Showing posts with label politcs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politcs. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans

11/24/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


The gruesome massacre which left at least 36 people dead after they were kidnapped in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines had been blamed on political rivalries involving leaders of the powerful Ampatuan clan.

Four survivors whose identities were not disclosed alleged that they heard Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr say the killings were demanded by his father Andal Sr. and older brother Zaldy, the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Among the victims was Genalyn T. Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Manguddatu, the chief political rival of the powerful Ampatuans. Genalyn died with the convoy which included Toto’s two sisters, two lawyers, about a dozen journalists and supporters who did not survive the shootings perpetrated by heavily-armed men. Military authorities set up check-points to find the suspects.

At the time of the killings, the ill-fated group was about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for Toto Manguddatu’s run for governor at the Maguindanao Comelec Office in the provincial capital of Shariff Aquak--- a place controlled by the Ampatuan family.

The senseless bloodbath, the most vicious in memory, was condemned by local and international groups such as the Bishops-Ulama Conference, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres).(Photo Credit: wikimedia) =0=

UPDATE: The Philippine government declared a stte of emergency in the place where the massacre occured as the number of causualties mounted. This will allow curfews and searches to be done by authorities as they search for the gunmen that killed 46 people. Press freedom groups and journalists doubt if justice will be served in this ignominious murders.

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PostHeaderIcon Afghanistan election: why is Pres. Hamid Karzai leading the race?

9/07/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post



The contentious presidential election in Afghanistan has not been settled. The country’s Independent Election Commission reveals about 500 voting posts have been rejected because of accusations of fraud. The counting at this time puts Karzai ahead of his rival Abdullah Abdullah with total votes of 48.6% and 31.7% respectively.

According to the New York Times report, Karzai and his supporters put up about 800 fraudulent polling places to rig the election Moreover it was alleged by Afghan and Western leaders that the votes in certain voting stations far exceeded the usual number, some as high as 10 times the usual.

As the alleged cheating is being investigated, the final tall of election results is expected to be finished next month. The IEC has received more than 2,000 complaints related to the election last August 30. 2009. (Photo Credit: World Economic Forum) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Green czar resigns; raises questions on the need for the other “czars” in the White House

9/07/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


The czar system that provides counsel to Pres. Barack Obama gets a beating with the resignation of Van Jones, the White House green jobs and energy adviser.

Van Jones’ being forced to leave office casts doubts on the usefulness of the “czars” who serve as presidential advisers whose backgrounds and expertise aren't properly vetted. With practcally no one to answer to except the president, their positions aren't approved by congress, hence the question of propriety, competence, and accountability.

Among the 31 “czars” working for the White House, Jones is supposed to be an “expert” on environmental quality jobs and energy issues. He was heavily criticized for his radical left-wing political alliances and derogatory comments against the Republicans. A known civil rights activist and lawyer before he became an ”environmental expert,” his extremist background was exposed in stunning detail by Fox News TV host Glen Beck.

In the past, Jones engaged in abrasive rhetoric and he stated that the Bush administration might have been complicit in the “staging” of the 911 attack. In defense he said, he was a victim of “vicious smear campaign” forcing him to resign so he would not come on the way of Obama’s agenda. While others are relieved of Jones' decision, his supporters, mostly from the democratic party, expressed regrets over his resignation. (Photo Credit: AFP; Getty Images; Bucci, V.) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 2010 Presidential Election: Ninoy son rises?

9/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


In a twist of political change, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, the son of martyred hero Ninoy Aquino and Pres. Corazon Aquino has forged a pact with Sen. Manuel Roxas to tie-up in the incoming 2010 election.

Originally mulling to run for president, Sen. Roxas announced on Tueday, September 1, 2009 at Club Filipino that he is giving way to Noynoy to be the Liberal Party’s candidate in the presidential May election. In tandem, he plans to run as vice-president intead----in favor of Noynoy,a candidate with strong capital from a dynastic political clan and whose whose matriarch, Cory Aquino recently passed away.

Sen. Roxas’ decision will surely spark adjustments among those who plan to run. Whether his political move will come out good for the country remains to be seen. Sen. Roxas believes his decision is a sacrifice for the unity of the country needing sweeping overhaul.

Meanwhile, Sen. Manuel Villar thinks he will proceed with his candidacy separate from Aquino while ex-president Joseph Estrada says he will withdraw from the race if the opposition fields only one candidate. The business community welcomes the political move with some skepticism, noting that Sen. Aquino hasn’t proven much in his stint in the legislature. (Photo Credit: Cheryl Ravelo/ Reuters) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Early election fever catches on in Manila

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


A Presidential Election for Better Philippines?

In August 31, 2009, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) posts the above photo of possible candidates for the coming presidential election slated next year. Among those who participated in the "unity walk" are from (L to R) Jejomar Binay, JC delos Reyes, Francis Escudero, Joseph Estrada, Bayani Fernando, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Jamby Madrigal, Francis Pangilinan, Nicanor Perlas, Mar Roxas, Eddie Villanueva and Manny Villar.

There is wild talk on who will align with whom to make a winning presidential team, but no platform is set out in the open. (Photo Credit: Orbeta, N. J.) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon From stratospheric high, Barack Obama’s job approval falls to the ground

8/06/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


The president of the United States does not lack good intentions to overhaul the entire America or perhaps the world. Since his landmark win as the first black commander in chief, he pursues an ambitious plan of “change” that for a while the public supports. Americans want to give him a chance to succeed.

But 8 months after election, the doubts and fears of America have taken shape. The budget deficit has grown to an all time high. There is too much spending and borrowing by an increasingly intrusive government. Unemployment is still on the rise. Economic recovery is plagued by conflicting reports of stalling and rebound from "experts" that are hard to trust. Accountability (particularly in the administration's spending and borrowing) is virtually absent.

Healthcare reform is hard sell. It is more costly than the current system Obama wants to replace. There is widespread fear of a socialistic government-controlled Canadian-like system that threaten to ration services, curtail approval of diagnostics and treatment, delay services, limit the choice of doctors and their treatment options, and jack up taxes. This comes when 85% of Americans like their current insurances and the services they offer.

As a result, Barack Obama’s job approval rating is sliding fast and is down to 50%.

“Exactly half of the registered voters surveyed from July 27 to Aug. 3 by Quinnipiac said they approve of the job Obama is doing, compared with 42 percent who disapprove. That’s down from 57 percent approval and 33 percent disapproval.
The poll found that voters disapprove of the way Obama is handling the economy by 49 percent to 45 percent.

On his effort to overhaul of the health-care system, 52 percent disapprove of his handling of the issue while 39 percent approve. Only foreign policy offered a bright spot: 52 percent of poll respondents approved of his job on this front, compared with 38 percent who disapproved.” Bloomberg.com (08/06/09, Jensen, K)

What is clear is good intentions do not necessarily translate to good results. Theory in governance doesn’t always jibe with practice. Even with eloquence, the claim of experts and leaders must always be seen with caution. A president with glowing grassroots ideas from Harvard does not guarantee godly results. It’s dangerous to rock the boat with promises. Change comes magically, but not always in a hurry. (Photo Credit: nmfbihop) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon GMA comes to Cory Aquino's wake

8/05/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post


There was the necessity and perhaps the obligation. She needed to come for the wake of Pres. Cory Aquino. Against the discomfort of raised eyebrows and snide remarks, maybe, that's what Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo felt. After she arrived with her entourage on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from her trip in the United States, she hastily went to Manila Cathedral at about 3:30 early morning to view Cory’s remains and condoled with the bereaved family. Days before, to honor the dead ex-president, she declared a 10-day national mourning.

The visit was politically charged. Accusing her of rigging the election, Arroyo was asked by Cory Aquino to resign at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal. As far as the public can tell, it was a wound in both women's back which needed repair.

Despite irritations, GMA was politely welcomed by Cory’s son Noynoy Aquino and briefly, she stayed after a quick prayer in front of the bier. She only stayed for about 7 minutes.

Reports said, the president’s short visit interrupted public the viewing of Cory's huge adoring crowd. With other unspecified reasons, Arroyo's decision to come and leave early was more to give time for people in long lines to see Cory’s remains as the interment drew near.(Photo Credit: justgivemepeace) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op

8/01/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post




There is unexplained elation in Gloria M. Arroyo’s “successful” meeting with Pres. Barack Obama. The president and her supporters show palpable delight, as if something big has been achieved after seeing the face of “god.” Whatever the achievement, the Filipinos are still scrambling to know.

If there is something uniquely surprising about the Filipino's expectation on the gains of meeting Pres. Obama, ask Sen. Lito Lapid. He said he would do anything to have a photograph with the most powerful man in the world---"I hope I’d be lucky enough to be chosen among the five that would be allowed to accompany the President when she meets Obama.” Such slobbering from a senator is odd.

Obama who is extremely popular in the Philippines sees that the county as the chief ally of America in Asia. In blurry terms, his statement that country will serve a “coordinating link” to the ASEAN countries is flattering. His conversation with GMA on regional security, the economy, foreign aid, and mutual cooperation may have pushed through, but the question is: how do their words become success for the country? What do their pronouncements mean? At best, if Arroyo achieved anything, not so many Filipinos understand.

That’s why in USA and in the Philippines there are murmurs of dissent. Fil-Am activists staged rallies in Washington and California to protest Arroyo’s corruption and human rights records. In Manila, Bayan members lambasted the president for a trip that they think won’t benefit the people. Many who disapprove of GMA took to the streets in a new wave of condemnation. There are those who are bitter to be reminded that the Philippines is still a “colony” and serves as an “errand” boy of America. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Jim Young; Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco) =0=

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