The public’s concern that the Supreme Court will succumb to the pressure of Malacañang for them to reverse their 1997 decision prohibiting changing the Constitution without an enabling law is reflected in the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations.
The survey conducted nationwide from September 24 to October 2, 2006, using face-to-face interviews of a national sample of 1,200, showed that six out of ten Filipinos (62 percent) are “unsure” that the Supreme Court will decide fairly on the petition by Sigaw ng Bayan and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative.
One-fourth (24 percent) said they have “little trust” while 13 percent say they have “much trust” that the tribunal will make a fair decision on the petition.
The Supreme Court started the deliberations yesterday. They will be voting on it today. Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban has said a decision should be out before the end of the month.
Rumors have been going around that Malacañang’s offensive has borne fruit and the score would be 8-7 in favor of Singaw and Ulap’s petition.
Talk is that the position of chief justice that will be vacated by Panganiban is being offered to the “ponente’, the one who will write the decision. It’s presumed, of course, that the decision is according to the wishes of Malacañang.
In front of chief justices and other justices from 33 countries including members of our own Supreme Court who attended the Global Forum on Liberty and Prosperity, Arroyo intoned: “Politics dominate our lives way out of proportion that the real needs of the people and a change in politics must be accompanied by a change in our system of government. To that end, we seek to amend our Constitution so as to modernize if we are to build a modern Philippines.”
If she can be that shameless in front of justices from other countries, one can just imagine how obscene it is in the backdoor lobbying.
But there are also the optimists like Koko Pimentel, the lawyer-son of Sen. Aquilino Pimentel who is confident the Supreme Court will trash Singaw and Ulap’s petition. He said there are three issues involved: whether there is an enabling law, whether the signatures gathered are adequate and genuine; and whether the proposed changes are amendments allowed by the Constitution under People’s Initiative.
Pimentel said it’s possible that the justices today would say that R.A. 6735, an act providing for a system of initiative and referendum which then Justice Hilario Davide said is “inadequate, or wanting in essential terms and conditions insofar as initiative on amendments to the Constitution is concerned” would decide and agree with Panganiban who then wrote that “While R.A. 6735 may not be a perfect law, it was – as the majority openly concedes – intended by the legislature to cover and, I respectfully submit, it contains enough provisions to effectuate an initiative on the Constitution.”
They may also agree with the Comelec that despite the fact that dead people were found to have signed the petition the Commissioners still said, “the signatures in the instant Petition appear to meet the required minimum per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district is represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters therein.”
But the younger Pimentel said, there’s no way that the change of system of government from presidential to unicameral-parliamentary can be considered an amendment.
“So it would be back to square one for the pro Cha-Cha”, Pimentel said.
I wish Pimentel would be proven correct. But I’m not overly concerned even if the Supreme Court will decide in favor of Singaw and Ulap’s petition because if that happens, it will surely lead to an authoritarian government under Arroyo.
Arroyo is beyond reform and giving her more power will make her more abusive, more corrupt and more dictatorial. She will destroy the country.
Maybe that’s what this country needs. From the ashes of destruction, probably we can rise and build a new Philippines.
Sen Madrigal is not convinced that the elections will push through in 2007.
Satur Ocampo is not optimistic that he would be able to run in a party list unless Gloria withdraws the rebellion charge against him.
Madrigal’s doubts reflects the concern of many. We will find out very soon.
And so we wait with bated breath for “The Decision” from the Supreme Court.
I FEEL that there will be damning consequences should the Supreme Court vote in favour of Sigaw ng Bayan and Ulap. I HOPE I AM WRONG. But when a country’s institutions have practically all collapsed and are deemed to side NOT with the people, but with powers-that-be, what are the people left to do? Quo vadis, Philippines?
philippines was destroyed by politicians just to be in power.they don`t give a damn for the interest of majority of the filipinos and they don`t care!!what the think only is for themselves thinking they will last forever.look who are all behind of this cha-cha,they are politicians or in the govermnet who are in their twilight years of their life.we have JDV,Gonzales,ermita,FVR and others who are in their 70`s up,even politicians who have diagnosed by their private doctors that they are suffering from dreaded diseases,and their time is running out,still they insist their idea is great..what a mess are this people playing God to our country and people..this are all filipino politicians from the time of our fore fathers who have not given this country what is good for the common filipinos..we have in the begining gen aguinaldo who ordered the execution of one of his top revolutionary leader andres bonifacio,and so on..then we have those politicians during the american occupation whowants to be independent from the americans,but their true colors and their interest is only for themselves to take over the gargantuan budget and money in the goverment..remember the words of mr manuel quezon..
“I WOULD RATHER SEE THE PHILIPPINES RUN LIKE HELL BY FILIPINOS,THAN RUN LIKE HEAVEN BY THE AMERICANS”
after that he died,in saranak lake usa,i dont know if during those time he know what he is saying,because he was diagnosed with tubercolosis.
and since then filipinos live and lead by evil politicians,and the only filipinos who were able to escape this doom saying of mr quezon are filipinos who went abroad and live abroad..the same history now,this politicians have to go anyway,like GMA who we know had liver and colon problems and others who have the same,like doj gonzales who had a mental disfunctions and lagman and others who have heart problems!!and now filipinos who are OFW,to escape that hell in the philippines is to work abroad!!wonder where does our country going on..when this evil things will stop??and when we all filipinos going to wake up?
Chabeli:
“Quo vadis Philippines?” Honestly, I don’t even want to think about it. Let’s wait and pray for the best. After offering Him our prayers and sacrifices, we are left with our TRUST on His Goodness. The Lord will not leave His people! He will grant our Wish if we ask Him!” Haven’t we?
Elvira,
I believe prayers do work wonders particularly when they are done by a multitude of people together.
I will give the magistrates the benefit of the doubt and await not just their decision but how/why they voted. I will not stop praying that they be guided by what is right and proper.
parang libro ni marcos ang ginagamit ni gloria ngayon.
ang cha cha ay isang daan para manatili siya sa pwesto
ng mahigit na 20 taon. kailan matututo ang pilipinas.
Ocayvalle:
“I WOULD RATHER SEE THE PHILIPPINES RUN LIKE HELL BY FILIPINOS,THAN RUN LIKE HEAVEN BY THE AMERICANS,”so Quezon said. However, when he said that, the Philippines was under foreign rule, and contrary to what some idiots campaigning for US statehood believe, the Americans were not actually running the country like heaven. The periodic uprisings here and there especially in the 20’s and 30’s particularly in the rural areas were proof of this anxiety and strong sentiments for a Philippines run by Filipinos.
I, myself, do not know what it is to be under foreign rule having been born after WWII, but I have experienced racial discrimination growing up in war-torn Philippines and immigrating to the USA when the racial discrimination against colored people was still strong. Frankly, I gained that confidence in myself as a human being that had every right to demand equal treatment and opportunity when I went to Europe, where the people I met treated me as their equal.
Finally, I settled in Japan, because I felt at home here, not because Japan was rich or anything better than the Philippines or the USA because when I came here, Japan was still struggling from the rubbles of the war, and trying to regain the respect and trust especially of its neighbors. I settled here because I was treated like any Japanese, and I felt free at last, and that freedom indeed I try to help keep!
Quezon, who was born when the Philippines was still under Spain, must have known that feeling of desperation to be free. We all know that when he said that, it was to appeal to the sentiment of the time with majority of Filipino voters born and had experienced slavery under Spain and then the US, which apparently had adopted policies similar to those adopted by Europeans who colonized Africa resulting in similar end products of the policy for example of divide and rule, the encouragement of the big gap between the rich and the poor, regional and racial inequality, etc. despite propaganda of benevolent and altuistic US rule.
As a child, I witnessed and had wondered about the seeming inequality, the “matapobre” and all that were even familiar themes in Philippine songs, movies, etc. but amazingly nothing was done to correct such situation with Filipinos given no other option but to leave, something like abandoning a ship that is now sinking with a nincompoop acting as captain, and stirring the wheel to a maelstroom.
It is now no longer seeing the Philippines “run like hell by Filipinos” but how long can Filipinos take and tolerate the abuses of these crooks who are sinking the big ship called “the Republic of the Philippines” with their stupid ambition, lies and deceit!
No to Chacha initiative by a demonically possessed group calling themselves “Legions” as in the legion of disembodied bodies they even have brazenly quoted from the Bible!
Magdasal pa tayo, Ocayvalle. You may still be able to have your wish come true of seeing the Midget kicked out of Malacanang before New Year 2007! PATALISKIN NA, NOW NA! Remember the devil cannot win!
You bet, Anna, prayers when said sincerely even by just a few as when God demanded even just 10 people to save Sodom and Gomorrah but unfortunately none among the people there did can bring about miracles. You and I have known that. Remember?
Kahit papaano, bumagal ang takbo ni Pandak, and despite the extravagant propaganda and manipulations, she still has not achieved her goal of becoming a queen. WE SHOULD NOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN, not even when they cannot impeach her because the truth is all that they need to do is disqualify her as provided by the Election Code that she broke!!!
sang-ayon ako sa cha-cha. meron lang akong isang kondisyon:
hindi na pwedeng tumakbo si gloria, erap, fvr, cory at ang buong pamilya niya, jdv, ang mga ejercitos, cojuancos, marcoses, enrile, honasan at marami pang iba.
If a leader is a good one, righteous and fair, his/her subjects would want that leader to stay to her/his heart desires. No need of a new charter or a million-men military force to back it up. But what we have here is a leader which tenure is questionable to say the least. Her administration is reek with cronyism and corruptions; who corrupted to the bone the already corrupt military establishment, and now trying to Undermine the last semblance of balance, the Supreme Court. I can’t imagine how our Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin feel listening to her trying to influence the upcoming decision of the Court in front of the gathering of Justices. But I know, if there is a chance Justice Mclachlin advise to the justices will be a simple one; Ignore the Politicians…
hindinapinoy,
you have a point there “parang libro ni marcos ang ginagamit ni gloria ngayon” and one could say she’s trying hard to perfect his methodology with a difference, she’s bright enough to avoid the errors committed by Marcos. I find that marcos, for all his faults, had a clear vision of how he wanted to rule the philippines ad vitam eternam with a clinical eye for attacking the problems he thought he would encounter along the way and the military precision of a ceasar for imposing his will while Gloria is doing it on a day to day basis; she’s thoroughly reactive in her approach that’s why she flip flops. Must say that to her immense credit, this tiny bully-lit woman has perfected the art of divide and rule more than any major political adventurist known in recent political history. Unfortunately for her, more and more Filipinos have become wiser to the ways of would be dictators and can no longer be conned or be subdued by a political spoiled brat.
Gloria certainly has huge drawbacks – her personality most especially. Perhaps, besides her lack of charm, her other drawback is that she doesn’t have what Marcos had – the great intellect to draw a comprehensive political roadmap or plan to enforce her ambitions. Gloria is what she is, simply a greedy, selfish, ambition driven opportunist, an uncouth pragmatist no more no less who happens to have been extremely lucky to be there at one point in the nation’s history.
Your question, “kailan matututo ang pilipinas” is a good question well put. Personally, I have no definite answer to that.
You bet, Anna, the Bansot has no clear vision kasi nga sira! What she says today will not hold true tomorrow, it seems. Marcos, at least, as you have stated, had a vision. Iba naman kasi ang talino ng taong iyon.
Itong si Boba, nagdudunung-dunungan lang. Kundi ba naman boba, akala mo kung sinong mag-lecture doon sa bagong PM ng Thailand, a military brass, who must have thought he would get a big nod from the Philippines that every one knows except the Filipinos perhaps that it is more or less under a military junta with all those military men holding cabinet positions and heading this and that government agency! Bakit hindi ito nakikita ng mga pinoy? Akala mo naman talagang may freedom sa Pilipinas. Golly, video lang nako-court martial na nga iyong isang sundalo na nanood at nagmudmod ng pelikula ni Erap! Bakit iyong mga porno movies na napapanood nila hindi nila sine-censor? Mas masama ang epekto noon!
The Supreme Court has decided. In his recent statements, Panganiban has announced that they will reveal their decision on Friday. If that is so, it’s pretty safe to assume the ponente of both majority or minority opinions are now in the process of finalizing the drafts in order to meet that deadline. I’m also assuming that by now, Malacañang has the final score on the justices’ votes. What with lackeys like Tinga and Corona sitting in that bench. Which explains the Doña’s continued rattlings despite Panganiban’s earlier divulging of pressure that was obviously coming from the administration.
Reading between the lines, it’s not difficult to see that PIRMA’s petition is dead meat. At least, that was before Panganiban and a few other justices left for abroad for some conference. Which reminds me how the evil classmate of the evil husband stayed clear of the public view by attending some obscure conference somewhere in Europe at the time the disappointing decision to absolve COMELEC and Mega Pacific in the ACM fiasco was made public.
Malacañang’s last-ditch efforts to salvage Chacha by People’s Initiative, unfortunately, was boosted by the absence of Panganiban and the other vocal oppositors of PIRMA leaving behind the other drifters as easy prey to the beasts who took their cue from JDV’s and the Queen Predator’s open assault.
Malacañang’s case is doomed. But when you are abroad and someone carrying a briefcase full of stocks, bonds, and cash knocks at your hotel room, mere mortals may just not have the needed moral fortitude to send away such visitors.
I have said it before, and shall say it again, the recent decisions of the Supreme Court that rebuked Gloria and her minions were on matters that may even be conceded in the government’s favor had the Court decided so. While we are thankful it did not, we can only be too naive to say that this Court has demonstrated its full independence, blind impartiality, and more importantly, unquestionable fairness anchored on moral uprightness and genuine patriotism. I say this decision on PIRMA is the final hurdle that will determine if the Court has got what it takes to clear the bar and make it to the finish line with flying colors. Otherwise, it will simply confirm what we have known all along – that they have been appointed there for the sole purpose of making sure the Queen gets what she needs. I pray not.
We ask the Lord to make sure He is with the justices as they write this historical decision as I am sure the Devil is now doing the same thing.
God bless this country.
Amen to this, TongueInAnew, “We ask the Lord to make sure He is with the justices as they write this historical decision as I am sure the Devil is now doing the same thing. God bless this country.”
Much as I do not trust Panganiban, I pray that for once, he will have the conscience to vote righteously, honestly and sincerely for the good and benefit of ALL Filipinos and not the Bansot at the palace by the murky river and her cahoots!
I really liked that, Anna. Also this one, from Yuko:
Vic’s take is also noteworthy:
Now you see the seriousness that this issue has been treated. I still hope that Pinoys are unanimously similarly-minded, not passive, but proactive, being the real stakeholders in the aftermath of this monumental verdict which decides the path this country’s future will take.
I know there is great pressure on the justices from both sides – the tyrant and her sycophants on one side and the justices’ consciences in the other. Let’s ask everyone to pray for conscience to prevail.
“Let’s ask everyone to pray for conscience to prevail.”
Again, Amen to this, TongueInAnew! Gotta go to the temple this evening and pray.
vic Says:
October 25th, 2006 at 5:39 am
If a leader is a good one, righteous and fair, his/her subjects would want that leader to stay to her/his heart desires.
——————–
vic, sa tingin ko ay isa itong pagkakamali. kahit ang america ay walong taon lang ang pag-upo ng presidente.
ang iniiwasan dito ay ang pag-abuso ng nasa pwesto.
anna de brux Says:
October 25th, 2006 at 5:42 am
hindinapinoy,
you have a point there “parang libro ni marcos ang ginagamit ni gloria ngayon” and one could say she’s trying hard to perfect his methodology with a difference, she’s bright enough to avoid the errors committed by Marcos. I find that marcos, for all his faults, had a clear vision of how he wanted to rule the philippines ad vitam eternam with a clinical eye for attacking the problems he thought he would encounter along the way and the military precision of a ceasar for imposing his will while Gloria is doing it on a day to day basis;
————————————–
anna,
tama ka, clear ang vision ni marcos na maging diktador.
una niyang ginawa ay ipinakulong niya ang kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika. ‘miltary precision’ – sa panahon ni marcos nag-umpisang tumaba ang mga opisyal ng militar.
hindinapinoy, ang ibig sabihin ko lang ay kong ang lider ay makatarungan. kasi walang limit ang terms namin dito sa Canada pero ang manga lider indi naman nagtake advantage kahit na di matalotalo sa eleksyon. liban lang ng ilan na ayaw bitiwan ng manga tao, eg. mayor MacCalion of Mississauga City and premier Klien of Alberta (resigned recently after the longest termer in present day). Just an exemption to the role. but sometimes a limit for leaders, especially in unmatured or not so upright society, is not good at all, because instead of governing, the said leader will spend the limit enriching her/himself first. That’s why the 4 years term with re-election is a better alternative, because somebody had said before that a 4 years is too short for a good leader and too long for a bad one.. thanks
My husband has asked me to look for the Lee Kuan Yew book that has been banned in Singapore when I go to the US one of these days. It contains chapters I guess of the killings of his political enemies who could hinder the progress that Lee envisioned in Singapore amidst the threat of communism, the unrest here and there around Singapore. Now, we see what his dictatorship did to Singapore that was for many Singaporeans in fact something to be grateful for.
I would like to think that my mother’s kin had that vision until he fell ill and the vultures around him took over, the very same vultures who have been lording over the Filipinos till now, the same generals who served Marcos during his reign until they saw him as dead meat.
There is only one thing I would like to comment about the Boba mimicking the Great Filipino Dictator. I doubt it. The Boba has no intention to do that knowing how she wants to portray herself as the original. It just happens that she is surrounded by advisers who used to be Marcos’ implementators of his master plan for a united new Philippines. Now, with the Fatso leading the team, presto, a new version of the Marcos original with a Fatso touch.
As for the stealing then, my friend in the budget department has told me that the graft and corruption now will really make Ferdie and Imelda saints. Wala raw kaparis ang pandarambong ngayon! When I told him why he would not complain, he said, “Ano gusto mong mawalan ako ng trabaho. Di bale kung iyon lang. Baka ipatiklo pa ako. O papaano na ang pamilya ko! Ngayon pang malapit na akong mag-retire! Walong taon na lang pensionado na ako!”
Hay buhay! 🙁
This is the right time, and the only time left for the members of the supreme court to prove that their department is still for the people. I will keep my fingers crossed…the court justices will not allowed themselves used by the liar, the cheater and the most corrupt person in the world. Otherwise, we the filipinos should act now…to RESTORE our DEMOCRACY and PEACE!!! GOD BLESS US!!!
“As for the stealing then, my friend in the budget department has told me that the graft and corruption now will really make Ferdie and Imelda saints. Wala raw kaparis ang pandarambong ngayon! When I told him why he would not complain, he said”
————————————–
naniniwala ako na nagyayayari ito.
ang pumapalit ay mas malala sa pinapalitan. bakit? dahil walang napaparusahan. marami lang na yumayaman.
he said, “Ano gusto mong mawalan ako ng trabaho. Di bale kung iyon lang. Baka ipatiklo pa ako. O papaano na ang pamilya ko! Ngayon pang malapit na akong mag-retire! Walong taon na lang pensionado na ako!”
————————————————
ganyan tayong mga pinoy, kung hindi tayo kasali, hindi rin tayo kikilos basta hindi tayo naaapektohan.
ocayvalle says:”like GMA who we know had liver and colon problems and others who have the same,like doj gonzales who had a mental disfunctions and lagman and others who have heart problems!!”
whoah!
Gloria was diagnosed WITH NO HEART!
Same goes with her fasto bagman &master planner.
WALANG PUSO kaya kayang gawin ang lahat, manatili lamang sa puwesto!
You bet, hindinapinoy, bakit nga ba hindi makulong ang mga ungas na iyan kundi pa sila mahuling nag-re-rape ng mga bata katulad ni Jalosjos na sa totoo lang ay maganda ang katayuan sa kulungan kumpara sa ibang nakakulong kasi may perang ipinamumudmod sa mga sakim sa kulungan!
Golly, unbelievable ang istilo ng kulungan sa Pilipinas. Kung nakakabayad ka, parang buhay sa labas pa rin ang katayuan mo maliban na nga sa bantay sarado. Iyong mga walang pera, hanggang sardinas na lang sila, pero iyong may ibabayad, ang sarap ng mga ulam. Libre pang pumasok ang mga Mrs. para sa mga conjugal privileges kuno! Hindi nga matoto ang mga ungas na gumagawa ng masama. Mahuhubog pa ngang gumawa ng lalong grabeng kasamaan.
Nangkupo! Wala na ba talagang pag-asa?
ystakei,
tamang-tama ang pagbanggit mo kay jalosjos. kahit na nasa kulungan, maganda ang buhay at marami pa ring bumoboto sa kanya kahit nakakulong.
Unbelievable, hindinapinoy! Just the other day, a brother of a prefectural governor was arrested over somne public bidding scam. The governor is now expected to resign in order to make amends, and restore public trust in the government. Never heard of such thing in the Philippines. Instead of arresting crooks like the Fatso, ina-allow pang mag-file ng libel suit sa mga whistle blowers! Kaya takot magsumbong ang mga may alam lalo na kung ang pulis ay may pangakong babayaran na supilin ang mga magsusumbong!!! Bilib ka rin ha!
Kawawang Pilipinas! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA! Ooops, trabaho muna. Mamaya na ulit. Hindi pa kami tapos sa kaso ng nagbebenta ng kidney, etc. kasi!
SC voting is scheduled today. All sorts of speculations are going around. I’m praying for the best (No to Singaw’s People’s Initiative which is not the Filipino people’s) while prepari9ng for the worst (SC refers Singaw’s P.I to Comelec for implementation).
If the justices stick to the rules of evidence and provision of the constitution, the decision would be unanimous in junking the Glue’s initiative. With all the evidence of fraud in the gathering of signatures, and the lack of minimum requirement in some districts there’s no way for a win for the PIG. But nobody can tell how it turns out. It’s an open secret that pressures were being exerted and JDV openly campaigned for it during a dinner in Malacanang. Tinakot pa ni JDV ang mga justices na sila ang may kasalanan at sisisihin kung hindi nila payagan yong PIG at ang bansa ay hindi uunlad. JDV acted like a jerk and so brazen, he did not show respect to the justices. He has shown only his desperation to fulfill an ambition to be the first PM under a new constitution. What makes him so sure that the Glue will give him the post? For so many years that they were in each other’s company, it’s a pity that JDV still has to know what kind of person he is dealing with. But who knows? He mastered the art of negotiation and coalition so can never underestimate the guy. Maybe he has his own agenda or plans that’s why he’s so cocky confident.
On the supreme court’s decision, we can just hope and pray that these justices use there wisdom and not to give in to pressures. They know fully well that the future lies in their hands, and if they commit that mistake of giving the nod to the PIG, these justices are no different from the Glue. It will be her appointee justices’ time to pay back and return the favor and with huge interest, never mind the consequences. Parang nag-aani lang naman ng itinanim niya. And in her continuous reign of terror and corruption the country will only sink deeper and deeper into a deep sh*t.
By then, it’s high time to call the Philippines a hopeless case. We might as well give it to the dogs.
isang paalala lang. kapag hindi na umalis sa pwesto si gloria, baka mangyari ulit ito…..
(portion of Sheila Coronel’s piece)
But one thing is certain. In the last 20 years, we have witnessed a surge in investigative reporting like we have never seen before on such a global scale. In Asia, Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, journalists are exposing sleazy politicians, greedy companies, and a whole range of criminals, scam artists, and scoundrels. The late 20th century and the early part of the 21st may yet be known as the golden age of global muckraking.
This global explosion was brought about by rapid social and political change that in turn created a market demand for information. Since the 1980s, the fall of authoritarian and socialist regimes have ripped open political systems and economies. The media were privatized and the media market, deregulated.
Everywhere, a media explosion followed the demise of dictatorships and the collapse of communism. Citizens were hungry for information. Once the restraints were relaxed, journalists and media entrepreneurs took advantage of the new freedoms and the new business opportunities to feed that hunger.
For sure, my generation of Asian journalists has witnessed unprecedented change. I started out in 1982 on the staff of a Sunday magazine. I didn’t know it then, but those were the dying days of the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and his flamboyant wife Imelda. Where I worked, we couldn’t even print photos that showed Imelda’s double chin.
In 1983, the popular opposition leader Benigno Aquino was killed on the tarmac of the Manila airport as he was returning from exile in Boston. Most Filipinos blamed the Marcoses for the murder. Outraged citizens poured out into the streets. My newspaper barely reported on the killing or the demonstrations that followed. 300,000 copies of our magazine were not distributed because these contained pictures that showed the crowds lining up to view Aquino’s body.
I covered the protests in a vehicle with the name of my newspaper painted all over it. Several times, our vehicle was stoned and surrounded by angry crowds. “Write the truth,” they shouted at me. “Write what you see.”
You cannot imagine how traumatic this was for a young journalist. You can say that I have spent the rest of my journalistic life atoning for those moments. Till then, the only expressions of reader rage I had encountered were angry phone calls to our office when we didn’t have enough space to print the Sunday crossword puzzle. The rage, I found out, had always been there, but now it was boiling over.
Three years later, Ferdinand and Imelda were fleeing the people’s rage on board a U.S. helicopter. They carried with them hurriedly packed Pampers boxes filled with cash, jewels, stock certificates and statements from Swiss banks. We were free at last – how intoxicating it was, how wonderful to report freely, without fear.
Breaking News…SUPREME COURT JUNKS PEOPLE’S INITIATIVE 8 to 7! Close call though, those IDIOTS may file a motion of recon…I guess its Plan B for JdV using House of Rep to ram Cha-Cha!!!!
Per ABS CBN, “Those who voted AGAINST the people’s initiative’s petition were Justices Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, Antonio Carpio, Romeo Callejo Sr., Ma. Alicia Martinez, Conchita Carpio-Morales and Adolfo Azcuna.
Those who voted FOR the petition were Justices Reynato Puno, Leonardo Quisumbing, Renato Corona, Dante Tinga, Cancio Garcia, Minita Chico-Nazario and Presbiterio Velasco Jr.”
…Justice Panganiban was the swing vote, voting AGAINST the PI, as to how the results came out to 8 to 7! Cloooooose call, in other words.
WE MUST COMMEND CHIEF JUSTICE ARTEMIO PANGANIBAN!!! If not for his vote, the Supreme Court would have been yet another institution that Gloria and her Legions tried to collapse.
The one to watch out for though is Justice REYNATO PUNO, whom Malacañan, apparently promised the Chief Justice seat to, when the current Chief Justice Art Panganiban retires in December 2006.
Elvira Sahara,
I took you advice and prayed. It worked wonders! God is GOOD. You were right, “The Lord will not leave His people! He will grant our Wish if we ask Him!”
Praise the Lord! He has granted our Wish because we asked Him and He knew it’s for our own Good!
We should pray continously that our People be finally freed from the DEVILS’claws!
BRAVO!!! At least may natitira pa palang credibility ang Supreme Court. Nakabawi si Justice Panganiban, sa pagreretire niya ay may iiwan siyang magandang alaala sa mga Filipino……..I salute the 8 wonders!!!
Amen! (Although unofficial yet for the 8-7 votes junking the People’s Initiative)
That is the legacy that Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban will leave to the Filipino people when he retires in December 2006.
Mayroon pa rin pala siyang natitirang pagmamalasakit sa Inang Bayan.
You can rest in peace during your retirement, Chief Justice!
25 October 2006
Off-topic
Guys!!!!! I will be temporarily not be blogging, I have a big fight that I have to win against the conspiracies in one of the highest office in the land. Right now I am being singled out by the head of our agencym who people thought to be serving the masses of the people. I need your prayers for me to win this fight. I am talking about one of the highest and influential official of the land. They are right now pressing for my resignation, thinking that I know a lot about this official. Ms. Ellen, this official is afraid of you, he knows that you a lot about the official. In due time I will reveal the name of the official to you. In the meantime I need your prayers.
Thanks
Prans
The Supreme Court is under the Constitution, but the Constitution is what the Supreme Court says it is. Actually, they can say anything, and still be correct (after all, the SC is the court of last resort, no more higher court to appeal to). Thus, any decision allowing the people’s initiative shoul dno longer be surprising.
To prans:
Whatever your situation may be, may the Almighty keep you and protect you, and may His righteousness and justice reign and prevail in that agency where you are working.
Kinldy read the Psalms in the Old Testament. You can pray one of those “imprecatory” prayers where the Psalmist prays that God will send judgment on his enemies.
Prans,
Whatever it is you’re going through, Prans, I will include you in my prayers and ask God to keep you strong in whatever “fight” this is. Take heart and remain faithful to God, Prans.
Emilio:
Pag sinabi mong “Rest in Peace,” parang mamamatay na iyan! Susmalosep! At least, may natitira pa palang kahit na kaunting katinuan si Art Panganiban. Patawarin siya ng Diyos sa iba pa niyang mga kasalanan!
Sabi siguro ni Nograles kay Bansot, “Boss, huwag kang mag-alala, kami na ang bahala sa Congress niyan. Yayariin namin ni JdV at Lagman. Basta padala mo na lang ang palakpakan brigade mo para dagdag!”
Ang maganda nito, when that day comes, lahat ng mga ungas magkaroon ng heart attack!
Ingat Prans, we all know very well how this evil administration works. If they have an internet brigade, we have a prayer brigade. Our prayers worked and the magistrates saw the light. It will work for you too. God be with you.
Let me paraphrase the usual comments from Bunye:
The Supreme Court have decide junking the People’s Initiatiave – FAIR AND SQUARE!
WE SHOULD MOVE ON AND THE RULE OF LAW HAS PREVAILED!
But it seems that these people behind the People’s Initiative won’t stop. Raul Lambino’s camp is full of funds so come hell and high water they will file their motion for reconsideration. Let’s wait and observe their move.
Emilio,
That’s what Bunye says but Ermita has just announced that Gloria is going to fight it out and that the decision of the High Court is kind of temporary.
Ermita, in effect, has just declared the conduct of the next battle… it will be ‘charge of the crook brigade.’
How sad that we are forced to celebrate when a morsel of victory is bestowed upon the honest people of the Philippines when it is clear that the rule of law should be the clear cut standard by which a nation should live and be guided…
While I accept that a little morsel of fairness and justice ‘thrown’ here and there should not be taken for granted, I do find that these little morsels of justice thrown in the way of people by powers that be are a huge blot to the dignity of a nation.
In fact, where is dignity in that? The rule of law should be the prevailing order but the process with which it is tackled is typical “balato” culture.
The fight is not over. Having lost in the SC, gma’s people will file either for reconsideration with the SC(it takes only one vote to reverse it, and that should not take much to effect–in whatever manner) or for Con-ASS (PLan B); failing these two, then Con-Con (Plan C) is their next stop. If they lose all three, kiss gma goodbye! Good riddance!
Anna,
Supreme Court is the court of last resort. When gErmita says that the High Court’s decision is kind of temporary and they will going to fight it out, that is pure arrogance and intransigience. I don’t know what other term I can call the latest statement from gErmita.
Cha-cha is dead sabi sa abs cbn. anong me round 2 pa daw sabi ni Maonolo sa blag niya at bakit.
sorry nabasa ko na. Ang kakapal ng apog talaga ang mga taga Malacanang. Di bala pagnatapos na term ni gma, si Mike aka. Pidal naman ang presidente natin. Dyos, huwag sana. LOL.
You’re right, Emilio, the Supreme Court is the highest court. Paingles-ingles pa kasi ang mga kumag e baka hindi naman naiintindihan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng Supreme Court. Sa tagalog, kataas-taasang hukuman/litisan/dulungan. It is different from the high court or the mataas na hukuman/litisan/dulungan.
What differs the Supreme Court from the other courts is that its decision is final and irrevocable. Hindi na puedeng bawiin maliban na lamang kung mismong Supreme Court ang mag-utos na ibalik ang kaso sa mababang dulungan para litisin ulit ang kaso. Bakit hindi iyan maintindihan ng mga gunggong sa Malacanang at sa Congress ng Pilipinas?
Akala ko ba mga abogado ang mga kumag? O baka naman abugago kaya puro kagaguhan ang alam! Nandaya din siguro sa pagkuha ng bar examination?!
Por dies, por singko, wala na bang katapusan ang kahibangan ni Bansot at ng mga gunggong na nakapaligid sa kaniya? Talagang makulit, ano? Puede ba nakakapagod na ang mga taktika ng mga kumag. Nagpasanib pa sa demonyo!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Emilio,
Well, supposed to be the case but Panganiban is retiring soon… In this exciting Engchanted Kingdom of ours, there’s always a chance that the Enchanted Queen and her not so glorious knights will resort to witchcraft.
Josephs,
“Di bala pagnatapos na term ni gma, si Mike aka. Pidal naman ang presidente natin. Dyos, huwag sana. LOL.”
In this enchanted kingdom that is Gloria’s she might turn Dadong, her other son into a presidential contender…
Anna,
Yes, Panganiban will be retiring in 1 1/2 months, at least, his tie-breaker vote made the big difference in this last Malacanang-promulgated issue. That inked his name in the savior-of-last-resort and my hats-off in his move.
He’ll be leaving the post with some “yabang”!
Anna,
Ang alam ko ang gustong mangyari ni Pandak e maging reyna siya, and her husband something like Prince Philipp of UK na consort lang. The eldest son ngayon ang susunod. Ang posisyon ni Fatso ay para ring posisyon ni Rasputin kung tutuusin! Even now, I think he acts like one na medyo patalikod and in his stead, ang pumoporma itong si Bunye, Ermita, Defensor, et al.
Ang dahilan niya kasi apo daw siya ni Lakan Dula na chieftain ng isang parte ng Manila dahil iyong isang parte naman ang chieftain ay si Rajah Soliman. Ang tindi ng tupak sa ulo ng Pandak sa totoo lang!
Prans,if there’s anything more you want to say, please write me at: ellentordesillas@gmail.com.
Take care.
Good luck Prans! Don’t forget to duck if the enchanted queen starts to make taray with her cell phone!
Emilio,
Re: “He’ll be leaving the post with some “yabang”!”
And then with that bit of “yabang” he can go around partying to his heart’s content.
Folks, am really sorry to dampen your enthusiasm about Panganiban but I don’t really like this humbug and his having declaration of a so-called inspiration from God to pen a warped decision back in 2001. To me, a justice of the Supreme Court who invokes God to willfully thwart the rule of law was a sign of omen and of lurid things to come…
Am glad he is going!
Anna,
Please don’t get me wrong – I am rejoicing for Panganiban’s tie-breaker’s decision and this is monumental as far as the evil’s regime motive in changing the Philippines’ form of government. I salute him ONLY for this decision.
That’s why as a parting comment, I said he can leave the post with some “yabang”. You know how he is when he’s not wearing his robe.
Anna,
I was one of the original staff of Baron Travel Corporation where I worked briefly as a Japanese speaking tourist guide. Art Panganiban was my boss. Maraming secret akong alam sa taong ito. Dito iyan hindi iyan magiging judge of the Supreme Court.
At least, we are sure over here in Japan that the judge of our Supreme Court has never had any illicit affair or skeleton in his closet kasi nga kailagan exemplary ang pinakahukom ng bansa!
Like you, I am not impressed with Panganiban. Dapat lang na bumoto siya against a fake petition. Tungkulin niya iyan. Hindi iyan dapat na ipinapasalamat sa kaniya o sa mga kasama niya. Dapat sa mga iyan kinu-kubi (tinatanggal sa trabaho) sa totoo lang kasama na noong mga corrupt na appointee ni Bansot!!! 😡
Emilio, heheh! I know what you meant!
Yuko,
“Art Panganiban was my boss. Maraming secret akong alam sa taong ito.”
Talaga?!? Sige, chismis naman diyan… share the secrets na para tawanan tayo dito! Anyway, making chismis is not, in the absolute, altering or desecrating the Constitution…
O ano ang mga sekreto nito si Arting?
Rest in Peace Pandak’s Initiative (PI). Speaker Jose De Venecia and Prospero Nograles should stop their pointless-irrational option to revive the discredited CON-ASS. It’s just a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Electorate must kick your asses in the next election.
Pwede ba huwag na paabutin ng election ang mga tiyanak at mangkukulam? Paalisin na silang lahat. When gloria alyas bansot ousted…..all of them will surely sing their swan song!!
BTW, Ellen, why are generals there getting positions as ambassadors to this and that country. Masama iyan. The ambassador position should be held by a civilian, not a military man especially when it is something of a reward for a sipsips service done. Meron position para sa kanila in the embassy—military attache but not ambassador!
Masama ang implication niyan sa totoo lang!
ystakei, at least pinatutunayan ni ka temyong na hindi siya katulad ng kulay ng ibang appointees ni glutonic, unless mag-turn around siya sa kanyang prinsipyo. pansamantala, ipagpasalamat din ng sambayanang sukang suka na sa katiwalian na mayroon pang natitirang tao sa gobyernong ito na ginagamit ang sentido common at hindi natatakot sa maaaring kalabasan ng pagsuway sa gustong mangyari ng suwapang sa kapangyarihan.
Anna,
“Talaga?!? Sige, chismis naman diyan… share the secrets na para tawanan tayo dito! Anyway, making chismis is not, in the absolute, altering or desecrating the Constitution…
“O, ano ang mga sekreto nito si Arting? ”
Bala ko ang sekreto niya, kaya doon na lang sa Barkada ko sasabihin if you are really interested kasi they are not something to laugh about! Ellen, et al may be aware of the same tsismis I know!
I don’t know, Mrivera, baka gumaganti lang si Panganiban dahil mukhang hindi pa siya aalis, pinapaalis na siya!
Trabaho nila, gawin nila, iyan ang dapat na ipasok sa ulo ng mga pilipino, Mrivera. Sila ang boss ng mga public servants na ito. Kapag hindi ginawa ang gusto ng taumbayan, dapat, patalsikin. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ang taumbayan ang dapat na matakot sa mga pinauupo nila, and not the other way around. Tapos, sasabihin democratic daw! Pwe! Tuloy ang tira, kaibigan!
“At least, we are sure over here in Japan that the judge of our Supreme Court has never had any illicit affair or skeleton in his closet kasi nga kailagan exemplary ang pinakahukom ng bansa!”
Right, as if this person also worked for the Japanese Supreme Court Chief Justice in the past and knows the latter in-depth. Highly speculative
Nagsalita ang walang skeleton in the closet.
Its like saying the process in the selection of the presidential candidates of the democrats and the republicans in the US are squeaky clean, gentlemanly, free from any below-the belt acts.
Haay naku, ano ba yan, basta may maibato lang sa ‘Pinas, gagawin at gagawin.
Kaya bumaligtad kay tiyanak si SC Hepe Panganiban kasi may balak tumakbong senador. Ewan ko lang kung kukunin siya ng opposition. Kung sa bagay, mas okay naman siya kay ahas na Davide.
prans, ang anumang labang para sa katotohanan at kapakanan ng nakararaming dapat paglingkuran ay maituturing na sagradong pakikibaka. asahan mo ang suportang panalangin ng mga taong nagtitiwala at naniniwala sa katapatan ng iyong layunin. baon mo at kalasag ang dalanging mapagtagumpayan mo ang labang ito.