To reiterate my challenge to all new senators and other gov’t officials. First they need to amend the law on the SALARIES of gov’t officials for them to do away with corruption. Also as lawmakers, legislators, why should they are the ones holding the budget of countryside development? The budget must be given to those who are the implementors of the project ! Kaya lang pag ginawa yan baka wala na ring magsesenador or magcocongressman ? ano kaya?

Those who cried from transparency before where are they now ? Sana makaabot ito sa kinauukulan ! At least Madame Miriam Santiago was honest in divulging the millions the senators are receiving as their allowance and for their projects?? Tingnan mo bakit malaki ang allowances kaysa masyadong pinaliit na basic pay ? Does it has something to do with the tax ? NBN, its clear those involved that should not be involved in things like this are just after the money that they can get, period ! To reiterate the gov’t had spent already for dotc-telof, but check it out, how telof is doing now a days and you’ll find out that its becoming irrelevant again !

Do the Philippines really need the broadband? A service which is only for the government, not the taxpaying people? A service where sensitive data would be practically open to anyone?

AndCyberEd, how useful can it be as long as exactly those schools who would need some additional sources mostly have not even the needed facilities, often not even electricity, and are far from any technical services in case of problems that unavoidably will occur?

Much better spend that big money for real improvements on schools and on teaching the teachers out of their oldfashioned knowledge.

Who will provide fast maintenance and repair services to tenthousands of schools? Cyber teaching is useless if interrupted because of no technicians and spareparts are available immediately.

Information, communications, and technology synergy or ICT development is not one of the flagship projects of GMA that’s why no local innovations on this front is pursued. Pinoy engineers and scientists are being left out on this.

It’s no wonder that the brain drain or exodus of our scientists and engineers are rampant.

There is simply no opportunity for them in this country.

A very good, sound and intelligent perception Brian. We must develop the most important neglected resource in the Philippines, native manpower brainpower.

Please tell Gordon and Enrile to be mindful of what comes out of their mouths because a lot of impressionable young voters are painstakingly following these hearings.

Congratulations to Alan Peter, Chiz, Mar, Jinggoy and maybe Kiko for doing their jobs well

With due respect to Senator Mirriam Santiago she is right. What is this all about? Wasting the time of Senate and fighting only for their kickbacks. Other Seanators stop all these non sense topics and discussion look for more better subjects for the improvement of the people and our country instead of this “Hello Garci”, NBN Broadband, etc. look for the future, you are always looking backward that’s why our country cannot move on. All of you cheated for your own benefits therefore don waste your time help the people who installed you there and help the country for the progress. Stop politicking and non sense discussion we need results. Why? Filipinos are already fed up and “are not worth dying for” for your zarzuela styles.. too much talking doing nothing.

The Cyber-Ed project is a stupid idea and clearly shows how corrupt the government officials involved. Why spend in expensive hightech equipments when the schools doesn’t even have enough books and teachers. I remember in my school days, we use to share old books with missing pages and the classes are held in the corridor because there’s not enough room for all students. If they want to broadcast something educational, why don’t they just sponsor shows with the existing TV networks.

I wonder where gordon got his breeding. was he neglected by his parents? he should not be called senator, he acted more like a sanggano when he demeaned senator cayetano in front of millions tv viewers. he lost 32 votes( my family and some of my relatives) next time he runs for anything.

I hate to comments on Filipinos engineers, scientists etc.. especially involve on the aforementioned issues. While it is true that we have the repository of all these experts, but unfortunately they are not smart enough to bring their knowledge to the government let alone have the skill to present business proposal, financial viability of a certain project etc.. It is for these reasons that the adminstraton opted to source foreign expertise, in addition to a cheaper cost of financing vis-a-vis with easy terms on loans. This is in contrast to the labyrinth bureacratic process of obtaining contracts if it be done through the proper governmental channel. Too much people involved, too much delays will occur, too much resources spent. Too many interest vested. Etc.. etcc..Yes that is the wonder in these type of government.

[...] Vox Populi : NBN and Cyber-Ed: Where I want my taxes spent [...]

All I can say is that Abalos, Neri, Mendoza, FG, Gloria… et all; are products of “pagan roman catholics!”

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
(Romans 1:18~32)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man–and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Almost all Philippine goverment projects are overpriced, thats why we have a huge foreign debt. Wala konsyensya ang nasa goberyno natin, taong bayan ang kawawa. tsk! tsk! tsk!

Maybe because there is no Philippine-based/Filipino owned company that could take on something on that scale? Most big IT companies in The Philippines are foreign owned who use smart Filipino workers. Name a Filipino company that could take on this project this massive? Also, even if the Philippine government decides to take on the task themselves by letting a agency do the job…. expect the cost to double, considering how many government officials with sticky fingers itching to get a share of that money and the job half done and half assed.

I mean your idea is noble, but when reality sets in, its impossible.

Also, I’m against the whole NBN deal anyway. The free market would eventually upgrade their broadband networks to meet supply and demand. This deal would simply let taxpayers foot the bill for the telcom companies.

Better use of that money would be to build more schools, since many schools are over crowded and how exactly would these school benefit from a broadband network when majority of public schools don’t even have computers?

This whole deal just stinks. They are using our children as scapegoats to pass a bill intended to let taxpayers pay for something that the telcom companies (PLDT, Digitel, etc.) should be paying.

Foreign deals are not really bad, because sometimes they save time, money and effort. R & D costs are often expensive and the outcome may not work as expected. What’s wrong with foreign deals is when kickbacks comes in. If only our leaders make good deals where the country as a whole is benefitted and not a bit goes to their pockets, it would have been worthwhile. But again, these kind of leaders are rare.

i dont think we need this NBN project. such a big waste of people’s money and a very huge source of kickbacks for crooks in the govt. besides there is no guarantee that this project will succed and operarational.

I agree…We, Filipino taxpayers deserve what is due to us and that fund should be used to utilize resources within the country not merely outsourcing from Foreign lands. Why not explore first in our own country? It is true, we have a lot of potential talents and future leaders, innovators and scientists in the country but the problem is the lack of support from the Government.

Another thing is that in fairness to some government agencies,there are many good projects they are up to but the lack of support and if i may say “inuuna ang pansariling hangarin ng magbibigay o may hawak ng pondo” that hinders the sucess of proposed projects by said Givernment agencies that also hinders progress in the country.

I just hope that our political leaders will one day realize that the future of the next generation is at stake here and not their selfish motives and ambitions.

Attention Secretary Alabastro!
Global Pinoys has got their eyes set on you. Due to the requirements of cyber age, science and technology R & D should line up ICT among the banner programs of this administration of which you are a part.

The so-called “hands-on” management of Mrs. Arroyo should not be interpreted as choke-hold. Your valuable inputs on the matter of cyber capability starting with active participation of homegrown talents vis-a-vis scientists and engineers of which community you also belong should occupy GMA’s attention space and gain significant weight.

Your silence is deafening, your invisibility blinding.

CONGRATULATIONS PHILIPPINES!!!!! ONE OF THE MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD…
I’M ASHAMED TO HOLD A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT

[...] Vox Populi : NBN and Cyber-Ed: Where I want my taxes spent [...]

I think denying people the right to information - by way of National Broadband and Cyber-ed would be like denying them the basic services. We are not living in the stone age, we are now in the “information age”.

It is just like saying “oh you people out there in the boondocs/islands/provinces doesn’t need this technology”. I wonder how the lgu executives will respond.

And by the way, yes i would like my taxes to be spent to these kind of projects. Of course we can come up with completing projects like these - without anomalies - which in turn can create more educated, skillful and productive citizens.

To Kabayan

Brainpower is the matter. Why the administration is now spending billions so easy? Not only because of the millions coming back to greedy pockets. It’s also because the senseless and unfounded blow-up of the Peso since it’s 55 rate cuts the value of aout 10 billion Dollar remittances by about 20 percent. And these cheap Dollars are then used for pre-payment of foreign loans to give the impression to lenders that RP is such a very good repayer that they easy will give more credits. Which then are used by the Aroyo administration but have to be repaid by future administrations that have nothing out of these loans, except the duty to pay for.
OFW families suffer the low value of remittances and the still rising Peso price of goods that are imported with now cheap Dollars. Compared to the time of the 54 rate and theprice increase since then in Pesos,remittances have lost already one third of purchase power.
Where is there the brainpower of OFW’s to stop this robbing by not remitting Dollars anymore, but Pesos or other currencies? If the Central Bank has to buyDollars, the rate will soon go up to a more realistic level. How about the numerous QFW’s that started to build houses for the family and the family has to reduce their budget for food, school, health etc., for to continue constructions at the extreme increased prices. Modern heroes? For the administration rather modern milking cows….

Finally!!! nagbunga din ang pamumulitika or political grandstanding of the opposition and everyone of them wants to take the credit.Sen. Pimentel had his guns blazing againts Abalos including some cheap shots(about a certain mistress)ITS NOT ABOUT THE TRUTH,ITS ABOUT VENGENCE,POLITICS AND HATRED ON GMA.Let the suprime court decide the legality of the ZTE contract.Thats the problem of having too many presidentiables in the senate,everybody wants to look good in public.The Senate has become a Kangaroo Court/NBI and a Circus rather than a legislative instituition.

Funny how so many people here want a local business (Philippine-based/owned) to do the job or some sort of group of engineers… yeah tell me where is this Filipino owned company that can carry a project this massive? Names please….

Also to the one who stated to let a Philippine government agency try to handle a job this massive… well I will say a name so evil that you would rethink that….

Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways! GASP! Most corrupt agency in The Philippines!

NBN Deal is a pipe dream! You actually think this is for the kids? Give me a break! The free market will have to upgrade sooner or later and telcoms will foot the bill. This is basically upgrading the broadband network so that PLDT and the other telcoms don’t need to upgrade with their own money. Taxpayers will be paying , while telcom companies will reap the rewards!

You don’t see the US Government making plans for a National Broadband Network do you? Because all the big telcom companies foot the bill! Why is the Philippine government paying for something PLDT, Digitel, Globe, etc. should be paying?

If you actually think this deal is to help kids, give me a break. Over half the country’s kids cannot afford a computer, majority of schools do not have computers nor have the structure and money to wire them for broadband.

ricky,

Marami pa ring tinatago sa usapin nina Neri at Gloria, kaya nga nagtago uli sa cover-up Executive order E.O. 464. May kailangan ba si Gloria at si Neri itago tungkol sa pag-apruba ng NBN deal?

ZTE-NBN & DepEd deals that were supposed to cost the Filipino nation some 42 billion pesos in principal(s) alone were reportedly cancelled by Malacañang. Setting aside the programs may be a fine way of putting things as modernization, I think, will always be a need.

Even though there is no more ZTE deal to talk about maybe we should go back to some meat in them. Considering that the Philippines is a very poor country deep in foreign debts, my personal opinion of the deals is that they were over-ambitious and preposterous, asides to their questionable (at such grand scale) sustainability (as I.T. equipments are consumables). Soundness of government priorities has also been put to question.

People need more classrooms and teachers. In urban centers, classrooms are normally over packed affecting quality of education. In provinces, where less children go to school, there are places where sharing room by different grades and teachers still exist. Like, one class is faced one way while the other faces another way. Or, where shortage is both classroom and teacher, one class does assignment while teacher discuss with another, juggling both. There has been a perennial backlog of needed classrooms. Many schools do not have electricity.

Back to ZTE-NBN controversies, what good are the talks in there now that the deals no longer exist?

COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos has announced his resignation today, October 2, 2007. What and who Congressmen Rolex Suplico, Teddy Caseño or Philippine Congress has to impeach now that Chairman Abalos has resigned? Maybe they can use their axe on somebody come another day but surely not today.

What would be the criminal charge or charges against Mr. Abalos, if any, now? Dreaming with others to plunder the nation? Plotting with others in a dream to plunder the nation? Is there a crime of frustrated plunder?

I agree with everybody regarding the seriousness of the whole controversy. Has anybody proof about conspiracy to commit crime; or, maybe more than that? Baka sakali. Whatever, I believe Filipinos are learning many lessons from these ZTE controversies.

Rodolfo T. Jardiolin, (Mason-Carpenter)
Metro Manila, Philippines

Senate to continue with ZTE hearings–Cayetano

Many Filipino political observers think that investigations into the aborted ZTE-NBN deal should really be pursued and criminal charges (mukhang guilty, kasi) be made. Let’s find the bridge first and cross it. As I understand from media reports, the original documents related to the deal were either lost or stolen. Let’s say lost because if stolen means we have a thief that nobody probably can name.

In place of the original documents are “RECONSTITUTED” versions that have surfaced. Jacking up figures by some 30 - 40% will easily show- SOLID PROOF- in papers. They cannot be hidden under careful scrutiny. Whatever is the result of the investigations; will the reconstituted papers stand and hold water in court, if used as evidence, should charges be filed? If positive, I guess one of the fall-back positions of those in the defense is that they approved the deal without any idea that they were highly overpriced (as presently assumed). To admit ineptitude who do not deserve to be in office but not plunderers that should land in jail.

Documents to some reported P42 billion PhP transactions got easily lost? I guess somebody must have tossed it idly aside in some office where a rat had chanced upon it. What an expensive nest they must have built! Smartest kind of rat, too, I should say.

About the ZTE / NBN deal

basically did the Filipino people avoid wasting its bloodsweat&tears taxes on something which reportedly almost 50% represents datung for the voys en gyrl

should we Pinoys not demand a clear legal result (better laws) so as to avoid similar adventurism in the future hence the legislators should make laws and its penal sanctions much more stringent and foolery and corrupt proof

SHOULD WE NOT DEMAND FROM THE PRESIDENT THAT THOSE WHO PLANNED AND EXECUTED THIS INTENT BE PUNISHED UNDER WHATEVER LAW SO AS TO PUT FEAR INTO THE NEXT GENTLEMAN WHO PLANS TO DO SAME

KAWAWA NAMAN AND MGA DE SUWELDO BAYAD NG BAYAD NG TAXES PARA MAY MAPAGLARUAN NG MGA POLITICO

have we looked at the education stats before planning such program of wiring our public schools. kulang pa ang classrooms, kulang pa ang teachers, wala pa ngang textbooks yung nakakaraming estudyante, ni walang maupuan yung iba, walang kuryente sa mga liblib na barangay, nbi hindi marunong ng computer anf maraming guro, paano na yun?

tsaka bakit kailangan ibang bansa pa ang makinabang dito, hindi ba kaya ng mga engineers natin at ISPs?

I have been visiting this site a lot lately, so i thought it is a good idea to show my appreciation with a comment.

Thanks,
Jim Mirkalami