vast hacienda — second largest in Central Luzon — encompasses 11 barrios in three towns in Tarlac. Pepe was married to Demetria Sumulong, daughter of Sen. Juan Marquez Sumulong. They had20eight children: Ceferino, Pedro, Josephine, Teresita, Carmen, Corazon “Cory,” Jose “Peping” Jr, and Maria Paz.  Cory was married to Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr who was the son of Sen. Benigno Aquino Sr from Concepcion, Tarlac. In 1983, Ninoy was murdered by military assassins as he stepped down from an airplane at the Manila International Airport upon his arrival from self-exile in the U.S. Cory went home to pick up the pieces and led the opposition against Marcos. She was elected president in a “snap election” against Marcos but was denied the presidency. In 1986, a “people power” revolution erupted, the Marcos dictatorship was toppled, and Cory was installed president. Cory passed away on August 1, 2009. Her passing ignited the people’s desire for change and a clamor for her son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to run for president engulfed the nation. Noynoy accepted the call and is now the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate in the 2010 elections. Cory’s younger brother Peping also entered politics and was elected mayor of Paniqui in 1959. In 1961, he was elected to Congress and served until 1969. After Marcos was ousted, he ran again in 1987 and served until 1998. He is currently the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee.. In 1992, his wife Margarita “Tingting” de los Reyes Cojuangco was elected governor of Tarlac. She served until 1998 . Eduardo “Endeng” Cojuangco Sr. Melecio’s fourth and youngest son Endeng was married to Josephine Murphy. They had six children: Eduardo “Danding” Jr, Mercedes, Aurora, Isabel, Enrique “Henry,” and Manuel. Danding entered politics and became congressman and governor of Tarlac.  Danding was nicknamed “Pacman” and “King of Cronies” because of his ability for gobbling up companies. During the Marcos regime, he controlled $1.5 billion in corporate assets which was estimated to equal 25% of the Philippines’ GNP. When Marcos fled to the U.S. after his ouster, Danding went with him and settled in Los Angeles. Eventually, he went back to the Philippines. In 1992, he founded the Nationalist People’s Coalition and used it as his vehicle to run for president. He lost. He is now the Chairman of the San Miguel Corporation. Danding’s sister Mercedes was married to Gilberto Teodoro Sr. He served as Social Security Administrator from 1966 to 1986. In 1978, during the Marcos dictatorship, she was elected member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa (National Legislature) . Their only son Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr, a bar topnotcher, is now the Lakas-Kampi- CMD’s presidential candidate in the 2010 elections. The rivalry among the Cojuangcos started between Melecio’s sons, Jose “Pepe” Sr an d Eduardo “Endeng” Sr. Pepe was successful in politics as well as in business. Endeng was said to be resentful of his brother’s success and felt that he was ill-treated. Political Rivalry Their political rivalry reached fever pitch in the 1960s when Pepe’s son, “Peping,” ran for Congress against his first cousin Danding, Eduardo’s son. Peping beat Danding twice, in 1965 and 1969. In 1987, when Cory came to power, Peping defeated Mercedes Cojuangco Teodoro, Danding’s sister, for a congressional seat and Pepinge€™s wife Tingting defeated Henry, Danding’s brother, for governor of Tarlac. In the 1990s, the rivalry continued. In 1998, Gibo Teodoro succeeded Peping who was termed out of his congressional seat in Tarlac’s 1st district. In 2007, Gibo termed out also and was succeeded by his wife Monica Prieto-Teodoro. Consequently, Gibo left his Uncle Danding’s Nationalist People’s Coalition and accepted an appointment by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Secretary of Defense. In 1998, Noynoy ran for the congressional seat in Tarlac’s 2nd district and won. He was reelected in 2001 and again in 2004. He served the House as Deputy Speaker from 2004 to 2006. In 2007, Noynoy was elected to the Senate for a six-year term. Noynoy held several leadership positions with the Liberal Party. He served the party as Secretary General from 1999 to 2002,=2 0Vice-President of the Luzon Liberal Party from 2002 to 2004, Secretary General again from 2004 to 2006, and Vice Chairman of the party from 2006 to the present.  Battle Royale. Now, a battle royale looms between the Cojuangcos — Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III vs. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr — for the highest position in the land, the presidency. While there are other candidates in the 2010 presidential race, Noynoy and Gibo represent not only their feuding families but also rival political forces as well as competing economic interests. The stakes are high. Never before in the history of Philippine politics had two presidential candidates attracted worldwide attention. The United States and China take close tab on the forthcoming elections. The 10-million strong global Filipinos in more than 200 countries are watching the two fifth-generation cousins, Noynoy and Gibo, slug it out in the largest — and possibly, final — battle of the Cojuangco wars.

http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14859353&fsrc=rss

http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14859353&fsrc=rss

UN-backed media forum calls for concrete action on murders of journalists

UN-backed media forum calls for concrete action on murders of journalists

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CAIR's statement condemning the violence at Ft. Hood

It's not often I agree with CAIR.... they too frequently take the apologist route of blaming the media for the "image problem" Muslims have rather than confront some of the very real reasons Americans and other non-Muslims are a little leery of Islam... especially the Muslims who would blur the precious lines of separation between Church and State we hold so dear.

CAIR's statement condemning the violence at Ft. Hood

Pasting text of the linked article below.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/5/09) - A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group tonight condemned an attack on Fort Hood military base in Texas that left at least 12 people dead.

In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement (PSA) campaign against religious extremism and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism.

SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding

On eve of food security summit, Ban to fast in solidarity with world’s hungry

On eve of food security summit, Ban to fast in solidarity with world’s hungry

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Lifting of Oil Price Cap by GMA is a display of mediocrity

The lifting of oil price cap order by GMA is quite disappointing. It was the only Executive Order she made that truly benefit the whole constituents. It was a about to deliver justice—equal treatment of rich and poor. But GMA's toughness is limited only for activists and journalists protesting her performance.

The threat of the oil price cap, I am speaking in managerial perspective, was about to be opportunities. And because of the lifting, we lost those opportunities.

The oil industry was about to have the opportunity to improve its managerial skills and developing the whole human capital to entrepreneurship for better productivity and exploit the technology for efficient and effective to meet its goals.

GMA is poor in leadership to convince the oil firms that they will also benefit in a lot of ways by sacrificing a little financial gain and a mediocre at all.

One good example is recognized by Shell which announced that it is planning to stop its refinery operation due to its high cost based in Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) and would rather import refined products. If Shell to decide to continue the refinery ops, it will require for more capital for modernization.

If the cap order is not lift, Shell would probably modernize its refinery resulting (not to mention the capital infusion from its global headquarters) to technology advancement and human capital skills advancement. With the lift order. This dream turned out to be a nightmare—no aggressive process development and skyrocketing price of oil.

One possible scenario if the cap is not lift, Shell will abandon it refinery and import refined products (application of Adam Smith's doctrine but practitioners and disciples of Smith forgot or ignore that the principle of “it is better to buy than to produce if the cost is less to do the former” is aimed to dischargecorporate social responsibility and fiduciary obligations to stakeholders not just for profit alone).

Please read: http://raniagustin.blogspot.com/2009/02/laissez-faire-buy-american-and-road-to.html

But this threat is again an opportunity for the government to give the market a fair competition in oil industry. Government should take over the would-be abandoned refinery companies to save the workers from losing jobs.

Politically, I would like to congratulate the oil firms. Oil firms won the battle in political arena even without lifting a finger. They just simply hire Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes to be their Spokesman and employ psychological-warfare. I admire the oil firms unity. Organizational effectiveness is becoming obvious. This strength is what the peoples' organization and marginalized sector lack. Some are very limited to street parliamentary (and worse rhetorics).

The Congress should not sit back as if nothing happened. The people-oriented legislative agenda must continue and be given priority over politics.

RANNIE C. AGUSTIN
+639177591043
raniagustin@yahoo.com
www.raniagustin.blogspot.com

AFGHAN WAR and PHILIPPINES WARS

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking to reporters in the Philippines, zeroed in on that Thursday. "We're looking to President Karzai, as he forms a new government, to take action that will demonstrate — not to the international community, but first and foremost to his own people — that his second term will respond to the needs that are so manifest," Clinton said. "And I think that the corruption issue really goes to the heart of whether the people ofAfghanistan feel that the government is on their side, is working for them." Central to any counterinsurgency fight is the struggle over the legitimacy of the government. One explanation for the resurgence of the Taliban over the past three years concerns the failings of the Afghan government, which the Taliban have managed to exploit by offering what many Afghans see as a viable alternative. That is why Obama has taken pains to push for greater nonmilitary support for the mission — additional State Department personnel and more focus on developing Afghan agriculture and trade. (For full story) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091112/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_us_afghanistan I really appreciate US State Secretary Hillary Clinton on her analysis of the Afghan political crisis. I hope that she could arrive also on the same conclusion with the Philippines perspective. US indirectly involved itself in war in Mindanao ( against MILF, Abu Sayyaf,) and other armed insurgent nationwide  through Visiting Forces Agreement. Wars in the Philippines nowadays could be point to government legitimacy and failures to deliver justice among its constituents. Insurgents also managed to exploit the injustices of Filipinos (muslims and non-muslims) to offer alternative that made the rebels belligerents. The worse scenario is that   some Muslim freedom lovers used to misinterpret the Quran and believed that to annihilate the oppressors and non conformists to their belief. Jihadism is used by leaders (spiritual and military) who are frustrated by government outcomes for Islamic interests with balance to non-muslim. But it is a Jihadism polluted with hatred and personal belief and no longer Quranic because they do not spare anyone including fellow Muslims. President Obama recognized that and it makes him reluctant to and it is painstaking to push for more aggressive military offensives. The Philippine government should have the same thinking of the two US leaders. Philippines is not worse as Afghanistan. Belligerents are still willing to continue the Peace talk. Sincerity and heart to take care the rebels concern is the way to peace. Government agencies are elders and its President is the father/mother of a society as in one family. The rebels are also children  and members of the family that should be taken into consideration and deserve the best things the parents could afford to give.   RANNIE C. AGUSTIN +639177591043 raniagustin@yahoo.com www.raniagustin.blogspot.com

Providing for the poor ROMEO Y. LIM ‘Recovery does not happen equally down the line.’   WITH the 2010 elections coming in and candidates mouthing promises that may or may not be kept, perhaps it would be best to know what strategies and programs for the poor will ensure that they are getting what is due them. Conversely, such information would be vital in ensuring that the intended beneficiaries are the ones who benefit and not the "pseudo-indigent. " For instance, a World Bank (WB) report states that as much as 41% of the subsidized rice being distributed by the National Food Authority (NFA) "goes to non-poor households." It was estimated that the poorest 20% of all households consume just 31% of all NFA rice, while 16% actually go to the top 40% of households in income. This indicates that almost P25 billion in rice subsidies are not reaching the poor, their intended beneficiaries. Another particular area of concern is socialized housing for the poor. Access to quality housing is a very high priority, and consumes a substantial portion of incomes, especially among the poor and the middle classes. Thus, it has become one of the key areas where public subsidies are being provided. But the effectivity of some of our public or subsidized low-cost housing projects is highly questionable, with amenities such as airconditioning units becoming frequent signs that we are giving it to the wrong beneficiaries. There are also other targeting glitches in other basic social services meant for the poor, such as in health and public education. These represent a big waste in public funds allocated for the poor. The national government has had to allocate an additional P67.6 billion just to help poor Filipinos get by with the impact of increased food and fuel prices in 2008 alone. In time, most households will eventually recover from the effects of the prevailing globalfinancial meltdown. That applies to even the poorest of the poor. The experts’ consensus is we will start to experience a global economic recovery by the last quarter of this year. Signs are pointing to that direction but it could still stand some improvement. The problem, however, is that recovery does not happen equally down the line. It is the poor who suffer the most in times of crises, and they are also the ones who are slowest to recover. Often times, they lose not just their meager possessions, but also their means of subsistence, such as small farmlands, draft animals, and work implements. Every economic crisis drives them deeper into poverty and worsens the gap between the poor and the rich. The percentage of Filipinos considered poor was already on the rise even when our economic performance was the best in the region. Now that we are in the midst of a global economic crisis, their numbers are expected to further increase. We have to rethink not just the way we are helping the poor get by, but also how to better ensure that the funds allocated to improve their lives reach the intended beneficiaries.

A Third Force is in the works

28

oct

Chiz Escudero is now a free man: A Third Force is in the works

Posted by PatricioMangubat in chiz escudero

Like what I told my friend and comrade Carlos, any one who wants to take on the presidency needs what I call a dramatis causa---a shocking event that would take everyone by surprise. Delicious surprise, I must say.

Chiz Escudero has now freed himself from the shackles of Danding Cojuangco--and for better reason. He has just announced his resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the traditional political party that has cuddled him for eleven years. Why?

Escudero has his reasons, and legitimate ones, I must say.

First, how would one fight graft and corruption if financiers with spotty political records are behind your campaign? He was referring to Mr. Cojuangco, who is bedeviled by numerous unresolved graft cases. Second, how would you fight those who cause the further poverty of this nation if they are the ones who dictate your every political move?

Definitely, Escudero did the right thing---he is offering himself to the Filipino People. He is now, a free man. He can now decide whether to run or not for the highest post. Should he decide though, he will definitely either run as vice president or gun for the highest post.

What would now prevent him from running as president and Senator Antonio Trillianes as his running mate? No problem. Reformist groups are very strong at this point. In fact, every organizer can be tapped to help Escudero clinch the highest post of the land. 

What I can now say, as Secretary General of the Young Organizers' Union (YOU), the successor of the YOU (Young Officers' Union), we respect and salute the decision of Senator Francis Escudero. Should he decide to run as president, we, and the Filipino People, will be behind him. 

He can be adopted by the Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP), a national political party. Or, we can now unite behind Escudero and form a THIRD FORCE. That THIRD FORCE will definitely defeat all these traditional political parties, like the Liberal Party, UNO, and Nacionalista.

A Third Force would surely be a welcome development in the shifting political environment. 

Let me articulate what millions want---a People's Progressive Party (3P), an organization composed of all organizers in every political party uniting behind Escudero. Or a Democratic Party of the Philippines. 

To Senator Escudero----don't worry about your logistics. The Spirit of Bayanihan will provide you with what you need. If we can muster billions for disaster relief, we, the Filipino People, will be behind you and give you billions more just to rehabilitate our damaged institutions.

Truly, may Bagong Umagang Parating!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Wednesday, October 28, 2009 and is filed under chiz escudero . You can follow any responses to this entry through thecomments feed .

Sen. Maria Cantwell: Wall Street Has a Gambling Problem

Sen. Maria Cantwell: Wall Street Has a Gambling Problem

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