Arangkada for July 24, 2005

              TV NI GLO

 

       Human sa nabulilyaso niyang pagpangayo og pasaylo sa nasudnong telebisyon, nga maoy labing taas og rating sa tanang programa sa telebisyon sa tibuok nasud, wa moatubang sa kamera si Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagpadangat sa nisunod niyang mga mensahe.  Gawas sa kahanap sa iyang mensahe, gisaway ang presidente tungod sa ahat nga pag-inartista pagpaubos sa iyang tingog (ang zoom-in sa camera pag-ingon niyag "I'm sorry" gihulagway nga bastos nga pagsuway sa Malakanyang pagpaburot sa drama).

Maong sa nisunod nga mga adlaw, ang mikropono na lang sa Radyo ng Bayan ang gigamit sa iyang pagdemanda sa resignasyon sa tanang sakop sa gabinete, paghangop sa pagdumili sa Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) pag-awhag sa iyang resignasyon ug pagdason sa charter change nga giduso sa politikanhong mga partido atol sa tigom nga giduma ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

-o0o-

       Ang sunod nga pagpakita sa presidente sa nasudnong telebisyon nakapakugang sa mga nagtoo nga nisurender na siya sa iyang ka-bakikaw atubangan sa kamera nga giisip nga mas gamhanan kay sa mikropono ug mga pamantalaan.  Atubangan sa Filipino-Americans nga niduaw niya sa Malakanyang, isog, klaro ug dasig ang iyang pasidaan sa iyang mga kaatbang nga ipahamtang niyang balaod kon modangop sila sa ilegal nga paagi pagpalagpot niya sa katungdanan.

       Ambot tsamba ba lang, o tungod ba kay nakumbinser ang mga negosyante nga kontrolado pa niyang sitwasyon, nilig-on ang peso ug nidasig ang stock market niadtong adlawa.  Bisan naapiki sa nagkalapad nga krisis, naka-iskor og kadaogan ang pagpakita og balik ni Presidente Arroyo sa telebisyon.

-o0o-

       Ang sunod niyang pagpakita sa nasudnong telebisyon wa paabota.  Nagtan-aw ko sa newscast sa ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) dihang kalit nga gipakita si Presidente Arroyo nga naglingkod atubangan sa usa ka babaye ug tulo ka lalaki sud sa Malakanyang.  Gipahibawo sa presidente nga nagkasabot nang nabulilyaso nga pre-need company ug ang nikha nga mga ginikanan ug nga gamiton niyang kuwarta sa GSIS pagtabang sa mga tinun-an nga wa nang ka-eskuyla.

       Mas nadapit ang akong pagtagad sa kaburot ug kalagom sa eyebags sa presidente nga wa hingpit kataboni sa iyang makeup.  Wa katabang ang luspad nga video sa NBN, ang TV Channel sa gobyerno nga maoy gi-hookup sa ANC.

-o0o-

       Human sa pipila ka gutlo nibarug ang presidente, nanamilit ug bakikaw nga nitangtang sa lapel microphone nga gipatapot sa liab sa iyang sinina.  Mao ra to?

       Human nitago sa kamera sa iyang paglahugay sa gabinete, pagpasalamat sa CBCP ug paghangop sa Cha-Cha, niatubang ang presidente sa kamera aron lang pagsulbad sa problema sa usa ka pre-need company?

       Sa di pa siya hingpit nga mapalagpot sa Malakanyang, maayo tingaling patiran sa presidente ang iyang mga torotot nga klarong nagduwaduwa sa iyang imahe.  [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

The Way Out Of Here

At Large : A map for the 'middle forces'

Rina Jimenez-David
Inquirer News Service

"C4T" is a gathering of civil-society organizations that began life weeks before the "dramatic" events of July 8. The groups had gathered to discuss civil-society options in the wake of the twin controversies over alleged links of government officials, including members of the President's family, to the "jueteng" illegal lottery racket, as well as the tapes of tapped telephone conversations between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and an official of the Commission on Elections, widely believed to be Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.

At the time of its founding, the group was known as "Citizens for Truth," but given the swift and dramatic momentum generated by recent events, especially after a meeting held last week to consolidate civil society's stance, "C4T" has now come to mean "Citizens for TRIO," the last an acronym for a number of options for regime change, to wit: Truth Commission, Resign, Impeach and Oust, this last option preferably through "non-violent and democratic" means.

"TRIO" is not meant to describe a sequence of events, or to give the impression that these four modes of breaking the current impasse are mutually exclusive. Nor are all four means to be undertaken alone by the groups assembled at the meeting. At the moment, for instance, the Bishops-Businessmen's Conference is taking the lead in organizing the Truth Commission, while the impeachment of the President is proceeding apace, with the political opposition leading the charge in the House. The option for "resign," on the other hand, lies entirely in the President's hands, although civil-society groups could a play a role in facilitating this outcome through protest actions and other ways of influencing public opinion. In this so-called "middle" or "centrist" forces will have to do some catching up, as supporters of former President Estrada as well as the Left have already shown the way.

* * *

INTERESTINGLY enough, the option of Charter change, which politicians, especially House Speaker Jose de Venecia and former President Fidel Ramos, are pushing, was not adopted by the gathering.

Personally, I think the proposal to address the current crisis by modifying the Constitution is a non-starter. For one, it won't help the nation find out the answers to the questions on most everybody's minds: Did the President tell the entire truth when she "confessed" about her "lapse of judgment"? Did she indeed cheat during the 2004 elections? And if she cheated, does it mean she was not the rightful winner in the polls?

Changing our form of government now will not guarantee any improvement in governance. And changing our system of leadership from presidential to parliamentarian will be meaningless while the underpinnings of government remain rotten and corrupt. It will be like preparing to move into a decrepit house that's about to fall apart by re-painting the exterior and doing minor repairs, without shoring up the foundations.

The time for constitutional reform is not now, while a political crisis is brewing. Rather, we should wait for the crisis to be resolved, through any of the "TRIO" alternatives, and then perhaps wait for the situation to stabilize and for a new leadership to gain a firm footing before tinkering with the basic law of the land.

* * *

SEEKING to provide a guidepost to the civil-society folks gathered at the "C4T" meeting, a respected NGO leader, who remains anonymous only because I didn't have time to clear this with him, read a paper he called "Quo Vadis, Middle Forces?" This is how he described the situation we face today:

"I have been attending meetings asking the question: Where are we in this crisis? I have two kinds of answers. In terms of the narrowly defined crisis concerning the fate of PGMA [President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo], we are on the stage where we think we still have political, or even moral, choices to make that can drive events and outcomes ... In another two to three months, this window of apparent luxury in political or moral choices will narrow and real events -- economic distress, mass actions, military movements -- will dictate severely constricted and circumscribed options.

"There is also another answer from a larger perspective. If we look at the data concerning public opinion and popular will, however, we are in fact already in a stage of what I call a 'governance vacuum,' where people want their political system to provide leadership for change, but for a combination of reasons this leadership is not forthcoming. This is a stage of grave danger to our nation because once the imperatives of survival grows and become more insistent, it will not be the forces with the best and most correct solution that could determine the outcome but rather those who are most prepared and ready to offer a viable solution.

"In our country's history, those most ready with a viable solution to political crisis have often been the vested interests because their goals are clear and their methods decisive. Reform forces with diffused goals and indecisive methods are the first casualties of intensified crisis and their usual palliative resolutions."

* * *

"IN MY view, what the people want is a viable, sustainable and credible political solution to the present crisis that also allows us to build on this solution for future stability, growth and strength. They want a solution that can move us out of this current PGMA crisis but establishes a governing capability with some traction to deliver better results down the long haul. This is the current demand under conditions of apparent luxury of choices: a short-term solution with long-term viability. Once conditions worsen to make the imperative of choice more pressing and urgent, our people could settle for any short-term solution that gains ground whatever might be its long-term prospects."

Arangkada for July 23, 2005

 

SUNOD CHAVIT?

 

Ang mga lider sa oposisyon dinhi sa Sugbo nagplano sa pagtigom sa mga kasinatian sa nagkalainlaing mga kandidato nga modason sa mga pasangil sa lapad nga tikas sa eleksiyon sa Sugbo sa niaging tuig. Pipila sa pasiunang mga pasangil nga nabisto atol sa Kapamilya Media Forum sa DYAB Abante Bisaya, ABS-CBN Cebu ug SkyCable:

• Hapit moabot og 100% ang turnout sa mga botante sa Barangay Suba, Cebu City, segun pang kanhi barangay kapitan Nicasio Jaca;
• Gikandadohan ni Naga Mayor Ferdinand Chiong ang munisipyo ug wa pasudla ang mga representante sa oposisyon atol sa municipal canvass, segun pang kanhi kongresista Celestino Martinez Jr. ug kanhi assemblyman Adelino Sitoy; ug
• Kandidato pagka-mayor sa amihanang Sugbo niingon nga nasakpan sa NBI experts nga apil sa nagsuwat sa pekeng mga balota mao ang naproklamar nga kandidato pagka mayor sa ilang lungsod.

-o0o-

Inanay nang nitumaw ang mga ebidensiya sa lapad ug agresibo nga maniobra sa Malakanyang pagpatay sa impeachment complaint batok ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pinaagi sa pagluok ining daan sa House of Representatives aron nga di na masumiter ngadto sa Senado. Sa kataposan, duna na gyoy nibarug human sa pipila ka adlaw nang pagkatap sa mga huhungihong nga gitanyagan og makalilisang nga mga suburno ang mga kongresista nga gitoohang mamirma sa impeachment complaint nga isumiter na unyang Lunes.

Siya si Kongresista Eulogio Magsaysay sa Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE) kinsa niangkon nga gitanyagan siya sa mga representante sa administrasyon og P500,000 nga cash ug P5 milyones nga balor sa mga proyekto. Gipasaligan pa gyod si Magsaysay nga iapil sa tiket sa administrasyon sa eleksiyon sa 2007. Nihulga siya paghingan sa mga niduol niya kon ilang ipanghimakak ang iyang mga pasangil.

-o0o-

Ambot kinsay naghulhog sa kampo ni Presidente Arroyo nga mokalma nang krisis kon di makabuylo ang impeachment process. Mahimo bang pahinumdoman ang presidente nga ang paglaom nga mas mapasabot ang kontrobersiya pinaagi sa impeachment ang usa sa hinungdan nganong wa pa manggawas ang minilyon ka katawhan sa kadalanan aron pagdemanda sa iyang ulo?

Nisaad si Presidente Arroyo, human siya nisalikway sa mga awhag sa resignasyon, nga iyang atubangon ang mga pasangil batok niya pinaagi sa impeachment. Kon hasta ni di niya tumanon, di na maglibog ang kinabag-an unsaon siya pagpalagpot sa Palasyo.

-o0o-

Niay laing atanganan: Ang sunod saksi ni Arsobispo Oscar Cruz gihulagway nga sunod nga "Chavit Singson" kay direktang molambigit ni Presidente Arroyo sa payola sa jueteng. Giingong nakakita sa pagtunol ni Presidente Arroyo sa dakong bantal sa kuwarta sa jueteng ngadto sa iyang mga lider sa iyang bay sa La Vista, Quezon City Mayo ug Hunyo sa niaging tuig.

Pero ang saksi nga giingong dakong lider sa administrasyon mopaila lang kon makumbinser nga apiki na si Presidente Arroyo. [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

Surveys: Gloria Must Go Now

Posted by Avigail Olarte 
PCIJ

MAJORITY of Filipinos say President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should resign, according to surveys done by IBON Foundation and CNN/Time.

Conducted on July 8-17, the IBON survey reveals 68.6 percent of 1,379 respondents says they want the president out of office. Of this, 46.41 percent thinks she should resign, 19.43 percent says she should be impeached, and 11.82 percent says she should be ousted by another "People Power" revolt.

More Filipinos also believe that the president was not sincere when she apologized for her "lapse in judgment" in calling Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano during the May 2004 elections. The survey also shows that most Filipinos are unhappy with the President's performance.

The CNN/Time poll, on the other hand, shows that 57 percent thinks Arroyo should quit. Of the 600 respondents, 38.5 percent, however, says she should complete her term. This survey was done at about the same time the Pulse Asia conducted its National Capital Region survey on July 2-8. Both surveys were done after the president's June 27 apology.

Pulse Asia states 41 percent of Metro Manilans think the president should either resign, be impeached, or snap elections should be held. In its nationwide survey conducted on June 20-23, majority of Filipinos say they want Arroyo out. This result, they say, counters the claim of Malacañang that the sentiments of those within Metro Manila differ from those of the rest of the country.

See results of the surveys here:

• IBON Foundation Inc.
• CNN/Time
• Pulse Asia Inc.

Arangkada for July 22, 2005

 

IYAHONG TANAN

 

Ambot tungod ba sa naghigwaos niyang determinasyon pagpabilin sa labing taas nga katungdanan sa nasud, o tungod ba sa ka-wa na niyay salig bisan sa labing suod niyang mga alyado sa Kongreso human siya biyai sa iyang labing sinaligang mga sakop sa gabinete, o di na lang gyod ganahang mokumpiyansa bisan gamay sa pagpanalipod sa iyang kaugalingon, si Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sinalikway ang bisan unsang lama sa kaikog ug kauwaw, nideklarar nga siyay mangunay pagtudlo sa mga imbestigador nga mo-imbestigar sa seryusong mga pasangil batok niya.

Nisibaw nang mga pagsaway nga si Presidente Arroyo nagpabaga ug nagpapating sa iyang pagpamugos pagpabilin sa puwesto bisan sa pagtibugsok sa pagsalig sa kinabag-an sa katawhan human nabisto ang lisod lalison nga ebidensiya sa iyang pagmaniobra sa resulta sa eleksiyon sa niaging tuig ug pagkawat sa mandato sa mga botante nga ang mayoriya lain untay gipili pagka-presidente. Pero way bisan usang nakaandam ning labing uwahi niyang paugat.

-o0o-

Bisan ang mga alyado ni Presidente Arroyo sa duha ka bay balaoranan sa Kongreso nikuwestiyon di lang sa legalidad kon dili hasta sa kamakiangayon sa iyang pagdalidali pagtukod og iyang kaugalingong Truth Commission. Klarong nainsulto ang iyang alyadong mga senador ug mga kongresista kinsa nag-andam na unta og mga balaodnon pagtukod og komisyon nga tinuorayng independente, o labing menos di direktang kapasanginlan nga ubos sa influencia gikan sa Malakanyang.

Pero ang pagbaraw sa Malakanyang sa plano sa Kongreso maoy klarong tilimad-on nga di na ganahang mosugal ang grupo ni Presidente Arroyo sa iyang kaugmaon ngadto sa mga politiko nga dunay personal nga mga ambisyon nga mahimong di motakdo sa plano sa Palasyo. Pasidaan sab ni Malakanyang nga di sila moduko sa Cha-Cha ug ubang giluto nga mga putahe nga molaslas sa lima pa ka tuig nga nahibilin sa termino ni Presidente Arroyo.

-o0o-

Dihang nagtakilid nang Administrasyong Arroyo, nga morang usa ka litik na lay kuwang ug matumba na, si kanhi presidente Fidel Ramos ang niluwas niya pinaagi sa pagsugyot nga usbon ang sistema sa gobyerno ug himoon na lang caretaker si Arroyo hangtod nga mapahigayon ang eleksiyon sa bag-ong mga sakop sa bay balaoranan sunod tuig. Tungod sa iyang kahinangop nga nalugwayan ang naapiki na niyang pamunoan, way laing kapilian ang presidente gawas sa pagdason sa bisan unsang gipanulti nilang Ramos ug ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

Pero temporaryo rang iyang kakugang. Dihang nakaamgo nga sila pay naghupot sa higanteng makinarya sa gobyerno, nideklarar dayon ang mga torotot sa presidente, nga gipangulohan ni Presidential Management Staff Chief Rigoberto Tiglao, nga di mouyon ang presidente sa bisan unsang laslas sa iyang termino.

Sa ato pa, mosugot sila sa Cha-Cha, impeachment ug Truth Commission. Pero silay magbuot unsaon. [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

Inquirer Editorial: Impeachment

THE OPPOSITION is preparing up to 10 criminal charges, including electoral fraud and graft and corruption, against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Opposition lawmakers, assisted by private lawyers, are scrambling to gather evidence, line up witnesses and prepare the charges to be included in the impeachment complaint they will file in the House of Representatives immediately after Ms Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address at the opening of the session on Monday. "Our charges against her would revolve around the crimes of cheating, lying and stealing," said House Minority Leader Francis Escudero.

Impressive? Maybe yes -- to an impressionable public. But though it may be useful to marshal a whole array of allegations and charges to win the battle for public opinion, such a shotgun approach is really unnecessary, counterproductive and dilatory if the objective is to impeach Ms Arroyo and strip her of the presidency quickly. In an impeachment case, it doesn't matter whether the accused is found guilty of one crime or a dozen ones. Either way, all the punishment she will suffer is the loss of her high office.

One well-prepared, well-supported and well-argued case is all it takes to achieve this objective, so it's a waste of time and effort to file so many other charges that may prove hard to substantiate in the end. If the opposition wants to have an early resolution of this crisis, it should dispense with pyrotechnics, like filing so many charges, and focus on a couple or at most, a handful that can be built into solid cases.

Ironically, the more promising ones may not even directly involve the allegation that triggered the crisis -- electoral fraud -- since the most damaging proof of that available now is an illegal wiretap which cannot be used in legal proceedings. But there are some constitutional experts, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J., among them, who say that just talking to an election official (which the President has publicly admitted) at such a critical time, already constitutes betrayal of public trust.

What would be less debatable is direct testimony given by persons who may have known first-hand certain presidential actions and decisions tainted by graft and corruption. If even just one of the seven Cabinet members who resigned last July 8 were to start talking about some shady transactions he or she personally knew about, the President could be in deeper trouble than she already is.

The opposition knows this very well. San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora, who is heading the opposition's legal team, said he was confident that some of them would testify against the President. Imelda Nicolas, former chair of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, said she and others among the so-called Hyatt 10 were willing to testify "if we know something relevant to the charges." Former Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman had earlier said she was ready to testify under oath. One former Cabinet member, who didn't want to be identified, said some of those in their group knew about some questionable transactions, particularly with regard to the disbursement of disaster relief funds allegedly for political purposes.

Unless the opposition has other more substantial proof of official wrongdoing, whether in connection with the elections or misuse of public funds, it cannot go wrong if it concentrated its effort on securing the cooperation of these officials, who were once in a position to participate in delicate discussions. They might even have been party to some questionable decisions and illegal transactions. And they seem convinced that the way to save the nation is to bring the Arroyo administration down. Having failed once when their demand for the President's resignation was ignored, will they go for broke and tell everything they know?

The answer could very well hinge on how much they can trust the opposition to follow the Constitution. One key proposal the resigned Cabinet members made was that power be handed over to the constitutional successor: Vice President Noli de Castro. Removing the President through impeachment should pave the way for such an orderly transition. But is the opposition ready to accept such an outcome?

Media Corruption

Excerpted from "News for Sale: The Corruption &

Commercialization of the Philippine Media" with the author's permission

By CHAY FLORENTINO-HOFILEÑA Director of the Journalism Graduate Program of Ateneo de Manila University

Payoffs to journalists have become so much a part of the journalistic culture that they have engendered a language all their own. These are some of the terms used in the journalistic community to refer to various forms of corruption the media.

AC-DC

For attack-collect-defend-collect. A kind of journalism where the reporter attacks a person in order to collect money from that person's rival or enemy. The same journalist then defends the person originally attacked, also for a fee.

ATM journalism

Refers to reporters who receive discreet and regular pay-offs through their automated teller machine (ATM) accounts. News sources simply deposit cash into these accounts instead of issuing checks or handing the money over to the journalists in envelopes. Often, the accounts are in the names of relatives, rather than of the reporters themselves. ATM journalism became popular in the 1990s, taking over from the more simple "envelopmental journalism" that took place in the 1970s and '80s.

Ayos

As in "fix," the act of bribing reporters either with money or other gifts like late-night entertainment.

 

Bicycle Gang

Refers to the contacts of politicians in television news desks who ensure that video

footage of candidates barnstorming in the provinces is circulated to the different TV networks by a messenger riding a bike.

Blood Money

 

A pay-off to ensure that a story or critical article is killed or else slanted in the briber's favor before publication. This is different from "smiling money".

Bukol

From the Tagalog word that means a bump, usually on the head. A reporter gets a "bukol" or is considered "nabukulan" if he or she fails to get a share of the largesse being distributed by politicians and other news sources whom they cover.

Didal

Refers to the practice of media handlers pocketing for themselves a part of the money intended for distribution to reporters. For example, if a party's media bureau sets aside a P2,000 allowance for each of the reporters covering an event, the media staff would distribute only P1,000 to P1,500 and keep the rest. The reporters in this case consider themselves "nadidal."

Envelopmental journalism

 

A take on "developmental journalism," which became popular in the 1970s.

Journalism is deemed "envelopmental" if it involves an envelope of cash paid to journalists to sway their reporting.

Hao siao

A derogatory term used to refer to pseudo-journalists, those not employed by a

reputable news organization but pass themselves off as journalists in order to cash in on payoffs and bribes made by news sources, particularly during elections.

Inteligensia

Cash given as bribe or protection money to the police, a part of which goes to journalists covering the police department. Some reporters have begun using the term to refer to the regular payments that they get from law enforcers.

Main Event

Refers to the act of distributing cash to journalists. A press conference or news coverage is not deemed over until the cash is dispensed -- this is considered the "main event."

Orbit

Like planets revolving around the sun, reporters also make the rounds of offices, particularly the police stations, to get their weekly payola. The term may also refer to any effort to visit offices for the purpose of soliciting money from news sources.

Placement

The position or department within the media bureau of a government agency or company that is in charge of ensuring that press releases are sent to news offices and published or aired when they should be. While there aer PR professionals who do the job, some journalists are hired to ensure "placement' as well. Some journalists also moonlight as writers for candidates, ensuring placement by making appeals to their friends in newspapers and broadcast agencies.

Point Man

A reporter or editor working in a news organization but who is also paid by a candidate or political party to ensure that press releases are published or aired and also to warn the candidate of negative stories emanating from rival camps.

Shepherds

 

Journalists who are either jobless or on leave from their news organizations and act as guides to reporters covering a a particular candidate or party. Shepherds take care of the reporters' needs including accommodations, food, plane fare and other transportation expenses, as well as "extras" like nights out.

Smiling Money

Cash that is given to reporters or editors for no particular reason except to create goodwill between a source and the journalists. It can also be used to refer to a payoff given after the publication of a positive story, supposedly as a gesture of the source's appreciation.

Sulig

A thousand pesos

Tigbas

Cebuano word for "cut", used to refer to a hatchet job

Warik-warik

A Cebuano term used to describe unscrupulous people; to journalists in the provinces, these are the counterpart of Manila's hao siao.

(Compiled by Manny Mogato and Vinia M. Datinguinoo)

hotmanila.ph

Arangkada for July 21, 2005

 

MGA KONTRABIDA

 

Si Luis "Chavit" Singson nabantog sa iyang kabagis ug ka-relasyon nga bold stars. Pero usa siya sa gipasidunggan sa pagpalagpot sa kurakot nga pamunoan ni kanhi presidente Joseph Estrada niadtong 2001.

Silang Juan Ponce Enrile ug Fidel Ramos gikaintapan nga mga berdugo sa martial law sa diktador nga si Ferdinand Marcos. Pero silay nahimong bayani sa Edsa 1 nga nipalingkod ni kanhi presidente Corazon Aquino sa Malakanyang niadtong 1986.

Si Atty. Allan Paguia maoy abogado ug torotot ni Erap. Pero siyay nahimong instrumento sa pagpagawas sa Garci tapes nga kon kapamatud-an mahimong maoy mopalagpot ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa katungdanan.

-o0o-

Naapil sila sa mas taas nga listahan sa kasaysayan sa mga kontrabida kansang mantsado nga kagahapon napapas sa mga pasidungog tungod sa ilang wa paabotang tampo sa pagbisto ug pagbadlong sa malupigon, abusado ug mapahimuslanong mga pamunoan.

Sa eskandalong nakatay-og karon sa administrasyong Arroyo, wa pay klaro kinsay sunod nga Chavit, o Johnny, o Eddie. Pero nag-unang kandidata mao si Sandra Cam, ang nikumpisal nga tigkolekta sa payola sa jueteng para sa bana, anak ug bayaw ni Presidente Arroyo ug ang wa pa nganli nga politiko nga gihulagway ni Arsobispo Oscar Cruz nga maoy labing suhiton sa giingong kalambigitan sa presidente sa jueteng.

Maglisod pag-qualify si kanhi senador John Osmena.

-o0o-

Klaro si Osmena nga igo lang nikabayo sa sitwasyon. Naghuwat siya nga motakilid nang administrasyon una nipahibawo sa iyang pagbalitok ngadto sa oposisyon. Ang kabasa na sa papel ni Osmena maoy hinungdan nga bisan topnotcher siya sa nangaging lokal ug nasudnong mga eleksiyon sa Sugbo, way nahibung nga sa labing unang higayon sa iyang pamolitika gipilde ug gibasura siya sa mga Sugbuanon.

Maong bisan pag moingon si Osmena nga mosawop ang adlaw karong hapon, daghang Sugbuanon ang magduda sa iyang kamatinud-anon. Mao nay ganti sa iyang kamapahitas-on nga naglakip sa iyang paghudlat sa mga Sugbuanon nga magpuasa sila tungod sa ilang pagsalikway ni Erap.

-o0o-

Pero nagtoo ko nga, sama nilang Singson, Ramos, Enrile ug Paguia, si Osmena dunay importanteng papel nga huptan sa pagbisto sa kinatibuk-ang langyab sa Gloriagate scandal. Sa tanang mga politiko, siyay labing unang nakahimog makuting pagtuon sa resulta sa niaging eleksiyon, nga wa magpaabot sa langayng proseso sa Comelec (ang iyang election protest batok ni Senador Rodolfo Biazon di kairog hangtod makahatag si Vice Presidential Candidate Loren Legarda sa kapin sa P80 milyones para sa recount sa mga balotang naapil sa iyang protesta batok ni Bise Presidente Noli de Castro).

Ang kahinog ni Osmena sa politika mahimong maoy makagiya niya paghipos sa mga dokumento nga mas mopalig-on pa sa kasayuran sa Garci tapes. Ang iyang ka-oportunista mahimong makaalagad sa mas dakong nasudnong interes. [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

Gloria's Letter to CBCP

His Excellency Archbishop Fernando R. Capalla, D.D.
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

Dear Archbishop Capalla,

With a deep sense of appreciation of their profound concern for the
country and our people, I read the Bishops' RESTORING TRUST: A PLEA
FOR MORAL VALUES IN PHILIPPINE POLITICS. I read it both as President
and as a simple individual, one of the flock whom the Lord has called
upon the Bishops to shepherd and provide moral and religious guidance
to.

As a part of our political system, I am greatly saddened to realize
that our people now so mistrust that same political system. As
President, I am greatly humbled to realize that I now owe the Filipino
people a huge debt of service, a debt that to the best of the
abilities that God has given me, I must now try to repay.

In all humility, I took to heart the admonition that I should not
simply dismiss calls for my resignation from office, and that through
prayer, we can arrive at decisions for the common good that are based
on moral precepts.

On the matter of moral accountability and the need to restore trust, I
have initiated the creation of a commission or similar body to look
into the truth behind issues recently raised against me. While
accepting the principle of accountability, it may be noted that such
issues were raised at a time and in a manner that seems to give
credence to the observation that various groups may be manipulating
situations for their own agenda, perhaps with the aim of grabbing
power. I am hopeful that the process of searching for the truth will
shed light on these disturbing matters as well.

On the matter of effective governance, I took to heart the admonition
to discern deeply as to whether the erosion of trust is so severe as
to be irreversible. I believe that subsequent events and revelations
may have given a more balanced view to this question, and that my
decision to stay in my office is the correct one.

If we allow our country's President to be pressured to resign under
these circumstances, when the issues raised might have speculative or
controvertible basis, then we expose our already weakened political
system—a system that needs fundamental reform—to the possibility of
never ending political crises of a similar nature in the future.

With my decision comes the responsibility to sincerely strive to be,
like the men and women that the Bishops have committed to form, a
leaven of social transformation for our country. I pray that God will
give me the strength and wisdom to do so.

Having made my decision, I have tried to make my peace with God as
well. I trust in His infinite mercy and capacity to forgive all of us
who are sinners. I am hopeful that others, being human and so perhaps
less compassionate than the Lord, may still find their way to setting
aside a space in their hearts for me.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Bishops for their
guidance these trying times. I wish to let them know that trusting
completely in the Lord, I have surrendered myself to His will.

Pulse Asia: Glo Out

Arroyo ouster 'best scenario,' most Manilans say in poll

Joel Francis Guinto
INQ7.net

ALMOST half of Metro Manila residents believe that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation or impeachment is the "best scenario" that will resolve the political crisis in the country, according to an independent survey released Tuesday.

The Pulse Asia Inc. survey from July 2-8 shows that of the 300 respondents in Metro Manila, only 16 percent think that it will be best for the country if Arroyo will finish her term until 2010, compared to 41 percent who want her to resign or be impeached to give way to snap elections.

This is in contrast to a Pulse Asia nationwide survey in June when only 28 percent of the respondents said Arroyo should either resign or be impeached to allow Vice President Noli de Castro to take over while 22 percent wanted the President to finish her term.

The July study also showed that only 15 percent of Metro Manila residents believed De Castro's assumption to power is best for the country while another 10 percent said Arroyo should be replaced with a "junta" or caretaker government before a new election would be held.

Meanwhile, 10 percent said Arroyo should be removed either by constitutional or extra-constitutional means.

Only six percent favor a shorter term for Arroyo and Charter change, which seeks a shift to a parliamentary form of government from the present presidential system, the same July survey in Metro Manila said.

When asked about the "most destructive" way out of the political standoff, 24 percent of the Metro Manila respondents said the intervention of a foreign government; 18 percent, a coup d'etat; 17 percent, Arroyo's stay in power until her term ends; 14 percent, after Arroyo's resignation or impeachment; 14 percent, a police and military takeover; and 11 percent, De Castro's assumption to the presidency.

Senator Panfilo Lacson is the "best person to lead the country now," according to 36 percent of Metro Manila residents in the July 2-8 survey.

De Castro is in second with 15 percent. Former president Joseph Estrada is third, with 8 percent; followed by actress Susan Roces and Arroyo, with 7 percent each; Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide and former president Fidel Ramos with 4 percent each; evangelist Brother Eddie Villanueva, with 3 percent; and Senator Rodolfo Biazon, 2 percent.

Meanwhile, 25 percent of the respondents ranked Arroyo first among those who were "not acceptable to lead the nation."

Behind Arroyo among the leaders whom the Metro Manila respondents do not find acceptable are former defense secretary Fortunato Abat, with 17 percent; De Castro, 12 percent; Davide, 11 percent; Estrada, 9 percent; Roces, 6 percent; Lacson, 5 percent; Biazon, 4 percent; Villanueva and Ramos, 2 percent each, the survey said.

Pulse Asia's July survey was conducted after Arroyo's public apology for her "lapse in judgement" when she called an elections officer during the 2004 canvassing. It had a margin of error of +/-6 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent.

In the Pulse Asia nationwide survey in June, De Castro topped the list of best alternatives to Arroyo, with 30 percent; followed by Estrada, 19 percent; and Lacson, 19 percent.

Arroyo also topped the list of unacceptable leaders in the nationwide June survey with 42 percent; followed by Ramos, 39 percent; and Villanueva, 31 percent.

But despite the worsening political crisis, Metro Manila residents remained in high spirits, according to the July survey.

Only 17 percent said they agreed with the statement "The country is hopeless," compared with 22 percent in March.

Those who said martial law was "necessary" to solve the political crisis slipped to 18 percent in July from 21 percent in March.

A similar Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released last week showed that 62 percent of Metro Manila residents believed Arroyo should resign or be impeached.

Gloria Lost By 700,000 Votes?

Ex-senator Osmeña bares poll fraud in 2004

Juliet Labog-Javellana
Inquirer News Service

FORMER senator John Osmeña declared on Tuesday that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lost to the late Fernando Poe Jr. by 700,000 votes in the 2004 national election.

Osmeña, citing the reports made by his study group, also refuted claims by Arroyo's camp that she received 1.1 million votes more than Poe in Cebu.

Osmeña said in a press conference in Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel that Arroyo only led by 621,000 votes against Poe in Cebu.

©2005 www.inq7.net all rights reserved

Arangkada for July 20, 2005

 

GLORIA GINAPOS

 

Kon mangita mog klarong ebidensiya nga ginapos na si Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa iyang padayong pagduma sa nasud bisan sa sibaw nga awhag sa iyang resignasyon, di na kinahanglang motan-aw sa layo: Ang pagpabilin sa katungdanan sa Sugbuanong si Winston Garcia isip presidente ug general manager sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) maoy di malalis nga pruyba.

Ubos sa pagduma ni Garcia, ang GSIS gideklarar sa respondents sa usa ka nasudnong survey nga gihimo sa Social Weather Station (SWS) nga maoy labing kurakot nga ahensiya sa gobyerno. Sa labing unang higayon sa kasaysayan, naapsan sa GSIS ang gikaintapang kurakot nga mga ahensiya sama sa Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue ug Department of Public Works and Highways.

-o0o-

Wa magkuwang ang nagkalainlaing sektor sa pagtawag sa atensiyon ni Presidente Arroyo sa ilang nakit-ang mga eskandalo ni Garcia, nga nagsugod sa pagtiyabaw sa pobreng mga sakop sa GSIS batok sa iyang pagwaldas sa minilyon ka pesos pagpalit sa painting ni Juan Luna nga way bisan gamayng labot sa iyang ahensiya. Ang labing sibaw mao ang awhag sa iyang kaugalingong mga kawani sa GSIS kinsa nangisog pagprotesta aron pagbisto sa ilang gitumbok nga mga pangabuso ni Garcia sa iyang gahom.

Pero giisnab silang tanan ni Presidente Arroyo. Kinsa niinsistir nga dako ug konkreto ang kita sa GSIS ubos sa liderato ni Garcia. Samtang ang mga kaatbang ni Garcia way laing gitanyag gawas sa pagarpar.

-o0o-

Wa magkuwang ang mga ebidensiya sa giingong mga anomaliya ni Garcia sa GSIS. Si kanhi budget secretary Emilia Boncodin nibisto nga gisupak ni Garcia ang sugo ni Presidente Arroyo sa paglaslas sa dagkong suholan ug mga benepisyo sa mga opisyal sa mga korporasyon sa gobyerno. Giibanan man tuod ang iyang suweldo pero gibutang ra sab sa iyang personal bank account.

Dihang nabisto nga gawas sa pagpatrabaho ni Garcia sa iyang kaugalingong igsoon sa GSIS gihatagan pa gyod niya og makalilisang nga suholan ug mga benepisyo, naabtan pa si Presidente Arroyo og pipila ka buwan una nakaako sa pagtaktak sa laing abusadong sakop sa Pamilyang Garcia.

-o0o-

Daghan nang mas dagkong opisyal nga nangahas pagbaraw ni Garcia. Pero si Garcia ang kanunayng gipalabi sa presidente. Si kanhi finance secretary Isidro Camacho napugos pagbiya sa gabinete human gibasura sa Malakanyang ang iyang mga rekomendasyon pagtul-id sa gikuwestiyong pagduma ni Garcia sa GSIS.

Ang labing uwahing biktima sa kahawod ni Garcia maong mga sakop sa gabinete nga gipangulohan nilang kanhi finance secretary Cesar Purisima ug Boncodin nga nidemanda sab sa pagpalagpot ni Garcia. Natangtang silang tanan pero si Garcia nagpabilin.

Kon di kahilabot si Presidente Arroyo kang Garcia, unsa man intawoy iyang mahimo batok sa mas dagkong peste sa iyang administrasyon? [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

Inquirer Editorial

Editorial : Period of waiting

THE UNITED Opposition is urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign. Sixty-two percent of Metro Manila residents believe she should quit. Former President Corazon Aquino also wants her to resign. The "Hyatt 10" is urging her to quit. Many business, professional, religious and academic groups say she should step down. The President has said, however, that she is not resigning.

The opposition is now considering impeaching her. But even if it pushes through, the impeachment court will take a long time to reach a resolution, unless something like Edsa People Power II happens. So it seems that Ms Arroyo will be with us for some time yet. And while the question of whether she should stay in office remains unresolved, political and economic instability is likely to continue.

In an effort to make Ms Arroyo more acceptable to the people, her advisers are planning a makeover to project her as a friendlier, gentler president. This is a cosmetic move, and we doubt if it will earn her points. It would be better if she did something that would greatly benefit the country in the interim. The first priority should be the economy, which has taken a heavy beating the past five weeks. The President has taken the first step by appointing replacements for the members of her economic team who resigned recently. We hope that the new appointees would attend immediately to the serious economic problems of the country.

An early resolution of the constitutional challenge to the expanded value-added tax law by the Supreme Court could help promote stability on the economic front. Then new Internal Revenue Commissioner Jose Mario Buñag will have to ensure the strict enforcement of the expanded value-added tax and continue the aggressive collection of taxes begun by his predecessor, Guillermo Parayno. The government needs a lot of funds, and it needs them now.

Under the Constitution the President cannot fire the commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). But she could enlist the help of civil society and the political parties in exerting pressure on the election commissioners to tender their resignation. The commissioners should realize that the Comelec is one of the most discredited government agencies today. A reform of the electoral process has to begin with the cleansing of the Comelec.

If a mass resignation of the Comelec commissioners can be obtained, the President should avoid packing it with disreputable characters and "dependable" political allies. She should consider appointing to the Comelec people of the caliber of its former chairs, Christian Monsod and Haydee Yorac. The nation will be grateful if she can clean up the Augean stable that is the Comelec. The cleanup could be the start of wide-ranging reforms in the electoral system.

It is not just the electoral system that needs changing. The political system also needs to be changed to promote national stability. Since Edsa People Power I in 1986, the nation has gone through many periods of political instability. Now may be an auspicious time to change the system, from presidential to parliamentary. A parliamentary system makes it possible to quickly change an administration once its leader loses the confidence of his or her parliamentary peers and the people. Then there would be no need for future Edsa People Power uprisings.

Reports the day after Ms Arroyo survived the most serious challenge to her presidency said that because of his support, former President Fidel V. Ramos would now have his way in his efforts to move the nation from the presidential to the parliamentary system. Under Ramos' timetable, Congress would convene as a constituent assembly to propose changes in the Constitution. Civil society and the opposition are expected to oppose the idea of convening a constituent assembly because Congress is another discredited institution.

It would be better to call a constitutional convention. It may be more expensive, but the election of delegates to the convention may see the emergence of young, new leaders who could bring new perspectives and new ideas to the task of crafting the fundamental law. The body politic also needs a shot of fresh blood to invigorate and renew itself.

In this expectedly long period of waiting, the President could serve the national interest if she would put the economic house in order, help bring about electoral reforms, beginning with a change in the Comelec, and start the ball rolling for a change from the presidential to the parliamentary system.

De Quiros' Column

There's The Rub : President, pauper

Conrado de Quiros dequiros@info.com.ph
Inquirer News Service

I REMEMBER writing a column ages ago about the differences between rich and poor. I remember vaguely only parts of it, which went something like this:

If you're rich, you're eccentric; if you're poor, you're loony. If you're rich, you're a man of the world; if you're poor, you're a degenerate. If you're rich, you're an imbiber of spirits; if you're poor, you're a drunk. If you're rich, you're indulgent; if you're poor, you're a slob. If you're rich, you're shrewd; if you're poor, you're a crook. If you're rich, you profit; if you're poor, you steal. If you're rich, you love women; if you're poor, you're a lecher. If you're rich, you are incontinent; if you're poor, you're full of vices. If you're rich, you're full of pipe dreams; if you're poor, you're full of s--t. If you're rich, you stray from the narrow path; if you're poor, you commit a crime. If you're rich, you're pardoned; if you're poor, you're hanged.

There's a variation on that to be found in the spectacle of the last few years of this country. In lieu of rich and poor though, president and pauper more properly fit the bill.

But let's begin with vice president first and reverse the order of presentation:

If you're a pauper, you're craven; if you're a vice president, you're cautious. If you're a pauper, you hide under the bed; if you're a vice president, you adopt a wait-and-see attitude. If you're a pauper and you join a fight when it's safe, you're an opportunist. If you're a vice president and you join a fight when it's safe, you have perfect timing. If you're a pauper, you admit to being a coward. If you're a vice president, you point to a dead pope as your strength. If you're a pauper and you run away from a fight, you become a leper. If you're a vice president and you run away from a fight, you become president.

If you're a pauper and you promise on the grave of your mother not to beat up your wife again, you're a reformed ass. If you're a president and you promise on the grave of Jose Rizal not to beat up your country again, you're a reformed hero. If you're a pauper and you decide to beat up your wife anyway after seven months, you're an incorrigible thug. If you're a president and you decide to beat up your country anyway after seven months, you're a corrigible savior. If you're a pauper and you turn your back on your word, you're a goddamn liar. If you're a president and you turn your back on your word, you're enlightened by God. If you're a pauper and you beat up your wife again, her brothers beat you up in turn, or hack you to pieces. If you're a president and you beat up your country again, your supporters drumbeat your virtues and your PR hacks do a hack job on the public. If you're a pauper, you lie, you die. If you're a president, you lie, you live.

If you're a pauper, your wife hears you saying, "Hello, Grace," you will be angry and act innocent. If you're a president, your country hears you saying, "Hello, Garci," you will be angry and act innocent. If you're a pauper and your wife hears you plotting to cheat with Grace, you will say she is an eavesdropper and order her to mind the kitchen. If you're a president and your people hear you plotting to cheat with Garci, you will say they are eavesdroppers and order them to mind their business. If you're a pauper and your wife finds you in bed with Grace, you will demand to know what's wrong with it since you were just out to protect her breasts. If you're a president and your country finds you in cahoots with Garci, you will demand to know what's wrong with it since you were just out to protect your votes.

If you're a pauper and your wife catches you two-timing her, you will not sleep well at night for fear of what might happen to your crowning glory. If you're a president and your country catches you two-timing it, you will not sleep well at night for fear of what might happen to your crown.

If you're a pauper and you're caught cheating your wife, you send yourself into mournful exile. If you're a president and you're caught cheating your country, you send your husband into cheerful exile. If you're a pauper and your wife and her (male) kin order you to leave the house at once, you sigh, "I will not resist." If you're a president and your enemies and former friends order you to leave the palace at once, you swear, "I will not resign." If you're a pauper and your family doesn't like you, you "hakot" [haul] your belongings. If you're a president and your country doesn't like you, you "hakot" a crowd. If you're a pauper and have nobody left to turn to, you tell your troubles to the cigar-chomping occupant of a tree named Kapre. If you're a president and have nobody left to turn to, you tell your troubles to the cigar-chomping occupant of a doghouse named Tabako.

If you're a pauper and you keep coveting things, you are called greedy. If you're a president and you keep coveting things, you are called an economist. If you're a pauper and you keep stealing things, you are called a thief. If you're a president and you keep stealing things, you are called hardworking. If you're a pauper and you usurp somebody else's job, you are called a scab. If you're a president and you usurp somebody else's office, you are called a snob. If you're a pauper and you've committed a crime, you are turned over to the uniformed face-wreckers. If you're a president and you've committed a crime, you are made over by the coat-and-tied image-makers.

If you're a pauper and you show no pride, you are called "kapalmuks" [thick-faced]. If you're a president and show no shame, you are called resolute. If you're a pauper and cling like Epoxy to what isn't yours, you are called "kapit-tuko.". If you're a president and cling like Mighty Bond to what isn't yours, you are called ... (Fill in the blank).

Enteng Mandirigma's Letter

Last July 8, 2005, we started an internet-based initiative asking GMA to resign now, based on a moral conviction that the revelations in the "Garci" tapes are much more than just a lapse in judgment, and that GMA's voluntary resignation will decisively and immediately abate our present political crisis.

Many of you not only responded, but also reacted. While most of you concurred with our premise, you did not necessarily agree with our course of action, preferring instead other modes of resolving this issue - like impeachment, snap elections, or setting up of a truth commission, among others.

Looking at the ensuing debates in egroups and live forums, we can only conclude that our nation is not only divided. we have become a people hopelessly fragmented. Calls for unity from both sides of the fence are hollow, and no one is responding; because at its core, they are really just asking: "join us and condemn the others". People have taken up positions on the issue, and no amount of logic or cajoling will make them cross over to another position.

So. rather than trying to convince you that "GMA resign" is the one and only correct solution to the present crisis, we decided to ask you instead, "What do you think should be done to resolve the issue?" Rather than arguing on the merits or lack of it of other positions, we thought we can harness your views and positions as inputs towards consensus building.

We have redesigned the website (now called www.SaveTheRepublic.net) to allow you to enter your preferred course of action. The options are:

1.. Voluntary resignation of GMA

2.. Impeachment

3.. Truth Commission

4.. Snap Election

5.. Interim Caretaker government

6.. Others

We assume that all of these can be accomplished within our existing constitutional framework. We will submit the results of this poll to our political, church, and civic leaders who are actively involved in the resolution of this issue. Hopefully, this will make them come together and work towards a consensus on how to best address the crisis.

I think it's time that the voice of those of us who have internet access - the middle class, the working professionals, and the OFW community, should be heard. After all, we are the backbone of the economy. And we played a pivotal role during EDSA 1 and 2.

If you want to be counted, visit www.SaveTheRepublic.net now.

And if you want to participate in discussions, you can send a blank e-mail to

elagda-forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or

moral-majority-forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Now. for my personal commentary:

I believe we are where we are today because we are looking for a political solution to a moral crisis. Thus, we tend to ask the wrong questions which lead to faulty conclusions which, in turn, lead to intransigent positions that do not address the core issue.

Many people ask the questions:

1.. What happens if GMA steps down, either by resignation or through impeachment?

2.. Who will replace her?

3.. Is Noli qualified to lead the country? If not Noli, then who?

4.. Are we not just recycling the same old faces from the opposition and allowing them to grab power at this time?

5.. What alternatives are being offered by those asking GMA to step down?

6.. Will we be better or worse off if GMA steps down?

And this leads to the following conclusions:

1.. Noli is the most probable successor, but he is unmistakably unqualified

2.. Making GMA step down will only benefit the Erap-led opposition and bring them back to power

3.. GMA is still the lesser evil

4.. The constitutional process of succession is deficient; we need something more revolutionary

Which leads us to take positions to defend our conclusions:

1.. GMA is still our best option; let's forgive her and give her a chance. This time, she will be more "principled" knowing that we are watching over her

2.. All anti-GMA positions are, in effect, pro-Erap; it's bad for the country

3.. GMA is not the only one who cheated. Everybody cheats anyway. At least, GMA has good credentials in governance. We're still better off with her as president.

4.. Let's stick to the rule of law (and most advocates narrowly limit it to the impeachment process). If Congress or the Senate exonerates GMA, then it's a good excuse to continue supporting her. She is, after all, the lesser evil. If she is impeached, then it compels us to swallow the bitter pill of a Noli presidency.

5.. It's not GMA that's the problem; it's the system. Let's change the form of government.

6.. This is a good opportunity to correct fundamental flaws of the system. Let's look beyond what the constitution provides in replacing GMA.

Do you still wonder why we are hopelessly gridlocked at this time? Meanwhile, the economy continues to suffer and I'm afraid will not hold up for long if this unstable condition continues.

I believe we should start with a moral question when faced with a moral issue.

GMA admitted to a lapse in judgment in talking to Garcillano. Given the circumstances of her admission, we need to ask: "Was it indeed a mere lapse of judgment or did she actually cheat?"

Each one of us can and should make a moral judgment based on the information we already know. You start with the tapes. If you have not heard it, or read the transcript, download a copy from http://pcij.org/blog/wp-docs/hellogarci-transcript-final.pdf.

Now some might argue that the authenticity of the tape has not been established. Well. with all the powers vested in her office, she could easily declare and produce proof that the tapes are spurious. But she has not. To the contrary, her confession tacitly lent credence to the tapes. Until she changes her mind and declares otherwise, you can assume the tapes are authentic.

But which version? The most commonly available is the one at the PCIJ website. If GMA really cares to quash all speculations, she can single out this version and declare it as false, even malicious. But she has not.

Next, you look at the context - the series of developments that led to our present situation and how the Arroyo government has handled the whole issue. You ask the following questions:

1.. Why did GMA insist on appointing Garcillano as COMELEC Commissioner even after the Commission on Appointments repeatedly by-passed him because of his reputation as an "operator" (one who engineers massive electoral fraud)?

2.. Why did Bunye preemptively release to media "authentic" and "tampered" versions of the tapes (in effect, admitting the conversations did happen) but only to retract it later?

3.. Why did it take so long for GMA to admit to a lapse in judgment, and only after efforts at downplaying and covering it up have failed?

4.. Why did the 10 key Cabinet members resign? Do you honestly believe they conspired with the opposition for personal gain?

5.. To this date, why has GMA not categorically denied that it was her voice on the tape, and not exerted any effort at refuting the authenticity of the tape? Is it not in her best interest to clear any cloud of suspicion over her possible cheating?

Even if you consider that the tapes came from the opposition and could have possibly been tampered for their own purpose, I am convinced you will come to the same conclusion that the majority of our people has reached: 59% of the entire population (SWS Survey) and 80% of Metro Manila residents (Pulse Asia Survey) believe GMA cheated.

If you have reached this conclusion, then there is only one appropriate moral response: GMA must leave her office. It's only a question of when and how.

As you now ask "What happens next?" it should necessarily exclude any conclusion or position that will make her stay in power.

Finally, let me give a commentary on the belief shared by some that "GMA is the lesser evil".

GMA has effectively used this in her election campaign, sowing fear upon a nation with the prospect of a bumbling FPJ presidency. It made us turn a blind eye to the blatant misuse of government funds for her campaign. It was a minor sin (not really that evil, we reasoned) we were willing to gloss over to save us from the certainty of economic perdition that an FPJ presidency would surely bring.

Today, GMA terrorizes us with the same fear - this time of the prospect of a blundering Noli presidency, or worse - the return of Erap and his cabals. She begrudgingly admits that this is all just a lapse in judgment, and tells us "Let's put this behind us, and let's move forward. Either that, or face the prospect of economic reversal." Sadly, there are many who buy this deceitful lie, and who are all too willing to condone such a grievous crime as cheating her way into office, for the sake of the economy. or so they believe.

But if we allow this, where do you draw the line? Next thing we see, she declares martial law, and we begin to cheer her because now she can decisively deal with those trying to destabilize her regime. They would sell this, too, as the lesser evil.

It's time to say "Tama na. Sobra na."

The worst kind of evil is one that surreptitiously makes people condone it while making them believe they do so for a higher good. That is the kind of evil that GMA is. No. she is definitely not the lesser evil.

It's time to speak up and be counted. The worst thing we can do in times like this is to wait on the sidelines and do nothing. Visit www.SaveTheRepublic.net now.

God bless and God save our republic.

enteng

e-Mandirigma

Arangkada for July 19, 2005

 

MAS SUNGAYAN

 

Kinsa man karoy namakak? Ang nang-resign nga mga sakop sa gabinete nga nipahibawo sa niaging semana nga dunay ubang mga sakop sa gabinete nga mosunod nila? O ang mga nagpabilin sa gabinete nga niinsistir nga usa sa nang-resign mobalik sa pagsuporta ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?

Sa akong pagsuwat ini, wa pay bisan sa nang-resign nga nibalik sa gabinete, samtang dugang tulo ka sakop sa gabinete ang nibiya sa ilang mga puwesto:

• Victoria Garchitorena, senior adviser on good governance and poverty alleviation;
• Cora Guidote, consultant for investor relations; ug
• Silvestre Afable, communications director.

-o0o-

Lain ning ebidensiya nga ang nahibiling mga sakop sa gabinete gigamit nang Presidente Arroyo sa pagsangyaw og bakak nga kasayuran ngadto sa katawhan. Nakadugang ni sa kaligdong sa pasangil sa nang-resign nga mga sakop sa gabinete nga ang tanang panahon karon sa Malakanyang gisentro na sa paghaw-as sa presidente gikan sa politikanhong krisis nga iyang nalubngan, hinikalimtan ang mas importante ug mas dinaliang panginahanglan sa nasud ug sa katawhan.

Mangiyugpos ba lang ta atubangan sa abundang ebidensiya nga gigamit nang Presidente Arroyo di lang ang iyang gabinete kon dili hastang lokal nga mga opisyal, kinatibuk-ang makinarya sa gobyerno ug bisan ang pribadong media organizations aron paglubag sa sentimento sa kinabag-an sa katawhan sa tibuok nasud, di lang sa Metro Manila, nga wa nay pagsalig sa kaligdong ug katakos sa iyang liderato?

-o0o-

Para sa mga kumbinsidong si Presidente Arroyo ang "lesser evil," niay tubag si Vicente Romano III sa elagda.com: "The worst kind of evil is one that surreptitiously makes people condone it while making them believe they do so for a higher good. That is the kind of evil that GMA is. No. She is definitely not the lesser evil."

Nipasidaan si Romano nga kon pasagdan ang maniobra ni Presidente Arroyo moabot ang adlaw nga ideklarar niyang martial law ug awhagon ang katawhan pagpakpak sa iyang kaisog pagsukol sa iyang mga kaatbang. Ang martial law, matod ni Romano, segurong ibaligya na sab sa administrasyon nga "lesser evil."

-o0o-

Nisiwil ang sidsid sa sayal sa Malakanyang. Human gipagawas ni Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit' Singson ang "X-Tape" sa giingong plano ni kanhi presidente Joseph Estrada pag-ilog sa liderato gikan ni Presidente Arroyo, nanudya dayon si Presidential Management Staff Chief Rigoberto Tiglao nga tungod sa pagpagawas sa oposisyon sa "Garci tapes," di kapugngan ang pagtumaw sa ubang audio recording nga ilegal sang nakuha.

Ang "X-Tape" nga klarong peke nakapasamot pagpalig-on sa kaso batok sa administrasyon. Klarong ISAFP maoy responsable sa duha ka recordings. Nganong gitugotan mang Presidente Arroyo ang wiretapping nga klarong way pagtugot sa korte? Gawas nilang Erap ug kanhi Comelec Commissioner Garcillano, kinsa pa may ubang ilegal niyang gipapanid-an? [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

X-Tapes Spliced

Posted by Alecks Pabico 
PCIJ

THANKS to digital technology, one is able to preserve the audio characteristics of any sound clip from the source for purposes of making a detailed analysis even if they are copied/downloaded several times.

A concerned audiophile, who wishes to remain anonymous, made his own analysis of the audio characteristics of the "Chavit X-Tapes" and sent it to us. He examined in particular the third and sixth tracks, in an attempt to compare the portion where former Pres. Joseph Estrada mentioned the word "Hello."

His conclusions confirm our own suspicions about the Chavit-released tapes earlier in this blog:

• The "Hello" audio of Track 06 is identical to the "Hello" audio of Track 03.

  It is scientifically impossible to have two identical audio wave transitions between two separate instances of any conversation even if the audio information is coming from a single individual. Having such identical characteristics could only happen if the audio transitions are "digitally" copied to another clip.

  The analysis also found that Track 06 conversation transitions are not "natural" as compared to Track 03 which shows common ambient background characteristics.

• The "Hello" audio of Track 03 was "copied" to Track 06 and Track 06 is "heavily" spliced.

Below are the plate images of the analysis of the two tracks (Track 03 and Track 06) comparing the wave properties of Erap's "Hello":

• PLATE 1: Upper portion is a graphical wave display of Track 03 (left channel). Lower portion is Track 06's wave display (right channel) combined in one audio file.

• PLATE 2: Zooming in on Erap's "Hello" portion already shows identical wave properties between the two tracks.

• PLATE 3: Zooming in at head portion of the "Hello" audio, you could easily see radical wave transitions that are 100% identical on both tracks.

• PLATE 4: The same case at the end of the "Hello" audio — wave transitions are 100% identical.

• PLATE 5: Overall view of the "Hello" portion of the clip showing identical wave transitions.

• PLATE 6: Plate showing 60HZ buzz noise on "Man2" (unidentified male) background. In a telephone conversation, usually both parties' background noise is shared but in this case, each party has its own background audio characteristics which is usually apparent on "spliced" clips.

Neal Cruz

As I See It : Happy days here again for solons, local officials

Neal Cruz opinion@inquirer.com.ph
Inquirer News Service

WHY are there so many governors and mayors in Metro Manila? Somebody asked this question at a gathering last Saturday. Shouldn't they be in their hometowns and provinces attending to the needs of their constituents?

"They were summoned here to pledge support to President Macapagal-Arroyo," was the answer.

"Why are they so eager to go to Malacañang?" was the next question.

"Because of the pabaon that each of them gets."

Indeed, proceeds from the expanded VAT have not yet been collected but they are already being spent and distributed by Malacañang. And because of the impending impeachment complaint against GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), happy days are here again for the congressmen and, soon, for the senators. Administration congressmen were seen trooping to the Palace to pledge support for GMA and when they went out, they were seen to be very happy.

Suddenly, the budget department has also been ordered to release pork barrel allocations to congressmen. Not so long ago, it was very hard to get fund releases for projects because the budget secretary had a hard time scraping up enough funds. Now that Emilia Boncodin is no longer the budget secretary, the department is very generous.

"If the stalemate over the presidency continues some more, the government will go bankrupt," somebody quipped.

Indeed, as some of the Hyatt 10 Cabinet members who resigned and asked GMA to do the same said, all the priorities of government are to ensure her political survival; governance takes the back seat.

* * *

Speaking of the Hyatt 10, Senate President Franklin Drilon told newsmen that there were originally 17 Cabinet members who had decided to resign but seven balked at asking the President to step down. So they did not join the first 10. But they have submitted or are about to submit resignations.

This account of Drilon confirmed the statement of former presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles that more resignations of Cabinet members will follow.

Drilon also denied that he went to Hong Kong to talk to Vice President Noli de Castro. "I went there to talk to the President," he said.

What did they talk about?

"Briefly, what reforms she has to do to save her administration. I told her, 'Mrs. President, the perception of the public is that your husband is involved in governance, not only in appointments, [but] also in government contracts. This is not good. Do something about it because this erodes your ability to govern.'"

Drilon also said that the President is making too many compromises. "When you want to act in order to survive," he said, "you are liable to make too many compromises. Precisely, because of these compromises that you do in order to survive, that makes it difficult for you to govern. In fact, look at what is happening now. Former President Ramos is there. The projection is that he is the one running this government."

Drilon denied that he wanted to be vice president and executive secretary in a Noli de Castro presidency. "I have been there." He said he has been in the Cabinet for eight years and has been through all the positions. "I am not interested in going back to the Cabinet. Mas maganda ang buhay namin dito sa Senado." (Life is better in the Senate.)

* * *

Tomorrow will be the moment of truth for the Equitable-PCI Bank when its stockholders meet to elect its new board of directors. The fight for control of the bank between the Go family, founders of Equitable and the SSS-GSIS group is very bitter and has reached the courts, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bangko Sentral, which finally disqualified Roberto R. Romulo, a Go ally, from being one of the independent directors of the bank.

Romulo blamed "the continuing effort of Banco de Oro and its owners (the family of Henry Sy) to gain control of EPCIB." BDO officials have admitted that they are keen on merging with EPCIB. And that's where the trouble starts.

The EPCIB has an anti-competitor provision in its by-laws that prevents the entry of BDO officials into its board. It is now a settled rule in the private sector that a private corporation can reject the nomination to its board of persons representing the interests of competitors. "BDO now wants to enter the board through the back door," with the help of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System, said Romulo. The SSS and GSIS have a combined 40 percent of EPCIB shares (SSS 29 percent, GSIS 11 percent) which entitle them to occupy a sufficient number of board seats to control the bank. The Go family has only 25 percent, but it controls the bank's management.

However, the investment guidelines of our investment funds (SSS and GSIS) expressly prohibit them from taking over companies they invest in. Moreover, SSS and GSIS officials are just temporary trustees of their members, who are the true owners of the funds, Romulo said.

In December 2003, BDO tried to buy the SSS-GSIS shares but it was foiled. This triggered a Senate investigation because there was no bidding conducted for the sale of the shareholdings, contrary to the rules on equity divestment of government-owned assets.

Worse, the transaction would have meant a loss of P8.067 billion to SSS members. The SSS and GSIS acquired the EPCIB shares at P94 per share during the incumbency of President Estrada. The SSS agreed to sell its shares to BDO at only P43.5 per share during the incumbency of President Macapagal-Arroyo.

The possibility of this deal being consummated will depend on the outcome of the EPCIB stockholders' meeting tomorrow.

De Quiros Column

There's The Rub : Roads

Conrado de Quiros dequiros@info.com.ph
Inquirer News Service

WATCHING GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) last week tell the world with a straight face that it wasn't a matter of popularity, she had the vision, her enemies could only lead the country down the road to nowhere, I saw Marcos. That is one of the many things they have in common. Marcos could lie with conviction. It wasn't just that he was a good liar, it was that he actually believed his lie. He had internalized it to a point that it took on the aspect of truth etched in tablet-or in his mind. GMA is like that, too.

While saying it wasn't a popularity contest, GMA, of course, was preparing for a rally that would make her look popular. I would learn later that all the owners of the establishments in Baywalk were required to attend the rally, an order that probably came from Lito Atienza. All of which reminded me of Marcos' attempts at "hakot power" during the "snap elections" of 1986.

"This fight isn't about me," GMA told an audience of Fil-Ams, "it's about working within the rule of law and the virtue of democracy that we share with many countries, especially with the United States."

I don't know why the US Embassy didn't list the Fil-Ams who graced the event under the category of undesirable aliens. To be told by GMA that she shared a passion for democracy with Americans and not protest it is to not be an American. Can you imagine how Americans would react to knowing that their president talked to one of their election officials during the counting of votes? Can you imagine how Americans would react to their president admitting so but telling them to put it behind them and move on? Can you imagine how Americans would react to being told to not protest it violently out of respect for the law?

You'd have a revolution in America. Yet here all we saw were those Fil-Ams grinning from ear to ear and making the thumbs-up sign. Thumbs up to what?

What took the cake, of course, was GMA saying only she could lead the country to salvation, her enemies could lead it only on the road to nowhere. My cell phone was deluged by text messages that are not fit to print. I myself have always wanted to propose that TV carry a warning that says, "GMA causes hypertension, emphysema and cancer." I've had to tell friends to take life, including GMA-though they would protest the association-with a little more humor or end up drawing heavily on their health insurance. I'm not being entirely facetious when I say that GMA has not only caused more corruption, poverty and natural disasters, she has also caused more patients in hospitals.

At the very least, of course, better a road that leads nowhere rather than one that leads to perdition. The candidates the Comelec routinely weed out as "nuisance candidates" clearly have better programs than GMA for the simple reason that they do not include her. Their idea of love, peace and music may at least be argued to be possible, GMA's idea of democracy, decency and prosperity may not.

But that is nothing. Because the real question is not who has the better program, it is who has the right to offer any program. A thief may not scoff at the owner of a cell phone he has stolen and say he has a right to keep it because he has a better use for it while all the owner does is make tsismis with it. GMA may not scoff at the voters whose votes she has stolen and say she has a better use for the presidency, all the voters do is waste their votes on people like FPJ.

But we may not go without comment on the road GMA proffers. A year ago, shortly before the elections, I wrote a couple of columns, the first titled "Scary" and the other "More than ever, scary," both about GMA. In the first one, I said I had not seen such a scale of ambition and ruthlessness in anyone since Marcos. Not from Cory (Aquino), not from (Fidel) Ramos, not from Erap (Joseph Estrada).

Marcos won a second term by unleashing guns, goons and gold to an unprecedented level. GMA looked headed to a second term because she was unleashing gold, goons and guns to an unprecedented level. Marcos dreamt of ruling forever. GMA dreams of ruling forever.

A GMA supporter wrote angrily to say surely I knew in my heart that wasn't true, GMA was no Marcos. I replied in the second column that, on the contrary, I not only knew it to be true, I felt it to the very marrow of my bones. Was it possible, I asked, that people could not actually see how this person's compulsive drive to power resembled Marcos'? I look at our situation today and I am astounded at how we are reliving the nightmare all over again.

But there is one very fundamental difference between Marcos and GMA. That was that Marcos at least won the right to be president twice. He won the elections against Diosdado Macapagal in 1965 and against Sergio Osmeña in 1969. The irony in the latter was that he cheated when he never needed to. That isn't the case at all with GMA.

I look at our situation today and I am astounded even more by the fact that the one person who has wrought the worst crisis in this country since Marcos is one who never won the right to lead it. One who became President in 2001 without earning the moral right to, hiding under the bed while the battle was raging, and later thanking not Cory or Cardinal Sin, who took her by the hand when it was safe, but a Pope who was too dead to contradict her. And one who became President in 2004 without having the legal right to, conniving with Hello Garci to defraud the voters but refusing to step down upon being found out, clinging to her position with a tenacity beyond the powers of Epoxy or Mighty Bond to effect. Talk of tragedy repeating itself as farce.

But the consequence is bound to be the same: martial law, official or de facto. That is the road GMA offers.

Walking down that road has the same sensation as being flushed down the drain.

Inquirer Editorial

MALACA?ANG seems to have settled on a new strategy for dealing with the political crisis that is rooted in allegations of election fraud: Run last year's campaign all over again.

This is a gross error, because it mistakes mere motion for actual movement. It confuses the requirements of public relations with the requisites of governance. Not least, it hardens public perception that political survival is indeed President Macapagal-Arroyo's only objective, as the Hyatt 10 had warned.

It is a serious mistake, but one that's easy to understand. It worked the first time around. Last year, the make-work initiative gave a considerable number of out-of-work adults and out-of-school youth simple short-term but high-visibility jobs; the T-shirts they wore were walking advertisements for the President. PhilHealth cards were also issued to at least 5 million Filipinos during last year's campaign, with the President's face on the health insurance cards and the administration footing the bill for the first year's premiums. Both programs were controversial; the alleged diversion of the road-users' tax to finance the temporary employment program, in particular, was attacked as unconstitutional.

But they did what they were supposed to do; together with a tsunami of advertising and a series of effective town-hall open forums moderated by her running mate, then-Sen. Noli De Castro, the campaign's centerpiece programs helped the President raise her survey numbers and create an aura of inevitability.

Now the President proposes to do it all over again.

On the PhilHealth cards: "The Philippine national government gave the first year's premium with the hope that the local government will give the second year's premiums for indigents. But because these programs have become valuable for the local governments that are not able to provide the premium for another year, the national government will help to renew that insurance," she said. First estimate of total cost: P4 billion.

On the emergency employment program: "I have a budget of P2 billion for that. One part of it will go to the pavement [rehabilitation] which has to be done more professionally by the companies but the other part [involves] things that can be done manually. We hope that after it worked so well last year, it will also work this year to help reduce the unemployment problem," she said.

In making the announcement, Ms Arroyo also sought to soothe funding concerns. "With the increased tax collection from our phase one reforms [the increase in taxes on beer and cigarettes], we can now focus more money on things that will hopefully affect the poor more directly."

The two initiatives will certainly impact on the poor "more directly." But that doesn't necessarily mean that the administration should proceed with them, or even that the time is ripe for proceeding.

In the first place, it is premature to declare that "phase one" of the reform agenda has been completed. The expanded Value Added Tax law, to point only to the most prominent exception, continues to hang fire at the Supreme Court. To begin new spending programs before the new law is upheld is fiscally irresponsible.

Secondly, the proposed spending is itself suspect. The administration has the burden of explaining to the business community, the constituency that is tracking the reform agenda most closely, that these billion-peso programs were already on the drawing boards before the political crisis struck. (That will take some doing; the PhilHealth second-year premiums fell due last February and March.) To spend new money without the support of the business community is therefore politically risky.

Thirdly, the twin programs will reinforce public perception about last year's elections: That the President may have bribed, stolen, cheated or forced her way to the winning column. Palace advisers may have recommended that the President take a leaf from the political handbook of her Georgetown classmate Bill Clinton. But a perpetual campaign will only rub an already over-patient public the wrong way. The Arroyo administration needs a new controversy over warmed-over election gimmicks like a large hole in a very small head.

Arangkada for July 18, 2005

 

DI MAGPATARA

 

        Abunda ang mga ebidensiya nga giwaling ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang binilyon ka pesos nga para unta sa mas dinalian ug mas importanteng mga proyekto sa gobyerno ngadto sa iyang kampanya pagseguro sa iyang kadaogan sa eleksiyon sa niaging tuig.   Nilingiw ang mga botante sa makauuwaw niyang pagpabaha sa kuwarta para sa nagkalainlain niyang gimik kay para nila mas mameligro ang nasud kon modaog ang nag-unang kaatbang nga si Fernando Poe Jr.

Kon nahibawo pang mga botante nga kabahin diay sa kuwarta sa gobyerno gigasto para sa higanteng maniobra ni kanhi Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano paglubag sa resulta sa eleksiyon sa Mindanao ug ubang bahin sa nasud, di kong kaseguro kon sama ba sila kamapasayluon.

-o0o-

        Karon, samang mga tilimad-on sa pagwaling sa nihit nang daan nga kuwarta sa lokal ug nasudnong panudlanan gikan sa mas dinalian ug mas importante untang mga proyekto ngadto sa iyang kampanya pagseguro nga magpabilin siya sa katungdanan.   Ang labing uwahing ebidensiya mao ang bantang, pabaga ug papating nga paghinakotay, pagpakaon ug pagsuburno sa gibanabanang 120,000 ka mga tawo nga nagtapok sa Luneta niadtong Sabado aron pag-abiba ni Presidente Arroyo:

·        Managsama ang kolor ug marka sa t-shirts ang mga tawong gipanghakot sa de-numerong mga sakyanan gikan sa nagkalainlaing bahin sa Metro Manila ug sa Luzon;

·        Mga ambulant vendors nangreklamo nga wa silay halin kay nagsobra ang pagkaon, tubig ug softdrinks nga giapod-apod sa tibuok Luneta;

·        Pipila sa mga nangapil niangkon nga napugos sila pagtambong kay gi-check ang ilang attendance ug gipangsaaran silag P1,500 para sa mga kawani sa gobyerno ug P500 para sa ordinaryong mga molupyo; ug

·        Kasagaran sa nanambong nagsige lang og tabi ug lakaw-lakaw, klarong wa maapil sa bayad nga mamakpak sila matag higayon nga dayegon sa stage si Presidente Arroyo.

-o0o-

        Sa pikas nga bahin, di ko andam nga manalipod nga wa panghakota ug pangsuburnohi ang mga nanambong sa rally sa oposisyon sa Makati City niadtong Miyerkules.   Tradisyonal sang mga politiko sila si Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay ug ubang lider sa oposisyon.

        Maong masulub-on kaayo kon ang kinabag-an igo lang magtan-aw sa duha ka grupo nga nibasura sa tanang lagda sa kaligdong aron pagdason sa ilang nagkasungi nga pangangkon nga silay gipaluyohan sa mayoriya.

-o0o-

        Di hangtod sa hangtod nga magpakahilom ang kinabag-an.  Moabot rang higayon nga ipahamtang ang ilang kabubut-on.

        Kumbinsido na sila nga nanikas si Presidente Arroyo sa niaging elksiyon ug busa angay siyang pakanaugon sa Malakanyang.   Pero mas nagduda sila sa kaligdong sa mga mopuli pagduma sa nasud.

        Padayon kong nisalig sa kaligdong sa kinabag-an.  Di sila paspas, ni lantip ug makinaadmanon.   Pero way makasukol ni makapugong sa ilang hiniusang pagbarug ug paglihok.  [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com

Arangkada for July 17, 2005

 

                        TINGOG SA KATAWHAN

 

            Ang labing uwahing survey sa Social Weather Station (SWS) nga nagpakita nga 62% sa respondents niawhag na sa resignasyon ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo segurong isalikway na sab sa Malakanyang.   Pero kon toohan ang nang-resign nga mga sakop sa gabinete nga, kon mogawas nang resulta sa surveys nga nagpakita sa pagtibugsok sa popularidad sa presidente, ang tanang tigom sa Malakanyang gisentro sa pagtuki sa mga paagi ug mga programa nga mohimo sa presidente nga mas popular ngadto sa publiko, segurong makadugang ni sa way tulganay nga pagtukaw sa mga propagandista sa administrasyon unsaon pagpahumot ang nangalisbong administrasyon.

            Ang survey niadtong Hulyo 12-14 nakakuha sab ning mosunod nga mga tubag gikan sa 608 ka respondents gikan sa 17 ka syudad ug lungsod sa Metro Manila:

·        61% kumbinsido nga gisugo ni Presidente Arroyo si kanhi Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano pagtikas sa eleksiyon sa niaging tuig;

·        66% nagtoo nga ang lahugay sa gabinete gipasiugdahan sa presidente aron magpabilin siya sa gahom ug di aron pagpalambo sa nasud;

·        91% sa mga niawhag sa resignasyon ug 76% sa mga supak sa resignasyon uyon nga palagputon siya pinaagi sa impeachment;

·        62% uyon sa pagtukod sa Truth Commission; ug

·        45% ray nagtoo nga takos si Bise Presidente Noli de Castro.

-o0o-

            Ang surveys sa SWS, sama sa surveys sa Pulse Asia ug ubang research organizations, nagpakita nga lahi kaayo ang sentimento sa mga molupyo sa Metro Manila kay sa ilang mga opisyal.  Hapit tanang mayor kusganong nisuporta ni Presidente Arroyo ug niinsistir nga wa siyay nahimong bisan unsang kalapasan.   Pero makabungog nga mayoriya sa mga molupyo wa nay pagsalig niya ug gustong palagputon na siya sa Malakanyang.

            Sayop bang SWS ug Pulse Asia suma sa mga torotot sa Malakanyang?  Pero kon sayop pa, nganong gipabiyaan man sa presidente ang naandan ug mas mapuslanong mga gimbuhaton sa gabinete aron lang motabang niyag pamalandong unsaon pagbitik ang pagsalig sa katawhan?

O, sama sa naandan, wa mangonsulta ang mga politiko sa ilang mga molupyo sa ilang pagtila sa lapalapa sa ilang amo sa politika?  Nailad ba lang ang Malakanyang nga ang lokal nga mga opisyal maoy nagda sa tinuod nga tingog sa katawhan?  O ang Palasyo mismo maoy gusting momaniobra sa sitwasyon pinaagi sa pagpanghinaot nga ang abiba sa mga politiko makatabon sa mas lanog nga awhag sa publiko pagsilot sa tikasan nga presidente?

-o0o-

            Hinaot nga ang lokal nga mga opisyal sa Sugbo nangonsulta sab sa mga Sugbuanon sa wa pa sila mangangkon nga nahigugma ang Sugbo ni Presidente Arroyo.  

Kay kon gipalabi ang pagpabilib sa ilang amo, inay tumanon ang obligasyon pagrepresentar sa interes ug sentimento sa katawhan nga ilang girepresentahan, peligrong sama sa presidente isalikway sab sila sa kinabag-an.   [30]  leo_lastimosa@abs-cbn.com