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Amando Doronila: May election more than just 'Erap vs Gloria'

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HERE'S Amando Doronila's take on the results of the May polls. Excerpt from his column piece "Acting as if nothing happened":
MANILA, Philippines -- The first thing the opposition did after it appeared certain that the Genuine Opposition (GO) candidates had won 8-2-2 in the Senate election was to talk with deposed president Joseph Estrada, at his detention home in Tanay, Rizal, about the division of spoils. Up for grabs are the Senate presidency and chairmanship of key committees. From newspaper reports, there was nothing to indicate that the victors, in the flush of triumph, thought of overhauling the national policy agenda beyond just carving up the booty. The celebration with Estrada was symbolic and symptomatic of the opposition's view of the mandate it received from the people on May 14. When the opposition leaders met at Estrada's rest house, they offered the GO capture of the Senate as a trophy to Estrada and as an acknowledgment of Estrada's view that the election was a referendum on the illegitimacy of his overthrow by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in January 2001 and a vindication of his innocence of plunder charges. The opposition cannot be more wrong than crediting Estrada for the GO victory in the Senate election. Some of them may like to think the GO team was handpicked by Estrada. But this was not exactly the case: most of the GO candidates were not identified as dyed-in-the-wool Estrada partisans, and presented themselves as independent-minded persons. The only thread shared by members of the team was that all were anti-Arroyo. The May election was anything but a rerun of the Estrada-Arroyo political vendetta. That feud was not the central election issue. The voters decided on a number of issues that have emerged to define the character of the Arroyo administration since 2001. The nation has traveled a long distance for the past six years. Consequently, Estrada cannot claim credit for influencing the 8-2-2 Senate election result. Much less is he in a position to call the shots in the allocation of power in the next Senate.

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75 Comments

I agree. A vote for the opposition in the Senate did not necessarily mean a vote for ERAP (and a support for his acquittal). It does not also mean a vote against Arroyo. Although majority were from the opposition, and are anti-Arroyo, many of the senators were voted on the basis of (i) performance or perceived good performance, (ii) name recall for re-electionists, (iii) being independent minded as in the case of Lacson, Arroyo, Angara and Honasan, and (iv) the youth vote for Escudero. Erap should not get the credit for the opposition win. He is past. 6 years has changed the voting public. kaya nga natalo na ang mga artista dahil pumalpak siya.

We like Chiz, Loren, Ping, and even Trillanes. Not because they are anti- Arroyo, but because they've presented themselves well, both in and outside of Arroyo issues. As for TU, we like GMA, we just did not like her TU senators... Kiram, who da? We definitely do not like Estrada. He may be set free by law or by a miracle, but he is not going back to Malacanang. Critics say our economic gains so far are shallow, but at least there are steps forward. With Estrada, we were just headed downward, like his health and his IQ.

Tunay ang iyong sinabi... na more than just ERAP vs GLORIA.. Dapat n tayong tumingin sa darating n BUKAS, wag n nating hayaan na sila ang magpalakad ng pulitika, hayaan natin na ang TAO ang masunod, hindi ang sinomang may kapangyarihan. Dumarating ang ibang sibol na may potential sa Pamumuno.. dapat silang bigyan pansin....

Only the narrow-minded would view it as just that. I do believe the voters, informed or misinformed they may be, went all out to cast their lot to whomsoever they think befit to be senator of the republic. We get the senators we deserve, and it all reflects upon us if they, our new senators, will prove us wrong in the long run.

It's 36 months to go.... Presidential Election na. Usapang barbero para sa 2010. What do you think about the possible candidates for pres & vp? NPC Loren & Chiz, PMP Lacson & Jinggoy, NP Villar & Allan Cayatano, LP Roxas & Kiko, KAMPI Noli & Gwen Garcia, LAKAS Gordon & Duterte. I'm sure marami pang pagbabago ito, pero ang di na magbabago ay ang paktakbo nila Loren, Villar, Lacson at Roxas. Mukhang may patutungahan na ang bansa natin....

I think Mr. Laurel the good combination or shall I say Team for 2010 would be Legarda & Lacson vs. Villar & Roxas. It's better if we have only 2 parties or team in 2010. Good coalition result PMP & NPC vs. NP & LP. Let's forget Lakas & Kampi, they will do no good for our country. We don't want the same leadership we had now for 2010.

Mr. Doronila's commentary showed a bias note, can't be interpreted as stated from a neutral position that credible newspapermen should be. Your political slip is showing, Sir. It's a myopic view, to say the least. How could you not discern the following facts: Voters who don't like Erap most probably had voted TU candidates. Voters who don't like Pres. GMA most probably had voted for GO candidates. Although it does not necessarily follow that those who does not like the President like Erap, and vice versa, it is a fact that Erap's popularity with the majority of voters far outnumbered that of GMA's. Further, the opposition senatorial winners who troop to visit Erap after the election to thank him was a tacit admittance that they owe their win to the man, and that, it could be said, that had they aligned themselves with Team Unity, the result could have been different.

Kaya hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit nagkakandarapa ang mga GO people sa paghalik sa pwet ni Erap. Marami sanang magagaling sa mga nahalal na GO candidates.

A vote for GO is not necessarily a vote for ERAP as most of the bloggers here say. They have voted for GO not because they don't like GMA but because GO candidates are better compared with TU. Ok. Nice to know that the overwhelming majority voted on the basis of the suppposed performance of the candidates and not because of their political alignment.

Unfortunately, the GO senators don't look at it like that. For them, their mandate is synonymous to Erap's innocence. Can these GO voters now contradict the very senators they have voted into office?

The very reason why I have never asked any of my relatives and other believers from voting any GO candidate is for the simple reason that they have kowtowed with Erap. I know that most people would interpret the recent election as a return bout between GMA & Erap and it is indeed happening now. Who will convince these GO senators that they were voted upon not because of Erap but because of their own individual merits?

I hope Erap will resurrect and reclaim Malacanang so that these GO voters who are supposed to belong to the intelligent ones will see the monster they have let out of the bottle.

To Monday Lesson,

You mean the GO senators are narrow minded? That's how they interpreted their victory. They immediately went to their patron "saint" Erap to offer their victory.

Most GO voters claim that they voted for GO not because of Erap but because they are better candidates. Now, they are being contradicted by actions of the very senators they have voted. The GO senators believe they owe their victory to Erap.

As what Osmeña have said, the opposition was surprised with the more than expected election results in favor of them. And they interpreted it as a referendum against Arroyo. Well, thanks to their hatred campaign which actually started in 2005. (Shouldn’t they be charged with electioneering?) But as what Doronila have stated, it was actually a draw, since the House is dominated by the administration. People would perceive that the Senate is more powerful than the House but everybody must understand that under the constitution, both have equal legislative powers. In general, people are actually confused of what to do with Arroyo. Consciously, they are moved by the hatred campaign to be against her but simultaneously subconsciously, they are moved by her economic gains to side with her.

Unknowingly, who appeared victorious after this election are actually not the Filipino people but Erap. It was not a secret that he had the “handpick� of those who would be GO’s candidates and if handpicked, meaning financial support came along with it. Where would Legarda get her campaign funds after shelling much on her election protest against De Castro? How about the youngsters Escudero and Cayetano? Lacson after bragging that he didn’t avail of his pork barrel? Pimentel being the poorest among the candidates? And so on and so forth. Why would they kiss Erap’s hand? So Erap being their financier should be given delight of their victory, and Doronila is right, they had a victory party at Erap’s resthouse, to discuss the plight of the poor Filipinos who elected them in the position?? NO! BIG NO! They are up for grabs in the revamp for Senate positions. Juicy senate presidency and blue ribbon committee. People just don’t know how much Senate budget these positions receive annually. How despairing and dismaying these hypocrites! After fooling the people, of course, they would still seek their own caprices. People are made to believe that the alternative to Arroyo’s camp is the Erap’s camp but in reality, not much difference; only that Arroyo has the brains.

Poor Filipinos, blinded by modern politicians, not actually different from the traditional ones.

Yes the winning senators won because of their past performance and the perception that they will peform well in the senate in the case of the new ones. Shuffle them to the opposite parties they'll still gonna win. (i.e. for example if Loren, Chiz and Ping ran under TU). Being Pro Gloria or Erap is not the issue here. Nakakasama pa nga to be identified either among the two.

May Elections may be more than just "Erap vs. Gloria vendetta". But, one must ponder that such vendetta became the "burning flame" that gives the light to the doomsday that Arroyo and her cohorts brought upon Erap.

Rightly so, what makes the May Elections more than just "Erap vs. Estrada vendetta" are the realization of truth and the translation of doubts hovering the minds of the young voters into a precise understanding of how evil-powered the Arroyo Administration is, which turns out to be directly consequential to the promise of tomorrow that a swift change must take place. However, the result of May Elections manifests only the beginning of the new era of another revolution, bearing a modified brand of politics. The future-bearers, who were not qualified to vote in the last few years, became the active participants and the propelling ones which were likely the "modern telescope" that redefines the picture of the Senate anew - - - a better image that will
transform the Philippine politics with stronger push for political reconstruction and availment for intellectualized type of revolution.

G. Ampong
Jimalalud, Negros Oriental

Ed
We like Chiz, Loren, Ping, and even Trillanes. Not because they are anti- Arroyo, but because they’ve presented themselves well, both in and outside of Arroyo issues. As for TU, we like GMA, we just did not like her TU senators… Kiram, who da? We definitely do not like Estrada. He may be set free by law or by a miracle, but he is not going back to Malacanang. Critics say our economic gains so far are shallow, but at least there are steps forward. With Estrada, we were just headed downward, like his health and his IQ.
***************************
Fr: Salina

The only thing is going down is the so call booming economy of Gloria Arroyo. Ha, Ha. Gloria Arroyo, Well keep lying to the filipino people for as long as somebody like you, still believing on her lies!

Monday Lessons
Only the narrow-minded would view it as just that. I do believe the voters, informed or misinformed they may be, went all out to cast their lot to whomsoever they think befit to be senator of the republic. We get the senators we deserve, and it all reflects upon us if they, our new senators, will prove us wrong in the long run.
******************************
Fr: Salina

If they really think that this election between Erap/Gloria. They should just hold a snap election. I'd guarantee you Erap, Well mop Gloria Arroyo, ugly face to the cabbage patch field.

The reason TUTA NI GLORIA, LOSS because the filipino people had enough with her bullshit. The filipino people is not blind that they can't see whats going on.
She keep saying that her so call economy is booming. If it is true why is it there is more filipino people are starving. How can you justify that.

Truth of the matter is, Her so call booming economy is pad, Just like she pad her votes on May 10, 2004. Presidential election to ensure her winning. I'll say, DITCH HER OUT.

i really hope that was the case coz i hate to see ERAP smiling and assuming that with these win people choose him over GMA...geez, NO WAY!

The electors voted for GO BECAUSE THEY CANNOT CONDONE TO HAVE A LEADER WHO LIED, CHEATED AND GRABBED THE PRESIDENTIAL POWER THAT IS NOT CONSTITUTIONALLY HERS. The Filipinos are not stupid. Honassan had a turn-around, only late in the election, after talking to his political god-father, Enrile. If he turned away from the mandate of the people, that is to get rid of a tainted leader who continues to exercise the power of the president without authority from the people, he will gravely be mistaken. He did not win becuase he can just play around and be nicy-nicy to the supporters of his god-father, a former Marcus crony.

To Bert

It's not Mr. Doronilla who has the myopic view. Many bloggers here are claiming that their vote for GO does not mean support for Erap. Or these GO voters are closet Erap fans? My own view regarding the overwhelming success of GO is that the mandate was anti-Administration but not necessarily pro-Erap. Otherwise, how one would explain the many GO voters who are vehemently denying the Erap factor?

drhenry4
As what Osmeña have said, the opposition was surprised with the more than expected election results in favor of them. And they interpreted it as a referendum against Arroyo. Well, thanks to their hatred campaign which actually started in 2005. (Shouldn’t they be charged with electioneering?) But as what Doronila have stated, it was actually a draw, since the House is dominated by the administration. People would perceive that the Senate is more powerful than the House but everybody must understand that under the constitution, both have equal legislative powers. In general, people are actually confused of what to do with Arroyo. Consciously, they are moved by the hatred campaign to be against her but simultaneously subconsciously, they are moved by her economic gains to side with her.

Unknowingly, who appeared victorious after this election are actually not the Filipino people but Erap. It was not a secret that he had the “handpick� of those who would be GO’s candidates and if handpicked, meaning financial support came along with it. Where would Legarda get her campaign funds after shelling much on her election protest against De Castro? How about the youngsters Escudero and Cayetano? Lacson after bragging that he didn’t avail of his pork barrel? Pimentel being the poorest among the candidates? And so on and so forth. Why would they kiss Erap’s hand? So Erap being their financier should be given delight of their victory, and Doronila is right, they had a victory party at Erap’s resthouse, to discuss the plight of the poor Filipinos who elected them in the position?? NO! BIG NO! They are up for grabs in the revamp for Senate positions. Juicy senate presidency and blue ribbon committee. People just don’t know how much Senate budget these positions receive annually. How despairing and dismaying these hypocrites! After fooling the people, of course, they would still seek their own caprices. People are made to believe that the alternative to Arroyo’s camp is the Erap’s camp but in reality, not much difference; only that Arroyo has the brains.

Poor Filipinos, blinded by modern politicians, not actually different from the traditional ones.
****************************
Fr: Salina

I'm glad most of the opposition wins this election. Thank god that the filipino people finally wake-up to the truth on whats going on. The filipino people speak. Its time to get rid of Gloria Arroyo, Because she's the problem. Its overdue! DITCH HER OUT.

Sana tigilan na ang walang kawawaang usapan tulad nito. Narito na naman ang isang media man na pagkatapos na i-promote ang ganitong hidawaan mula sa kasalukuyan at nakaraang pangulo ay nagnanais na maghugas kamay. Tigilan na niniyo ang ganitong panloloko sa tao. Hindi kayo nakakatulong bagkus ay nakadadagdag kayo sa kasalukuyang gulo. Pilit ninyong pinababango ang isang kandidato bago mag-eleksiyon at pagkatapos kapag nanungkulan na at dumating ang pagkatataton na hindi napagbigyan ang inyong interes ay sinisira ninyo ang karakter nito sa inyong kolum. Kung magpapakatotoo ka at iba pang mimyembro ng media ay makikita ng mga tao kung ano talaga ang layunin ninyo sa media maliban sa magbigay impormasyon sa tao. Marami pang Erap at Gloria na darating sa Pilipinas pero tulad nila ay sasapitin din ang ganitong pagtrato mula sa hanay ninyo. Puro personalidad ang pilit ninyong isinisiksik sa isipan ng mga pilipino na para bang sa pamamagitan ng isang eleksiyon o impeahment ay biglaang mawawala ang mga problema ng bayan kapag nahalal o di kaya natanggal ang sinumang personalidad na ini-endorso o sinisiraan ninyo. Huwag ninyong sabihin hindi ninyo alam ito. Hiling ko lang sa taong bayan na sana ay mag pakatotoo rin kayo. Hindi lamang ang mga lider natin ang problema kundi pati na rin tayo. Imbes na magturuan at magbangayan ay magtulungan na lang tayo. Napakadaling ipataw sa ibang tao ang kadahilanan kung bakit tayo nahihirapan sa buhay. Alam nating lahat na mayroon din tayong pagkukulang kung bakit patuloy ang ganitong sitwasyon. Sayang ang pagiging edukado at kristiyano nating mga pinoy kung patuloy tayong mananangan sa mali at makasariling paninindigan. Tama na ang emosyon, gamitin natin ang sentido kumon...

Sa nakaraang eleksyon 2007 , pinakita lamang nga mga Pilipino na may sapat silang talino at prinsipyo kung sino ang nararapat nilang ihalal sa Senado, at pinakita din dito na may malaking kadayaan sa mga nakaraang eleksyon halimbawa ang pagiging numero uno ni Ms. Legarda sa pagiging senadora, nung kumandidato sya ng pagiging Bise Presidente ay kanyang personal na tinuligsa na may malaking dayaan sa botohan..pero walang nakinig sa kanya bagkus lahat ng mga taong bumoto sa kanya ay mistulang tikom ang bibig sa dahilang wala din silang maipakitang ebidensya na nadaya ang kanilang kandidato, sa halip nag antay uli sila ng ilang taon upang ipakita na di sila nagkamali sa kanilang ibinoto at tama ang kanilang isinulat sa balota, ngayon natin makikita na talagang gumawa ng paraan ang gobyerno para di sya makapasok bilang Bise- Presidente .

Of course the vote for Opposition Senators
are mostly from Erap Supporters,
what happened to Tito Sotto who
go for Administration?
what happened to Team Unity?

YES YOU'RE RIGHT, IT'S MORE THAN ERAP AND GLORIA BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, simula pa ng panahon ni Marcos, they say,Philippine economy is doing good "DAW" pero kung titingnan natin ang mga karatig bansa natin na dati'y mas mahirap pa sa atin atttttttttttttttttt???????????mga hindi pa Kristiyanong bansa like Thailand, Vietnam na winasak ng digmaan noong 1960's,Singapore, Malaysia...THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIAN COUNTRY...E ano ng nangyari sa Pilipinas?hanggang ngayon naghihikahos pa rin at lalong bumabaon sa utang, utang na, ibinubulsa pa ng iilan kaya si JUAN pasan ang daigdig.
-According to the news last tuesday night, Gloria was so very disappointed with the results of the senate elections that even their so called "machineries" in the local positions,mga walang nagawa!It was Zubiri who do the talking as told by the bogus president.
Natatakot na si Gloria, nalaglag na kasi yung mga TUTA nya...Si Mr. NOTED naman nag-independent, alam kasi nyang mali yung ginawa nya kaya dumistansya muna...Haaayyyy,ganyan talaga ang buhay pulitika sa Pilipinas,puro pangako,puro papogi wala namang nagagawa. BECAUSE MOST OF THE POLITICIANS ESPECIALLY THE CONGRESSMEN,THEY DID NOT TOTALLY REPRESENT THEIR PEOPLE IN THE CONGRESS, OR MAYOR,GOVERNOR,SENATORS LALONG-LALO NA ANG NASA MALAKANYANG...THEY'RE JUST MERELY REPRESENTING THEIRSELVES...BECAUSE A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT UPHOLD PUBLIC INTEREST OVER PERSONAL...MAKIKITA NYO NAMAN YAN NGAYON KUNG SINO ANG NAGSASABI NG TOTOO AT SINO YUNG MGA SINUNGALING AT MGA TAPAT NA NAGLILINGKOD SA BAYAN.
As I see the situation in our country now pag nagsabi ka ng TOTOo,TWO THINGS MAY HAPPEN TO YOU DONG AT DAY, MAKULONG KA AT ANG PINAKAMASAKLAP, IPAPAPATAY KA!

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Philippine society’s shocking state of affairs

Inquirer
Last updated 02:52am (Mla time) 06/07/2007


I suppose it can be said that as a foreign visitor to your country I have no right to comment on domestic politics and other issues -- but I’ll go ahead anyway.

The Philippines has an electoral process that would be laughable were it not for its shocking lack of respect for human life and the basic tenets of democracy.

I read that the police have declared that 102 of the killings since January are not election-related; I guess that’s all right then. But the figures are appalling, and I wonder how murder can be so easily committed by people who, presumably, go to church just a few days later.

One of the most disturbing images I saw recently was a front-page photo of former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste. (Inquirer, 5/23/ 07) Here was a man, who has admitted to shooting someone, being shown laughing together with his jailer. And how could a man in uniform, an agent of the criminal justice system be allowed to behave in such a way? And how could a confessed killer be allowed to check in and out of jail as if it were a hotel?

There seems to be no shame, no honor, no sense of responsibility in this society. And yet, the Philippines continues to portray itself on the international stage as some kind of bastion of democracy.

The reality is that -- in spite of all the wonderful things this country has to offer -- the corruption and lawlessness of this society are truly horrifying.

BRYAN SCOTT (via e-mail
**************************
Fr: Salina

I read this letter from Bryang Scott:
nakakahiya talagang ang filipinas,. I'm not condeming him because he is only telling the truth. We can thank that to Gloria Arroyo. Because of her the philippines has been tag as the number one corrupt in asia. Number two human right violation in the world. And the filipino people do not abide our constitution law;

Sometimes I wonder if the Philippines is worth dying for: Lahat nalang yatang masama ay nagibabaw, At lahat ng mabuti ay bali wala na. Kaya if we want progress in our country, Its time to get rid all the corrupt government employees!

TO Ed,

What do you mean Kiram, who da ? Kiram is a muslim and is suppose to represent the southern part which has been neglected for years. I beleive they are entitled of representation in. Senate. Wag mo palabasin ang pagiging imperyalistang maynila mo. Hindi pilipinas ang manila. All other provinces can cut off their supply to manila and lets see what happens to you.

And to someone who said bakit may nagugutom pa rin kung umaangat ang economiya. Kahit sa US may busabos. It took singapore 30 years to eradicate much of their poverty and become first world. They did it by sticking to what they believe is right, not for what they believe is popular. And they said its the fastest to become first world. What makes you think, with all their coups and having a population who voted trillanes who almost single-handedly derailed our economy by launching a coup, philippines can do the same in just 10 years ? Until people stick their head out and see beyond their myopic view of things (things like biglang yaman without sweating it out), until people really become intelligent, then we can. But now, nope.

1 more thing. I read somewhere than chiz escudero wants to abolish algebra, trigo and chemistry in High School kasi di naman daw ginagamit pag nag wowork. Is this the kind of senator you are proud of ? We need these as a foundation of analytical thinking, to think of it, students in this country are being left behind by other students in other countries. Its stupid to say na dahil di ka nag aalgebra sa trabaho mo, kailangan mong tanggalin. I expect more from a senator to think beyond being myopic.

We're always fond of easy way out.

AFP’s choice: People or repudiated GMA govt’


By Alejandro LichaucoANALYSIS

06/07/2007


If, as conveyed to this writer by a retired general (see article last Monday on A retired generals’ interpretation of the elections) the military mind interprets the elections as a repudiation by the people of this government which should therefore go, then it simply means that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will simply have to persuade the government to resign. Just, of course, as the AFP did in the case of Edsa II when then Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes declared AFP withdrawal of support for the government of President Joseph Estrada on the perception that the Estrada government had lost the support of the people. And at that, Reyes declared the historic withdrawal without the benefit of elections, such as the ones held recently, which visibly and statistically demonstrated the fact of repudiation.

As the retired general said, the senatorial elections operatively served as a national referendum on this administration.

Whether the AFP, under its current leadership, follows the precedent established in Edsa II is, of course, something else. The AFP today could well opt to continue its support of this government and there isn’t a force at this time that can persuade the AFP to do otherwise. The AFP, in brief, can choose to continue supporting a government that just recently has been repudiated by the people.

The repudiation, of course, is nothing less than overwhelming. If, for all the cheating that everyone knows took place, all that the administration could manage to get elected to the Senate were two out of its 12 candidates, then we could plausibly conclude that if the contest had been fair and square, there isn’t any single administration candidate who could have made it to the chamber.

In the face of the complete and total repudiation of this government, the question then is whether the AFP will continue to support a government that has been completely and totally repudiated by the people.

In fairness to the AFP, it can be argued that inasmuch as the GMA government had been elected to serve until 2010, there is reason for the AFP to continue its support of this government all through the end of the latter’s term. That argument, however, is severely blunted by the precedent established by the AFP itself when it opted to withdraw its support to the Estrada government without waiting for that government’s legal tenure to expire.

That said, the question is: What does the AFP do now? To be more precise, what does Esperon do now? Does he do an Angelo Reyes or would he decide to ignore the precedent established by Reyes?

How the AFP handles this issue is, of course, its business. But it is perhaps worth reminding the AFP that if it continues to support a government as overwhelmingly repudiated as this government, then the real loser in this game could really be the AFP. For the AFP now runs the very real risk of being repudiated by the people, and as overwhelmingly repudiated as the GMA administration has just been.

GMA is already a loser. The question is, will the AFP choose to also be a loser?

This isn’t a smiling matter. The AFP as an institution would now have to face all the potential repercussions of a popular perception that it can’t be relied on to protect the people and the state; that the AFP, far from being a military institution sworn to protect the people even against a sitting but popularly repudiated government actually functions, under its current leadership, as no better � repeat, no better � than the private army or security guard of politicians in power.

And that is a very explosive situation for the leadership of the AFP to be in. Explosive because the AFP leadership should be fully aware that the AFP counts with a significant number of officers and personnel who believe in taking seriously their Constitution’s responsibility to protect the people even against a sitting government and that when that sitting government is perceived � just perceived � to have lost the people’s mandate, the AFP as such is under duty to persuade that sitting government to bow out of existence.

That was what happened in Edsa I and Edsa II. In both Edsas, the people, in the midst of their rage, found the AFP on their side. Edsa I and Edsa II cemented the alliance mandated by the Constitution between the people and the military establishment.

The AFP’s leadership now must make the crucial decision whether to continue or break that historic alliance. To be with the people or with a government repudiated by the people.

It’s your move, general. Your place in this history of the AFP as well as in the history of this country is something which you must now decide for yourself. Don’t wait for that decision to be thrust on you. You well remember what happened to Gen. Fabian Ver.
********************
Fr: Salina
Yeah, Remember what happen to Marcos? It won't be long Gloria Arroyo, Days are numbers!

To Monday Lesson,

You mean the GO senators are narrow minded? That’s how they interpreted their victory. They immediately went to their patron “saint� Erap to offer their victory.

Most GO voters claim that they voted for GO not because of Erap but because they are better candidates. Now, they are being contradicted by actions of the very senators they have voted. The GO senators believe they owe their victory to Erap.

From ML:
You may be right, simpleng pinoy. All I said is, Filipinos may not be voting because of Erap or Gloria but because they need to do something about the country's situation by getting their message accross through their vote. And vote they did for those whom they felt embodied their own thoughts and aspirations. If these senators fail to deliver, we have no one to blame but...

just you wait until the opposition do their 'own' selfish things. remember how members of the opposition backstabbed arroyo and their own row; remember drilon, remember dinky, remember ping running against fpj. what so called genuine is actually just a mask, running together against a similar opponent, then once they get hold of the positions they will live it up with their own parties, doing their own thing, and ofcourse blocking whatever that present government is already doing what good the government is doing for the filipinos then claim that the government ain't doing anything. the economy is growing at least on a positive note. watch how the opposition will kill our hopes of getting the country on its feet.

this is totally out of the topic but it will also help to write grammatically correct comments. ang hirap basahin pag mali mali ang spelling at grammar. mahirap din maintindihan ang substance. we dont have to write in English anyway, pwedeng tagalugin naman. sorry po. observation lang naman.

[Erap+Cory+other religious and civic group+awaken Juan dela Cruz=8-2-2]

Despite the elected opposition candidates that will dominate the senate, its only part of the legislative branch. I hope it will not be viewed by many as a referendum against the gov't nor Erap chances to get out of plunder charges because if it is......why is the lower gov't in the provincial municipalities and the congressional race was overwhelmingly won by pro administrations? With the newly elected candidates in the senate (except few who may have good credentials), MY QUESTION IS...... Is the country getting the types of leaders we deserve, rather than the decent and wise

To drhenry4
RE..... Doronila's opinion column's posted 06/06/07... about May Polls

Your opinion said it all. Well expressed and thought out.

to vercingetorix

bakit nadawit naman ang pagiging Christian Nation ng Pilipinas sa kahirapang dinanas natin?

going back to the main issue: indeed, this election is more than erap, however it is not less than gloria. i think most GO candidates won because of their anti-admin stant but it does not mean that the voters are pro-erap

we will see what happened next.

Hindi ito ERAP o Gloria. Kung may impluwensiya si ERAP, bakit natalo si John Osmena na personal pang in-indorso ni ERAP sa radyo, sa dyaryo at sa TV. Napakalayo pa niya, pang-dalawampo. Talo pa siya ni Sonia Roco na baguhan sa pulitika. Hayagan pang inatake ni John Osmena ang E-VAT na ibasura, E-Vat na programa ni Arroyo. Galing pa siya sa Angkan na alamat na sa Pulitika.

Ang mga nanalo na senador ay di mo rin masasabi kung gusto nga sila ng tao. Siguro, napilitan na lang sila na iboto ang mga ito dahil mas madadaldal ang karamihan dito, mas maporma sa medya ang mga ito. Ang exposure nila sa medya ang nagpanalo sa kanila, hindi si ERAP.

To Drhenry4:

Only Gloria has the brain, you said? My goodness, Sir. Pray, please tell us, where have you seen it?

I didn't cast my vote in the last May elections but I am elated with the very good results. Like the other comments I have read i strongly believe that people mad the GO triumphant in the senatorial elections because they think they are more capable of serving the people and not just an expression of their aversion for the administration. Neither should it be assumed that it was Estrada who fueled such a senatorial election turnout. The wise Filipino voters made it so.
I didn't exercise my vote in the last elections because i lost confidence in the credibility of the Philippine elections but with the positive results I see, I would definitely go out and cast my vote in the next Presidential elections.

YES! it more than just ERAP & GMA. Nevertheless we have to put forward after this election. we have to look why our standard of living and our economy are still rotted by our corrupt mentality. we should change our character & attitude, but before that we should change first the character of our leaders. we should look around, participate and share how we can defeat the anarchism of our society. those people behind the corrupt practices must put to jail, those people who abuse the power instilled to them must be investigated, from the military, from the Comelec and from GMA itself. let us put forward to clearly check & investigate why the people voted most for the opposition. there are something the people wants to know more why it goes to the opposition. perhaps this is now the time put an end to all the controversies that hound GMA for the past 6 years in power. let us put forward to really scrutinize her abuses of power. I think the electorate voted bec. they want answer from this present government. Let GMA answers all her controversies. I think this is the reason behind why the Filipino citizens elected the opposition. even me I need an answer in all of these. luckily the opposition can again open the pandora’s box and put an end to all of these controversies. and I think all the opposition must now roll the ball and try to squeeze again the present administration.

Whether we like it or not, GO's victory is Erap's victory too. Malakas pa rin ang charisma nya at hatak sa tao at higit sa lahat marami pa ring naniniwala sa kanya. Believe me, if snap election would be held between ERAP and GMA, ilalampaso sya ni Erap. People who voted for GO, are mostly from Erap's camp, this goes to show that he is still a good leader. Just try to recall the survey conducted before election where people prefers to vote candidates endorsed by ERAP.

SC to use its power to stop slays, abuses

Para ito sa SUPREME COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mga kababayan paki basa nman and breaking NEWS

SC to use its power to stop slays, abuse... BAKITTTTTTTTTTTT,,,

NOON ba hindi nila ginagamit ang kanilang POWERS para matigil ang patayan at abuso......

napaka-inutil pala ng SC,,, walang kuwentang SUMPREME COURT. Ni HINDI PALA SILA GUMAGAWA, O NAGTATRABAHO PARA GAMITIN ANG KANILANG POWERS ngayong lang nila gagamitin........

To simple pinoy:

Please don't make it too simple, Sir, else you defy logic. I said 'voters who don't like Pres. GMA most probably have voted for GO candidates...', not the same as what you quoted in your blog. Here's the logic part: If you don't like Pres. GMA (not you, Sir, you are a diehard GMA fan, heheh), would you still vote for Mike, or the vegetable Pichay, or Chavit for that matter? I'm sure you won't. If you don't like Erap, would you vote for Peter, or Chiz, or Trillanes for that matter, knowing they will try to impeach your president? No, you won't. It's not so simple you see, hehehe.

Funny, but Erap did endorsed these GO candidates and they won because of ERAP. The filipino people by the result of this election judged ERAP NOT GUILTY of PLUNDER and must be IMMEDIATELY RELEASED FROM HIS TANAY RESTHOUSE, The FILIPINO Voters WANTS GLORIA IMPEACHED and I HOPE Congress will FILE and IMPEACHMENT against her at the FIRST DAY OPENING OF CONGRESS. LET THE ECONOMY COLLAPSED and the PESO DETERIORATE because the PEOPLE WANTS IT. I HOPE IT WILL REACH 1000 PESOS to a DOLLAR.

romy
Funny, but Erap did endorsed these GO candidates and they won because of ERAP. The filipino people by the result of this election judged ERAP NOT GUILTY of PLUNDER and must be IMMEDIATELY RELEASED FROM HIS TANAY RESTHOUSE, The FILIPINO Voters WANTS GLORIA IMPEACHED and I HOPE Congress will FILE and IMPEACHMENT against her at the FIRST DAY OPENING OF CONGRESS. LET THE ECONOMY COLLAPSED and the PESO DETERIORATE because the PEOPLE WANTS IT. I HOPE IT WILL REACH 1000 PESOS to a DOLLAR.
*************************
Fr: Salina

Romy: The reason the opposition won most of the seat in congress because the filipino people had enough with Gloria Arroyo, Bullshit.

Yes, You're also right that Erap endorsment make them win. That is because the filipino people still love Erap!
And they knows that Erap is not guilty of any wrong doing as the record show. But Gloria Arroyo, And her corrupt judges still keep him in jail. Which is Gloria Arroyo, The one getting rotten in jail for what she did. If this is not a corrupt justice system I don't know what is....!

Only in the Philippines! That the crooks can run the country while the innocent well be rotten in jail. Its time to overhaul the entire corrupt justice system if we want the Philippines to move forward.

Bert
To simple pinoy:

Please don’t make it too simple, Sir, else you defy logic. I said ‘voters who don’t like Pres. GMA most probably have voted for GO candidates…’, not the same as what you quoted in your blog. Here’s the logic part: If you don’t like Pres. GMA (not you, Sir, you are a diehard GMA fan, heheh), would you still vote for Mike, or the vegetable Pichay, or Chavit for that matter? I’m sure you won’t. If you don’t like Erap, would you vote for Peter, or Chiz, or Trillanes for that matter, knowing they will try to impeach your president? No, you won’t. It’s not so simple you see, hehehe.
*******************************
Fr: Salina

Hello, Kabayan: Election is over, Tuta ni Gloria, Got the message! They're all going to MINDANAO AND START PLANTING KAMOTE. Now, You can laugh lounder.

diego
SC to use its power to stop slays, abuses

Para ito sa SUPREME COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mga kababayan paki basa nman and breaking NEWS

SC to use its power to stop slays, abuse… BAKITTTTTTTTTTTT,,,

NOON ba hindi nila ginagamit ang kanilang POWERS para matigil ang patayan at abuso……

napaka-inutil pala ng SC,,, walang kuwentang SUMPREME COURT. Ni HINDI PALA SILA GUMAGAWA, O NAGTATRABAHO PARA GAMITIN ANG KANILANG POWERS ngayong lang nila gagamitin……..
******************************
Fr: Salina

This is one of the reason why I keep saying that its time to overhaul the entire corrupt government office's. Because of this. These people who suppose to protect and serve the filipino people they're the one doing the blunder.

Start watching the entire government office's...After all we the taxespayer's the one paying their salary. If they're not going to do their job they suppose to we have that right to get rid of them. Its time to get rid of these corrupt government employees if we want change, change for a better Philippines.
our life and our children's children's, Grandchildren's life depend on it.

Are you with me, I'm sure hope so! Thank you!

Kim
YES! it more than just ERAP & GMA. Nevertheless we have to put forward after this election. we have to look why our standard of living and our economy are still rotted by our corrupt mentality. we should change our character & attitude, but before that we should change first the character of our leaders. we should look around, participate and share how we can defeat the anarchism of our society. those people behind the corrupt practices must put to jail, those people who abuse the power instilled to them must be investigated, from the military, from the Comelec and from GMA itself. let us put forward to clearly check & investigate why the people voted most for the opposition. there are something the people wants to know more why it goes to the opposition. perhaps this is now the time put an end to all the controversies that hound GMA for the past 6 years in power. let us put forward to really scrutinize her abuses of power. I think the electorate voted bec. they want answer from this present government. Let GMA answers all her controversies. I think this is the reason behind why the Filipino citizens elected the opposition. even me I need an answer in all of these. luckily the opposition can again open the pandora’s box and put an end to all of these controversies. and I think all the opposition must now roll the ball and try to squeeze again the present administration.
*******************************
Fr: Salina

The filipino people SPEAK! Its time to get rid of these corrupt government employees. Throw their ass in jail where they belong. Eyes rolls.....

jim
I didn’t cast my vote in the last May elections but I am elated with the very good results. Like the other comments I have read i strongly believe that people mad the GO triumphant in the senatorial elections because they think they are more capable of serving the people and not just an expression of their aversion for the administration. Neither should it be assumed that it was Estrada who fueled such a senatorial election turnout. The wise Filipino voters made it so.
I didn’t exercise my vote in the last elections because i lost confidence in the credibility of the Philippine elections but with the positive results I see, I would definitely go out and cast my vote in the next Presidential elections.
******************************
Fr: Salina

Jim: You're not the only one who loss interest of election in the Philippines because of the cheating operation has been going on. Even though you vote to the right candidate who you think can run this country better.

Your vote just end up to the crooks who's been stealing the filipino people votes and use it to their own endeavor.
But this election filipino people join hand to protect their votes. And I'm very thankfull for that.

Imagine if the administration won this election all the corruption that has been going on just going to be swept under the rugs. I had enough with their bullshit this is one of the reason why my entire family vote staright opposition and hope that they all going to win this election.

This is one of the reason why most of opposition candidates won this election because of that. Thank god, Its about time. I hope and pray that they're not going to let these corrupt government employeess get away with anything. Its time to get rid of these corrupt government employeess. If they're corrupted throw their ass in jail. This is the only way that the philippines can move forward. Amen:

Patrick Don
Whether we like it or not, GO’s victory is Erap’s victory too. Malakas pa rin ang charisma nya at hatak sa tao at higit sa lahat marami pa ring naniniwala sa kanya. Believe me, if snap election would be held between ERAP and GMA, ilalampaso sya ni Erap. People who voted for GO, are mostly from Erap’s camp, this goes to show that he is still a good leader. Just try to recall the survey conducted before election where people prefers to vote candidates endorsed by ERAP.
*****************************
Fr: Salina

Patrick: If snap election held between Erap/Gloria. I'll guarantee you, Erap going to mop Gloria Arroyo, Ugly face sa kangkonga!

Bert
To Drhenry4:

Only Gloria has the brain, you said? My goodness, Sir. Pray, please tell us, where have you seen it?
****************************
Fr: Salina

I agree with him that Gloria Arroyo, Has indeed very smart because if she's not she never get away with all this alligastion against her and her cronies.

If the justice system is not corrupt Gloria Arroyo, Should be in jail already. But, She's not. Therefore she's very smart for controlling the entire corrupt justice system.

Is not only she control but the entire AFP/PNP also. Because she's been given them plenty of money for their royalties.
And where do you think she get this money if is not from the taxespayer's like you and me.

I'll say, Its time to overhaul the entire corrupt govenment. Its overdue!

to burningbush07

anong kinalaman ng pagiging kristianong bansa sa kahirapan?????..MALAKI!Sapagkat kung talagang may takot sa Dios ang mga pulitiko na mga nagnanakaw ng kaban ng bayan,maraming makikinabang ng pera ng gobyerno...kaya kung Kristiyano ka o anuman ang iyong relihiyon,alam naman natin na masama ang magnakaw?..ALAM MO BA YUN???....COMMON SENSE LANG PO!

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This page contains a single entry by published on June 6, 2007 4:16 PM.

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