I had already written my column for today when I got word----through an unfailingly efficient member of the Senate----that the Makati Regional Trial Court had thrown out Senator Antonio Trillanes' petition for limited, "functional" freedom. It was about five pm, yesterday (Monday).
As it turned out, Judge Oscar Pimentel denied all of Trillanes' petitions.
In a sweeping denial of all of Trillanesâ pleas, Judge Oscar Pimentel Monday rejected Trillanesâ motions to be allowed to attend all official Senate functions, to be given access to media and to set up an extension office inside the Marine detention center at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. Pimentel upheld the prosecution claim that the Department of Justice, âas the prosecuting arm of the government, its shield and sword of law and order, represents not only the 11,138,067 voters who voted for him (Trillanes), but the people of the Philippines, with all its 85 million citizens and counting.âIn the column, I had argued that, despite the self-evident sincerity of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel (no relation, I think), Senate Resolution No. 22 (since renamed Resolution No. 3, after it was adopted on July 25) may be said to encroach on the judiciary's admittedly limited territory.
To be sure, the language of the resolution itself was based on a scrupulous regard for the prerogatives of the judiciary: a promise that Trillanes would be âpresent when needed by the courtâ; recognition that the âRegional Trial Court of Makati has primary jurisdiction over [his] personâ; support for Trillanesâ petition for bail. And yet, the full effect of the resolution was to pit the entire Senate, itself naturally jealous of its own prerogatives, against a lone court. Instead of strengthening the fundamental principle of checks and balances, it may have undermined it.Reading the story about Judge Pimentel's decision, however, made me realize I had missed one powerful argument against the resolution: That it would force the trial court to overcompensate, and reject Trillanes' main petition outright. That would then place the Senate in an embarrassing position, a wobbly perch it had chosen to climb onto. Judge Pimentel spoke of "undue pressure"----Trillanes, he said, was placing the court under undue pressure by egregiously citing the wrong precedents. But perhaps I won't be the only one to read this rather strained rationalization as an indirect thumbing-of-one's-nose at the Senate. This "lone court" may be subtly telling the "entire Senate:" Keep your distance. Some time ago, the Inquirer tried to put the entire issue of Trillanes' detention in some perspective. The editorial argued, among other things, for a limited freedom for Trillanes. Does my column conflict with this stand? It doesn't really matter if it does, but just the same I think that there is, in fact, no conflict. I agree that Trillanes should be allowed to attend Senate sessions and committee hearings while his trial continues; but I am also wary of the Senate placing "undue pressure" on the judiciary, precisely because it has an interest in the matter. Our courts are among the weakest links in the governance chain; we don't need the hammer of the Senate bearing down hard on them. Â
Buti nga sayo!!
Mayabang kasi..
Masyadong believe sa sarili..
Mabubulok na yan sa bilangguan..
Para sa akin tama lang yan.. kulang pa nga eh..
para hindi pamarisan..
kung hindi ba naman binagyan yung mga coup plotter nun ng amnesty, may magtatangka kaya ngayon?
capital offense yan.. bitay dapat katapat nyan..
The judiciary is the weakest of the three branches of government. It has no police power to enforce its ruling and at the mercy of Congress with its powers of the purse and impeachment. The act of the senate is a brazen attempt to influenced the decision of a lowly court with its awesome powers. The Supreme Court should condemned this blatant interference of a co-equal branch in its exclusive domain.
Meanwhile Garci, Bedol, General Garcia's wife, Singson, Dimasidsing's assassins, those responsible for the custody of ballot boxes in Congress, Imelda Marcos, gambling lords and ladies, top level police and AFP officials past and present, and countless of Arroyo allies involved in corruption including but not limited to the Fertilizer scam, North Railway transit, series of major electoral frauds, clampdown on human right to public assembly and free expression, warrantless arrests, and a whole host of others remain scot free.
On the other hand, among those who were arrested past and present: Crispin Beltran, opposition people analyzing their own copy of Election Returns, General Miranda and Colonel Balutan for speaking out regarding electoral events in Lanao, Senator Trillanes, Black and White movement members for wearing the Tshirt "Palitan na , now na", people engaged in peaceful protests, media people.
Threats of arrests were made against other media personnel, leaders who would speak out against Gloria in a Luneta rally, and generally anybody who is against Gloria for one reason or another.
All these even without even mentioning the numerous media personnel and activists killed in the course of Gloria rule.
It's time to admit that the laws are in favor of those sucking up to Gloria and her ilk while against those who criticize her demagoguery. Those who suck up well enough are guaranteed protection from arrests from Gloria's stormtroopers even if they commit major crimes.
Of course, decent people should realize that even evil has it's end but still the honest citizen should fight this evil every way they can.
@kabayan
All you mentioned are happening while the honorable senators are busy trying to impeach Gloria instead of legislating laws.
It's an insult to those 11 Million who voted for Trillanes. Its not the people of the Philippines against Trillanes but it must people of the Philppines vs. corrupt government & army officials. This really sucks. The Gloria army is now controlling everything. Even the justice system is favoring Gloria. This really sucks!!! Ala na talagang pag-asa ang bansang ito. If there will be another attempt to topple GMA, then I will be one with them. Gloria Sucks...
People were sickened to hear that the Marines killed in Basilan were beheaded and mutilated by the enemy. Let us not forget that one of the complaints of Sen. Trillanes and his fellow officers were the issuance of substandard supplies to the members of the Armed Forces because some of their greedy and corrupt leaders wanted to enrich themselves at the expense of the lives of those poor soldiers. Among these supplies are combat boots that come apart after being wet, defective rifles, bullets and mortar shells that do not fire or explode, just to mention a few. Now we know why those brave Marines were killed. Some of the mortar shells they fired were duds. I am not surprised if those same greedy and corrupt leaders are the ones behind the continuous jailing and persecution of Sen. Trillanes.
All I can say say, Trillanes is a national security threat. I think there's enough evidence to pin him down. The television stations video coverage from the mutiny and him prominently speaking to everyone. Who can offer more proof than that. It is obvious as there is a sea in the pacific ocean. Our court is so slow...maybe they already have an arrangement to drag it (millions of pesos bribe money)...
I believe that:
1) Sen. Trillanes is still on trial and not yet found guilty compared to Jalosjos, who is already found guilty then after barred or excluded from congress. So why not let Trillanes serve the senate first then exclude him if and when found guilty. 2) Comelec should have already disqualified Trillanes before the election, if indeed after election he can't perform his duty if elected. 3) There should be a clear law regarding this matter, so as to avoid this things to happen again. 4) As of now, everybody has their own interpretation and opinion that just confuses the electorate/pilipino people.
Slow drag nga dahil may honorarium.
Pag pangkaraniwang tao, ang bilis mahatulan, para daw huwag pamarisan. Kung mabigyan man ng tagapagtanggol yung pobreng tao e, "Attorney Paamin" naman!!
beerhunter
Trillanes should be treated like an ordinary detainee. Since the crime he is charged is non-bailable, then he should stay in jail. We cannot treat anybody differently than others just because the Senate say so. That 11 million who voted for him know he is in jail.
The 11 million who voted for him knows that he is facing a crime of coup d'etat and its a non-bailable offense. Being voted into office does not extinguished his crimes against the state. He wants to reform the Armed Forces by occupying a 5 star hotel in the financial district of the country and planting bombs and threatening to unleashed chaos and mayhem if his demand was no met. By HSA definition he is a terrorist. He should be executed by firing squad instead of being called Honorable Senator. There is really something wrong with the pilipino character why we continue voting into office these military men with messianic mentality like Honasan and Biazon.
justice in the philippines will never be fair and just... we have the poorest and the most corrupt justice system in asia...
the people voted for him though they know that his in jail... it means that changes need to occur in the senate... let him do his part as a senator... a clear and true picture that justice is not fair enough... give him the chance to serve and let JUSTICED PREVAIL... TO ALL...
We should respect the decision of the coart.They had spoken and they had spoken well. We are in a country that rewards bad guys, in the time of Christ, people had choosen to release Barabas instead of Christ. Same case as ours, in the case of Honasan alone how many had been killed in those coup attempt, did he ever compensate or even say sorry for the victim. Instead people rewarded him a senate seat. There is no one to blame but us and the irresponsible media, who suppose enlighten the people but instead glorifies this kind of people. Voting this guy is an invititation for more adventurism and more economic instability for this country. And at the end of the day, the loser will be our poor countrymen. Trillanes should stay in jail, and him staying there would be warning for all.
@leila,
The problem is not in the creating or legislating new laws as much as implementing them. The laws should primarily target those lawbreakers in top positions otherwise we end up a "syndicracy"; a government run by a crime syndicate.
Indeed the problem is the one breaking laws and the constitution from the topmost positions. And with the nasty record of emasculating democratic principles and for involvement in electoral fraud and corruption whether directly or indirectly, by inference you would know now why there is a impeachment bid against Gloria.
The music which the administration likes to hear from Trillanes is the sound of sucking it up to Gloria before any talk of him being able to function his Senatorial functions.
See Misuari, Gringo and other numerous people who used to be in jail sucking up to Gloria and the current privileges they have.
Fortunately Trillanes stood up for his principles and would not allow himself to be used in trapo politics being dangled to him by the administration.
I believe in the principle . in denying senator trillanes attend senate sessions and giving space for his office, the notion that "a suspect is innocent unless proven guilty" is reverted. Or is our law practicing "a suspect is guilty unless proven innocent"? Com'on, there are worse elected leaders yet they are free to do their functions. and tell us please, that there are no corrupt and cheaters assigned in the highest positions in the government. is it not trillanes fighting for the cause of the common people by his expose? he was voted by the people so he should do his mandate. if he doesn,t, why else was he allowed to run in the first place?
Hi All,
I was one them before...Iknow its difficult being in the front line lalo na pag alam mong nilloloko ka na. Trillanes alegation is true, corruption in the military is rampant and you can not go anywhere to ask for help except kung mag organize ka ng group tulad nila. Ngayon sino ba dapat sa kulungan, si Trillanes ba o yong mga Buwayang general na naka pwesto pa until now? Yong giyera sa Mindanao walang katapusan yan...dahil malaking pera ang involved no war no aid and the amount is 100milyon dollar a year. Yong lang po para maitama yong magaling magturo at baka kayo ay ma NUNO.
It would be fair for the everyone kung tapusin agad ang kaso nya. Napakabagal ng hustisya. Kung ikaw walang kasalanan, papayag ka b makulong syempre hindi so ikaw mismi ang mag initiate na bigyan ka ng justice para makalaya.
"innocent until proven guilty" - does that mean rapists and serial killers can roam around free until a verdict is read? c'mon people, common sense naman d'yan...he's capable of destabilizing the nation, he did it once, he can do it again.
11 million people voted for Trillanes. Wow, thats awesome. But how sure are they that Trillanes is the hope of this desperate nation? I have been living in this country for 45 years now and I dont remember any senator or president who uplifted our country from a lowly third world nation to a global economic power. As the same old story goes in our traditional politics, Trillanes will be no less than the other senators or politicians who will surely enjoy the limelight because of the adulation offered by the "masa" fans. He's no less than the action stars who beat up the bad guys in the movies or some good looking messianic adventurists from the military sector who sat in the senate just to look cute. Trust me, he will only end up as a celebrity who will be attending social functions and gatherings just for the fun and glory of it. And later on, his siblings and relatives will follow suit. As for his non-bailable case, let the court do its job and if hes found guilty, then let it be. If not, lucky him. Showbiz and "political showbiz" are the main motivating factors why most people run for public office. Its not really to serve the people but its more of a self-serving ambition. Showbiz and politics in our society means money, power and glory. I will give Trillanes the benefit of the doubt but I dont think he can change this country overnight as what he is hoping to happen. He promised himself that impeaching Gloria is the answer to the countries economic woes - wrong!. Thats pretty much the same thing other people thought about when they kicked out the dictator and they tried to impeach Erap and still nothings changed. The dictators relatives are now back in the political limelight and enjoying political power just the same - and the Estradas too. In fact, Trillanes's mode of disseminating his political statement was thru violence when he lead the Oakwood mutineers and everyone knows that, that approach is wrong. Among our politicians, I could only admire few of them like Juan Flavier, Jovito Salonga, and Lorenzo Tanada. I would say that the main problem of our country is the kind of people who occupies it. Filipinos deserve the kind of government and the suffering they have right now for they elected those people whos running it. Only to find out that they have to kick her out because they made a wrong choice. Theres no one else to blame except ourselves. Why dont we try letting the Japanese live and run our country for a while and kick out all filipinos. Probably by then we can see some changes.
I am amazed on how both parties reacted in here. It is nice to know that people now are getting involved in our national interest.
However, we must be careful on the words we are throwing here.
In the case of Alain i just wanna tell you that Trillianes is not convicted yet; and that he remains innocent. Ano ba nagawa ni Trillianes? Now look at yourself, baka mas masahol ka pa sa kanya. Trillianes is fighting for National interest and your greed opinion is nothing.
To Leila: People knows that Trillianes is vocally fighting for Arroyo's ousting once he seated in senate. And that give him victory in the election. Now Trillianes will only do the 11 people mandate who elected him.
Hindi kaya, nakagapos pa rin ang ating hukuman sa mga sakim na patuloy na umaanay sa kaban ng bayan?
To: Jun
You're here in our beloved Philippines 45 years and you are giving up? You are talking in desperation, Jun. Your idol, the good ex-senator Salonga is here 80 years, more or less, and still trying, what's the matter with you, man, your will to improve fizzling out too soon? What do you want us to do, do you want all of us to stop? To preserve the status quo, and be stagnant, as we are stagnant right now? There was a time our country was the best in our part of the world economically. In time I'm sure we can do it again-if we don't stop. Politics is politics, and politicians are a necessity, that's the way of life in a democracy. The politicians? We are privelege to have the right to select and put in place the ones that should be able to make the right change we want for the better. We could try then observe the new ones that show promise, who knows. Then we could, and we must, discard the old ones responsible for this stagnation, the ones gathering moss in their position but still there. Although it has been taking us so long to do this, because of our stupidity they are still there, whistling their way to their favorite bank gaily, daily, but we will, if we don't stop. So, please, Jun, don't despair, and please we don't stop trying. Okey?
for devon: im all for trillanes if he did it the right way, the moment he staged that mutiny, it sooo wrong and it has to be punished and for me i don't need the court to know that he's wrong because he is. You are talking about national interest that why he did it and it's enough justification. If I'm with you in there, what about gma cheating because of national interest. I think it's enough justification if I follow you're argument and can you imagine where we are now if she didn't? I'd rather be with GMA who is so focus right now on what needs to be done than people who are not qualified to be one.
To Bert,
Good thinking Bert. Perhaps I came to the point that I already gave up but actually I never did. Deep in my heart and my mind Im still a Filipino but I can see things clearly now from the past, here and beyond, after 45 years of my existence as a Filipino. At least your one of the few who keeps the flame of hope burning. I cant blame you. You maybe right. If 80-90 percent of the countrys population will think the same way you think, then Im with you. If we tend to be more realistic, it takes a collective mindset and action to effect change. You can keep saying that we shouldnt stop and not to lose hope but how many Filipinos think the same way? Change is what we need right now and it has to take effect immediately. Im sorry Bert but a lot of Filipinos, rich or poor have already left our poor country. They decided to prioritize their future and their childrens future instead of creating chaos at mendiola, in front of the us embassy, or congress. Your right, democracy is domocracy and politicians are considered as an inherent part of it. But our brand of democracy is totally different from other democracies who used the democratic ideology to catapult them to the enviable status of progress and peace. I wouldnt go to mendiola and let my children died of hunger just because I wanted to prove to the world that US imperialism is evil and the sitting president is ineffective. Ive seen it so many times and maybe some of those people think the same way you think but they resort to something different. I maybe stupid but sometimes I use my gray matter. Unlike you, there are more and more Filipinos who no longer regard Philippine democracy as an effective democracy, Im sorry but thats the truth. They'd rather live in another country with a secured future rather than voice out their qualms at mendiola or throw rocks or human feces at the US embassy. Its also unfortunate to note that some or majority of those who joined the rallies are hoodlums or drug addicts who intentionally skip their jobs just to create chaos and disorder - but with no concrete peaceful purpose, political views or legitimate agenda. Well, Im sure there are some true intellectuals too. There are so many things in this life that are of utmost importance thats worth doing and needs priority. Its ourselves and our children's future. But let me remind you that there are some people who got tired of what our countrymen and beloved nation got into. So they just decided to lead a different way of life in another country. Im not saying that all who left the country succeeded but the number is increasing. Its not giving up but its more of taking care of what is most important. Patriotism and nationalism will always be there and I respect those people who still hope that these ideals will change this nation in the future. When? I really dont know. Stiil, there are Filipinos right now who preferred to live in another country for a better life but with a hope that good things would still happen. But one bonus for you Bert, in spite of what we have and what we have had experienced in our beloved Philippines, we Filipinos are still considered as one of the happiest people on earth. Keep the faith! Keep on hoping bro! but Ill do what I feel like doing now because Im still a part of Philippine democracy and that is to take care of myself and my family. Maybe someday I will go back and retire in our beloved country when the change that your talking about takes effect.
Good luck, Bro!
For: mekong
Hi, mekong! This is just for the sake of argument, pure argument, ok? You and Devon are my co-bloggers here, and we are all Pilipinos trying very hard to find what small things we can contribute, even by just blogging our hearts out, to save our beloved Native Land, so we are all friends. We should and we must be. You are comparing here two people, both of national prominence because of conflicting controversies. You are also comparing two crimes punishable by our laws, but could have been committed in the name of national interest. Uhm, very interesting that. Of course you have taken your choice of the two personalities, Devon had forced you to take the lesser of the two evils,so to speak. Shame on you Devon. You two were comparing the gravity between 'mutiny' and 'election cheating', and between the two people who were alleged to have committed them. I have three questions to you, mekong: 1.) How many innocent and precious lives lost in the mutiny being referred to? 2.) How many innocent and precious lives lost in the election cheatings? 3.) Do you think it's just election cheatings being involved here? Cheers to all you gals and guys.
The filipinos are the victims of their decisions to listen to politicians knowing most of them does not delivered the "goods" that they are suppose to deliver unless it benefits them. The Real Politician are those that stand for the right of the filipinos not by force but by principled decision. Principled decision means to support actions the would benefit the massess regardless whether the idea comes from the opposition or the incumbent. Principled decisions entails analysis of the intent ie., Does it Benefit the Country as a Whole and not just posturing with the press to gather media mileage.
You haveacknowledge the administrative or mechanical shortcoming in the judiciary system but you fail understand the strong wisdom behind the decision. By some of you favoring preferential treatment to this rebel guy, you become accomplish to the further deterioration of the justice system therefore, you are part of the system that you condemn slow and weak.Bascially you are also condeming yourself.
Gloria Arroyo is not perfect and her decisions are sometime painfull but the overall result to economy and the country is far better than the populist like most of the Senators (Madrigal, Villar, Legarda, Pimentel), yes running a country needs law but laws alone could not effectively run a country.You need need poeple that has the genuine "INTENT" to push the country forward be it thru democratic, autoritarian or the mixed of both.
Many people does not like Gloria because she makes decision based on merits, performance and not political alliance which everyone knows that nothing will come out good.
You condemn the Senate letter to give preferential treatment to Trillanes. Imagine the same body the pass law of the land, th same body that wanted to bend the same law, Its utterly disgrace to the Senate for the Filipion that support this move, its terrbily disgraceful as it shows the ignorance and the moral values, and the knowledge of the right and wrong.
Mga kabakayan, this is not to support Anyone in the Politics. The moderm Filipinos are those that think and evaluate the "INTENT" of any decsions made. Therefore, I admonish you to take the same position, KNOW THE INTENT these politicians and its' easy to know that. It is for the benefits of the
Country or not.
Basahim ninyo ang move ng Senators,listen to their arguments and whether their beleif is "CONSISTENT to WHAT THEY PRACTICE". If there is mismatch,you know that that Senator, Congressman, or even the other public officials are not worthy of your time and even your next VOTE.
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipino sa Diwa sa Katalinuhan sa Kakayahan, Pantay Pantay na Karapatan at maka Diyos na Pamumuhay. Salamat Po.
For mekong:
There is no such thing as wrong way for a person who strongly push on what he is believing. It could have been wrong with you but for me that is the only way where their little voices be heard.
GMA on focus? Focus on what? Look... we are hearing that the country is now on good standing. Funny... do we little ones felt it. or shall i exclude you? How could it be when the wages of the people who work for minimum wages paying taxes like that there is no other, remains at its state. We know on how much a family can survive for a day.
But what... increase in prime commodities? Inaccessible education because of high tuition fees. The cutting of the budget for the iskolar ng bayan?
How can you say that others are not qualified?
Trillianes is one man we have to admire. Even his collegues turn their back, but he stood still on what he is believing. That is the kind of leader we are needing.
To Devon: there are always people who always have something to say to one who is seated all the time, when a new leader comes here they come again whining about everything blaming the one who is seated. You're talking about wages, I believe you are only well compensated by how you are qualified and you're productivity. Don't expect the government to give you something that you don't earn.
Most people in the government are corrupt and who is not. If you're in a position like a lowly mayor and you're constituents ask you for burials, charities and other things that needs money of course you have to give and where would that come from? their salary? of course not they will find a way however dibious it might be...kung tayo nga nangungutang pag fiesta sila pa...
To Bert: Good questions my answer is - if I carry a nuclear bomb and I threatened people that I will detonate it but was able to stop by the government does that absolves me from a crime? Mutiny and Election cheating is wrong, dead wrong...but Im still for GMA coz she's still the best we've got for now...
There is a blog regarding Trillanes on "Justice and common sense" posted by another blogger and my corresponding response is posted below that:
http://inquirerbloggers.net/eleksyon2007/2007/07/31/justice-and-common-sense/
As I said, the Justice applied by the current administration has double standards.
What Trillanes did is not a coup de tat. It's an expression of grievances and an expression of how he love this country.
TO JUN:
You are right Jun, no one from our leaders alone can uplift this country to global economic power, but you, Jun & Trillanes can do it. We can do it as one nation but not Trillanes alone.
Expression of grievances and love, does that mean if I carry gun and make threat too some people in your neighborhood because of grievances and love, it is okay?
Double Standards, it's not just the administration, it's also the opposition who has double standards...I think all of us do there is always subjectivity...just like asking which side would you be, for the one who give food in your table no matter what he did or the other who is good but dont mean that much to you.
ALL OF YOU HERE ARE TALIKNG OF CRAP AND RUBBISH DISCUSSIONS...WE ARE STILL...A CORRUPT AND 3RD WORLD COUNTRY...
If that is the way he express his grievance and love to his country by planting bombs and scaring people and disrupting our day to day lives, he doesn't belong in the senate. He's better off in basilan fighting than in the city. If you're okay with what he did, does that mean that it's okay if he threatens you and the diplomats and ordinary people and the shoppers and the tenants of buildings again in the name of love of the country?
paano ka naman mag-kakaroon ng pag-mamahal sa ating bansa kung si Gloria nga at kanyang mga alipores walang pag-mamahal kundi ang mag-nakaw ng mag-nakaw. habang si Gloria ay nandiyan my love for my country will never be the same. kaya sa mga sundalong may hinanakit mag-alsa na rin kayo at maki-pag laban sa mga walang hiya at mapang-aping gobyerno. suportado kayo ng mga pilipino.
glenda,
The administration is supposed to be the one who should impose a standard and an example to all on maintaining what is the democratic right of all.
The opposition cannot impose any standard at all because it is incapable of doing so. For instance, not allowing Senatorial Trillanes to function as a Senator smacks of double standards, why?
Check out this reply of mine (with added modifications) in another blogpost regarding "Justice and Common sense": at http://inquirerbloggers.net/eleksyon2007/2007/07/31/justice-and-common-sense/
"... COMMON SENSE is arresting:
1. Those involved in trying to destroy our democracy through numerous Executive Orders like E.O. 464. and E.O. 1017
2. Those who wish to ram Cha-cha down our throats
3. Those who participated in election fraud with Garcillano and Bedol
4. Garcillano and Bedol themselves
5. Those who tamper passports especially those in the DFA themselves
6. Those who cover-up, protect and even give Coast guard escort to illegal fishermen back to their country (ex. Chinese fishing boat caught at Tubhattaha protected Philippine marine sanctuary - this has happened several times to boot)
7. Those involved in the Fertilizer scam
8. Jocjoc Bolante
9. Those involved in the North Railway scam
10. Policemen who served warrantless arrests
11. Those who bans freedom of speech and assembly
12. Those who threatens and arrests media personnel
13. Those who ignored public bidding (example; like the bidding of the dozens upon dozens of police cars)
14. Those who coddle and protect corrupt people and criminals (ex. like those who protect and benefited from COMELEC Garcillano, Gambling Lords like the Pinedas, Jocjoc Bolante etc.)
15. Those who arrested witnesses to election fraud in Lanao and those who jailed good soldiers like Gen. Miranda and Colonel Balutan by making the midnight Executive order 464
16. Those who arrested people for simply wearing âPalitan na, Now naâ T-shirts,
17. Those who banned leaders from making a speech in a Luneta rally
18. Those who raided (without warrant) a house where the opposition were analyzing fraudulent electoral returns
19. Those responsible for the loss and tampering of ballot boxes in Congressional custody
20. Those who assassinated or kidnapped electoral fraud witnesses like Musa Dimasidsing and 3 other teachers for being honest and having integrity
21. Gambling Lords like the Pinedas and Singsons to name a few
22. Military, police officers and government officials who enriched themselves in gambling operations especially those with opulent lifestyles (Maj. Mosqueda, generals and government officials)
23. Those who destroy the spirit of the law for the ends of the corrupt few especially the one in the top position of the Department of Injustice.
24. Those who engaged in killing journalists and people simply because they spoke out against corruption and anomalies.
25. Those people, despite knowing all these, continue to support this corrupt and evil system simply because they are:
a. Paid
b. Employees of government
c. They are relatives and friends of the corrupt officials themselves.
d. Directly or indirectly benefit from a corrupt system
26. Those who allows, participates and abets a host of other crimes by those in power..."
In addition, to arrest:
27. Those indiscriminately cut trees in City Parks (ex. Arroceros Park)
28.Those who continually try to find ways to do away with public bidding through loopholes in "executive decisions"
29. Those using public funds for personal election campaigns
30. Those who instituted electoral fraud upon our OFWs abroad in the last election (Ahh, the corrupt in power thought this would not eventually be discovered)
I'm certain that decent and impartial citizens of the Philippines have something to add to this list.
So the powerfully corrupt and influential are very fast in imparting a double standard justice upon political enemies and worse, upon decent citizens railing against anomalies, while they get away scot free from brazenly corrupt and evil acts.
So are there double standards primarily perpetrated in current governance? To those who look at the truth, the injustices can be seen in broad daylight.
This is my first time to read this kind of blog and it is enlightening to know different views from various sources.
To Jun, I admire your positive perspective focused on the hopes of bringing our country to light and life one day. That is a true definition of OPTIMISM. Please allow me to add in regard to one of your blogger whosounds desperate in leaving the country for the sake of his family's future and his children's childrens future and adding that he plans to go back in time when he retires and if and when he sees the country is already doing better than what it is now is a blatant cowardice tantamount to selfish ambitions without respect to his foreparents who shed their lives to preserve and reclaim this country to what it is now. Coward because where you intend to go is not your own and will never ever be! Most of us curse the U.S. intervention in our national affairs and we condemn such action but where do we go to seek refuge and security of our family's future? Perhaps in a foreign land not dominated by the U.S. or British?
I admit that I am now out of the country working to uplift the economic standard of my family, community and country but never in my mind has it ever occured that leaving my country is a permanent thing. It is still hairraising to sing our very own national anthem Lupang Hinirang during the Philippine independence day celebration along with a heart pounding and tear rolling down your face tune of Bayan Ko. So please take courage in squarely facing the crises and taking part in resolving them rather than avoiding. It is our moral obligation which may be the only pride we can give to our children and their children's children. Be proud you are a Filipino!
for abe : So who would you rather sit there in particular? Erap?
for kabayan : ever since it was cory time to ramos to erap to gma, people always has list longer than yours about the government's injustice. Even if you replace gma with an opposition man, there will still be injustice. It is part of human civilization. Kung makalista ka parang wala kang nagawang kasalanan count yours first and remorse before counting someone elses, justice starts from within...
That's why the court refuse the plea of Trillanes, it brings justice to those he wronged whatever his intention be...the end does not justifies the means...'ika nga kasi if the courts side with trillanes...imagine what you and I can do in the name of the country, suicides in the name of the country, massacres in the name of the country, hostage taking in the name country....
glenda,
Incorrect, the only regime that rivals Gloria administration in injustice is that of Marcos.
If another replaces Gloria and is corrupt, then the replacement must also be open to censure. That is the way it is and that is the way it should be. Gloria can't accept censure and her cohorts continue to go on their merry corrupt ways.
And please don't use the logic of "count your faults first before counting others", the fault here is a larger fault of governance and injustice which the ones in current power willfully ignore. It is the one which allow evil to proliferate and be popularized by protecting bad people and a bad system. It is a question of responsibility of ill governance, don't pass the buck.
Administration apologists can't use the logic that "This is part of human civilization". Because evil things like wars and abuse happens in civilization does not mean we just let it happen and swallow us whole. The evils in civilization must be fought otherwise one abets evil itself. This reasoning is the reasoning of a "kunsintidor"
For evil to prosper, good people simply have to do nothing.
Well I guess that's why the court is keeping trillanes in jail coz he's evil....don't pass the buck?...you are passing the buck...You're so loud when an injustice from the government is done...but kept yourself quiet when the other camp did some wrong...GMA and government are maybe unpopular because of some difficult decision she has to make, If im seated there or even you...I guess you will have to do some difficult decisions also, give the lady a credit. You compare her administration to Marcos. How can you prosper when you're still carrying the burden on your back...move on and move forward...if you don't want to, please don't drag everyone...
and you say kunsintidor...I think you're the one who is...because you want trillanes free...
You want more injustices? Check this out:
Palace actions vs SC questioned
Budget cut, CHEd reshuffle noted
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 11:32am (Mla time) 08/06/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has âunceremoniouslyâ sacked the brother of Chief Justice Reynato Puno from the Commission on Higher Education, slashed by about P1 billion the 2008 budget for the judiciary, and disapproved funding for the Manila City Hall of Justice requested by Puno.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan said Monday that these actions by the Palace appeared to be in retaliation for Chief Justice Punoâs holding of the summit on extrajudicial killings in July.
âIs Malacañang punishing the Supreme Court for calling the summit on extrajudicial killings? Is it exacting vengeance after the summit raised the issue of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyoâs possible liability for the unabated killings?â he asked.
CHEd chief Carlito Puno is the brother of Chief Justice Puno.
âWe are disturbed by these recent developments arising between the executive department and the judiciary. Is Malacañang waging a silent, âdirtyâ war against the Supreme Court?â the senator asked.
Pangilinan, who received a fresh mandate in the May 2007 elections, recalled how Malacañang declared war against the Senate when the Palace issued Executive Order 464 and refused to recognize the Senateâs constitutional power to summon Cabinet officials to attend hearings.
âEO 464 undermined the Senate as an institution and impaired its independence. It also prevented the Senate from exercising its constitutional duty to serve as a check and balance on the executive branch,â he said.
Pangilinan said these actions, which might undermine the independence of the high tribunal, could pre-empt a constitutional crisis.
âIf true, we vow to rally behind the Supreme Court to oppose such moves. We hope this is untrue and the developments mere coincidences,â said Pangilinan.
âI believe Malacañang should clarify these recent turn of events coming as it does at a time when the Supreme Court has been very vocal about extrajudicial killings. Is this Malacañang's response to extrajudicial killings? Attacking the Supreme Court? We certainly hope not,â he said.
The issue of extrajudicial killings has tainted the Philippinesâ image before the international community.
Last week, 49 United States congressmen wrote to the President to ask her to prosecute those responsible for the killings generally believed to have been perpetrated by members of the military.
Early this year, United Nations Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Killings Professor Philip Alston conducted a fact-finding mission and made the same conclusion that government security forces were responsible for the crimes.
Human rights organization Karapatan said that about 800 activists, journalists, labor unionists, and church people have been killed since Arroyo took over government in 2001.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=80840
nation/view_article.php?article_id=80840
Who said I want Trillanes free glenda? What I do want is to allow Trillanes to properly do his function as a Senator. He must also be offered the chance for bail like those who were in jail but are now free because they sucked up to Gloria's ******.
If the other camp is wrong, by all means go ahead and post them, nobody is stopping you. I do not mind them so much though since they are not the one in power to do the right or wrong thing in governance. The administration is.
Yes Gloria in many instances a bit worse than Marcos. She was curtailed though when her attempts towards full dictatorial power failed... at least for now.
Gloria's "move on move forward" motto simply means, "Just ignore my shenanigans, let me move on and let me move forward... don't mind my injustices... just move forward... don't mind me destroying Philippine democracy, just move forward... ignore Bedol, Garci, Bolante, the Jueteng Lords, the warrantless arrests, just move forward. Let no government employee speak against me lest I slap them with E.O. 464. Let me move forward, I need to extend my term"
It's sad glenda that you do not even see that right now Gloria is putting the screws on the Judicial branch right before your very face and the face of every Filipino.
I have a list of Gloria's shenanigans and she keeps on sticking and creating new ones, best answer them all before passing the buck glenda.
The decision of Gloria is simple but she keeps on failing, for the decision is a moral one. She cannot take the right moral choice because she has to defend corrupt allies and people who would ensure her continued stay in power ... in whatever means possible.
Oh yes, another thing, a new addition to Gloria's motto "Ignore while I slash the budget of the Judiciary by 1 billion, the Supreme Court must genuflect before me ... I have royal ancestry after all ... Let's move on, let's move forward..."
The Problem with you is you judged without really digging which is also a form of injustice:
Palace denies Pangilinan claim on judicial budget slash
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 06:20pm (Mla time) 08/06/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Monday refuted Senator Francis Pangilinanâs claims it was squeezing the judiciaryâs budget in retaliation for the Supreme Courtâs summit on extrajudicial killings, where the possible liability of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the bloodshed was brought up.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said it was "premature" for Pangilinan to say the judiciary's budget will be slashed by P1 billion.
Pangilinan should also stop "storytelling a lie" by linking the purported budget cut and the sacking from the Commission on Higher Education of Carlito Puno, the brother of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Andaya said.
"It has nothing to do with it. You're trying to make stories that do not exist. It's purely a budgetary exerciseâ¦Let's wait for the budget proposal first [but] for them to say that the budget has been increased or slashed, that's totally unfounded, that's storytelling a lie," he told reporters in an interview Monday.
Andaya could not say whether the judiciary's budget for 2008 will be increased or slashed.
He explained that what Pangilinan was apparently referring to was the P350-million loan from the World Bank (WB) under its Judiciary Reform Support Project (JRSP), in which the government also has to put in a P47-million counterpart fund.
Andaya said the loan under the JRSP is approved "in principle" but the formal documents have not yet been released so it would be improper for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allocate funds to a project that has not yet been officially approved.
However, he said funding for the project remains on standby under "unprogrammed funds" in the 2008 proposed budget still being hammered out by the Palace.
In an earlier report, Pangilinan questioned if the sacking of Carlito Puno and the slashing of the budget were in retaliation for Chief Justice Puno's holding the summit in July.
"Is Malacañang punishing the Supreme Court for calling the summit on extrajudicial killings? Is it exacting vengeance after the summit raised the issue of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's possible liability for the unabated killings?" he asked.
Kabayan, please go slow on Glenda, she's a real lady. And you are a real gentleman. She'll come to see the light soon, you'll see.
to glenda:
If you think that would mean something go and carry gun.
Little good deeds need great sacrifice.
US government drops atomic bombs in Japanese soil just to stop the war at the cost of thousand innocent lives.
Trillanes and his men action at oakwood uncover the military corruption with consent from the government in exchange for their loyal support.
We need strategy to succeed. Let the second strategy works. Being a senator of the Republic of the Philippines let his duty done. Donât let the powerful corrupt official stop him.
Letâs unleash our power to succeed. thanks for the initiative of 11million filipino people
Ah yes glenda the classic denial. Whom would I believe, Senator Pangilinan or the administration? You probably know my answer to that. It is a question of credibility glenda which the administration exhausted for quite some time now.
Of course you must also dig out the successive deceptions of Gloria including of course her previous promise not to run in 2004.
Once more glenda go over my 30 or abovementioned and tell me if she did anything substantial about it, or if not she herself is involved. There are others, but of course you have to dig it out yourself, or perhaps you know these only too well.
The credibility of the administration has hit the bottom of the barrel and is actually chipping through the bottom of the barrel itself.
The pressure on the Judiciary along with the dismissal of Carlito Puno? It is unwise to believe in coincidences when the administration is involved. Again, of course, you may already well know that.
There ways of the administration is deep but not cryptic. They push a questionable and oppressive strategy and when people do not react, the executive goes ahead with their devious plans, but when the Filipino people get riled up they retreat to the water. Something akin to crocodiles but of course that would be giving crocodiles a bad name.
The administration cannot hide their moves anymore, nor their sorry attempts to further extend their stay in power by whatever means necessary.