Typhoons and the Senator suggestion that we leave flood control invetigations alone; isnt flooding a major concern?

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Typhoon Inday  (Intl name Fung Wong)  is throwing the entire country into a floodbath (not blood bath) and showing  proofs of neglect of the flood problem and why really there could be corruption  The money drawn and spent did not go to flood control projects.  The billions went elsewhere , otherwise it would not be as bad as this.  

"Law bender" unbecoming of a lawmaker - statesmanship needed pa more

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There is a new buzz going around town coming from a sitting lawmaker law bender.   Wala nang batas2!

This has drawn a lot of flak from  netizens legal circles and public at large.

Perhaps the good senator is tired and sick of parliamentary niceties and technicalities of the law.  And maybe why he said that.  But that has put his office and the institution into being irrelevant and to be embarrassed of.   There has to be parliamentary order so that the gentlemen there would not engage in fistfight.  Training and familiarity with the job is probably needed.    From being a journo to that of a statesman

Masterful delivery by Sen. Marcoleta of motion to dismiss impeachment, later to archive the impeachment case vs the VP

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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.           

So many DQs cases filed before COMELEC; cash transfers caught

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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"

Are we witnesses to teledrama and novela with members of the ...st family

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We may be led to believe that the sister Senator is playing a good cop.  She initially shot down AKAP from cousin. (Eventually she agreed when she learned that Senators would get P200 million?)    Tries to play conscience to the President on the VP impeachment.

But one gets the impression that blood is thicker than water.  She will not betray her brother.   Its outright politicking.   

In the end will regret believing  the zarzuela.

Petty stuff takes too much media space and national attention

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For several days now, the media and the public have feasted on the Cadillac Escalade that used the bus lane.   This is a simple traffic violation that the MMDA, PNP or LTO can handle.  And yet no less that the office of senator was inquired into.

OUr country men and media should focus on things that matter most.     Not this.   (As if the driver has committed a big crime)

Some news mean other people harm and embarrassment?

Sen Francis Tolentino emphasizes respect in Senate investigation

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Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized Senate Rules on invetigation in aid of legislation and that respect should be observed.

There are two instances wherein the resource person cant be compelled to answer:   1.   If the resource person cites his right vs self incrimation  2.   that the topic of inquiry as often are, especially in the Congressinal hearing, ir outside the concern of the inquiry.  Thus may be citing for contempt or judging that a resource person under these rules are out of order.   

May be these reminders made the Duterte hearing "tame" and that it was an invasion by Duterte.   That there was too much respect.  

Saving ones neck - testifyiing vs superior on illegal orders

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PCol Jovie Espinido testifies before a committee inquiry that it was his bosss, a fmr chief of PNP and now a solon, that he was called to help him and the past Pres. on war vs drugs.  ".... dapat mawala na..."  A general term and it includes all means to eradicate includes killing."  This interaction included Mayor Espinosa of Albuera, and Mayor of Ozamis Parojinog.

There were also quota and reward system.    Part of reward came from POGO.  

What could be the reason for the 180 degree turn vs their former head and Pres. ?  That he wants to be exonerated from the  forthcoming ICC EJ prosecution.?

What would happen to the good senator.   But of course this is a telephone call and could be denied  

        

Why cant they catch Quiboloy?

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Why is there a stand off between PNP and KOJC followers?  Can the PNP enter a Church which is supposed to be a refuge?

Is this simple police operations being politicalized?  (to paraphrase a VIP)

Why are we in this kind of trouble?

Why are VIPs seen to be actively involved in this fiasco:   A VP and a Senator/

Ang pagiging patriot at isang lider, nagsisumula sa pagdampot ng kalat, pagsunod sa batas trapiko -fmr Senador, investment banker

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ersonal responsibility and moral leadership

In a sense, true leadership must exist before, above, and beyond the system, so that when it immerses itself into the system, it exerts a cleansing, rejuvenative power, rather than be merely, supinely corrupted by it.

Blaming the system evades personal responsibility. In government, as in business, we bring into our jobs the values that have shaped and prepared us to make decisions for the good of others. Those values and decisions do not necessarily involve multimillion-dollar deals or millions of votes. Every day—not just once but many times—every individual gets an opportunity to exercise leadership, in decisions big and small.

Every day for me is a struggle in exercising leadership. I am constantly asking myself: will what I say or what I do move the country forward, or will I just be indulging myself? Are the people getting value not for their money but for their vote?

Jimmy Ongpin surely faced the same dilemmas in his own sphere. He could have chosen to skirt environmental regulations as chief of Benguet Corporation—but he did not. He felt personally accountable for his corporate decisions. He could have ducked when he saw that government policy was ruinous to the economy and the country—but he did not. He challenged the existing order (including his brother's ideas and programs) and became a central player in overthrowing the dictatorship. When the call came for him to serve the Aquino government, he brought with him those same values, and applied them with the same vigor and consistency. He did not become a leader because he became Secretary of Finance; he became the Secretary of Finance, and head of the economic team, because he had already proven himself a leader.

Moral leadership—or doing the right thing for the good of the many—is not a function of the system, but of the individual. If everyone picked up one piece of litter, or stayed in the proper traffic lane, or paid the right taxes, or declined a bribe, or put up shelter for the homeless, it would not matter one whit whether we had a presidential, a parliamentary, a monarchical, or a tribal system. What would matter would be that we did the right thing.

If the failure of the system cannot excuse our leaders, then the failure of our leaders cannot excuse us. If we expect much of our leaders, then we must expect as much of ourselves.

Indeed it is only we, the citizens, who can make the system—any system—work. Our destiny is in our hands—hands that work and hands that build, not hands that destroy

Will Gen Bato be disciplined/suspended/removed from Office by Ombudsman for freebies from Sen Pacquiao

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Rizal Philippines
November 14, 2016

From Rappler - Ombudsman probes Batos Pacquaio funded trip

There is a lot of ruckus going on over the freebie given to Gen Bato and family (free plane and accommodation) to watch his recent fight vs Jessie Vargas.   Gen Bato clearly violated PD 46 and the provisions of Code of Conduct and Ethics for govt employees.   Clearly too that this is political since De Lima, a fellow lady who has tons of accusation is not being investigated

Clearly too this is selective justice at work since in the past, the good Senator accommodated a lot of free loader solons for many of his fight.  Why only now is there such an investigation

Clearly this is to stop Gen Bato dead on his tracks and to discredit him.  All that they have to do is convict him, and as promised by Pres Duterte to pardon him.  Neat eh

Sen Grace Poe should be allowed to run as President

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Rizal Philippines

December 15, 2015

Comelect en banc disqualifies Poe, has five days to get TRO


From Inquirer - Reaction of Sen Grace Poe to her disqualification by COMELEC

Sen Grace Poe who was "disqualified" thrice by Comelec:  by first division, by 2nd division and  Comelec sitting en banc.  Should be allowed to continue her bid to run for the highest position in the country.  To do so would be unfair, and unjust.

The news shouted that she was "disqualified" which former Comelec said not allowed since only the Presidential Electoral Tribunal has the lone authority to disqualify her. The proper term would be petitioned to deny due course to her candidacy under Sec 78 of the Omnibus Election code.

With due respect to the HONORABLE MEMBERS of Comelec

The question time for Senator Honasan at the Senate hearing today was a call to arms?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

A senators counter sona to Pres Pnoys Sona reflects lack of critical analysis

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Rizal Philippines  | August 13 2014

Comment on Malaya post



It is really nice to hear criticisms against speeches and differ in views with the speaker.  That is part of the democratic process.  However, some criticisms need criticisms too because some of them could be very far from the truth.

The other issues are well taken (maybe the congestion at the Port of Manila causing increase in prices of commodities) however this corner disagrees that the measly $8billion in FDI is a poor indication of the economy.  Rather than belittle the gains the country has made despite the low FDI, we should be proud of this.  It MEANS FILIPINOS, MORE ENTREPRENEURS ARE BETTING ON THE COUNTRY'S BRIGHT FUTURE.  We cant depend on the volatile foreign inflows to prop up our economy.  The truth is we have more revenues from OFW remittances and BPO.  Dear Sir.  It is progress.  It definitely lifted the lives of many people and has driven up real estate, consumer goods and many more.

Senator claims he received foodstuff from Ruby Tuason, not money

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Philippines   | January 10, 2014


 

From Tempo - Pansit and foodstuff, not money

A senator being charged before the Ombudsman and being linked to receiving money from her, from Janet Lim Napoles denied ever having received any money.  What was delivered at the Senate basement was foodstuff like pansit and empanadas, and not money (from Tempo)

The newspaper headline screamed yesterday this allegation from the good senator.

"Pansit, not money"

Are we still on the silver screen, showbiz, are we joking here?

This is trending news at twitter.  Follow professional heckler

Pope is " only a blogger" - Senator

Social and political criticisms

                                 


I am sure that many bloggers, local especially will be up in arms and destroy a PHL solon for his deregatory remarks vs bloggers. (I think there are millions of blogger out there) Copying from Pope, from whom his ghost writer (and plagiarist) copied his anti RH speech is being shrugged off by famed comedian, in his usual element, as just "blogger"  This comment will draw heavy flak fire from bloggers who would destroy the good senator in the web. I for one am delivering this salvo. Do you think he is joking?

What do we expect from Iskul Bukol or alumni of Wanbol University?  Hahaha!!

His comment does not speak well of his stature as a public official, and even as guardian of the laws of the land.

In the school, plagiarism is not taken lightly with expulsion as a penalty.  Is there no ethics committee in the Senate who will punish the irresponsible joker? The Senate President that as of yet there is no law vs. plagiarism in PHL much less house rules vs the same offense?

But the lawmakers, are statesmen and high degree of ethos is demanded from them, even from former jokers and court jesters.

Being a blogger takes time and effort;  and should not taken lightly or being "just"


May the joker be enlightened and act respectably in accordance with his age and position (there are two jokers in the house?)

Plagiarism is common in Senate and ( SC)? No ethos?

Why the senator's plagiarism matters?

"Siya na nga nangopya, siya pa manglalait???!