Twenty five years after the 1986 People Power or EDSA revolution, the country is still mired in multifarious problems, such as: massive graft and corruption, rampant crimes and unstable peace and order particularly in Mindanao, deeply rooted poverty and marginalized economic existence of majority poor Filipinos right in the heart of Metro Manila, weak governance direction, lack of educational opportunities in the countryside, and the most pernicious practice of political debt and accommodation of who helped me financially, who are my friends, classmates and family members being the priority of selection into the mantle and clout of power. The people are again taken for granted even those who did something to help.
Yes, we have removed a perceived dictator. We have regained back democracy though its strength and popular support was tested when certain elements in the Armed Forces tried to seize power but failed; then our adherence to the Constitutional process of compliance using an impeachment on a former President accused of abusing power and authority had resulted in his removal backed up by a second wave of people power and withdrawal of military support on his leadership; and the ascendancy of another President who every Filipino taught would be the savior but turned out as the master tactician that even bled the country dry under nine years of corruption unprecedented in the country's history.
Then Benigno'Noynoy' Simeon Aquino III was elected last May 2010 elections as the President popularly supported by the people because he is the son of a fallen hero Ninoy Aquino and former president Cory, an acknowledged icon of the People Power revolt against a dictator that catapulted her to power. Noynoy's ascendancy was more of sympathy for her mother's death from colon cancer and the anger and protest of the people over massive corruption during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's nine years in office more than anything else. The people thought Noynoy then was a better alternative than his opponents who were known allies of Macapagal-Arroyo and a former president who have already been tried and tested. His political entry came at the right time because Filipinos were hungry for one leader whom they could identify with in their aspiration for clean, honest and all encompassing and embracing leadership.
Senator Mar Roxas was then the looming candidate for President of the Liberal Party before Noynoy even had the inkling of running for the presidency. Mar had long prepared and planned for the presidential race, in fact, had already executed his plan through massive media exposure and propaganda blitz as 'Mr. Palengke' and other attention getting means to win hearts of the people. Noynoy's luck came because Mar was a good friend and partyman when he yielded the official candidacy for president to him. In effect, Mar made him president because of one singular act of giving way and instead settled to be Noynoy's running mate as Vice President but unlucky did not make it. Too bad Noynoy won but Mar lost, so there were many stories to this as we have learned.
Now as president, Benigno Simeon C. Aquino in today's celebration has rekindled to the Filipino nation the spirit of EDSA talking about responsible leadership in his speech marking the 25th Anniversary of EDSA People Power celebration. He is asking for UNITY so the country can move forward. He has again emphasized that his government will erase graft and corruption and make people responsible be held accountable and that his governance would always recognize the people's sentiments and aspirations asking them to join him and achieve his 'ang daan matuwid' and 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.' On face value what he's been saying is good, and cannot be argued upon. Yet is it true?
On the contrary, are we seeing something truthful and credible on the things he has been saying like for example on unity and transparency? I don't think so, because on the issue alone of the ARMM election, there's no transparency to what he says
because what he wants done to postpone the election denying the people the right to exercise their free will in an honest, clean and credible elections is undemocratic. And his desire to just appoint officials of ARMM disregarding the mandate and legal intent of RA 6734 as amended by RA 9054 providing for democratic elections smacks of a leadership that wants to dictate and be followed instead of him following the law.
And on unity, how can he unite the country when he cannot even show respect to the ARMM constituents by disregarding their sentiments because they were not heard and given the chance to be consulted since Malacanang already certified a bill as 'urgent' calling for the ARMM election postponement without the benefit of any public consultation on the matter? And Congress already approved that the ARMM election shall be postponed because Malacanang wanted it that way.
Shouldn't unity start from the action of the President by listening and respecting the wishes of the people rather than the people following his wishes even if its against their will? Shouldn't transparency be shown by actions of Malacanang allowing democratic processes to flourish and prosper not curtailing people' rights since those are among the values and principles that we all fought during the EDSA People Power Revolution to restore back freedom and democracy?
UNITY and TRANSPARENCY, Where Is It?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Wrong Values?
As a people we have always been taught good values at home, in school and our work place; be it in a government or private office. There is no argument against inculcating good value system, it gives us pride as Filipinos before the eyes of the world.
But just what are good values? or do we have any?
Webster Dictionary defines value as "the qualities on which worth, desirability and utility depend." Being honest in our dealing on whatever task we do is good value. Loyalty to the service in whatever branch of government and position is also a good value. Having courage to speak for truth and stand for righteousness condemning what is evil and against the law and praising good deeds is desirably good value. Obedience and compliance to lawful order and instruction is certainly good value too. It can go on and so forth in a long list of desirable traits that falls under good values.
Our history is replete with struggles and triumphs of heroes that exemplified good values. Jose Rizal, our great patriot died for country and people sacrificing life in an execution at Bagumbayan (now Luneta) to emancipate us from the tyranny and bondage of the cruel Spaniards.
Senator Ninoy Aquino came home from exile from the United States of America in a homecoming that was so tragic with assassination at the Tarmac of the airport now named in his honor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. He braved to come home even knowing his life was in danger because he loved the Filipino and wanted to save the country from the shackles of dictatorship. The price was losing his life to an assassin's bullet.
Both Rizal and Ninoy are among examples of heroic Filipino leaders who demonstrated beyond any doubt their greatness of character and value. We are proud of them. We honored and venerated their name because they truly deserve the accolade. There are still many other great Filipinos who have also inspired us with their great contributions in various fields bringing honor and fame to the Filipino nation. They all stood for good values.
Until lately, we have seen an erosion in our value system; a shift of how we as people and government have somehow traveled the wrong path in the observance of the right kind of value which we should be preserving rather than discarding on the basis of the examples of good deeds by our departed heroes, martyrs and statesmen.
We have a place for burying officials and dignitaries like Presidents, Generals of the Armed Forces, and other distinguished Filipinos called the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani or resting place of heroes provided by the government as an exclusive place to honor and recognize departed Filipino leaders for outstanding
contributions. In this hallowed ground, only the most honorable men whose reputation is beyond question must be entered, if we are guided by the true principle of exemplary values.
In the United States of America, they have Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, near Washington D.C. In that place, only true American heroes, presidents, diplomats, poets, statesmen are entered.
Yet how come even one who was implicated and pinpointed as involved in graft and corruption was given permission, allowed and even honored to be buried at the place called Libingan Ng Mga Bayani? How come the true purpose of having an exclusive place for heroes is violated by the presence of burying one whose death cannot be considered as heroism much less honorable?
So we can't help but ask: Where is now the principle of good values of governance? Where is the so-called 'straight path' that we want to achieve if we only keep on trumpeting for reforms but in what government does there is no semblance of moral and ethical consideration that we set as standards? Where is credibility that is so crucial to make others believe that we are really moving towards the much desired reformation of values and character in the bureaucracy?
Right now, we don't see the right things being done, in fact what's being practice is exactly the opposite of what is being trumpeted.
So it seems the problem of our country is simply we have wrong values?
But just what are good values? or do we have any?
Webster Dictionary defines value as "the qualities on which worth, desirability and utility depend." Being honest in our dealing on whatever task we do is good value. Loyalty to the service in whatever branch of government and position is also a good value. Having courage to speak for truth and stand for righteousness condemning what is evil and against the law and praising good deeds is desirably good value. Obedience and compliance to lawful order and instruction is certainly good value too. It can go on and so forth in a long list of desirable traits that falls under good values.
Our history is replete with struggles and triumphs of heroes that exemplified good values. Jose Rizal, our great patriot died for country and people sacrificing life in an execution at Bagumbayan (now Luneta) to emancipate us from the tyranny and bondage of the cruel Spaniards.
Senator Ninoy Aquino came home from exile from the United States of America in a homecoming that was so tragic with assassination at the Tarmac of the airport now named in his honor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. He braved to come home even knowing his life was in danger because he loved the Filipino and wanted to save the country from the shackles of dictatorship. The price was losing his life to an assassin's bullet.
Both Rizal and Ninoy are among examples of heroic Filipino leaders who demonstrated beyond any doubt their greatness of character and value. We are proud of them. We honored and venerated their name because they truly deserve the accolade. There are still many other great Filipinos who have also inspired us with their great contributions in various fields bringing honor and fame to the Filipino nation. They all stood for good values.
Until lately, we have seen an erosion in our value system; a shift of how we as people and government have somehow traveled the wrong path in the observance of the right kind of value which we should be preserving rather than discarding on the basis of the examples of good deeds by our departed heroes, martyrs and statesmen.
We have a place for burying officials and dignitaries like Presidents, Generals of the Armed Forces, and other distinguished Filipinos called the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani or resting place of heroes provided by the government as an exclusive place to honor and recognize departed Filipino leaders for outstanding
contributions. In this hallowed ground, only the most honorable men whose reputation is beyond question must be entered, if we are guided by the true principle of exemplary values.
In the United States of America, they have Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, near Washington D.C. In that place, only true American heroes, presidents, diplomats, poets, statesmen are entered.
Yet how come even one who was implicated and pinpointed as involved in graft and corruption was given permission, allowed and even honored to be buried at the place called Libingan Ng Mga Bayani? How come the true purpose of having an exclusive place for heroes is violated by the presence of burying one whose death cannot be considered as heroism much less honorable?
So we can't help but ask: Where is now the principle of good values of governance? Where is the so-called 'straight path' that we want to achieve if we only keep on trumpeting for reforms but in what government does there is no semblance of moral and ethical consideration that we set as standards? Where is credibility that is so crucial to make others believe that we are really moving towards the much desired reformation of values and character in the bureaucracy?
Right now, we don't see the right things being done, in fact what's being practice is exactly the opposite of what is being trumpeted.
So it seems the problem of our country is simply we have wrong values?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
PMA's image stained by General's implicated in corruption
There was a time when being a PMAyer was considered a great pride and honor.
I remember vividly in high school being so proud wearing the school PMT or Philippine Military Training uniform once a week feeling the touch of being in the military service. PMT training was then part of secondary requirement for graduation. The thought too of taking the PMA exam after high school had always crossed the mind of every student knowing that being a PMA cadet brings honor to oneself and family.
At that time the military service was considered a respectable and highly prestigious profession and great honor for one to be part of. It was certainly the dream of every young man to have a shot at Philippine Military Academy. It was not common to be a PMA cadet and to be commissioned as Lieutenant in the regular Armed Forces of the Philippines, more so dream of having a Star Rank (General) in the service of people and country.
Public acceptance for PMAyers was at its highest peak. Respect and admiration for PMA as an institution producing good, honest and trustworthy leaders was unprecedented that many Filipino family wanted a son or relative to be PMA graduate. It was a great achievement to have one in the family graduating from PMA. Being so-called 'MISTAH' was the envy of everyone.
Then came the dictatorship that saw the use of the military by a Commander-In-Chief who knew the art of staying in power with military support. The Armed Forces of the Philippines became an instrument of wielding power in a governance that was suited and tailored for one president to overstay his mandate that lasted more than 20 years resulting to declaration of Martial Law in the country. Corruption and abuse in the AFP became rampant and the Generals had their heyday enjoying and benefiting from power sharing of a dictatorial regime. Most if not all of the Generals graduated from PMA. Many became powerful, rich and influential causing many to believe the non-observance of principles of honesty and integrity to which they have sworn to observe.
Presidents and administrations came after the dictatorship but still the military influence was felt. Many Generals after retirement were appointed to positions in the Civil Service and even in the Diplomatic Corps. And the abuses and corruption have never been properly addressed.
Then came the ouster of a democratically elected president ERAP as a result of the impeachment trial that paved way for the assumption of then vice president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose ascendancy to the presidency had the military backing of then Chief of Staff Gen. Angelo Reyes withdrawing support to his Commander-In-Chief. Macapagal-Arroyo's assumption happened with relative ease with military support, again with Generals in the picture.
The AFP had a continuation of power dominance under a president who also took advantage of using the AFP to propel her administration making it safe and secured for nine years from any political threat or disturbance. "Scratch my back, I'll scratch your" seemed to have been GMA's safe mode to stay strong in governance with military backing. Again, we saw the Generals in high gear wherein the Chief of Staff position becoming the most coveted post in the AFP. Every Chief of Staff that served GMA was a PMAyer.
Today we have a new government, a new president Benigno Simeon Aquino III as Commander-In-Chief. His presidency is anchored on a fight against graft and corruption. His battle cry "Ang Daan Matuwid and Kung Walang Corrupt Walang Mahirap" and in fairness we see a different approach from previous administrations in that there's a departure from the usual military dominance to allowing civilian authority to reign in observance of democratic principles.
The investigations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee looking into military corruption as revealed by a former AFP budget officer implicating at least 4 Generals, one recently killed himself in a suicide, are being held and will continue as announced by no less the Senate President. All retired Generals implicated including the officer who is now a state witness are product of the Philippine Military Academy.
Therefore, even while the implicated Generals are not yet proven guilty, the mere fact all the alleged corruption imputed on them happened during their active duty as Chief of Staff of the AFP, it behooves on them to have protected the institution that moulded their personal and professional conduct but failed to show utmost diligence in performing their duties and responsibilities to protect and safeguard the good name of the institution that nurtured and trained them to become soldier of the Filipino people. Their being named as the Generals involved in the ongoing AFP corruption investigations have caused damage and stained the good name of the Philippine Military Academy, their Alma Mater.
Now many Filipinos believe that with AFP Generals involvement in corruption, the image of PMA has been tarnished and destroyed.
I remember vividly in high school being so proud wearing the school PMT or Philippine Military Training uniform once a week feeling the touch of being in the military service. PMT training was then part of secondary requirement for graduation. The thought too of taking the PMA exam after high school had always crossed the mind of every student knowing that being a PMA cadet brings honor to oneself and family.
At that time the military service was considered a respectable and highly prestigious profession and great honor for one to be part of. It was certainly the dream of every young man to have a shot at Philippine Military Academy. It was not common to be a PMA cadet and to be commissioned as Lieutenant in the regular Armed Forces of the Philippines, more so dream of having a Star Rank (General) in the service of people and country.
Public acceptance for PMAyers was at its highest peak. Respect and admiration for PMA as an institution producing good, honest and trustworthy leaders was unprecedented that many Filipino family wanted a son or relative to be PMA graduate. It was a great achievement to have one in the family graduating from PMA. Being so-called 'MISTAH' was the envy of everyone.
Then came the dictatorship that saw the use of the military by a Commander-In-Chief who knew the art of staying in power with military support. The Armed Forces of the Philippines became an instrument of wielding power in a governance that was suited and tailored for one president to overstay his mandate that lasted more than 20 years resulting to declaration of Martial Law in the country. Corruption and abuse in the AFP became rampant and the Generals had their heyday enjoying and benefiting from power sharing of a dictatorial regime. Most if not all of the Generals graduated from PMA. Many became powerful, rich and influential causing many to believe the non-observance of principles of honesty and integrity to which they have sworn to observe.
Presidents and administrations came after the dictatorship but still the military influence was felt. Many Generals after retirement were appointed to positions in the Civil Service and even in the Diplomatic Corps. And the abuses and corruption have never been properly addressed.
Then came the ouster of a democratically elected president ERAP as a result of the impeachment trial that paved way for the assumption of then vice president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose ascendancy to the presidency had the military backing of then Chief of Staff Gen. Angelo Reyes withdrawing support to his Commander-In-Chief. Macapagal-Arroyo's assumption happened with relative ease with military support, again with Generals in the picture.
The AFP had a continuation of power dominance under a president who also took advantage of using the AFP to propel her administration making it safe and secured for nine years from any political threat or disturbance. "Scratch my back, I'll scratch your" seemed to have been GMA's safe mode to stay strong in governance with military backing. Again, we saw the Generals in high gear wherein the Chief of Staff position becoming the most coveted post in the AFP. Every Chief of Staff that served GMA was a PMAyer.
Today we have a new government, a new president Benigno Simeon Aquino III as Commander-In-Chief. His presidency is anchored on a fight against graft and corruption. His battle cry "Ang Daan Matuwid and Kung Walang Corrupt Walang Mahirap" and in fairness we see a different approach from previous administrations in that there's a departure from the usual military dominance to allowing civilian authority to reign in observance of democratic principles.
The investigations of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee looking into military corruption as revealed by a former AFP budget officer implicating at least 4 Generals, one recently killed himself in a suicide, are being held and will continue as announced by no less the Senate President. All retired Generals implicated including the officer who is now a state witness are product of the Philippine Military Academy.
Therefore, even while the implicated Generals are not yet proven guilty, the mere fact all the alleged corruption imputed on them happened during their active duty as Chief of Staff of the AFP, it behooves on them to have protected the institution that moulded their personal and professional conduct but failed to show utmost diligence in performing their duties and responsibilities to protect and safeguard the good name of the institution that nurtured and trained them to become soldier of the Filipino people. Their being named as the Generals involved in the ongoing AFP corruption investigations have caused damage and stained the good name of the Philippine Military Academy, their Alma Mater.
Now many Filipinos believe that with AFP Generals involvement in corruption, the image of PMA has been tarnished and destroyed.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Are Senate investigations useless?
Senate Blue Ribbon investigation on sensational cases of corruption and irregularity in government took center stage in 2004 beginning with the infamous 'Hello Garci' election irregularity involving then COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcellano during the chairmanship of Benjamin Abalos and the failed multi-billion NBN-ZTE broadband deal or contract wherein former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo together with chairman Abalos were implicated.
It was followed by the P724 million Fertilizer Scam involving then Agriculture Undersecretary for Finance Jocelin "Jocjoc" Bolante and the Euro Generals that traveled to Moscow wherein PNP General Eliseo dela Paz and his wife were caught carrying undeclared 105,000 Euros in his possession at the Moscow airport.
Then there was another investigation on the Jueteng Payola expose of Sandra Cam, the recent expose of retired Pangasinan Archbishop Oscar Cruz also on Jueteng implicating an undersecretary appointed by President Aquino and now the expose of former AFP budget officer retired Col. Rabusa about corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines allegedly implicating three retired Generals and former Chiefs of Staff, namely: Angelo Reyes, Deomedes Villanueva and Roy Cimatu, who was appointed by former president Arroyo and reappointed by president Aquino as Special Ambassador on Middle East Affair.
Most if not all of the anomalies happened during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her nine years holding the reign of power. The Senate in the exercise of its power in aid of legislation conducted the investigations under different Blue Ribbon Committee Chair spending time, effort and millions of taxpayers money for expenses during the many hearings it has conducted as well as for providing security and protection to the witnesses like whistle blower Jun Lozada, Sandra Cam and others.
The question is: Whatever happened to the Senate investigations on all the past anomalies and graft and corruption? And what will also happen to the current investigation on the corruption in the AFP? Can the Filipino taxpayer expect good result that would lead to the filing of charges and the final conviction of the Generals involved? To this day nothing turned out of the investigations that people are satisfied.
The government is equipped with more than enough laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and other laws that are applicable to send the crooks and grafters to jail. The Justice Department has all the power to file the charges in court against people implicated by witnesses and it has the best prosecutors who could devote time to cases assigned to them to see a conviction. The Judges handling the cases in Court have sworn and are duty bound to speed-up the cases and render a verdict so the ends of justice is served.
The Supreme Court being the last bulwark of justice and democracy is also mandated by the Constitution to uphold the law and protect the State from being unduly prejudiced by acts of graft and corruption committed against it by unscrupulous and dishonest public officials.
So why should it be difficult for the government to hold public officials accountable and answerable to the people applying the many laws of the State if they commit graft and corrupt practices? Why is it that despite many investigations already conducted by the Senate, the House of Representatives and the cases already filed in Courts, still hardly we see the conviction of high government officials?
Is it accurate to say and imply that Senate investigations are useless because the government suffers from from a culture of graft and corruption?
It was followed by the P724 million Fertilizer Scam involving then Agriculture Undersecretary for Finance Jocelin "Jocjoc" Bolante and the Euro Generals that traveled to Moscow wherein PNP General Eliseo dela Paz and his wife were caught carrying undeclared 105,000 Euros in his possession at the Moscow airport.
Then there was another investigation on the Jueteng Payola expose of Sandra Cam, the recent expose of retired Pangasinan Archbishop Oscar Cruz also on Jueteng implicating an undersecretary appointed by President Aquino and now the expose of former AFP budget officer retired Col. Rabusa about corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines allegedly implicating three retired Generals and former Chiefs of Staff, namely: Angelo Reyes, Deomedes Villanueva and Roy Cimatu, who was appointed by former president Arroyo and reappointed by president Aquino as Special Ambassador on Middle East Affair.
Most if not all of the anomalies happened during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her nine years holding the reign of power. The Senate in the exercise of its power in aid of legislation conducted the investigations under different Blue Ribbon Committee Chair spending time, effort and millions of taxpayers money for expenses during the many hearings it has conducted as well as for providing security and protection to the witnesses like whistle blower Jun Lozada, Sandra Cam and others.
The question is: Whatever happened to the Senate investigations on all the past anomalies and graft and corruption? And what will also happen to the current investigation on the corruption in the AFP? Can the Filipino taxpayer expect good result that would lead to the filing of charges and the final conviction of the Generals involved? To this day nothing turned out of the investigations that people are satisfied.
The government is equipped with more than enough laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and other laws that are applicable to send the crooks and grafters to jail. The Justice Department has all the power to file the charges in court against people implicated by witnesses and it has the best prosecutors who could devote time to cases assigned to them to see a conviction. The Judges handling the cases in Court have sworn and are duty bound to speed-up the cases and render a verdict so the ends of justice is served.
The Supreme Court being the last bulwark of justice and democracy is also mandated by the Constitution to uphold the law and protect the State from being unduly prejudiced by acts of graft and corruption committed against it by unscrupulous and dishonest public officials.
So why should it be difficult for the government to hold public officials accountable and answerable to the people applying the many laws of the State if they commit graft and corrupt practices? Why is it that despite many investigations already conducted by the Senate, the House of Representatives and the cases already filed in Courts, still hardly we see the conviction of high government officials?
Is it accurate to say and imply that Senate investigations are useless because the government suffers from from a culture of graft and corruption?
Friday, February 4, 2011
GRP-MILF Peace talks still hangs on the balance
In August of 2008, the signing of the MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain/Bangsamoro Juridical Entity) between the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was aborted because of a case filed in the Supreme Court for issuance of TRO by Mindanao politicians.
Consequently then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dissolved the GRP peace panel, a move seen by many observers as a convenient way of appeasing political leaders led by then governor Pinol et. al who went to Supreme Court to question the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity MOA-AD. The action taken by the government was criticized by many who have supported the peace process as a decision dictated by political expediency rather than an honest to goodness approach on resolving the issues of peace in Mindanao.
Observers also considered such decision did not augur well to maintaining harmonious working relationship and confidence building between the GRP, MILF and peace groups who hoped to see a final settlement to the GRP-MILF peace negotiation. The momentum towards peace was all gone.
What happened to the aborted GRP-MOA-AD caused great demoralization to GRP panel members as well as MILF representatives who spent considerable effort in crafting an agreement that they have already agreed upon for formal signing in KL. It also dealt a serious blow to the effort of bringing a peaceful solution to the Mindanao conflict as a result of many military operations by the AFP against MILF that resulted to loss of lives, destruction of properties and the economic dislocation of people in Mindanao both Muslims and Christians.
Malaysia as third party facilitator, in fairness, have immensely helped in the peace process hosting the many meetings in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur spending considerable financial resources and providing technical support to bring the GRP-MILF at the negotiating table and reach final agreement. However, all those efforts have gone to naught when the MOA-AD signing was aborted and finally the Supreme Court rendered its decision saying the memorandum of agreement is unconstitutional.
Almost three years have passed since the aborted signing of GRP-MILF MOA-AD, the question of whether final peace in Mindanao would be attained remains unresolved; the Mindanao peace process still hangs on the balance even as the previous president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in whose administration the scuttled agreement was given some impetus is no longer the president.
Now there's a new president Benigno Simeon Aquino III. There's a newly appointed Chief negotiator Atty. Marvic Leonen and new Peace Adviser Teresita Deles and GRP-MILF peace negotiating panel with an entirely new set of rules, guidelines and talking points. It seems that all the gains of the Mindanao peace process in the past is now lost, disregarded and thrown to the waste basket as the MOA-AD and under a new government its a new ball game on how the Mindanao problem shall be approached.
Given this scenario, the MILF could not be blamed when it came out with a statement cautioning its rank and file members not to be so optimistic about the outcome of new GRP-MILF peace talks under the Aquino administration. It is as if we already know that with what happened to the MOA-AD the MILF seems no longer keen on the outcome of a final peace settlement given the sad fact that they will have to start all over again.
There is no assurance a new peace agreement under President Aquino will be successful. There is only the truth that the Mindanao peace process between GRP-MILF still hangs on the balance.
Consequently then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dissolved the GRP peace panel, a move seen by many observers as a convenient way of appeasing political leaders led by then governor Pinol et. al who went to Supreme Court to question the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity MOA-AD. The action taken by the government was criticized by many who have supported the peace process as a decision dictated by political expediency rather than an honest to goodness approach on resolving the issues of peace in Mindanao.
Observers also considered such decision did not augur well to maintaining harmonious working relationship and confidence building between the GRP, MILF and peace groups who hoped to see a final settlement to the GRP-MILF peace negotiation. The momentum towards peace was all gone.
What happened to the aborted GRP-MOA-AD caused great demoralization to GRP panel members as well as MILF representatives who spent considerable effort in crafting an agreement that they have already agreed upon for formal signing in KL. It also dealt a serious blow to the effort of bringing a peaceful solution to the Mindanao conflict as a result of many military operations by the AFP against MILF that resulted to loss of lives, destruction of properties and the economic dislocation of people in Mindanao both Muslims and Christians.
Malaysia as third party facilitator, in fairness, have immensely helped in the peace process hosting the many meetings in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur spending considerable financial resources and providing technical support to bring the GRP-MILF at the negotiating table and reach final agreement. However, all those efforts have gone to naught when the MOA-AD signing was aborted and finally the Supreme Court rendered its decision saying the memorandum of agreement is unconstitutional.
Almost three years have passed since the aborted signing of GRP-MILF MOA-AD, the question of whether final peace in Mindanao would be attained remains unresolved; the Mindanao peace process still hangs on the balance even as the previous president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in whose administration the scuttled agreement was given some impetus is no longer the president.
Now there's a new president Benigno Simeon Aquino III. There's a newly appointed Chief negotiator Atty. Marvic Leonen and new Peace Adviser Teresita Deles and GRP-MILF peace negotiating panel with an entirely new set of rules, guidelines and talking points. It seems that all the gains of the Mindanao peace process in the past is now lost, disregarded and thrown to the waste basket as the MOA-AD and under a new government its a new ball game on how the Mindanao problem shall be approached.
Given this scenario, the MILF could not be blamed when it came out with a statement cautioning its rank and file members not to be so optimistic about the outcome of new GRP-MILF peace talks under the Aquino administration. It is as if we already know that with what happened to the MOA-AD the MILF seems no longer keen on the outcome of a final peace settlement given the sad fact that they will have to start all over again.
There is no assurance a new peace agreement under President Aquino will be successful. There is only the truth that the Mindanao peace process between GRP-MILF still hangs on the balance.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
An opposition to Secretary Ochoa's confrimation
The reported confirmation at the Committee level of Secretary Paquito Ochoa's appointment as Executive Secretary has surprised many since it seems very rush without even the benefit of prior notice published in newspapers of general circulation so individual, group and other interested party could have registered their formal opposition.
The process of confirmation of appointed members of the Cabinet is regarded as a democratic process whereby the 20 members of both the Senate and House of Representatives who are sitting as the Commission On Appointments can determine the fitness, competence and suitability of the proposed appointee in accordance with the rules of the Commission.
In the CA confirmation hearing at the Committee level, the public should have been given the opportunity to manifest their opposition, if any, on the particular official subject to the confirmation process as part of the true observance of democratic processes. It is also one ideal means whereby the government can truly demonstrate so-called policy of transparency and accountability and proper observance of the dictum "public service is public trust" that every Cabinet member and official of the government must serve with the highest degree of honesty, integrity, competence and acceptance of the people.
So in no case should any Cabinet official appointed by the President of the Philippines be
confirmed both at the Committee level and Plenary if there is the slightest objection or opposition by any individual, group or organization to his appointment observing the transparent and democratic manner of appointing a high official of the government.
In this light, even while Secretary Paquito Ochoa's confirmation at the Committee level has been done, we in the Independent Press of Zamboanga Peninsula, Inc. would respectfully appeal to the Honorable Members of the Commission On Appointments to allow us to register our strong objection and opposition to the confirmation of his appointment because we believe the blunders and mistakes he has committed in the issuance of Executive Orders that were rejected and deemed illegal by highest tribunal Supreme Court has placed the Office of the President in a bad light not only in the Philippines but throughout the world.
For such omission, we firmly believe that Secretary Paquito Ochoa is not fit and does not have the competence of the position to which he was appointed by the President.
The process of confirmation of appointed members of the Cabinet is regarded as a democratic process whereby the 20 members of both the Senate and House of Representatives who are sitting as the Commission On Appointments can determine the fitness, competence and suitability of the proposed appointee in accordance with the rules of the Commission.
In the CA confirmation hearing at the Committee level, the public should have been given the opportunity to manifest their opposition, if any, on the particular official subject to the confirmation process as part of the true observance of democratic processes. It is also one ideal means whereby the government can truly demonstrate so-called policy of transparency and accountability and proper observance of the dictum "public service is public trust" that every Cabinet member and official of the government must serve with the highest degree of honesty, integrity, competence and acceptance of the people.
So in no case should any Cabinet official appointed by the President of the Philippines be
confirmed both at the Committee level and Plenary if there is the slightest objection or opposition by any individual, group or organization to his appointment observing the transparent and democratic manner of appointing a high official of the government.
In this light, even while Secretary Paquito Ochoa's confirmation at the Committee level has been done, we in the Independent Press of Zamboanga Peninsula, Inc. would respectfully appeal to the Honorable Members of the Commission On Appointments to allow us to register our strong objection and opposition to the confirmation of his appointment because we believe the blunders and mistakes he has committed in the issuance of Executive Orders that were rejected and deemed illegal by highest tribunal Supreme Court has placed the Office of the President in a bad light not only in the Philippines but throughout the world.
For such omission, we firmly believe that Secretary Paquito Ochoa is not fit and does not have the competence of the position to which he was appointed by the President.
Monday, January 31, 2011
How to rid of corruption in AFP is President Aquino's biggest challenge
His Excellency President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III was propelled to power by a popular mandate after his mother's death, then president Cory who had gained the love and admiration of the Filipino people. His father the late NINOY considered a hero for sacrificing his life fighting a dictator also earned the respect and support of Filipinos and the world that immensely led to PNoy's being accepted and chosen to be their new leader rejecting his political opponents who were identified as stooges of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Now as President, PNoy's avowal of "ang daan matuwid" at 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" will be subjected to an acid test by the recent expose of former AFP Budget Officer retired Col. Rabusa who has testified before Senate Blue Ribbon Committee of his full knowledge about the alleged massive corruption in the Armed Forces of the Phillippines wherein he specifically implicated former Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes of having allegedly received the huge sum of P50 million pesos of taxpayers money for so-called 'pabaon" when he retired and and two other Generals Cimatu and Villanueva for receiving P10M as 'pasalubong' when they assumed as AFP Chief of Staff.
Col. Rabusa's testimony also alleged that even the wife of Gen. Reyes and his children have benefitted from AFP funds during the time of their father, something considered as serious violation of government accounting and auditing regulations as they are civilians and were not in any way connected as organic employees of the Armed Forces who should be allowed to handle funds of the military.
President Aquino as Commander-In-Chief cannot allow such highly irregular practice or tradition in the AFP to continue under his administration as it is contrary to what he had promised the Filipino people during his inaugural address that he will ensure transparency, honesty and strong feedback mechanism whereby the people must help him watch and report acts of graft and corruption and wrong doings of public officials including those in the Armed Forces.
Therefore, the challenge of ridding the Armed Forces of corruption is now at his doorstep being the Commander-In-Chief who wields authority over the four major services as the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines including the Philippine National Police and all Intelligence agency of the government. Many believed including a former President Fidel Ramos, who was once also Commander-In-Chief attested to the fact such corruption in the AFP could have not been possible without the knowledge and blessing of the Commander-In-Chief at the time the highly anomalous transaction of giving such huge amount in millions was committed.
One thing is clear to the Filipino people that what many have thought and suspected in the past about corruption in the AFP for many years is coming out to be true with Col. Rabusa's spilling the beans before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee whereby General Reyes was subjected to intense questioning by Senator Jinggoy Estrada with Col. Rabusa as star witness. Rabusa had promised more damaging evidences will be presented in the next Senate hearing.
The question now will be: Will President Aquino as Commander-In-Chief do what is expected of him to stop once and all such corruption in the AFP? Is he forthright in exercising the political will to reform the AFP of crooks and scalawags particularly among the ranks of the Generals and Commander of the major services and commands? Will he use all available power of his office to give protection to Col. Rabusa and other witnesses that may come forward and present more evidences about corruption in the AFP so the filling of cases against all those involved shall have been properly done in accordance with the applicable laws guaranteed under the Constitution and laws on Military Discipline so corresponding penalty be given to those found guilty? Are we going to see in this case a Commander-In-Chief who will truly be giving the command and order and such to be followed and implemented?
The challenge now lies in the hands of the Commander-In-Chief.
Now as President, PNoy's avowal of "ang daan matuwid" at 'kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" will be subjected to an acid test by the recent expose of former AFP Budget Officer retired Col. Rabusa who has testified before Senate Blue Ribbon Committee of his full knowledge about the alleged massive corruption in the Armed Forces of the Phillippines wherein he specifically implicated former Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes of having allegedly received the huge sum of P50 million pesos of taxpayers money for so-called 'pabaon" when he retired and and two other Generals Cimatu and Villanueva for receiving P10M as 'pasalubong' when they assumed as AFP Chief of Staff.
Col. Rabusa's testimony also alleged that even the wife of Gen. Reyes and his children have benefitted from AFP funds during the time of their father, something considered as serious violation of government accounting and auditing regulations as they are civilians and were not in any way connected as organic employees of the Armed Forces who should be allowed to handle funds of the military.
President Aquino as Commander-In-Chief cannot allow such highly irregular practice or tradition in the AFP to continue under his administration as it is contrary to what he had promised the Filipino people during his inaugural address that he will ensure transparency, honesty and strong feedback mechanism whereby the people must help him watch and report acts of graft and corruption and wrong doings of public officials including those in the Armed Forces.
Therefore, the challenge of ridding the Armed Forces of corruption is now at his doorstep being the Commander-In-Chief who wields authority over the four major services as the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines including the Philippine National Police and all Intelligence agency of the government. Many believed including a former President Fidel Ramos, who was once also Commander-In-Chief attested to the fact such corruption in the AFP could have not been possible without the knowledge and blessing of the Commander-In-Chief at the time the highly anomalous transaction of giving such huge amount in millions was committed.
One thing is clear to the Filipino people that what many have thought and suspected in the past about corruption in the AFP for many years is coming out to be true with Col. Rabusa's spilling the beans before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee whereby General Reyes was subjected to intense questioning by Senator Jinggoy Estrada with Col. Rabusa as star witness. Rabusa had promised more damaging evidences will be presented in the next Senate hearing.
The question now will be: Will President Aquino as Commander-In-Chief do what is expected of him to stop once and all such corruption in the AFP? Is he forthright in exercising the political will to reform the AFP of crooks and scalawags particularly among the ranks of the Generals and Commander of the major services and commands? Will he use all available power of his office to give protection to Col. Rabusa and other witnesses that may come forward and present more evidences about corruption in the AFP so the filling of cases against all those involved shall have been properly done in accordance with the applicable laws guaranteed under the Constitution and laws on Military Discipline so corresponding penalty be given to those found guilty? Are we going to see in this case a Commander-In-Chief who will truly be giving the command and order and such to be followed and implemented?
The challenge now lies in the hands of the Commander-In-Chief.
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