tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91438175562640903412024-03-24T17:21:43.311+08:00Dulz SpeaksUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-78647021988179225982015-04-15T00:40:00.000+08:002015-04-15T00:40:02.685+08:00COURT FINDS JANET NAPOLES GUILTY OF ILLEGAL DETENTION<br />
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After a year of closely watching the outcome of what Anonymous revealed via this blog and other social sites, we score a win against the menace called Janet Lim Napoles. This is the sort of news that Filipinos wish to read on a daily basis.</h2>
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Makati Trial Court Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda sentenced Janet Lim Napoles to twenty years and a day up to 40 days in prison, or <i>reclusion perpetua,</i> for the illegal detention of Benhur Luy from December 19, 2012 to March 22, 2013. Napoles was also ordered to pay Luy the amount of P50,000 in moral damages and P50,000 in civil damages. </h4>
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<span style="color: #525252; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">Alameda said in his decision that the prosecution was able to establish that Luy was illegally detained for three months. </span><span style="color: #525252; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;">The judge said Napoles did not testify but only submitted a memorandum arguing that the only evidence or act where the prosecution established her participation in the crime was when she uttered “ikulong na yan, ikulong na yan (Detain him, detain him)” last Dec. 19, 2012.</span><br />
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“The discourse of Janet in her memorandum cannot be given any evidentiary value because she did not testify. Her arguments were not established by direct testimony. Her failure to testify prevented the prosecution from examining her to test her credibility,” Alameda added.</div>
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The judge also said that while Luy was in detention, Napoles had “ample opportunity” to order his release but she never did.</div>
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“Clearly, she willingly agreed to be part of the conspiracy with her brother Jojo. Her inaction can be construed as assent to their evil deeds,” the decision further read.</div>
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Luy is now the key witness in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by Napoles.</div>
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Napoles, who earlier refused to enter a plea regarding the serious detention charges against her, is now detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The court ordered her transfer to the Women's Correctional facility in Mandaluyong City.</div>
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Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-71413403517049864102014-02-17T01:51:00.000+08:002014-02-27T08:32:01.301+08:00MGA EKSENANG VALENTINE'S DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3aAD2tlvul8/UwD4nxzTzTI/AAAAAAAAF94/F5HjHzVd57Y/s1600/valen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3aAD2tlvul8/UwD4nxzTzTI/AAAAAAAAF94/F5HjHzVd57Y/s1600/valen.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I. Nagwawala, Nawawala</span></h3>
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Dahil Valentine's Day, kailangang mag-date din kami nina Tatty, Tanya, at Thirdy. Parang mali ang desisyon namin na lumabas nang alas-sais na ng gabi. Grabe ang trapik! Buwis-buhay! Kumbakit ba naman kasi nagkasabay-sabay ang Friday, Valentine's Day, at araw ng sweldo? Eh di inabot kami ng halos isang oras hanggang Market!Market! Ang dating 90 pesos na taxi fare, naging 150 ata. So the date must go on. Para mas sweet, sa Metro Supermarket kami nag-date. Ang saya! tulak-tulak ng push cart, abot-abot lang ng diaper, shampoo, sabon.. pili-pili ng rice, ng chicken cuts... saway-saway din ng maliliit na daliri na inaabot ang di dapat inaabot.. Kakaibang Valentine's Day namin ni Tatty in 20 years!</div>
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Bandang alas-nuwebe na ng gabi nong nakalabas kami ng mall. Andaming may bitbit na roses and teddy bears. Pero mas natuwa ako sa magdyowa na ito. Yakap ni girl ang teddy bear na may ribbong pula at isang bouquet ng red roses, yong long stem. Naka-mini skirt si girl. Malaki na ang tiyan.</div>
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So diretso kami sa Taxi Bay sa may Fruit Stand. Approaching pa lang kami nang marinig ko ang malakas na boses. </div>
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Isang lalaki ang nagsisisigaw. Nagwawala si kuya. Inaaway ang asawa. Sus ginoo. Eskadalo ang eksena. Dedma naman ang mga nasa pila. Kunyari walang naririnig, walang nakikita. Ako naman, hindi pwedeng di ko alam ang nagaganap sa paligid ko. Malay ko ba kung may safety and security hazard pala, di ba? Joke.. likas na uzi lang talaga ako ;)) So bumili ako ng fruit mix, sabay tanong sa tindera: "Anong nangyari? Bakit nagsisisigaw yong mama?" Nasa pila na pala ng taxi ang mag-asawa saka nila narealize na di na nila kasama ang anak nila. In short, nawawala ang anak nila. Sa sobrang excitement ata nila ni misis, nalimutan nilang may kasama silang anak. Etong si kuya, nakiusap sa tinderang kausap ko na makikicharge ng cp. Dahil bawal daw, hindi sya pinayagan ni tindera. Lalong nagalit si kuya. Umalis sila sa pila makaraang nagsisisigaw sya.</div>
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Moral of the story: Wag feeling dalaga't binata ha. Di porke Valentine's Day, dedma na ang mga anak. Bumili din ng power pack. Sana lang nakita nila ang anak nila sa dami ng tao kagabi. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">II. Ayaw Mo Na, Gusto Ko Pa</span></h3>
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Mag-aalas diyes y media na. Nakatayo lang ako, nakakapit sa push cart. Sina Tanya at Thirdy, nasa may kaliwa ko, nakaupo sa monobloc chairs, kumakain ng cheese bread. Nagkukulitan as usual.</div>
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Isang babae at dalawang lalaki naman ang tumigil sa tapat naming mag-iina habang ang Tatty namin ay nakapila sa taxi bay. Nagbubulungan sila. Si Boy 1, hawak ang cp, nakahalukipkip. Medyo chubby si Boy 1, chinito. Si Girl, simple lang. Walang make-up. Naka-maong at white shirt. Para siyang naiinis kasi maya't maya ang pagdadabog. Hila nang hila sa strap ng backpack nya. Si Boy 2 naman medyo payat. Naka-red and black checkered polo, maong, at bull cap. May hawak na malaking stuffed toy. As in malaki, yong halos tag 1 thou plus sa Blue Magic. May bitbit din syang isang malaking supot na mukang regalo din ang laman kasi nakalitaw ang ribbon ng kahon sa loob. Lumayo kunti si Girl, sumunod si Boy 2. Bulong nang bulong si Boy 2 kay Girl. Di ko na sana sila papansinin kung hindi dahil sa mga narinig ko.</div>
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Si Boy 1, may tinawagan sa cellphone. Anlakas ng boses. Halatang ipinaparinig sa iba ang sinasabi nya.</div>
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"Attorney, si Alex ito. Si Alex. Oo, number ko to. Ano bang parusa sa bullying, cyberbullying, at harassment? Kasi itong kasama kong girl, hinaharass ng dating officemate namin. Pati ako tinatakot. Sisiraan daw ako sa opisina at magpopost daw sya ng kung ano ano sa facebook ko. Eto o, sunod nang sunod sa amin. Tinatakot kami. Oo, andito kasama namin. Kung ano anong sinasabi."</div>
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Saka ko nilingon si Boy 2. Nakatingin sya kay Boy 1. Medyo umatras sya at naupo sa may likuran nina Tanya at Thirdy. Yakap nya ang teddy bear. Nakatingin pa din kay Boy 1 na tuloy-tuloy sa pakikipag-usap sa phone. Inispeaker phone na ni Boy 1 pero di ko marinig ang kausap nya kasi maingay ang paligid. Tiningnan ko ulit si Boy 2. Matalim lalo ang tingin kay Boy 1. Flashing red na ang panic button ko. Full alert na ang ina. </div>
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"Di kami tinatantanan attorney eh. Anong gagawin ko?.... Okay.So hayaan ko lang attorney tapos gagawa na lang kami ng affidavit?.... Affidavit... Sige. Sa Monday na lang attorney... Okay sige ganun na lang. Thank you attorney. Attorney, tumawag ako sa yo ngayon ha, February 14, 10:30 ng gabi... Sige po Attorney." Then ibinulsa na nya ang cp.</div>
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Ang talim ng titig ni Boy 2 kina Boy 1 at Girl. Ibinababa nya sa tabi nya ang supot ng regalo. Kinabahan ako lalo. Inaabangan kong may ilalabas syang kung ano. Parang nakini-kinita ko na ang posibleng mangyayari. Kinabahan ako. Sinenyasan ko si Tatty na lumapit pero dedma. Mahalaga ang pila nya, mukang di maiwanan.</div>
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Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang kamay ng mga anak ko. Kunyari galit-galitan ako kina Tanya. Hinila ko sila palayo kay Boy 2. Medyo nakayuko ako kasi mababa ang mga inaakay ko.</div>
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"Halika nga kayo dito, ang lilikot nyo ha. Sabi ko tama na ang likot eh..."</div>
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Dalawang hakbang lang nakalayo kami kay Boy 1. Pagtapat ko kay Boy 1, nagsalita ako nang pasimple, mahina lang.</div>
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"Hindi naman itsurang manghohostage yang kasama nyo ano? Natetensyon ako. Anliliit nitong mga anak ko, mamya hablutin na lang nya. Pakilayo nyo na lang dito."</div>
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"Sorry Ate, stalker kasi nito eh." Sabay turo kay Girl. "Ex-bf nya. Kanina pa kami sinusundan." </div>
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"Sabi ko na sa yo, patulong na tayo sa guard. Wala namang pulis dito," sabi nya kay Girl. Si Girl lalong napasimangot.</div>
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"Sige Ate, pasensya po talaga." Tumango lang ako. "Sabi sa yo eh!" Sabay hila kay Girl. Si Boy 1, nilingon ko, sa guard nakatingin. At naglakad na sina Boy 1 at Girl palayo, sa direksyon ng Seattle's Best. Biglang tayo si Boy 2 at sumunod agad sa dalawa. Nagmamadali ang dalawa na makalayo pero parang langaw na nakabuntot si Boy 2. Saka pa lang ako nakahinga nang maluwag nong di ko na sila nakita. </div>
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Moral lesson: Kung ayaw na ng girl, wag nang mangulit. Tanggapin na lang na your time is up. Wag na din bibili ng mamahaling regalo kasi di na din naman oobra yan. Sayang lang. Hindi lahat ng bagay dapat pang ipaglaban. Magsave din ng number ng pulis sa cellphone in case of emergency. </div>
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Araw talaga ng mga puso kahapon- ng mga pusong nagmamahal, ng mga pusong natutuliro, ng mga pusong naghahangad na mahalin muli kesehodang isumbong pa sa attorney.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-13340280369212278822014-02-16T20:26:00.002+08:002014-02-16T21:32:18.780+08:00ATTY. FORTUN THE SPOKESMAN GIVES UP ON CEDRIC LEE<h3 class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Attorney Raymond Fortun, the embattled spokesman of Cedric Lee, has resigned after almost two weeks of <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-tipping-point-atty-raymond-fortun.html" target="_blank">defending his client in trimedia</a>. He cited two reasons why he gave up on Cedric Lee: 1) Filipinos are not yet ready to accept some legal concepts as shown by their inability to "temper their emotions". He blamed this on the "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">inaccurate reportage and the unprofessional actions of certain law enforcement agencies" and 2) Cedric's breach of their agreement that only Atty. Fortun will speak to the media. </span></h3>
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Below is the transcript of his resignation letter. </h3>
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<i>Dear Cedric,</i></div>
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<i>I had been engaged as your spokesman with the objective of being the media’s contact person in all legal as well as factual issues as may be consistent with the thrust of your legal counsels. In this regard, I had faithfully complied with this mandate for the past 12 days, even at peril to my own reputation as a lawyer.</i></div>
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<i>Together with this mandate was an agreement that no statements shall by (sic) anybody from your group without the consent/approval of your counsels and/or spokesman. This has been breached last night.</i></div>
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<i>My personal desire to help you notwithstanding the adverse publicity that you have been receiving is precisely to educate the public on the need to temper their emotions in light of your Constitutional rights to due process, to counsel of your choice, to present a valid and lawful defense, and to confront your accusers in the proper legal setting.</i></div>
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<i>The past several days had made me realize that this country is NOT YET READY to accept these legal concepts, to which I squarely lay the blame on inaccurate reportage and the unprofessional actions of certain law enforcement agencies. That being the case and for the earlier reason mentioned, and in light of my inability to perform the functions for which I was hired, I regret that I must resign as your spokesman effective immediately.</i></div>
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<i>Nonetheless, and in light of the lessons I have learned during my short stint as your spokesman, I will henceforth be devoting some of my time to: (i) ask congressmen to enact legislation so that ALL PERSONS who MAY be facing criminal prosecution be duly informed of their rights (e.g. to remain silent, to the presence of a lawyer etc.) before they are interviewed by TV networks. People accused of crimes also have rights which need to be protected against media frenzy and unfair pre-judgments; and (ii) ask the Supreme Court to resolve the issues in respect of the Constitutionality of the Anti-Cybercrime Law, in order to address the matter of cyber-libels against Filipino citizens. People do have the right to express their opinions about issues, but such freedom does not grant a license to bully, hurl invectives or otherwise destroy one’s reputation without factual basis.</i></div>
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<i>I wish you all the best in your case, and may justice prevail.</i></div>
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<i>Very truly yours,</i></div>
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<i>Raymond Fortun</i></div>
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First point, on the reasons that led to his resignation. If Cedric Lee did not <a href="http://n5e.interaksyon.com/videos/3723F47FF508428/audio-cedric-di-type-si-deniece-dahil-chubby" target="_blank">breach their agreement</a> as spokesman-client last night, I don't think Atty. Fortun will resign despite his observation that the public is adverse towards Cedric. In my humble opinion, Cedric, who lacks self-restraint, broke their agreement and Atty. Fortun was displeased so he resigned. To blame the public is too much.</div>
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In the first place, he decided to accept Cedric as a client when a psychologist was interviewed on tv and interpreted the body language of Cedric. It was not the public's attitude that made him take on the job of a spokesperson. It was, according to him, that "Buzz ng Bayan" segment that made him side with Cedric.</div>
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Second point, on this part of his resignation letter: "<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">My personal desire to help you ... is precisely to educate the public on the need to temper their emotions in light of your Constitutional rights to due process, to counsel of your choice, to present a valid and lawful defense, and to confront your accusers in the proper legal setting."</span><i> </i><br /><br />In my humble opinion, Atty. Fortun has been educating the public on matters of the law, even without serving as the spokesman of some accused persons. Remember his lengthy explanation of <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-lawyers-take-on-paquaio-bir-bout.html" target="_blank">Manny Pacquiao's tax problem</a>? We were educated on taxation and on the liabilities of Manny Pacquiao. Many of us understood the case because Attorney Fortun, the lawyer-teacher, not Manny's spokesperson, enlightened us. So I think the good attorney need no further rationalization- that he wanted to help Cedric "to educate the public on the need to temper their emotions". It is simple. Cedric needed his services and he willingly obliged. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Incidentally, who remembers Atty. Fortun's statement on the kissing scene at the elevator? He said that Cedric and Deniece are not an item. <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2014/02/fortun-on-cedric-kissing-deniece-naahhh.html" target="_blank">They were not <i>mag-syota</i></a>. Unfortunately, the public and the attorney have differing opinion. Isn't it that some Filipinos can tell who are <i>mag-syota</i> and who are not sans law degree? His defense of Cedric's kiss was even construed as </span>an attempt to mislead the public. If his explanation was an attempt to educate the public, then he failed as a teacher.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Third and last point, on this part of his statement: "</span><i style="background-color: transparent;">The past several days had made me realize that this country is NOT YET READY to accept these legal concepts, to which I squarely lay the blame on inaccurate reportage and the unprofessional actions of certain law enforcement agencies."</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Too late a realization. Didn't he realize this when he defended Erap during the impeachment trial many years ago which led to EDSA Revolution v.2? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span>I hope Atty. Fortun will push through with his post-Cedric plans. I agree with Atty. Fortun that "<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People do have the right to express their opinions about issues, but such freedom does not grant a license to bully, hurl invectives or otherwise destroy one’s reputation without factual basis."</span> </i><span style="background-color: transparent;">I know that even Atty. Fortun was not spared from cyberbullying since he took on the role of Cedric's spokesman. There are many more victims of cyberbullying out there so t</span>his is important for everyone. </div>
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So how will Atty. Fortun's resignation affect Cedric? This case has become even more interesting. Or less interesting? What do you think?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-7903159084776840192014-02-14T03:32:00.000+08:002014-02-16T20:46:35.242+08:00FORTUN ON CEDRIC KISSING DENIECE: "Naahhh hindi sila mag-syota."<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">"good, you saw it too. CL was forcing himself."</span></i></h3>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">-Attorney Raymond Fortun</span></i></div>
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Alam kong hate na ng iba ang topic na ito. Cheap nga daw sabi pa ng iba. Pero para sa akin, nakakaaliw lang. I take it as a chance to learn about the intricacies of law. I am following Atty. Fortun's fb posts and I learn a lot from his topics. I can't help but marvel at his guts in answering almost all questions, anti or pro, in shielding his ward, Cedric Lee, and in standing by his oath as a lawyer. Foremost, he is a lawyer-teacher kaya I am drawn to him in a way.</h4>
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So there's a new CCTV footage released by NBI and broadcasted by ABS-CBN news programs. Cedric was seen kissing Deniece inside an elevator in the presence of some companions right on their way up to the condo unit occupied by Deniece. It happened after coming from the police station.</div>
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Syempre, as Cedric's spokesman, Atty Fortun, via his fb account, replied to those who asked for his opinion regarding the kissing scene inside an elevator. It's really a one-man team versus a media giant. </div>
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So to make the long thread short, andito, sinummarize ko ang thread. I have personal questions and hopefully, masagot nya. Madami syang points na naraise na wala pa sa news. One, he still denies na may relasyon sina Deniece at Cedric. Hindi sila magsyota. Two, Cedric forced himself on Deniece in the act of kissing her. Now, that raises more questions than answers.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">So for those who are following this issue, read on. I spared you from sifting through the lengthy thread. </span><br />
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On the video itself</h4>
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<i>"Maybe it's just me, but it looks like the girl didn't even want to be kissed. Others will think otherwise. What matters is, again, what I PERSONALLY KNOW. I have met with DC and CL in a meeting and over dinner. Di ko nakita nor naramdaman na close sila. For me, this is another non-issue because it does not prove or disprove the parties' version of events that night.</i>"</blockquote>
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<i>"This network considers 2 kisses on the cheek as "passionate"? I wonder what a regular kiss to them is. I wonder what adjective they will describe for Vhong Navarro's admission that he got a blowjob from DC."</i> </blockquote>
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<b>Question: Atty, kung sakaling sabihin sa korte ng kalaban nyo na nakita nila sa video na si CL ay "passionately" hinahalikan si DC... mag oobject po b kyo? If yes, why?</b><br />
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<i>"I would object to the use of the word "passionately" then I would pull out the definition from the dictionary. Then I would pull my wife and kiss her in a passionate manner to prove my point. I expect to be sustained by the judge."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Atty, how about the 1st public statement of CL? It contradicta the cctv footages.. how will it affect the case?? </span></b><br />
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<i>"first public statement of CL that they are just friends? As I said, it seemed that the girl didn't even want to be kissed. CL didn't even embrace her, nor did she embrace back. So... The kisses on the cheeks aside, it didn't affect the case."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: Sir does it mean na hindi kayo naniniwalang may nangyaring rape?</b><br />
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<i>"I will not back down on what I had said when this issue came out. I said "it would be DIFFICULT for rape to occur in 1 minute""</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: <span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">attorney, matanong lang...hypothetical question, kung sakaling may namamagitan nga kay CL at DC, anong gagawin nyo?</span></b><br />
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<i>"I have spoken to CL about this CCTV. YOU think it is more than a friendly kiss. Maybe, but the girl did not kiss back, nor did she even hold him. If the girl does not kiss back, what does that tell you, sir? Humalik Ka sa babae pero di Ka hinalikan, Ang Ibig sabihin nun ay "BASTED KA," di po ba? Nothing in this video has made me infer that they had lied to me when they said that hindi sila mag-syota."</i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: red;">(DulzSpeaks: So you have spoken to CL about this CCTV. What did he say? What you related above is your opinion, and not a statement from CL. Di ba ang nababasted ay manliligaw? Shall we take it as a hint that Cedric is a suitor of Deniece?)</span><br />
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<b>Question:<span style="font-family: inherit;"> baka nahiya lang po si DC kaya hindi man lang humawak or nagkiss back? may ibang tao pa kasi sa elevator..</span></b><br />
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<i>"that's probable. We can all speculate the possibles when the cameras and people are not there. But as someone here said, the video is "inconclusive" of a relationship because the girl swung her face away when she was being kissed, and did not even hold the guy. Next issue, please."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Ask natin sa wife ni CL kung friendly kiss nga 'yan. Pag may nag-kiss ng ganyan sa wife mo, Atty, friendly kiss din? </span></b><br />
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<i>"nope, I'd beat up the guy who does it. That is not the point. People here said that this is proof of a relationship and, thus, they lied. Sorry, people, a one-sided kiss (with the girl not kissing back) is NOT proof that they have something going."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: Swung her face but was kissed twice? Ayus ahh</b><br />
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<i>"that is another unfair statement. Kung di sinampal, nagustuhan na? She swung her head away TWICE! She didn't grab him.</i></div>
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<i> "As my wife <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carole.fortun">Carole Fortun</a> can confirm tonight.... If I saw that I was lied to tonight, I would have resigned as his spokesman first thing tomorrow. But the way that the girl avoided the kisses? Naahhh hindi sila mag-syota."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: Hindi sila mag syota, friends with benefits lang. What it shows is CL has something more than friendship on DC. Kung "basted" siya, all the more reason for him to hate VN. VN got something on his last visit....DC would have pushed CL (ok, iba iba ang tao mag react). Atty., guys know that you can't put your body that close to a woman if your "just friends". If it was indeed a friendly kiss, DC smiling shows she's fine and no rape happened. Also, she's fine with CL's actions because she doesn't want to lose the benefits. </b></div>
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<i>"it was a very tense night (whatever version you wanna believe). They had gone to the police station, then came back to fix the unit up. Tiring and tense situation. DC had a lot of reasons to be thankful to CL. Even if she didn't like the kisses, that wasn't the best time to slap him, don't u agree? People! Think and put things in proper perspective."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: Sya nga pala, interpretasyon mo lang ba yan na totoong wala silang relasyon dahil sa umiwas si DC ng tinangka siyang halikan ni Cl o meron yang scientific proof. Etong mga ganitong observations (But the way that the girl avoided the kisses? Naahhh hindi sila mag-syota.) ay maiihalintulad doon sa psychologist na naimbitahang mag-interpret ng body actions nila Navarro, Cornejo at Lee.</b></div>
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<i>"don't mock me. Mine was a conclusion based on a visual observation, buttressed by my own observations after spending time in a meeting and dinner with DC and CL. Unlike this psychologist, I don't judge my conclusions on a short video clip. I spoke to them, I observed them IN PERSON. So if I am shown this video and KNOWING how they are in person, I have REASONABLE BASIS to affirm that they are not mag-syota. You, on the other hand, have NO BASIS except this video. So who's making baseless conclusions, sir?"</i></blockquote>
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<i>"one last thing. That psychologist made the opinion as an "expert" but she violated the very parameters needed by an expert to arrive at a reasonable scientific conclusion. So your comparison between observations and that of the psychologist is so far off that It amounts to a mocking question intended to make you sound smart. Too bad, because I still have an explanation, justification or whatever."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: Atty, seeing the new cctv made me think that eventhough it's just a kiss on the cheeks.The way CL did it where he is kinda forcing a little bit to kiss DC( not sure if "forcing" is the right word) it's weird how you'd treat somebody who just went through a traumatic thing which is "RAPE" like that...Isn't it Sir? Just asking friends tayo :)</b></div>
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<i>"good, you saw it too. CL was forcing himself." </i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: red;">(DulzSpeaks: Why on earth would CL force himself to DC???)</span><br />
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<b>Question: If that's the case atty should that be considered a rape or sexual harassment? Since DC swung her face to address CL na di Nya gusto yung kiss? </b><br />
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<i>"no rape, no sexual harassment. Probably unjust vexation."</i></blockquote>
<b>Question: Pwede rin plang kasuhan ni DC si CL kung ganon.... Ilang taon na kulong yun sir?</b><br />
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<i>"1-30 days or fine."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: You had a dinner meeting with them, after CL claimed on national tv that they don't have a relationship, what do you expect? Of course, they'd act like they don't have a relationship. </b></div>
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<i>"I won't argue with you. They COULD be putting up an act when I met them. They would be good actors to do that. Ummm I'm sure you'll disagree naman on that."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: <span data-reactid=".1.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29630705:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"> </span>sir, ok lang ba sa inyo halikan ang daughter nyo ng ganun ren? (let's say same age sila as DC)</b><br />
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<i>"my daughter is not an issue. What I FEEL if it was somebody I love that is an issue. It neither proves nor disproves the real issues in this case."</i></blockquote>
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<b>Question: sir before u become a spokesman to CL, u once said in ur status here in FB quoted " Attempted rape? Extortion? Or a simple case of a philandering TV personality getting beaten up after being caught inside a condominium provided by a boyfriend?", u assumed already sir that they're in relationship at that time before seeing any evidence? do u still consider this theory after all of this evidence presented? im just curious sir. just my 2 cents. </b></div>
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<i>"the post was meant to incite readers to THINK. Whose version was correct? Was there another version different? And oh yes, I ALSO thought before that they were mag-syota. Who wouldn't when all the elements are there -- beautiful girl, rich Chinese guy, a condo in a high-priced area. But after I had spoken to them and observed them UP CLOSE and for a lengthy period of time, I can state that my earlier impressions were not correct."</i></div>
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From the relentless skeptics: </h4>
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<i>"This footage was after they filed a blotter on Vhong but upon entering the elevator we can see that DC is smiling, I don't think anyone would have that smile if she was violated/almost violated. CL's group filed a blotter on Vhong because he attempted to rape DC but after the complaint CL is now trying to kiss DC. Why would you try to kiss a woman if you're not having an intimate relationship? Is CL trying to violate DC again just after complaining for an attempted rape? In the end that smile just confuses me, you will never have that expression if a person who you thought was your friend/kuya tried to rape you. You will not have that expression for days." </i></blockquote>
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<i>"Atty. I still respect your opinion. No matter how thankful, pagkatapos ma "rape" or ma "semi-rape" ng isang kuya, eto naman si "Friend" nag "chancing". All in one night! What would a girl do? Smile!" </i></blockquote>
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<i>"I would agree that they're not good actors. They're probably just experts. I mean, if ever, this ain't the first time CL had to act like there's nothing going on between him and the girl next to him right? Unlike you and me, we we're out of the market as soon as got married. But CL seems to continue making his list of girls, celebs even, longer and longer....So he need not exert an effort in convincing you that they're just friends."</i></blockquote>
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An Appeal:</h4>
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<i>"Hi atty. i am still a fan. But i am utterly disgusted with what i just read and watched. I am hoping you will just back out po."</i></blockquote>
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Let's see how the case will progress in the coming days.<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">If you want to read the entire thread, click </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.fortun/posts/10151968140612057?comment_id=29630641&offset=0&total_comments=1621&notif_t=feed_comment_reply" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">P.S. The link to his FB thread is not working because apparently he has re-set it to Private. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">UPDATE: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828;"><a href="http://n5e.interaksyon.com/videos/3723F47FF508428/audio-cedric-di-type-si-deniece-dahil-chubby" target="_blank">CEDRIC, 'DI TYPE SI DENIECE DAHIL 'CHUBBY'</a></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-13577463782542379902014-02-06T08:44:00.000+08:002014-02-09T04:29:04.646+08:00THE TIPPING POINT: ATTY. RAYMOND FORTUN IS DEFENSE COUNSEL OF CEDRIC LEE<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Cedric Lee-Deniece Cornejo-Vhong Navarro saga continues. The case is widely discussed in social networks and judgments are already dispensed via Twitter and Facebook even before the cases are filed in the proper court.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When news about the mauling of Vhong Navarro trickled in, Atty. Raymond Fortun, Erap's counsel during his impeachment, pitched in his opinions via his Facebook account. It was clear from the very start that he was not buying the extortion case against Cedric Lee. He thinks that there is no extortion. He explained his opinion and not a few were clarified on his views.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Atty. Fortun's early morning post today is a breaking news. He just formalized what I have been expecting and waiting to read:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Atty. Fortun's post, reposted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"A "tipping point" is the point at which an issue, idea, product, etc., crosses a certain threshhold and gains significant momentum, triggered by some minor factor or change. My life is somewhat an open book to people in my social circle in Facebook. I have not been afraid to speak my mind out on issues that have a public/social dimension. And i have not been wary of talking about a current raging controversy involving a TV/movie personality and a supposed "bad boy". My opinions and comments are ALL a matter of public record. What "broke the camel's back" for me to lean towards the "bad boy" was the episode in The Buzz where a supposed expert in human behaviour analysed the supposed body language of Bad Boy during his one and only interview. As my wife Carole Fortun and i were watching the explanation, i could not help but blurt out, "This is b******t! So if one tilts his head to one side, that is already indicative of lying? If one looks to the side, that means CL was asking for confirmation from somebody else? B******t!" That "The Buzz" episode made me realise how a powerful media entity can use its unlimited resources in order to sway public opinion to demonize a person. This, as a lawyer dedicated to bring out the truth, I cannot accept. I love the underdog. I never rooted for Michael Jordan because he was too good. I never cheered for Jaworski either, because everybody seemed to root for Ginebra. I enjoy the good fight, and i relish handling the toughest cases. Because of what this powerful media network and the NBI have done way beyond their respective duties to the public, Cedric Lee is, in my eyes, an underdog. Justice must be served, but it must not be in accordance with the conductor's beat of someone along Panay Avenue. So i contribute my voice into this dispute NOT TO TWIST THE TRUTH but to make sense of the madness. And i apologise to all of you if you think that i have let you down. At the end of the day, i concede that i cannot please everyone, but my only comfort is that i can face my Maker with a straight face and tell Him that i had done my duty to Him and to my profession."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> He narrated further:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.fortun">Raymond Fortun</a> It is b******t and yet this media outfit featured it. Sabi ko kay Carole, "I would LOVE to cross-examine this doctor and make her opinions look so stupid."<br />
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That very night, CL called me and asked for my help. Fate.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">His Facebook followers were divided in opinion. Some were supportive.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cherrie.villacortepalino">Cherrie Villacorte-Palino</a> I happen to watch it too.. just by actions nadedetect nung doctor na yun kung nagsisinungaling yung tao. Pati rotation ng eye parang pag to the left umikot mata mo nagsisinungaling na agad.. eh pano kung mannerism na yun.. medyo di ako naniwala sa part na yun<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/claire.juco">Claire Hazel Juco</a> Very well said Atty. Raymond Fortun<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/opet.aaron.interior">Aaron Paul Interior</a> swerte ni Cedric...<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.b.jimenez">Jonathan B. Jimenez</a> Hmmmm, im still divided on whats the truth. Truth shall prevail. Pag may katwiran, ipaglaban mo.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rapidodindo">Elijah Dindo Ortiz</a> atty ang importante ang prinsipyo nio, bilib ako sa inio at pinaglalaban nio yan<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tina.villalobos">Tina C. Villalobos</a> If you a have a money to pay atty. Fortun why not? A Lawyer is always a Lawyer...it depends who are their clients</blockquote>
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Some were disappointed.<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528046:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528046:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528046:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528053:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528053:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528053:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528085:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528085:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0"><span data-reactid=".67.1:3:1:$comment10151968140612057_29528085:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/honeygee">Honey Gee Carr</a> CL is not credible (sira integrity niya with all his adulterous relationships) and is certainly not an underdog. He has the right to choose the best atty to defend him. Wala naman lusot Kay Jesus. Makalusot man sa court, God knows the truth. Mas nakakatakot yun.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sandrasuarez.813">Sandra Suarez</a> Haha....The first underdog I've heard of with moves around with bodyguards, no less PNP escorts....the good thing about this? Your client, Cedric Lee is now facing the courts, not only through the eyes of some judge but the entire nation...this will somehow stop him from pushing his weight around...lessons come from every misfortune...good for him he found a fortun! Let me share this. In a tombstone of some lawyer it said: Here lies a lawyer who lies still! Good luck Atty. Fortun...we all know you are one of the best...just proved Cedric is no underdog after all.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joberlie">Joberlie Eran</a> im still for vhong.. I will stick to this principle "no one is above the law and no one is above God." if ma abswelto yang cedric na yan surely they will do it again...<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/livestrong.jjpama">JAy JAy Pama</a> a billionaire underdog huh? with a history of committing adultery an underdog that can afford police escort abugado ka nga sir</blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aldo.yuson" style="font-family: inherit;">Aldo Receno Yuson</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Kung trabaho ng abogado mag-defend, and I agree 100%, mag-defend na lang siya. Wag na subukan i-salvage ang dignidad by posting statuses like this that reeks of guilt and the need for public approval.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To those who questioned the "underdog" label, this is Atty. Fortun's explanation:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.fortun">Raymond Fortun</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.v.santos">Susan Vecina Santos</a> please read my comment again. My "underdog" comment is NOT about the merits of the case, but how this media entity has gone overboard in demonizing the person. Kung nambugbog sya, then let justice be meted out to him. But it is totally unfair to bring out a so-called "behaviour expert" and say that the person is a liar simply because he tilts his head one way. </blockquote>
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To those who were disappointed, Atty. Fortun has this to say:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.fortun">Raymond Fortun</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aldo.yuson">Aldo Receno Yuson</a> I am not asking for public approval sir. But I have friends who will ask why (they have already done so thru text) and FB is the most convenient way. As I said, I do not expect you or other people to believe me, simply because you do not know me personally. For the same reason, I respect your opinion about me and will not make any effort to change your mind. </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">It is indeed a not-too popular decision but everyone deserves to be represented by a counsel of his choice in the court of law. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Some honest-to-goodness questions I want to ask Atty. Fortun: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you watched the CCTV footage? Is not the video contradictory to what Cedric narrated in his first tv interview? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why base your decision to defend Cedric on a psychiatrist's opinion and why not give more weight on the CCTV footage that is more "factual" if you are after the truth? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you convinced that Deniece Cornejo was raped? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you really think it's "fate" that brought CL to you? or was it Facebook since you were so vocal with your opinions from the start that your doubt the extortion angle and someone might have tipped Cedric to call you? </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The opinion of the psychiatrist that you want to cross-examine is not that important to the case since Cedric has admitted that he and his friends mauled Vhong. How would you defend someone who has already confessed to the crime? </span></blockquote>
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Do you support Atty. Fortun's decision? Tell us in the comments section below.<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">This case has become even more interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">UPDATE:<br /><br />Atty. Raymond Fortun has clarified that he is not one of the lawyers of Cedric Lee. He is Lee's spokesman. (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/02/08/14/fortun-lee-spokesman-not-lawyer)<br /><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-56464050133613817022014-02-03T02:42:00.002+08:002014-02-17T03:32:23.524+08:00CONFRONTATION WITH THE DEAD<br />
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When I boarded Cebu Pacific for Cebu last March 28, I carried with me 5 pairs of pants and blouse, 1 dozen undies, 3 pairs of shoes, and 30 years of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">necrophobia</span>. I was going to attend a Forensic Chemistry training at FILE Academy of Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Artemio</span> I. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Panganiban</span>, the 10-year President of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PCAP</span>. I was not worried about the Chemistry part of the training. What I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cannot</span> get over with was the image of the cadaver in the FILE Academy brochure that was enclosed in the letter of invitation.</div>
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The training went well until The Day came. We shall be going to the Rolling Hills Funeral Parlor somewhere in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mandaue</span> City. There was this European tourist who allegedly fell off the rooftop of his hotel. The doctor would be happy to have with him some 20 observers while he did the autopsy. This is it! I have to face The Dead once and for all. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tatty's</span> "go go go go hon!" was more than enough to make me ride the van along with the rest. I didn't know whether I was all alone in my agony. All I know was that they all appeared relaxed and composed. </div>
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Well, we lost our way for half an hour. When we finally found the funeral parlor, we were almost an hour late. The doctor was waiting in the embalming room. To reach it, we have to pass through a row of white coffins. I slowed down and asked the old man who was sharpening a knife, <em>"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Manong</span>, may <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">laman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mga</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">yan</span>?"</em> Can you imagine the reaction of the old Cebuano? He paused and stared at me, his knife in his right hand. Maybe he did not know what I was talking about but he just said "<em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Diretso</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lang</span></em>!". </div>
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The hairs in my nape and arms stood in attention as I passed along the white coffins. Aha, there's the room with the hospital-green curtain. I pushed the glass door and I was immediately welcomed by the familiar smell of Zoo 113 lab in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">UPLB</span>. The good doctor was standing in a grand pose, holding his pen and inspecting the stretched Dead in the table, doing the post-mortem.</div>
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Where was I?</div>
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I took small, slow steps towards where the action was. My eyes were fixed to the Man on the Table. My heart took an unusual calmed beating. My diaphragm was rhythmically ascending and descending. From my vantage position, I could see that The Dead was naked with only a frayed hand towel covering his genitalia. I could see the scalp of The Dead. I could see his pale skin. I could very well see every nail in his toes. His graying, flattened abdomen. The bruises with dried blood on his forehead. The deep cut in his left heel. But not his face. I didn't want to see his face. I want to have a good sleep every night.</div>
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When the doctor ordered his assistant to turn The Dead on his right side, I was caught off-guard. I nearly panicked when I saw his eyes. I was jolted back to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">necrophobic</span> senses. It was a human! I took one then two then three paces backwards away from where the action was. I was ready to flee! The small voice inside my head was shouting: "<em>Don't you turn around and run! You'll be back to zero! You're here! Just Face The Dead</em>!!!" I faced The Dead. I stayed.</div>
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The doctor ordered the finale, the Autopsy. Dissection time. What a sharp knife! One slice and everything came into full view. I saw Everything that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">didn't</span> want to see. I was hypnotized... The bone saw was equally sharp. The inside of the human body was revealed to everyone in the room. I promised the pigs and the cows that I won't eat members of their tribes anymore out of respect. And because I don't easily forget. </div>
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The doctor chattered away. Cameras clicked and captured every angle, every slice, every part of the human anatomy. Then it's over.</div>
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The Dead who haunted me for 35 years was left open in the table. He did not look exactly like the man whose picture graced the front page of a Cebu tabloid the following day. He was not a person, he was a cadaver. A helpless cadaver.</div>
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I was silent all the way back to FILE Academy. <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Ganun</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">pala</span> yon... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Ganun</span> LANG <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">pala</span> yon</em>.<br />
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I was afraid of the dead for a long time! Necrophobia controlled my life. It even shrunk Papa's dream of having a daughter in his family. If I had only conquered my fear at once, I could have been somebody else.</div>
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One thing that was imprinted in my photographic memory was this: Death is so mean. An autopsy kills a person for the second time around for the sake of knowing why and how the first death happened.</div>
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I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">texted</span> Tatty: "<em>Hon, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">pag</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">namatay</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">ako</span>, wag mo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">ako</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">ipapaautopsy ha</span></em>..." He replied, "<em>of course not, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">maliban</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">na</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">lang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">pinatay</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">ka</span></em>." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Ewww</span>....</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-91522819743088237782014-02-02T00:49:00.005+08:002014-02-17T02:10:10.450+08:007 TIPS ON HOW TO SPOT A LIAR<div style="text-align: justify;">
This never-ending saga of Deniece Cornejo and Cedrick Lee and Vhong Navarro has been dominating the social networks for quite sometime now. The main issue has shifted from "<i>kawawa naman si Deniece/Buti nga sa yo, Vhong</i>" to "<i>Sinungaling yang sina Deniece at Cedrick/Kawawa naman si Vhong</i>". We've seen the CCTV footage and the NBI was firm in saying that a rape is quite impossible. Someone or some people are not telling the truth. </div>
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Let's review this video before we proceed.<br />
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How would you know if a person is lying? Do you believe that a liar cannot see you in the eye? Here are some tips on how to tell if someone is not being truthful.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">1. Pay close attention to micro-expressions in the face. </span><br />
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These expressions are hard to control and hide and the liar may or may not know that she has them. Although these clues are hard to detect, you may be able to spot a liar by the gush of red color on her cheeks since anxiety causes blushing. Also, watch out for flared nostrils, lip nibbling, deep breathing, and rapid blinking - all hints to a brain that works overtime. Sudden elongation of the nose does not count.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">2. Note the fit between face, body, voice, and speech. </span><br />
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An animal that wants to avoid detection keeps its movement to a minimum and try to appear smaller. So aside from facial expressions, examine posture, body, and voice. A liar may pull his arms and legs inward and shove his hands behind his back for fear that those fingers might give them away. There is a change in voice also. Nose-scratching is a subtle clue. Remember Bill Clinton's 88 touches on his nose while being questioned about Monica Lewinsky? Strange behaviors are normal among liars.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">3. That smile.</span><br />
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Aside from facial movements, notice how a person smiles. You can detect a person's true feelings and emotions that she is trying to hide by the way she smiles. A genuine smile incorporates both lips and eyes. A tight smile that doe not reach the eye is a give away. <br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">4. Watch for that change in speech rate.</span><br />
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A change in voice is a clue to spot a liar but to be sure, pay attention to a person's speech rate and breathing pattern. It could either speed up or slow down in an effort to hide the truth.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">5. Notice how they phrase their statements.</span><br />
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Liars tend to avoid "but," "nor," "except," and "whereas" because they have trouble with complex thought processes. They are also less likely to use "I", "me," and "mine". They use fewer personal pronouns to distance themselves psychologically from their untrue stories.<br />
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It is normal for someone to look away when asked a difficult question but when someone avoids your eyes even your question is so simple, it's about time to get suspicious. A person who moves his eyes up and to the left is thinking up or constructing a lie visually. If sideways and to the left, he is constructing or thinking up a lie orally.<br />
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People who lie often will maintain uncomfortable eye contact. They will look you in the eyes for 70% or more of the conversation. Normal is 50%. A person's blink rate will also increase dramatically during long periods of lying.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">7. Check the arm and hand movement. </span><br />
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Here are some movements associated with dishonesty: hands clenched, picking imaginary lint, arms crossed, hands in pocket, excessive palm displays, placing a purse or something between two people communicating, and rubbing the neck.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">So, are they lying?</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-14559754191606575712013-12-04T17:08:00.001+08:002014-02-17T02:11:52.220+08:00NAVIGATING THE MINDS OF THE PLUNDER MASTERMIND <div style="text-align: justify;">
By SENATOR MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO
(Privilege speech on 4 December 2013)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SK12r2eSfTo/Up7wwiM-xSI/AAAAAAAAEhU/Big3lvFMEAk/s1600/miriam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SK12r2eSfTo/Up7wwiM-xSI/AAAAAAAAEhU/Big3lvFMEAk/s400/miriam2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Rappler</td></tr>
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Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate:</div>
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<b>Mastermind of Plunder</b></div>
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It comes rarely in the life of the nation that a people, under the travails of developing country status, aided by providence, find it in themselves to rise above the morass of political corruption, and to build the architecture for a fresh and shining territory where people live free of the forces of darkness. </div>
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Today, the time has come. At last we stand at the very heart of the epic pork barrel corruption in the Congress, specially the Senate. Why are the proportions of corruption so epic in scale? How did the criminals manage to steal some P10 billion pesos of the people’s money in just ten years? Who is the mastermind?</div>
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Guided by faith in a just God and in the rule of law, dozens of whistleblowers have testified in writing and provided supporting documents to prove that the very heart of darkness is the leadership of the Senate itself. Thorough NBI investigation has led the Department of Justice to file formal charges of plunder against the first batch of suspects, led by no less than the Senate President at that time, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. The Ombudsman is conducting preliminary investigation, and has assured the public that justice will not be denied: the resolution will be issued by the end of this month. </div>
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Notably, the Ombudsman has admitted receiving a memorandum of over 200 pages pinpointing Enrile as the mastermind of plunder. That official memorandum validates the charge I aired in the latest hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee, where I first made that very same accusation, based on the lawyer’s thought process of enlightened scepticism. If he smarted against the accusation, Enrile could have requested for an additional hearing where he could be personally present and interpellate Janet Napoles, who appears to be his BFF, or Best Friend Forever. But he chooses to stay away and keep silent, because he is immobilized by fear and humiliation. </div>
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Instead of presenting evidence to the public of his hypocritical protestations of innocence, Enrile once again chose to steer public attention to what he hopes will be a diversion: the lies and black propaganda hurled against me during the 1992 presidential campaign. This man, contrary to logic and common sense, hopes to evade criminal prosecution and public outrage over his plunder, by resurrecting campaign dirt against me which are over 21 years old! Dream on, old man, aka Tanda. </div>
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Enrile tried to portray me in the blackest terms. He pointedly ignored the fact that I am a laureate of the Asian Nobel Prize, the 1988 Magsaysay Award for government service. According to the official citation, the Award “recognizes her bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency.” Media has noted that I am reportedly “the most awarded Filipino public official,” because I won such awards as TOYM, TOWNS, and U.P.’s most outstanding law alumnus. Enrile never reached these levels of professional recognition. Please feel free to compare my resume to his, since my biography appears in Wikipedia. </div>
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This was not only bringing parliamentary debate to the lowest level. It is a violation of every canon of civility and decency in public discourse. Parliamentary rules strictly forbid arguments ad hominem, but my attacker delivered an entire speech by appealing to personal prejudices rather than to reason; and by attacking my character rather than my assertion that he is the mastermind of the plunder. In fact, my attacker is guilty of violating the Senate Rules, Rule 34, Sec. 94: “No Senator, under any circumstances, shall use offensive or improper language against another Senator or against any public institution.” (Emphasis added). Under Rule 34, he has committed the offense of “unparliamentary acts and language,” and I shall charge him with disorderly behaviour with the Ethics or the Rules Committee, punishable by suspension for 60 days. </div>
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<b>Enrile’s Total Lack of Credibility </b></div>
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My attacker is the icon of shameless lying. Under President Ferdinand Marcos, he claimed that as defense secretary he was ambushed, thus laying the ground for the imposition of martial law. Under President Corazon Aquino, he retracted and admitted that his ambush was faked and staged. Then under President Benigno Aquino III, he retracted again and he now claims in his memoirs that the ambush was genuine after all. He eats his own words for breakfast. In the law of evidence, he has absolutely no credibility. Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. False in one thing, false in all things. </div>
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The Supreme Court has ruled: “For evidence to be believed, it must not only proceed from the mouth of a credible witness, but must be credible in itself, such as the common experience and observation of mankind can approve as probable under the circumstances.” People v. Loriega, 326 SCRA 675 (2000).
Enrile’s bungled attempt at revisionist history and his blatant disinformation has been widely condemned by all sectors of society. The man is an incorrigible liar and criminal, as brought out by the litany of his crimes against the Filipino people. Accordingly, I respectfully urge the justice secretary to order an immediate and exhaustive investigation into the following crimes under the Penal Code committed by Enrile: </div>
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<b>1. </b><b>Command responsibility for death and disappearance during martial law.</b> </div>
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In 2012, the Communist Party of the Philippines sent an email to media, with the following condemnation of Enrile as delusional in his notorious memoirs: “Enrile was Marcos’ hatchet man and the one who signed countless warrants that led to the capture and detention of thousands of former leaders, workers, students, activists in the Church, and other critics and opponents of martial law. Enrile’s hands are forever stained with the blood of close to 4,000 people ‘salvaged’ during Marcos’ reign of terror . . . . Enrile exposed himself as a liar.” (Inquirer Visayas, 10 October 2012). </div>
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During martial law, Enrile was the almighty defense secretary, when I was appointed the youngest RTC judge in the mecca of judges, Metro Manila, serving in Quezon City. In 1985, when gasoline prices went up, some fifty students from UP and Ateneo joined a street demonstration in Cubao to protest the martial law regime. Most of them were seniors scheduled to take their final exams and to graduate from college. Enrile ordered the military to arrest the students, on the basis of a martial law presidential decree that defined the crime of illegal assembly as any gathering opposed to the administration, and that imposed the death penalty. </div>
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I was assigned to the case. I suspended trial in all other cases and continuously heard the illegal assembly case morning, afternoon, and evening. The issue was: Does martial law automatically cancel the right to bail? My decisive answer was no, and I ordered the release of the students. However, the military defied my release order, and in fact filed a second charge of inciting to sedition. The accused appealed, and the Supreme Court in effect upheld me. This was the 1990 case of Brocka, Cervantes, et al. v. Enrile, Ramos, et al., 192 SCRA 183 (1990). </div>
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From the very beginning, Enrile has always resented that Supreme Court decision and held it against me, for refusing to kowtow to him even during the dark days of martial law, when he swaggered around town as if he owned it. The Supreme Court slapped him down, ruling: “that the criminal proceedings had become a case ofpersecution, having been undertaken by state officials in bad faith.” The Court pointed a finger at Enrile, and criticized “respondent’s bad faith and malicious intent.” The Court warned Enrile that he did not have a license to run roughshod over a citizen’s basic constitutional rights, such as due process, or manipulate the law to suitdictatorial tendencies.” (Emphasis added). This was and remains Enrile’s arrogant, tyrannical attitude to young people: persecution in bad faith, malice, and dictatorial. He has never changed. Brocka v. Enrile, at p. 189.</div>
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<b>2. Mastermind of the biggest plunder case in Philippine history.</b>
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In June 2013, the Department of Budget and Management released statistics showing that in a five-year period for 2005 to 2013, Enrile was the biggest recipient of pork barrel, amounting to a total of P1.189 billion. According to whistleblowers, Enrile gave the syndicates of dummy NGOs run by Janet Napoles, access to his pork barrel in no less than 22 instances. In all, Enrile reportedly gave P641.65 million from his pork barrel funds to dummy corporations founded by Napoles. Merlina Suñas, a whistleblower, testified that Napoles personally talked to the senator concerned, or the chief of staff. Suñas also testified that in 2012, her dummy foundation received P5 million in pork barrel funds from Enrile. </div>
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The Commission on Audit issued a PDAF report that in 2011, Enrile was one of four government officials who gave some P206 million in pork barrel funds through the Department of Agriculture to a questionable NGO from 2009-2010. The Inquirer story said: “Enrile withheld further comment, until he had checked his records.” </div>
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Until now, Enrile has clung to his right to remain silent, causing a group of netizens to start a movement called Kumibo Ka Naman, Enrile, or for short, KKNE. </div>
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In the midst of all the damning evidence against him, Enrile has kept silent as a cowering mouse. He could very well have delivered a privilege speech proving his innocence. Instead, his speech was directed at me, rehashing black propaganda invented against me during the 1992 presidential campaign. You will remember I led in the counting for the first five days, but was cheated of the presidency. I filed an electoral protest, but it was dismissed by the Supreme Court, after I was elected senator. He is silent on the evidence, but voluble on malice. His speech amounted to verbal violence against a woman confined to her sickbed, while he preened in the Senate, demonstrating his skill as the Drama King of corrupt politics. </div>
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<b>3. King of a smuggling empire.</b><br />
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In 1995, then Representative Enrile, a native of Gonzaga, Cagayan, authored R.A. No. 7922, creating the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority or CEZA. Section 6 para (f) gives to CEZA the right “to operate . . . tourism-related activities, including games, amusements, recreational and sports facilities such as horse-racing, dog racing, gambling casinos, golf courses, and others, under priorities and standards set by CEZA.” (Emphasis added). </div>
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The free port occupies 441,000 hectares, an area almost three times the size of Quezon City. Enrile claimed that the port would become the hub in Southeast Asia of interactive gaming, shipping, and ecotourism. The Port Irene CEO is Enrile’s relative Jose Mari Ponce. According to Enrile himself, his “representative” in the port is his son-in-law, James Kocher, an American who, according to former US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, “runs an auto import operation in the port, and is suspected of involvement in smuggling.” (Released by Wikileaks on U.S. embassy Cable 08 Manila 1417 sent by Kenney to the US Department of State on 13 June 2008.) Enrile, according to the cable, presided at a Senate hearing and indulged himself by repeatedly and fiercely shouting at representatives of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce, because the foreign businessmen had complained about smuggling in Port Irene. </div>
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On 12 December 2002, President Gloria Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 156, imposing a partial ban on the importation of used cars. In the 2006 case of Executive Secretary v. Southwing, in effect the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the ban. And in the 2013 case of Executive Secretary v. Forerunner, the Supreme Court again upheld the validity of the law. </div>
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During all this time, in open defiance of the Supreme Court rulings banning importation of used cars, CEZA continued its importations. In 2012, car traders imported some 5,400 vehicles contained in 18 shipments. In February 2013, a Japanese cargo ship set off for Port Irene, with a shipment of Hummers, Porches, BMWs, Mercedes Benzes, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, and other used luxury cars. The government refused to issue clearance for registration of the shipments, and CEZA was forced to re-export 600 used cars. </div>
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Presumably, because of all the illegal shenanigans in Port Irene, just last month, Senator Sergio Osmeña, chair of subcommittee B of the finance committee, recommended a cut from the CEZA budget of P800 million. On Enrile’s appeal, Osmeña agreed to restore this amount of nearlyP1 billion, subject to certain conditions. That’s how much of the taxpayers’ money go to finance Enrile’s smuggling empire. </div>
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<b>4. Anticipated king of gambling empire.</b> </div>
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CEZA operates online gaming outside the jurisdiction of Pagcor. The Cagayan ecozone is the only ecozone in the country that is allowed by the Enrile law to host and issue online gambling licenses to offshore companies. Such foreigners are not required to live in our country, or to incorporate as Philippine company. They only need an interactive gaming licensee and to register as a CEZA enterprise. Jesus Disini, president of the Internet and Society Program of the U.P. college of law, has already warned that CEZA should exercise due diligence in giving out licenses, which may be exploited by unscrupulous entities. He said that CEZA might unwittingly give these companies the legitimacy to operate legally. </div>
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Just last month, Inquirer columnist Ramon Tulfo reported that police raided and arrested some 700 persons, including some expatriates, in their Makati and Quezon City offices. Allegedly, the firms were operating under license from First Cagayan License and Resort Corporation in CEZA (Inquirer 22 Nov. 2013 at A-24).
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Last February 2013, the CEZA administrator admitted that he has awarded a “master license” to First Cagayan to operate internet gaming. The master license allows First Cagayan to issue seven-year licenses to foreign entities to operate online gambling. So far, it appears that it has awarded licenses to seven foreign corporations, but it claims that it can issue as many licenses as it wants. The favored corporations pay annual fees of $40,000. Admitting that only the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has been given the mandate to operate legal gambling in the country, CEZA claims that it gives licenses only to foreign-based corporations. </div>
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In brief, CEZA promotes online gambling, or what it calls interactive gaming, which has been described as “a lucrative niche market.” It has partnered with telecommunications companies to offer “high quality, high speed Internet connectivity.” The CEZA administrator has boasted abroad that First Cagayan “offers state-of-the-art Internet data center facilities in Cagayan and also in Manila,” and that there is “direct connectivity to the U.S. and Europe.” (“Online gambling hub sprouts north of PH” by Melvin Calinag, Newsbytes 25 February 2013). </div>
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<b>5. King of Martial Law Illegal Logging </b></div>
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During martial law, the largest logging concession covering 95,770 hectares was awarded to Enrile as owner of San Jose Lumber. His license expired in 2007. His illegal logging operations were reportedly protected by the “Lost Command” headed by renegade then PC Col. Carlos Ledesma, aka Commander Proceso. The logging concession shared a border with Barangay Sag-od, Las Navas town in northern Samar. In September 1981, the Lost Command allegedly figured in the massacre of 45 people. </div>
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<b>6. Psychopathic Hypersexualized Serial Womanizer.</b> </div>
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30 January 1998, the Chicago Tribune reported on Enrile: “The senator, in his early 70s and rumored to be a multimillionaire . . . was a defense minister under Marcos, but helped to bring down the dictator. His wife, Cristina, a socialite, walked out on him this month, after charging adultery. The ‘other woman’ is reported to be Gigi Gonzales-Reyes, chief of staff of his Senate office, and about 30 years his junior.” Cristina was reported as saying “that she no longer could tolerate his chasing after other women, including domestic helpers, cooks, and assistants.” (Emphasis added). This is eyewitness testimony that Enrile is psychopathic and urgently needs treatment for his sex addiction.
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In an interview with Enrile on 25 January 2012, the Inquirer said that after Gigi earned her law degree in 1988, she joined the Enrile law firm. At that time, Gigi was married to lawyer Rodolfo “Inky” Reyes. Enrile caused Inky to be appointed to the CEZA, located at the northeastern tip of Luzon mainland, about 620 km. north of Manila. The Reyes couple eventually separated. </div>
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At one point in his glittering career as Senate President, Enrile had the audacity to throw a birthday party at a five-star Makati hotel for his concubine, to which he was able to drag President Aquino. Photos of the decadent party were splashed in the front pages of top newspapers. And this libertine pontificates about morality? </div>
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To win the so-called Catholic vote, he pretended to be a determined enemy of the reproductive health law. All to naught, because his son, whom he groomed to take over the family’s fabulous financial empire, was convincingly defeated at the last Senate elections, despite reported campaign expenses of P150.797 million – the highest expense of any senatorial candidate. </div>
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Gigi, together with Enrile, has been charged with plunder, and has fled abroad. In her absence, the Enrile camp issued a statement that only Gigi, not Enrile, should be accused of plunder. </div>
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<b>7. Enrile in 2012 Under-declared Net Worth at only P118 million.</b>
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Despite all his posturing, Enrile’s specialty is only tax law. Hence, all his properties are either abroad, in the name of others, or in the name of corporations. In 1975, during martial law, he built a residence in exclusive Dasmariñas Village. Two years later, he built a house in Valle Verde, registered in the name of Jaka Investments Corp., his family firm. In 1985, he built a huge beach house in his prime beachfront property in Natipuan, Nasugbu, Batangas. But in his SALN 2012, belying his wanton lifestyle, including corrupt minions and a private army on his payroll, he declared a net worth of only P118 million. His legal expertise is obviously tax evasion. </div>
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<b>Ombudsman Resolution this Month will Decide Truth</b> </div>
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Mr. Enrile and I are engaged in an epic battle to reveal the truth to the Filipino people. On my side, I have university students, social media netizens, Metro Manila and Visayan communities, and the crowds in the major shopping malls who instantly gather and urge me to continue the good fight. On his side, he has the corrupt journalists in his payroll, corrupt military officials who constitute his private army, his minions in the customs bureau and the internal revenue bureau, both of which he used to head and consider to be his fiefdoms, as well as key appointive officials in local government and the diplomatic service, who serve as his sycophantic spies. I hope that this clash of titans in the Senate will lead to an Armaggedon in Philippine politics. </div>
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By the end of December, the Ombudsman will resolve whether to dismiss the plunder case, or to file a complaint for plunder with the anti-graft court known as Sandiganbayan. If the Ombudsman files the case in court, Mr. Enrile will automatically be suspended from the Senate by order of the Sandiganbayan. During trial, he will likely remain in detention, because he would have no constitutional right to bail, particularly if the court finds that the evidence is strong. If convicted, he will be jailed for 30 years, and his ill-gotten wealth, expected to be in the billions, will be forfeited in favor of the state. </div>
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Because he is over 70 years old, he can plead the mitigating circumstance of age, in order to lower the sentence. Also because of his age, he can apply for executive clemency. But it is not true that his advanced age exempts him from criminal liability. He has to pay for his sins, unless he turns state witness and rats on Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Bong Revilla, and his other co-accused in the plunder case. </div>
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After his poisonous personal attacks against me, Enrile expects that I shall be cowed into silence by his usual bluff and bluster. That is not going to happen. He made no mention at all of the sizzling talk of the town that he is the real mastermind of the pork barrel plunder. Enrile should get real. </div>
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In Cagayan, it is said that when he was a baby, his mother dropped him on his head. Now he is the poster boy of stem cell treatment that has long gone past its expiry date. He looks like a female llama surprised in her bath. He reminds me of nothing so much as a dead fish, before it has time to stiffen. If he has the courage, he should switch place with me: He should be funny, and I’ll be the asshole. </div>
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For the most apt description of this damaged creature, I quote:
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For years I’ve regarded his very existence as a monument to all the rancid genes and broken chromosomes that corrupt the possibilities of (in our case) the Filipino Dream: he was a foul caricature of himself, a man with no soul, no inner convictions, with the integrity of a hyena and the style of a poison toad. </div>
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<b>His Charges are 20 Years Old</b> </div>
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The Prince of Darkness, having no means of demolishing innocent, law-abiding, God-fearing people like me, has recycled rumors against me that were aired, and which I answered, more than 20 years ago, when I ran for president. Maybe he is suffering from age-appropriate dementia again. </div>
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Mr. Dementia tries in his clumsy way to raise suspicions about my mental health. I appear frequently on TV, and I am widely exposed in other media. And yet, despite the repeated innuendoes during election campaigns, the Filipinos have elected and reelected me to the Senate. Most recently, I was elected by the U.N. General Assembly to be a judge of the International Criminal Court. I will be the first Filipino there. I was elected No. 1 judge, a tribute to my country, and the result of a demanding schedule of lectures by me, and questions from the audience, at separate gatherings of U.N. delegates grouped in geographical order. By comparison, Enrile with his eternal philandering and unexplained wealth desperately needs a shrink, as a mental health measure. His mind is sick, sick, sick. </div>
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Enrile violated the law, when he tried to pressure my husband, then a customs collector, to release a smuggled Toyota car, forfeited for failure to pay correct customs duties and charges. At that time, the policy of the Bureau of Customs was to forfeit smuggled cars, and to use them as official vehicles for authorized senior staff. My husband was only one of the many staff who earned this privilege by exemplary work, evidenced by annual certificates of commendation issued by the customs commissioner. And yet Enrile zeroed in only on my husband. Enrile kept threatening to oppose my confirmation as agrarian reform secretary, unless my husband released the smuggled car to the smuggler. As a former customs commissioner, Enrile wanted to bend the law for his illegal clients. In time, my husband and other senior staff returned the smuggled cars to the BOC. </div>
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I owned and drove a Mercedes when I was a trial judge. Enrile’s charge that I registered the smuggled car in my name in Tarlac is inane, and the product of his febrile imagination. My husband already owned and drove a Ford Mustang sportscar as a senior in law school. This tale of a Toyota is a non-issue. </div>
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In his speech, as is his annoying habit, Enrile praised himself by boasting of his alleged martial arts prowess, which he has never displayed. He also boasted of his high grade in the bar exam, with the non sequitur that I had a low grade. In U.P., at that time, many of our professors taught us to devote ourselves to the Socratic method, and pay no attention to the bar, which they belittled. So I paid no attention, particularly since what I wanted to do, contrary to my father’s wishes, was to avail of a rare scholarship to Moscow. </div>
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In the United States, the bar exam is considered clerical. Any dean of admission of a top law school ignores any claim by Filipino applicants of achievement in the bar exam, and are surprised when an applicant from the Philippines puts it in his resume. Instead, the criterion of choice is membership in the law journal, which is the acid test of academic excellence in America and Europe. </div>
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Enrile demands that I should answer the charges of his attack dog, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson. Mr. Dementia has forgotten that the Senate legal office this year promptly upheld me in a written opinion. The Senate as a matter of policy allows senators to maintain satellite offices in premises owned by the senator. The legal opinion revealed that the amount I charge – P70,000 monthly for 403 square meters on the fourth floor of the office building – is one of the lowest in the Senate. </div>
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The other charge is that I own the multipurpose hall of the Rizal provincial government. Together with a few other senators, I gave a modest amount of pork barrel to help fund its construction, undertaken by the Rizal provincial government. This charge is asinine. Lacson, like his mastermind, seems to be approaching dementia, too. </div>
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Let me tell you about the real Lacson. As PNP chief, he coveted the post of DILG secretary, which at that time was occupied by Ronaldo Puno. In his overwhelming desire to become interior secretary, Lacson gathered an incriminating file of documents showing that Puno ordered all policemen nationwide to take a drug test – but only with a certain specific laboratory, which turned out to be a small, cheap apartment. The cunning and scheming Lacson gave me the file. </div>
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I exposed the corrupt scandal, and engaged in a bitter word war with Puno, who hired a lawyer for the sole purpose of character assassination. During this time of poisonous hostilities mostly fought in media, Lacson hopped on a plane to Hongkong, in order to avoid any suspicion of complicity in the expose. He returned after it was all over, and Puno had been damaged. His cowardly retreat from this proxy battle is a standard joke in gatherings of his classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). </div>
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Why is Enrile so close to Lacson? When a Manila Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against Lacson, he jumped bail and became a fugitive from justice. TV repeatedly showed a footage of Lacson leaving the airport. But many believe that Enrile provided safe haven to Lacson in Cagayan. That is why these two men are so close that it can only be called a relationship with feelings. </div>
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This early, Lacson’s propaganda team is already touting him as a presidential candidate for 2016. His credential is that he has been given an administrative job in disaster relief efforts in the Visayas. Malacañang issued the appointment, just to abort the endless stream of his self-serving press releases whenever there was a vacancy in customs, immigration, or even in the non-vacant post of anti-crime czar, already held by the Executive Secretary. His latest caper took his campaign at self-projection to the level of the absurd, when his own press release reported that as a former policeman, he delivered a lecture on constitutional law, as part of Enrile’s effort to shift attention from PDAF to DAP. </div>
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<b>Challenge to Public Debate</b> </div>
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After this speech, I respectfully decline to yield the floor for interpellation. I rose to answer the personal attack against me, and interpellation will merely serve to waste the time of the Senate. I shall also leave immediately after the speech, because I am ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. </div>
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In conclusion, as I did in the past, I challenge Enrile to a public televised debate on the plunder charge against him, including his illegal and immoral use of the Senate President’s discretionary fund to distribute nearly P2 million as Christmas bonus last year to each senator, except for four senators, whom he considers his political enemies, led by me. It should be held at the U.P. Malcolm Theater, and only students with valid ID’s should be allowed, to prevent Enrile from renting a partisan crowd. </div>
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The first time I challenged Enrile to a debate, he declined and instead called on Lacson to shower me with near-illiterate insults, including an oxymoron. If this second time Enrile again evades debate, that will be an admission that he is the mastermind of the plunder of some P10 billion of the taxpayers’ money; and that he is insulting me on a personal level, as a diversionary tactic, and as a smokescreen for his criminality. </div>
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No matter how devilish his power and no matter how fabulous his ill-gotten wealth, I refuse to be coerced by Enrile! Justice should be done, though the heavens fall. I am fortified by my faith. </div>
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According to the poet: </div>
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<i>Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, </i></div>
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<i>He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; </i></div>
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<i>He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword,
His truth is marching on.</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-88383511484627963242013-11-29T23:22:00.001+08:002013-12-03T01:52:06.609+08:00A LAWYER'S TAKE ON PAQUIAO-BIR BOUT: AN INSTANT LESSON ON TAXATION<br />
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<a href="http://dzrhnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/head1126_6.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://dzrhnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/head1126_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Right after Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines' National Fighting Fist, won against Bambam Rios, the Bureau of Internal Revenue slapped him with a 2.2-billion tax case which led to the garnishment of an upscale property. (Garnishment: noun; a court order directing that money or property of a third party be seized to satisfy a debt owed by a debtor to a plaintiff creditor.)</div>
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(For the timeline of events related to this Pacman-Taxman fiasco, read Solita Monsod's "<a href="http://opinion.inquirer.net/66419/more-and-more-like-a-trapo">More And More Like A Trapo</a>".)</div>
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Attorney Raymond Fortun wrote a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raymond.fortun/posts/10151821602657057">legal article</a> which he posted in his Facebook account, entitled 'To Tax the Pacman'. The comments, sound and unsound, and his responses to his followers provided a free and instant lesson on taxation. For a common tao, it is a big help in understanding the issue without getting one's emotion get on the way.</div>
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Reposted below is Atty. Fortun's discussion.</div>
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<b>What DOES the law say? </b></div>
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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) levies income tax on taxable income from within and outside of the country on all citizens of the Philippines, even those working abroad. Of course, another country (e.g. the US) also has the right to tax people for incomes earned within its jurisdiction. In order to avoid the unfair situation where a Filipino earns income abroad and taxed there and is subsequently obligated to pay taxes for the SAME income as a Filipino citizen, the Philippines and the US have an income tax convention as early as 1976, providing for "Relief from Double Taxation". So without having to bore you all with details, it is possible for a Filipino working abroad to be slapped with taxes by the US, but can use this fact as a "Tax Credit" in filing his income tax return in the Philippines.</div>
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<b>So what does the Pacman have to do to avoid being taxed twice?</b></div>
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1. He has to pay taxes in the US for income earned therein.</div>
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2. He has to secure the official IRS form that the taxes have been paid. A CERTIFICATION FROM TOP RANK BOXING JUST WON'T DO.</div>
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3. He has to file an income tax return in the Philippines for the year covered. NOTE that the Pacman has other incomes aside from boxing, such as TV advertisements, product endorsements etc.</div>
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4. He has to submit the IRS "tax-paid" form and other tax-withheld forms to support his claim that he should only pay X amount of tax.</div>
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5. He should answer in a timely manner all letters sent by the BIR, including assessment notices.</div>
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6. If he does not agree with the assessment, he should then avail himself of legal remedies as provided under the Internal Revenue Code.</div>
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If he did NOT do any of these, then the BIR has the right to impose the appropriate tax on him, and to run after his properties in the process. Again, it must be stated: DURA LEX, SED LEX. The law is harsh, but that is the law. If the Pacman violated the law, then he should be held answerable.</div>
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<b>In response to some of his followers' queries, Atty. Fortun provided these additional explanations. </b></div>
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<b>1. The obligation to file an income tax return belongs to the taxpayer; </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">it is NOT the taxman's job to make inquiries to another taxing authority. I am certain that several notices/letters were sent to Pacman to explain his incomes and taxes due before the Writ of Garnishment was issued.</span></div>
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<b>2. What Pacman should have done is demand from Top Rank the Certification of Tax Withheld (W-2 in the Philippines) and, if this was not given, to secure from the IRS the needed form. </b>I'm certain that Pacman has good lawyers and accountants to make the proper filings before the problem became too big.</div>
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<b>3. Tax liabilities NEED NOT reach the point where the BIR has to issue a Writ of Garnishment. </b></div>
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Most taxpayers who are caught not paying the proper taxes just resort to SETTLING THEIR TAX LIABILITY through compromise agreements. The reason why the BIR went hard at Pacman because he appears to have ignored the various assessment notices issued, or even paid under protest man lang.</div>
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<b>4. "Why me, when everyone is doing the same thing?" If there is anyone who is converting this into a political issue, it's Manny Pacquiao.</b> The issue is simple: DID HE PAY PROPER TAXES OR NOT? DID HE PROPERLY FILE HIS INCOME TAX RETURNS? If the answer to both questions is in the negative, then the BIR is correctly running after his winnings. Enough of the "maraming kurakot diyan na hindi dine-demanda". If he knows of such corrupt people, point them out to the BIR so that they can also be subjected to tax notices.</div>
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<b>5. People, just check the Pacquiao camp's "defense":</b></div>
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1. I just brought honour to the country, and this is what you repay me? How dare you!</div>
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2. There are other people who do not pay proper taxes, and yet i'm the one who is issued a Writ of Garnishment</div>
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3. Why have you not garnished the accounts of the senators in the PDAF scam?</div>
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4. I will make a loan just to give relief goods and visit Tacloban</div>
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5. I am with the opposition, hence, i'm being singled out</div>
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<b>See? All preying on the public's emotions. </b></div>
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The issue is really quite simple -- IF HE DECLARED HIS INCOME PROPERLY, THEN THERE IS NO CASE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE'S IN THE OPPOSITION OR NOT, WHETHER HE WINS OR LOSES HIS FIGHTS. He has enough money to hire the best lawyers and accountants to fix his tax problems BEFORE they became problems. That's the difference between him and Lucio Tan -- LT hires the best people to make sure that he does not have any legal issues with the government.</div>
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<b>Re: the PDAF scam</b>, please be informed that the BIR has already filed a tax evasion case against Janet Napoles, her daughter and brother. As to the senators/congressmen, their time will come. However, it may be more difficult to file tax evasion cases because there is no paper trail (as BenHur Luy and the other whistleblowers have testified). When there is no declared income, the BIR cannot just tax. Manny Pacquiao's fight purses, on the other hand, are a matter of public record.</div>
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<b>6. Question: "bakit nafreeze agad mga accounts nya? Bakit si Sexi and Pogi hindi nangyari yun eh may mga under declared din sila na mga income and properties..." </b><br />
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Because Manny's case had been pending before the BIR for sometime. On the other hand, and to this day, nobody has admitted being Sexy and Pogi, and Jinggoy/Bong have denied having received any amounts. When the criminal cases have been filed with the Sandiganbayan, THEN and only then can the government move to freeze their accounts.</div>
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<b>7. Question: "Bakit kung kaso ni Lucio Tan, hindi agad sila nag-issue ng WG? hanggang sa maapila yata ni Lucio Tan yung Tax Evasion at maging pabor sa kanya, walang WG n nilabas ang BIR. sabi nun tax expert from Las Vegas, taon daw tlga inaabot if kukuha ka ng certified true copy sa IRS?"</b></div>
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I do not know the complete details of Lucio Tan's case, but I have reason to believe that LT's lawyers did the proper legal steps -- filed a case before the Court of Tax Appeals and secured a TRO to prevent the issuance of a Writ of Garnishment. Simply put, smart ang mga abogado ni Lucio Tan.</div>
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I'm not too sure that i can accept the possibility that the US IRS is soooo inefficient that it would take years to issue a certified copy of a tax payment. </div>
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<b>8. So now people question the timing.</b> If the BIR enforced the WG before the fight, AND pacquiao got distracted enough to lose the fight, you would all be up in arms and say, "sana hinintay nyo na lang after the fight! Ayan tuloy, natalo!" The situation is called 'damned if you do, damned if you dont'. Somehow, I accept the BIR's move to enforce the WG after the fight. </div>
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I go back to the basic premise. If he filed his returns properly, we wouldn't even be having this thread now. He has nobody but himself to blame. </div>
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<b>9. Question: "Are you also implying sir that Filipino OFWs working in countries that have no income tax convention with the Philippine government are still mandated by law to pay income taxes with emphasis to the Middle East (wherein tax rates nearing 0%)?"</b></div>
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As a general rule, all Filipinos are obliged to file tax returns and pay taxes for income inside and outside the country. Thats the law. </div>
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<b>10. TO ALL OFW's:</b></div>
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According to Revenue Regulations No. 1-2011, the wage or income of an OFW that is earned out of the country is exempted from income tax. However, the earnings of an OFW from a business venture or any other property in the Philippines is subject to tax obligations.</div>
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Remittances from OFWs are also exempted from the documentary stamp tax (DST). However, according to BIR rule, in the case of OFW remittances sent through banks, the recipient is required to show proof of entitlement to DST exemption such as OEC or Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OEC) certificate. </div>
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All OFWs also enjoy exemption from paying travel tax and airport fees, although they are required to show proof that they are legal migrant workers. </div>
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<b>11. Pacquiao is "targetted" because his income is a matter of public record. </b>Fight purses are announced even before the fight. The enormity of the amounts involved justifies the extra effort to collect. Finally, I cannot discount the possibility that politics has a hand in government actions. Whether this is a smokescreen to mask other existing (or future) issues is not for me to speculate on.</div>
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<b>12. I saw Pacquiao's interviews during the first day. He kept harping on the certification given by Top Rank.</b> Posible na hindi lang sya marunong magpaliwanag siguro. But as a matter of legal practice, a Certified Copy is usually acceptable, and NOBODY asks for originals.</div>
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Lastly, income tax is based on gross income less expenses. Salaries and commissions are deductible expenses. Hindi ko po masasagot if Pacquiao, in his ITR, already deducted these expenses from his net income subject to tax.</div>
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<b>13. Anyway, this tax case has been pending for 2 years. If indeed the BIR was asking for a DUPLICATE original, then it would not have been hard to: (1) inform BIR to give him time to secure the requested form, and/or (2) pay the necessary fee -- US$50? -- for the IRS to produce the needed form.</b> Sa mga interviews ni Pacquiao or his lawyers, wala akong narinig that they sent BIR letters to explain why they could not produce the needed docs. That the Writ of Garnishment was issued shows that's Pacquiao was given AMPLE TIME to defend himself/present documents but whatever he gave was not acceptable under the BIR rules.</div>
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<b>14. Question: " kapag ba hindi ka nagfile ng ITR sa BIR, automatic kakasuhan ka nila ng Tax Evasion?"</b></div>
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Oh yes! Dapat talaga mag-file Ng ITR kahit Zero pa ang tax na babayaran. More so yung mga high-profile na income earners. Madali po mahuli yung hindi nag-file Ng ITR kasi computerized po.</div>
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<b>15. Question: "Well, Pacman is an easy target! why don't we hear about false declaration of assets among celebrity politicians?</b></div>
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Because celebrity politicans are NOT the issue.</div>
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<b> 16. Early on I had said that Pacquiao's income is a matter of public record. </b>When boxers sign up for a match, the purses are made known to the public. This is beyond dispute and impervious to challenge. </div>
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Thus, when Pacquiao declared ONLY Php50 Million (less than $1,300,000) as income, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that HE DID NOT FILE A CORRECT INCOME TAX RETURN. The 50M may probably only cover his income from product endorsements and TV commercials here in the Philippines. It is so clear that he did NOT declare his revenues (fight purse and pay per view) for fights abroad.</div>
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The BIR most certainly will send him a deficiency tax assessment. The legal remedy is to file a revised ITR and pay additional taxes thereon. The Writ of Garnishment is the end result of Pacquiao's failure to pay his taxes properly.</div>
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<b>17. I dont blame people for saying that politics is involved. But the fact of the matter is pretty simple: did he pay his taxes properly or not?</b></div>
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Does the government stay away from collecting taxes due, out of fear that people will point out that he supported a different candidate during the elections?</div>
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When is the right timing? If the BIR froze the accounts BEFORE the fight and Pacquiao lost, wouldnt people blame the BIR for the loss? It's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation because of the personality involved.</div>
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<b>18. Question: "Bakit sabi ni Henares sa PressCon nya, hindi na daw pwede i-revise yun ITR ni Pacquiao?"</b></div>
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He can't revise it NOW because the process has run its course. He had a chance TWO YEARS AGO to do it.</div>
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It's a tax case but a legal case as well. There are PERIODS for doing certain things. Once the period lapses, then a judgment becomes final. Pretty elementary po. </div>
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<b>19. Comment: "BIR is now asking Manny to pay AGAIN! Double taxation is ILLEGAL."</b></div>
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My main post is about the procedure to avoid double taxation. Tama po, it is unfair to be taxed twice. I am sure the IRS got its share. So it was just a matter of Pacquiao doing what our BIR requires -- submit official docs to prove that he has been taxed. Apparently he did not. When the assessment came, his accountants/lawyers did not even protest; thus, the assessment became final.</div>
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Do note the government's argument: Pacquiao only declared 50M as income in 2009. It is blatantly clear that he underdeclared. Sorry po, sana wag nyo paandarin ang conspiracy theories because the issue is so so simple. </div>
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<b>20. People keep saying that Lucio Tan's assets haven't been frozen.</b></div>
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Lucio Tan hires the best lawyers and accountants to defend him and file the right docs. THAT, my friends, is the key difference. So please stop the Lucio Tan comparisons because, frankly, there is NO comparison.</div>
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<b>21. Question: "Well the question still persist: do we have the accurate information with regards to this fiasco? What do we have: 50M as under declared income 2009 and supposed unprotested BIR assessment by Pacman's lawyers and accountants..."</b></div>
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I believe that info is more than enough po. Do the math because you can easily verify it by googling it. How much was the purse of Pacquiao for his fight in 2009? More than Php50M ($1.2M)? He definitely did not declare properly. Don't blame the accountants either. Remember: WE ALL SIGN OUR ITRs. Manny knew or ought to have known that what was filed was not accurate.</div>
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<b>22. We are ALL commenting based on known facts. And yes, we should all concede that we dont have all the facts. That is why my main post says " IF he did not do ANY of these...". As you see, my opinion is a CLINICAL discussion of the law and the facts.</b></div>
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I wonder who is arguing on the basis of emotion and not on blind and simple logic...</div>
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<b>23. The law is there, and laws are inherently for the good of all. HOW the law is applied defines the goodness of leaders. </b></div>
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Kaya I can accept people asking for compassion or maybe questioning the timing. In such instance, the law is not being questioned but HOW it was implemented here. </div>
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But "baket si Lucio, hindi nafi-freeze" or "kurakot ang gobyerno" or "pinupulitika si Manny" or "baket si Corona/Napoles" are fallacies in argumentation because they do not address the issue; instead, they point at 'facts' that do not in any way help in answering the real issue. </div>
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<b>24. Kung nagkulang si Pacquiao kasi hindi nya binigay ang pruweba na nagbayad sya, then he should just own up to his stupidity instead of raising non-issues and playing with the public's emotions.</b></div>
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<b>25. Two things: (1) underdeclaration of income and (2) failure to present proof of payment. </b>I am 100% sure na nagbayad si Pacquiao ng tax sa US but if he failed to declare properly AND/OR failed to give proper documentation, then he has nobody to blame but himself for his predicament.</div>
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<b>26. The fact that he paid taxes in the US does not mean that he has NO tax liabilities in the Phils.</b></div>
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What he paid are for revenues in the US. He also has revenues in the Phils. One's tax liabilities in the Phils = revenues in and OUTSIDE the Phils less expenses less tax credits. The higher your revenues, the bigger your tax liability. By declaring only 50M, malaking kakulangan sa gobyerno.</div>
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<b>27. A news article says "<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/16/12/doj-junks-tax-case-vs-pacquiao">DOJ junks tax case vs Pacquiao</a>".</b></div>
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That is a criminal complaint filed by the BIR in 2012 for Pacquiao's alleged refusal to present his tax records. The case was dismissed on a technicality, i.e. the summons should be served on the person himself and, upon his refusal to receive, the BIR may resort to substituted service.<br />
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That dismissal by the DOJ has absolutely no bearing on the tax case for under declaration of earnings for 2009.</div>
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<b>On a final note, Attorney Raymond Fortun says:</b></div>
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Pacquiao was one of the highest taxpayers in 2008. Then suddenly, he pays "just" Php7 Million in 2009. He instantly got "red-flagged" by the BIR. It wasn't that BIR simply and suddenly didn't want to accept the TopRank documents. Yung documents kasi, madaling intindihin kung ayaw talaga magbigay ang IRS. But it was the sudden drop in declared income that did Pacquiao in. When he declared "only" Php50 Million for 2009 despite the indisputable evidence of his earnings for 2009, then there was clearly an under-declaration of income. THAT is the super big problem that was never resolved until the BIR issued the Writ of Garnishment.</div>
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I hope this blog helps in keeping a record of what the good attorney does to make the law more understandable. I hope some points in this "clinical discussion of the law" finally answer Ira Panganiban's open letter to Kim Henares. For Ira's letter, google it. </div>
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By the way, prior consent of Atty. Fortun was sought before I published this blog.</div>
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Be safe!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com309tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-16600568998326966582013-11-19T21:33:00.001+08:002014-02-17T02:13:28.980+08:00THE SUPREME COURT HAS SPOKEN: PDAF IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL!<div class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEeIDQc3Y7M/UotlMuREg_I/AAAAAAAAEe0/9Pqig4VmWSs/s1600/WE+WON!!!.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEeIDQc3Y7M/UotlMuREg_I/AAAAAAAAEe0/9Pqig4VmWSs/s400/WE+WON!!!.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Thank you, Anonymous! Thank you to each and every Filipino who joined the fight against PDAF. Now that it is unanimously declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, let us be more vigilant in watching for any forms of corruption that may take its place. We won the fight but let us not rest on our laurel. A bigger fight is in the horizon. Those who will be affected will surely find a way to circumvent the law. You know how criminals think. They don't easily give up. So do we.</h4>
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So what happens next? SC explains through this excerpt of the report from <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/19/13/prospective-effect-sc-ruling-pdaf-explained">ABS-CBNNews.com</a></div>
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In its decision Tuesday that unanimously declared unconstitutional the PDAF, the high court directed "all prosecutorial organs of the government to, within the bounds of reasonable dispatch, investigate and accordingly prosecute all government officials and/or private individuals for possible criminal offenses related to the improper and/or unlawful disbursement/utilization of all funds under the pork barrel system.”</div>
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This is significant amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged plunder of funds perpetrated supposedly by pork scam queen Janet Napoles Lim with some legislators.</div>
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SC spokesperson Theodore Te said: “The decision is immediately executory but prospective in effect.” By prospective, he explained: “It takes effect now but affects only acts after the decision. [It’s the] operative facts doctrine. It does not void or undo all acts done before the law was struck down.” </div>
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It also means that acts done before the declaration of the high court are valid.</blockquote>
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SO ARE PREVIOUS WRONGDOING COVERED?</blockquote>
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Analysts explained there should be no confusion in the decision when it comes to running after those who misused the PDAF even prior to the SC ruling. </div>
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Indeed, the “directive to look into prosecution would refer to those who may have abused in the past,” one legal pundit said.</div>
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Another explained that the “prospective” nature of the decision covers the future acts of public officials insofar as aligning or using lump sums.</div>
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The analyst said this does not absolve criminal acts in the past, such as pocketing of the PDAF.</div>
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed plunder and malversation raps against senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., and Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and other individuals allegedly involved in the pork scam.</div>
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The Ombudsman can now also proceed with the preliminary investigation into the matter. Field investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman have filed three separate complaints for plunder and graft raps against the senators yesterday.</div>
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The complaints will then be assigned to a special panel of investigators also under the Ombudsman for preliminary investigation.</div>
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The complaints of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office (FIO) will be consolidated with the complaints filed by the DOJ against the same individuals back in September.</div>
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The FIO was tasked in July when Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales motu propio decided to initiate a fact-finding investigation sans a formal complaint. Several teams were actually created to expedite the probe. </div>
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Nobody is off the hook just yet!</h4>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-66386558606540629752013-11-11T17:43:00.000+08:002013-11-11T17:49:44.358+08:00RAFAEL ALUNAN III SPEAKS<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://midfield.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/rafael_alunan_iii-tif0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://midfield.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/rafael_alunan_iii-tif0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from http://bit.ly/1i0vyPg</td></tr>
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<i>Mr. Rafael M. Alunan III served in the cabinet of President Fidel Ramos as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and in the cabinet of President Corazon Aquino as Secretary of Tourism, respectively.<br /><br />He is actively posting as a netizen and his commentary on the events unfolding after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (International Codename: Haiyan) are worth sharing if only to open the minds of those who are concerned. </i></div>
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<i>One <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rafael.m.alunan/posts/10201018605408027" target="_blank">commentary </a>of Mr Alunan is reposted below:</i></div>
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So much air time is being spent talking about looting by people that are so desperate for food and water just so they can survive to live one day more. I'd like to equalize that by reproducing the names of the thieves that stole the people's money including Yolanda's victims who do not deserve mercy. May God and man forgive the thieves in Tacloban fighting for their families to stay alive. </div>
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--MANILA, Philippines - Plunder charges were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman against 38 individuals who were named in the criminal complaints for plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, or direct bribery; with 22 of them facing plunder charges. Apart from Janet Napoles, among the others are: </div>
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1. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, </div>
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2. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada </div>
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3. Ramon Revilla Jr. </div>
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4. former congresswoman, Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete</div>
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5. former PEC party-list representative Edgar Valdez</div>
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6. Enrile chief-of-staff Jessica Lucila Reyes </div>
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7. Revilla’s employee Richard Cambe </div>
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8. Enrile’s and Estrada’s representative Ruby Tuason </div>
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9. Estrada’s staff Pauline Labayen </div>
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10. Lanete’s employee Jose Sumalpong </div>
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11. Lanete’s district staff Jeanette de la Cruz </div>
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12. Dangwa’s chief of staff Erwin Dangwa </div>
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13. Dangwa's employee Carlos Lozada.</div>
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14. Jocelyn Piorato of APMFI </div>
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15. Nemesio Pablo of AEPFFI </div>
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16. Mylene Encarnacion of CARED </div>
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17. John Raymund de Asis of KPMFI </div>
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18. Evelyn de Leon of PSDFI </div>
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19. Ronald John Lim of GAMFI</div>
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20. Victor Cacal</div>
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21. Romulo Revelo </div>
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22. Ma. Ninez Guanizo </div>
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23. Julie Johnson </div>
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24. Rodhora Mendoza </div>
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25. Alexis Sevidal </div>
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26. Sofia Cruz </div>
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28. Chila Jalandoni </div>
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29. Francisco Figura </div>
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30. Marivic Jover.</div>
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31. former congressman Rodolfo Gerry Plaza</div>
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of Agusan del Sur</div>
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32. former congressman Samuel Dangwa of Benguet </div>
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33. former congressman Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro </div>
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The plunder complaints were based on a fact-finding investigation conducted by the NBI. Documentary evidence included Commission on Audit (COA) reports showing how questionable NGOs were able to get share from lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), commonly known as pork barrel.</div>
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Lawmakers charged by the NBI unjustly enriched themselves by receiving 40 percent to 60 percent of the cash value of various PDAF-funded projects. Enrile, Revilla and Estrada received P172.8 million, P224.5 million and P183.7 million, respectively, in commissions, rebates, or kickbacks from fake or dubious non-government organizations (NGO) linked to Napoles.</div>
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Let me add, KULANG PA YAN! Marami pang tulisan na hindi pa natutuklasan! May araw din kayo!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-32082582235495390462013-11-07T23:57:00.002+08:002014-02-17T02:14:40.587+08:00MAY NAPOLES SA BAWAT ISA SA ATIN<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtDR8weYnBM/Unu3U-rGagI/AAAAAAAAEdg/On-b-0jtQgk/s1600/064e5704-25d3-4e67-8466-09e29294381f_20131107_NPPA-VFD_00073905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtDR8weYnBM/Unu3U-rGagI/AAAAAAAAEdg/On-b-0jtQgk/s400/064e5704-25d3-4e67-8466-09e29294381f_20131107_NPPA-VFD_00073905.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ang imahe ay mula sa http://bit.ly/HCs089</td></tr>
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Dismayado ang maraming nanood o nakinig sa naganap na <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/522049/napoles-faces-senate" target="_blank">pagharap</a> ni Janet Napoles sa Senado. Sumumpa muna na sasabihin ang pawang katotohanan pagkatapos, nagsimula na syang magpanggap na walang alam.<br />
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Hindi po. Hindi ko po alam sa kanila. I invoke my right to self-incrimation (sa Tagalog, mahirap na pong magsalita).<br />
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Come to think of it. May Napoles sa bawat isa sa atin. Minsan sa buhay natin, lalo na noong bata pa tayo, may mga oras na ganyan din ang mga sagot natin. Halimbawa, sa mga sumusunod na tanong:<br />
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1. Sinong nakabasag ng baso? (<i>Hindi ko po alam</i>. Nanginginig ka pa nyan ha)<br />
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2. Sinong kumain ng tirang ulam? (<i>Hindi po ako</i>. Pero nangangamoy-ulam ka naman)<br />
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3. Nagkopyahan ba kayo habang wala ako? (<i>Hindi po</i>. Sayang di mo natapos kopyahin lahat ng sagot ng kaklase mo sa essay part)<br />
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4. Nag-away daw sina Peping at Nonoy kanina? (<i>Hindi ko po alam sa kanila</i>. Paki ko sa buhay nilang dalawa?) <br />
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5. Sinong kasabay nya pauwi? (<i>Mahirap na pong magsalita</i>. Baka lasunin ako nyan.)<br />
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At marami pang iba. Hanggang ngayon naman, may mga pagkakataong iwas-pusoy tayo sa mga sagot natin. Ang kaibahan nga lang natin kay Janet Napoles, hindi namulubi ang mga kapwa natin tuwing nagbibitaw tayo ng ganyang mga sagot. Hindi natin naibulsa ang sandamukal na buwis galing sa kaban ng bayan.<br />
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Bukas i-try naman nating maging makatotohanan. Habang may time.<br />
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<i>Janet, kuha mo? </i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-88451833458942502322013-10-06T17:47:00.000+08:002014-02-17T02:16:02.564+08:00STOP FOOLING US! NO TO CORRUPTION! SCRAP PDAF!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tSTheBu7IA/UlEznsq_9NI/AAAAAAAAEYE/sN7d6DTcxDQ/s1600/fool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tSTheBu7IA/UlEznsq_9NI/AAAAAAAAEYE/sN7d6DTcxDQ/s400/fool.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-64385840066562408712013-09-14T19:12:00.000+08:002014-02-17T02:19:26.685+08:00CONSPIRACY THEORIES HERE AND THERE<div>
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A conspiracy theory is an explanatory proposition that accuses two or more people, a group, or an organization of having caused or covered up, through deliberate collusion, an event or phenomenon of great social, political, or economic impact. More recently the United States has become the home of conspiracy theories because so many high-level prominent conspiracies have been undertaken and uncovered since the 1960s.</div>
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But the Philippines seems bent on grabbing the title "Home of Conspiracy Theories" from the US of A with the outbreak of opinions that attempt to explain the recent events in Zamboanga City. Just read the various comments in Rappler, ABS-CBN, GMANews, and Inquirer news and you can tell that the Filipinos have the most colorful imaginations and they are the most free people in the world if only enjoyment of freedom of expression online is the sole basis.</div>
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There are two major conspiracy theories that floated this week.</div>
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One, originating in various comment threads is that Janet Lim Napoles and her alleged cohorts, the senators, designed the unrest in Mindanao via bombings. Actually, it has been forwarded even before she surrendered to President Noynoy Aquino. Remember <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/search/label/ANONYMOUS%20SPEAKS:%20Pork%20Barrel%20Scam%20(Updated)" target="_blank">Anonymous' warning</a> that there will be bombings here and there to divert the attention of the people from Napoles' misdeeds? So some says that the siege of Zamboanga is the grandest of all diversionary tactics. Napoles is cornered; the politicians are getting exposed so they need a smokescreen. </div>
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Two, on September 11, 2013, John Shinn III posted a conspiracy theory in his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/johnshinn3/posts/10201212613410398" target="_blank">Facebook Account</a>. As of this writing, it has been shared more than four thousand times. An aha moment for John:</div>
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<i>"AHA! Now I know why everyone---from President Aquino to DILG secretary Mar Roxas, DND's Voltair Gazmin and Zamboanga City mayor Beng Climaco---is trying to prolong this MNLF attack/hostage situation...Even Cebu Pacific and Philippine Air Lines seem to know something about this siege that they put out identical advisories about flight cancelations on Sept. 11 & 12.</i></div>
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<i>"HERE MY ANALYSIS: The U.S. in its fight against global terrorism has earmarked billions of dollars in "aid" money aimed at pro-US countries at the forefront of the war against terrorism.</i></div>
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<i>"By creating something like the crisis we have now in Zamboanga City now---on the 12th anniversary of 9/11---involving pro Al Qaeda groups like the MNLF...the Philippine government, military and even the city of Zamboanga will surely be at the receiving end of huge---I mean HUGE!---U.S. aid to combat global terrorism!</i></div>
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<i>"NO WONDER then P-Noy, Mar Roxas, Voltair Gazmin, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar---and even Nur Misuari---are all in this "conspiracy" to extort hundreds and millions of dollars from Washington.</i></div>
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<i>"JUST WATCH: This will be over on the 13th. Everyone will go their own merry way home...everyone will be a winner----except the people of Zamboanga City!"</i></div>
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Let's see. Conspiracy theories involving MNLF and AFP are nothing new. We've been fed with insider's lamentations even before that the AFP maintains the war in Mindanao so funds for armament and other supplies will keep on flowing, enriching the generals. Hard to believe but when soldiers themselves speak, we can't help but listen, sympathize, and believe.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVDGi16WBSQ/UjQ93TJLvyI/AAAAAAAAEJg/a5oMcq3NvDE/s1600/boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DVDGi16WBSQ/UjQ93TJLvyI/AAAAAAAAEJg/a5oMcq3NvDE/s320/boots.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viral photo of a marine's pair of boots </td></tr>
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Roxas and Gazmin could be natural targets of conspiracy theories. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, said to be a 2016 presidential wannabe, needs all the <i>pogi</i> points to earn mileage in the political race this early. He needs all the limelight. Gazmin, an intelligence officer during his stint with the Philippine Army, a retired lieutenant general, and the 35th secretary of the Department of National Defense, is an important ally since he has a hand over the armed forces, the nation's pawns. But are they that conscienceless to get Zamboanga to what it is today?</div>
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So what John Shinn III is saying is that, all together, Roxas, Gazmin, PNoy, and Mayor Beng Climaco, in collusion with Nur Misuari, staged the firefights to "extort" the HUGE (!!!) US aid to combat global terrorism, with the implication that it will go to their pockets, for their personal benefit.</div>
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Granting that this theory is plausible since it compelled more than 4,000 Facebook account owners to share it to their friends, wouldn't it be unfair to the lady mayor of Zamboanga City to be implicated? I can't imagine that the mayor, a former city councilor and former congresswoman whose major advocacies include women, family, youth, children, education, livelihood and social welfare, would conspire with Nur Misuari to bring her city to a state of chaos? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTouEfU92Pg/UjQ988ryjGI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/ZzRDbBirZ18/s1600/zamboanga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTouEfU92Pg/UjQ988ryjGI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/ZzRDbBirZ18/s320/zamboanga.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from GMANews</td></tr>
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What happened to PNoy's "<i>Daang Matuwid</i>"? Can he stomach the sight of the evacuees, especially the children, sleeping in makeshift beds? of Filipinos displaced from their homes? Can he sleep at night with the images of the dead soldiers floating in his mind? Can he afford embarrassing his image and that of his pious mother and heroic father? I don't think so.</div>
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<i>"JUST WATCH: This will be over on the 13th. Everyone will go their own merry way home...everyone will be a winner----except the people of Zamboanga City!"</i></div>
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Today is September 14, 2013. A day has passed since Mr. John Shinn III posted his theory, which has become viral and even discussed in newspapers, but still, the fighting in Zamboanga is far from being over.</div>
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Roxas said PNoy is in-charge but VP Binay is getting into the picture. So does it mean that Binay wants a cut from the huge US aid, Mr. Shinn?</div>
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Let's keep on following the news and see where this Zamboanga saga is going. For the mean time, let's pray that no more dies and for peace to be restored.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from GMANews</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">Politics is the conspiracy of the unproductive but organized against the productive but unorganized.</span></div>
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- Joseph Sobran</div>
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Be safe everyone!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-79319627396365322842013-09-12T19:39:00.000+08:002014-02-17T02:21:14.019+08:00ROU SPEAKS: WE REACHED A CRUCIAL DECISION<div>
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My news feed today was flooded with familiar news snippets but one particular link caught my attention. It was a <a href="http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/19082-disgruntled-forces-surface-say-crucial-decision-made" target="_blank">link</a> to Daily Tribune's online article about a manifesto issued by Reformist Officers United (ROU). </div>
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Google did not yield much information about ROU; nothing that is not a repost of Daily Tribune's post today, September 12, 2013. I have the impression that it is a newly formed group of disgruntled military personnel or it is an old group that has no penchant for posting their activities online. </div>
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While reading this, I have to remind myself that the manifesto is actually hitting on PNoy's administration and not on Gloria's. My mind wanders carelessly into thinking that they are describing the era that was PGMA's. Where are they when the scam that was "Hello Garci" broke? When the ZTE Broadband Deal was exposed?</div>
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I am looking for an online copy of the Manifesto as featured in Daily Tribune. Unfortunately, I only saw reposts of the same news. Why is it not made available to other media entities? Why only in Daily Tribune? Or did I miss a website that posted ROU's manifesto?</div>
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If this manifesto is genuine and not just a creative writing project of some bright scholars to poison the minds of the Filipinos, it is but a threat to the Filipino nation. We shall be thrown into, God forbid,a state of war. The timing of its release is impeccable: Think of Zamboanga and Basilan and MNLF, BIFF, MILF, and Abu Sayyaf vis–à–vis the pork barrel scam investigation, Janet Napoles, Benhur, Jinggoy, Manong Johnny, Bong, and Gringo. There are too many conspiracy theorists in the Internet. Count me in.</div>
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I am reposting the entire article here:</div>
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<i>"Signs of unrest have again manifested in the military ranks as a group which called itself the Reformist Officers United (ROU) issued a manifesto yesterday declaring a stand to “save the country from further ruin and continue the unfinished revolution of our forefathers, the true nationalists of the 1896 Philippine Revolution.”</i></div>
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<i>"The manifesto, called an “Article of Faith,” carried the signatures of representatives from all the military commands, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Marines and the Presidential Security Guard, and civilian security agencies Philippine National Police, Coast Guard and the National Bureau of Investigation. The names in the manifesto, however, are all likely pseudonyms.</i></div>
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<i>"The ROU said it reached a “crucial decision,” which it did not state clearly, after many of its supposed members attended the recent rally at the Luneta Park or the Million People March on Aug. 26.</i></div>
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<i>"The decision was arrived at “after much contemplation of the political, social, economic and national security situations that turned from bad to worse, after we have vetted our organization, purged its ranks of opportunists and fake nationalists and after we have consulted some of our elders in the military, legal profession, farmers and those from the business, church, academe, labor and civil society groups.”</i></div>
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<i>“Rest assured, together we will win this battle if possible with less bloodshed,” the ROU said in the manifesto.</i></div>
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<i>“We are very much aware of the colonial and neo-colonial circumstances which have denied us the chance to discover our national self and to establish our identity and discover how much our dignity is really worth,” it stated. </i></div>
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<i>"The group added that the government and many of the country’s leaders have been “weak, corrupt, venal, insensitive and self-serving.” </i></div>
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<i>"As a result, foreign powers in the name of friendship and business partnership have interfered in our affairs with impunity, manipulating us, playing with our lives, our country and our destiny, the ROU added.</i></div>
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<i>"The group was clearly critical of the administration of President Aquino saying that his government “is no different from his mother’s regime, characterized by callous shamelessness propped up by endless popularity surveys.” </i></div>
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<i>"It added that the Aquino administration stages spurious public shows of piety and compassion. </i></div>
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<i>“It goes through the motions of apologizing for numerous blunders in public yet committed the unforgivable sin of blasphemy to shield its depravity,” the group said.</i></div>
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<i>"It described the Aquino administration as being in the shameful tradition of the Makabebes, who betrayed the Philippine Revolution of 1896, and the even more notorious Makapilis who sent many Filipinos to their death (in World War II).</i></div>
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<i>“Pnoy’s government has repeatedly frustrated the honest aspirations of our people by offering its fanciful and deceitful brand of democracy, economy and political lifestyle to unscrupulous foreigners and appealing directly for their intervention to save it from the wrath of long-suffering populace with legitimate grievances,” the ROU added.</i></div>
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<i>"The group added Aquino has been deceiving the armed forces into “fighting its battles of self-aggrandizement while undermining the military at every turn. It tells its armed service to fight terrorism without credible laws to protect them and the people.” </i></div>
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<i>“Many of our men have already died of loss of blood fighting a war they do not even understand,” the group added. </i></div>
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<i>"It said occasionally, Aquino throws the military a bone to chew on, like guard dogs to be placated from hunger and reject. </i></div>
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<i>“More than 70,000 of our men in uniform are living as squatters in the urban centers as well as in the countryside,” it added.</i></div>
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<i>"The Aquino administration has reduced the once-proud military and police organization into a private security force, dedicated to perpetuate its status quo. </i></div>
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<i>"The group added that a Gestapo-like counter intelligence organization is being maintained by the government “not to spy on the real enemies of the State but to spy endlessly on the office corps, rank-and-file, their families and other innocent targets.”</i></div>
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<i>“From the first day, Pnoy, using useless advocacy of Matuwid na Daan, has actually steered by one direction alone, that of private gains and mindless arrogance,” the ROU added.</i></div>
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<i>"For more than three long, unhappy years (Aquino) has drifted with neither will nor ability to govern, muddling through all our national crises, setting a record of corruptions and plunder, incompetence and clumsiness, it said.</i></div>
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<i>"The solutions offered “have been short-sighted, meaningless palliatives and rhetorics that leave the people more frustrated </i><i>than ever.” </i></div>
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<i>"The ROU said the Aquino administration excelled in only two things: the enrichment of its clique and self-congratulations.</i></div>
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<i>“What is more unconscionable is that (Aquino) even lionized Janet Lim-Napoles, who stole public funds and enriched herself and unscrupulous politicians. She cannot deny this because there are witnesses and highly incriminating pieces of evidence that will send them to jail the rest of their lives. This is not the right time to read a bill of particular. That will come later,” it added.</i></div>
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<i>"The group said that only a few days ago while the political crisis was evolving, (Aquino) apologized to the nation and appealed to the public to support his presidency and the rule of law. </i></div>
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<i>“His conscience has become so compartmentalized he does not realize that the very men and women he asked for help were the same men and women victimized by his government’s corruption, plunder, arrogance and incompetence,” it said.</i></div>
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<i>"Daily, the public “contend with (Aquino’s)mismanagement, extravagance, arrogance and sexual escapades, it claimed. </i></div>
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<i>“They suffer the high prices and the low wages. They suffer the scarcity of jobs. They suffer the absence of transportation, water shortage and high fuel prices. They suffer the breakdown of law and order, moral decay and endless salvaging,” it added.</i></div>
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<i>"The group also lamented that the Aquino regime has the gall to ask for help from the very people they continued to deprive of their rights and their dignity. </i></div>
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<i>“Pnoy even asked the men in uniform to die for his government and his brand of illiberal democracy. But will they, these people on whose tongues linger the acrid tastes of disillusion, betrayal and greed?,” it added.</i></div>
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<i>"The ROU said it has “allies in the civilian sectors” and will offer the country, “not the tarnished version of EDSA 1986, cheapened and exploited beyond recognition, but the revolutionary spirit of 1896 and its noble dream, a dream filled with a fierce yearning for change: true independence, a sovereign nation, a just and wise government, genuine nationalism, respect for the rule of law, freedom in its best sense and reconciliation.” </i></div>
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<i>“In short, genuine democracy as the Filipino revolutionaries of 1896 installed but only fleetingly enjoyed before decades of subjugation, tyranny and pretense that saw our resources exploited and our values warped and perverted,” the group said.</i></div>
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<i>"It called on “friends and guests from foreign lands” who the group said it gives respects to their “sovereignty, culture, individuality and business interests.” </i></div>
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<i>“We implore you in the name of our country not to interfere anymore with our internal affairs,” it said.</i></div>
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<i>"It also appealed to media “to be fair and responsible in your reporting.”</i></div>
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<i>“We will not hesitate to fight fire with fire those who will stand in our way and undermine our determination to protect the State and to create a just, wise, efficient and stable society throughout the land,” the group warned.</i></div>
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<i>"It said that its members will remain anonymous, for the meantime, “but in time we will get to know with one another as some of our forces are still busy garhering intelligence information, infiltrating centers of power of the Aquino Government and carefully assessing its loyal forces on the basis of their morale, command system, fighting capability, intelligence and material supplies.”</i></div>
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<i>"It said that since the 1986 EDSA Revolution, the Filipino masses “still huddled in their hovels, exploited, hungry and dispossessed. Our bureaucracy is corrupt and inefficient.” </i></div>
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<i>“There is systems failure everywhere. The entire country is deregulated in favor of the elite and their crook foreign partners. Prices of basic commodities keep on rising while workers’ wages remain the same,” it added.</i></div>
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<i>"The group also said there is no peace and order. “The simplest public services cannot be delivered. Our military is demoralized and shot through with politics. Our judicial system does not work. The guilty go free; the innocent are framed.”</i></div>
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<i>"The ROU said the country’s strength is vitiated by corruption, plunder and ignorance in high places. “When we protest, the government responds with arrogance and brutality. Our elections are farces, contests of force and money, or sleight-of-hand spewed by computers and automated machines,” it added."</i></div>
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So it would be less bloody if possible. Are we ready for a revolution ala-1896 with less bloodshed, "if possible"?</div>
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While reading it, I sensed a faint smell of poison in the air. People, did you detect it? </div>
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By the way, am I the only one who noticed that ROU sounds like "AR-RO-YO"? Clever. Very clever. Or is it just a coincidence? Meh.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">- Martin Luther King, Jr.</span> </div>
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Be safe, everyone!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-83367716771273195632013-09-12T14:42:00.001+08:002014-02-17T02:26:18.457+08:00BENHUR LUY SPEAKS AT THE SENATE<div>
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The second cousin and former close aide of Janet Napoles, whistleblower Benhur Luy, who exposed the alleged ten billion pork barrel scam involving lawmakers and Janet, appears before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Wearing a bullet-proof vest with the initials WPP or Witness Protection Program, he faced the senators to substantiate his accusation that his former employer set up fake non-governmental organizations (NGOs) so she could siphon off pork barrel funds from senators and congressmen.</div>
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Justice Leila de Lima presented Benhur to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. So he is now finally speaking infront of the senators, some of whom could be actually involved in the scam. He is not telling yet how many senators are involved. Just not yet. Believe me, it is an awkward moment for Benhur and the senators. Why not? The principal accuser answers probing questions from the senators who might be later implicated. Just awkward. </div>
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Benhur verbalized one thing that everyone has heard of previously: Janet Napoles, alleged mastermind of the anomaly, transacted with some lawmakers.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Benhur claimed that some lawmakers received millions of pesos in cash stashed in bags as 'cuts' from pork barrel funds funneled to bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) linked with Janet Lim-Napoles. No less than Janet Napoles brought the bags of cash to some senators.<i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Pine-prepare po namin ang pera, halimbawa po, P20 million. May kausap siyang senador, dadalhin niya ang pera na iyon kapag may meeting sila."</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Luy added that some of the senators' chiefs-of-staff even went to their office to get the money. Some staff members of congressmen went to the bank with them to withdraw their cuts from pork barrel funds.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Nagbibigay sila ng account number tapos kine-credit namin sa account nila minsan kung hindi congressman, 'yung kanilang chief of staff." </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Benhur Luy, however, admitted that he has not personally seen Napoles give money to senators.</span></div>
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That admission could be one of the escape routes of the senators. He did not personally see Janet give money to the senators. But then, does he really need to actually see it to be able to know?</div>
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Or is there another smoking gun somewhere else?</div>
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<i>At the National Bureau of Investigation, there are heavily-guarded <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/485791/15-boxes-of-pork-evidence" target="_blank">15 boxes of evidence</a> and more than 2,000 pages of financial transactions detailing the extent of the P10-billion scam. The implicating evidence comes from official records - endorsements of bogus NGOs. </i></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">So t</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">he government agencies that received the letters of endorsement from senators have the smoking gun. Benhur is expected to corroborate the evidences that came from the rest of the whistleblowers and the paper trail collected by the NBI. </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Benhur Luy revealed: Napoles exchanged phone calls with lawmakers on the transfer of pork barrel funds to her NGOs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><i>"Sometimes 'yung lawmakers tumatawag sa kanya, sasabihin: Magsa-submit na kami ng listing, ano gusto mo gawin? Sasabihin ni Mrs. Napoles, 'Sige tatawag muna ako ng agencies kung saan pupuwede." </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Napoles and her office also had contacts at the Department of Budget and Management and implementing agencies where the pork barrel funds are downloaded, Benhur said. The implementing agencies are the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC), the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), and the Zamboanga Rubber Estate Corporation (ZREC). </span></div>
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More from Benhur Luy:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"</span><i style="font-weight: normal;">After 3 years, sabi ni Napoles, ripe na para makapag-transact sa gobyerno ang aking foundation, ayon sa COA rules</i><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">." </span></div>
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This scam was well-planned. The people behind it are visionaries. The incubation period is not only 3 years for sure. I wonder who are the co-planners and advisers. Are they the same top three personalities figuring in the news? Interesting. Could this explain why spouses and siblings aspire to become politicians, too - for continuity of transactions? </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Lagi siyang (Napoles) walang tiwala sa mga tao sa opisina kaya ang ginagawa ko ina-attach ko yung xerox copy from the bank para makita niya ang halaga</i>."</span></div>
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Reminds me of the saying, "<i>Ang magnanakaw takot sa kapwa magnanakaw</i>." </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"</span><i style="font-weight: normal;">Si Ms. Napoles nakikipag-usap sa lawmakers; titingnan ang menu ng DBM</i><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">."</span></div>
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Right timing is really important, eh? Opportunists look for opportunities at the most opportune place in the most opportune time .</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Tapos tatawagan namin ang DBM, tapos dahil may received copy, magbabayad na</i>." </span></div>
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Purging is a buzz word lately, Secretary Abad. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Siya ang magsasabi kung anong foundation</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
The mastermind controls with her own hands. A connossieur! Wasn't it Dick Armey who said, "Three groups spend other people's money: children, thieves, politicians. All three need supervision."</div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Si Ms. Napoles, sigurista siya, bago siya magbabayad, kailangan may dokumento</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course! <i>Mahirap nang maisahan</i>. </div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Hindi kasya ang pera sa vault ni Ms. Napoles, ilalagay na namin sa bed niya, minsan sa bath tub</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">“</span><i style="font-weight: normal;">Cash. Merong MC (manager’s check ) pero di po nakapangalan sa senador</i><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">."</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
That many? In cold cash! Understandably, cash is more convenient despite the space it occupies over checks, which may leave trails that is hard to explain or deny later. </div>
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So, does Janet rely on bags to deliver money to her business partners? Apparently no.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>May mga chief of staff pumunta sa opisina para kumuha ng pera. Sometimes, sumasama sa bangko pag nag withdraw</i>."</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
And how much is the sharing? </div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"</span><i style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/486143/senators-got-half-from-napoles-deals" target="_blank">50%</a> ang hatian. Bago pa nito, makikipagtawaran pa si Napoles</i><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, dear. Fifty percent. That's fifty-fifty sharing. So it's not 60-40? Janet plays it like a business pro. </div>
</span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Didn't Janet Napoles and her lawyer, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, who said that Benhur has a different boss? That the 'real' mastermind has fled out of the country? Benhur denies: </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Wala akong ibang alam na mastermind; siya lang ang boss ko</i>."</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
As in Janet alone? It's a monstrous venture! Her husband and kids must be in the know. </div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"> "<i>Aware ang asawa at 2 anak ni Janet Napoles. Husband is consultant while 2 children are part of operations and finance</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Benhur Luy said that he even went once to the Senate to see a male senator nicknamed "Sexy". </div>
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Why was he called "Sexy"? </div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Dati raw po mataba tapos pumayat."</i></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">It is not hard to make a guess in this case. No need, actually. A week ago, Inquirer ran a </span><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/481333/whistle-blowers-bare-napoles-pork-records" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">news item</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> revealing the identity of 'Sexy'. </span> </h4>
<h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>“‘Kuya’ and ‘Sexy’ are the code names for Sen. Jinggoy [Estrada]. ‘Pogi’ is for Sen. Bong [Ramon Revilla], and ‘Tanda’ is for Sen. [Juan Ponce] Enrile.</i>” </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope Senator Jinggoy is not contemplating on gaining back the pounds he lost now that the investigation is on-going. </div>
</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">In a phone interview shared via Twitter by Christian Esguerra, Sen. Jinggoy says he monitored the senate hearing. He vehemently denies knowing, ever meeting Benhur Luy. He says: </span></h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"<i>Mamatay man</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seriously? Is he that brave to summon Death just to emphasize and accentuate his denial? Why do I feel like I want to feign surprise? But I can't. I am laughing out loud right now courtesy of "<i>Mamatay man</i>." I hope no man, no one dies because of lying.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">So how much does a personal assistant of an ultra-rich Janet Napoles receives as salary? </span></h4>
<h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-weight: normal;">"Noon P8,000 ang sinahod ko; nitong huli P45,000 na, lahat kami sa opisina." </i></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
That's a pretty good fortune for office workers under the lair of Janet Napoles. Some people can get most of the luck in this world but not every luck is forever.</div>
</span></h4>
<h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Benhur, the personal assistant, soon lost his boss's trust and confidence. This is a fragile kind of business operation. No one is indispensable. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">"<i>Nagalit na siya sa akin nang maisip niyang nagsasarili na ako. Pinagmumura niya ako</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
This line made me cringe:</div>
</span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"<i>Mga natalong lawmaker, nag-ahente ahente na rin</i>." </span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
And why not? They know the place like the back of their hands. They know whom to approach, to tempt. They know how much is at stake from the PDAF. </div>
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Appalling revelations. Scary. Those who are being implicated must be scared of the impending demise of their luxurious futures.</span></div>
</h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While Benhur speaks infront of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, the firefight between the government forces and a faction of the MNLF in Zamboanga City continues. Where there is a firefight, there is a fire razing among buildings and houses. Zamboanga Airport is close, there is minimal movement of civilians, and hungry, ill evacuees number to more than a thousand already. Abu Sayyaf, MNLF, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a MILF breakaway group, <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/38717-firefight-lamitan-basilan" target="_blank">has combined forces</a> in fighting the government forces, in Lamitan, Basilan. Meanwhile, a disgruntled group of military men allegedly <a href="http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/19082-disgruntled-forces-surface-say-crucial-decision-made" target="_blank">members of ROU</a> is thinking of a coup.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why the sudden, almost orchestrated simultaneous attacks?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your guess is as good as mine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: red;">In a closed society where everybody's guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity. <br /><br />- Hunter S. Thompson</span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Be safe everyone!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-14319154718358999452013-08-30T21:15:00.002+08:002014-02-17T03:28:33.634+08:00SENATOR BONG REVILLA, IS THAT YOU?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There's this video that's going viral in online social networking sites, particularly in Facebook. Allegedly, it's Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla who is talking. At one point, his name was mentioned. The things that were said were quite embarrassing and self-incriminating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If it was indeed the Senator from Cavite who is speaking, he's just revealed his bad side. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So what's your take on this monologue?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4zHTjUVM94njKLOjwdbPPDK8lzTqD5m3dLx327bbnRBih1DakuT0tTsUA6Be4oq04hvfeZwUCl54fax2DAA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Video from Cheridel Alejandrino's Facebook account </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a related <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/478809/aquino-smells-rat-at-the-nbi" target="_blank">news</a>,</span></h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rumors were rife that the two ranking NBI officials tipped off Napoles to the impending issuance of a warrant for her arrest on Aug. 14, frustrating the agents who had staked out 28 of the known houses of Napoles and her brother, Reynald Lim, to get them that day.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the senators had a run-in with police during the recent midterm elections when six confidential NBI agents sought refuge in his house, leading to a confrontation with policemen who were arresting them for violating the gun ban. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; text-align: start;">An exasperated De Lima faced the media on Aug. 15, saying: “Somebody tipped them off.”</span></span></blockquote>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is that you, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla?</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-size: small;">
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-21265651926904664312013-08-29T10:28:00.002+08:002014-02-17T02:29:55.177+08:00JANET NAPOLES SURRENDERS<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Before 10:00 in the evening last night, August 28, 2013, Janet Lim-Napoles surrendered to no less than President Benigno Aquino III. </h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Inquirer reports:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px;">Fearing for her life, fugitive Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the P10 billion pork barrel scam, surrendered to President Benigno Aquino in Camp Crame Wednesday night, Malacañang announced.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“At 9:37 p.m. on August 28, Janet Napoles surrendered to President Aquino,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a class="fancybox" href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2013/08/16janet-napoles.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3268ca; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-476757 " src="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2013/08/16janet-napoles-300x225.jpg" height="225" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); height: auto; margin: 0px 0px 10px; max-width: 620px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="16janet-napoles" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
HUNT OVER After an intensive 14-day search by combined government forces and agencies and with a P10-million bounty on her head, the elusive Janet Napoles surfaces on Wednesday evening and comes face to face with President Aquino. The businesswoman from Mindanao is now in the custody of the interior department. Will she name names? EDWIN BACASMAS</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The President turned her over to the custody of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Philippine National Police Director-General Alan Purisima for processing and booking,” Lacierda said.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pre-empted</strong></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The move pre-empted the National Bureau of Investigation Special Task Force that earlier got a hot tip on the Napoles’ whereabouts and was on its way to serve her warrant of arrest.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Napoles specifically asked through her lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, that she be brought to Camp Crame and not to the NBI.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aquino motored to the PNP national headquarters to accept the surrender of Napoles and turned her over to Roxas. The President also met with Napoles’ husband, Jimmy.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the media was barred from the meeting. Unlike criminal suspects who are immediately presented to the media, the Presidential Security Group ordered the police not to allow journalists to enter the camp.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was no explanation why Napoles was shielded from the media.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blew the whistle</strong></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Napoles, together with her brother Reynald Lim, went into hiding before authorities could serve the arrest warrants on them on August 15 in connection with the alleged kidnapping of the businesswoman’s aide and cousin Benhur Luy.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.15625px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Luy and other former staff of Napoles blew the whistle on the conversion of P10 billion in lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund into kickbacks by Napoles and her company using dummy foundations, bogus beneficiaries and forged signatures of officials.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a radio interview, Kapunan said her client surrendered for fear of her life.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“There are really people who want to keep her silent permanently,” Kapunan said.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Therefore now is the right time. She said she has nothing to hide anyway,” she added.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kapunan said she did not know where Napoles hid, adding she had no communication with her client before the fugitive businesswoman’s surrender.</div>
</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Booked</strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PNP spokesperson, Colonel Teodoro Sindac, said in a text message at 12 midnight that Napoles was already booked at Camp Crame. He gave no further details.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Inquirer learned that according to Kapunan, Napoles decided to surrender to the President before she could be charged with plunder and other cases.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Raising the biggest bounty for a fugitive so far, Aquino earlier Wednesday announced a P10-million bounty for the arrest of Napoles.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But he said proposals to make her a state witness would be studied.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A TV news report said Kapunan had reported that her client sent surrender feelers through Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. However, Tagle’s spokesperson, Peachy Yamsuan, said the charismatic church leader had not spoken with either Napoles or her lawyer.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kapunan did not reply to text messages from the Inquirer asking for confirmation of the report.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
State agents fanned out to track down Napoles and Lim, expanding the search to islands near Mindanao and Indonesia where they could have fled aboard her luxury yachts.</div>
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STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL Unknown to President Aquino and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during the 8th East Asia Conference on Competition and Law Policy at Sofitel Hotel earlier on Wednesday, the probable subject of their secretive talk, the pork barrel “queen” Janet Lim-Napoles, would surrender late Wednesday night. LYN RILLON</div>
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The President said that the reward for the arrest of Napoles’ brother was yet to be discussed with security officials.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Harboring fugitive</strong></div>
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Aquino warned the public against aiding Napoles and her brother. “Harboring a fugitive is a crime; obstruction of justice is a crime. If those harboring her have good sense, they should be aware of this. And if they think we’ll stop searching for them, they’re wrong,” he said.</div>
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Public outrage, fanned by newspaper and state auditors’ reports over misuse of the fund at the disposal of lawmakers, climaxed into a mammoth rally at Rizal Park on Monday.</div>
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The President on Friday announced the abolition of the pork barrel and the replacement of this lump sum disbursements with a so-called line-item budgeting of projects for legislators. </div>
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<span style="font-family: ''; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">This is good news in light of the on-going investigation of the pork barrel scam. This is a move towards the people's winning of the fight against corruption. It is a small achievement but a score in favor of the people. </span><span style="font-family: ''; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Whatever Napoles will reveal should shed light into the big secret being kept by the senators and congressmen. We are waiting for the truth to come out. </span></div>
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Please ensure the safety of her life. We cannot afford to lose Napoles. </div>
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Let us all be more vigilant.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-13946760144958203932013-08-26T14:02:00.002+08:002014-02-17T02:31:11.257+08:00IN PICTURES: ANTI-PORK RALLIES HERE AND ABROAD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, in other cities of the Philippines and abroad, Filipinos converged and expressed their disgust about the pork barrel scam. There is only voice: Abolish the Pork Barrel!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U7rOiwTORc/UhrtMbiBQ8I/AAAAAAAAEF0/MV42Jowmax0/s1600/baguio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U7rOiwTORc/UhrtMbiBQ8I/AAAAAAAAEF0/MV42Jowmax0/s320/baguio2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baguio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNPyEYyYesg/UhrtNuYkFII/AAAAAAAAEGM/OxgH2gHVxGY/s1600/baguio3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cNPyEYyYesg/UhrtNuYkFII/AAAAAAAAEGM/OxgH2gHVxGY/s320/baguio3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baguio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtl6YQZbSBw/UhrtNnycCtI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/IonVOXTik40/s1600/baguio4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtl6YQZbSBw/UhrtNnycCtI/AAAAAAAAEGQ/IonVOXTik40/s320/baguio4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kidlat Tahimik, Baguio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-270PHcAbX4U/UhrtMXuXEVI/AAAAAAAAEF8/t51xmCVgttA/s1600/baguio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-270PHcAbX4U/UhrtMXuXEVI/AAAAAAAAEF8/t51xmCVgttA/s320/baguio.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baguio, early in the morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46k7AWds5sM/UhrtN-NhXNI/AAAAAAAAEGY/JoWOReyr62M/s1600/barcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46k7AWds5sM/UhrtN-NhXNI/AAAAAAAAEGY/JoWOReyr62M/s320/barcelona.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barcelona, Spain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCXbeMotLq0/UhrtOeMmsdI/AAAAAAAAEGk/C1gx2w2bqcA/s1600/camsur+signature+campaign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCXbeMotLq0/UhrtOeMmsdI/AAAAAAAAEGk/C1gx2w2bqcA/s320/camsur+signature+campaign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signature campaign, Camarines Sur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqxKcCNrSGw/UhrtOundocI/AAAAAAAAEGo/cuBjyipnQgI/s1600/dagupan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqxKcCNrSGw/UhrtOundocI/AAAAAAAAEGo/cuBjyipnQgI/s320/dagupan.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dagupan, Pangasinan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2jFBhYhYNc/UhrtPrefasI/AAAAAAAAEG8/xnMRQ9RwIIA/s1600/davao2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2jFBhYhYNc/UhrtPrefasI/AAAAAAAAEG8/xnMRQ9RwIIA/s320/davao2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davao City</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ejD-TFo7k/UhrtPOOeH0I/AAAAAAAAEGw/ST3bbZyqRKQ/s1600/davao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ejD-TFo7k/UhrtPOOeH0I/AAAAAAAAEGw/ST3bbZyqRKQ/s320/davao.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Davao City</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuCwHwBtbjw/UhrtQHE_OKI/AAAAAAAAEHE/VmU4xsVqJmE/s1600/los+angeles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuCwHwBtbjw/UhrtQHE_OKI/AAAAAAAAEHE/VmU4xsVqJmE/s320/los+angeles.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from Jeane Napoles' apartment to the streets of Los Angeles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSKFwjO0JMs/UhrtQXH5mBI/AAAAAAAAEHI/8mszQyjGph4/s1600/melbourne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSKFwjO0JMs/UhrtQXH5mBI/AAAAAAAAEHI/8mszQyjGph4/s320/melbourne.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melbourne, Australia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1VbwRFhdas/UhrtQ9Ex1gI/AAAAAAAAEHU/1zbTiml3hoE/s1600/new+york2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1VbwRFhdas/UhrtQ9Ex1gI/AAAAAAAAEHU/1zbTiml3hoE/s320/new+york2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOTVnRdb1Z0/UhrtMZo9o_I/AAAAAAAAEF4/50jKzZMFV9o/s1600/NEW+YORK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOTVnRdb1Z0/UhrtMZo9o_I/AAAAAAAAEF4/50jKzZMFV9o/s320/NEW+YORK.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaibXUMnCiI/UhsNxK0sWgI/AAAAAAAAEIM/8jviRG_jSSI/s1600/sydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaibXUMnCiI/UhsNxK0sWgI/AAAAAAAAEIM/8jviRG_jSSI/s320/sydney.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney, Australia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJmQfIpoAvA/UhrtRKDJdfI/AAAAAAAAEHY/B_3xyOgi0_0/s1600/tuguegarao+city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJmQfIpoAvA/UhrtRKDJdfI/AAAAAAAAEHY/B_3xyOgi0_0/s320/tuguegarao+city.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuguegarao City, Cagayan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVnPY0_3l7E/UhrtRpsxrUI/AAAAAAAAEHg/-m1Ua6ZlZ7M/s1600/vancouver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVnPY0_3l7E/UhrtRpsxrUI/AAAAAAAAEHg/-m1Ua6ZlZ7M/s320/vancouver.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver, Canada</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4rcbqoxsZQ/UhrtR08edjI/AAAAAAAAEHo/0kwbHgVHS_M/s1600/zamboanga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4rcbqoxsZQ/UhrtR08edjI/AAAAAAAAEHo/0kwbHgVHS_M/s320/zamboanga.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zamboanga City</td></tr>
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More action will be happening this afternoon as the militants are marching towards Mendiola in Manila. Other actions are slated this afternoon in other cities.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-51729975389395432652013-08-26T09:34:00.002+08:002014-02-17T02:31:45.156+08:00PICTURES AS IT HAPPENS: THE MILLION PEOPLE MARCH<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HO-HRUqSAA/UhrzWge16YI/AAAAAAAAEH8/DhVX4W44g5w/s1600/big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HO-HRUqSAA/UhrzWge16YI/AAAAAAAAEH8/DhVX4W44g5w/s320/big.jpg" height="175" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of the Million People March crowd in Luneta at midday, August 26, 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jLLny8YK4s/UhrGButTKJI/AAAAAAAAEDY/jlqoul7f1H0/s1600/crowd+in+luneta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jLLny8YK4s/UhrGButTKJI/AAAAAAAAEDY/jlqoul7f1H0/s320/crowd+in+luneta.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 11 in the morning</td></tr>
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Luneta today. See how the crowd swells at Quirino Grandstand. A quarter before 9 AM, the Manila Police District Chief estimated the crowd at 60,000. I will add more pictures and captions later. Let me gather some more. Please copy the URL above and share to your friends. Click refresh from time to time to see newly added pictures. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCu2OI-vqac/UhqwSNElSHI/AAAAAAAAD_g/DUNWhfsg6yQ/s1600/15+minutes+before+9+am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCu2OI-vqac/UhqwSNElSHI/AAAAAAAAD_g/DUNWhfsg6yQ/s320/15+minutes+before+9+am.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at 15 minutes before 9 in the morning of August 26, 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHRIzvm02X8/UhqwSojAvTI/AAAAAAAAD_o/OJYZUYd5qhw/s1600/APL-Sentro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHRIzvm02X8/UhqwSojAvTI/AAAAAAAAD_o/OJYZUYd5qhw/s320/APL-Sentro.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they're not deterred by the rain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEd3OiLaoIc/UhqwT2rDiCI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Os9_dFRRGAQ/s1600/brothers+from+antipolo+sporting+Guy+Fawkes+and+pig+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEd3OiLaoIc/UhqwT2rDiCI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Os9_dFRRGAQ/s320/brothers+from+antipolo+sporting+Guy+Fawkes+and+pig+mask.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brothers from Antipolo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6M1a7X49TU/UhqwSTD8jhI/AAAAAAAAD_k/lWdmzOrM9PY/s1600/BSjgkQOCcAA1ra7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6M1a7X49TU/UhqwSTD8jhI/AAAAAAAAD_k/lWdmzOrM9PY/s320/BSjgkQOCcAA1ra7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Noel Trinidad spotted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmixNWgLxtw/UhqwTtSFy3I/AAAAAAAAD_8/luDdPUkUcww/s1600/bubble+rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmixNWgLxtw/UhqwTtSFy3I/AAAAAAAAD_8/luDdPUkUcww/s320/bubble+rally.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles against pork barrel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhmMMm0rfJk/UhqwUTagIAI/AAAAAAAAEAM/A-4MuHTg52o/s1600/de+la+salle+contingent+marching+along+roxas+blvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PhmMMm0rfJk/UhqwUTagIAI/AAAAAAAAEAM/A-4MuHTg52o/s320/de+la+salle+contingent+marching+along+roxas+blvd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De La Salle contingency marching along Roxas Blvd.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhi0FNEVcUA/UhqwUjFFU7I/AAAAAAAAEAY/gzSA62Zo-hY/s1600/former+UP+president+EmmanuelV+SOriano+in+wheelchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhi0FNEVcUA/UhqwUjFFU7I/AAAAAAAAEAY/gzSA62Zo-hY/s320/former+UP+president+EmmanuelV+SOriano+in+wheelchair.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former UP President Emmanuel V. Soriano (in wheelchair)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S01yVAgriX4/UhqwU3VlI_I/AAAAAAAAEAc/qzeQZh0crDg/s1600/free+bamboo+instruments+for+protesters+from+Sanghabi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S01yVAgriX4/UhqwU3VlI_I/AAAAAAAAEAc/qzeQZh0crDg/s320/free+bamboo+instruments+for+protesters+from+Sanghabi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">free bamboo instruments from Sanghabi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xihv9Weu7Q/UhqwVQhZjDI/AAAAAAAAEAo/FY-ywzEFKck/s1600/hundreds+of+bikers+on+the+way+to+luneta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xihv9Weu7Q/UhqwVQhZjDI/AAAAAAAAEAo/FY-ywzEFKck/s320/hundreds+of+bikers+on+the+way+to+luneta.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hundreds of bikers on the way to Luneta</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HidxpZzb7Oc/UhqwVtogNXI/AAAAAAAAEAs/_d8OCLjkiaE/s1600/jeep+out+of+line+hinarang+ng+pulis+sa+edsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HidxpZzb7Oc/UhqwVtogNXI/AAAAAAAAEAs/_d8OCLjkiaE/s320/jeep+out+of+line+hinarang+ng+pulis+sa+edsa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a jeepney on the way to Luneta was flagged down because it was "out of line"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXeCfnJOIMw/UhqwVzh3s9I/AAAAAAAAEA0/qIQ2YJchiiQ/s1600/leaderless+crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXeCfnJOIMw/UhqwVzh3s9I/AAAAAAAAEA0/qIQ2YJchiiQ/s320/leaderless+crowd.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the grounds are filling up with Pinoys in white</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpNV8EcSPqE/UhqwWVg7w0I/AAAAAAAAEA8/pUPqtV8y4t4/s1600/mad+against+dynasty+group+with+their+streamers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpNV8EcSPqE/UhqwWVg7w0I/AAAAAAAAEA8/pUPqtV8y4t4/s320/mad+against+dynasty+group+with+their+streamers.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mad Against Dynasty waving their flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LP3zr2qVG9k/UhqwWpNeRQI/AAAAAAAAEBI/fsEM95sVGKE/s1600/souvenir+shirts+for+sale+for+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LP3zr2qVG9k/UhqwWpNeRQI/AAAAAAAAEBI/fsEM95sVGKE/s320/souvenir+shirts+for+sale+for+250.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">statement shirts being sold for 250 pesos in Luneta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-3APsW_leo/UhqwXMwepBI/AAAAAAAAEBM/_q75TA95oo4/s1600/tutol+sila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-3APsW_leo/UhqwXMwepBI/AAAAAAAAEBM/_q75TA95oo4/s320/tutol+sila.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they don't like pork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJRJSdNCZgE/UhqwTVDIAPI/AAAAAAAAD_4/sIVqSQDcbZw/s1600/US+Pinoy+Good+Governance+offers+prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJRJSdNCZgE/UhqwTVDIAPI/AAAAAAAAD_4/sIVqSQDcbZw/s320/US+Pinoy+Good+Governance+offers+prayer.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Pinoy Good Governance offers prayer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Di5aP-dGAZY/UhqwXSYTBPI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/mVQtUxHlRbo/s1600/whites+are+coming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Di5aP-dGAZY/UhqwXSYTBPI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/mVQtUxHlRbo/s320/whites+are+coming.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the whites are coming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe71XRD1M24/Uhq07q9zulI/AAAAAAAAEBk/u3beNVc2hSA/s1600/fasting+nuns+in+luneta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oe71XRD1M24/Uhq07q9zulI/AAAAAAAAEBk/u3beNVc2hSA/s320/fasting+nuns+in+luneta.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these nuns say they are fasting for abolition of pork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kwMnW0TaDM/Uhq5UoZjOFI/AAAAAAAAEB8/ludbByjtEDI/s1600/EFFIGY+by+youth+groups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kwMnW0TaDM/Uhq5UoZjOFI/AAAAAAAAEB8/ludbByjtEDI/s320/EFFIGY+by+youth+groups.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">effigy created by youth groups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVLEz7ybeE/Uhq5Um1bGmI/AAAAAAAAECE/pOY0QLxAXvE/s1600/militants+in+lagusnilad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lVLEz7ybeE/Uhq5Um1bGmI/AAAAAAAAECE/pOY0QLxAXvE/s320/militants+in+lagusnilad.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">militant groups now in Lagusnilad (via Jeff Canoy's Instagram)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DGFNcGPC0o/Uhq69w_z_lI/AAAAAAAAECM/eld3JcXV23I/s1600/arnel+ignacio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DGFNcGPC0o/Uhq69w_z_lI/AAAAAAAAECM/eld3JcXV23I/s320/arnel+ignacio.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnel Ignacio in Luneta right now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcEYIWOpGTM/Uhq8wJeZ4MI/AAAAAAAAECg/WsSrW4JRuqg/s1600/freedom+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcEYIWOpGTM/Uhq8wJeZ4MI/AAAAAAAAECg/WsSrW4JRuqg/s320/freedom+wall.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freedom wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CalGqqZhrWU/Uhq9NSVkRrI/AAAAAAAAECs/F0J_7fuMGf8/s1600/more+popular+placards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CalGqqZhrWU/Uhq9NSVkRrI/AAAAAAAAECs/F0J_7fuMGf8/s320/more+popular+placards.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the popular placards in Luneta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwLEWTm1Nj4/UhrDKB5ZLcI/AAAAAAAAEDE/94kN6R2FRzI/s1600/jun+lozada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwLEWTm1Nj4/UhrDKB5ZLcI/AAAAAAAAEDE/94kN6R2FRzI/s320/jun+lozada.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jun Lozada, the whistleblower</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40KFHmlLvo/UhrDKLgS8cI/AAAAAAAAEC8/LmPs8fMl-tM/s1600/VACC+dante+jimenez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C40KFHmlLvo/UhrDKLgS8cI/AAAAAAAAEC8/LmPs8fMl-tM/s320/VACC+dante+jimenez.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dante Jimenez of VACC</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA4Lil5Xl9k/UhrDKPVVT1I/AAAAAAAAEC4/vmWBYxpdC4E/s1600/whistleblowers+association.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EA4Lil5Xl9k/UhrDKPVVT1I/AAAAAAAAEC4/vmWBYxpdC4E/s320/whistleblowers+association.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whistleblowers Association</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr3qEtNfpg/UhrOOgG8rmI/AAAAAAAAEDk/pAIeISmFFag/s1600/gloria+diaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Pr3qEtNfpg/UhrOOgG8rmI/AAAAAAAAEDk/pAIeISmFFag/s320/gloria+diaz.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms Gloria Diaz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87y5VQf07Ac/UhrOOnSrd5I/AAAAAAAAEDo/6G2iZH4b3t4/s1600/MMDA+personnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87y5VQf07Ac/UhrOOnSrd5I/AAAAAAAAEDo/6G2iZH4b3t4/s320/MMDA+personnel.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMDA Personnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9Qc0QpMTIg/UhrOPAK24bI/AAAAAAAAEDw/DaVYwkkDBWs/s1600/signature+campaign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9Qc0QpMTIg/UhrOPAK24bI/AAAAAAAAEDw/DaVYwkkDBWs/s320/signature+campaign.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signature campaign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlGNiUTpvqI/UhrOPbm1LvI/AAAAAAAAED4/VTOlFPvnBlo/s1600/willie+revillame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlGNiUTpvqI/UhrOPbm1LvI/AAAAAAAAED4/VTOlFPvnBlo/s320/willie+revillame.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie Revillame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsz_xLPu9ME/UhrUO9kFx9I/AAAAAAAAEEM/awAafzD-8gk/s1600/tado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lsz_xLPu9ME/UhrUO9kFx9I/AAAAAAAAEEM/awAafzD-8gk/s320/tado.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comedian Tado is in Luneta</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GOSh8uk3W8/UhrbcCtVKCI/AAAAAAAAEEc/gtGgQUB21tI/s1600/alisin+ang+pork+para+sa+bayan!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GOSh8uk3W8/UhrbcCtVKCI/AAAAAAAAEEc/gtGgQUB21tI/s320/alisin+ang+pork+para+sa+bayan!.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Alisin ang pork para sa bayan!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf-w0JlBR0/UhrbcBSQ-jI/AAAAAAAAEEg/xHWS7Z0f9dY/s1600/juana+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ljf-w0JlBR0/UhrbcBSQ-jI/AAAAAAAAEEg/xHWS7Z0f9dY/s320/juana+change.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juana Change's attire says it all<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf0Og8Sgw6A/UhrdZjZmohI/AAAAAAAAEEw/uKsWBrqITzg/s1600/thumbs+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf0Og8Sgw6A/UhrdZjZmohI/AAAAAAAAEEw/uKsWBrqITzg/s320/thumbs+down.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thumbs down for PDAF!!!</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6aZe8YqhY8/Uhrd-7r6HEI/AAAAAAAAEE8/zMLbKb-htgI/s1600/corona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6aZe8YqhY8/Uhrd-7r6HEI/AAAAAAAAEE8/zMLbKb-htgI/s320/corona.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former CJ Corona arrived in Luneta but left when people booed him</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3XaT_XqGho/Uhro0H2H1eI/AAAAAAAAEFI/4Zjl1azk1Ss/s1600/afraid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3XaT_XqGho/Uhro0H2H1eI/AAAAAAAAEFI/4Zjl1azk1Ss/s320/afraid.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The government should be afraid of its people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGQZl1wAGKI/Uhro0TmujdI/AAAAAAAAEFM/IlIU-a2WUtY/s1600/baboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGQZl1wAGKI/Uhro0TmujdI/AAAAAAAAEFM/IlIU-a2WUtY/s320/baboy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no to pork!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQYms2CLJ0/Uhro0VeMQ2I/AAAAAAAAEFU/37ys484N6_w/s1600/bread+for+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUQYms2CLJ0/Uhro0VeMQ2I/AAAAAAAAEFU/37ys484N6_w/s320/bread+for+people.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pork should be a bread for the people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_pjHWQGTU/Uhro06C3ICI/AAAAAAAAEFc/9-qDFxoplCo/s1600/muslims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_pjHWQGTU/Uhro06C3ICI/AAAAAAAAEFc/9-qDFxoplCo/s320/muslims.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muslims don't like pork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OJneUyasyc/Uhro1crSvsI/AAAAAAAAEFk/tCNUe1yt2w0/s1600/shame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OJneUyasyc/Uhro1crSvsI/AAAAAAAAEFk/tCNUe1yt2w0/s320/shame.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need we say more?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-32959500866520110952013-08-26T02:33:00.001+08:002014-02-17T02:33:44.280+08:008 HOURS BEFORE THE MILLION PEOPLE MARCH<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A few hours from now, the Million People March to Luneta will begin. It is not just a movement in Manila and in other key cities in the Philippines but has become a global indignation rally. Some groups can't wait and they have made their indignation felt online. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">GMA News reports:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Filipino
hackers defaced more than 30 government websites early Monday morning
even as they called for the complete abolition of the pork barrel
system.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> Below is the list of defaced websites posted on the hacker group's Facebook page <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=203728756344450&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/PribadoX?directed_target_id=0">PrivateX</a>:</span></span></span></blockquote>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></h5>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> <a href="http://intranet.mirdc.dost.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>intranet.mirdc.dost.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.philembassy-rome.net/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.philembassy-rome.net/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://minalin.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://minalin.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://noc.pnp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://noc.pnp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.osist.dost.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.osist.dost.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://ntc.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://ntc.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmandaluyong.gov.ph%2F&h=bAQGvXBlQAQGCXAj07eC0DC-Wtx0h2y5jaMN32xzmCVGM9A&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://mandaluyong.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcityofsanfernando.gov.ph%2F&h=4AQFZoUZ5AQEQrA4YuoBTQcr924XXZPWabT7WKQvlxMWyQA&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>cityofsanfernando.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.cityofcabuyao.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.cityofcabuyao.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/union/Downloads/op.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>union/Downloads/op.html</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.papt.org.ph%2F&h=XAQFnoSxaAQHe-G99auazfvHcZoyJR6342qqgPmrcgkClhQ&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.papt.org.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pnppf.org.ph%2F&h=SAQEuPHprAQHq0OyzKHqoPsafaEPsifX9EbMKpbUHIFdCgw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pnppf.org.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://dpcr.pnp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://dpcr.pnp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://pro5.pnp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://pro5.pnp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.socsksargen.da.gov.ph/webtmp/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.socsksargen.da.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>webtmp/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://tarlacpnp.com/index.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://tarlacpnp.com/<wbr></wbr>index.html</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://omb.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://omb.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://braulioedujali.gov.ph/js" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://braulioedujali.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>js</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph/administrator1/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>administrator1/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://pascn.pids.gov.ph/images/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://pascn.pids.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>images/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://tabuk.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://tabuk.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.braulioedujali.gov.ph/admin/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.braulioedujali.gov.ph/<wbr></wbr>admin/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.nhcp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nhcp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://joserizal.nhcp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://joserizal.nhcp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://alayatlaya.nhcp.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://alayatlaya.nhcp.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.pikit.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.pikit.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.armm.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.armm.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.kwf.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kwf.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.sanjuancity.gov.ph/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sanjuancity.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talibon-bohol.gov.ph%2F&h=ZAQEdMYqnAQGsu7_XPqpBiPcwYYhZVWHZZ1TWwd2k9mj9xQ&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.talibon-bohol.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.peza.gov.ph%2F&h=TAQHt_NzZAQEGF9xwmCHmld-idmmkQg7mQeJCb6XzTlQe2g&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.peza.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sra.gov.ph%2F&h=aAQGBVYvTAQFYNBGMsnr57yc9GILVaWuaE4lcZ_17JoF1Yw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sra.gov.ph/</a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;">I think it is just the beginning of a massive online activism. We can expect more hacked government websites. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Rappler has issued "ground rules" to be observed during the March:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YB_jjGy6Y4w/UhpKj9CLQVI/AAAAAAAAD-s/1MrR3WsGFa8/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YB_jjGy6Y4w/UhpKj9CLQVI/AAAAAAAAD-s/1MrR3WsGFa8/s400/Picture2.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">However, these ground rules were questioned by netizens. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOxu13HioGI/UhpLYkoeLwI/AAAAAAAAD-8/h9DmcUCUBEw/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOxu13HioGI/UhpLYkoeLwI/AAAAAAAAD-8/h9DmcUCUBEw/s400/Picture3.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">From the volunteers of Million People March:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Tips & Reminders from the <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":585054628182949,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/millionpeoplemarch">#MillionPeopleMarch</a> to <a class="_58cn" data-pub="{"type":"hashtag","id":153589854832453,"source":null}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/scrappork">#ScrapPork</a> Volunteers<br /> <br /> Event: August 26 #ScrapPork Barrel Protest-Picnic<br /> <br /> Date: 26 August 2013<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <br /> Time: 9:00am-1:00pm<br /> <br /> Venue: Quirino Grandstand, Manila<br /> <br /> Alternate Venues: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/ayyi-gardiola/where-will-you-be-on-national-heroes-day-d/296228480520015" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>notes/ayyi-gardiola/<wbr></wbr>where-will-you-be-on-national-h<wbr></wbr>eroes-day-d/296228480520015</a> (pls read the comments as well) and check social media for alternative venues around the country and world<br /> <br /> WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:<br /> <br /> * Comfortable clothing and footwear (rubber shoes or slippers)<br /> <br /> * Extra shirt / face towel<br /> <br /> * Cap / raincoat /umbrella<br /> <br /> * Sunblock / insect repellant<br /> <br />
* Drinking water, snacks/food; pack extra to share with friends and/or
donate to volunteers and marshals (please use reusable water bottles)<br /> <br /> * Garbage bags<br /> <br /> * Banig/mats, chairs, pillows<br /> <br /> * Portable radios and/or televisions<br /> <br /> * Friends and your conviction<br /> <br /> * Commitment to be the change you want to see<br /> <br /> WHAT TO DO IF YOU DECIDE TO GO:<br /> <br /> * Go in a group; bring officemates, schoolmates, barkada, like-minded friends and family<br /> <br /> * Bring music, entertainment, karaoke<br /> <br /> * Conduct small teach-ins/discussion groups<br /> <br /> * Visit other groups at the picnic, talk with them, exchange (friendly) views and make new friends and connections<br /> <br /> * Sign the petitions at the Change.org table near the video wall<br /> <br /> * Bring food and water to share<br /> <br /> * Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #ScrapPork – let’s trend worldwide on 26 August<br /> <br /> Reminders:<br /> <br /> * There is no central organizer, it’s a citizens' gathering; all are welcome<br /> <br /> * This is a peaceful gathering, so always be respectful of others and let’s cover each others backs<br /> <br /> * All picnic goers are expected to clean up after themselves, so please bring garbage bags<br /> <br /> * Look after your valuables<br /> <br />
* Rizal Park, including the Burnham Greens (grassy area of the main
gathering), is a NO SMOKING AREA; drinking of alcoholic beverages is
also prohibited<br /> <br /> * If you are bringing young children, you may
consider putting a label on their wrist with contact information in case
they stray away from you<br /> <br /> * Look after your own group and make sure we maintain proper decorum and discipline<br /> <br /> * Let’s show the world that we can all gather in a peaceful, harmonious, cooperative and caring way<br /> <br /> WHAT TO DO IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE FROM HOME:<br /> <br /> * Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #ScrapPork – let’s trend worldwide on 26 August<br /> <br />
* Monitor media and do call-ins, text and/or tweet to share your
sentiments on the pork barrel scam; if you tweet, Facebook or Instagram,
remember to use the hashtag #ScrapPork<br /> <br /> * Text or call friends at the picnic with any important or breaking news<br /> <br /> * Have a protest party in your house, church, or meeting hall and invite friends to monitor the event on television<br /> <br /> * Join the Unified Action at 10am, 11am, 12nn and 1pm by having a NOISE BARRAGE in your area</span></span></span></span></h5>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Rappler means well so there will be peace and order in Luneta
later. If this map is endorsed by the "organizers", then it will be
better than nothing:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCIFK72ylqQ/UhpL5F4z6hI/AAAAAAAAD_E/cDIxAGciqWo/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCIFK72ylqQ/UhpL5F4z6hI/AAAAAAAAD_E/cDIxAGciqWo/s400/Picture1.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">You see, it is no longer a picnic in grassy Luneta. The people are tired of seemingly endless acts of corruption. It is about time to listen and heed to the voices of your Boss. To the people in the government, think of this before the day breaks: </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxXz6cZgxjM/UhpMvzeqHKI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/JdzOC6Iz6wA/s1600/MPM-Organizers-08242013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxXz6cZgxjM/UhpMvzeqHKI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/JdzOC6Iz6wA/s400/MPM-Organizers-08242013.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">By the way, lest the people forget. Luneta must be kept clean and undamaged so please be responsible towards your immediate environment. EcoWaste Coalition suggests:</span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<ul>
<li><h4>
Carry a personal litter bag or hold on to your rubbish until you find a bin. </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Bring your own water in a refillable container to avoid buying bottled water. </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Avoid disposable packages. Place food in recyclable containers that should be brought home. </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Use reusable bags instead of disposable plastic bags. </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Don't spit, throw chewing gum or toss cigarette filters on the ground. </h4>
</li>
<li><h4>
Remind friends, family, and strangers to observe all the above.</h4>
</li>
</ul>
<ul class="ul1">
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Be safe, everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: <br />Rappler.com<br />GMANews</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-55156639396465723162013-08-23T16:21:00.000+08:002014-02-17T02:35:00.065+08:00 AQUINO'S STATEMENT ON THE ABOLITION OF PDAF (English Version)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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In 1990 what we now know was the PDAF was established for a worthy goal: to enable your representatives to identify projects for your communities that your LGU cannot afford. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this policy. But what is wrong–indeed, what has outraged our people—was the collusion among a former President ready to trade favors just to remain in power, legislators, and members of the bureaucracy who were willing to conspire, enabled by a passive and indifferent citizenry. All these factors put together make the PDAF prone to abuse. We need to make sure the system can no longer be abused.</div>
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There are those who treat the PDAF as their own private fund, to use as they please. This is clearly wrong: What is involved here is the people's money; it should be used for the benefit of the people, and not for the benefit of a few greedy individuals. The shocking revelations of this misuse—the latest being the COA Special Audit Report in the 2007-2009 PDAF which was released this past week–are truly scandalous, and so the time has come to do two things.</div>
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First, to exact accountability from those who have abused the system. As I informed you yesterday, I have already tasked the DOJ, together with all the agencies of the executive government under the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council or IAAGCC to work together to accelerate the process, from investigation, to prosecution, to putting people behind bars, and even to asset recovery. My directives to all agencies and members of government are clear: Extend your full aid and cooperation so that the truth may be uncovered, and so that the guilty may be held accountable.</div>
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I have utmost confidence in the impartiality and integrity of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Secretary Leila M. De Lima, and Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan; I know that they will be impartial and just. They represent the great strides we have made in restoring public faith and confidence in the institutions they lead.</div>
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That outlines our efforts to achieve our first objective. Our second goal: To find a better way to ensure that the public coffers will be spent with only the public's benefit in mind. Let me be clear: From the very start of our administration, we have pursued the necessary reform to limit discretion, which had previously been the root of the excessive and criminal use of PDAF. We believe that a transparent process can reduce abuses of the system. We ordered that the PDAF provided to every legislator be included and noted in the National Budget; and we prohibited congressional insertions. The existing menu for PDAF projects was limited in scope, unlike in the past when funds could be indiscriminately allotted for project or program. Now, we also ask that the project details be submitted as a condition for approving it, unlike in the past where projects had very general definitions. We uploaded the list of projects funded by the PDAF on the DBM website in real time so that the public could review and scrutinize them. For the bidding stage, all bid notices and awards were required to be posted on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement Systems or PhilGEPS.</div>
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I remember when I was a Senator. A budget, as we all know, is allocated for the period between January 1 and December 31. In 2007, it was approved in April. This means that from January to April, the budget was carried over from the previous year. Does it not make sense that, because the budget was re-enacted, the funds for the months that had passed also be stricken from the budget? My proposal lost, which is why I voted “No” for the budget of 2007. Because of this, the savings for that year reached about 36 billion pesos. You have to wonder where did the 36 billion go?</div>
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This is why, from the time we have assumed office, we have ensured that the budget is submitted and approved on time, so as to prevent its reenactment, which could be used as an instrument of corruption. On the day after the SONA, we submit the proposed national budget to Congress; they are able to approve it before the end of the year, thus preventing opportunities for crooked officials to tinker with the budget, and use it for corruption.</div>
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Despite the reforms we have implemented, we have seen, as the events of the past weeks have shown, that greater change is necessary to fight against those who are determined to abuse the system. It is time to abolish the PDAF.</div>
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Now, we will create a new mechanism to address the needs of your constituents and sectors, in a manner that is transparent, methodical and rational, and not susceptible to abuse or corruption.</div>
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Together with Senate President Frank Drilon and Speaker Sonny Belmonte, I will make sure that every citizen and sector will get a fair and equitable share of the national budget for health services, scholarships, livelihood generating projects, and local infrastructure. Your legislators can identify and suggest projects for your districts, but these will have to go through the budgetary process. If approved, these projects will be earmarked as line items, under the programs of your National Government. In this way, they will be enacted into law as part of our National Budget—every line, every peso, and every project open to scrutiny, as with all other programs of your government.</div>
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Furthermore, every project, as well as their corresponding budgetary releases, will have the following safeguards against corruption:</div>
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1. We will continue the practice of requiring that projects to be funded come from a specific menu of qualified projects.</div>
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2. They cannot include consumable soft projects, such as fertilizers, seeds, medicines, medical kits, dentures, funding for sports fests, training materials, and other such items—these projects whose results and impact we cannot conclusively identify, and who may only be ghost projects, used only as a source of income by the corrupt.</div>
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3. They cannot be temporary infrastructure, and neither can they be dredging, desilting, regravelling, or asphalt overlay projects.</div>
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4. The funds cannot be disbursed to NGOs and certain GOCCs such as ZREC and NABCOR. Both of these GOCCs will be abolished, along with others of their kind that have become notorious for anomalies, and which seem to serve no other purpose aside from being instruments of corruption.</div>
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5. The funds must be limited to the district or sector of the legislator who sponsored it.</div>
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6. All items will be subject to open and competitive bidding, with all bid notices and awards posted in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System or PhilGEPS.</div>
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7. So that the public may monitor the implementation themselves, we will make sure that each item will be disclosed in the DBM and related agency websites and the National Data Portal of the government.</div>
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I have tasked Secretary Abad of the Department of Budget and Management to consult with Speaker Belmonte and Senate President Drilon to craft this mechanism, and to submit it for my approval as soon as possible. We are all committed to putting this in place so that, moving forward, allocations per district will be included in the National Budget, starting with the proposed budget of 2014.</div>
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For this system to work, your cooperation is required. The information will be there for you to monitor: let us understand and examine it. I am calling on each and every Filipino to do his part, even as we do ours. Together, let us work to strengthen accountability and transparency in government, in order to ensure that public funds are utilized in a just manner—one that truly benefits the Filipino people.</div>
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Thank you and good day.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-31332589484392032082013-08-23T14:00:00.000+08:002014-02-17T02:41:13.246+08:00ON PRESIDENT AQUINO'S STATEMENT ON THE ABOLITION OF PDAF<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oB75VuJNlT0/Uhb4RMNrl9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/Swh0mqY3vX0/s1600/raul+benjamin+puentespina.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oB75VuJNlT0/Uhb4RMNrl9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/Swh0mqY3vX0/s320/raul+benjamin+puentespina.jpg" /></a></div>
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President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III has finally announced that it is time to abolish the Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF, colloquially known as pork barrel. I perceive it as a move to avert the anti-pork barrel rallies that are gaining momentum in major cities of the country. Of course, he cannot afford an unrest, considering that the Philippine economy has just received positive reviews lately.</div>
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According to the President, PDAF has a noble intention and, as envisioned, it was supposed to empower the members of the House of Representatives to identify projects that cannot be funded by the local government units. What made it deplorable is the connivance among some people to enrich themselves out of the funds. </div>
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So he announced that it is now time to abolish the PDAF and to draft a mechanism to ensure that the funds for the Representatives' projects will not be abused.</div>
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At first, I was elated. I was ecstatic! So the President listened after all! When the confetti has settled, my brows were knitted.</div>
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Why am I not so happy with this? Why am I being skeptical?</div>
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For one, in reality, the PDAF will not be totally abolished. It will only be repackaged, given a new name, under a new system, with new mechanics. But it is still the same! The legislators will still be receiving the money, they will still have a direct or indirect say on how the money will be used for "projects". Do you think, with the wisdom of these 'honorable' people, they cannot circumvent the system and divert the money to their pockets and bank accounts with tighter security that cannot be easily discovered? </div>
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I welcome the President's pronouncement that those who are liable will be brought before the courts. It is a must. It is what should be done. But then again, we know how a little technicality can make a guilty person appear innocent. We have the most brilliant lawyers in the world, mind you!</div>
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Why not just totally scrap the pork?? Is it really hard to understand that legislators are supposed to draft laws and not sponsor projects? Why not give the funds to the appropriate departments? Let COA get busy with DPWH, DepEd, DOH, and others! Let the House of Representatives and the Senate focus on passing relevant laws! It is not their duty as legislators to fund projects that cannot be funded by LGUs. So there is a law which authorizes them to receive and allocate funds for such projects. Okay. Scrap that law. Scrap the law that grants them the right to receive PDAF. It's that simple.</div>
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So how many weeks or months shall we give them before we see evidences of corruption again? I tell you, it will not take a year. They are that good. So, President Noynoy, if you want to see real change in the congress and in the senate, if you want to disarm the crocs, totally abolish PDAF or whatever-it's-called-next.</div>
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Don't give them the money, please, for heaven's sake! We have too much! We can already tell what's going to happen. Are you going to let history repeat itself again and again? </div>
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Below is the full text of the President's statement in Filipino. For the English version, click <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/08/english-version-aquinos-statement-on.html">here</a>.</div>
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STATEMENT OF HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, ON THE ABOLITION OF PDAF AND BUDGETARY REFORMS, MALACAÑAN PALACE, MANILA, AUGUST 23, 2013</div>
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<i>Taong 1990 nang binuo ang tinatawag na nating PDAF ngayon para sa isang marangal na layunin: Ang bigyang-lakas ang inyong mga Kinatawan sa Kongreso, upang tumukoy ng mga proyektong hindi kayang pondohan ng mga LGU. Wala pong mali o masama sa polisiyang ito. Ang mali, ang masama, at ang siya ngang ikinagagalit ng taumbayan, ay ang pagsasabwatan sa pagitan ng isang pangulong handang makipagtransaksyon para manatili sa kapangyarihan; mga mambabatas handang makipagkuntsabahan; kung nariyan ang kooperasyon ng burukrasya; at mga mamamayang tila namanhid na sa panlalapastangang ginagawa sa kanila-- kung nagsama-sama po ang mga sangkap na ito, maaaring maabuso ang PDAF. Kailangan nating maniguradong hindi na maaabuso ang sistema.</i></div>
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<i>Akala po ng iba, pera nila ang PDAF, na puwedeng gastusin kung paano nila gusto. Pero mali po ito: Pera ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan dito, at sa bayan dapat-- at hindi sa iilang gahaman lamang-- ang pakinabang nito. Nakakagimbal nga po ang mga rebelasyon tulad ng mga nakapaloob sa COA Special Audit Report ukol sa paggamit ng PDAF noong 2007 hanggang 2009, na inilabas nitong nakaraang linggo. Dalawang bagay po ang malinaw na kailangan nating gawin sa panahong ito.</i></div>
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<i>Una, ang panagutin ang mga umabuso sa sistema. Kahapon, iniulat ko sa inyo: Inatasan ko ang DOJ, sampu ng lahat ng ahensya ng ehekutibo sa ilalim ng Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council, o IAAGCC, na mag-aambagan at magtutulungan upang mapabilis ang proseso, mula sa imbestigasyon, hanggang sa pag-usig, hanggang sa pagpapakulong, at pati na ang pagbawi ng ilegal na yaman. Malinaw ang aking direktiba sa lahat ng ahensya at kawani ng gobyerno: Ibigay ang inyong buong tulong at kooperasyon upang mahanap ang katotohanan, at nang mapanagot ang dapat managot.</i></div>
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<i>Buong-buo po ang kumpiyansa ko sa integridad nina Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Kalihim Leila M. de Lima ng DOJ, at Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan ng COA; alam kong wala silang kikilingan. Kinakatawan nila ang panunumbalik ng tiwala ng publiko sa mga institusyong kanilang pinamumunuan.</i></div>
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<i>Iyan po ang balangkas ng ating unang layunin. Ang ikalawa: maghanap ng mas mainam na paraan upang siguruhing ang pera ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang. Lilinawin ko po: Simula pa lamang, pilit na tayong nagpapasok ng reporma upang bawasan ang diskresyon, na siyang ugat ng labis at maling paggamit ng PDAF. Naniniwala tayo: kung hayag ang proseso, mababawasan din ang pang-aabuso sa sistema. Inatas po nating itala sa Pambansang Budget kung magkano ang PDAF na natatanggap ng bawat mambabatas, at ipinagbawal na rin natin ang congressional insertions. Partikular na lamang ang menu na puwedeng paglagyan ng PDAF, hindi katulad dati kung kailan inilalagay lamang ito sa kung saan-saan. Hinihingi na rin natin ang mga detalye ng proyekto, di gaya ng nakaraan kung kailan kahit malawak ang depinisyon ay naaaprubahan ito. Real time na ring ina-upload sa website ng DBM ang listahan ng proyektong napopondohan ng PDAF, kaya't malaya itong nabubusisi ng madla. Pagdating naman sa bidding, lahat ng bid notices at awards ay nakapaskil na rin sa Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System o PhilGEPS.</i></div>
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<i>Naalala ko nga po noong Senador ako. Ang budget, nakalaan para sa January 1 hanggang December 31. Noong 2007, naaprubahan ito, Abril na. Ibig sabihin, mula Enero hanggang Abril, carry over ang budget mula sa nakaraang taon. Di ba makatuwiran na dahil na-reenact ang budget, tanggalin na rin sa budget ang pondo para sa mga buwan na nakalipas at nagastusan na? Natalo ang mungkahi ko-- kaya bumoto ako ng "No" sa budget ng 2007. Tinatayang 36 billion ang biglang naging savings noong taong ito-- saan naman po kaya napunta ito?</i></div>
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<i>Kaya nga po, mula nang maupo tayo, maaga na ring isinusumite at inaaprubahan ang budget, upang hindi na ito paulit-ulit na ma-reenact, na maaari ring magamit bilang instrumento ng pang-aabuso. Sa araw matapos ang SONA, isinusumite na namin ito sa Kongreso; naaaprubahan po nila ito bago matapos ang taon, kaya't nabawasan na rin ang pagkakataong makalikot ito at mapagkakitaan.</i></div>
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<i>Sa kabila po ng mga repormang ito, nakita natin sa mga ulat na lumabas nitong mga nakaraang linggo: kailangan pa ng mas malaking pagbabago upang labanan ang mga talagang pursigidong abusuhin ang sistema. Panahon na po upang i-abolish ang PDAF. </i></div>
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<i>Ngayon, bubuo tayo ng bagong mekanismo upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng inyong mga mamamayan at sektor-- sa paraang tapat, gamit ang tama at makatuwirang proseso, at nang may sapat na mga kalasag laban sa pang-aabuso at katiwalian.</i></div>
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<i>Katuwang nina Senate President Frank Drilon at Speaker Sonny Belmonte, sisiguruhin kong bawat mamamayan at sektor ay makakakuha ng patas na bahagi ng pambansang budget para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan, scholarship, proyektong lumilikha ng kabuhayan, at lokal na imprastruktura. Makakapagmungkahi ng proyekto ang inyong mga mambabatas, ngunit kailangan itong idaan sa proseso ng pagbubuo ng budget. Kung maaprubahan, itatala ang mga ito bilang mga line item, alinsunod sa mga programa ng Pambansang Pamahalaan. Mapapaloob ito sa batas bilang Pambansang Budget-- hihimayin ang bawat linya, bawat piso, bawat proyekto, gaya ng lahat ng iba pang programa ng inyong pamahalaan.</i></div>
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<i>Dagdag pa rito, ang mga proyekto, at ang pagre-release ng budget para sa mga ito, ay magkakaroon ng mga sumusunod na patakaran laban sa katiwalian:</i></div>
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<i>1. Itutuloy natin: Kailangang manggaling sa isang limitadong menu ang mga proyektong popondohan.</i></div>
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<i>2. Ngayon, bawal na ang mga consumable na soft project tulad ng fertilizers, punla, gamot, medical kits, pustiso, paliga, training materials, at iba pang mga bagay na hindi masusuri kung totoo ngang may kinahihinatnan, o kung nagmumulto at pinagkakakitaan lang naman pala.</i></div>
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<i>3. Ngayon, bawal na rin ang mga panandaliang imprastruktura, o kaya'y mga dredging, desilting, regraveling, o asphalt overlay project.</i></div>
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<i>4. Ngayon, bawal na ring padaanin ang pondo sa mga NGO at piling GOCC tulad ng ZREC at NABCOR. Bubuwagin na po ang mga GOCC na ito at iba pang tulad nila, na paulit-ulit na ginamit sa kuntsabahan, at parang wala namang ibang silbi kundi ang maging instrumento ng katiwalian.</i></div>
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<i>5. Ngayon, limitado na sa distrito o sektor ng mambabatas na nag-sponsor ang kanyang panukalang proyekto.</i></div>
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<i>6. Ipagpapatuloy natin ang tapat at bukas na bidding para sa bawat proyekto; kailangang ipaskil sa Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System o PhilGEPS ang lahat ng mga bid notices at awards.</i></div>
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<i>7. Patuloy din po: Upang masubaybayan ng taumbayan ang implementasyon ng mga proyekto, ihahayag ito nang buo sa website ng DBM at kaukulang ahensya, pati na sa National Data Portal ng gobyerno (<a href="http://www.data.gov.ph/">www.data.gov.ph</a>).</i></div>
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<i>Inatasan ko na si Secretary Abad ng DBM na kumonsulta kina Speaker Belmonte at Senate President Drilon upang pandayin ang mekanismo, at isumite ito sa akin. Ilalatag natin ito upang ang mga alokasyon sa bawat distrito ay mapabilang na sa ating Pambansang Budget simula sa panukalang budget ng 2014.</i></div>
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<i>Gagana lamang po ang sistemang ito kung makikiisa at makikilahok kayo. Ihahayag po nang buo ang impormasyon; suyurin at kilitasin po natin ito. Nananawagan akong makiambag at magsikap ang bawat isa, gaya ng pakikiambag at pagsisikap ng inyong gobyerno. Sama-sama nating pagtibayin ang pananagutan at katapatan, upang masigurong ang pera ng bayan ay ginugugol sa paraang makatarungan at tunay ninyong napapakinabangan.</i></div>
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<i>Maraming salamat, at magandang araw.</i></div>
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This is a long comment from an Anonymous person, I'm calling him <i>The Other Anonymous</i>, on <a href="http://dulzspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/08/million-people-march-to-luneta.html">Million People March to Luneta</a>. I think it deserves a wider audience so I am giving him this space. We can reflect on what he said. Here's The Other Anonymous:</div>
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"Pork barrel scam? Isn't that been there done that? It's been there long before I had <i>muwang sa mundo</i> and it has never changed. <b><i>Why the anger now? Because you saw Jeanne Napoles' lifestyle on Instagram and all of a sudden you're outraged? Why the outrage? Because all of a sudden, someone less pretty than you are, someone tackier than you are is living the lifestyle you can only dream about? </i></b></div>
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"My problem with Filipinos, and I'm one of them, is <i>wala tayong paninindigan</i> for the sake of standing up for what is right. Everything is so superficial. Nothing runs deep in our veins like it used to when there were still people who truly care about the poor and people who truly felt indignant of graft and corruption. Gone are the people who can topple a dictator or a sleazy and stupid actor. These people are probably in their 50s, 60s and 70s who raised kids who are comfortable in their lives or brats who have nothing better to do than flaunt their lifestyle on social media. </div>
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"I'm in my 40s now. I was in my teens in HS when the People Power revolution was happening. I remember feeling confused and scared but proud of those standing up for our freedom. I remember crying while watching on TV how people with their arms banded together, in the face of tanks and guns, softened the hearts of soldiers. It's a very distant memory of feeling the Filipino pride because people cared. </div>
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"People carried on with their lives and with the change in administration after President Aquino's term, things went back to BAU...Graft and corruption until someone else cries. I have left the Philippines in my young adult life in search of a better opportunity. I just thought my career aspirations are better pursued in the US because I was not born with the right last name or with the right family connections. I pursued the American dream because success, or failure, in America is on your own merit. It is living in the US that opened my eyes. Every time I went home for a visit, I felt the disappointment of what I witness. On the surface, the Philippines seemed successful. There were more malls than I can remember, there were more luxury stores than 80% of the population can truly afford and there were more cars than our roads can handle. </div>
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"Yet poverty is still widespread and unabated amidst the seeming economic achievements and luxury in the nation. We still showed the slowest rates of decline in poverty rates compared to neighboring countries. Do I sound really bleak and pessimistic when our GDP growth is better than China's? Yes, because I see the indifference. People just don't care. My own friends are now all successful in their own rights in my home country yet I do not sense the need to care about social issues. I love my friends to death and they are truly good people but I just don't think it's in our DNA to care whether someone is living below the poverty line and what we can do about it outside of helping those in our household like maids and drivers. We live such comfortable lives in big homes, nice condos and driving luxury cars that we are immune to poverty right before our very eyes because it's right there. You can see it, you live with it and it's just normal. And that's the indifference I sense amongst Filipinos. Yet you feel indignant about someone living such a luxurious life because they have more than you do. I wish you feel indignant not because these corrupt people stole your tax money and lived lives better than yours but you feel indignant because the money was stolen from the poor, stolen from the kid who can't go to school, stolen from the small farmers bent all day to provide for their families. Can you feel indignant over what Napoles did for them? <b>Can you march in the streets for them?"</b></div>
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"i know I'm an outsider looking in and you might say, how dare I have the audacity to criticize the Filipinos when I myself is sitting comfortably in the US. I know and I am eternally torned about it because I feel helpless and useless. A very wise successful man in his golden years once told me to go back home and give back to the country I once love. But every time I think of giving it all up and going home, I feel the fear of becoming indifferent like the rest of the nation or hating it because sometimes it's difficult for one man to swim against the tide. You can say I'm a coward (because I think I am) and you can hate me for what I said, but next time you drive by any shanties all over Manila and the rest of the country, ask yourself what you've done for them. Maybe if you join the march on August 26th, you can march for them.</div>
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“<i>The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.</i>” ― Elie Wiesel</div>
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Kudos to you, The Other Anonymous, for sharing your thoughts. Well said.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143817556264090341.post-43696868214727773272013-08-18T04:34:00.001+08:002014-02-17T02:46:48.644+08:00LIVING WITHOUT PORK: SEN. LACSON'S PRIVILEGE SPEECH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">Living Without Pork</span></h2>
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Senator Panfilo M. Lacson<br />Privilege speech<br />March 11, 2003</h3>
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Mr. President, I rise today on a question of personal and collective privilege.</div>
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Last week, we passed the Senate version of the General Appropriations Bill of 2003. No less than the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and principal sponsor of the bill aptly described the 2003 budget as "bare-bones", thus appealing to his colleagues to contribute their share to arrest the projected budget deficit which our economic managers expect to hit the PhP300B mark by year-end.</div>
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I now answer the call.</div>
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I call for the scrapping of a very corrupt and corrupting system in our political institutions. All I ask are a few minutes of your precious time - and of your mind.</div>
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<u>We now must move to abolish the pork barrel system. We must see its end during our watch without need to mourn its loss. It is a virus of corruption that must die</u>.</div>
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And, there is no better hall on this space on earth to make it happen than the Senate - expectedly, a place of men and women with mature age, with honor, with dignity, with integrity. Further, there is no better time to declare its end than now - when the country's budget deficit is at an alarmingly uncontrollable pace. For the past year, it was PhP213B. Of course, we do not believe the numbers.</div>
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<u>One thing, I may say is apodictic. It is still counting. There is nothing in the pork barrel system that gives us pride. There is only everything that makes us hide in shame</u>.</div>
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It should not matter anymore under what name the system sounds. Be it the Countrywide Development Fund, or the Congressional Initiative Allocation, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund. It is, and will remain to be a fund of compulsive corruption.</div>
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The name itself traces its origin to the pre-civil war days in the United States when, in periodic fits of generosity, white masters would give their black slaves salted pork in barrels. More often than not, the eagerness of the slaves would result in ugly shoving and rushing to grab more pork than the others. The more pork one could grab for himself, the more triumphant he would appear than the others who were meek and reluctant.</div>
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We may not realize it, but the Filipino people would sometimes see us behave like slaves rushing to the pork barrel. A critic has a worse description - that of swines rushing to get more slabs than they can consume.</div>
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<u>Mr. President, our countrymen expect to see every peso of their taxes wisely spent on every project. They become profoundly disillusioned every time they are robbed of it</u>.</div>
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Let me say now what they hate to hear. But they must hear what we have been afraid to say.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Under the pork barrel system, only less than half of the taxpayers' money actually goes to the programs of work. More than half habitually goes to the pockets of corruption. Occasionally, depending on the insatiability of the corrupt, a shameful twenty percent of the fund is left to finance the project. Holy mackerel!</span></div>
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We can pretend all day not to know. But the Filipino people have never been stupid not to see through such pretense.</div>
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Let me give the breakdown. It is nasty.</div>
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• 2% goes to the Commission on Audit as S.O.P.</div>
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• 10% is given to the district engineer and other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.</div>
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• 2% is passed on to the Barangay Chairman.</div>
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• 14% goes to the contractor - 10% in profit and 4% as value-added tax, thank God!</div>
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• 5-10%, if the Mayor or Governor so demands.</div>
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• And - hold your breath - 20% of project cost is earmarked for the legislator who identifies the project. Shares sometimes vary depending on greed. </div>
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Even the billboards that advertise the proponents of infrastructure projects are overpriced.</div>
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Legislators who allocate funds for the purchase of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, as well as school supplies get bigger takes. By how much, Mr. President? Some suppliers say, it is, "from here to eternity."</div>
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In a book published in 1998 by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, entitled, "Pork and Other Perks," the author wrote about vivid accounts of actual pay-offs involving legislators. Thus, a pay-off usually takes place inside the office of legislators. The more sophisticated ones prefer hotel rooms and restaurants. Sulo Hotel in Quezon City is said to be a favorite.</div>
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<u>"Pork barrel" every year runs to billions of pesos. I hate to say it. The people hate to hear it. But they lose billions of pesos anyway. They lose these billions to the many deep pockets of corruption.</u></div>
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Mr. President, my esteemed colleagues, there is no saying here that every senator or congressman is corrupt. It is only to say that we have all become suspect. The public has every basis and right to suspect. And we seem not to mind anymore.</div>
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Mr. President, those with clear conscience among us do not need to rage. They only need to help those without it.</div>
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In this regard, may I take this opportunity to thank the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and some of our colleagues who have expressed support to this advocacy.</div>
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One colleague, Senator Joke Arroyo has done something truly admirable: he had not allocated a single centavo from his "pork barrel" allocation for the past year. However, I cannot help but wonder how his PhP200M pork was realigned since it was part and parcel of the 2002 GAA. That is the reason why I want my allocation this year deducted from the proposed 2003 GAA. I have an unsolicited advice to the distinguished gentleman from Makati and the Bicol region - why not slash the 2003 national budget by PhP211M more?</div>
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To all of us in this august chamber, maybe we can help alleviate the burgeoning budget deficit by waiving our 2003 pork barrel fund allocations. We can actually do our share, no matter how small, in balancing the budget by doing just that. With twenty-three senators, at PhP211M each, four billion, eight hundred fifty-three million (PhP4.853B) will automatically be deducted from the 2003 national budget.</div>
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The Speaker of the House, Jose de Venecia, can equally display his statesmanship by doing the same in the lower house. With more than 200 congressmen, at PhP65M each, that would be another PhP13B at least. Let us be the first to sacrifice for the sake of tiding us over a financial nightmare. I, therefore, call on the Senate and the House of Representatives to voluntarily give up the pork.</div>
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Mr. President, it is a simple choice between self-respect and self-aggrandizement.</div>
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That is exactly my point. Those among us whose hands remain untainted and unsoiled by the fruits of corruption from the evil "pork" must now be insulated from the temptation it may bring upon us. How? Let's try scrapping the "pork." There is life without it!</div>
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We all know who we are and what we are on this issue. That is one thing we are all sure about. Mine are not speculations - I definitely have my own sources. The figures I brought out earlier are never a figment of my imagination.</div>
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If the "pork barrel" stinks, how much longer must we suffer the stench? I believe it is time to abolish it altogether.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Mr. President, we were elected by the Filipino people to make good laws for the common good and never to make gold under the "pork barrel" system. We are here to make laws, not to build roads and bridges.</span></div>
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We were voted into office to provide check and balance under the principle of powers; and not to accept fat checks to enhance our bank account balance.</div>
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Former French President and Prime Minister, the late Jean-Raymond Pompidou, was correct. There is a whale of difference between a politician and a statesman. He said, "while a statesman places himself at the service of the nation, a politician places the nation at his own personal service."</div>
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With the "pork barrel" system, we are all perceived as dirty, corrupt and greedy politicians. Without it, we can all become better statesmen and public servants.</div>
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Whenever our committees investigate anomalies in government, does it not occur to us how equally guilty they think the legislators could be?</div>
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Mr. President, pardon my asking. There are all kinds of arguments to defend the "pork." Its advocates invent new methods and formulas to make every legislator happy. Ironically, in the mind of every Filipino, they are all mad and madly corrupted by it.</div>
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I know that the pork barrel system has never been legally flawed. In fact, the Supreme Court has ruled on its constitutionality. But the Supreme Court never ruled that scrapping the "pork barrel" system would be unconstitutional either.</div>
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I can only hope the Senate leadership will take a serious look at this proposal and not simply toss it to the dust heap of the Philippine Senate history.</div>
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I am sure to lose some friends and create more enemies in this 12th Congress. I am sure skeptics will taunt me and the cynics will mock me without end.</div>
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I remember BAYAN MUNA Party-list Representative Crispin Beltran, he who declared the lowest asset in the lower house at eighty-one thousand pesos, said in a media interview immediately after my position on the "pork barrel" issue first came out, and I quote, "mabuti pa si Lacson ay may ibang pinagkakakitaan na illegal. Paano naman kami na sa "pork barrel" lamang umaasa?" Realizing that what he said was an instant give-away, he paused and started to stutter. Another congressman commented that this representation would not need to make money from the "pork barrel" because supposedly, "I have a lot in some foreign banks."</div>
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Mr. President, if this is my misfortune, so be it. It is not the one I cannot possibly learn to live with.</div>
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Mr. President, I derive no pleasure in telling what I have told. I am sure many colleagues derive no pleasure in hearing what they just heard. But the people surely hate what they already know about.</div>
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<u>It is time to bring the "pork barrel" system down. Or, we all go down under.</u></div>
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We can surely live without "pork." Certainly, there is life without it.</div>
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Thank you very much!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Butch Cabanban at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151644146408432&set=a.275488798431.138913.557243431&type=1&ref=nf">Facebook</a>)</span></div>
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o.O.o</div>
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According to Butch, "After Senator Lacson delivered his privilege speech, then Senate President Franklin Drilon banged the gavel and ordered a recess. After the recess, the senate president adjourned the session."</div>
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That banging of the gavel gave a massive headache to the citizens of the Philippines. The pork barrel was left untouched. The rotten system kept going. </div>
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Ten years after that speech, it is now the Filipino people who are demanding the abolition of the pork barrel. Will it take another 10 years for the senators to listen? Will it take another decade to stop this culture of corruption?</div>
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The same people are still in the Senate - they who turned deaf ears to the call of Senator Panfilo Lacson. Now, with a million or more Filipinos who are demanding for its abolition, let's see who can muster his strength to turn deaf ears again.</div>
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We, the people of the Philippines, demand for the scrapping of the pork barrel system, once and for all! </h3>
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