Reconciliation or Conspiracy

Reconciliation is not for government squaring off with its adversaries, it must be for government settling with its populace. That is so mainly done at the closing stage of an oppressions when government is obligated to comfort the impairments of the people by chastising the guilty and gratifying the innocent. Without a doubt, that is many times more so when an heir arrived about not by her peculiar courageous resourcefulness, as Cory Aquino did, but by the gallant enterprise of the people themselves, as Arroyo did. Giving executive clemency to Estrada is not curing the country’s wounds, it is chaffing saline on them.
Definitely, reconciliation is not reconciling with injustice, it is reconciling with rightfulness. It is not to bring together with tormenter s, it is bringing together with the tormented. The only way to comfort the impairments of the people, and that is by justice. That is the only acknowledged medication for a exhausted land, tattered and hemorrhaging from viciousness. The only way to unite a ruined nation, the only way to fix a partitioned people, and that is by justice. That is the only known way to revive a dead land, one floating aimlessly in a sea of untruth and thievery.
Unity has never been an obscure entity in our beloved country. Even now the people are unified in one thing, which is their mutual abhorrence of their leaders. You want this country to find a sense of objective, a sense of steadfastness, a sense of aspiration – bloody hell, you want people to party in the streets in rowdy festivities – then let Arroyo and Estrada cease to exist in the whirlpool of oblivion. Then will we have a country more united or held firmly together than can be achieved by Epoxy or Mighty Bond.
The nation merging collectively, that is unity. Arroyo and Estrada unite together, that’s just a conspiracy.

FVR merrygoround!

Malacañang confident of FVR support
By Roy Pelovello ManilaStandardToday

MALACAÑANG yesterday said it is confident that former President Fidel Ramos will continue to support President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo even if he disagreed with her decision to pardon another former president, Joseph Estrada.

On Friday, shortly before Mrs. Arroyo granted executive clemency to Estrada, Ramos declared his opposition to pardoning her predecessor, warning that pardon might lead to Mrs. Arroyo’s downfall.

Another former president, Corazon Aquino, welcomed the decision to pardon Estrada after he was convicted to serve 40 years in prison for the crime of plunder.

Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde also urged Ramos to exercise statesmanship and to support the administration for the good of the country.

“We highly respect former President Fidel Ramos. We trust in his high sense of statesmanship. While he may have disagreed on the pardon, we believe that he will continue to support what is good for the country—especially reforms and national unity,” Remonde said.

An administration ally in the Senate, Senator Joker Arroyo, said Mrs. Arroyo went overboard in pardoning Estrada, but admitted that it was futile to expect the courts to reverse the President’s order, since the authority to pardon “is absolute and exclusive to her.”

The senator told a radio interview that the order to pardon Estrada was “wrong,” and that if the President did not want him to go to jail, she should just have kept him in detention in his Tanay, Rizal, resthouse.

Morality & Pardon

Remember that politics is never a moral game, it is a game of chance and decisive actions and convictions.

You must be talking of dirty politics my friend, but politics per se is not bad because politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions, and it is base on wide ranging opinions collated to form a common policy stand, not by one man or by its head. Maybe you talking of political power which is the ability to impose one's will "even in the face of opposition from others". Politics and political power are not the same animal.

Even religion is not purely about morality - it is also about love, charity, and forgiveness. All encompassing and inclusive of all. Sinners and saints are but equal in the eyes of the Lord!

For me, Morality is the encompassing conduct or ethics in which people tend to look upon to measure the relationship of one's person to the other. Love, charity and forgiveness are but some factors in which morality are determined and evaluated. So as i see it, there are no difference when we talk about love, charity and forgiveness at one side and morality on the other.

Sinner or saints are equal in the eyes of the Lord - yeah, i do agree with you on that in the present situation, but on the other hand, in the final judgement and when all mankind face the consequences of his action before the court of God, i am sure there will be a differentiation in the eyes of our Lord.

The latest act of Gloria smacks of despicability and unconventionality that affects and transcends a wide range of people who are waiting to be consulted on this executive fiasco (pardon) given to despot named erap. Her action will be harsely judge by people who are with her before this unthinkable clemency happens.

The Betrayal... ouchhhh!

Word has gone around that pardon is forthcoming no later than the 27th. The truth came like a thief in the night when Bunye acting as the one giving the pardon (Notice the posture towards the camera?) read the text.

GMA for all the insults (Bogus president, Illegitimate, etc) and brickbracks thrown by the estrada family to her person finally succombed to the pressure of the people who have worked hard to pardon erap. Some say a powerful religious group is behind it, some say there was an agreement that will benefit GMA. .

For what its worth, this act is one despicable pardon coming just one month after the verdict was given. All who are defending the pardon keeps on saying that erap was jailed for more than six years and for a 70 yr old former president, it is more than enough punishment. . If jail is what staying in his tanay resthouse and given all perks everytime he barks a request, then I will gladly take his place! The truth is he was never jailed in the strictest sense of the meaning of a jail term. He was more like restricted to royal quarters!

This act of GMA will definitely add on to the many controversial acts she had to endure during her presidency. Whatever pardon sfe gave erap, up to now, jinggoy cannot even readily say that she is the president and from the pronouncements of erap, she has to expect more after erap gets his full freedom.

Unless she has a confidential paper that erap signed in exchange of the pardon, she will never have peace from erap and his minnions!

God bless this country and no mercy on GMA.. .

The Last Straw.... Erap's pardon!

I can never forget you GMA for this! The writing on the wall become more legibly today and no further explanation can support your action in giving pardon to Erap. Former Pres. Ramos had issued a previous warning against pardon, you should have heed the call but you didn't. There is no need for you to stay longer in Malacanang... Time is ticking but not in your favor. Sorry GMA, the the right moment for you step down has come and there is no way for you to change the tide.

So mrs. arroyo brace yourself. You have made one unrepentant felon happy but you have angered a nation that continued to support you despite your flaws as a leader. Now i doubt if that support is still there. On the other hand, do you even care anyway? You only have your political interest in mind and not ours just like we believed before.

Condolences to the Filipino people, the demise of justice system in the Philippines had commenced, no thanks to GMA.

Joey de Venecia's novel... the Ultimatum!

Joey de Venecia's current unfounded insinuation is one for the book really, daring espionage thriller and scheme after scheme, patterned on the escapades of Jason Bourne. He's knitting a fantastic footpath with big time names to tear down. He is playing the role now of a sacred cow in this new controversial tirades against these people with this new conspiracy/assasination sequel. Any trace or even an ounce of substantiation is still not being offered here. All he is disgorging out are mere innuendoes after innuendoes. With a mountain of finger pointings in the senate floor, he is anticipating that one will be convincing enough to absolve him from the tight spot he himself have invented. He thinks, he is just one base away from the homebase plate. Insidious but brilliant!

He and his handlers really knows what kind of script that will click with the opposition and the general public. Couple that with intrigues regarding military and police power abuses, billionaire's money power, and corruptible but powerful government officials, he trully has a good fictional novel on his self produced play.

The ZTE deal is done but he's still trying to revive it through more incredulous tales and allegations. The poor public is then again taken for a ride by the speculative reporting of the presss using tabloid journalism.

This recent concoction of his is prelude to a very imminent danger that he and his father is into with you know who, a trademark of a senator that was the master of conspiracy theory in the past. I think this new allegation of his put more danger to the country than to the administration of GMA.

Incredible expose but not an iota of evidence to back it. You be the judge!.

Absurd Claims.... I guess

Joey de Venecia accuses 3 retired PNP officials of kill plot
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Businessman Jose de Venecia III filed a complaint at the Makati City police accusing three retired police officials, including Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, of plotting to kill him and his father, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. He said this information was relayed by Gen. Jaime de los Santos, a mistah of both Berroya and Leandro Mendoza at the Phil. Military Academy during a meeting his father arranged with the General. It is said to be, that three officials have hatched a plot to release an inmate from the New Bilibid Prisons to assassinate him and his father.

The young De Venecia filed a complaint against Mendoza, Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Berroya, and Bureau of Corrections director Ricardo Dapat.

In a statement to the press Sec. Mendoza said “That’s a recycled claim I have already described as a fairy tale from a sore losing bidder. As I have said before, I do not threaten people because it’s out of my character. I just do what I have to do.” At the same press conference Gen. de los Santos denied the claim of Joey that he said there is a plot against him and his father, and he thinks the allegations of Joey is absurd. I pity Joey de Venecia, after his allegations were not swallowed by the people now he's making another story again just catch attention for the next ZTE-NBN Deal hearing at the senate. I suggest that the good Speaker send his beloved son to Makati Med to see a Psychiatrist, because what he is saying now is not a joke anymore.

Goodgrace of God! And now he's asking for pardon... I thought he still believes he's innocent, how come he is asking for a pardon now?

Estrada letter requesting for presidential pardon

October 22, 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacañan Palace
Manila


Your Excellency:


On September 26, 2007 we, the lawyers of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, filed with the Sandiganbayan a motion for reconsideration to reverse and set aside its decision of September 12, 2007 convicting President Estrada of the crime of plunder and sentencing him to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua with corresponding accessory penalties. The prosecution filed its opposition to the motion for reconsideration and oral arguments were heard last October 19, 2007. The matter is now submitted for resolution.

Although persuasive constitutional and legal grounds have been alleged in the motion for reconsideration which may justify the reversal of the judgment of conviction, our consensus is that there is a very slim chance that the Sandiganbayan will reconsider its original guilty verdict. The much admired Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro was quoted as saying in a press interview that the Special Division of the Sandiganbayan “stands by its original guilty verdict”.

The looming denial of the motion for reconsideration will have no other option for President Estrada except to appeal to the Supreme Court. Once an appeal is perfected, the present custodial arrangement may be put in question. The Sandiganbayan exercised sound judgment in allowing President Estrada to remain in his Tanay resthouse while his motion for reconsideration pends. His transfer to the National Penitentiary may generate bad feelings on the part of many of our countrymen which may boil over again.

Passions on both sides would be aroused. A period of prolonged fault-finding and recrimination would be disastrous for the nation. Our Republic needs recovery, not revenge.

No other issue could compete with the drama of a former President detained in the National Penitentiary serving a life sentence. It will be virtually impossible for Your Excellency to direct public attention to anything else.

Upon the other hand, the entire appeal process in the Supreme Court may require years: a minimum of two, a maximum of five. Although we are confident that we can obtain a reversal of the guilty verdict from an impartial tribunal, President Estrada will necessarily remain in detention while his appeal is being heard. An acquittal after more than ten (10) years in detention is unjust.

The time has come to end President Estrada’s fight for justice and vindication before the courts. Today, we filed a withdrawal of his motion for reconsideration. President Estrada himself believes that appeal in the Supreme Court would be futile for even the possibility of a favorable judgment will not justify several more years of detention.

His ouster from the Presidency and to live with that humiliation for the rest of his life was a severe punishment in itself and may be equivalent to serving a long jail term. He deserves sympathy, compassion and understanding. He is now 70, had borne suffering with grace and dignity, despite not being the best of health always.

He often frets about the delicate condition of his mother. Her situation deteriorated when she learned what has befallen her son. Knowing he is a free man should be one of the last thoughts a recuerdoshe could carry when she goes to her final resting place, in total serenity.

In the highest national interest, to which President Estrada is always willing to subordinate his own, we appeal to Your Excellency to grant him full, free and unconditional pardon.


Very truly yours,

The Defense Panel of
President Joseph Ejercito Estrada


By:
Jose Flaminiano


if i were the president, i will not give him pardon at this point in time because it will be a treacherous move for the filipino people. the people would feel betrayed once a pardon is granted since the people wants estrada to be incarcerated first in prison and atleast suffer the consequences of his previous action. we should be firm enough to show once and for all that juctice should be served though the heaven fall. kahit ano ang mangyari...NO PARDON TO ERAP!.

It's Monday... a working day!

I hope this day will be good day for everyone. i hope no untoward event will happen today since it is the beginning of the work week. i hope also that it will be unifying day and work for the benefit of more people than have a selfish interest. let us give ourselves a break and work for the common good. Start your day with a prayer that politics will take a back seat.

The Rajah Sulaiman Group...what now Senator Trillanes?

"After the blast, Trillanes accused National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as masterminds of the blast that struck Glorietta 2 Friday afternoon"

"In a text message to ABS-CBN News, the person who said he was RSM spokesman Ruben Omar Lavilla, alias Sheik Omar, demanded the release of founder Hilarion del Rosario Santos, alias Ahmed Santos. RSM is a terror organization whose members are allegedly composed of Christians who have converted to Islam and reportedly operates in Manila and northern Luzon. It was suspected of carrying out the Rizal bombing in 2000 and Valentine’s Day bombings in 2004"


This development belied the claim of Senator Trillanes, the Makati Business Club and the opposition putting the blame on the militay and this administration. we can see now how irresponsible this people are, in impugning malicious lie to grandstand again. How can we trust these grandstander and the press itself after all these occurrences. Fingerpointing and unfounded insinuations does not help but create more annoyance and disorder that could give us only anger and frustrations. I want plead to these people to be more circumspect and sober enough with these unfolding events. if you don't want to help, then be on the sideline so as not to impede this on going investigations.

Glorietta Mall Bombing... Terrorism at its best!

At 1:40 pm Phil. time yesterday, the lazy afternoon was disturbed by a news flash on a nationwide tv program about an explosion which occur at Glorietta mall 2 at exactly that hour. Gory footages was splashed all over the screen and i was so flabbergasted in what saw. Picture of destructions and debris scattered around the area was displayed for two hours in the said program. I ask myself, was this gory details a show of force by whom? Was it in the name of unfounded cause or in the name of freedom, and freedom from what? Are we just bunch of expendable object that you can sacrifice to further the cause you're ramming our throat. This dastardly acts were handiwork of cowards afraid to face the truth that neccessary changes can only be obtain thru the parameters of laws and the legal frameworks of our constitution. You cannot just give up human lives in furtherance of societal transformation, because we are not living in the 16th century where the upheavals were done by the end of a sword. My GOD!... 8 deaths and scores of injured persons!!!!

Aquilino Pimentel... A profile of a wasted principle?

A four termer senator of the Republic and in the beginning of his once illustrious career in politics, i am very much awed of this man. He was a pillar in the movement against the Marcos dictatorship and he was indeed brave and his incarceration during that time did not slow him down, until the dictator fell down. He was a good Minister of Local Government during the time of Cory and became a senator of the Republic also during that time. He was to be credited for the Local Government Act and i admit that law as a whole was indeed good, although it had some infirmities on it. He ran against the upcoming Erap as Vice President in tandem with Salonga when Cory finished her term but unfortunately both of them lost that election. During the time of Citizen Eddie as president, he became a staunch ally of the opposition and vigorously challenge every move of the administration. He was again elected to office for the second time during Erap's time as President, and became the Senate President. It was at this time that he presided the impeachment of President Estrada together with Chief Justice Hilario Davide and he shows his partiality against the president but unfortunately the process was abruptly stopped because the majority of the senate juror did let the second envelope which contain incriminating evidence of the guilt of the President on the plunder case and the rest was history.

Edsa 2 then change history when Erap vacated Malacanang because of his imminent downfall as millions of masses of people congregate at the People's Power Monument out to topple him. When Arroyo was swore in as the legitimate successor, he even hold the microphone for her in the oath taking. In the Arroyo regime most people believe it was he who would be the Vice President but because Arroyo was pressured by her party to appoint then Senator Guingona for the post, he was by pass and with these event he was oblige to withdrew his support for Arroyo and joined the opposition again with the likes of the senators allied with Estrada, and i can say that this was time of the transformation of this man from a principled politico to a motivated oppositions without an honorable party stand. I can't believe a good man like him was altered into something like that, far from the man i once adore. politics... politics strange bedfellows indeed!

Separation of Church and State; A myth?

As of the other day the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Phil. (CBCP) had condemn a news about the allegation of bribery at the Malacanang Palace where a bunch of local executives from the Union of Local Authorities of the Phil. (ULAP) requested an audience with President for the oath taking ceremonies of the officers of the group. When the affair seems finished and most of the local executives were home at the places of their origins, along came Among Ed, the governor of Pampanga announced in his provincial office that he was given a bunch of money amounted to half a million peso. The money allegedly given to him by Governor Jonjon Mendoza of the province of Bulacan. When ask by media, Gov. Mendoza said it was given to him by a lady at Malacanang and that he doesn't know who the lady was. This unfounded assertion was hook and line caught by media and started the bandwagon for more allegations and counter allegations from both sides of the fence, the opposition and the administration. I was flabbergasted when the CBCP dip their fingers in the cookie jar and created more smoke by telling that they tired of the moral bankruptcy of the administration of Mrs. Arroyo and they were supporting a senate inquiry into the matter. Since we all knew that senate was a forum for more grandstanding of the politicos, i wonder if those Bishops were true to their vows, if so, why are they joining the political scuffle and be a part of a destabilization initiative by the opposition who cannot wait until the next election come. I am beginning to think that in the face of this development, there are now two faces of morality, one favored by the church and one for the outcast.