Showing posts with label graft and corruption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graft and corruption. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Presidential candidates accused of plunder and corruption

11/10/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The circuitous trial and conviction of plunder and corruption of ex-pres. Joseph Estrada came to an abrupt end. The transcript of his trial was foul and sickening to read. He was hastily pardoned by his fellow politician Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo soon after his conviction. Arroyo used her executive power to give away clemency. Her decision jibed well with her striking corrupt reputation.

Though one of the stipulations in Arroyo's pardon was for him not to come back to politics---i.e. not run in the 2010 presidential election, Estrada was confident to defy the prohibition. The ex-president from San Juan, Metromanila got a sizeable backing in the old political machinery. Kicked out of Malacanang Palace, it didn’t matter if he was a convict and notorious womanizer who got away from serving jailtime. He wanted to the president again.

In next year's the presidential race, Estrada will face Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr, the former public works secretary who along with members of the Road Board are facing criminal charges of alleged misuse of P56.5 billion road user’s tax. Like Estrada, the former officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP,) is accused of plunder and graft.

Ebdane's corruption charges stem from the collection of the road user’s tax which is part of the vehicle’s annual registration fee. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants the road user’s tax, in the tune of billions of pesos deposited in the National Treasury and included in the National Budget. She asks Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, another controversial figure (criticized for failures to quickly investigate the corrupt contractor rigging of bids in highway projects) to probe Ebnane.

In Santiago’s recommendations, she wanted the former military officer to account for his money dealings as a public works and highway secretary and road board chairman. Doesn't this sound familiar? Cynical and disappointed Filipinos think the outcome of this investigation will end up empty. Like in the past, almost no one will be made accountable (even if the money loss in government is obviously staggering.)

“With Santiago's charge, speculations are rife that Ebdane, who proclaimed his bid for the presidency yesterday, is just making a mockery of justice. Ebdane, who resigned as DPWH secretary might have proclaimed the bid to skirt the corruption issue and prevent it from infecting the entire Arroyo administration. Others say that Ebdane should be prevented from running in the elections since it is now highly suspicious how he got the money to spend for his electoral bid. Many believe that Ebdane is now using those anomalous billions he got from the Road User's Tax and diverted it to fund his election machinery. Remember that election funds are still unaccountable.”---http://newphirevolution.blogspot.com (11/10/09, Mangubat, P.)

Though the 60-year old Ebnane who is a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate has not yet been tried, Filipinos rather have presidential candidates who do not have dubious integrity. The greed and insincerity of many influential government officers are legendary.

For many years, there are those who live discordant lives without regard of public opinion. They exploit the system to advance their personal ambition, warped morality, the power and money they want to exploit. (Photo Credit: Clipart.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon ACORN lost federal funding amidst corruption & scandal

9/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In an overwhelming vote of 345-75 by representatives, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN,) the liberal grassroots anti-poverty organization was stripped of its funding on September 17, 2009 after it violated federal laws and found to be engaged in corruption.

The vote against the funding provision was attached to the student aid bill. ACORN did not get the funding approval of the senate in a vote of 83-7, early Monday.

The organization' nefarious activities were exposed in the past election when it was accused of embarking on a massive voter registration fraud. A secret video recording was released recently showing employees advising clients to lie and engage in prostitution. Trust had been shattered. The ACORN footage elicited disgust among taxpayers who had been subsidizing the organization’s operation.

In an attempt to patch up the damage, ACORN announced it would conduct its own investigation. White House tried to distance itself from the organization saying the group's illegal activities are unacceptable. The Bureau of Census which planned to avail of the organization's services cut off their ties. As a bipartisan group of legislators bewail the waste of taxpayer's money on this group riddled with graft and corruption, Sen. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, believes there are many honest employees employed by ACORN.

Americans had been increasingly frustrated over government corruption which could be worse than what was exposed. The ACORN scandal came to light when consevatives and Republicas aggressively pursued leads of illegal practices and waste in Obama' administration. As many observed if not for the vigilant radio talk hosts and FOX News, the maintream biased media didn't show enough interest in finding the truth about ACORN for the people to know.

Pres. Obama had been linked with the left-leaning orgnization as its lawyer and community organizer before he became president. The organization's scandal rose to prominence as Obama got pummeled for hiring too many advisers (32) and "czars" without adequate vetting and accountabiity. Van Jones, the environmeat and energy “czar” was forced to resign because of questionable qualifications. Obama had been under heavy criticism (which Jimmy Carter called racism) for building an overextended government that threatened to intrude in ciizens' lives and for proposing a healthcare overhaul that was deemed costly and unrealistic. (Photo Credit: John Wiggin =0=

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PostHeaderIcon US homes and businesses, another scandal for the Arroyos?

8/31/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In the fading days of Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s term as president, another allegation of ill-gotten wealth is brewing for her family. Her son, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, was reported to have failed declaring a P63.7 million property fronting San Francisco Bay in California. It was alleged this foreign property located at 1655 Beach Park Blvd, Foster City was named under his wife’s name in 2006.

“By omitting the US property starting in 2007, Mikey’s real property assets plunged from P90.7 million in 2006 to P27 million in 2007 and 2008.

All the business interests Mikey declared in his latest SALN were acquired when he was already congressman: president of Mikey’s Horseman Bar and Grill, 2006; director of LPG Auto Gas and shareholder in Los Manos Verdes Inc., 2007; and shareholder in U18 Properties Inc. and stockholder of the La Vista Investments and Holdings Inc. in 2008.”---Malaya (08/31/09, Files, V.)

Similarly, Dato, Gloria’s other son also bought a house worth P26.7 million in the golden state after he won as congressman in 2007. But this, he declared in his tax declarations.

These allegations are on top of local businesses that the Arroyos are reportedly engaged in. As usual, the first family has to answer with a denial. But won't they give their proof? The Filipino people need to know if there is any wrong-doing in these property purchases. With another investigation it will take time to know if all these accusations are true. (Photo Credit: ____) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Transparency for RP, but not for GMA’s unexplained wealth?

8/13/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After splurging in lavish dinners with her entourage abroad that had price tags close to $15,000 to $20,000(P750,000-1,000,000,) Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s assets an liabilities have been under close scrutiny.

The Philippine Center of Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) say since her assumption of office, the president has accumulated properties 2000x than their original value. In spite of the over-hyped call for honesty and transparency by the administration, the lawyers of GMA and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, don’t see the need to explain how the couple amassed such wealth. But obviously, the people want to know.

Corruption is the centerpiece of why the Philippines is mired in poverty, but even the president fails to follow the leads to know the extent government corruption! The public sees a collusion by the leadership to keep the status quo of defrauding the country. The “scratch my back, and I’ll scratch your back culture” is at work here----so almost no one gets caught; the few who are proven thieves are pardoned.

“A report by the PCIJ said Mrs. Arroyo’s declared net worth more than doubled from P66.8 million in 2001 to P143.54 million in 2008. The increase of P76.74 million represents a growth rate of 114 percent. If her SALNs were plotted from the time she was still senator 17 years ago, the rise in her wealth would have been 2,000 percent, according to PCIJ.”-----Philstar (08/13/09)

This questionable rise in assets of a politician in power is not uncommon. The accusations of theft, corruption, fraud, and abuse in government are pervasive even if there are laws that can be used to get into the bottom of the truth. It dates back since Marcos time whose descendants are inching for a come-back, hiding under the rug the outrageous graft and corruption of their parents.

In spite of calls for President Arroyo to comply on the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees which when violated is punishable by imprisonment, fines, dismissal or suspension, just like any slicky politician, GMA allows the foul odor in her record to pester. It’s a common reaction of corrupt politicians to pretend nothing odiously bad is going on.

Arroyo’s discordant lifestyle and wealth are incompatible to her salary as president. She receives a measly Php 60,000.00 (about USD 1,333.33 at Php 45.00 to 1 USD exchange rate) monthly. The US president’s salary at about $400,000/year is about 3,000% higher. Therefore, there is always a good reason to compute and recompute how GMA came up with her assets in so short a time. Obviously, this goes true with other politicians who dodge showing the money trail of their wealth.

GMA's business interests, if laid bare are not hard audit. If there is any, let investigators see where the conflict of interest lies, which transactions she did in accord with the law or where fraud occurre which may explain why she and her friends have become so rich.

The stonewalling by the president and her husband to conceal the truth has caused despair and loss of credibility; it makes her a pariah of the people. At the waning days of her presidency come along, her job approval is poor---among the lowest a president ever received in tenure.

The furor resulting from her extravagance abroad and clever machinations is deplorable and very much compatible with corruption. It's contemptible. There is obvious failure of the checks and balances in the system. It’s time that Arroyo comes clean from the disgusting accusations which plague her leadership. (Photo Credit: sunnexfo) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Putting Obama on notice: a clue to more brazen graft and corruption in America?

7/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




There is a time lag between identifying crime, the arrest of criminals and their prosecution. In the case of the New Jersey, it took 10 years of surveillance to apprehend 44 individuals, among them government officials and members of the Jewish clergy. Probably the biggest graft and corruption incident ever reported in the state, they are accused of serious crimes including money laundering, bribery, extortion, and the illegal transport and sale of human organs.

“Five rabbis were among suspects, along with the mayors of Hoboken, Secaucus and Ridgefield, the Jersey City deputy mayor and council president, two state assembly members, and numerous other politicians, prosecutors said.” AFP (07/24/09, Smith, S.)

The organized crime was busted in a stunning after-dawn raid shown in television. Acting US attorney Ralph Marra said the apprehensions showed the pervasive nature of public corruption in the state.

In a scale that rivals the legendary mafia, the crime ring allegedly operated internationally from New Jersey and New York to Israel and Switzerland.

Among those taken by police was rabbi, Levy Izhak Rosenbaum who was believed to be part of a notorious group of corrupt, shameless, and greedy people with strong government connections (said to be mostly affiliated to the Democratic party) that procure kidneys from poor people and sell them for $160,000 for transplant to ailing patients. He used religion as a cover.

The decade-long illegal activity was cracked open by the efforts of Republican Chris Christie, a former US attorney who had been against the administration of NJ Gov. Jon Corzine (D). The crusading prosecutor and many New Jersey citizens had been critical of the governor whose leadership was blamed for the poor handling of the state’s economy.

The graft and corruption is getting rampant and freely laid in the open in the United States. There is a shift in the ethical and moral standards of the nation as secular progressives and believers of relativism influence the psyche of the nation. If not corrected, America is in danger of losing its long-held values---its credibility, leadership, and moral standing in the world. (Photo Credit: AP/ Mel Evans x 2) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Claiming poverty, Imelda Marcos seeks the return of her P15 billion jewels

6/16/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After complaining that she is dirt poor, Imelda Marcos demands that the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) return her P15 billion jewel collection confiscated from her during her husband’s fall from power. Mrs. Marcos is seeking the gem collection which was taken from her by the government as part of her accumulated ill-gotten wealth.

The PCGG divided the jewelry collection into three: The Malacañang collection, which includes pieces confiscated from the Palace after the Marcos family fled from the People Power revolt in 1986; the Hawaii collection seized by the American Customs; and the Roumeloites collection that the Bureau of Customs seized from a Greek national.---PDI (06/15/09, Torres, T; Tandoc, E. Jr.)

In 2007, the PCGG planned to auction the state-sequestered assets to bring about P30 billion for the government, but such plan did not materialize. Government authorities who for more than 20 years did not rule on the timely disposition of the jewelry are just about to study if the valuables should rightfully be returned to Marcos. (Photo Credit: newsflash.org) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Teary-eyed, Imelda Marcos swears on poverty anew

6/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a tragi-comic declaration, Imelda R. Marcos, the ageing widow of strong-man dictator Ferdinand Marcos asked the Sandiganbayan to spare her from “persecution” citing she is old and poor. The well-known extravagant lady complains of having to pay a P750,000 travel bond in her recent trip abroad.

Insisting on her innocence and protesting the sluggishness of the judicial rulings on the corruption charges she was accused of since the 1980’s, the 79 year-old pompous former first lady, said,

"Why is this taking so long? When they filed these cases in 1986, I was only 56 years old. In three weeks I will be 80! Justice delayed is justice denied. Ano bang kasalanan ko? Maawa naman kayo sa akin… I did so many projects … Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Center… and I am being punished for it.

Bakit hanggang ngayon kinakastigo ako. Ganito ba talaga ang judicial system sa ating bansa? Bakit ako ginaganito? Ano ba ang naging kasalanan ko? Minahal ko kayong lahat," she said. Malaya (06/12/09, Tabingo, P.)

It's unclear whether her audience is taking her seriously.

In April 6, 2009, GMANews.TV reported that Imelda came out in Newsweek magazine's most greedy people of all time along with Marcus Licinius Crassus, Genghis Khan, Pope Sixtus IV, William Vanderbilt, Willam Tweed, Empress Dowager Cixi, Charles Ponzi, Ivan Boesky, Dennis Kozlowski, and Bernard Madoff.

The flamboyant lady traveled to Singapore last June 2, 2009 for eye treatment. She appeared in Sandiganbayan to comply with the stipulations of her travel permit that she presents herself before the Clerk of Court within five days of her return. She said her travel was paid for by her children. (Photo Credit: ReikoChan) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon “Jueteng” thrives well in Camarines Sur

6/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In an amazing revelation, an informer disguised as "Rod" revealed that at least P3.8 million is collected daily from “jueteng, ” the illegal gambling which operates in at least 31 towns in Camarines Sur. Jueteng sucks in poor man’s money from bettors who expect to win in the outlawed numbers game.

Protected by politicians and police officers in the area for at least 3 years now, Rod who is ready to be a whistleblower, claimed P1 million comes from the first district, P1 million from the second district, P700,000 from the third district, and P960,000 from the fourth district. The amounts included daily collections from the cities of Naga (second district) and Iriga (fourth district), he added. At least P280,000 is being collected daily from the capital town of Pili (second district) These amounts, Rod claimed, would be used to finance the upcoming 2010 presidential election. ----PDI (06/04/09, Soltes JC, Davila, JR; Cardinoza, G)

If true, this gambling operation is consistent to the endemic graft and corruption that goes from the provinces reaching up to the national level. Local and international groups have been pointing the unlawful practice to the government which stifles the progress of the country. Yet, in spite of many complaints, nothing tangible has been done to wipe out the corruptive gambling practice. (Photo Credit: Our simple journey in life) =0=

RELATED BLOG: Fighting corruption with "Moral Force Movement" Posted by mesiamd at 4/08/2009

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PostHeaderIcon RP lagging behind Asia’s competitive nations

5/23/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


As the country focuses on the risque sex video scandal of plastic surgeon Hayden Kho and starlet Katrina Halili, we get distracted from significant national issues like the latest corruption charges against high ranking military men ---allegedly pocketing millions of pesos intended for soldiers in the 2007 US-RP Balikatan exercises. The "Euro Generals Scandal" which involved the embarrassing money laundering of high ranking Filipino military officers discovered by Russian authorities in Moscow has been forgotten.

Now, consistent with these scandals, a report which impacts on every Filipino tells of the floundering global competitiveness of the country. It’s the kind of bad news that we rather not talk about. This year RP placed a dismal 43rd out of 57 in the World Competitive Yearbook released by the Swiss Business School.

“Among 12 Asian countries on the list, the Philippines got the poorest ranking with Hong Kong considered as the world’s second most competitive country, next to the United States. Singapore ranked 3rd; Japan, 17th; Malaysia, 18th; China, 20th; Taiwan, 23rd; Thailand, 26th; Korea, 27th; India, 30th; Kazakhstan, 36th, and Indonesia, 42nd.

The Philippines’ competitiveness grade regressed the past five years having been ranked 40th in 2005, 42nd in 2006, 45th in 2007 before improving to 40th last year.
The economic performance of the country deteriorated progressively since 2005 when it was ranked 36th, 45th in 2006 and 2007, and 42nd last year.

On government efficiency the Philippines was ranked 42nd, on business efficiency, 32nd and infrastructure second to the last at 56th. ”---Daily Tribune (05/21/09, del Callar, MP)

The reason given for the fall in RP's ranking is graft and corruption. So we tell ourselves what’s new? The data above are very disconcering. We have enough black-eyes to deal with.

As long as we don’t do something about corruption, with our economic stagnation, morale and moral decline will continue. Even the United Nations (UN) has warned us that lack of government oversight on foreign aid and the national budget, paves way to graft which weakens the government. (Photo Credit: Stormcrypt)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Corruption charges for 17 DPWH officials in World Bank collusion scandal

3/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Coming from a belabored delay on what to do with the World Bank’s (WB) report of corruption in the bidding of road projects in the Philippines, the office of the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigate corruption charges on former sec. Florante Soriquez and 16 other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH.)

If proven they are liable for violations of Section 3 (e) and (i) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act; Section 4A (a) and (b) of RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees; grave misconduct; dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service; and neglect in duty, in connection with the bidding for two projects under the $150-million National Roads Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1.---Business Mirror (03/25/09, Solmerin, Z)

17 Officials Charged

1. Florante Soriquez—former sec. DPWH
2. Manuel Bonoan, chairman of Bids and Wards Committee (BAC) for Visayas and Mindanao projects
3. Bashir D. Rasuman, BAC assistant secretary
4. Salvador Pleyto, BAC assistant secretary
5, Juanito Abergas as BAC members;
6. Mocamad M. Raki-in Sr., vice chairman for the Mindanao area;
7. Rafael C. Yabut, vice Chairman for Operations for Area III.
8. Emersson L. Benitez, BAC member, project manager III and head of the BAC-Technical Working Group;
9. Baliame P. Mamainte, project director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development-Project Management Office (IBRD-PMO);
10. Lope S. Adriano, the project director of the IBRB-PMO;
11. Joel I Jacob, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the legal service;
12. Camilo G. Foronda, OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
13. Antonio Manalo, Jr., Bureau of Research and Standards
14. Director Walter R. Ocampo, director of the Bureau of Construction;
15. Leonora Cuenca, , OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
16. Mario Bandelaria, project director of the IBRB-PMO
17. Florencio I. Aricheta, a representative of the National Constructors Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Construction Association.

"Graft investigators found sufficient documentary evidence to show that a violation of the Procurement Law has been committed. All 17 DPWH officials are being charged for approving bids that went beyond the approved budget of the $150-million National Road Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1"----Mark Jaladoni, assistant Ombudsman. Philstar (03/26/09, Punongbyan, M)

The scandal linked Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, of bid rigging, causing a lot of public embarrassment when Philippine officials appear to stall the probe in spite of the leads given by a foreign lending bank like WB.

With competence and integrity in question, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who is saddled with an impeachment case against her, was heavily criticized for not acting on the corruption charges expeditiously. Sen. Miriam D. Santiago also led a "probe to nowhere" on the anomaly which disappointed the public. (Photo Credit: Mannan3) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "WB-funded road contracts & the US State Department’s charges of graft and corruption." Posted by mesiamd at 2/28/2009; "Who bears the shame in the senate investigation of WB corruption scandal?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/16/2009; "World Bank opens a can of worms & Sen. Miriam D. Santiago investigates" Posted by mesiamd at 2/13/2009

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PostHeaderIcon WB-funded road contracts & the US State Department’s charges of graft and corruption.

2/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


For some weeks now, World Bank (WB) tells us of the corruptive practice which rigs the bidding of the foreign bank-funded road projects in the Philippines. Instead of being thankful to the international lending institution for giving important leads to curb corruption, some of our government officials have been defensive.

Without tangible effort to find out the truth, supporters of the Arroyo government thought of filing a “diplomatic protest.” As if to way lay the investigation, Sen. Santiago pompously crowed over “court evidence” and insisted on the foreign bank officials to feed the senate investigation with all the details of the allegation. WB officials in turn told our government investigators they couldn’t do the job for us. Careful not to trample on our national “pride,” they said it wasn’t the foreign bank’s duty. Yes, why then couldn't we have our investigation without the help of an outsider like the foreign bank?

Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria Arroyo, was at the center of the WB scandal. Santiago, an Arroyo ally, behaved as though it was WB’s interest over our own national interest that criminal wrong-doing be proven. The foot-dragging that followed demonstrated the lack of resolve to get into the bottom of the case. The inquiry led by Sen. Miriam D. Santiago was haphazard, diversionary and inutile.

If only to heighten our shame and incompetence, the US State Department, on a separate issue of human rights, called on our government to exert more in stopping graft and corruption. In its “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in 2008,” released last February 25, 2009, the department disclosed corruption in government agencies and the judiciary was among the reasons why basic human rights continued to be violated in the Philippines.

“'The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption; however, the government did not implement the law effectively, and officials often engaged in corrupt practices with impunity,' the report says."---Inquirer (02/28,/09, Dizon, N; Burgunio, TJ)



What they are saying about us is consistently embarrassing, but many of us choose to keep the usual silence. Malacanang Press secretary Cerge Remonde tries to be “smart” by dismissing the accusations as merely perceptions and therefore not rooted on reality.

“Corruption is really more…perception than reality. This perception is making us more aware and more conscious of the problem. More people become vigilant in watching graft and corruption,” Remonde told a news conference at the Palace on Friday."---PDI, (02/27/9, Guinto, J.)

Others like Remonde in government are defensive by pointing that even USA and other countries have shares of the same problem. Apologists for the country say the Philippines isn’t the only one. They try to downplay the stark contrast in how other countries respond to stop graft and corruption.(Photo Credit: Animationcomics) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo" Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009

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