What could have been the worst political massacre in history was actually deemed to happen sooner or later---- with a well-bread warlord under the administration’s care.
Philippine Star columnist Jairus Bondoc said Arroyo was the one who unleashed these warlords because of her “utang na loob” syndrome where she gave a free hand to the Ampatuans to return a 12-0 vote in the 2007 elections.
"How could Andal and his heavily armed band have acted with such impunity? No less than a Malacañang source answered: ‘He already had horns; Gloria Arroyo let them grow longer.’
Warlords rise because abetted by the President, with shortsighted army and crooked police generals. The Ampatuans came to control Maguindanao, Muslim Mindanao’s largest province, ever since Arroyo became Commander-in-Chief in 2001. A good number of town mayors are sons of Andal Sr. by different marriages, sons-in-law, and grandsons. Zaldy, a son, is governor of the Autonomous Muslim Region. The Mangudadatus are related by blood and affinity.
Arroyo returns the favors by letting them rule Maguindanao like a fiefdom. All economic initiatives need the Ampatuans’ assent; state funds are released through them. Even the posting of police and military generals are cleared with them."
I liked Bondoc’s article about the Maguindanao Massacre because it really reflects what was happening in Mindanao. It was Arroyo who nurtured these “barbarians” to commit such heinous acts for their political ambitions, and it was her fault that these mass killings have happened. In fact,it's no longer about what happened between the massacred journalists and women; it’s more than that. It was a reflection of the corrupt practices that has besieged Mindanao when Arroyo stepped in power.
What irritates me most was the inability of the militaryin arresting the Ampatuans. Ted Failon on DZMM earlier asked why the military doesn’t just arrest the Ampatuans since there was evidence pointed against them. When Ted Failon was suspected to have killed his wife last May, he was immediately arrested by the PNP, but when everybody suspected the Ampatuans, a government official just went on a visit. What was the difference between the two? What’s with the special treatment? The PNP has the initiative to detain any possible suspects within 36 hours for possible evidence, but the DOJ turns a blind eye and said “procedures must be done.”
It was also reported a few years back that Maguindanao was one of the poorest province in the country. Behind the run down shanties of the residents lie lavish mansions of the governor and his sons. Funds that were meant to rehabilitate the province have been placed in the pockets of these officials who rule them with terror because, according to Bondoc, even the police are under their control.
There was also a report last 2007 of residents being threatened to vote for the administration party. It’s not surprising because it was technically impossible for any province to vote the same people without using force.
With all these problems being fanned out because of this incident, I pray that justice must be served. Justice without Malacanang’s blessing.
Haha sem break at last! At least just for a week maybe…
Anyway, the 2010 elections are just around the corner and we are seeing some unique developments on who will be running for the presidential seat next year. From an aspiring 12 candidates who publicly claimed to run for the presidential seat, only seven (I think) remained.
One of the most recent developments in the political arena was Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s declaration of leaving the National People’s Coalition (NPC) in Club Filipino yesterday.
Escudero said he was leaving the Party to remove any links and biases he may have had to the party in order to better serve the masses.
“Sino man po ang nagpapaplanong tumakbo bilang pangulo, dapat wala pong partidong kinabibilangan – NPC,LP , NP, Lakas o ano pa man. Ang dapat na partidong kinabibilangan ng sino mang nagpaplanong tumakbo, dapat po Pilipinas,” he said.
Escudero said running for the highest position while in a political party would bind the person’s interest that would be for the party and not for the people.
“sino mang tumatakbo, o tatakbo o magiging pangulo ng ating bansa, hindi po pwedeng nakakadena ang kamay at paa sa partido. Hindi po pwedeng nakapiring ang mata, at nakabusal ang bibig,” Escudero said, “at higit sa lahat, ako’y lumilisan sa aking partido dahil naniniwala po ako na mas matatanaw ko ang dapat kong gawin at papel na dapat kong gampanan kaugnay sa darating na halalan.”
Escudero’s bold move to split from the NPC has brought many cheers and speculations in his bid for the 2010 race. Some speculate a rift between the NPC members, while some thought it was propaganda to increase Escudero’s reputation.
While Escudero’s intentions might be pure, as pure as any politician can be, but his decision to split the party might have a repercussion, especially during the campaign period.
Escudero’s decision to run as an independent might have increased his popularity and status for his candidacy, especially since he will be separated from all the issues and controversies surrounding some members of the party, but having lost political machinery would eventually slow his campaign down.
One reason many aspirants belong in the party was to extend their reach throughout the country and provide back ups, both physically and financially, especially during the campaign period.
But, belonging to political parties are not a solution to winning elections, in fact it all relies back to the candidate’s track record and ideals are being recognized by the masses.
His split from the NPC might be a good move to his image but if he really wants to win, he would need to double his efforts now that he lost his backing.
*For more information about the 2010 elections and presidential profiles, check out our site www.votethenation.clanteam.com
The number of families affected by Tropical Storm Ondoy (international name Ketsana) increased to 89,116 families or 448,454 persons.Ondoy battered Metro Manila and parts of Luzon after it made landfall near the boundary of Aurora and Quezon Saturday morning, September 26. Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Rizal were the most affected by massive floods.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council reported that 100 people died in the National Capital Region, CAR, and Region IV-A. In the NCR, 7 people died, 3 in Muntinlupa City; 2 in NIA Road; 1 in Marikina City; and 1 in Brgy. Bato, San Juan. In Region III, 36 people died, 24 in Bulacan; and 12 in Arayat, Pampanga. In Region IV-A, 56 people died, 1 in Calaca, Batangas; 1 in Calauag, Quezon; 23 in Tanay; 1 in Theresa, 10 in Angono; 5 in Baras; 2 in Cavite; 5 in Laguna; 3 in Montalban; and 5 military personnel. In CAR, 1 died in Kabugao, Apayao. Meantime, 32 people remain missing in Kabayan, Benguet (1); Tanay, Rizal (20); Infanta, Pangasinan (9); and Arayat, Pampanga (2).
In Metro Manila, over 5,000 people from 45 barangays were evacuated after incessant rains caused heavy flooding in Manila, Marikina, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Valenzuela, San Juan and Quezon City. Flood water in some areas have already reached the second and third floors of buildings, forcing residents to seek refuge on the roof of their houses. A total of 50 road sections were also left impassable to vehicles due to raging flood waters, leaving several commuters stranded.
In Bulacan, 113 baranggays in Marilao, Meycuayan, San Miguel and Bocaue Sta Maria, Calumpit, Bustos and Norzagaray were heavily flooded. In Pampanga, 64 barangays in San Simon, Guagua, Masantol, Apalit, Lubao, Porac, Sto Tomas and San Fernando.
In Rizal, several barangays were flooded and 5,000 families were affected by rising floodwater. Many villages were not accessible to the rescue teams, leaving several families trapped on rooftops for hours.
Landslides occurred in Mt Province-Cagayan via Tabuk in CAR; Brgy. San Juan-Banyo, Arayat, Pampanga in Region III; Brgy. Bongalon, Sangay, Camarines Sur in Region V; Tagaytay-Taal Road, and Tagaytay-Talisay Road in Cavite; and Antipolo-Teresa Road and Sumulong Highway in Rizal.
The total cost of damage has already reached P108.9M. The damage to infrastructure has reached P108.7M; and to agriculture P212,537.
The Secretary of National Defense declared a State of National Calamity in the following areas in view of the extensive effects of Tropical Storm “Ondoy”:
-The whole of National Capital Region (NCR)
-CAR: Mt. Province, Ifugao and Benguet
-Region I: Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Sur
-Region II: Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya
-Region III: Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac and Bataan
-Region IV-B: Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental) and Marinduque
-Region V: Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur
Table 1.Affected Population by Tropical Storm ONDOY
Region
Number Affected
Brgys
Families
Persons
Region 1
5
75
244
NCR
67
10,921
58,161
Region III
188
47,720
229,223
Region IV-A
102
27,834
148,504
Region IV-B
4
720
3,600
Region V
3
1,191
5,957
Region IX
8
191
436
Region XII
3
320
1,600
CAR
2
4
29
TOTAL
384
89,116
448,454
Source: NDCC
Appeal for assistance
Right after the typhoon, CDRC and its Regional Centers immediately conducted a Damages, Needs and Capacities Assessment (DNCA) in the affected areas.
Of the total number of affected families, the most vulnerable were carefully identified, taking into account the gravity of destruction, their economic capacity to cope, their accessibility to relief services conducted by other agencies, and their willingness to help themselves. On the basis of these criteria, 25,473 families have been short-listed as the most vulnerable families from among the total affected.
Table 2. Selected Areas for Relief Delivery Operation:
Region
Province/City
Number of Affected
Brgys
Families
NCR
Taguig City
Western Bicutan
320
Bagong Bayan
350
Manila City
Tondo Dumpsite
452
Hapilan
400
Parola
520
Baseco
600
Punta Sta Ana Brgy 905
330
Brgy 679 Paco
355
Brgy 836 Peter Paul Pandacan
400
Brgy 868/867 Pandacan
700
Dagupan Extension, Tondo
380
Brgy 173 Gagalangin, Tondo
300
Pasig City
Maybunga
500
Rosario
500
Sta. Lucia
500
Kalawaan
350
Pandacan
Dapo Ilang-ilang
325
Banana
300
Kahilom
250
Caloocan
Dagat-dagatan
500
Bagong Silang Tala
700
Brgy 35 Dagat-dagatan
500
Brgy 14 Dagat-dagatan
500
Brgy 28 Dagat-dagatan
350
Malabon
Panghulo/Tonsuya/Catmon
600
East Riverside Tulyahan
250
Valenzuela
Malinta/Marulas
400
Navotas
San Roque/Daan Hari/San Jose/Tanza/Tangos/NBBS
1,000
Marikina
Tumana River
1,000
San Juan
300
Paranaque
Sucat Creek and Lawa Side
1,785
Brgy Buli
120
Muntinlupa
Cupang
1,600
Alabang
200
Putatan
1,650
Poblacion
450
Tunsan
1,000
Advan
250
Triumph
200
III
Pampanga
Arayat
940
IV-A
Batangas
Ambulong, Tanuan
48
Aya, Talisay
51
Laguna
Malaban, Binan
507
Rizal
Sto Nino/Sta. Inez/San Andres/Daraitan/Mamuyao/Tandang Kutyo/Laiban, Tanay
1,025
San Jose, Antipolo
118
Quezon
Anoling/Banglos/Minahan Norte/Minahan Sur/Magsikap/San Marcelino/Sablang/Maligaya/ Umiray/Lumutan, Gen. Nakar
The above-mentioned communities are among the worst affected by the typhoon and floods. Their houses were destroyed by the floods, and many of these areas are still difficult to access and therefore receive very little assistance if any. Immediate needs are food supply augmentation and other essential non-food items.
Needs include:
food provisions
water supply
medicines (for common colds and diarrhea)
clothes
bedding (mats, blankets, mosquito nets)
plastic sheet
kitchen utensils
sanitary napkins
construction materials (plywood, corrugated metal roof, etc)
Donations for the evacuees may be sent through the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center at 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City. Concerned individuals and donors can easily reach us at (632) 929-9822 / (632) 929-9820. Donations may also be sent through the following bank accounts:
Dollar Account
Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Account Number: 2-63600158-3
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch
Bank Address: Corner Examiner and Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM
Peso Account
Account Name: Citizens’ Disaster Response Center
Account Number: 3-63600741-3
Bank: Metrobank, Examiner Branch
Bank Address: Corner Examiner and Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
References:
NDCC
PAGASA
Reports from:
Community Response for Enlightenment, Service and Transformation (CREST)
On Monday, the President delivered her final State of the Nation Address. People were tuning in, mostly to see and hear about her plans for the upcoming election. The biggest thought on their mind was her announcement for running as congressman next year.
Nobody really wanted to hear about her accomplishments in the economy. If the economy is really doing well, then she need not say it. The result would show itself eventually. What the people wanted to know was a clear response on her political plans. But did she answer the question? Well, yes. Vaguely---- in a way making the gray part, more gray-er.
Being her supposedly last SONA, people wanted to know if she really will she step down after her term. But being a wise politician as she was, she left the people hanging and gave a not-so-assuring response on her plans next year.
“I have never expressed desire to extend myself beyond my term,” she said.
Well, what’s wrong with that? She did not say that she WILL NOT extend herself beyond her term. She just “never expressed desire” to run again. The way she said it was entirely different than what she meant. It again sets in a more gray-er scale on her political plans that do not set the public’s mind at ease.
There was another issue with her final goodbyes in her SONA. Unlike other presidents before her who bid farewell during their final Addresses, Arroyo never did say any “goodbyes” before she stepped down the platform. What we heard was a “thank you” for electing her as president and the usual “Mabuhay Pilipinas!” tagline.
It may sound trivial to some, but we know that whatever left unsaid is a matter of concern. She did not say a proper goodbye, what we are certain was she thanked the Filipinos who gave her support, and might be asking to do so again if she decides to run for congress the next term.
Regarding attacks on her critics, one can see that her biting known presidentiables is a way to discredit her political adversaries in the upcoming elections.
“To those who want to be President, this advice: If you want something done, do it hard, do it well. Don’t pussyfoot. Just do it. Don’t say bad words in public.”
This was a shot against Senator Mar Roxas on the Cheaper Medicines Act that he passed and his swearing during the Rally against Charter Change in Makati a couple of months ago.
“Those who live in glass houses should cast no stones. Those who should be in jail should not threaten it, especially if they have been there….”
This was another attack against former President Joseph Estrada who was sentenced to jail and pardoned by Arroyo.
“The noisiest critics of constitutional reform tirelessly and shamelessly attempted Cha-Cha when they thought they could take advantage of a shift in the form of government. Now that they feel they cannot benefit from it, they oppose it”
It may sound like a general attack on all Charter Change critics, but I believe that it was an attack on Jose De Venecia who was once a supporter of Charter Change, but now opposes it due to a fight between the two families.
Instead of talking about the state of the country, it became a battleground for political supremacy. She blasted her critics without the gall of respecting the traditions of SONA. It’s like a State of the Political Nation’s Address instead of the country’s report.
The way she acted feels like I was not yet her final SONA. Who knows, we may get to see her again if things go as she planned.
