ALL right. The Comelec has yet to proclaim the winners yet — largely due to the interference of TEAM Unity — but I think it’s safe to say that Genuine Opposition candidates are going to get most of the 12 seats up for grabs in the Senate. 7-3-2 (GO-TU-independent) the last time I checked.
Now what?
I don’t know.
What I do know is that, barring some miraculous turn of events, impeachment is not going to happen. The Congress is unquestionably Arroyo’s; though there are congressmen who oppose her, notably the representatives of party-lists like Bayan Muna and Anakpawis, the grim truth is that they are the minority. Not to mention the fact that Arroyo’s allies in the Congress have demonstrated time and again a lack of delicadeza. They’re not going to shy away from employing underhanded tactics or bulldozing through all opposition (regardless of how legitimate the dissent is) to get what they want.
Which means that though the Senate would probably vote to impeach Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a trial, the Congress would never let the impeachment case reach the Senate in the first place.
Charter change?
Well, the entire country saw what happened the last time Congress tried shoving that down our throats. Every major faction — the opposition, the activists, the Church, etc. — made its opposition to Cha-cha known, and its proponents hastily backed down. But I seriously doubt that’s the end of that. Cha-cha continues to lurk in the background, waiting for a chance to reenter the political scene.
Unfortunately, there’s not much the Senate can do if or when Congress decides to revive the issue. Besides complaining on national television, that is. That worked last time, helping to sway public opinion against the initiative and the proposed Constitutional Assembly, but Filipinos are quick to forget. They can forget, for example, that a candidate who once hated Erap enough to cry is now hand in hand with him in election ads. They can forget all the reasons they didn’t like Cha-cha and become swayed by the propaganda of the administration.
As I said, I don’t have all the answers. No crystal ball wherein the future reveals itself to me. But I have to hope that GO accomplishes something besides proclaiming their disgust at the current administration, and plotting its demise. The 2007 elections are behind us — now we must hope we voted the right people into their positions.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
To the GO-dominated Senate, Good Luck to all you! May you work for the good of the nation and not too-focused on the presidential ambition of some your partymates. Support good legislations but oppose oppressive and unjust policies of the Arroyo Government. Work for the betterment of the majority of the electorates who put you on power but also listen to the reasons why others did not vote for you. They may not help you on your candidacy but everyone now is your constituency. You represent the the voice of every Filipino in any corner of the world in the upper chamber of the House.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:46 pm
TO SALINA
Just saw your post. What I reported earlier was strictly unbiased, being a direct quote from a newspaper, and nobody, not even the President, can pad it. You’re the one who’s being biased.
June 22nd, 2007 at 5:18 am
Pian
We’re not under Junta unlike Burma. The government has no control over the judiciary (as attested to by its recent setback with the Batasan 5), certainly not the media (television, radio, newspaper, internet), which is so unlike the Marcos dictatorship where only 2 newspapers are allowed to circulate and their content should be pro-administration, and not the Senate. In spite of our divisiveness, our economy is growing. Let me quote a newspaper article dated 01Jun07 (so this is strictly an unbiased point of view). 6.9% GDP (take note: not GNP so it excludes OFW remittances) growth fastest since ’90. Then it has a reprint from Financial Times, allow me to quote some portions: This month Texas Instruments of the US announced plans for a $1bn assembly test site, while Saudi Arabia to plough $153m in Manila hotel complex.
…Net foreign buying on the $160bn stock market rose 73% year-on-year in the first four months of 2007.
…there are opportunities in infrastructure and mining: the Philippines has extractable mineral wealth worth $840bn, or 10 times GDP … Only a fraction of this is being tapped …
From 05Jun07 – Mining investments seen to hit $10B
World’s largest miner eyes $1B nickel project in RP
…BHP Billiton, the world’s biggest miner, is looking to invest up to $1 billion in a nickel project in the southern Philippines … President Arroyo met mining executives during her brief visit to Australia last week …
Prices have gone up mainly because of E-Vat (which is an unpopular but necessary decision to maintain our credit rating) but this will only be in the beginning for investor confidence is moving back as attested by the above.
The good news is our economy is growing in spite of our divisiveness. But this growth would be used mainly to pay off the country’s extremely huge debt mostly incurred during the Marcos dictatorship (which financed the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant for example), debt-servicing given priority to maintain/increase our credit rating so that in the event we need cash and nothing is available from us, we will have ready creditors who would rely mainly on our credit rating or our ability to pay, so anyone who expects this growth should indicate an immediate reduction of hunger and poverty will certainly not happen overnight. The good news though is we are getting there. I hope the new Senators will not hamper this momentum and solely take the credit for it, because the momentum already began.
So what more if we are united?
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I’m sick and tired hearing your so call booming economy. Truth of the matter is, Your so call 6.9% is pad. Just like she pad her votes in May 10, Presidential election. Read the letest news. If you can’t understand it. Sorry, Ka nalang. As we all knew it. Gloria Arroyo, keep lying to her teeth. She’s not telling the filipino people the truth about the philippines economy. Don’t be surprise the Philippines economy will collapse. Because of her. She keep padding her so call booming economy because she know she can. If you believe her. You’re not any better then her. Gloria Arroyo, is the biggest LIAR!!! Salinas
June 22nd, 2007 at 5:10 am
OFW in Afghanistan
GO wins the Senate, then what? They work and deliver the goods.
It pains me to see the Salina bashing. Can’t we just capture the essence of her thoughts? Why are we so patient with other national’s English and way of expression but so impatient with Salina’s contribution. I really do not understand this. Salina, just give it your best sh
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I’m sorry, Mr: But, I’am only telling the truth. If you can’t understand what I’m saying there is nothing I can do about it.
But, Please, Read so you can understand. If you remember I was saying early that the so call booming economy that Gloria Arroyo, Bragging about. Is a temporary situtation. And nobody believe me. I hope you’re reading the newspaper. Because its already out that the economy is window dressing by none other but the bugos President of cebu.
I’am not lying! When I said that Gloria Arroyo, Lying to her teeth. Either you people believe me or not. I don’t care for as long as I’m telling the truth what I’m posting here. I’m not a liar like Gloria Arroyo. Read all my posting check it out for yourself. And compare it to the news. Tugma talaga. How do I know that? simple,….very simple….The BIR taxes collection is fall short. where the hell Gloria Arroyo, Get her figure, If is not from padding it. So, That she maybe look good. I know for the fact that Gloria Arroyo, keep lying to the filipino people about her so call booming economy because there is more filipino people are starving. Only stupid idiots won’t know it.
Not even this stupid idiot Salinas,duh….
############################
June 11th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
GO wins the Senate, then what? They work and deliver the goods.
It pains me to see the Salina bashing. Can’t we just capture the essence of her thoughts? Why are we so patient with other national’s English and way of expression but so impatient with Salina’s contribution. I really do not understand this. Salina, just give it your best shot!
June 8th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Go wins the Senate then what?
They had a thanksgiving party at Erap’s resthouse. Erap had his “trophy”.
God help the Philippines.
June 8th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Even though I really did not do a solid vote, one thing I noticed in the new Senate composition; they have the potential to really go after the corrupt in government, those who abuse their power, and those who wish to extend their term in office.
This much I expect from the Senate, go after these bastards who have been cause of the fall of moral values in government not to mention the pain and suffering the corrupt and abusive had caused upon the Filipinos.
June 7th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
We’re not under Junta unlike Burma. The government has no control over the judiciary (as attested to by its recent setback with the Batasan 5), certainly not the media (television, radio, newspaper, internet), which is so unlike the Marcos dictatorship where only 2 newspapers are allowed to circulate and their content should be pro-administration, and not the Senate. In spite of our divisiveness, our economy is growing. Let me quote a newspaper article dated 01Jun07 (so this is strictly an unbiased point of view). 6.9% GDP (take note: not GNP so it excludes OFW remittances) growth fastest since ’90. Then it has a reprint from Financial Times, allow me to quote some portions: This month Texas Instruments of the US announced plans for a $1bn assembly test site, while Saudi Arabia to plough $153m in Manila hotel complex.
…Net foreign buying on the $160bn stock market rose 73% year-on-year in the first four months of 2007.
…there are opportunities in infrastructure and mining: the Philippines has extractable mineral wealth worth $840bn, or 10 times GDP … Only a fraction of this is being tapped …
From 05Jun07 – Mining investments seen to hit $10B
World’s largest miner eyes $1B nickel project in RP
…BHP Billiton, the world’s biggest miner, is looking to invest up to $1 billion in a nickel project in the southern Philippines … President Arroyo met mining executives during her brief visit to Australia last week …
Prices have gone up mainly because of E-Vat (which is an unpopular but necessary decision to maintain our credit rating) but this will only be in the beginning for investor confidence is moving back as attested by the above.
The good news is our economy is growing in spite of our divisiveness. But this growth would be used mainly to pay off the country’s extremely huge debt mostly incurred during the Marcos dictatorship (which financed the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant for example), debt-servicing given priority to maintain/increase our credit rating so that in the event we need cash and nothing is available from us, we will have ready creditors who would rely mainly on our credit rating or our ability to pay, so anyone who expects this growth should indicate an immediate reduction of hunger and poverty will certainly not happen overnight. The good news though is we are getting there. I hope the new Senators will not hamper this momentum and solely take the credit for it, because the momentum already began.
So what more if we are united?
June 5th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
EVAT has helped a lot. And I think this is lower compared to the taxes imposed in other countries. With EVAT, the debt of the Philippines has been slowly being paid(debt incurred during the Marcos era). With this, investors are gaining confidence. Look at Russia, they have paid all their debts and has bee speeding up again in reviving its economy. Economic planning presented during GMA’s speeches is now gaining momentum and I guess she has fulfilled some of her agendas, sad to say most filipinos cannot see that.
To anyone skeptic about the economic gains the country is running. Name me a president after Marcos who has created a strong peso. Her economics has produced a 45-1$ rate, an 11 peso value increase.
June 5th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Manny Pacquiao and Fernando Poe Jr have things in common (and differences). They were both celebrities with ambitions to serve the people, especially the poor. They both were super popular and for others super if not mega heroes although they didnt earn any college degree. Economically, they were both well-to-do.
The apparent differences were one, Pacquiao didnt get so much praise and positive political break from the Philippine media, while FPJ did gain a lot. Two, Pacquiao was branded to be with PGMA while FPJ was a kumpare of Erap. Three, Pacquiao is rather more popular abroad where most of his fights were held, while FPJ’s fights were mostly filmed in the Philippine countryside if not in Tondo. And four, Pacquiao is a barrio mouse (BisDak), as manifested by his accent and FPJ was a city mouse.
What reality reveals is that they both lost in their respective candidacies because the generation of voting people at the time are all sane if not more mature and intellegent than the generation when Erap won the presidency.
June 5th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
In a P5.50 noodle pack, EVAT is P0.59 from a net price of P4.91. How tragic, 59 cents for a noodle. In a P100 meal, EVAT is around P10.70. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Too much for a P25,000 a month middle class wager.
Even the 10 cabinet secretaries who resigned during the height of “Hello Garci� scandal agreed with the EVAT. They know, even Emilia Boncodin had stressed that Philippine government needs money to keep on going. So that the endless topic of impeachment trial, long hours and press conferences of politicians (now elected in the Senate) and so on and so forth, can run smoothly, conveniently with full aircon and lights (imagine how much electricity bills, and who’s paying?).
Whether we like it or not, tax in Philippines is REGRESSIVE. Why? The middle class who are working and pay 30% of their income as tax do not benefit at all from it. If you get sick and you pay the hospital bill, are you allowed to reimburse this from your tax? But if a poor non-working Filipino, hospitalized in a government hospital full-packed of poor Filipinos who pay only 59 cents of EVAT from each noodle that he eats, with all the arrogant style to avail of his right for the service, would it be sounding as regressive?
Did EVAT made him poor? Did EVAT made him jobless? I don’t see logic claimed by some that there are no available jobs in Philippines when a Sunday news paper classified ads is so thick with pages of jobs posted, needless to say the Jobmarket online of Inquirer. So why can’t they find any job when there are companies looking for many people to fill up their vacancies? Many are not qualified because many did not finish college. Is it because they are poor? THAT’S THE MOST UNREASONABLE EXCUSE FOR LAZINESS.
And Salina, EVAT is not being deducted from wage. It’s being paid indirectly on buying essential items like groceries.
_________
Fr Salina:
I’m glad he’s losing his butt. He’s losing because the filipino people had enough. Imagine E-VAT. They’re deducting it automaticly from payroll.
Anong klasi yan. Only stupid idiot made this stupid E-vat into law; Only the rich has has been benefitting from this so call E-VAT. Not the poor people. While the rich enjoying their life, The poor people can’t barely eat, Not even 1 x a day.
June 4th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
I cannot see any of the winning GO candidates as worthy to be elected as senators. All of them have no principles and their morals are of questionable quality. You know why? How come they have associated with Erap. If they are really brilliant and of high moral standards, Erap is not the right person to associate with in politics. Have we forgotten the cliche “tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.” If your friend is a gambler, womanizer, drinker and wicked, they you could be too. If you know and see him as such yet you befriend and cooperate with him then you sacrifice and trash your principles for your own convenience and personal ends. Erap openly and publicly admitted his mistress and out-of-wedlock children. Under this situation, how could he be a good example of a good leader when we know what will be consequences when he possess extraordinary powers. Hence, I therefore conclude that all those winning GO senators are just as trash as Erap. The Filipinos will still remain in the dark as who really are the people who can help and save them from nagging economic problems that beset our beloved country. Congratulations to those who voted for the GO senatoriables. But sorry to say, you been duped again by the charlatans, liars and cheaters who exploited current issues most of which are just articifially created by those who have vested interests
June 4th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
A GO Senate? Why not? You can pick any 12 senatoriables from both sides and come up with a bunch that will work hard for the advancement of themselves and their families and recover their election expenditures. Legarda, Villar and Aquino are some of those responsible for Erap’s downfall. On the other side, Angara and Arroyo are independent-minded individuals who will not be swayed by either side.
I will miss Recto. With his loss, the Senate will lose the only non-grandstanding member who understands economics and who does not propose laws which are unimplementable because of lack of funding. Without him, the Senate will descend into a forum where presidentiables can grandstand and outdo each other in criticizing the administration. Without Recto, economics and corollarily poverty alleviation, will be placed in the bac burner, to be replaced by endless, fruitless, and self-serving investigations.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:44 am
People rarely remember leaders because of Landmark Legislations
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Gerry
Salinas, thank you for your unsolicited advice.
I, by the way am an OFW and had been out of the country for nearly two decades now. I have always been aiming to return to my mother land with my whole family. What foreign currency I have saved and invested into will be put into good use, should I decide to return in the Philippines because I plan to put up a business that will infuse capitalisation into the local economy of where I will reside in the future.
Telling the present president would not gain much mileage, it becomes a personal issue. The one thing that I have learned from working outside of our country is to look for opportunities and not dwell or wallow into peevish attitude.
And lastly, I agree with Englishman and Antisalinaven…it would help a lot if you just stick with tagalog so we can clearly comprehend your opinion or study harder so that you can get a job.
*****************
Fr: Salina
I’m sorry, Sir! But I’m studying harder. This is one of the reason why I’m writing in english instead of visayan/tagalog. So that I can learn more. But, Most of the filipino people in this blog do nothing but critecize me. You people sounded just like Gloria Arroyyo. She’s very good on critecize poor people. Just because you have more money education then me, You think you’re better than anybody else.
This is one of the reason why the Philippines never get out from under because of people like that. Sorry, But I can’t change for what I’am or who I’am and I’m not going to change just because some people like you want me to change.
No offense! I’m just telling it like it is….
Sorry, But I’m not going to apologized for what I’am. Because I’m very proud for who I’am. Thank you!
June 3rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
“Ay naku, kung magdominate nga lahat ng GO, sigurado ba tayo na uunlad?
I’m sure they will be having intellectual debate again sa senate which could make our system bad or should i say “bulok� na sistema.
Let’s wait and see kung nao nga mangyayari, hindi na tayo nadala sa mga una pang elections na nangyari. Did our country improve?”
let me ask you that question, did it? with GMA at the helm? what i know is our country is now the most corrupt. everything GMA did was to make sure to stay in power. as far as im concern nothing is for sure, but i would want someone who is not going to look away when they see a problem, someone who will investigate anything that is anomalous.
what kind of system are you suggesting? parliamentary? we’ve been there, remember? marcos time? and now you want that form of govt again? its not the system thats the problem its whos running the system. “absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
June 2nd, 2007 at 9:41 pm
And yes, i forgot to mention.
With Pabling Garcia joining the fray to run as Majority floor leader against De Venicia, he will surely lose because he does not have the numbers. And then his party, KAMPI will be the minority group in Congress.
When that happens both the Minority and Majority group will now be Admin.
It will be the end of whatever opposition there is in the house.
People underestimate GMA. She is really a good tactician or his advisers are.
While the opposition in the house led by the idiot Drilon as LP head wants to support Garcia.
Once an idiot, always an idiot!
June 2nd, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Lagot? Why? Because GO senators won? From the beginning i think GMA’s game plan was to vote as many adminstration congressmen as possible. I dont think she dreamed of having the TU senators win. TU was just a smoke screen. The senators will never ever be able to impeach her. Parliamentary shift? Even her own Senators like Joker would not approve of that.
Open your eyes people. With GMA in control of congress and the majority of local officials, she still holds the edge.
June 2nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
opposition dominated senate? do your job the best that you can.
MAKE LANDMARK LEGISLATIONS SO THAT THE PEOPLE MAY REMEMBER YOU…….
June 2nd, 2007 at 3:39 am
Proud Welfarevillian
It’s just so unfortunate that Ralph Recto is lagging behind the Senatorial elections. In 2001, we have made the right choice not just because he was riding behind the name of Vilma Santos but because he thinks he can make a difference in this country. Now, if the EVAT law is the only thing that will make this senator lose his chances in the new senate then so be it… but again, this is not just the only law that he had passed, also imagine the complexity of this bill that only a high-caliber senator can make into law. I don’t think that EVAT is anti-masa, it made us where we are now in the eyes of IMF… I guess the problem we are facing is that how these tax collections are being used by our government, congress and local officials… thus the fight for graft and corruption is still on.
His bio show the ff laws passed.
In his three terms (from 1992 to 2001) as Member of the House of Representatives, most of his legislative measures which were enacted into law dealt with economic reforms and poverty alleviation, among which are the Special Economic Zone Law (RA 7916); the Comprehensive Tax Reform Law (RA 8424); Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act (RA 8425); Amendments to the Special Economic Zone Law (RA 8748); Regional Headquarters Law (RA 8756); Retail Trade Liberalization Law (RA 8762).
During the 13th Congress the following legislations were enacted: RA 9337 (EVAT); RA 9333 (LATERAL ATTRITION); RA 9334 (SIN TAX); and on the 12th Congress : RA 9301 (PHILIPPINES OVERSEAS SHIPPING); RA 9295 (DOMESTIC SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT ACT); RA 9294 (FCDU); RA 9243 (DST) ; RA 9238 (GRT) RA 9224 (EXCISE on AUTOMOBILES); RA 9182 (SPV); RA 9178 (BMBE); RA 9167 (FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL) and RA 9341 (RENT CONTROL).
***********
Salina
I’m glad he’s losing his butt. He’s losing because the filipino people had enough. Imagine E-VAT. They’re deducting it automaticly from payroll.
Anong klasi yan. Only stupid idiot made this stupid E-vat into law; Only the rich has has been benefitting from this so call E-VAT. Not the poor people. While the rich enjoying their life, The poor people can’t barely eat, Not even 1 x a day.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I expect the opposition to immediately file another impeachement against PGMA at the opening of Congress. It is the overwhelming sentiment of the people and the OFW as expressed in the last ele ction and the hell with the economy. I dont care if the peso plunged to 70 or even 100 next year as long as the clamor of the people is satisfied.
June 1st, 2007 at 6:27 pm
KABAYAN:
I hope GOs main mission would be a fiscalizer and a team devoted to exposing, stamping out corruption and abuse of power in government. If at the very least they can do that, they have already achieved A LOT!
shroud:
Kabayan, since they have started this, they should first do this to Erap as an example. Erap has been branded as corrupt which caused his impeachment. If they will successful in giving the right sanctions and prove this then it will be a great achievement, the case has been lying for years. If proven guilty then they should impose the necessary sanctions.
But then again, why would you bite the hands that feeds you?
Remember, Loren even cried in media during the trial because of the envelope that the opposition(Erap’s ex senators) does not want to open the envelope which is unfair to the filipino people.
Trillanes, who’s mutiny’s main message is against corruption, but at which camp is he now?
June 1st, 2007 at 3:47 pm
TONIO ..please write BAILIWICK.
Ay naku, kung magdominate nga lahat ng GO, sigurado ba tayo na uunlad?
I’m sure they will be having intellectual debate again sa senate which could make our system bad or should i say “bulok” na sistema.
Let’s wait and see kung nao nga mangyayari, hindi na tayo nadala sa mga una pang elections na nangyari. Did our country improve?
June 1st, 2007 at 12:37 pm
To All:
Let’s respect the vote of our fellow filipinos. If GO is leading then let’s support them. Let’s hope the GO will create more laws to empower the people than create more political instability in this country. Let’s try to see if their LOUD mouths is as equal as how good they will perform in the senate.
To Salina:
Since almost all of the posts here constitutes you to be an advocator for GO, I would just hope that when GO will do more damage to this country and create more uncertainties in our economy, you and other people with you will hold yourselves responsible for it(since you bestowed them their political powers) and will grow more mature enough to analyse the situation.
Beleif in one’s ideas is a good thing, but it would be better if you would think before you believe in the TRUTHS you are talking about.
To Admin:
The posts here are good opinions, it would be best if the coming senatoriables can read this, this might help them course our country to a better one.Opinions are best effective if it can change them and let them realize that their are a lot of people that still hopes for their good and responsible leadership.
June 1st, 2007 at 10:41 am
TO MBM
So what would you suggest in place of E-Vat?
June 1st, 2007 at 10:40 am
TO PROUD WELFAREVILLIAN
You truly did your homework! If I remember right, you were able to get away from the doldrums, so to speak.
June 1st, 2007 at 9:14 am
simple pinoy
To Tony
I have written countless of times that GMA’s time is but 3 years and she’ll be like you and me: another private citizen. My point is: instead of the opposition doing nothing but just plain and simple politicking to earn extra mileage for their individual political careers, why can’t they at least behave like constructive oppositionists.
Don’t tell me about being a victim of militarization. During Marcos times, I suffered in the hands of the military due to my activism. What GMA did was nothing compared to the Martial Law years.
Crony? I have too much self respect to be considered someone else’s crony. I have my own capabilities that I don’t need anyone’s help to land a decent paying job.
I love my country that’s why I am against the antics of the opposition. No matter how much the country will suffer, they just don’t give a damn for as long as they can inflict the greatest damage to the Administration of GMA.
You and I have no choice. GMA sits as the president of our country. Just because I may not like GMA personally I would do my utmost to unseat her dragging in the process the country’s progress. As a patriotic citizen, the hierarchy of my values is God, country and family in this order.
I have hated the Marcos regime like no other. I participated in countless rallies. But I still paid my taxes even if I found the regime despicable. It is my civic duty to do so notwithstanding my personal biases. Same with GMA. I may not like her personally but I will not do anything that would make my country goes from bad to worse.
I hope the opposition behaves similarly. Hindi yong, kahit kudeta na which is nothing but a naked power grab eh pini prayer rally pa o kung anong kaek-ekan ang palabas. Is this democratic? And if we are to believe the pious pronouncements of these people, they adhere to the ideals of democracy and will fight to the bitter end to protect democracy in the country. Really? Tapos, hawak kamay si Trillanes? Shit.
*****************
Salina
Shit. Din! The same to you! All I can tell you is, Gloria Arroyo, Don’t deserve to sit in malacanyang Palace a minute longer. She’s the squatter of malacanyang Place! If you really want to protect her go ahead. Magsama kayo sa kangkogan.
June 1st, 2007 at 8:49 am
“I have written countless of times that GMA’s time is but 3 years and she’ll be like you and me: another private citizen. My point is: instead of the opposition doing nothing but just plain and simple politicking to earn extra mileage for their individual political careers, why can’t they at least behave like constructive oppositionists”
are you saying that even when we see that there are issues that needs to be investigated we’re just going to look the other way? keep our mouth shut because the economy is booming? or we dont want to rock the boat? they are senators thats their job to find out if there are anomalies with the goverment contracts and spendings, what are they there for? to be cheering on the sidelines for GMA?
“You and I have no choice. GMA sits as the president of our country. Just because I may not like GMA personally I would do my utmost to unseat her dragging in the process the country’s progress. As a patriotic citizen, the hierarchy of my values is God, country and family in this order”
investigating the president is not going to drag the country down it will actually move the country forward, as long as there is no closure to the issues that is hounding the president then our country wont reach its potential. you say your values is God, country and family but your putting GMA as your country. GMA is not the country. she is a bogus president that stole and cheated her way to be president. Im not sure why you say we dont have choice? seems like for you its GMAs way or the highway. GMA closed all the constitutional avenues for any type of inquiry of the issues that hound her.
“I love my country that’s why I am against the antics of the opposition”
by being against the oppositions means loving your country?, this is what i mean…seems to me that anyone who is against GMA is not patriotic or someone who doesnt love our country if we were to listen to you.
Please validate what your saying about antics.
“kahit kudeta na which is nothing but a naked power grab”
people power, kudeta are types of power grab no matter how you look at it, there is no constitutional basis for both, but thats what happens when all constitutional avenues are blocked by the president for a resolution much less by a bogus president. no senator supported kudeta, in fact they were warning about it if the truth didnt come out.
“they just don’t give a damn for as long as they can inflict the greatest damage to the Administration of GMA.”
please elaborate what these damages your talking about, as far as i can remember these oppositions were just trying to get answers to some nagging questions. like, fertilizer scam, hello garci, the off-shore accounts….why doesnt she just answer these questions to move the country forward? the answer is GMA does not want the truth to come out. remember, where there is smoke there is fire. it is very obvious, its like we’ll just subimt ourselves to whatever GMA does without accountability. now, where is justice here? where is checks and balances here?
“I have hated the Marcos regime like no other”
you hate Marcos and yet you condone what GMA is doing, like manipulating election results, issuing presidential decrees to stop anyone from testifying from a senate inquiry, ramming cha cha in our throats, extra judicial killings. Remember, the senate is a co-equal branch of the govt. again unless you just want GMA to go by her business without anyone checking, that again is a form of govt thats called dictatorship and i guess you condone that, now how can you say you love your country when thats the kind of govt you want? freedom and justice to only the few that are close or a supporter of GMA?
All i want is a transparent govt. if there are anomalies going on then lets investigate it and find out the truth not block the truth from coming out and try to blame other people for investigating it, if she has nothing to hide then there is nothing for her to fear. my problem here is that whenever congress investigate something GMA issues EO to prevent anyone from testifying, and point the finger on the opposition, let them investigate cause if GMA really has nothing to hide, guess what? the opposition would be in an embarrasing situation and come next election no one is going to vote for them. The senate is doing its job not like the lower house which is just a rubber stamp for GMA.
let me ask you this….why did the justices go against GMAs EO? it is becaues of its dictatorial tendencies of GMA. the very govt that you support.
June 1st, 2007 at 7:00 am
onslaught, not onslaugh
correction, please…
June 1st, 2007 at 6:58 am
Lagot si GMA!!!
June 1st, 2007 at 6:57 am
One word sums it all up…
Diktat!!!
Brace yourself up for the first onslaugh any time soon, Juan dela Cruz!!!
May 31st, 2007 at 9:17 pm
To MBM,
Taxes are good for the development of the country specially if tax collecting is fare (no evasion) and tax collected is put to good use. In Germany, France and Beligum, where 50% of their income goes to taxes, but no one is really complaining.
Most say that imposing EVAT would increase prices of commodities and utilities but latest economic data (Jan 2007) had shown that inflation rate had slowed down to a 4-year low at an amazing 2.6% in Feb ‘07.
Making our IMF credit rating favorable is not only for the purpose of borrowing money but also to show the world that we can PAY. Debt servicing is something that we need to do after several investment fiascoes of past regimes to include the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Unless we discover huge reserves of oil right smack in the center of Metro Manila, we might as well pay rather than hide our heads under the sand. This is the sad reality. Money that should have gone to education, public works, etc go to debt servicing.
For me, I think that the challenge for the government is strong tax collecting power, pursue the big tax evaders and policing power in putting corrupt officials in jail. Easy for me to say, but I am hopeful.
May 31st, 2007 at 8:11 pm
***************
Salina
Hello, Englishman: Just remember one thing, Everybody make mistake, After all no one perfect. So, I really don’t mind if somebody say something about it. In fact I’m greatful to the fact that somebody notice my mistake therefore I can correct it.
As a matter fact I just finish write, “its� but what I really want to write is “each�.
Oh, well. I’m only human I do make mistake. Thats where I learn by making mistake.
*************
Englishman
Just thought I’ll do some editing for you. Your comment above should really read like the one below. I used caps to highlight mistakes…
Hello, Englishman. Just remember one thing. Everybody makeS mistakeS, After all no one’S perfect. So I really don’t mind if somebody sayS something about it. In fact I’m gratEful to the fact that somebody HAS noticeD my mistakeS SO I can correct it.
As a matter fact I just finishED writING “its� but what I really want to write is “each�.
Oh, well. I’m only human. I do make mistakeS. That’S HOW I learn. By making mistakeS.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I have never been impressed by what the GO senatorial candidates had to offer. In fact their political adds were all filled with backlashings against the present government. It’s a shame the majority of the Filipinos didn’t see through that when it was just simply “common sense”.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
panong di magpapakamatay yan e sa laki ba naman ng pork barrel gagawin lahat nyan mga yan kahit mandaya.
ewan ko lang, pero napansin ko lang parang tamad na atmad yang mga mambabatas natin sa dalawang kapulubgan nung di pa binababa ang budget ng pork barrel.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:11 am
Another circus? sana naman huwag, and hope that someone will rise above the rest TU or GO that will be worth to vote for in 2010 pres election, we have enough laws, what we need is a good leader, that will set a good example in order to implement laws in its full force. tama na pagtatalo and focus on 2010 for the mean time support those who are elected, just like in america after the election, takes only a days to know the winner and the loser concedes and offer support to the winner, sana marating nating mga pinoy yung stage na gaya nito, kaya lang medyo mahirap kasi yung kumakandidato dito talaga public servant, may dignidad at prinsipyo, handa magsilbi sa bayan kahit mamatay, ewan ko ba dyan satin, handang pumatay makapaglingkod lang sa bayan.
May 31st, 2007 at 7:25 am
I hope GOs main mission would be a fiscalizer and a team devoted to exposing, stamping out corruption and abuse of power in government. If at the very least they can do that, they have already achieved A LOT!
May 31st, 2007 at 2:16 am
modern pinoy
legarda
lacson
pangilinan
arroyo
angara
escudero
villar
these are the guys i’ve voted.
GO? TU? who cares? i am a free man. im going to vote the candidates to which, the best of my knowledge, “DESERVING� for a slot in the senate.
FYI: Peso got stronger not SOLELY because of hte remittances by the ofws. but also becuase of, (admit it or not)economic stability of the government. the government had earned the foreign investors trust.
GINAGAMIT TALAGA PGMA ang UTAK nya. kaya nga lahat ng attemp na pabagsakin ang administration nya e hindi nag succeed.
kung magkakaroon man ng SNAP election gaya ng sinisigaw ng isa sa mga posters ng thread na to, i would still vote for PGMA.
OK sa akin ECONOMIC STRATEGY nya.
ang ayoko kay erap is:
1. d marunong makipag usap in straight english. pano nya maipopromote ang pilipinas, especially ang potencials ng bawat pilipino sa ibang bansa?
take note, in sales, madali kang makabenta kung magaling kang makipag usap.
2. daming mansions that worth millionS of peso. san nanggaling ung ginamit nya para dun?
3. sugarol. tapos, nakunan pa ng video.
4. bobo, kasi nakulong.
(ung pagiging babaero nya, ok lang sa akin un, kasi, lalaki naman tayo e. tanggap na un ng mga babae.lol)
sinasabi nyang para sa mahihirap siya, pero, sa isang segment ng Jessica Soho nung time pa nya, dami kayang squater sa buong maynila ang lalong naghihirap. minsan, naging katuwaan tuloy dati ang “ERAP para lalo kang MAHIRAP� na kasabihan.
i dont mean to offend PRO ERAPs in here, ok? STRAIGHT FACTS lang po.
suggestion ko, uminom ng sustagen, para iwas MEMORY GAP. nakakalimutan kasi natin ang mga flaws ni erap e.
kaya, magsipag nalang tayo. kasi, gaya ng sinabi ko sa isa sa mga thread sa blog na to, wala naman kasi talagang makakatulong sa atin kundi ung mga sarili lang natin e.
ung mga politiko, tandaan nyo, ang #1priority nila, DAPAT, laws that would benefit each and EVERY taxpayers. (parang d na kasali ung mga walng pambayad noh.) heheh. cge na nga isama na rin natin sila.
un lang.
**********************
Salina
If you really believe that the Philippines economy is booming not because of the money remmittance of OFW. Then prove me wrong! And tell your boss Gloria Arroyo, To tell all the OFW none OFW who’s been sending money to the Philippines.
I’ll guarantee you! lahat kayo pupulotin sa inferno.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:45 am
Proud Welfarevillian, EVAT is anti masa because it is regressive taxation. The end-user, which comprises 90% of our population, carries the burden of paying consumer goods and communications (SMS) taxes. Anything you do outside of breathing, you have to pay the Government EVAT!
Also, looking good to IMF is not advantageous. More loans to fill up pockets? More debt to be paid by my unborn grandchildren? I would rather look incapable of paying my debts, not be in denial, and borrow no more.
That loss of Recto in the race is a complaint simply because to slap taxes on what is already seen as an expensive merchandise is really uncaring, to say the least. Nobody puts eggs in their ramen anymore because the egg money goes to EVAT. Besides, is there any detailed accounting where the EVAT collection goes? Everybody knows that EVAT is a GMA creation that had to be authored by the Legislature. Recto isn’t that sharp. Wrong career decision. Sorry for hitting the guy when he’s already down.
Back to the topic - GO wins the Senate then what - they will all steal back the money that they invested in the campaign, save for the incidental Trillanes who I hope will not be swallowed by the system. Same crap same smell - all these crapos. How can the electorate feel triumphant and emotionally take sides when it is so obvious that they all ran with the intention of stealing from us!
May 31st, 2007 at 1:02 am
Englishman
Englishman
To Salinas…The past tense of catch is caught…got caught sounds better than got catch. Just so you don’t appear funny next time…Maybe you should just stick to Filipino next time. Nothing wrong with that !!!
***************
Salina
Hey, You! there is nothing wrong with my catch or caught. If I write it wrong it just too bad. Just like I just wrote STEAL, Instead of STILL. Oh, well. No one’s perfect. sorry, Guys! Just pretend I didn’t write that wrong! I just screw up! He he he he….Coffee, anyone?
Ok..actually I was wrong too. I got caught…The caught in this context is not a past tense but a past participle-like got bitten…Anyway, keep checking your your grammar..Btw, it’s “It’s just too bad� and not it just too bad.
***************
Salina
Hello, Englishman: Just remember one thing, Everybody make mistake, After all no one perfect. So, I really don’t mind if somebody say something about it. In fact I’m greatful to the fact that somebody notice my mistake therefore I can correct it.
As a matter fact I just finish write, “its” but what I really want to write is “each”.
Oh, well. I’m only human I do make mistake. Thats where I learn by making mistake.
May 30th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
To Tony
I have written countless of times that GMA’s time is but 3 years and she’ll be like you and me: another private citizen. My point is: instead of the opposition doing nothing but just plain and simple politicking to earn extra mileage for their individual political careers, why can’t they at least behave like constructive oppositionists.
Don’t tell me about being a victim of militarization. During Marcos times, I suffered in the hands of the military due to my activism. What GMA did was nothing compared to the Martial Law years.
Crony? I have too much self respect to be considered someone else’s crony. I have my own capabilities that I don’t need anyone’s help to land a decent paying job.
I love my country that’s why I am against the antics of the opposition. No matter how much the country will suffer, they just don’t give a damn for as long as they can inflict the greatest damage to the Administration of GMA.
You and I have no choice. GMA sits as the president of our country. Just because I may not like GMA personally I would do my utmost to unseat her dragging in the process the country’s progress. As a patriotic citizen, the hierarchy of my values is God, country and family in this order.
I have hated the Marcos regime like no other. I participated in countless rallies. But I still paid my taxes even if I found the regime despicable. It is my civic duty to do so notwithstanding my personal biases. Same with GMA. I may not like her personally but I will not do anything that would make my country goes from bad to worse.
I hope the opposition behaves similarly. Hindi yong, kahit kudeta na which is nothing but a naked power grab eh pini prayer rally pa o kung anong kaek-ekan ang palabas. Is this democratic? And if we are to believe the pious pronouncements of these people, they adhere to the ideals of democracy and will fight to the bitter end to protect democracy in the country. Really? Tapos, hawak kamay si Trillanes? Shit.
May 30th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I don’t want to appear skiting but well, well, well!!! With another political crisis for the Arroyo government looming in the Philippines, I expect the Peso to go on a free fall again and an economic meltdown in order in the near future. It’s about time, as those lovely condominiums are appearing a bit overpriced for our Australian dollars…Thank you to all Filipinos who voted for GO GO GO. You have given us a rosy future of living like kings (with cheap servants to boot !) in your country when we go there for a cheap holiday or retirement in the future…
May 30th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Englishman
To Salinas…The past tense of catch is caught…got caught sounds better than got catch. Just so you don’t appear funny next time…Maybe you should just stick to Filipino next time. Nothing wrong with that !!!
***************
Salina
Hey, You! there is nothing wrong with my catch or caught. If I write it wrong it just too bad. Just like I just wrote STEAL, Instead of STILL. Oh, well. No one’s perfect. sorry, Guys! Just pretend I didn’t write that wrong! I just screw up! He he he he….Coffee, anyone?
Ok..actually I was wrong too. I got caught…The caught in this context is not a past tense but a past participle-like got bitten…Anyway, keep checking your your grammar..Btw, it’s “It’s just too bad” and not it just too bad.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
legarda
lacson
pangilinan
arroyo
angara
escudero
villar
these are the guys i’ve voted.
GO? TU? who cares? i am a free man. im going to vote the candidates to which, the best of my knowledge, “DESERVING” for a slot in the senate.
FYI: Peso got stronger not SOLELY because of hte remittances by the ofws. but also becuase of, (admit it or not)economic stability of the government. the government had earned the foreign investors trust.
GINAGAMIT TALAGA PGMA ang UTAK nya. kaya nga lahat ng attemp na pabagsakin ang administration nya e hindi nag succeed.
kung magkakaroon man ng SNAP election gaya ng sinisigaw ng isa sa mga posters ng thread na to, i would still vote for PGMA.
OK sa akin ECONOMIC STRATEGY nya.
ang ayoko kay erap is:
1. d marunong makipag usap in straight english. pano nya maipopromote ang pilipinas, especially ang potencials ng bawat pilipino sa ibang bansa?
take note, in sales, madali kang makabenta kung magaling kang makipag usap.
2. daming mansions that worth millionS of peso. san nanggaling ung ginamit nya para dun?
3. sugarol. tapos, nakunan pa ng video.
4. bobo, kasi nakulong.
(ung pagiging babaero nya, ok lang sa akin un, kasi, lalaki naman tayo e. tanggap na un ng mga babae.lol)
sinasabi nyang para sa mahihirap siya, pero, sa isang segment ng Jessica Soho nung time pa nya, dami kayang squater sa buong maynila ang lalong naghihirap. minsan, naging katuwaan tuloy dati ang “ERAP para lalo kang MAHIRAP” na kasabihan.
i dont mean to offend PRO ERAPs in here, ok? STRAIGHT FACTS lang po.
suggestion ko, uminom ng sustagen, para iwas MEMORY GAP. nakakalimutan kasi natin ang mga flaws ni erap e.
kaya, magsipag nalang tayo. kasi, gaya ng sinabi ko sa isa sa mga thread sa blog na to, wala naman kasi talagang makakatulong sa atin kundi ung mga sarili lang natin e.
ung mga politiko, tandaan nyo, ang #1priority nila, DAPAT, laws that would benefit each and EVERY taxpayers. (parang d na kasali ung mga walng pambayad noh.) heheh. cge na nga isama na rin natin sila.
un lang.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:48 am
It’s just so unfortunate that Ralph Recto is lagging behind the Senatorial elections. In 2001, we have made the right choice not just because he was riding behind the name of Vilma Santos but because he thinks he can make a difference in this country. Now, if the EVAT law is the only thing that will make this senator lose his chances in the new senate then so be it… but again, this is not just the only law that he had passed, also imagine the complexity of this bill that only a high-caliber senator can make into law. I don’t think that EVAT is anti-masa, it made us where we are now in the eyes of IMF… I guess the problem we are facing is that how these tax collections are being used by our government, congress and local officials… thus the fight for graft and corruption is still on.
His bio show the ff laws passed.
In his three terms (from 1992 to 2001) as Member of the House of Representatives, most of his legislative measures which were enacted into law dealt with economic reforms and poverty alleviation, among which are the Special Economic Zone Law (RA 7916); the Comprehensive Tax Reform Law (RA 8424); Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act (RA 8425); Amendments to the Special Economic Zone Law (RA 8748); Regional Headquarters Law (RA 8756); Retail Trade Liberalization Law (RA 8762).
During the 13th Congress the following legislations were enacted: RA 9337 (EVAT); RA 9333 (LATERAL ATTRITION); RA 9334 (SIN TAX); and on the 12th Congress : RA 9301 (PHILIPPINES OVERSEAS SHIPPING); RA 9295 (DOMESTIC SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT ACT); RA 9294 (FCDU); RA 9243 (DST) ; RA 9238 (GRT) RA 9224 (EXCISE on AUTOMOBILES); RA 9182 (SPV); RA 9178 (BMBE); RA 9167 (FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL) and RA 9341 (RENT CONTROL).
May 30th, 2007 at 10:09 am
to simple pinoy:
“Spend the next 3 years whining. Even with GO dominating the Senate, GMA will remain in power for the rest of her term. The difference between GMA and the opposition is just simple: GMA got brains and she knows how well to tame her foes. Thumbs up for GMA. Everyone counted her out in 2005 but here she is still enjoying her trips to foreign shores to elicit support for her programs.
Inspite of everything, GMA is firmly in the saddle but the opposition remains just that: opposition. She’s had them all by the palm of her hands. The opposition is all bark with no bite. In the vernacular: puro tahol di naman nangangagat o baka takot lang mangagat.
Come 2010, the opposition will disintegrate into three factions: Lacson faction, Villar faction and Legarda faction citing irreconcilable differences. I wonder whose faction would Salina side when this time comes. Maybe, none of the foregoing but Jinggoy faction. Whew! We never learn”
what are you saying? that after GMA its the end of our country?…(you must be one of Arroyo’s cronies)…maybe you want arroyo to be a dictator and remain in power until you experience one of your relatives get abused by one of arroyos henchmen. what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong, there is a reason why GO dominated the senate elections, its because the people have spoken and despise her govt. Im not sure who to support come 2010 but surely something would come up, and i hope the next administration is going to investigate the scandals this administration has created.
May 30th, 2007 at 9:39 am
I am just wondering, the GO candidates are dominating in the Senate, obviously they won in their bailwicks, but why does GO still telling the people that TU is cheating in Lanao, Maguindanao, etc? when these places have been known to be the bailwicks of the administration, is it because these places where mentioned in the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal? or they just want to tell the people that TU is cheating to win the race?
What are these guys whinning about? Our brother muslims are even complaining why their votes are being questioned.
I just hope the GO will respect our Muslim brothers, don’t discredit them in their mind conditioning, because they still have the right to vote. GO is even preparing to sue all those COMELEC officials whom they identified in aiding to cheat in the administrations bailwicks, Cebu, Negros, etc. I hope they will pursue and prove that it is true, because if they cannot prove their claim of cheating it will bounce back to them as painful as they have discredited the people from the Visayas and Mindanao.
GO is too much in their psy-war and mind conditioning to the point that they are discrediting the people who are pro-administration. And Lacson’s press conferences presenting evidences is too much, he should be presenting it in court rather to the public because he is misleading facts from allegations. I even believed at some point that Lacson is the one carrying the abductions and political killings..remember, he is also connected to the military and he has the power to infuence them…he has done that in Cebu..why is he under the radar on all this?
May 30th, 2007 at 5:27 am
To: Anti-Salinavercingetorix
Of course, i condemn too those people who are liabilities of government na wala ng gawin kundi umasa sa gobyerno hindi naman mga nagbabayad ng tax. Ang masasabi ko lang e imulat mo ang iyong mga mata sa mga nangyayari sa paligid o baka naman nagbubulagbulagan ka lang. The economy of the Philippines is doing good(as they said) because the dollar went down,right!but not because of their effort but through the remittances of the Filipino workers abroad tapos ipagmamalaki ng Malakanyang na gumaganda ang ekonomiya?!..kahit na ano ang sabihin mo habang nakaupo si Gloria,mas lalong magiging magulo ang Pilipinas coz she’s not the legitimate president of the country and she was hunted by her nightmares.Yesterday, when she was in New Zealand..anong nangyari?…sangkatutak na batikos ang inabot nya because of the mass political killings…Yan ba ang gusto mo?…Lumalagay lang ako sa alam kong tama sapagaka’t ang mga tao ay ayaw na sa idol mo na nasa malakanyang…
May 30th, 2007 at 2:31 am
anti-salinavercingetorix
This people are out of this world..so pessimistic, tama iba dyan na dahil sa inyo, hindi uunlad ang Pilipinas. All of you are expecting change in the masses but most of these masses are doing nothing and are just waiting for money to be handed down to them..no wonder they don’t feel the economy growth. Ako medyo lumuluwag na buhay, ewan ko na lang sa inyong walang ginagawa kundi mang gulo at kumontra sa gobyerno. “Sala sa init, sala sa lamig� kayo!
Vercingetorix, figure or not, thats what we are seeing. It will never turn life upside down…you are so immature!
Salina, with your english, you will never get a proper job, study first then maybe you’ll get a job and hopefully feel the economic gains your idols cannot produce!
*********
Salina
You sounded just like Gloria Arroyo, You’re blaming the poor people with your failure’s to run the country. kayo ang unitil.
The poor people is not the one squatting in Malacanyang Palace but Gloria Arroyo, The bugos President of cebu.
May 30th, 2007 at 1:12 am
My dear Salina,
Spend the next 3 years whining. Even with GO dominating the Senate, GMA will remain in power for the rest of her term. The difference between GMA and the opposition is just simple: GMA got brains and she knows how well to tame her foes. Thumbs up for GMA. Everyone counted her out in 2005 but here she is still enjoying her trips to foreign shores to elicit support for her programs.
Inspite of everything, GMA is firmly in the saddle but the opposition remains just that: opposition. She’s had them all by the palm of her hands. The opposition is all bark with no bite. In the vernacular: puro tahol di naman nangangagat o baka takot lang mangagat.
Come 2010, the opposition will disintegrate into three factions: Lacson faction, Villar faction and Legarda faction citing irreconcilable differences. I wonder whose faction would Salina side when this time comes. Maybe, none of the foregoing but Jinggoy faction. Whew! We never learn.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:26 am
This should be the attitude.
marythea wrote:
I believe GMA is trying her best. Why not give her a chance? Let her continue to create jobs for her countrymen.For the winning GO candidates, I just hope you can prove to us that you serve the people with your advocacies. Enough for the bangayan, it’s time to move on and bury the old hatchet.
Give your utmost cooperation so the people can benefit.
May 30th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Tony
Don’t tell us that the Senate does not utilize government resources. Who pays their electric bills to give them cool air during their grandstanding investigations? Who pays the salaries of their staffs to do their paper works? Who pays their fuel for their transportation? Who pays their airfare and hotels when they go to their “official visits� overseas? Who pays their lunch and dinner? The executive huh? These are not even audited, mind you. Everyone should be aware of how powerful these Senators are when the P150M pork barrel gets into their hands. Some are even hypocrites to declare that they don’t utilize theirs but I simply don’t believe that. How could we possibly know?
Tony wrote:
“. You’re spending my 30% (tax) income.�
it is not up to the senate on how to spend that it is the executive branch.
May 29th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Opposition dominating the senate is a good sign. at the very least, the system of check and balance will be stronger.
i no longer care whether GMA gets impeached or step down properly by 2010, what’s important is she LEAVES Malacanang by then.
after that can we really have credible reform actions.
hindi ang oposisyon ang sumisira sa imahe ng administrasyon. si gloria mismo ang sumira ng sarili niyang pangalan.
as long as the threat of the senate can keep at bay gloria’s and jdv’s greed for eternal power, there’s still hope for all of us.
sure, not much law gets rolled out from those hearings ‘in-aid of legislation’ but at least there are people who can probe into the way taxes are being spent.
hopefully, a GO-dominated senate can prevent another upsurge of EO464- and CPR-like foolishness that gloria comes up with just to please herself (and her military, for that matter).
May 29th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
marythea
I believe GMA is trying her best. Why not give her a chance? Let her continue to create jobs for her countrymen.For the winning GO candidates, I just hope you can prove to us that you serve the people with your advocacies. Enough for the bangayan, it’s time to move on and bury the old hatchet.
Give your utmost cooperation so the people can benefit.
********
Salina
Oh, well. I guess you can’t see exactly whats going on. since you we’re saying that Gloria Arroyo, Is the best person to run the country. You must be really blind that you can’t see all the blunder she’s been doing. If you’re blind that you can’t see it. There is nothing I can do. Just remember one thing. Gloria Arroyo, With her cronies trying everything in their power to that she can stay in malacanyang Palace forever. God forbid. What make you think the filipino people going to let her get away with it.
If you think the filipino people going to take it setting down you better think again. You have seen nothing yet.
May 29th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
James
Senate will now be a complete circus. Each one of these Opposition Senators will just do grandstanding whenever there is a TV coverage. Even if the issues they discuss are no longer relevant, they will keep on talking about them all over again. Nothing has been accomplished re: Senate investigations. What happened to the Jose Pidal of Lacson, nothing? Did he have enough evidence to prosecute Mike and/or Iggy Arroyo? What about the German Accounts alledgedly discovered by Cayetano? Why did he not pursue in court the case against Mike Arroyo? Maybe he does not have enough evidence. What about the Garcillano case? Why did they not prosecute Garcillano if they have all the evidences. What we want from these senators to pursue to the end what they started and ensure they have all the evidences not just “Dakdak� ng “Dakdak� for nothing.
********
Salina
What happen to all these case? Well As I said already that all these case’s it just swipe under the rugs because as they were saying they have the number’s.
On Jose Pidal’s, Case. The real Jose Pidal is not Iggy Arroyo, But Mike Arroyo.
Iggy Arroyo, Don’t have that kind of money until he become gov’t employee’s. If they look on his income taxes return they well find out the truth. But as always the always cover things up.
Mike Arroyo, Gernman bank account. If its true that Mike/Gloria Arroyo, Don’t have anything to hide, why is it he don’t want to sign a weaver? If he sign the weaver everything will come out. But he didn’t. Meaning he’s hiding something.
Just like when things getting rough these brothers always protect each other ass.
In fact Mike/Gloria Arroyo, Use to own real estates property here in the u.s. But when things got tough the transfer it to Iggy Arroyo. And Iggy sold that property, Thats don’t meant he didn’t the money to his brother. Here in the u.s. you can find out who’s the owner of the real estates property. Thats how I find out the real truth. Its an open book anybody can go to hall of record and check it out.
But in the Philippines its another story! If you’re powerfull you can get away with anything even murder. Only in the Philippines. Here in the states, If you got catch. you’ll pay for your crimes no matter who you’re!
May 29th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Englishman
To Salinas…The past tense of catch is caught…got caught sounds better than got catch. Just so you don’t appear funny next time…Maybe you should just stick to Filipino next time. Nothing wrong with that !!!
***************
Salina
Hey, You! there is nothing wrong with my catch or caught. If I write it wrong it just too bad. Just like I just wrote STEAL, Instead of STILL. Oh, well. No one’s perfect. sorry, Guys! Just pretend I didn’t write that wrong! I just screw up! He he he he….Coffee, anyone?
May 29th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Now that the Genuine Opposition garnered a majority of the 12 slots in the Senate, the people’s clamor for change was achieved with the hope that these new senators will balance the powers in the legislature. However, one can’t help but feel leery of the fact that these politicians switch loyalties in a wink. Take the case of Sotto, Oreta and Arroyo. They swore that Gloria Arroyo cheated Fernando Poe, Jr. in the 2004 elections. They campaigned hard for what they thought was a sure winner and thus would eventually ride in his coattails had he won. Ping Lacson could have made it possible but instead stubbornly refused to give way to the late action king. Now he is with the opposition! This is nothing new in Philippine politics. The rigodon goes on whille the music plays. The deals are made in the committees, in the coffee shops and sometimes in the dark alleys of the PICC. Where ever there’s money to be made, these senators swarm like flies to get a piece of it.
Common sense dictates that for these persons to spend P150M for a job that pays P35,000/mo. is stupendous on the cover. But as you flip the pages of the book, you discover that P150M can be recovered in 2 years and the remaining 4 years is gravy.
The noticeable improvement is the loss of the two movie stars who ran. This is a good sign indeed that finally, the people will not elect the likes of Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla in the future.
May 29th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
anti-salinavercingetorix
This people are out of this world..so pessimistic, tama iba dyan na dahil sa inyo, hindi uunlad ang Pilipinas. All of you are expecting change in the masses but most of these masses are doing nothing and are just waiting for money to be handed down to them..no wonder they don’t feel the economy growth. Ako medyo lumuluwag na buhay, ewan ko na lang sa inyong walang ginagawa kundi mang gulo at kumontra sa gobyerno. “Sala sa init, sala sa lamig� kayo!
Vercingetorix, figure or not, thats what we are seeing. It will never turn life upside down…you are so immature!
Salina, with your english, you will never get a proper job, study first then maybe you’ll get a job and hopefully feel the economic gains your idols cannot produce!
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Hey, Thanks! but no thanks! there is nothing wrong with my english. As for me not having a good job. Oh, well…..Lets just see I’m not starving like the rest of poor people in the philippines. Thanks to Gloria Arroyo, So call booming economy!
So, You steal eating 3xa day. Good for you, but for how long? And by the way don’t blame the poor people why the Philippines is not moving forward because they’re not the one squatting in malacanyang palace.
May 29th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Fr: Salina.
TO, INQUIRER.NET ELECTION 2007: BLOGGER.
I want to thank you, For this blogger which is I have a place to pour out all my fruastration on what’s going on in the Philippine. But most of the posting I’ve post here its been deleted maybe because I tell it like it is.
why even bother say that we can speak our mind and post whatever what’s in our mind when truth of the matter is you only let any posting that you like. To my opionion you sounded just like Gloria Arroyo, You’re lying to your teeth.
I know for the fact that most of blog’s I can see my name all over. That is because I don’t bother to change my name so that other blogger well not know thats its me. I don’t have anything to hide. I speak what I think, I speak what I know. I speak only what is right. I speak only the truth. And most of all I speak from the heart.
Fr. marius
Hala patay kayong lahat..nagagalit na si Salina.Sana naman Salina, matoto ka nang respeto sa kapwa,’respect’ in english.
May 29th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Salinas, thank you for your unsolicited advice.
I, by the way am an OFW and had been out of the country for nearly two decades now. I have always been aiming to return to my mother land with my whole family. What foreign currency I have saved and invested into will be put into good use, should I decide to return in the Philippines because I plan to put up a business that will infuse capitalisation into the local economy of where I will reside in the future.
Telling the present president would not gain much mileage, it becomes a personal issue. The one thing that I have learned from working outside of our country is to look for opportunities and not dwell or wallow into peevish attitude.
And lastly, I agree with Englishman and Antisalinaven…it would help a lot if you just stick with tagalog so we can clearly comprehend your opinion or study harder so that you can get a job.
May 29th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
To Salina and others like her (?),
The free press (but very obvious most of them are oppositionists as can be gleaned from the slant of their articles & news) and the rest of the opposition supporters have been claiming that there was widespread cheating committed by the Administration. Of course, one should cheat to favor one’s favored candidates.
Where is the logic now about this widespread cheating?
The first 6 slots are won by the GO candidates and in the bottom 6, another 2 GO candidates may win. Is this what you call widespread cheating? Very studpid claims indeed by the opposition. Where’s the logic of “widespread” cheating when TU candidates cannot even break through the first 6 places?
That’s the problem with us Pinoys. We can never lose in any election. We are always cheated. Shit! I love this chaotic country. Anyway, I am out of the country 11 months in a year enjoying my high salary in a foreign land. To the unfortunate Pinoys who don’t like to learn, grow up and become mature citizens, bear the hardships. Tutal, masochists naman kayo.
May 29th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Now what?
They’ll tell US “ask what you can do to your country not what the country can do for you”…right right!?
Something will change but it won’t affect most things. See for yourself the losers are starting to go sour grapes.
Time will tell when they will full turn against the other.
Somehow good dollars makes additional things for me.
May 29th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
My fearless forecast: There wouldnt be any legislative agenda pursued by the senators. Why? Everyone - Legarda, Escudero, Lacson, Villar, Roxas will be so engrossed in pursuing their own agenda of “marketing” themselves to the people in preparation for 2010. They will end up destroying each other at the expense of their responsibiities as senators. The presidential campaign is starting already with brickbrats thrown agains Noli De Castro- another presidential hopeful. The next will be Legarda and then Ping Lacson, so on and so forth. Choosing the senate president in itself will be interesting, albeit bloody.
Sorry gals and guys, as much as i want to be optimistic about the senate, the situation makes me think otherwise.
In the end it will be the same: Personal Interests will be at the forefront with promises made during the campaign period flashed in the urinals of history.
May 29th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
I believe GMA is trying her best. Why not give her a chance? Let her continue to create jobs for her countrymen.For the winning GO candidates, I just hope you can prove to us that you serve the people with your advocacies. Enough for the bangayan, it’s time to move on and bury the old hatchet.
Give your utmost cooperation so the people can benefit.
May 29th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
madaming kaguluhan dahil na rin mismo kay GMA, na nagsimula nung nalaman nating di pala sya ang nanalo nung nakaraang presidential election.
nanalo ang GO bets dahil ayaw ng karamihan ng mga Pilipino kay GMA. Ayaw nila kay GMa dahil patuloy silang naghihirap, na kahit sabihin pang lumalakas ang peso laban sa dollar, hindi ito nararamdaman ng karamihan ng Pilipino. Kung ramdam ng mga Pilipino ang pag-unlad, TU bets sana ang nanalo ngayon 12-0.
Kung ramdam ng mga Pilipino ang pag-unlad, panalo na sana sila Defensor at Zubiri (na mga nagungunang kaalyansa ni GMA) na mas kilala naman kesa kila Koko imentel at Trillanes.
madali sanang suportahan si GMa kung alam nating sya nga ang nanalo nung eleksyon.
May 29th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
To Salinas…The past tense of catch is caught…got caught sounds better than got catch. Just so you don’t appear funny next time…Maybe you should just stick to Filipino next time. Nothing wrong with that !!!
May 29th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Senate will now be a complete circus. Each one of these Opposition Senators will just do grandstanding whenever there is a TV coverage. Even if the issues they discuss are no longer relevant, they will keep on talking about them all over again. Nothing has been accomplished re: Senate investigations. What happened to the Jose Pidal of Lacson, nothing? Did he have enough evidence to prosecute Mike and/or Iggy Arroyo? What about the German Accounts alledgedly discovered by Cayetano? Why did he not pursue in court the case against Mike Arroyo? Maybe he does not have enough evidence. What about the Garcillano case? Why did they not prosecute Garcillano if they have all the evidences. What we want from these senators to pursue to the end what they started and ensure they have all the evidences not just “Dakdak” ng “Dakdak” for nothing.
May 29th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
This people are out of this world..so pessimistic, tama iba dyan na dahil sa inyo, hindi uunlad ang Pilipinas. All of you are expecting change in the masses but most of these masses are doing nothing and are just waiting for money to be handed down to them..no wonder they don’t feel the economy growth. Ako medyo lumuluwag na buhay, ewan ko na lang sa inyong walang ginagawa kundi mang gulo at kumontra sa gobyerno. “Sala sa init, sala sa lamig” kayo!
Vercingetorix, figure or not, thats what we are seeing. It will never turn life upside down…you are so immature!
Salina, with your english, you will never get a proper job, study first then maybe you’ll get a job and hopefully feel the economic gains your idols cannot produce!
May 29th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
GMA is too clever for the opposition. Her advisers think way ahead in terms of strategies. They know that the TU senate line up will not be accepted by the public, so they focused (funded) more on the local levels and the Lower House. Now she is assured to end her term in noisy but controlled manner.
May 29th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
If you’re familiar with this economic theory “Rules vs Discretion”, you would understand why GO, the leftists, and all those opposed of GMA want her out of this land’s highest and highly-revered seat. She may have all the skills and academic requirements to run the country (so discretion-wise we should forgive her), but rules are rules. And in this government we have this law that: “No one should be above the law.” Hence, GO will follow her through the depths and ends of the earth to make her pay for what she’s done. She should have resigned a long-time ago or killed herself like this former-minister in Japan who just killed himself because of shame.
But GMA has no shame and humility never her viture. Then, let her feel the brunt of the pople by having a senate full of opposition senators, and hopefully a House full of oppositions too (though we can’t see that happening).
May 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Bilib na sana ako sa Pinoy except the voting part.
The new GO senators will not spend time to help the plight of the filipinos but to bring down the government they promised to protect and serve.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
simple pinoy
What? GO voters should know what to expect now that more opposition senators are sitting in the chamber. Investigatons, more investigatons and endless investigations with each senator slugging it out one another to get the lion share in exposure. And then what’s next? Nothing!!!!
That’s the saddest part. Too much effort and time and specially money are spent during investigatons but nothing comes out of any investigation at all. Aid of legislation? Come on. Just how many laws were passed by the previous Senate? 6 laws when they could have crafted so much given the many investigations of different subjects that they had done.
Well, at least, I am thankful if GO senators will create political turmoil in the country and give a semblance of instability. At least, I will see my dollars back to the 50s exchange rate. My family will enjoy the higher rate per dollar.
I have wished for TU to dominate the Senate to maintain political stability in the country so that the economic momentum we are seeing will continue. Obviously, the majority doesn’t want progress and peace to reign. Ok lang. Tutal dolyares naman ang kinikita ko at sino ba ang maghihirap? Eh ayaw ng marami sa katahimikan pwes magdusa ang walang kita.
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Fr: Salina
The reason nothing good happen to all these investagestion its because Gloria Arroyo, Et. Al just swipe everything under the rugs! Just like when the opposition want to open the COC/SOV/ER so that the whole truth well come out.
They just “NOTED” “NOTED” “NOTED” Ha, Ha! And you’re blaming the opposition. Blame it to the corrupt.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I hope Salina can comment on the opinions below and prove that GO can really make a change. Salina? Start your opinions in our opinions,do it the GO style.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
The bottomline of all these election fraud and cheatings is the greed for money, power and fame. Much of the cheater candidates’ resources were spent with the hope of getting more from the “goose that lays the golden eggs” which is politically called “pork barrel.” Fraud operators work for money. Hired killers work for money. The Comelec officials become “kapal muks” because they’re working in favor of the one who put them into their positions.
The vicious cycle will just go on and on, come election time. What can be done to curve or completely eradicate this vicious cycle? That’s what the good people who have been elected to Senate and the Lower House should do. Promulgate laws to drastically eradicate corruption in the government.
If no change will be done in the present time, the next generations will become worse and worser because of the examples they see at present. God bless the Philippines!
May 29th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
vercingetorix
..then?!it’s better than TU ticket wins, why?…i’d watched the question and answer of GMA Network, “ISANG TANONG ISANG SAGOT� prior to the election, and when it was the turn of Zubiri to answer the question, you’ll gonna be disappointed, his answers are very far from the questions and very overacting, in another channel it’s Chavit Singson,when he was asked about issues like corruption and killings, he cannot and didn’t know how to answer the questions, are they the senators fit to be in the senate while in fact some or most of the candidates from TU want to abolish the senate thru CHA-CHA then they want to have an office in the senate?…you can warthed it in youtube.
And to those people who are saying that the economy is doing good, it’s just a figure,did the masses gain something from it?…i don’t think so!
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Fr: Salina
Gloria Arroyo, Keep saying that under her bugos regime the Philippines economy is booming. If it is true why is it there is more filipino people are starving. The answer to that is because she pad her so call booming economy just like she pad her votes in May 10, 2004. Presidential election to ensure her winning.
Don’t believe me, Just wait and see. But, Of course when that happen they’re going to blame the opposition. Just like Gloria Arroyo, Keep blaming Erap! with all her blunder. She must be really out of her mind. Its time to kick her ass out. Number’s or no number’s. I’ll see, Kick her ass out. I had enough with her bullshit.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Since most GO candidates won, it’s now the time to prove their worth in the Senate… when I say “worth” - it should be REAL work and not just whining around saying bad things about the government for whom the also belong.
For me, the GO candidates won, not because most people are not in favor of the administration. It’s just that people wanted the right candidates for the job. I am a pro-Administration but I voted for Escudero and Roco. Anyways, there have always been a lot of “TURNCOATS” in the senate thus political afiliation is not really a good indication of the sentiment of the people.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Kulit
The opposition surely has been succesful in their demolition job to the government of PGMA. The next question is what can they do for the betterment of every Filipino mass who have put their trust with these people? Can the opposition really will be able to deliver what the Filipino want? Where are their programs to answer the needs of the Filipino? Where are their alternatives? or probably they will just continue with their demolition job for their own political agenda? Just asking.
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Fr: Salina
Kulit: Did Gloria Arroyo, Deliver all what she promise to the filipino people?
The answer to that is NO, HELL NO! In fact there is more filipino people are starving.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
pie
I’m sad that TU didn’ get more slots in the senatorial race. What will happen to the senate with the cayetanos, pimentels and estradas? There were candidates in the senatorial race who can deliver much better than the other candidates in the GO. Cayetano did not make a change in Taguig in his term as congressman I being a Taguig resident. Our economy is growing with the leadership of PGMA. Who in the opposition can match the working style of the President? The GO is up for bickering and finding fault instead of helping the government. Who among the GO candidates is clean? What kind of senate will we have with rebellious people in it? That is if Trillanes, Honasan wins and of course there’s Lacson.
I just hope that those who voted for the GO team will not complain when their bets wil not be able to deliver the service they want from these people.
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Fr: Salina
The opposition is winning because the filipino people had enough with this bugos President of cebu.
Who can match her leadership, I hope nobody. Her leadership is stink. Because of her the Philippines is number one corrupt in asia. Because of her the Philippines is number two human violition in the world. Aside from that, Ever since she stole her title from the duly Elected President Joseph Estrada, And she stole it again from Fernando Poe, Jr. in May 10, 2004. Presidential election. There is more filipino people are starving. You can thank her for that.
May 29th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
marius
Salina:
You are the most pessimistic person in this blog. Your GO candidates are winning but what have they done to improve the lives of the people?What good will they be in office when what they have done for the past years is create anger against the government. There will never be unity with people like you in this country. GO are the most unpatriotic people in this country when the should be because in their office.
I think GO is too bullish in their idea that whenever they loose in the Visayas and the Mindanao there are rampant cheating occuring. And DAPAT BITAYIN AND ANG MGA TAONG WALANG GINAWA KUNDI GUMAWA NG GULO SA ATING BANSA.
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Fr: Salina
Well, Hello. You can call me anything you want. I’m telling it like it is. Because I’am telling the truth. I can careless what you think.
What the opposition is saying is true, And they can prove it. Why is it you don’t want to see the truth when its staring you at you! the same thing happen in May 10, 2004. Presidential election Gloria Arroyo, Et al. Doing it all over again, Except this time is worst even the comelec doing all their cheating operation in order for their candidates to win.
You must be Gloria Arroyo, Supporter’s! If so, Good. I not going to hold it against you, After all you have every right who you want to support just like everybody else.
The opposition is winning because the filipino people had enough with this bugos regime of Gloria Arroyo, The filipino people is not blind not to see what’s going on. Thank god for that!
May 29th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
diego
Can someone tell me is anyone in the GO lineup capable of leading this country ? It’s an honest question. I would like to think that someone in that lineup is…but I find it difficult because it seems that the noisiest of the GO candidates had built their political career out of bashing the administration, false accusations and have no substatial national agenda. If fact some have have aligned themselves with the erap faction for their political survival…
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Fr: Salina
To answer your question why don’t you ask them yourself.
You were saying that they’re only accussing the administration on false accusation. Which one? Name one? I’ll bet you, you can’t even name one that they’re only accussation them without any solid evidence. Ane even there is solid evidence they’re only going to swipe it under the rugs. Not atleast you’re blind to see the truth.
May 29th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
GO wins..then what?
then there will be no chance for GMA to extend her term beyond 2010. marcos regime ended wont happen again.
I will disagree with the so-called economic instability since there are lots of oppositionists in the senate right now, for as far as i can remember, oppositionists also support the economic agenda of GMA.
and for the so-called economic growth, is there really any growth? i didnt see it. you’d ask me why, simply because, the price of the prime commodities are still soaring high. yes, there is a dollar depreciation, BUT prices of prime commodities increases, tuition fee increases, and the PUV fares increases.
yes, peso value increases BUT does it provide JUAN DELA CRUZ a higher wage? does it send JUAN DELA CRUZ to school? does it feed JUAN DELA CRUZ 3times a day?
May 29th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
to all pessimists:
Just because the senate is dominated by GO doesnt mean our country is going upside down, it is not what the senate does it is what the president does, the legislative is only a check and balance.
“. You’re spending my 30% (tax) income.”
it is not up to the senate on how to spend that it is the executive branch.
“GO will just bring our economy down”
again GO is just legislative not executive, there is nothing that the senators can do that can bring the economy down, to start with whatever problems we have is not the doing of the senators, they are there to oversee that money spent by the executive is spent wisely.
the type of government that you want is a dictator? a government that has no opposition? a government that has no checks and balances? you should be thankfull that there is an opposition, otherwise well just be back in the marcos era.
“GMA is the best person to lead our country at this time”
that is very sad to hear, there are a lot more people out there who are good and capable you just have to open your mind and stop listening to GMA.
“I’m not happy that they got most of the slots”
so who would you want to be in the senate? Pichay?, Montano Cesar?,Sotto Vicente III?, Singson Luis?, Kiram III Jamalul?, Defensor Michael? you know these people and what they have done? if you have a better lineup for senate please list it.
“The opposition surely has been succesful in their demolition job to the government of PGMA”
what demolishon job? please can you backup what your accusing. GMA was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. are you saying that didnt happen? if there is one thing the opposition is there for is to expose inappropriate activities in the executive branch such as “hello garci”, “fertilizer scam”, etc. these accusation has not been answered by GMA adequately. if those things happened in the US or any other country shell be impeached already, and the reason why shes not is because she bought all the congressmen, (btw thats where your 30% is going).
impeachment doesnt mean shell be out of office it just means they are going to investigate the president of any wrong doing and to answer charges before congress, that is what you call accountability.
I am not pro GO or pro UNITY, i am pro FILIPINO, pro TRUTH. the reason why we dont have political stability is because GMA has not fully been str