This is the latest update from Harry Roque on former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocjoc Bolante’s bid for political asylum in the United States to avoid acountability for the more than P700 million fertilizer fund that was diverted to the election campaign of Gloria Arroyo in 2004.
Joc-Joc Bolante’s Petition to seek Asylum in the United States has been denied twice: first, by the Chicago Immigration Court, and second, by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
In both denials, the tribunals ruled that Bolante failed to prove that he was suffering from a well grounded fear of persecution from the Philippine government, the Senate in particular. He has resorted to the filing of a Petition for Review with the Federal Court of Appeals where oral arguments were heard last February 11, 2008. A decision in this case is expected soon.
Bolante was arrested at the Los Angeles Airport in July 2006.
In a decision dated June 25, 2007, the Chicago Immigration Court rejected Bolante’s claim for asylum:
“xxx respondent did not present any evidence of past mistreatment or harm. The evidence revealed that there werepresently no charges pending against the respondent with regard to the Fertilizer scam. xxxxhis prosecution was clearly not a pretext for persecution x xx For all the reason noted, we agree that respondent failed to establish that he suffered past persecution nor a well-founded fear of persecution on account of his imputed political opinion.”
The court did not find the witnesses for Bolante to be material nor credible. Three other individuals, aside from Bolante, testified before the court. This included his son Owen, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Felix Montes and Retired Major General Rodolfo Estrellado. Montes, who still sits as USEC of the DA testifid that “ Bolante’s life is in danger and that lots of people are out to get Bolante,. He said that these people “might use him as a tool against the President.” Retired General Estrellado, on the other hand testified that Bolante’s life is in danger for many reasons and that there are 755 political killings in the Philippines which remains unsolved.
The Court did not believe the testimony of these witnesses. As to Montes, the court noted that the Senate has identified Montes as equally guilty with Bolante on the fertilizer scam and yet, he remains at large. Estrallado’s testimony, on the other hand, was largely ignored by the Court.
In denying the Appeal, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that Bolante was unable to prove either past or future persecutions. On the contrary, the Board ruled:
“”legitimate prosecution or investigation has never been held to constitute persecution.xxx That he might be very well be arrested upon his arrest does not support Bolantes claim of persecution on account of a ground that is protected under the INA. Bolante is the subject of an investigation relating to allegations that he assisted in a scheme to misappropriate over $14.5 Million in fertilizer subsidy known as the fertilizer scam. xxxThere appears to be a fair amount of outcry over the scam. xxx By all accounts, respondent is widely known to be closely tied to the alleged fertilizer scam and consequently, he was called to testify before the Senate. xxx officials are not seeking to persecute on account of political opinion, but instead, are seeking to prosecute for violations of law.”
Both courts, while not expressly mentioning the amicus brief filed by UP Law Professors Merlin Magallona, Raul Pangalangan and Harry Roque, nonetheless adopted the arguments found in the brief, as well as annexes appended thereto, including copies of the Senate report on the fertilizer scam and the COA report on the same scam.
In his Petition for review pending with the Federal Court of Appeals, Bolante’s lawyer offered as proof of persecution the fact that while the Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against Bolante, the Ombudsman, the lawful body that should file criminal charges against him, has not done so. This according to Bolante’s counsel, proves that the charges against Bolante are baseless and merely intended to persecute him.
UP Law Professor Harry Roque, who revealed the existence and contents of both decisions while attending the Assembly of State Parties of the International Criminal Court at the United Nations in New York praised both rulings saying that they constitute a triumph for the rule of law.“At least, Bolante failed in abusing the fundamental right of asylum which has literally meant the difference between life or death for many individuals who are in fact suffering from a genuine fear of political persecution”
At the same time, Roque expressed alarm: “First, it bothers me that no less than a USEC of the DA could lie brazenly about the Senate persecuting Bolante. As USEC, he is subject to the qualified political agency doctrine which means that his pronouncements, where given in official court proceedings, are deemed as declarations of the President herself. How could the executive claim that Senate investigations could amount to persecution? What impact does this have on the judiciary likewise, which by the account of the declaration of Montes, apparently stood idly by as the Senate allegedly persecuted Bolante. How dare a sitting USEC lie in the courts of a foreign country! How could he ever appear before the Senate again for approval of the DA’s budget after he had accused the institution of abuse of power?”
Likewise, Roque said he was very disturbed at the declarations of Bolante’s counsel on the rationale why the Omdusman has not filed any case against Bolante. “The claim that the Senate is persecuting Bolante as allegedly evidenced by the fact that the Ombudsman has not filed any charges against him indicates clear collusion between Mercedita Gutierrez and Bolante. Apparently, her inaction is not only to prevent the fling of a criminal complaint that can be the basis for extraditing Bolante. It is also being used as proof of persecution in favor of Bolante. How dare this Ombudsman subvert the trust and duty reposed on her office by the Constitution. This is yet another very clear ground by which the people should impeach the Ombudsperson together with the President”.
He also called on US officials to file charges against Montes and Estrellado for false testimony. “They should not be allowed to export their lying to the US. They should not be allowed to destroy US institutions in the manner that the Arroyo regime has already destroyed Philippine institutions”, Roque added.
Bolante is currently detained at the Kenosha jail in Missouri.
For Bolante immigration court decision, click here:
Ellen, baka naman pwedeng i-publish itong decision na ito sa Daily Tribune or Malaya. Hindi lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas nakakaalam ng decisions na ito.
Sana naman, para maliwanagan ang mga tao sa kagahaman ng mga na-involved sa fertiliser scam. Lalo na mismong mga alipores ni Gloria ang involved, especially yung USEC na nag testify pa. Talagang ginagago na, hindi lang sambayanang Pilipino, kundi pati Amerikano!
Nakakahiya!!!!
Myrna, I got the info from Harry Roque just now. It’s also posted in Verafiles.
I think Harry sent it also to other media outlets.
While we welcome the good news, we should not rejoice yet. Jocjoc still has two legal steps to take and this would take some time again. He could bring the case to the 9th Circuit and then Supreme Court. By the time final verdict is rendered, his master in Malacanang has completed her term. Jocjoc could return home with a lesser heat. Politicians then would be very busy campaigning. By the way, if he brings it to the 9th Circuit and then Supreme Court, he is legally allowed to remain in the US while the case is being heard. I’m looking to at least another two years.
With the nomination of Obama, I’m regaining my own faith in America, and this ruling against Bolante is another one that will surely bring back my faith in what the USA has been founded upon, the rule of law!
This is proof enough for me that the US has in fact not in cahoot with Gloria, and that the effort to gain US favor in fact is all on her side as when she defies Philippine laws in offering Mindanao for Americans to use even when it means putting the lives of millions of Filipinos in peril. Palabas lang talaga ni Gloria, who knows for a fact that the USA is not really that interested anymore to meddle in Philippine politics especially when it can mean more enemies and disrespect for America.
Thanks to the likes of lawyer, Harry Roque, for his tenacity in seeking redress for the grievances of millions of victims of this criminal, JocJoc Bolante, who wants to evade the law by seeking political asylum in the USA. Mabuhay ka, Atty. Roque! May your tribe increase.
Kaya sinong may sabing walang pag-asa ang Pilipinas? Ang kailangan lang naman tiyaga at tatag ng loob para mapatalsik na ang mga kurakot.
Wish ko lang pagkagising ko isang araw, wala na si GMA at pamilya niya sa Palasyo ng makaahon na muli tayo sa kahirapan.
Ibagsak ang pekeng presidente!
Gamitan ng kuryente!
Because Bolante has violated US Immigration Law, he is not allowed out of the detention house for people like him. Walang bail iyan for sure. Kaya kahit anong petition niyan, nakakulong siya, and that’s OK.
I doubt if the Supreme Court will grant him pardon with the Gloria bragging that hers is a very democratic regime, and that surely there is no reason for the US to grant him political asylum especially considering his glorified position in the Pidal government. Hindi naman gago ang lahat ng mga hukom sa America especially when it concerns foreigners who cannot help improve the present bad image of America.
Point is pati Americano ginagago ng mga Pidal.
Little victories mean a lot, Ellen! As I said before, drops of water on a boulder, if done consistently can crack the boulder in due time!
thanks Ellen!
alam mo naman, palaging naka-open itong blog sa pc ko. nag multi-tasking ako eh! 🙂
ang wish ko rin: sana naman mawala na ang mga ganid sa malacanang! ang tagal na nating naghihintay ng pagdating ng araw na iyan.
nasa ABS-CBN news ang topic na ito. ang tanong why an Arroyo official testified?
natural, para pagtakpan ang kanyang among ungas!
For as long as the US wants the evil bitch in power, Joc joc will be kept in jail. What US wants, US gets. As long as the evil bitch toe the line, she is an acceptable leader irregardless of her cheating, lying and corrupt ways.
Andres, pareho pala tayo ng wish. Gabi gabi ang dasal ko sa Diyos ay tapusin na ang sarsuelang gobierno ni evil bitch! Puro paporma lang ang alam niya.
When one violates US immigration law, he is either detained or out on bail. People who seek Political Asylum are usually granted bail and even allowed to work while the case is pending. I don’t think Jocjoc is detained until they show us the proof of his physical detention.
Idedeport nila si Bolante at sasalubungin siya ng senado para arestuhin siya.Hindi siya makikidnap ng tulad kay Lozada dahil mayroon siyang escort palapag sa NIAA.Hindi siya nakalusot sa kanyang assylum dahil hindi naniniwala ang immigration court sa kanyang kasinungalingan na nanganganib ang buhay niya,Ang sabi ng korte kung sana ay sumipot siya sa senate hearing ay hindi nag-issue ang senado ng arrest warrant para sa kanya.
Ang ginagawa ni Bolante,he’s buying time to stay in the US at nag-file siya ng petition for review with the Seventh Circuit Federal Court of Appeals.Ang magiging desisyon uli niyan ay denied unless na mayroon siyang panibagong mabigat na argument.Hindi babaliktarin ng court of Appeals ang desisyon ng immigration court.Deportation ang labas niya makikipagpustahan ako,hindi na baling matagal pa ng kaunti dahil pagbabayaran naman niya ang mga kasalanan niya pag-uwi niya ng Pinas lalo na kapag wala na si Gloria sa puwesto at si Lacson ang magiging presidenti,baka iparada pa siya ni Lacson sa boung kamaynilaan na may nakasabit na karatula na “Ako si Joc-Joc Bolante,Magnanakaw ng Abono” Hehehe!
Ginawa iyan ng Lolo ko ng siya ang chief of police ng may nahuli siyang magnanakaw ng ginapas na palay sa bukid,isinabit ng lolo ko sa leeg niya ang ninakaw niyang palay at ipinarada sa plaza at ipinagsisigaw niya na “Ako si Valentin,ako ang nagnanakaw ng mga ginapas ninyong palay”
Strike three, you are out Joc-joc. US immigration agents will deport and escort you backhome with handcuffs. Bolante’s petition for review pending with the Federal Court of Appeals is a long shot.
I doubt if Gloria Dorobo would dare ask Dubya to grant Bolante a political asylum. Parang dinuraan niya ang sarili niya pag nagkataon! 😛
DKG: Strike three, you are out Joc-joc. US immigration agents will deport and escort you backhome with handcuffs.
*****
I don’t think the US Supreme Court will ignore the ruling of the lower courts in favor of this crook. Hindi naman ganoong kagago ang mga kano sa totoo lang, especially when there is a strong clamor for this guy to be prosecuted in the Philippines for a crime he has committed against the Filipino people. I suppose the court there will consider more the sentiments of the aggrieved farmers in the Philippines who have been deprived of financial help because of what this crook did.
Sa totoo lang puedeng humingi ng tulong ang mga pilipinong magsasaka sa union ng mga magsasakang kano sa pagsulong ng hinaing nila laban kay JocJoc doon sa korte ng America. Marami nang mga precedents na puedeng pagbatayan ng reklamo nila gaya nang mga nalaman ni Atty. Roque sa pagsulong ng mga reklamo ng sambayanang pilipino laban kay Bolante.
Bolante should be treated the way Gloria Pidal and her cohorts allowed the maltreatment of those Filipinos deported to the Philippines during a crackdown of overstaying foreigners prior to the passage of the revised Immigration Law of the USA a few years back when they have started categorizing immigration offenses as crimes.
Remember those who were put on some cargo planes and dropped at Clark? Kawawa ang ginawa sa mga pilipinong iyon sa totoo lang.
Let’s wait for the final decision of the US Supreme Court on this issue. Meanwhile, I suggest that we encourage farmers affected by this fertilizer scam to submit petitions to the US court via Atty. Roque so that the court there will know their sentiments for the court there to continue to deny Bolante any asylum, and deport him immediately to the Philippines.
I understand that the US court has in fact denied him any bail, because his is not a bailable case, because he is involved in a criminal act. Hindi naman ganoon kadaling mamilog ng ulo ng mga kano sa totoo lang lalo na kung naka-stake ang reputation nila.
Hindi ko maubos maisip na ginamit pa nilang dahilan ang mga political killings. Wala talagang kahihiyan ang mga alagad ni Macapagal-Arroyo.
CVJ,
As Euripides said, “Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first makes mad.” Iyan talaga ang sira. Tindi talaga ng apog. Alam naman ng mga kano ang tungkol sa human rights violations sa rehimen ni Pandak. Kapal talaga ng mukha. Kundi ba naman gusto pa noong Bolante na ma-convict!
Ang sa akin naman ay nahuli na siya ng Senado, kakanta na iyan ng “The way we were.” Dito timbog na ang pinuno ng mga kawatan.Home run!
Kung mahuhuli siya, at kung madedeport siya by 2010. I am praying hard na sana ay madeport siya before 2010, at baka sakaling kumanta siya sa Senado. Siguradong matutuwa ang bayan sa kanyang kakantahin. Iyong nga lang baka biglang magka-amnisya siya at matulad pa siya kay Garci the liar.
Di kaya iniisip ng mga kano na pagbigyan si Bolante para sa 2010 na lang siya ma-deport at wala na si Gloria Dorobo sa Malacanang? Pero ang masama, ipinagpipilitan iyong anak na tabatsoy na nagparetoke din yata ng mukha para kahawig daw ni Dadong na maging Senador para siya ang hahalang ng kaso ni Bolante. In fact, iyong anak na tabatsoy nagpapadala na ng email with this signature, “Mikey Arroyo for Senator 2010.” Kapaaaaal!
Sasabihin ko sana, mamatay na sana si Bolante sa kulungan but that will be unfair to the farmers who want him incarcerated and made to reimburse the money he scammed. Kung mamamatay siyang hindi nakukulong at hindi namumultahan, kawawa naman sila.
God willing magkakaroon na ng lakas ng loob ang lahat ng mga pilipino na sipain ang pamilya ng mga mandarambong! Siguruhin huwag maboto pa ang mga anak ng mandarambong.
On official business kaya yong Usec Montes pagpunta at magtestify sa US para kay Bolante? Gastos na naman natin. Siyempre may allotment pa si Bolante upang mag-enjoy siya sa self exile of choice.
Bad trip nawala yung comment ko.
Not a hacking problem, though. I got it from PLDT that they are having problems with their DSL servers from Makati all the way down to Batangas.
The only way i see Bolante’s request for asylum being granted is if he claims that his life would be in danger if he divulges what he knows about the Fertilizer scam because the mastermind(s) of that anomaly will not allow him to do so.
Mas kapani-paniwala pa iyon.
To: Atty. Harry Roque,
I’m very proud of what you are doing for your countrymen. You are an emerging force in the Philippine legal circle. It’s been a long time that the Philippines needs another Jose Diokno, Estanislao Fernandez, Juan T. David and a Jovito Salonga, to which you now belong. If I can be of any help to you in my humble way, please don’t hesitate to communicate with me. I’ve been based here in the US for the last 20 years. I will be more than happy to do it for the sake of the Filipino people.
As long as Bolante holds the truth about the fertilizer scam, he is in danger. So he has reasons to fear for his life. Delikado siya kay Mike Arroyo.
Kungsabagay, delikado rin siya sa mga farmers na pinagnakawan niya ng pera. Maraming NPA farmers ha.
He deserves what is happening to him now.
chuck,
That’s what I said in my missing comment. Also, why not file a class-suit against Bolante in the US, like they did with Marcos? We can probably allow for a plea bargain as long as he unmasks the real masterminds of the scam.
If not, the next administration (which will most likely be the present opposition) will sequester all his assets here.
Ako ang unang sesequester nung Ferrari niya sa Ayala Alabang!
The US will definitely reject the final plea of Jocjoc. In fact, once the US court made up its mind about Jocjoc the first time, its almost certain that his follow ups will be rejected also. Beating around the bush na lang iyan.
Jocjoc should appeal to Gloria and Mike Pidal instead, sila ang may pakana and deal with the US to treat him as it is. Hindi ba siya nakakahalata, bobo!
May fear of persecution daw.
“Persecution” means a threat to the life or freedom of, or the infliction of suffering or harm (Li v. Attorney General). The investigation by the Senate hardly qualifies as “persecution”.
Bakit inilaban kahit pabalagbag ang legal arguments? One word – billing. Kailangang mag-tongpats sa number of billable hours. Ano ang pambayad niya? Yung ninakaw sa taong bayan.
Kundi ba namang mga gago, pinadalang witness kuno ni Bolante, retired Major General na isang sundalong usually inirereklamo ng mga biktima ng human rights violations sa Pilipinas na gusto pang siraan ang Senado ng Pilipinas na hindi talaga maiintindihan ng mga kanong may galang sa Legislative system nila. Bobo rin ano?
Tama ka diyan, Chi. Diyan magaling ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas, ang ipa-blacklist ang mga pilipinong puede silang guluhin pero hindi para ikulong sa Pilipinas kundi sa ibang bansa. Kasabwat pa sa pagpapatakas ng mga kriminal kasi utak kriminal din kasi.
Seldom do the higher courts overturn the decision of the lower court unless there’s a new evidence favorable to the petitioner. The Federal 9th Circuit would dismiss his appeal and so is the Supreme Court. Jocjoc could only delay his deportation. By that time, GMA has completed her stolen term; and worse, people might forget about Jocjoc due to the 2010 campaign.
Maiba ako, sabi sa mga diyaryo, sinabon ni Lacson si Yano. Kabago-bago, inilalabas na ang sungay. Papunta kasi sa Senado, tinapik ng mg alalay niya sa convoy yung mga kotse sa Tramo flyover para makadaan siya, malas niya, isa doon ang kotse ni Lacson. Wala sigurong escort si Lacson kaya hindi napansin ng “VIP” na si Yano.
Laking kahihiyan niyan, ano kaya ang hitsura niya nung sinasabon siya? Parang pinitpit na luya? Binilot na kulangot? Tiniris na garapata?
Say ni Lacson:
“From a cavalier to a fellow cavalier, congratulations. This morning I was inside a vehicle your convoy tapped at foot of Tramo flyover. It was 9:35, you were not in danger of being late for your confirmation hearing. I myself arrived 9:45 and I was right there, if you can recall. This will not cost your confirmation but I had the opportunity of wearing the four-stars you were about to wear in 1999, I was probably more powerful then than you are now.
“But I was not allowing my escorts to cut vehicles along the way unless extremely necessary. People detest the arrogance and highhandedness especially with traffic situation we have in this country. In sum, my advice to you, don’t be in a hurry when you are not. Is it well taken?” asked Lacson, to which he received a positive reply from Yano.
Mabait yata si Lacson ngayon, pinalusot siya sa CA. Pati nga si Sir Raul O. Gonzales lusot na e. Yung kay Gonzales, mabuti nang nandiyan siya, mas lalong dumadami ang nagagalit kay Gloria kagagawan niya.
Jocjoc Bolante should be thrown to Guantanamo for good. He deserves to rot in jail for making the life of most Filipinos, particularly farmers, miserable.
Those Malacanan stooges, including sira-ulo gonzalez, should not wash hands like Pontuis Pilate. Only shows how misruled the country is under them, Gloria being on top of the heap.
Hell, the country under Gloria proudly proclaims “rule of law” and “most democratic in Asia,” yet allows the likes of Jocjoc, Garcillano, Abalos, and other thieves go unpunished. In Hawaii, even senators are penalized for misdemeanors, how much more for felonies.
(One such case is Fil-Am Senator Ron Menor, who was caught driving under the influence. He served time for 48 hours, and asked to do community service. Another Fil-Am politician, Dan Kihano, a former Speaker, was found guilty of misappropriating $20,000 from campaign funds. He faces 5-10 yrs in jail.)
When will justice grind equally and with fairness in the Philippines?
hawaiianguy
that’s basically the reason why every filipino wants out of the Philippines. They don’t hate the land, they hate the leaders. And since the leaders are bad, the land is cursed. What more could we say.
nopisausa,
Agree 101%. So next election time, boot out those corrupt leaders. Make them pay in jail if it can be done.
Hawaiianguy, our culture of corruption in the Philippines is so much embedded in our system. Whoever holds the purse, lords over the land. This is why political families will always groom their sibblings to be in politics because this is where the easy money is.
Whoever sits as our president always assumes a bankrupt treasury. Most of the income generated from taxes pays mostly for our debts and whatever is left, goes to the politicians’ pockets in the form of pork barrel. Most of which goes to a house and lot in Ayala Alabang, a brand new MB or BMW, cruises to the Mediterranean, matriculation of a child who goes to Harvard and what have you. These pork will hardly reach the constituents. Ang kawawa ay ang mga mahihirap because they are never in the equation.
Each of the incumbent presidents find their own modus operandi to enrich themselves. Marcos had his Yamasita find, Cory may not be a sucking president but her family somehow did their own looting, Ramos had the sell out of our patrimony, ghost projects like the Smokey Mountain and now with the Meralco problem, Ramos is partly blamed for the tongpats in the energy sector. But the champion of them all is the evil bitch! She not only mastered the local looting but she has gone international! Imagine the money she makes from our international contracts! To top it all, the husband is the smooth operator and the hoodlum sons are the customs collectors! Wow, the underground operation is perfected! I wonder who are their dummies in Europe and in the Carribean banks!
All those who are used by the corrupt leaders are the ones who suffer, Joc joc a prime example. But the real masterminds are lording over our land now.
Now, the evil bitch is playing Robinhood. She robs everyone through the high e-vat and gives the money to the poor, a band-aid solution. Besides, the billions of pesos earmarked to go to the poor will mostly end up in the pockets of those who are supposed to distribute the money to the poor. Besides, what would a 500 or 1500 pesos subsidy do to a family who does not have any source of income and have 10 children? First things first. Cure the ailment first then rehabilitate. Dole outs will never work! Our poor had been neglected for a long time by politicians who promise them something while campaigning and rob the same people when they eventually get the position they want. This cycle will always be a vicious one. Once stolen\, money will not be regenerated. It will be gone forever! Who are the losers? The citizens.
Tongue:
What’s the business of Yano going to the Stock Exchange? Nagkalembang pa raw? Sikat ha? For his loyalty to the criminal, magkano kaya ang pabuya?
PSB: Now, the evil bitch is playing Robinhood. She robs everyone through the high e-vat and gives the money to the poor, a band-aid solution
*****
Ginagaya si Erap in short. Pero si Erap naman, pera niya ang ipinamimigay niya o kaya iyong sinusuhol ni Singson, hindi galing sa E-VAT o sa inutang sa ibang bansa, wala pang kupit. Iyong kay kurakot katakot-takot na kupit pa iyan at pakinabang doon sa mga sipsip pati na iyong tagabalot ng mga pinamimigay niya.
Tongue, which newspaper carried the story on Lacson and Yano?
When we are done with Jocjoc, lets turn him into bags of fertilizer. The farmers really need fertilizers this time. Nobody will be hungry anymore.
sana lang managot ang dapat managot……..
Yano’s ‘tabi kayo lahat, pati ikaw Lacson’ story was picked up also by Anthony Taberna of Abante.
Ellen,
I forgot which one, doon ko nabasa sa Chow King, yung ipinamimigay doon. Meron din online, sa Tribune.
Yuko,
Nagulat nga yung mga tao sa stock exchange, may mga sundalo sa pinto. Yun pala, si Yano ang magri-ring ng closing bell.
Marami na rin palang nagbalita sa online, including Manila Times, GMA News.tv, Philstar, etc. madami na pala.
From the beginning, Mr. Bolante made a strategic error in applying for asylum in the U.S. American immigration rules have become tougher since 9/11, more especially with fugitives suspected of corruption and crimes. He could have just gone TNT.
Or, he could have applied in some exotic country like Aruba, Lechtenstein, etc. where permanent residence are more open if you a lot of money.
Now, the Joke’s on you Jok Jok.
Valdemar: When we are done with Jocjoc, lets turn him into bags of fertilizer.
*****
Yuck! Huwag kasi baka magkaroon ng bagong strain ng virus na gaya nung “Mad Cow’s Disease” na ang dahilan ay pinakain iyong mga baka ng fertilizer na may halong sariling boto nila!!! No kidding, baka maubos ang mga pilipino pagnagkataon sa “Mad JocJoc Disease!” Heaven forbid!
PSB: Marcos had his Yamasita find
*****
Hindi totoo iyan. Urban legend kasi wala namang naiwan na treasure si Yamashita. The general was too proper to loot treasures in the countries he led Japanese soldiers to. Hindi uso sa mga hapon na may rangko ang magnakaw as a matter of fact.
Iyong mga biglang yaman pagkatapos ng WWII, baka sila iyong nagnakaw ng mga treasures na na-loot nila dahil sabi nga ng mother ko, nagtambakan daw ang looter nang magkaroon na ng bombahan sa Manila, etc. Dagdag pa iyong nawiling mag-blackmarket hanggang ngayon!!!
Mahabang istorya iyang Yamashita treasure, pero alam ninyo bang may pitong sundalo ng 51st Engineering Brigade (kung saan meron akong uncle na Supply Officer noong martial law years) ay hanggang ngayon e nakafile pa sa korte ang kanilang claim ng share nila sa nahukay nilang gold treasure?
Alam rin ba ninyong hanggang ngayon, di pa umaalis si Dodie Limcaoco sa NBN-4 kahit katiting lang ang sweldo at hinuhukay pa rin ang paligid at basement ng building? Pati yung mapa ng PSBA sa Katipunan Ave. na hinuhukay pa rin ng patago e kay Limcaoco din daw galing?
Yung hinuling Brit at ikinulong nung magdeposito ng gold certificates sa Singapore na peke daw pero pinagkaguluhan ng kulang sa sampung gobyerno dahil tugma yung papeles niya sa original na certificates? Napakarami pang ebidensiya.
I actually have a book of this Yamashita treasure written by one of those who was involved in unearthing one of the bigger finds.