Japanese and Filipino soldiers met in the WW2 war theater before. And now as allies, they had joint military exercise/drills in Mindanao.
The Japanese military officer expressed his admiration for the Filipino counterpart for being patient, uncomplaining and tough.
All of us grew in hardships, tempered in hardship: poverty, lack of infrastructures, disasters: earthquake, typhoons diseases. And even adverse govt leadership.
An admiration a tribute from a former adversary from the 3rd richest country is something to be proud of and work doubly harder on.
There are surveys and conversation going around: if you want to be super rich, a millionaire or billionaire, what would your career be? It is no longer being a superb businessmen with lots of self improvement and sacrifice. A group says be a contractor; another said DP.. contractor, and others said be a ....man. What silly and bad answers. A loss of sense of morality and right.
1. Surely there was a lack of oversight. The auditors and the Secy of the Dept was sleeping (or worse in cahoots)
2. That this went on for sometime means, it has blessing of higher ups (and therefore participates in the sharing. Napoles we think was taught if not just encouraged to carry out the PDAF loophole to to her thing.
3. That the head pretends not to know this, feigning surprise is surprising.
4. The conversation gives bad example to the young: that it is ok to steal big time in the country, that the big time plunderers, pillagers will not get caught; That thieves were suits and barong Tagalog.
They say, that in leadership, the HEADS LEAD THE TAILS. What kind of heads do we have. Shall we cut the head to stop these crooks
Thank you for the people who are exposing this and demanding accountability. The guilty ones should be censured and legally made accountable
This trend has made study of medicine very expensive and competitive in the Philippines. It cost 7 figures to send a doctor in the Philippines now. It used to be Asian and ME countries sending their children to medical schools in the Philippines. This is a new trend for Americans to send their children too in the Philippines.
Another point to be proud of about the Philippines.
If you are from other countries, would you send your children too to medical schools in the Philippines.?
A kind and soulful discourse of gratitude to the Filipinos, (or at least to the late President) for their compassion and humanitarian concern during Hitlers atrocities to the Jews.
This one makes us proud of Filipinos. (despite the hardships and criticism from mostly Westerners)
We dont live in trees, we are not OBOB. Good people do good things
Marketing, paid media, pr practitioners, politicians have lately influenced the way we think. It has been herd thinking that has been observed lately. What is mouthed by the others, masses, is deemed to be true. What is oft repeated by many many times is oft assumed to be true.
In the school where we taught, a GSB, this has been emphasized. Independent critical thinking to future business leaders. Self development comes first before business skills. Your thinking will help you deelop new business and save you from troubles.
It is more fun criticizing
Floods can be mitigated as former mayor of Marikina has shown
Some more suggestions:
1. Dredge the Manggahan floodway 50% is now clogged so that floodwaters from Montalban and San Mateo cant drain fast enough to Laguna lake. DPWH see the massive clogging of Manggahan floodway
2. Dredge the Laguna lake to slow down the flow to Manila; scientists say that average depth of Laguna lake now is is 1 meter.
Stop reclamation As of now this post estimate that an area of about 100 hectares are reclaimed in Taguig, Taytay and Angono . Thats about 20 million cubic maters capacity of storage for Laguna lake for floodwater storage before releasing to Manila bay.
3. Widen the creeks at subd between Markina and Cainta. As of now they are narrow, are silted, narrow and populated by illegal settlers Big developers like Ayala and Ortigas deepen by ten meters and widen the creek to about 20 meters to prevent flooding. The other developers stick to the 3-4 meters creek In Taytay, there is so much flooding due to residents who claimed the river banks. Rivers are but 4 meters wide only
4, More discipline in solid waste disposal so that drainage canals and waterways do not get clogged
5. Build more underground cistern to store floodwater or Small Impounding Ponds
Sen Tito Sotto bats for the poor working class and proposes 14th month pay on top of the existing 13th pay and the latest wage adjustment (not the P200 being pushed by the "Sambayanan"
We all want to help the poor working man. But for struggling entrepreneurs, this is going to be a big challenge. The politicians are in the habit of being popular winning votes at the expense of the mass of entrepreneurs also struggling to make both ends meet. (Just like their workers)
Its going to be a challenge and we hope they will overcome
This post was able to interview the HR of now defunct textile mill, its former head now a Pastor. They had to borrow from 5/6 to fund their 13th month.
And now may 145th month pa Kung lolo pa yong Indiyano na darating...?
The structures are easily carried away by floods and really do not work - control the floods.
How shameful.
Top 15 contractors. Contractors congressmen
50% KB to Legislators, lgu heads, only 30% goes to the project materials and labor.
This angers and scandalizes many taxpayers who are hounded by BIR who sweat blood and tears just to be able to pay the taxes and do these. Those that are funded by borrowings, we pay them anywhere
And the budget for DPWH is P1B/day.
What happened: 1. No one supervises 2 No audit (CoA is in cohoots or turns blind eye may pilak na tapal sa mata
This was not given much attention in the past. Even in maybe Pnoy or Duterte time. Where are the leaders all this time. Thanks to Senate Leadership now for this initiative.
The media and the top leaders gave much attention to the impeachment to divert attention to this wholesale plunder? DAPAT TALAGANG MAHIYA
This could be the start of something new in LGU governance. It could be a common knowledge that the mayor and LGU SB demand through an intermediary to ask for SOPs for the boys when you seek permits: Mayors Permit etc Development permit. And for small projects, they can amount to millions. Now the LGUs may be afraid. They wont dare, or face the same fate as the same mayor arrested
Tigilan na pagiging corrupt. Pangingikil sa mga konseho at ng mayor Public service sana at pag unlad ng bayan ang intindihin
More vigilance from police force to discourage corruption and tongpats. Even vs Legislative persons, even judges.
It was alleged that the corruptions in that order are DPWH, and LGUs
Kaso paano babawe ang mga financier at mga kandidato sa ginastos sa kanilang kampanya. Many think and during interviews that jobs in govt (where you can ask bribes, mulct citizens) are the best jobs
He was former chair of appropiations committee. And now lambasts the 2025 budget as most corrupt. Rep. Zaldy Co,, said to own Sunwest, one of top 15 contractors of DPWH (and govt)
True to his SONA speech when he chastened contractors for the flood control projects, the President presented the top 15 contractos of the govt. One of them stood out as owneds by a congressmen from Region VI. This is clearly a conflict of interest and hypocritical for investigating minions for alleged graft but they themselves are committing violations of morality and good governance.
It is good that the Pres is taking steps, probably stopping some other corrupt officials who are also contractors to stop their evil ways. I have met at least two DPWH contractors and seen them in meetings loaded with 8 figures worth of jewelry: karatted earrings and necklaces, gold watch.
With reported 50% sop for those who are responsible for the paperworks of project, this is large scale theft, plunder of Phil Treasury and must stop. Its unfair for taxpayers, who pay the taxes and trillions worth of debt that the govt is incurring
The dellivery and content were well done and answering of the interpellation was incisive and clear. No one can dispute the facts. Sen Marcoleta is clearly the more cogent Senators, sharpened by long years of experience as trial lawyer and being involved in past impeachment cases
It is clear that from gist of arguments:
1. SC is not interfering in powers of Senate;
2. In a judicial review, it merely is saying that the Senate has not acquired jurisdiction because HOR did not follow the procedures as enumerated in the Constitution when filing impeachment cases
3. That there should be an impeachment vs impeachable persons is not being denied.
4. The arguments of the detractors is about law and order but constitional adherence has not been observed, as SC has ruled.
Sen Bam Aquino was forceful in going on with the impeachmentt but before he said there were other matters that needed attention. but now for him this is the important agenda.
Sen Hontiiveros we found later on relied on AI for her citing of precedents. It was found out that reversala of decisions came from the cases by 5 man divisions not the SC en banc.
The oppositors were clearly practicing what old lawyers have emphasized: if you do not have the facts, pound on the table
There is a one year wait until Feb. until a new case can be filed vs VP Sarah. Those who are hell bent on power struggle.
Airports empty, no hotel visitors, lay offs? What caused sudden decline in number of visitors. US is top tourist destination in the world with over 20M visitors, the highest in the world. But in stunning reversal, policies by the US govt (or Trump has driven away tourist. Stringent rules vs visitors and immigrants, $250.00 fee on US visa. Deportation of illegal immigrants. Lopsided trade deals (20% and above tariff and 0 tariff on US imports) have all but killed the US tourism industry.
These adds to all ready impoverished US population. Poverty in USA?
Once vaunted as the capital of the world, the world's financial center, UK is now becoming dilapidated and cant even provide for the basic benefits of its people. How could this be?
A period of wage stagnation, but image of luxury persist.
Will US follow the cycle, the pattern of rise and fall of empire. Here is a terrifying prediction about the end of US dominance and superiority. This post hopes this is going to end well.
The primary cause: as with Roman empire, the high cost of maintaining its huge network of military bases worldwide would eventually consume itself. 80 military bases in 70 countries But the investment in high tech military hardware drains US resources at the expense of domestic improvements: $13B for an aircraft carrier, $2B for a bomber. $1 million for a smart missile. While domestic infrastructure and welfare suffer. All ready Trump is executing countermeasures by asking say NATO to pay the cost of military hardware, and stopping military aid to Ukraine.
But the other cause of loss of economic productivity - US has outsourced its manufacturing prowess
I was watching a movie about an Asian sniper who took revenge on another Asian country soldiers because he witnessed the latter executing his father. Now we know that this Asian imperialist is experiencing various difficulties: weak currency, failures among its mega businesses world wide, high debt and more. Could it be Karma.
Moving on we go back to history about countries or Empires that wrought havoc on other countries causing death destruction and misery among conquered countries: Macedonia led by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Spain, Portugal. And lately UK. And maybe who knows: USA.
The much awaited impeachment of VP Sara is most likely not going thru as SC rules the impeachment vs the VP is unconstitutional. Some quarters, netizen, anti VP are quick to conclude that there has been a change of PHP for this ruling (What a shame for the netizen). But it is truly fair and just. We respect the SC and its cogent ruling. The end of story... of bloodbath... We can now refocus and rebuilding the country after the flood: search for the flood control projects that did not work. Do a no nonsense work of country governance and maybe seek advice for the leader who seem clueless as to the reality in the country. And make more sensible statements.
They closed not because of anything else but due to tariffs - meant to protect domestic automakers. Imported parts, steel increased in prices. Car prices went up.
Washington did not react; it said pain is temporary. But workerxs, factories are suffering.
Pope Leo X1V has decreed 10 reforms that will surely shock traditional conservative clerics in the Vatican. This calls for leading a modest life, including reduction of allowance visits to the missions in Rome. This will ruffle the feathers of the old and entitled bishops and cardinal
One hallmark of humanity is ruling over the vagaries of nature; it is mandated in Genesis that man shall be Gods caretaker of his creation and thus must rule over the challenges of nature. Thus we rise inspite of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions typhoons. Our population grew to more than 7B because we have believed in our ability to transcend rise above what nature throws in our path
So it is very disappointing that the leader of this land enjoins our kababayan to accept the new normal (it was an old normal to be viisted at least 20x by typhoons annually in the Philippines) An act of resigntion or laziness. As leader he must find his hard and use all available resources and power in his office to lead and make this country fight the vagaries of typhoon.
At the risk of being an armchair pretenders may this post suggest:
1. Pres m ust change his mindset and do what he is supposed to lead. Inspire us amidst these challenges
2. Make people accountable for the flood control funds last year - almost 1/2 trillion. Anong overwhelmed. UK and Dutch govt were able to mitigage effects of flood. Bgc in our very own country has flood free streets. Even Pasig
3. Use our PHP budgetr wisely.
4. Be a President. Kung hindi sayang ang funds ng govt just to elect you.
PHL Pres BBM got a 1% discount off the US planned tariff to PHL exports US cars export to PHL 0 per cent. Pres. Trump PBBM a tough negotiator. (Tough?)
This is seen by PBBM as significant achievement.
Many PHL experts think PBBM should have asked for more given that we agreed to EDCA and we are in possession of REM. But PBBM was in the White House in US, trump territory.
Experts believe that 19% would have minimal effect on PHL economy given that semicon has 0 tariff, and exports to US has been down, but higher with China. There are other countries to which PHL can export
Clearly US wants to live alone, and disrespectful of World Trade and has bullied many nations. We will not be wondering if there are angrier nations and or allies becoming enemies.
We should really be independent of US policies and not be another proxy country fighting for US vs Russia or China. Time to be tough
Amidst the wide spread flooding, people are asking about the vaunted half trillion flood control projects. Were they "overwhelmed ?" Or swept by floods. Let us be honest.
This post wishes all the best for the said Cabinet official for doing her best to do her job. We are not sure these days who is true and who is false. The truth will set us free.
In an interview over the TV, Teresita Ang See, an activist for the Fil Chi community (formerly the spokesman of Fil Chi community vs kidnapping decades ago, noted that under the 1987 constitution is a natural born citizen. He was born in 1972 (the Constitution was specific before 1973) by a Filipina mother Emilia Chua. Hence the said gentleman was allowed to run as councilor for several terms
According to See, no less than Fr. Joaquin Bernas ++ Rip clarified to her that she, being the same situation like Joey Uy, is also a natural born citizen.
The complaint by Cong Abante was based on 1935 constitution. How could Comelec en bank have erred? There seems to be a lot of controversial decisions at present Comelec.
Will Comelec en banc see the light?
ARTICLE IV
CITIZENSHIP
Section 1. The following are citizens of the Philippines:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
[1] Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution;
[2] Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
[3] Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; andcralaw:red
[4] Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.cralaw:red
It is surprising that the world's richest man talks about God. We often stereotype rich people as being Godless. Here is a man rich, a science and high tech individual talking about God. Will his talk on God convince many Atheists to shift to Jesus?
This resulted from personal conflict between the two. Sandy got jealous of Jamie at Citi and personally took it against Jamie when Jamie assiggned his daughter to branch banking (which she wanted)
Jamie separated from Citi, joined Bank One and then set up the JP Morgan group. Citii is now shadow of its old self. Its no longer in the PHL
It was ironic that Sandy earlier lobbied for the banking and investment function be merged; later he reversed himself. Banking act of 1933 Glass -Steagell Act
Could this be true? It is preventable and a simple maintenance, repair issue.
Now causing massive loss of wealth and lives
The theory is that the pilot seat slid and the reflex of the pilot was to grab on to something, in this case the throtel lever (this reduces the engine speed) and hence the loss of power. True? Plausible
It is does not look good for the world at this stage to have additional problem like a World War. But the leaders of two most powerful countries have not been of great help to achieve world peace. The Pres of USA used US forces to bomb nuclear facilities of Iran, and this recent conference, the head of USSR clearly sided with Iran, and hinted at supplying materials for the nuclear bomb project of the latter.
Is it ok to stop this grandstanding and power play?
As Sandra Bullock says in movie Ms. Congeniality, let us have world peace
PHL may not have achieved its 6% target of GDP growth in 2025 of 6% (only 5.5%) in view of the global turmoil. But top economies did not do so well too mostly negative in Europe, Japan and Mexico. It your country is an export economy then it is too bad. If the trend continues in 2025, then the world is in for big difficulty.
Prices of fuel have skyrocketed like the ballistic missiles being fired in the strife torn areas. With it goes away our prayers for world peace Trump has not ended Ukraine USSR conflict. More conflicts are in the offing.
Iran has since countera attacked in the big way vs Israel sending in missiles and drones. Many areas of Tel Aviv are destroyed.
Is US being drawn into the conflict?
Is Pope Leo X1V the last pope because fo this conflict
The hot conditions at noon time reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit could have caused a vapor lock that caused compression stall leading to loss of thrust, a video theorized today.
It could have been similar to the explosion of TWA flight explosion of 1996 which similarly sat out a hot condition at the tarmac. TWA explosion of 1996 The TWA explosion might have been triggered by the operations of the air conditioning; the Air India vapor lock by lack of air conditioning. But it was the hot afternoon that could have been the cause.
No pilot error, no too early retraction of flaps, no late retraction of landing gear. No Boeing manufacturing faults. Just that too hot conditions for fuel leading to vapor lock leading to compression stall, engine failures. AOG.... However, plane technicians and experts say that vapor lock is not possible with modern jet engines since they are equipped with high pressure pumps
Condolence to the family of the victims. Nothing could replace the loss!
Air India Flight 141 bound for UK from Ahmedabad India crashed while taking off, What could have been the cause, as speculated by experts:?
1. Bird strike
2. Pilot error - why were the landing gears not retracted, were the flaps not extended;
3. Catastrophic engine failure
4. Bird strike
More than 290 perished; 241 from the plane (there was one survivor) and the rest from the ground. The plane crashed on a hostel where medical students were staying.
(It should be made unlawful not to have housing along the flight path of planes taking off or landing (as in the case of NAIA. Heritage Memorial Park iis along the landing path of airplanes
A federal judge has blocked the ban by Pres. Trump to process student visas. So the state department has ordered the issuance of visa to said foreign students.
There was an unexplained crash of a Boeing Dreamliner Flight 171 while taking off from Ahmedabad airport. There seems to be just one survivor 242 crew and passenger. Many more died from the ground ie the hostel where medical students were staying. The plane was bound from India to UK Gatwick airport.
There are many speculations as to why the plane crashed.: bird strike, catastrophic engine failure, flaps not set at correct setting for take off., airplane issues from Boeing. We will only know the correct reason after complete investigation. The blackbox has been recovered.
This post hopes that this not affect the opening of Air India routes from Manila to India. And or fear flying all together
Xi is not publicly seen for a while? Has he resigned reportedly due to illness; or was he removed. Other posts suggest the latter due to negative results in China.
What do you think?
Is this good for the world? Is this good for China? Is this good for USA?
This post certainly it would not affect USA (and the rest of the world) but with threats that are not empty, Musk would certainly lose. All ready TESLA stock prices have plunged by billions, with Trump promising cutting off contracts and subsidies.
Sen Bato de la Rosa (now called Batorney by Sen Alan Cayetano, prompted the formation of the impeachment court. His motionn was to dismiss the impeachment complaint due to perceived constitutional infirmity. It was thought to be better of taken up in impeachment court, which the Senate did.
In Sen Cayetanos speech, he deemed it proper to amend Sen de la Rosa motion to read as remanding the impeachment complaint and to fulfill the two conditions:
1. To confirm that there are no constitutional infirmities; (there is - that there were 4 complaints filed in 2025)
2. That the 20th Congress will continue pursuing the complaint.
(How can they do that before the June 30th deadline that Sen Tolentino proposed? And that the 20th Congress has not been properly convened)
To my mind, the motion which was approved by 18 senators (5 against by minority: Pimentel Hontiveros, Binay, Poe Gatchalian) effectively set obstacles for the conduct of impeachment complaint.
Many are optimistic that the former President will be set free on the basis of argument of lack of jurisdiction by ICC, the Philippines having withdrawn from the said body in 2019. He also won the mayoralty election in Davao City despite the charges that are being tried in the Hague.
But as the days pass, this post is not optimistic of his release.
Rep. Richard Gomez has complained to DOTR Sec Vince Dizon about the outrageous P40,000 one way ticket Manila Tacloban. Of course, tickets to Tacloban are high because of the closure of San Juanico bridge to heavy vehicles (which include buses)
It this the halt to the Nautical Highway? Travel from Luzon to Samar Leyte is effectively crippled.
But can airlines charge that much? Or is it just profiteering by the ticket outlet?
We know the character of peopel when times are tough...
SP Escudero postponed the presentation of impeachment charges vs VP Sarah Duterte to June 11 from June 2 yesterday raising the possibility of the impeachment trial reaching into the 20th Congress. On June 14, the Senate session ends sine die, and it is possible that Senate wraps up all its business for the 19th Congress.
Sen Hontiveros said that this can be carried over. (If its sine die including the impeachment trial, new impeachment case has to be filed which is not allowed under the constitution.
What shall it be? Others said that this a lost cause for impeachment.
Yesterday, the Philippine President PBBM asked for courtesy resignations of cabinet secretaries, this he said to make the services to the people more effective. Allow this post to comment:
1. The head leads the tails
2. The cabinet secretaries follows orders from him, and mostly we think they followed his orders;
3. What is noticeable is that the cabinet secretaries were utilized for politics, hence there was too much politics rather than service to the people
4. The cabinet secretaries did things that were dubious and inimical to the people obviously from orders or guidelines coming from the highest office
For everything there is a reason and we all know the cause/reason
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
The Gospel was about the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ takes care of the flock. Jesus knows His flock and they obey Him
In relation to the Homily of the Holy Pope and in connection with Mothers Day, he emphasized that now that he is the Shepherd, great patience and sacrifice must be exercised to be a bridge to those who were separated from the church and their mother. The bond must be based on love of Mother Mary, and be practiced not by being above others but by being with them. As he saw in his missionary work in Peru.
Those who were vaunted to be the next Pope did not materialize. The campaigning and early promotions might have turned against the candidate like for Cardinal Luis Tagle. The conclave to choose the next Pope is supposed to be a spiritual process and guided by God and not by human tactics and politics. Everyone must accept and support the new Pope and he seems to be a good one.
A number of disqualification cases has been filed before Comelec: vs. Gov and wife of Laguna, a senatorial candidate, vs. a Congressional candidate in Pasig for vulgar remarks, Cong candidate in Marikina. Masbate Cong Kho for using sms emergency broadcast in campaign; Richard Gomez, Albuera Mayor Candidate. And probably cases should be filed for violation of Fair Elections acts on size and number of tarps too.
There were two cases of apprehension of transfer of large sums of money (prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code) one in Cebu, and the other in Nueva Ecija. Of course we do not know about those that were not caught.
Some branded this election as one of hte most corrupt. Massive wholesale vote buying. Involving almosst all the candidates. The P29.00 rice too and the "Ayudas"
The 133 strong cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church has elected a new Pope, an American, Robert Francis Provost, as the 267th Pope. He is named Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American to be Pope
He holds dual citizenship: American and Peruvian. He is said to be trombonist and used to play at jazz spots in Chicago.
Sadly the PHL Cardinal Tagle, who was publicized to be the first Asian Pope did not make it. The new Pope has been several times to the Philippines as an Agustinian. He was in Iloilo when he visited Unversity of San Agustin
What will be the direction of the Catholics under Pope Leo XIV: return to the basics and fundamental truth, to be progressive just like Pope Francis, or somewhere in the middle. This is the cross road for the Catholics under a new leader.
Over 100 Cardinals all over the world meet in a conclave tomorrow to elect a new Pope. It is going to be a battle between the conservative (the purist) and those who are progressive - pro Pope Francis. This is exemplefied by the Cardinals Tagle, a Filipino who professes pro Francis tenets of compassion, kindness, and progessive relevant policies for the new World. Cardinal Becker on the other hand profess the truth - the Doctrines. Such clash of principles and values is common in other religious organization.
Now the Pope has to be elected by 2/3 majority vote. The sign that the conclave has elected a new Pope is the white smoke from the smokestack of Sistine chapel. A black smoke means none has been elected yet.
The govt is set to start distributing rice at P20.00/kg in the Visayas. This post comments:
1. It is to be financed by the LGU; it is not an organic P20.00 rice; It costs P33.00/kg and the P13.00 difference is to be funded by LGU.
2. Why come out it with this during the election period.? It is clearly politicking to time this move during a campaign period. What is the stand of COMELEC? It is to be noted that admin candidates are weak in Visayas and Mindanao, arising from other issues.
3. Others say that the rice is Peg2 rice - substandard and finely ground suitable for pets livestock and other animals.
It was noted that POTUS Donald Trump committed faux pas during the funeral rites of Pope Francis at the Vatican regarding the requested attire. He wore a blue suit instead the requested black suit and tiie.
It was noted that the current policy of POTUS Trump on migrants ran counter to the desire of the late pope to the latter.
Some say that Pope Francis is the last Pope and the space for the pictures of last Pope features the last after the last Pope and computation say that the end of times could be in 2027.
Today is the interment of Pope Francis. All ready a conclave of cardinals is being called to elect a new Pope. A shortlist has been made and Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines is in the short list. Can our beloved Cardinal survive the politicals of Rome. All ready this post has seen posts that only mentions him partially although he is No. 3 in the top 10. This post saw video that maliciously links Cardinal Tagel to the untimely demise of Pope Francis. How sad and how these cruel these people can be. Its not true.
Let us pray for Cardinal Tagle to be the next Pope. First for Asia and the Philippines
As Christendom grieves over the death of Pope Francis, must talk is all ready floating on his possible replacment. There are ten possible candidates, each one being very qualified with the their experience and strengths in running Vatican. Cardinal is 3rd in the ranking. He is member of the central bank of Vatican,, and member of powerful councils of the church. Many of the candidates seem to be very conservative and none as progressive as Cardiinal Tagle; he is the one who is much younger than the rest and you withstand the physical rigors of being a Pope.
But most of all, Cardinal Tagle is recipient of Secret Letter from the Pope, handwriitten and which carries a very important message: ie Cardinal Tagle carries his spirit. While this is not an appointment nor endorsement letter, it carries much weight and defines what Pope Francis desires in the future successor and direction of the church.
But of course it the conclave of Cardinals which will choose the next Pope and since this involves voting, there is still politicss, and power struggle to be considered.
This post joins the Christendom in grieving on the loss of the Pope. May the Perpetual Light shine on his soul.
US will surely end triumphant in this trade war; Trump wants to assert US supremacy through MAGA. But millions will lose jobs in China, not to mention exporters going bankrupt. Globalization would have been pushed back by decades.
But of course everythng depends on Xi. While other countries are going to negotiate with US, Xi has slapped 120% tariff vs US. We wonder whether its good for China.
US just approved tarriffs miniumum 10% including allied countries like Philippines (its 17%) and others as high as 50%. This may spark global trade war. It negates possible migrationn of Chinese factories to the Phiilippines because of prospective tarriffs on goods expoerted from China.
Its end of globalization?
Perhaps US should rethink this position. It might be the only nation prospering after all is done.
There is Divine Justice. A former head of the state was requesting for prayers from the public for the uneventful operation of her husband on the Aorta abroad. This came after her son was diagnosed with advanced state of cancer.
Then we have the sis of a former deceased president who said she has 9 auto immune disease. (A former strongman had only one)
Lately there were allegations that the current head of state has difficulty with his kidney and had to be hospitalized. Karma is real? Karma is working
It is pititul to have these kind of health issues in the family. Is this Divine Justice?
Timor Leste has denied PHL request for extradition of wanted solon from the PHL which leaves our coutry's SOJ fuming How does it compare to our DOJ, or other top govt official handling of FPRRD who handed over our citizen with nary observation of constitutionality, or consideration of PHL as a sovereign state?
What can be learned? Is PHL respected as sovereign state? What about the President and his relatives? How do Filipinos view him?
This post is quite queasy and wary of making blog post anymore after the chilling investigation by Tricom HOR inquiry. Without a declaration of martial law, the administration has effectively muzzled free speech in the country. There are other pressing issues in the country, like corruption and blunder at the gates of the city. But muzzling free speech and opposition has been deemed as top priority.
What are the possbile consequences of the sudden detention (allegedly without due process) on the Philippines:?
1. Will Philippines achieve its targetted economic growth?
2. Reputation of the PHL to other sovereign nations? Is PHL sovereign or not?
3, Political and social stability - will there be unrest in Mindanao and Visayas?
4. Effect on midterm elections: will PBBM candidates win.? Some administration candidates are wary of the negative effect of the detention in their bid for the Senate.
This post has been kept off the computer and android lately because of war on bloggers and freeed of speech Powerful committees at HOR have been making threats on bloggers and sometimes one thinks that ML has been imposed de facto
One does not earn from this and merely wants to contribute to growth and progress of web. The actions of the powerful people, who are alleged to be plundering the coffers, leave a bitter taste for many
The currernt teledrama in the Philippines involving personalities would have been simpler if there were no conflicting loyalties. Lieutenants would have to follow their captains and generals and current bosses, irrespective of the past favors done to them. Like Bersamin as Panelo claims a former appointee by FPRRD to Supreme Court and GSIS, Torre, Ano etc.
Of course they are viewed negatively by FPRRD sympathizers and followers.
Enough of this drama because it is bad for mental health
As the legal team of FPRRD is being assembled, a lawyer from US said that the former is likely to be acquitted for various reasons:
1 Violation of Art 59, ie that the accused should have been presented to competent court (like SC or any other body of the judiciary) When mentioned before the judges, this was not answered (meaning a non observance was committed)
2. Local prosecution - none took place in the PHL. The custodial state should have conducted prior and none took place.
The parties who is arrrested and who might be arrested are now crying for fairness, justice and due process. The victims are likewise saying that these were not available to the victims who died due to the brutal drug war.
But what is paianfully visible here is that the former President's head was served to the ICC on silver platter, and this was planned all along by honorable members of the cabinet. But many times public pronouncements were made on the contrary. This can be seen as deceit to former political allies of the highest order. Favors done in the past meant nothing to those who got the favors and the former were neutralized for power play purposes.
The masses may sympathize and be angry to the other side and hate and protest the other side. And what is going to happen to our country?
Some legal experts observe that procedures in serving of Arrest Warrant vs FPRRD was not observed:
1. The custody of local competent court of the accused;
2 Rights of due process including the right to bail.
Did FPRRD trick the arresting team to make this error and thus nullify the arrest. (He was not given custody of competent local court, including the right to bail)?
The currrent President reversed himself - he initially said ICC cant execute the arrest warrant if it comes, and then later on declared that it is duty of Philippine govt to cooperate with international bodies. We can not understand the flip flopping, and or what is he saying now. For being inconsistent. Well this a convenient way to eliminate enemies. (Not even the hair of Sen de la Rosa) One can always change his mind.
More trouble ahead. What happened to their team, to their legal consultants and have not drawn out scenarios clearly for consequence of action?
More and more protest rallies are being held across the countries especially in Visayas and Mindanao against the sudden arrest of FPRRD. It is hoped that these are sporadic and spur of the moment. Prolonged sustained protest can cause damage to Philippine financial markets and could deter the country from reaching its economic targets. Says a former deputy governor of BSP
The number of protest could be a gauge for people support to the former President and impact the result of elections of Senators and congressmen. The arrest timing sucks for many.
Former Pres. Duterte despite announcement that PNP will not enforce alleged arrest warrant by ICC was arrested after arriving from HK at NAIA. What is going to happen to the Duterte political clan?
His alleged crime - crime vs humanity in the conduct of drive vs drug menace. Now we see softening of the efforft and policemen dying now due to drug dealers striking back and fear once more has come back to the street.
There were repeated lies, ie pronouncement from leaders and publicist that the govt will not support ICC. Quite the reverse - the govt is in full support of ICC. They were not able to arrest vs Netanyahu and Putin because their minions were strong vs ICC. Trump is withdrawing support to ICC.
Somebody ratted on FPRRD?
What happens to the political powerhouse in Southern Mindanao?
Either they keep quiet and that means the end of the era? Equally hard pressed is Sarah Duterte who is facing impeachment trial when the Congress resumes after election. The force against their family is so huge that only one can guess that full resources of the govt is behind the whole debacle. And one can guess also the architect of the Martial law may be behind this scenario.
Or
They fight back and organize mass action that will see chaos in the country. Hopefully they choose 1.
Somebody out there is hell bent on controlling the political scenery and even the country's resources. Much more dangerous than open martial law.
