Update: The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Lacson has accepted Aquino’s offer to be the Rehabilitation Czar.
The report has not yet been confirmed by Malacañang but if it’s true, that would be an indication that Aquino understands the gravity of the situation and the challenges of the rebuilding of the ruined and shattered communities, most especially in Leyte and Samar.
Let’s hope that partisan politics, particularly the 2016 presidential race, do not again get in the way of this more urgent task. Aquino fumbled bigtime in dealing with immediate impact of the Yolanda-created crisis but he can still redeem himself in the reconstruction of the destroyed communities.
If it’s not Lacson, it is hoped that he does not make the mistake of giving the job of the reconstruction czar to retired Army Gen. Eduardo del Rosario, executive director of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the body that was supposed to oversee efforts in coping with disasters but acted helpless at the time when they were needed most.
Or to the man who recommended del Rosario for that job– Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who chairs NDRRMC and whose post-Yolanda pronouncements do not inspire confidence about the government’s capability to cope with another major disaster.
Aquino should instead, transfer Gazmin to a high-paying cozy job. He deserves that after serving his mother and him faithfully.
Another mistake that we pray the President would not commit is to make Interior Secretary Mar Roxas oversee the post-Yolanda rehabilitation job.
Yolanda exposed the disaster that was Mar Roxas. He should take seriously criticisms that Yolanda obliterated whatever little chance he has to be elected president in 2016. Aquino should not try to save Roxas presidential plans at the expense of the Filipino people.
Whoever would be the Reconstruction czar would oversee some P41 billion funds. It is important that the one who would handle those funds is competent, strict and honest.
Lacson has never been involved in any corruption case or anomalies involving misuse of money. He in fact, got into0 trouble with Gloria Arroyo and her husband, Mike, for his exposes on their corrupt activities.
Lacson is synonymous to discipline due to his military training and experience as police officer.
His detractors complain about his human rights record having been accused of having a hand in the killing of members of the Kuratong Baleleng, an organized crime syndicate involved in bank robberies, kidnapping and illicit drug. He was also implicated in the murder of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito. Charges against him in both cases were dismissed.
The reconstruction of communities destroyed by Yolanda which could take at least five years will attempt give back to the people who have been displaced a decent life.
It’s the right of every human being to have enough food to eat, shelter to protect him from elements and a peaceful and orderly environment to live in.
It’s the job of the Reconstruction Czar to create in the land devastated by Yolanda an environment where the residents can work to earn a living, where they can walk in the streets without fear of being robbed and can sleep soundly without being afraid that a hungry refugee would break into his house.
Those are the most basic of human rights.
Yes, having enough food to fill your stomach, a roof over your head and peace of mind are the most basic human rights.
Those who kept on resurrecting the Kuratong Baleleng issue (are Lacson’s detractors also concerned about the human rights of the victims of KB?) should be concerned about the human rights to adequate food, shelter and peaceful environment of the people of Leyte, Samar and other provinces destroyed by Yolanda.
Good decision by our president. Walang bahid politika! Hope Lacson will be successfull.
I’m not surprised Lacson was picked given his not so bad record and no significant issue of corruption (except the Kuratong Baleleng). P40B budget and maybe more is a lot of money and this would go to the wrong hands if wrongly picked. But is Lacson fit for the job? It’s more administrative and reconstruction. His background is more on law enforcement and not rehabilitation enforcement. Despite some criticism on Dick Gordon’s personality, Gordon is better qualified for the job. Pnoy is just giving Lacson a position to accommodate Ping and keep his promise even if he knows Lacson is not fit for the job. Next shall be Kiko Pangilinan. ‘Hope Pnoy does not appoint him as Anti-Crime Czar.
Sometimes we pinoys should stop speculating negatively. Sure there are many others qualified. Rehabilitation is a big effort and it involves big budget. You need someone who stand to lose more than gain. Lacson in many occassions prefers to keep his name clean than take advantage like other dilihensyador in our government. He has foresight, a thinker , and credible. I think Lacson will do just fine and I really hope he performs well. His success is our success as well.
is this a preparatory step for a Lacson for President movement? Binay beware. Revise your 2016 gameplan
Lacson is an excellent choice as rehab czar. Baka makabawi pa si Pnoy.
As for Mar Roxas now a gonner, he was exposed by Yolanda but devastated by wife Korina.
NDRRMC officials, tsupi kayo lahat!
Teka nag boluntaryo rin sina Tanda, Sexy at Pogi na humawak ng Rehab Yolanda Victims-
Treasurer si Jnapo at Gloria.
Kung sino man ang humawak nito ay sana ipakita sa lahat kung saan napupunta ang mga pera.
Yehey! Congrats sir Lacson.
Ping is an excellent choice. There will be detractors, but PL would not be distracted, as he has a tough job to do. His priority is to get things done, and start at soonest possible time. He has consulted with various groups, to get the rehabilitation going. I think he would go for blanket coverage where possible. Simultaneous rehabilitation encompassing the affected areas.
an embattled administration always tries a sound and wise decision to be relieved of any and all embarassment it slapped on its own face. while appointing a right person in lacson to head a disaster committee, doing so only proves HOW incompetent most people around noynoy proved themselves of. why take responsibilities from concerned local leaders of affected areas to spearhead in bringing their constituents back to their feet?
they say politics is out in choosing lacson to head the proposed rehab agency, what shall we call the setting aside of officials not allied to the administration?
wala naman tayong pipiliin na, eh.
kahit sinong namuno sa alin mang administrasyon magaling lamang sa kilos ningas kugon.
sunod sunod na trahedya PURO pangako ang pampalubag loob nila subalit kapag nahawi na ang usok ng pagkataranta’t nakitang gulapay na ang mga tao sa hirap ay unti unting tinatalikuran at ang mga ipinangako ay kinakalimutan.
zamboanga siege. bohol-cebu earthquake. leyte-samar-cebu-iloilo-capiz super storm. wala na sanang darating pang muli at baka wala nang maisip ang mga tao KUNDI mangagsipagbigti na lamang.
hindi puwede ang puro eksperimento na la’ang.
dapat tamang pagkilos at paggugol ng resources ng pamahalaan.
hindi pelikula ang buhay na puwedeng baguhin ang iskrip kapag ang bida ay nalalagay sa alanganin.
That might be a problem for Lacson…human right.
I just read Farolans article at the PDI. It was about Indonesia and how they went about the reconstruction after the tsunami.
P41B! I wonder how many low cost housing you can build with that much money?
# 13 Mannie – December 2, 2013 10:52 pm That might be a problem for Lacson…human right.
Okay lang iyun kung ang ipapatay niya ay iyung mga mandurugas at magnanakaw sa gobyerno natin. 🙂
But what soo great about an Individual who was suspected of Masterminding a double murders and skirted the warrant of his arrest by way of Weakness of the Justice system? What is soo great about the Man who resorted to Extra Judicial justice as Police executive and it just like having a wolf inside the chicken pen? I believe that there still an Individual among the 100 millions that is Untainted that can do just as well or better. and what praises he is getting even from the President that is getting lost in transition with all the wrong people carrying out his good intentions and now, with this one…
Put yourself in the shoes of the Dacer and Corbito families and praise to high heaven how Right is Lacson to the Job..amen
NOW THAT THE PRESIDENT HAS ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF COMMISSIONER BIAZON AND SINCE PING’S APPOINTMENT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, DON’T YOU THINK THE BOC’S POST IS MORE SUITED FOR LACSON? WHILE THE REHAB CZAR IS ALSO A CHALLENGING JOB, HOWEVER PING’S GRAFT BUSTER IMAGE IS A GOOD FIT AT THE CUSTOMS.
Off topic..
May tanong lang ako tungkol sa mga mapa EPAL. Akala ko ba bawal ang mga politico mag pa EPAL sa Yolanda victims.
bakit si Manny ay di nila binabawalan? Hindi ako galit kay Manny dahil alam ko naman na galing sa hirap at di nakaw ang binibigay na tulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo. Pero diba sabi ng Malacanyang ay di puwede ang mga EPAL sa Yolanda. Di puwede ang mga Politikona puwede gamitin sa pang kampaya. Kung di puwede sa mga EPAL na politico dapat sa lahat diba.
nag tatanong lang.
#18 Good Point.
I almost forgot that there’s a ban for politician from taking advantage of the calamities. Pacman is one example. His intention might be good and sincere, but any politician could say the same thing to advance their political career or ambition.
#18 vonjovi2, you are very correct. and if I may add, alam ng bayan ang bad track record ni Chavit lagi pa rin niyang kadikit. Sorry to say pero kapag walang natapos ( high school niya ay mani obra) iba ang takbo ng kokote.
And Chavit was using Manny’s help in the affected areas to promote his own self. Did he himself donate? And how much by a super rich crime lord who acquired his wealth illegally; owning submarine and shooting/killing lions as his hobby? As long as Manny does not get rid of this bad influence, my respect for Manny will never be complete.
Ang tanong dito ay makakasuhan ba nila si Manny Pacman?
Iyan ang palagi nila (malacanyang) sinasabi na ang mapa EPAL na politiko ay paparusahan nila.
Puwede naman si Manny mag padala pero ddi na kailangan pumunta pa doon diba.
Kahit na sabihin mo na hangad niya maka tulong pero para sa akin ay 75% ay para na rin na ngangapanya siya at publicity for next election sa president. Iyan ang hangad niya dahil payo ng mga naka paligid sa kanya (CHAVIT SINGSON na puno ng kababalaghan).
Eto lang ang masasabi ko na magaling si many sa larangan ng pag Boksing pero sa pag hawak na maselan na bagay lalo na isang Bansa ay lalo lang lulubog tayo sa hirap at sa corruption.
Bakit kamo, noon naka upo si Gloria ano ang ginawa niya. Hinayayahan niya at wala siyang sinabi or nag rally na talamak ang nakawan. Ano ang ginawa niya. Iyan ang isang tanong kung bakit di ko gusto siya mamuno ng bansa natin. maka diyos siya pero sino ang nakapaligid sa kanya. Mag “SATANAS” diba.
Ate Ellen,
Matatanong mo ba sa Malacanyang kung ano ang status ni Pacman sa ibang politician na bawal sa pag tulong?
Paki write naman para alam naming kung ano ang isasagot nila at kinakatakutan ko lang ay baka gamitin naman ni Manny sa panibagong harassment sa kanya.
Pero nag bitaw ang Gobyerno natin na walang kahit sinong politician na mag papa “EPAL”. diba.
Ate Ellen,
Good day sa iyo…maiba po muna tau, sa tagal ko na pong nagbabasa ng abante news,hangang sa araw na ito, dko man lang nabasang binibigyan din ng pansin ang lugar natin sa western visayas.cguro kung makikita nman ninyo, halos naubos ang kabahayan at may mga buhay ding nawala dun sa norte ng Iloilo,kahit dun sa amin sa San Diniosio. Pati sa programang rehabilitasyon ay Samar at Leyte lang nakatuon ang mga pahayag sa mga pahayagan. Alam ko po, maraming namatay dun kaya ganun nalng siguro. Pero wag naman sanang kalimutan ng gobyerno na naging biktima rin tau ni Yolanda.Hindi po lingid sa kaalaman ko kahit na malayo ako na may mga dumating din na tulong sa atin pero kung ang pahayag lang ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno ang titingnan ko sa news, wala pa akong nababasa na rehabilitation plan para sa mga biktima ni Yolanda dun sa Northern Iloilo. diko lang alam sa ibang pahayagan kasi abante lang lalo na ang kolumn nyo ang binabasa ko. mabuhay po kau at pagpalain nawa kayo ng panginoon at ang mga taong biktima ni Yolanda.
# 24 Good point. It’s always about Leyte particularly Tacloban. Because of Tacloban’s wide publicity, foreigners always mention Tacloban too and forget the other areas. Ormoc is also often mentioned just because the lovely Congresswoman is Lucy Torres Gomez, and Korina Sanchez spent many days there. What about Antique?
…including Aklan and other areas in Negros.
even zamboanga city seems to be also out of aquino administration’s map of rehabilitation. after all those promised immediate measures he personally said while monitoring the ground at height of the siege noynoy is clearly suffering from lack of memory. same with soliman’s flops which up to now her planned bunkhouse for us evacuees never happened. where’s the money they said intended in rebuilding our barangays? people in the evacuation centers are now starving and getting sick with some have already died due to not-so-serious illnesses YET government officials who we thought were caring for us turned their backs one after the other.
Speaking of Zamboanga, yes indeed. Nothing’s heard of it. They don’t talk about it. Yet, Zamboanga crisis was not natural calamity but man-made. I didn’t hear of government exerting all efforts to rehabilitate Zamboanga; not even foreign aid. On the other hand, so much publicity and funds are being thrown at Eastern Visayas. Of course we’re no saying the victims should not be helped. But what about the victims in Zamboanga?
I have a compadre from Zamboanga whom I’ve been desperately looking for decades now. His name is Dr. Fernando Chung, a pediatrician graduate of UP and his wife’s kumare Aida. They used to live and work in Quezon City. I heard the couple went to Taiwan but not sure. The family owns or owned Chung Trading in Zamboanga City.
Off topic:
For proud Canadian Vic, what do you say about this?
“While Stephen Harper and his government are known for appearing in front of “Support Our Troops” signs and inflating Canada’s historical military record (like commercials celebrating beating up on America hundreds of years ago), it appears DND still can’t buy a decent pair of much needed combat boots for frontline Canadian soldiers.”
don’t heard about that issue..my nephew is a Canadian Forces soldier and did a two combat missions in Afghanistan and never heard him complaining of lack of combat boots and since he is the only child, his mother’s request that he will be transfered to Air Service was accomodated. In fact the Military was able to dispatch 3 helicopters to serve in Iloilo and Capiz for Haiyan Relief and as of now, Individually Canadians have donated more than $20 millions and that will be matched by the Harper Government dollar for dollar…
Now if you know something with good evidence that I do not know, please forward the source so I can bring the matter to the proper Ministry…
And Mannie @ 29; You also must remember that Harper besides being the head of Government is also the Leader of the Conservative Party and the Opposition to the Party is more than than 50 % of the Population, so there majority of Canadians is his Critiques and since this a Democracy, you will hear a lot of criticism especially since the election is getting near and Justin Trudeau is getting popular..
Harper may not even wanted to continue to be the Party leader comes next election. Our Soldiers are not complaining at all.
I didn’t mean to criticize Canada or Canadians, Vic. I saw that article and just copied/pasted the first paragraph. I lost track of that article. I remember the soldiers were the ones complaining including an army captain who requested to be anonymous. They said the boots were outdated. Those were only good for peace keeping and not combat. Sometimes, the soldiers have to spend their own money to buy better boots. They also complained about the vests that did not have enough pockets to accommodate high powered weapons magazines. They also have to buy their own vests. If I find that article, I shall post it here. In the meantime, I can understand where you’re coming from. As usual, politics is a common argument to deny a problem.
may nakita akong post sa facebook, warehouse ng DSWD punong puno ng relief goods na yung iba raw ay nasisira o napapanis na. How true is this? Maaalala pa kaya ng gobyerno ang ibang lugar na naging biktima ng sakuna maliban sa samar at leyte? Tulad nalang ng Bohol, northern Iloilo, Roxas,aklan at antique? God Please hear our prayers…
#28. mannie, you can search google.com or linkedin.com to find the fernando chung you knew. just in case you haven’t tried yet.
Mannie, our Military does not deny that it has some issues, and these issues will be addressed as they are brought forward. If you well aware, there is a Military Ombudsman that take cares of complaints from the Public and military personnel and there is also a Whistle Blower Protection Law, so ther is no need for anyone to be Afraid to Complain… They even addressed that ComplAints by Two Filipino Caregivers who were alleged to have been exploited by their employers and laws were passed to address the issue..No party leader would want to see his Party go down by being indifferent to the Public concern..that is the beauty of the Strong Party System..
#34 Sir, I did and I tried but couldn’t find it. Thanks.
#35 I know, Vic. But what’s this I heard of a certain Toronto Mayor who despite all the evidences against him is stubbornly sticking to his position and not resigning?
You mentioned that young Trudeu. Is he the son of the former Prime Minister? He’s too young to be PM.
I think what Canada must focus is the future of Arctic where Russia and other claimants want whole or part of it. Even the US that’s far from the area is poking her finger on it too. From what I see in the map and its history, Arctic is Canada’s. The problem is Canada does not have the military might to defend it. If Canada asks for America’s help, that shall also be dangerous because America has interest on it too. Anticipating the climate change, Arctic shall become a gold mine.
Well Justin Trudeau is now over 18 years old, the age where in can vote and becomes a leader of the Party and PM, and since there is a “rumour” this morning That the leader of the Conservative, PM is stepping down it will be hard to find a leader to challenge the Young Trudeau, but it still a contest,,, Mayor Ford was never accused of anything yet… He admitted smoking Crack and the evidence is now before the Court in some very serious cases including Murder… He is also alleged that he offered to buy the Video, but the Alegations are Still to be proven in the Court of Law…there is Due Process, but the City Council already Stipped the Mayor most of his Power and Staff..
And by the Way, the issue of the north is now in they
un court for Arbitration. Norway, Russia and Canada are all have claims to the north. And all Three Sovereigns have Basis for their Claims….the US did not make any Claim..
The task is very difficult. Not a single expert can do the meticulous job by himself. This is the job for a good manager with lots of foresight, must be an excellent organizer, must adhere to a strict timetable, an efficient planner, establish a feedback mechanism that ensures targets are achieved 100% and surrounded by a core group of experts in urban planning, strategic reconstruction and communities development.
I suggest Lacson consult with a council of advisers from business and the academe. I could start naming a few: Jun and Karima Palafox for Urban Planning, UAP for a group of architects, Aromin & Sy for Civil Engineering Design, David or Sid Consunji for vertical construction, FF Cruz for horizontal construction, Lad Mojica and IIEE for Electrical Engineering, DCCD for mechanical, sanitation, and other trades. They must include some members of the UP/UST/Ateneo/LaSalle faculty and business leaders in order to get a clear view of the model city of the future. All these experts, I’m sure, would be generous to lend a helping hand for free.
The opportunity is ripe to recreate a modern Tacloban City, complete with all the amenities or a dynamic and growth-centered community and without the headaches of a big modern city. Think Singapore!
We must not let this opportunity slip through our hands.
This must be instilled in the hearts and minds of those tasked to rebuild Tacloban: Let it be a showcase of our resilient nature, an inspiration to those rendered hopeless due to the devastation. Let it be a sterling monument to the generosity, not just of the Filipinos, but of the whole world who helped our brothers in their time of grief and loss.
Let the New Tacloban City – yes, I want the word “New” be officially added to its name – remind the whole human race that no amount of destruction and devastation can wreck the spirit of the community of nations, and that random acts of giving is still alive and continuing to inspire the youth of the world.
By the way, I’ve informally adopted a fatherless family of five from Tacloban. They lost their house, their meaqns of living, the kids’ school, and no jobs and money. They arrived by C130 and went straight to the hospital to be treated for large wounds.
I hired the mother as my mom’s caregiver, sent the 2 youngest to school and the eldest son to my brother’s company for a construction job. This is the reason I’m rarely attending classes in Ellen’s Eskwelahang Munti. That and because I’m missing my computers, I have to share this small laptop with my children until I can buy me a new rig.
#41. Saludo sa iyo, tongue!
Thanks for all the info, Vic. I understand that politicians in Canada can hold their posts for as long as they get voted repeatedly. That means senators, members of parliament, can continue with their positions. No term limit.
As for the Toronto Mayor, I think RCMP is looking at it. So far, the evidences are quite strong. Like the Phl, politicians always use “allegation” and “proof” as lame defense. In Japan, mere accusation would make a politician or government official quit.
North Arctic would become a boiling point someday. Maybe you won’t live long enough to witness the event.
So much about Canada. Since this is off topic, let’s conclude it.
#39, 40, 41
Very good points. If I were Lacson, I would get you as assistant or consultant. Your impressive ideas make you more qualified than Lacson. 🙂
I’m mostly touched by your helping the family from Tacloban. I think Madam Ellen should feature you in her column if only to encourage and inspire people to help. It doesn’t have to be all money. For the wealthy, it’s easy to give money. The harder part is being personally involved in helping family members in whatever small way we can. And what you did and are doing is not small way. It’s a very big way with a big heart.
Thank you and more power !
Manie, one more thing, Senators are not elected but appointed by the sitting Government when the vacancy occurs and the terms is by retirement at age 75 for Good behaviour…and the North Arctic would not boil, it soo cold up there.
Okay, decades from now, Arctic climate would change due to climate change. That’s why those with vested interest are anticipating the future of Arctic and the benefits the areas could provide. It’s not only the reported oil deposits, minerals; but for security since the areas are good military strategic point.
I heard so much about the good banking system in Canada as well as her justice system. But without death penalty, a criminal convicted of major crime like murder could serve his sentence in just a few years. I think there’s some flow in it.
Pinaparusahan na ang mga tao sa ginawang pagpatalsik kay Marcos. Sabi ng sa bibliya “dahil sa masasama ang mabubuti ay nadadamay sa parusa ng diyos”. Panahon ni Marcos wala masyadong kalamidad.
Arvin, it’s not true that there were no calamities during Marcos time. Of course there were. Even the ancient times, lots of calamities including “The Great Flood” about the Noah’s Ark in the Bible. World keeps changing as climate changes. This earth has gone through many cycles. It’s just repeating itself.
Marcos like Erap was ousted due to grand conspiracy. Please take note that the groups that ousted Erap were basically the same groups that ousted Marcos. As to whether it was worse during the time of Marcos or today especially the GMA regime, let’s leave it to people to decide and history to judge.
Manieypu heard it wrong..when death penalty was abolished in 1975, Murder carries an Auto LIFE sentence for which murder in 1st degree can not be qualified For Parole until a minimum of 25 years is served and for 2nd degree a minimum of Ten years to 25 depending on the Impact of the Crime…a Faint Hope will be considered after 18 years of sentence was served for parole hearing..
As for the Arctic issues, we are all aware of the issues..
agree with tongue.
to start rehabilitation of the calamity striken areas in central visayas plant mangroves along the shorelines as first line defense against any storm surge or tsunami. lessons must be learned from past tragedies and not to be taken for granted as evidenced by most pinoys “maniwala ka diyan” mentality. but with the battery of consultants tongue named, i suggest tongue himself be recommended head a group of planner.
many would ask why?
i don’t think those big names tongue suggested would leave their comfort zones to serve the needs of the needy WITHOUT eyeing profits for themselves!
laki ‘atang pera ang nakatayang gugugulin para sa rehabilitation ng central visayas.
“……… i suggest tongue himself be recommended to head a group of planners.”
#28. wonder what makes government leaders distance themselves now from the zamboanga issue nor discuss something about its rehabilitation. is it because only a few barangays were affected and some victims’ welfare being muslims can be set aside? huwag naman! pilipino din sila at katulad nilang mga nasa poder ay naghahangad ng mapayapa at maayos na pamumuhay.
i can attest, having assigned in the 70’s till 90’s in sulu and different areas of mindanao and eventually settling in zamboanga city that muslims generally want peace and progress and seek harmonious interaction with their brothers and sisters of beliefs other than their own.
mas nakakatakot pa nga minsan ang ibang kapwa kristiyano, eh. lalo sa maynila kung saan wala na halos masasabing ligtas na lugar. kahit saan, kahit kailan. kahit anong oras maaaring mapag-trip-an ng adik o kaya ay holdapin o agawan ng personal na mahalagang bagay ng mga kawatan.
kung tutuusin ay hindi na dapat pang ilayo ang tingin at pansin KUNG pandurugas din lamang ang pag-uusapan DAHIL nagkalat sa senado at kongreso at sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gobyerno ang mga tulisang nag-aanyong kagalanggalang kung saan pinaniniwalaan nating binabalangkas ang mga batas at alituntuning para sa ating kagalingan. sila ‘yung mahusay mangako at magmalinis at magmukhang dapat pagtiwalaan at paglaanan ng suko sa langit na respeto SUBALIT harap harapang ninanakaw ang para sa taongbayan. sila ‘yung kahit nasasangkot na’t nag-uumapaw ang mga ebidensiya sa katiwalian ay BUONG KAKAPALAN pa ng mga mukhang HINDI gustong umalis sa puwesto dahil walang alam sa salitang delikadesa. sila ‘yung gumugugol ng malaking halaga sa panahon ng kampanya upang masegurong mananalo sa eleksiyon at ang hinahangad ay mabalik ang puhunang umaapaw sa tubo. sila ‘yung nakakahiyang ihanay sa mga buwaya sapagkat itong huli ay kuntento kapag nabusog at umaatake lamang kung gutom o nakakaramdam ng panganib samantalang sila na inaakala nating para sa ating kagalingan ang iniisip ay gustong ‘yung kanila ay kanila lang at ang para sa atin ay kanila pa rin.
Taga Leyte ako. Napakarami ang nasiraan ng bahay. Ang amin ay nasira kasi kahoy lang at pawid ang bubong. Ang mga sementong bahay karamihan ay nawalan ng bubong. Ang bagyo ay tumataghoy, may tunog ang hangin niya. Parang may kasama na ipo ipo. Marami ang umaasa na mabibigyan ng pera ang bawat bahay na nasiraan.
Are you from Tacloban, Leyte, Arvin? If you are, I’ve long been looking for a guy named Judge Edgar Chua who used to be with Solicitor’s General Office. His younger brother used to be active with Kabataang Barangay with Imee.
#52 In Manila or Metro Manila, those Muslims involved in drugs and other crimes are giving the Muslim Community a bad name. Yet, most of them are mere drug pushers and small time drug leaders. The financiers are foreigners like the Chinese. I still believe that there are good and bad Muslims as well as good and bad Christians.
Ang mga lugar na nililindol o binabagyo ay pinaghaharian lang ng ilang angkan ng politiko. Mula ng ako ay maisilang ang Gobernador ng Leyte ay laging pamilya. Sa Tacloban ay halos pamilya lang nila ang namumuno. Sa Samar ay ganun din political dynasty. Kapag halalan ay halos lahat ng botante ay binibigyan ng pera. Bakit pagkatapos ng bagyo wala ako nabalitaan na may politiko na namigay ng pera sa mga tao. Kahit sa bawat bahay lang bigyan ng pera ng politiko. Huwag umasa sa ibibigay ng gobyerno o ng ibang bansa kasi pag halalan nakakapamigay naman sila na pera nila. Nagpapatunay lang na ang pamimigay ng pera ay para sa pansariling interes.
Hindi ako taga Tacloban. Pero malapit lang ako sa tacloban. Maraming tao ang umaasa na mabibigyan ng pera para sa pagpapaayos ng bahay. Ewan kung mangyayari iyon na bawat bahay na nasiraan talaga ay mabibigyan ng pera. Sa paglista para ipasa sa DSWD ay 10 to 50 tawsan pesos depende sa damage ng bahay. Pinakamataas ay 50 tawsan pesos. ewan kung mangyari iyan.
Many cops and soldiers including PMAers are now abroad after being frustrated with our government. We have a distant relative from Iloilo, Emmanuel of PMA Batch 1999, a former Magdalo member, now residing and working in Canada. We’re losing a lot of talented law enforcers especially those who are not corrupt.
Vic, I agree with you about life sentence for 1st degree murder. But the report I have was that some are able to be released much sooner. Many are of the opinion including Canadians that justice system in Canada is too lax.
Mannie, we have an open society, if that report have some basis in facts then I must have heard them too…And I repeat, Life Sentence has an Eligibility for Early Parole after 25 years for Murder in 1st degree and between 10 – 25 years for murder in 2nd Degree and a Faint Hope after 15 years that was never granted and in the Plan to be abolished..and if the felon is declared a dangerous offender, no matter what is the lenght of sentence he will serve up to 7 years and will be reviewee every after 2 years..
And by the way Parole does not mean the end of the sentence, it is still LIFE and it could be granted or NOT…
Punishment in Canada is very lenient specially for white collar crimes, but you well aware that we still have one among the lowest Crime rates in the world…
And here is the how it works..for Punishment without MINIMUM…Parole eligibility after SERVING 1/3 and MANDATORY parole after serving 2/3…now for example a sentence of 6 years, is served only 2 years and the convict can be out in 2 years on parole and is mandatory released on parole after 4 years if the early release application is denied.
I think that was what you were hearing.
#55. tama ka. there’s still a lot of good muslims, rich or poor.
when i was in jolo during the 70’s & 80’s my taosug acquaintances used to introduce me to their culture, to their way of winning friends i believe was abused by some christian soldiers and civilians used to stay in the area. taosugs are used to showing their generosity to strangers, offer whatever they have more than we christians do. they only feel hurt and insulted once any offer that mean much to them is being turned down or ignored.
#58. who would not be frustrated with the way past and present administrations run the government? not only soldiers and policemen who value their honor and dignity but also qualified civilian professionals being set aside by any administration whose sight is only focused on paying debt of gratitude to supporters during the election period as well as those military and police generals who have shown utmost loyalty to the leadership by playing deaf and blind to corruption.
Tongue, re #s39,40,41, bless your kind heart.
#59 Well said. You’re in best position to know the political, criminal and economic systems in Canada. Thanks for sharing.
#60 Had the Spaniards not conquered the Philippines, we would be a Muslim country. The Spaniards came with cross on one hand and sword on another hand. There are some Islam teachings that if people put to good use would make one worthy to God and Allah. Of course all religions teach goodness; but it’s how one applies the teachings that’s important. Unfortunately, some go to the extreme by becoming fanatics and violent. It’s this violence by some Muslim extremists in the world that give them a bad name.
Many soldiers and officers begin being idealists, then are eaten by the system…corrupt system. I heard of so many young officers who are even PMA or ROTC graduates began with full of visions and dreams for the country. Years later, they enriched themselves and became part of the corrupt system.
I don’t always agree with Mon Tulfo of his opinion in his column, but agree with him this time:
Even if Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin visits wounded soldiers at V. Luna every day as he did recently, the morale of the troops in the field will continue to be low if they are not assured of free medicines at V. Luna.
“I dropped everything in my schedule to be with you and to personally greet you and say that all of you are our country’s heroes,” Gazmin told the wounded soldiers.
If the government considers wounded soldiers heroes, why are they made to pay for their own medicines when they are confined at V. Luna?
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#63. “….If the government considers wounded soldiers heroes, why are they made to pay for their own medicines when they are confined at V. Luna?”
ha? gaano totoo ‘yan? does it mean pinoy soldiers these days have to pay for their own recovery from sickness and wounds they get from any encounter?
kung totoo ngang ganito na ang sistema HINDI sila itinuturing na bayani KUNDI mga pain sa kalaban o pantakip butas lamang sa mga kaguluhang pinapalaganap ng mga bayarang tulisan at manliligalig na pinakikilos ng mga nasa kapangyarihang nagtatago sa likod tiwala ng mamamayan.
Sir, I quoted that portion from Tulfo’s most recent column at PDI and I myself could not believe what I read. Tulfo’s credibility is questionable, though.
At the height of the Zamboanga crisis, even Human Rights Commission warned the soldiers not to abuse the the Muslim rebels because this would be a violation of their rights. I was shocked to hear this straight from our HRC. So, it’s okay for the enemies to kill government troops and not vice versa?
Vic, FYI:
OTTAWA – Canada signalled intentions to claim the North Pole and surrounding Arctic waters while announcing Monday the filing of a UN application seeking to vastly expand its Atlantic sea boundary.
After a decade of surveying the country’s eastern and far north seabeds and gathering supporting evidence, a claim was submitted to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on Friday.
#65. so frustratingly unthinkable how democracy is given meaning in the philippines since the demise of martial law where HUMAN RIGHTS advocates build thick walls shielding criminals, rebels and other law-breakers while pushing law enforcers and soldiers to their graves. no need to wonder because the present chair of HRC is PRO-LEFTIST.
Mr. Rivera, Pnoy’s Secretary of Political Affairs Llamas is a Leftist.
#49 Vic, there’s a news about Canada’s being America’s spy in many countries conducting espionage for big brother Uncle Sam that includes Canada’s trading partners. This is a big shame and should be condemned by the world. I’m sure you got something to say on this to defend Canada again.
Speaking of vultures in the previous thread, some foreigners disguised as volunteers to help the victims are actually recruiters. They’re here engaged in human trafficking recruiting women and minor children. DOJ is looking at this.
Canada and the US is sharing intelligence as part of the Defense treaties and one can act on each other stead, and Mannie that is No Secret, We Have the NORAD, The Nafta and both countries have to defend their interest within the international Law.
As far as the North, I have been commenting that nobody wants to go to war to settle the dispute but settle it peacefully, Norway a friendly Country also has a Legitimate claim on the North Arctic,
just let the Evidence, Physical and Historical speak for the Case as we both do not know much about the Issue..except what we heard and read and each of us has Biases and Prejudices, me for Canada of course and yours nobody Knows,,,let it sleep
Vic, is one thing to share intelligence information between two countries, but another thing to be doing the espionage work for another country (US) on 20 countries for decades including Canada’s trading partners. How can you explain Canada’s setting up spy network for the US at those countries Canada has easier access to?
Regarding North Arctic, the country Canada must seriously deal with is Russia. Pls read:
In response to Canada’s claim, Russia promised to step up its military presence in the Arctic, The Guardian newspaper reported. The two countries are squabbling over an undersea mountain range called the Lomonosov Ridge, a 1,200-mile-long (1,900 kilometers) high band of continental crust that crosses the polar region; Russia insists it owns the ridge.
In fact, Russian scientists in 2007 headed to the North Pole to find evidence that the Lomonosov Ridge is a geological extension of Russia; divers aboard mini-subs even planted a flag there on the seafloor of the Arctic Ocean.
I came across one column by Atty. Rodel Rodis regarding Ping Lacson and I’m posting the last few portions of the column with the following questions he wanted to ask:
The following week, on August 22, 2005, I wrote an article in my weekly column that recited the questions I would pose to Sen. Lacson if he appeared in court on Sept. 7.
These were among the questions:
1. Sen. Lacson, when you purchased your home at 1011 Laguna Seca Loop in Chula Vista, California on March 1, 1996, where did you get the money to buy it? When you sold it on July 20, 1999, where did you deposit the sale proceeds? Did you use it to buy your property at 2305 Sea Island Place in Chula Vista? What other real properties did you purchase in the United States?
2. Your April 22, 1996 Bank of America bank statement listed two bank accounts in your name at a BofA branch in Rancho Cordova, California . One was an interest-bearing checking account (17471-00188) and another was a regular savings account (17478-00046), together totaling $104,793.26. Your October 23, 1996 BofA bank statement showed that your two accounts had increased to $178,544.88. In 1996, you were chief of the Task Force Habagat of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission. What was your salary then? After you closed your two BofA bank accounts, where did you transfer your funds to?
3. On November 13, 2000, the records show that you remitted $100,000 to your wife (Alice Lacson) at her Bank of America Woodman Sherman branch account in Van Nuys , California through the Bank of New York. Two days later, on November 15, the amount of $49,980 was sent by “Teresita Go” to the same Bank of America account through the HSBC Bank in New York . On November 27, another $149,980 was remitted to the same account also through the HSBC Bank in New York. On December 26, another $144,339.62 was remitted to the same account through the Bank of New York. Where did all this money come from and what happened to the money?
4. On January 8, 2001, your wife had two Bank of America accounts (24306-01369 and 24301-01390) in her name totaling $356,464.54. Where did all this money come from?
5. About 4 months later, on May 8, 2001, these same accounts had $251,174.25 left. On June 5, 2001, your wife withdrew $246,199.25 from these two accounts. Where was the money transferred to?
6. From that Bank of America account, your wife wrote two checks to purchase two Toyota Sequoia SUVs from Longo Toyota in Sacramento , one on December 3, 2000 for $50,000, and another on December 27,2000, also for $50,000. Where are these SUVs now?
7. On December 27, 2000, your wife formed a California limited liability company called “Orient Light, LLC” on January 8, 2001. On March 16, 2001, your wife made two checks to “Orient Light Freight Intl, Inc.”(Nos. 106 and 107), each in the amount of $50,000. On April 6, 2001, she filed a “statement of information” with the Secretary of State in Sacramento, California on “Orient Light, LLC” as “President/CEO” of the limited liability company. What is your interest in your wife’s companies?
8. On March 14, 2001, your wife withdrew $100,000 from her Bank of America account no. 24301 -01390. Where was this money transferred to?
9. On March 8, 2001, a Wells Fargo Bank account(Account no. 201-8575365) was opened in the name of “Orient Light, LLC” with the account signatories listed as Robert Co, president, and Alice Lacson, vice-president. On April 17, 2001, the monthly statement of this bank account showed an ending balance of $200,098. What happened to the assets of this LLC? Is this LLC still operating?
After my article appeared on August 22, 2005, I received a call from Michael Cardoza asking me for the precise amount Lacson owed on the judgment, down to the last penny. Two days before Lacson was required to appear in court on September 7, 2005, I received a cashier’s check from Cardoza in the amount owed by Lacson to my client.
I was unable to secure the answers to my questions but that was not the end of it.
A few months later, I received a phone call from Karl Buch, a deputy US attorney from New Jersey in the office of New Jersey US Attorney Christopher Christie. He said that his office was prosecuting the criminal case against Lacson’s military aide, Michael Ray Aquino, and that he would be leaving for Manila to depose Sen. Lacson, an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the criminal case.
Buch said that he had Googled Lacson’s name and came across my article about the questions I wanted to pose to Lacson at his OEX.
Buch requested me to send him the documents I had intended to present to Lacson. I promptly mailed the documents to the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Two weeks later, Buch called me to confirm that he had received all my documents and to inform me that he would not be leaving for Manila to depose Lacson after all.
Michael Ray Aquino had just agreed to plead guilty to the criminal charges against him with the understanding that the Manila deposition of Lacson would be called off. The US Attorney’s Office accepted the plea deal.
Michael Ray Aquino had agreed to “fall on the sword for his emperor”. He pled guilty and was sentenced to six years in a federal penitentiary. After serving four years, Aquino was released and extradited to the Philippines.
Sen. Lacson never did get to answer any of my questions despite his professed claim to Pia Hontiveros on national TV that he wanted to clear his name. He could clear his name if he truthfully answered the questions I posed and a few more like:
10. Sen. Lacson, where did you get the $38,000 to pay off the civil judgment against you? The legal bills charged by the Cardoza Law Offices for representing you over a two year period amounted to at least $100,000. Where did you get the funds to pay your attorneys fees?
11. Did you pay for the legal fees of the lawyers defending Michael Ray Aquino in the criminal case filed against him by the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey? The legal costs must have amounted to more than $100,000. Where did you get the funds to pay for it?
These are questions that no one has been able to ask Lacson and so he has never had to answer them. If he was not receiving pork barrel kick backs, at least while he was a senator, where did he get all his personal funds?
Rehab Czar Lacson has asked for P200 billion pesos in rehabilitation funds. Don’t the Filipino people deserve to know if he can be trusted with these government funds and with the decision to pick the private contractors to receive these funds?
Manie, if you referring to the”spying” it was not for DECADES but during the summit of 20 world’s leading economies that was held in Toronto and since the US can not do the collection of intelligence in Canadian soil legally it requested the CIS to do the Job. It was a one time Deal and Canada did not deny it.. get your facts straight or let it sleep..
Vic, thanks for the info. Of course you know more about the details; but please don’t be sarcastic and offended. I’m not surprised at your loyalty and being patriotic to Canada.
Whether or not the US could do it legally in Canadian soil or any other countries like Canada has connection with which the US could not operate (example Cuba), it’s besides the point. Was or is there spying or not? Decades or a few years is also besides the point. Did it happen or not? Did US use Canada to be her spy in other countries? Well, you used the word “requested” not “asked”. Smart.
My facts might not be very straight but those were still facts. Let it sleep? Not when you sleep first. Look, we’ve had healthy discussions without problem. But when it comes to your dear Canada, you seem to react. Oh Canada !
Read my post, the Canada Intelligence Service admitted it did the collection on Intel on behalf of the CIA that was why I was able to reply to you. And that was during the summit that was held in Toronto and those countries involved did not make much of it because they all know each is spying on one Another.. I’m no trying to be sarcastic but just trying to point that you nitpicking is not very healthy in this forum.
Okay Vic, you’re not sarcastic but you must admit that you’re quite sensitive when it comes to discussing Canada. Let’s just drop this and move on.