Duterte won’t be able to govern at all
[Photo credit: gmanews.tv]
By Andrew Lim
If you are a diehard Duterte supporter, save your breath and ammo because this article deals with a post- election scenario where Duterte has won. It does not aim to sway your vote. This article is for the 70% + electorate split among different candidates and the uninvolved, who will need to mobilize post-election for a common cause.
Duterte has successfully manipulated media attention so that certain sectors of society salivate at the idea of “change” even if he does not provide details on how it will be effected. The masses have been convinced of his poverty/crime/traffic-solving skills; the middle and upper class has bought into his promise of better crime management and security. Never mind the details and the principles.
The undeclared bank deposits may not affect his numbers much, having come so late and framed in the context of a hotly contested election. He is still likely to win. But it will not go away during his presidency and could form the basis of an impeachment.
Duterte’s situation brings to mind a former mayor who became President. Estrada won with nearly 40% of the vote and his style shares some commonalities with Duterte.
On a humorous note, there is something about former mayors becoming (or aspiring) head of state in the Philippine experience (Aguinaldo, Estrada, Binay) . They may attain cult hero status initially but are despised later in their term or later in historical accounts as corrupt and incompetent. Peter principle?
Parallels with the Estrada presidency:
Habitual tardiness – On many occasions, he has arrived late, but disarms the audience with his lewd jokes, repeated references to his manliness and his low regard for women. He then runs out of time for the more substantive Q & A and avoids scrutiny.
Empty policy speeches – He has never given a speech with substantial details on how he intends to carry things out. His Makati Business Club speech was as unsubstantial as always. The Club’s spokespersons were polite, but essentially they were asking: where’s the beef? All the public gets are one-liner, aw shucks, smart aleck statements.
Incoherent statements and messages – This early, Duterte’s statements frequently do not match his spokespersons’. In the Estrada presidency, even heavyweights like Jerry Barican and Rod Reyes were often reduced to looking ridiculous. Incidentally, the presence of Lito Banayo as political advisor speaks volumes on how this presidency will be run ala Estrada style.
The latest one is Peter Lavina denying the existence of the BPI Julia Vargas account, adding it does not make sense that a Davao-based Duterte would open an account in Pasig. Well, he has eaten his words.
On China, he has naively said that he will go bilateral, as if geopolitics was an usapang-kanto kind of thing. Eventually he back-pedaled on it, saying he now supports the arbitration. Railways in exchange for the West Philippine Sea? Please. And we need not discuss the idiocy of that jetski remark.
We also need not stoop to the level of his “cut ties with the US and Australia” statement.
On Philhealth, Duterte uttered a false statement on Philhealth benefits in Davao which the agency has refuted.
He intends to revive the steel industry, which does not make sense with the demand and price of steel in the global market collapsing. But watch RJTV 29 and you may have an explanation. Who’s a major supporter who owns steel interests in the country?
Which brings me to the greater horror in a Duterte presidency: It is not his heavy handedness and penchant for violence but his incompetence at this level. The strong armed policies can be checked by the Supreme Court, the Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, Congress, human rights organizations, the Church, civil society, academe and the global community. But his incompetence in economic management will be devastating. He has admitted to this deficiency and will unabashedly copy other leaders’ programs. Nothing wrong with copying effective programs, but will they mesh? Is he capable of integrating them all?
In a Duterte presidency, the Cabinet economic secretaries will become de facto policy makers, since the President will be incompetent in these matters. The country may catch a break if he appoints competent people of integrity, but will they gel together? Who’s going to run the show if numero uno is empty headed? And where does the buck stop?
Ending contractualization may sound sexy, but wait till we get to the details on its ramifications. It’s like Bernie Sanders’ mantra of “break up the banks”, but comes up empty when asked how it’s going to be done.
Almost all the major political parties participating in this election – LP, UNA, Poe/NP are now training their guns on Duterte as a last ditch effort. But I cannot see them aligning themselves with Duterte even after the elections. The gap – both moral and political, is too wide to breach. Organically, they will unite for a common cause.
What is Duterte going to do? Woo them with pork? That flies in the face of his campaign promise of “change”. Now if Duterte goes nuclear and turns to oppressive measures just to stay in power then that will be the day his presidency ends.
Nearly all the major sectors, the ones with the most leverage post-election, have been alienated by Duterte and are highly unlikely to take his side when he is President: Congress, judiciary/SC, academe, civil society, international community, public intellectuals, human rights organizations, media, business community. The military is unlikely to support Duterte’s goal of “sending tanks and destroying Congress.”
You may say: he has the support of the 30+%. But remember that Estrada’s voters didn’t have any leverage anymore post-election. What could they do when Estrada got impeached?
P. S. As I finish this piece, news comes of impeached Chief Justice Corona’s demise comes out, reminding us again of undeclared assets in the SALN. An omen of things to come?
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[…] The nation is beginning the inevitable collapse into economic pain, judicial tyranny, and legislative paralysis. It has to happen, as wise contributor Andrew Lim wrote two years ago: “Duterte won’t be able to govern at all“ […]
The Society of Honor by Joe America 
The US military is getting alarmed.
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/philippine-presidential-front-runner-could-hinder-us-military-ties-1.406656
And German NEOPRESSE, which by it’s articles is most probably Putin-sponsored, is predicting that the Philippines might replace Brazil in BRICS to form PRICS if Duterte wins… China and Russia have joined forces we all know, so the Philippines is once again in the middle of a geopolitical battle, similar to the Spanish-American war in 1898, while having a revolutionary movement similar to 1896 in its prematurity… history rhymes said Mark Twain.
http://www.neopresse.com/politik/asien/philippinen-dank-duterte-prics-statt-brics/
https://www.contra-magazin.com/2016/04/philippinen-siegeszug-des-punishers-duterte-fast-unaufhaltbar/ – same vein by another apparent Putin-sponsored ultra-left paper. It also thinks the Philippines might become part of the new “PRICS” zone… dreaming?
My analogy for the coming fight is the Allied forces (LP/UNA/NP) going against Nazi Germany (Duterte and PDP Laban).
Cayetano is Mussolini?
he he yes, Lito Banayo is Himmler, Koko Pimentel is Eichmann. 🙂
Arthur Yap, yung bangaw nanasa likod ni Digong na nakashades parati…sanu po papel nya?
BRICs were the sleeping but but emerging economic giants then, Brazil, Russia, India and China. I suggest a much more apt and recent Wall Street acronym used to describe smallish struggling economies the Duterte regime is heading the Philippines into. Its called the PIGs formerly Portugal, India, and Spain. In Pilipino, Duterte’s transforming the country into this pathetic group is a synonym for its street deluxacy, piniPIG!
Errr…I meant Ireland instead of India…lol.
Just for further clarification. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was called so because those nations started gaining power replacing the world’s state which was hegemonic into a multipolar world order.
Ireland Caliphman ? Surely you jest..They have started paying back the E U Central bank loans early…Much to the annoyance of the Irish people…
I do not jest..and bragging aside, I usually am right except for those cursed typos. The correct acronym used to be PIGGS and included Italy and Spain as well. Ireland was in there because at the height of the EU crisis in 2010, its debt level was very high and the government had to bailout the two largest banks to avert a financial collapse. I have not kept up with whats been happening since then but it may be trying to recover. It had a mini- recovery but it was fueled by a real estate bubble.
wala nang pag-asa (island), babuyan (islands) na lang!
Irineo, kawawa naman ang kababyan natin na naiwan sa lechonan. Ang pininunong mga kusinero ay kamukhang linuluto nila…Duterte at Drilon…hehehe.
Add Korea and we have a correct spelling.
PRICKS….hahahah
make it specific : PRINKCS
haha
The “BRICS” construct is not and has never been a bloc or political alliance. The term was coined by a Goldman Sachs mutual fund analyst to describe a group of countries believed to have economies at a similar stage and similar investment potential. The countries were never allies in any meaningful sense.
Iriineo is just kidding, with the PRICS, PRICKS….:)
Duterte reminds me of the South American dictators that the US had trouble working with. No trust, no common path.
The US will reluctantly work with dictators in the name of national interest. Too bad for Duterte he is both a thug and does not align with US national interest. When he loses or is deposed does he go back to Mindanao and make trouble with his rebel friends + shady financial backing ? Maybe.
Yes, the support bases of the leftist dictators in South America ( eg Kirchener ) all gainded office with similar ‘programs’ from similar elements of society to Duterte…Similar social processes drive similar outcomes in different countries. So for me the key question is why Duterete’s opponents cannot see the lesson and initiate policy change which pre-empts a Duterte victory ?
Leni is closest to being able to formulate real, rational reforms.
Her hands may still be tied by her Liberal partymates, but with a mandate it would be different I think. There is still too little of her tsinelas approach in the Ro-Ro program.
I believe she’ll be taking small steps in educating the masses of what they can do to help themselves and understand what the government can do for them in town hall set-ups. It’s what she already does in her district. It may not look much on the macro-level, but done right, it can make an impact in the implementation of BUB, disaster risk reduction, and increased compliance in DOH initiatives.
Constitutionally difficult I suspect. But I also suspect a lot of conversations are going on. “What ifs’.
You assume that most of Duterte’s opponents actually care about the country – most politicians are driven by self-interest, nothing more.
Very true. & very few are really nationalistic and caring for d masses.
I think it is difficult to hold any particular class responsible for decades of abusive leadership and poverty. I don’t see anybody with a vibrant sense of nation except a few kind, emotionally mature, educated people. Are you nationalistic, I’m inclined to ask? Or are you divisive, as in dividing along class lines. It seems you don’t accept some as ‘proper’ Filipinos because they live well.
Behold the coarser and even more thuggish version of Venezuela’s supremo Hugo Chavez. Is that even possible?
Well Chavez could buy everyone of with cheap gasoline and LPG in Venezuela for the past decade…But dead cheap fuels meant no investment and lowered production…
Yes, Venezuela is in a bad way. The economy is a disaster, the public so unhappy, its only a matter of time before Maduro goes.
In their supposed individual campaigns, all of Duterte’s opponents were focused on promising solutions to the crowd favorite issues regardless of importance and or substance (like metro manila traffic?) Duterte baited them into discussing his multiple unethical and immoral skills in these areas. Mar, Grace and Jojo all took the bait. Even mainstream media did. Duterte successfully lured all of them into PLAYING HIS GAME UNDER HIS RULES. Policy change? None of the presidential candidates really presented any coherent policy. Not even a “grand dream” for the country under their administration.
@ Nowasencit
I think Mar has much more info on his platforms than you care to read, that is, if you are even interested to look for it. I’m a foreigner, I care about the direction of your country, as I would other friendly countries, thus I make it a point to check out the various candidates stand on various issues and what their plans are. It saddens me to see people like you shooting away without appreciating that, honest to yourself, you have never bothered to read up. For your easy ref, here’s the link to Mar’s website: (but my 1000 to 1 peso bet, people like you never read details, you dance to the tune of one-liners spoken with a clenched fist)
http://blog.marroxas.com/2016/02/09/ang-panata-sa-pamilyang-pilipino-the-roxas-robredo-platform-of-governance/
http://gracepoe-greenmonitor.weebly.com/index.html
I cant find similar websites of Binay and Duterte.
Thank you chempo, my thoughts exactly.
Here are the links for MDS and Cayetano (Duterte);
http://miriam.com.ph/newsblog/plan-of-action/
http://trending.ph/news/duterte-and-cayetanos-platform-of-governance-a-compilation
Thanks, Chempo.
Maybe Mar has everything written but what saddens me is he make a lot od promises, and never made it to completion, so what is the use of all of these platforms if he is not going to do it. Promises are just words and means nothing if he doesn’t do it.. I’m a supporter of duterte because I’ve seen his service at davao.
Could you please enumerate the broken promises you are alluding to. We have good researchers here who could either refute or substantiate your claim. We need specifics to be able to further discuss your grievance.
In the end , we might be able to teach and/or learn from each other.
Venezuela’s Chavez, Panama’s Noriega.
And in Bolivia too…And Ecuador and Nicuragua’s Sandinistas
@purple
I picked up chatter, though this is unconfirmed, that the source of Trillanes’ expose is international in nature, not local, which could explain his confidence in coming out with it.
Duterte hasn’t won the presidency yet, but his world is already getting smaller.
I predicted some months ago that Trillanes’ third coup will NOT fail.
What I did not predict is that he would do his coup in a civilian manner.
But some postings I read on Facebook hint at military intelligence assistance.
From what I gathered, he had the info months ago,but had it validated first.
My dad is his phonepal,but he would not tell him the source.
Maybe he was hoping it would be unnecesssary as did I. Certainly, Cayetano and Pimentel may have held him back as his partners in the BRC committtee. Unfortunately, he may have waited too long.
Yes and Duterte supporters are turning this interview against him.
there was a line “hindi naman sya corrupt si Binay iba eh……”
He was not corrupt until the evidences surfaced..
You intellectuals speak as if there is already solid proof, which Trillianes does not. He is only trying to fish for it by claiming Duterte is holding back info and saying Duterte is a coward for doing so because Triallianes has “sources”. You’re supposedly smarter than to be fooled by this.
“OOoo! I found something on Duterte! Press con! Ooo I found another thing! Press con!”
You call him corrupt for a meagre P2.5M townhouse and other properties that have no connection to Duterte as some have already spoken out about?
Give yourselves a pat on the back. Solid deductions skills.
I fear you use the term “intellectuals” as if being smart and interested in Philippine well-being were somehow wrong. To us intellectuals that is an upside down way of thinking. Like envy or crabs pulling down those who succeed.
Hes, All I was saying is in that interview Trillanes said Duterte was not corrupt. Because, Trillanes, like all Duterte supporters, bought into the lie that he is not corrupt. So Trillanes believed then, that Duterte was not corrupt. In other words, he was also a sucker then. All that was before some evidences surfaced.
One does not need any intellect to see the bank deposit slips that Trillanes showed the world.
Duterte denied, then agrred he had those a/cs but the balances were very small, then he said it was a little less the Php211 million.
Duterete previously bravely signed waiver of banking secrecy, then he withdrew the waiver after Trillanes accusation.
We all have eyes and ears in the right places.
Latest News:
Trillanes said De Mesa obtained the documents from a close relative working for an agency investigating the ill-gotten wealth of government officials.
ADVERTISING
“In other words, it was a hearsay coming from De Mesa. He heard it from De Mesa. Kumbaga, hindi lang ito kuwentong kutsero, kuwentong barbero pa (It’s all fish tale),” Salvador Panelo, who has the special power of attorney from Duterte, told reporters.
Panelo said he showed the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Trillanes’ affidavit showing Duterte’s supposed transaction history.
“The official of the bank said: ‘Ay Sir, wala po kaming form na ganiyan, e computer lang po iyan e.’ Kumbaga, tinype lang nila iyon, pinagsama-sama lang nila’ (The official of the bank said, ‘Sir, we don’t have a form like that. It’s like a hodgepodge),” Panelo said.
—
So to sum up,
– Trillianes’ claim that Duterte is corrupt is based on the claim of the claim of an anonymous somebody.
– And the bank deposit slips that Trillianes showed the world, BPI denies its authenticity.
@Joe America No, I’m saying you guys sound smart, yet you jump to conclusions on unverified data and base it on the theatrics of this guy. It is no different from gossip.
You do have a point on how Duterte is responding.
But I’d wager he’s baiting his opponents on this account, especially Trillianes, on his dirty tactics. The guy can’t just keep spewing out false accusations without being held accountable to it under law. Why would I freely open my account for this guy to scrutinize the transacations, which may or may not have dirt on them, and let him play his dirty tricks on the media and fool those who would believe such trickery right away? I mean, he already made prior stuff up right? What would stop him from making stuff up again given access.
How do you verify your data? Seems to me we all have the same sources. Some seem to deny that which makes them uncomfortable. That’s the bucket I have you in right now. I’ve dealt with the regular readers here for some time. They are earnest, honest and smart. You would have to contribute here for a while on different topics to earn those credentials.
@Hes : Old Man Duters has a simple way of showing all Filipinos he is honest and not corrupt : Allow the BPI to release the banking records to the public..Dead bloody simple mate.And the only conclusion if he does not is that he has hidden corruptly gained money just as Trilllanes says…
@ Hes
“Heresay” is I hear he say. In this case there are documents, a/c numbers. A/cs that Du30 initially said was fabricated. When a few people, including Mar Roxas deposited some money into the a/c, the deposit slip showed up the a/c name is indeed Du30. He then said Yes, that’s his a/c. He is a slippery one, the sign of hiding something. An innocent guy would immediately blast his bank statement on the social media for all to see. Action speaks louder than words.
the bpi already confirmed that there was no 211 million either accumulated or single deposit or cumulative when asked by panelo. Then panelo asked for a certification and the bank replied they need 4-7 days. BPI ang nagdedelay
@ Seperfly
” For his part, Panelo said the BPI branch has confirmed to him that Duterte did not have P211 million in his bank account” … . abs-cbn 2 May 2016
1. Now that is “heresay”. You heard it from Panelo, Duterte’s lawyer.
2. Notice the lawyer’s slippery slant? — “Did not have P211million”. Now what does this mean? It could be true there is no longer any balance of 211 million now. (Actually, he is an ignoramus if the 211m is still there). It could be at some point previously there was 211m. How about the transactions passing through. Trillanes said 2+ billions, Panelo was silent. The volume passing through is more critical — it means there was some regular source, what could it be? Now Duterte’s camp does not want to open up the transactions. Panelo only asked a certification of balance of 211 m.
You see the difference? Duterte supporters never analyse things like this.
@Hes
Your mayor is loosing the perception battle, dude. In an election, perception is everything.
Your mayor was blindsided by Trillanes. He didn’t see this coming. He groped and fumbled and mumbled in the first onslaught. I’m sure he didn’t even bother to consult his more sober advisers. He would have been advised to admit early on that he had an account, like many people do, and then say, “So what?” Every step of the way from thereon, he was being forced to admit things he previously denied. Panelo was tapped to check the PR downslide, pero sa tingin mo panelo na yan? (Pun intended.)
The mayor’s body language is all wrong. Even a dog can sense body language. How much intellect do you require to understand that?
I guess we can also verify all the properties that trillanes exposed and labeled it as dutertes coz the way we sound here and indeed some people here claim that they are good in research, like for instance the property of roa duterte in Cebu… trillanes calimed it was digongs…. I think its unacceptable as well right? if others claim that digongs evidence are fabricated, it remains a claim…. but when we say trilannes’ evidence of digongs properties are fabricated, its proven…. so who’s more credible anyway… they would go on extra lengths just to trhow mud at an opponent? yeas we took the bait of supporting him and just pray that your claim of his incompetence is true…
The professional staff of the DFA and the BSP must be looking on in horror as their fellow citizens set out to return the country to its status as the global laughing stock by voting in another corrupt, coarse, buffoon.
In reality, a vote for Duterte is a vote for at least five years of economic stagnation – two years of collapse whilst the corrupt and incompetent President is removed followed by three years of getting back to 2015.
Yep. Seems about right. More than five years if destruction is substantial.
If Duterte wins and Trilla files an impeachment case pronto,maybe it won’t reach two years of destruction,unless BBM is the VP.
One must file an impeachment case for BBM maybe using the SALN as well.
I remember travelling during Erap’s time and I always had to preface my statements with “I am proud to be Filipino, but I am not proud of the President that won, and ashamed of him.”
Erap at that time was getting into all sorts of gaffes, specially Malaysia.
I guess so many Filipinos abroad will be saying this again soon.
You are right, Andrew.
After being ashamed of PH government officials for a long time, Filipinos abroad started feeling proud of PH progress and some of the honorable politicians spearheading uplifting reforms and programs during the Aquino administration.
What baffles me is: Filipinos abroad are often called out-of-touch by Filipinos in PH but they are the ones who genuinely appreciate PH upward trajectory.
p.s. Kashkari of the US Fed has some good ideas on ‘breaking up the banks’. It’s based on reasonable logic.
What Duterte doesn’t understand about his “I will end contractualization immediately” statement during the debates is that it will actually cause much more unemployment that are more permanent in nature.
If say, you convert all the current endo positions into permanent ones, where will the rest go? We produce more people much faster than jobs. and jobs are not created out of thin air; where will the rest go?
Besides you think Duterte can convince his Davao mall owner friends to end the endo?
Andrew go and read the SSS post I wrote earlier this year.Read twice the section about ‘consequences’.It might help if you tried to put mentally yourself in the position of someone on a dirt poor ENDO job ..Duterte’ high level of support is one of those consequences mate.The poor buggers have no security and no future.
Duterte’s promise to end Endo jobs is major vote winner ! And they people working endo jobs don’t care a brass razoo about how it is done. They want secure jobs.They want SSS contributions by their employers.They want to have job security that allows them to get a bank loan and buy a house and create a home.
And having an economy with more permanent jobs, and more security will lead to a faster growing economy.The current high level of job insecurity hampers economic growth because all these workers are worried about losing their jobs..So they do not spend..They stick money under the mattress for the inevitable floody day.
The other day I read a huge advert in the paper from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines. It said the TUCP supports the Liberal Party government and Mar & Leni.
But the current government has done very little to improve worker conditions. So I amperplexed about why the TUCP supports the current government.
Oh yes lots of BPO jobs that are endo jobs and poorly paid.OK But what about actually legislating to improve working conditions.Not very much apart from pay increase for teachers. Not even a pay increase for over worked and underpaid nurses. So they are voting with their feet and flying to US $1600 a mont jobs in the Middle East and leaving the hospitals here to be staffed by freshly graduated newbies….And that is madness.
It’s Labor day today. I am beginning to understand why so many people were willing to put on a red shirt this morning and walk in the Labor Day procession – even though it was organsied by the Communist party.
Endo’s want to join the middle class.if governments don’t help them do that they will destroy the government in the way..And be radicalised…Not a good outcome.
A lot of people who work at the large mall chains are endo. I see a lot of them applying at BPO companies. This is the help that the government is providing them. TESDA also offers call center training in order for more people to be able to land jobs in the BPO industry. That is the first step for them to move into the middle class
manager in a year then gets bored and resigns then when he applies for another bpo,he may start from scratch thinking in one year he would be manager again.
it is not the security of tenure it is the perceived Dead end job.
What industries with upward mobility are suitable to PH, karl?
What jobs do the next administration need to focus on?
The BPOs upward mobility is fine,yet one must contend with a young set of senior managers.That is the difference with the rest of the corporate world where there are many fifty something managers.
I believe there are a lot of opportunities for those in the BPO industry to branch out to other areas. They just need to look for it proactively. A lot of companies offer trainings for their employees so they can further their career within the company. These trainings can also be used as a stepping stone to move to another industry. I don’t believe there is a dead end, i think people are too lazy and just don’t grab the opportunity.
Thanks for the enlightenment.
My experience with the BPO industry shows a different reality. All the BPO companies that me and a lot of people I know have worked for DO NOT PRACTICE contractualization unless it is for a short term project. There is a standard 6 month evaluation period, and you get assessed. If your performance is up to par, then they will change your status to a permanent employee.
Those people claiming that the BPO industry practices endo are either the ones who applied for the short term contracts or the ones who passed the recruitment stage but did not perform well enough to meet the company standards.
A lot of people want to apply for jobs in the BPO industry because of the benefits, but some are “culture shocked” at the kind of work you have to do and rarely meet the requirements to get a permanent position.
I acknowledge the truth of what you say having been a customer of Telstra In Oz which outsources virtually all it’s customer support to BPO’s in the Philippines….Unfortunately I have had to deal a number of times with ‘telephone service operators’ who’s English was incomprehensible to me or spoke so soft ( against a babble of other operators ) as to be useless.
However it is also true that the proportion of employees in endo positions is very very high..Multiple endo jobs at the same business is commonplace as this lowers business costs..And exploits workers..And drives insecurity….
Honestly, if aussies in fair OZ can understand Chinese spoken English in Oz merchandising I don’t see the difficulty in comprehending taglish. Go to a major dept. store in either Sydney or Melbourne and witness how the sales clerks are pandering to the Chinese broken English. Major shops now employ Chinese speaking interpreters, both white and Asians to boost their bottom lines.
Balayang..Are you suggesting that the Australian paying customer who cannot understand Taglish, is wrong ? With an attitude like that, any BPO business you run will go speedily broke…
I take exception to that. 😢😩😭 just kidding.But if the company owners do not want to pay your fellow Oz citizens enough,then deal with it.I know you have no choice but to deal with it,report it to the supervisor,who is also a Filipino,you will be more frustrated.
Actually Karl, pinoy bpo associates are more articulate than the bombays , less oh goodness me accents 😊
Good to know.😄
I understand your concern Bill. The next logical step for the government is to improve on the english speaking proficiency of those that wish to apply for work in the BPO industry. The government has already started this by offering courses at TESDA. I believe there are also schools that now offer the same kind of education.
I agree with your point about endo. I believe that Mar Roxas gave a very good solution to it: close the loopholes in the current labor policy. Plus creating more jobs that will provide people with the security they are looking for.
I’m not really sure that you will ever be able to end “endo” meaningfully via law. I’m sure you can create some sort of regulation that will end it in its current form, but: that will just give rise to some other abusive legal practice. Endo is basically because we have a situation where the balance of power in the labor market is so heavily tilted towards employer: workers are treated as replaceable and expendable because… they are.
Really, that’s a function of demographics and where we are economically… 101 regulations aren’t going to change the laws of economics.
You may be right about this Jonathon, unfortunately..But real unions that actually represent and fight for the interests of their members would help. In Europe, Australia Britain & New Zealand and even the USA for a while, the strength of trade unions was crucial to obtaing fair working conditions.
He is the Chinese candidate, supported by the likes of Lucio Tan and lawyer Estellito Mendoza. Is it a coincidence that Duterte launched his campaign at the Century hotel? And that Mendoza is proposing to the government to defer any ruling from the UN on the Phils arbitration case on the West Philippine sea? Mendoza said to just wait for the incoming president. Like Banayo, Tan and Mendoza were also the power behind Erap.
What is worse, the Duterte presidency will appoint 10 justices to the Supreme Court. This slides us back to the Mendoza-controlled Supreme Court. God save us.
Thanks for the (horrifying) background and forecast. The things the common supporter has no idea about . . .
Thanks for connecting that Mendoza press con. Didn’t see it right away.
Was it Medoza controlled or Lucio Tan controlled?
The Duterte movement is courtesy of Gina Tan.
On her Recto papers it says Tan, G. A.
Ginataang munggo o yung maraming ingredients? Masarap yan kaya lang mainit. Halo-halo na lang.
PERO kaya pala puro mura ng mura ang script si TAN,Gina pala ang gumawa.
pero di talaga bagay ang ginatan sa mainit na panahon.
> Tan, G. A.
Remove the comma and periods… Had to laugh in these trying times.
Her brother Rambo takes care of the violent stuff. Rambo Tan.
Snort, chuckle
I heard Phil Air (i.e. “Lucio”) is pushing Duterte on their flights. Anecdotal. Maybe others can ascertain.
Duterte promises to end the endo when he gets elected and he has Lucio Tan as his campaign financier? Wow, it’s like trying to mix oil and water. LT is número uno Union buster of the Philippines.
Try checking his various companies and most of his employees are contractuals. He is king of subcontracting and farming out.
> Duterte promises to end the endo when he gets elected and he has Lucio Tan as his campaign financier?
Oh, God. Strange bedfellows indeed: a man who claims to have shoved a cigarette butt into a petty smoker to teach him a lesson to stop smoking, and then a man who also runs a cigarette empire and apparently chafing at the anti-smoking regs.
Remember LT ‘s tax evasion case involving his cigarette company? It was the mother of tax evasion involving billions of pesos. BIR Comm Chato started the investigation during Ramos term but all came for naught when Estrada won the next election. Comm. Chato was even charged by the LT group with the usual lawyering of Mendoza. Evidence got “lost” mysteriously through fire.
Fires can start if you smoke in bed.
During his Makati Business Club speech, Duterte brought up the Indian 5-6 lending scheme, saying he’s ok with it, the government doesn’t have any microfinancng schemes anyway.
Another big mistake again, and he was corrected right away by the govt agencies involved in it.
He really doesn’t know anything about economic management.
http://www.hss.de/southeastasia/en/philippines/our-work-in-the-philippines/micro-finance-and-micro-enterprise-development.html – epal muna, Munich institution ito: (these articles from Hanns-Seidel Foundation in Munich which is close to the ruling Christian Social Union Party are the lightning that changed me from Saul to Paul, just like MRP I would believe that ANY Filipino is a liar, but not Westerners especially not Germans, Americans I would doubt more easily because so many of them supported Marcos… Spence, Nance anyone?)
In pursuit of HSF’s commitment to help contribute to poverty reduction in the country, HSF embarked on a pioneering program in 2008 to provide support to the microfinance sector in the Philippines. In partnership with the PinoyME Consortium (PinoyME) and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), and with the support of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines (MCPI), the “Microfinance Capacity Building Program” was jointly initiated. The purpose of the Program is to develop the capacity of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to enhance access of marginal sectors to innovative products, markets and services. The program has 4 components: i) curriculum development and standardization for MFI personnel; ii) organization of a training faculty for microfinance courses; iii) research and development for new microfinance loan products and services; and iv) organization/ networking of training institutions/service providers for micro-enterprise development.
The Program implementers, together with microfinance industry (MFI) partners and the academe, focus their efforts in completing the requirements for the full implementation of the Dual Training System (DTS) Competency-based Curriculum (CBC) for the Microfinance Sector. The Program has two offerings namely, one-year training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and a 4-year ladderized degree program under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Both, the short-one-year training and the 4-year ladderized degree program, adopt the Dual Training System (DTS) through a standardized competency-focused learning process. The Program addresses the lack of entry-level loan officers (frontline staff) needed by the MFIs for their expansion. It provides an option for those who are interested to build their career in the microfinance sector, as well as for those currently employed, to continue their studies and earn a degree while working with an MFI. The DTS-CBC for Microfinance will follow the career path of the loan officer to higher positions. The pilot program is being offered by three schools (located in the provinces), which will run the initial 2-year Associate Course (certificate) in Microfinance for loan officers (in-school), and the MFIs based in these areas will provide the on-the-job training (in-plant). Those interested on further studies can proceed to the 3-year Diploma Course in Microfinance up to the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Microfinance, in close cooperation with MFIs.
5-6 expert si RHiro dyan.
That is funny but enough of the racial profiling, karl. 🙂
Will do JP,my apologies to Hiro.
I am actually curious which public intellectual is willing to stick his head out now for Duterte, and write policy for him. By public intellectual I mean one who has significant influence in his sphere like academe or journalism through their writings.
Virtually everyone I have read is against him, whether coming from the pro-Binay (Tiglao, Tatad, Kritz, rest of Manila Times), pro-Poe (Tony La Vina, Justice Panganiban) or pro-Roxas (Monsod, David) camps.
Except for Carmen Pedrosa, who is as lightweight as a feather, can anyone name one?
Frankie Sionil Jose, one of the Philippines greatest authors… 90 or above.
But he could already be getting weird like FVR… he is my brother’s FB friend and wrote on his birthday that he is so old that he will not waste any erection… nor trust any of his farts.
I already asked RHiro to apply.But he might think they (the rest of the cabinet)are all beneath him.
He will write long monologues that only he can understand.
When asked for clarification,he would tell them that they are ignorant.
Tarts or farts ???
The only “intellectuals” supporting him, are either the wealthy who hate to see street children in their car windows, or those running his election campaign, thinking up of devious ways to steamroll over all other parties, by any means necessary, or those who have the brains to transfer money somewhere once he’s elected and would love to exploit the power vacuum.
Other than that, I expect a bunch of misfits, fanatics and lackeys to be appointed into the Cabinet.
OT: civil war… present state of the nation.
bat may salamin si chiz?
Probably pretending to be wise…
Reminds me more of this guy most of the time…
I used to think that for all the horrors of the Erap and the Marcos presidencies, they could at least never be combined due to the massive gap in intellect between the two. I never thought that someone would have the power to imitate one of them, while being the other, and combine the worst of both…
On an off-topic note, I’d like to inquire about the ramifications of both Sanders’ “breaking up the banks” and the ending of contractualization—my brain has a rather hard time processing economic stuff…..
1. Contractualization can be ended, sure. But if the President does not see the total picture, there may even be more unrest due to unemployment. Let’s say you have a million endos and you convert them to permanent at once, as Digong and all the other candidates said. So you have a happy one million workers who have security and better pay.
What happens now to the other say two million who were previously employed via endo?
It’s easy to say ” create jobs” but in reality who in private industry can do it fast enough and in the quantity needed?
2. “Breaking up the banks” was an issue in the US economy back in 2008 when the subprime lending crisis exploded. In a nutshell, banks loaded up on so much mortgage backed securities and didn’t care anymore about the risk, since who thought the housing market would collapse?
In addition insurers like AIG also took on huge amounts of policies on those loans in case of default.
The housing market bubble exploded indeed, and the federal govt ended up having to bail out practically all the big banks and AIG by handing out loans, because not doing so would have destroyed the entire US economy, the banks being “too big to fail”. Hence, the call to “break up the banks”.
> Contractualization can be ended, sure.
I feel more like I would recommend investing in a small home business on the side as a proper insurance (or in my case, invest in farming), because sooner or later that employment, even if it’s a permanent position, could be cut off short for any reason.
Just not growing rice Madlanglupa..Climate change ( droughts & floods ) plus the probably freeing up of the internal rice market make that a probable losing bet..
I prefer mangoes, while running a piggery and a chicken hootch on the side. Have my cousins to freely raise their fighting cocks in the farm if they wish.
I hope ( as I do not know ) that mangoes are drought proof… The El Nino event is not a one off… In Northern Australia around Darwin they are grown with irrigation to ensure they survive..A for pigs..On that I know nothing as I’ve always been vegetarian…
Sorry Andrew your statement
“Let’s say you have a million endos and you convert them to permanent at once, as Digong and all the other candidates said. So you have a happy one million workers who have security and better pay. What happens now to the other say two million who were previously employed via endo?”
Where did you get the other 2 million from ?
I think you would agree that Major soical changes have major social consequences : a million more permanent workers will have major positive changes : multiplier effects..The positive virtuous circle of economic growth…
And by the way..i do not know why the call for banking reform in 2008 in the US has any relevance to this discussion about the Philippines now..
@Bill in Oz
The numbers are just used for illustration. My point is that the pool of labor that is being employed as endo at any moment is much larger than the existing positions. If we fill up those positions with permanent ones, there will be no immediate employment the others can go to. Their unemployed status will be much longer, and you just cannot create jobs out of thin air.
But I agree with you that the social consequences are great for all.
The second pt was a response to someone who asked about it , since I mentioned it in my essay, as a similar example of an idea that is great for sound bites, but in reality is not that easy to execute.
IA late reply Andrew as I did not see your reply till this morning….
think it is better to not give false hope to the unemployed via the process of ‘endo’ jobs.Get people in permanent jobs whenever their performance justifies it.
Then those who do not get jobs at least know where they stand..And can make the decisions ( and training ) needed to gain employment in another industry or as OFW’s.
Apparently he doesn’t like Singapore now, either. I thought that was his ideal ? (Maybe not violent or arbitrary enough in criminal justice)
http://risephilippines.com/politics/duterte-humanap-kayo-ng-flag-ng-singapore-susunogin-ko/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork
For all the discipline that is in Singapore, they at least know who their enemy is, when they are asked what it is. Duterte can only see what is in front of him, the trees. He tends not to see the forest, the seas, the sky, the universe. That cripples him more than anything.
I wrote this yesterday about why Duterte has such a big following. Nobody commented at all.So I am putting it here. Understanding this question is crucial to the future of the Philippines……..
Today I went for a walk here in crowded and busy Old Downtown Manila: along Recto to Reina Regente to Plaza Juan Luna, and then to LRT Carriedo and then to Blvd Quezon and home.As I walked I pondered the support that Duterte has gathered since last November when he announced his candidacy for president.
And as I walked the answer gradually presented itself before my eyes. His supporters are mostly male and many are young. I saw them in the streets, idle or waiting; hot bored and poor with nothing to look forward to in their lives. They have left school or college and are in low paid, casual or part time jobs with little future : trike drivers, security men, shop assistants, carters, cafe waiters, etc…
They would like to have the future so many of us here take for granted – a woman to love, a reasonable paid job, a home and children.
But they see no future; just a rather bleak day to day existence with these low paid casual jobs insecure jobs.
But they know now what the life of the more fortunate is like both overseas in other countries and here in the Philippines : they see it on TV, and on social media.
So there is a great reservoir of anger and Duterte has tapped into that reservoir of anger.
This process has happened in other countries : in France it lead to the revolutions of 1788, 1799, 1830 and 1849. In Germany it lead to Hitler; in Italy it lead to Mussolini. In Russia it lead to 6 years of civil war and the the triumph of the Bolsheviks. This process happened also in Britain. The 1820-40’s were a time of great social ferment and radical groups emerged. Here could have been a revolution. It was averted by reform of parliament, by massive emigration, by new laws on working conditions etc.
There are always great risks when a traditional society begins rapid change. Under Aquino’s watch as president massive change has started in the Philippines. An example, I read 2 days ago that the population of Manila has increased from 18 to 23 million people in the past 6 years : 27% !!
I think that all the presidential candidates are being assessed in terms of how they will manage the huge economic change to benefit all Filipinos but especially the marginalised young men. Roxas has not succeeded in connecting with them. Duterte has. But there is still some time to go.
A week in fact.
Bill, I completely agree with your analysis. I would add that I don’t think the anger is limited to the young/male/lower-class sector. My friends are mostly my age, solidly middle class. There is an incredible amount of anger there too. The causes are different, but nonetheless – it’s there.
At the most fundamental level, that’s the real reason the Mar Roxas campaign has struggled. They misread the electorate. They thought that this would be an optimistic, cheerful, thankful electorate – instead it turned out to be the angriest of any post-Edsa electorate.
Anger can be an aspect of the person being angry, if that person is not mature or informed. I think it is difficult to speak sense to a child, when he is angry, but you can speak loudly and make promises or threats and get a favorable response. Thus we have the appeal of Duterte and blank stares for Roxas. The masses are not really engaged in the ‘Philippines’ as a nation. They just understand their predicament. But there are now a lot of Roxas followers speaking out loudly and emotionally, too. Maybe they’ll be heard.
Sorry Joe..i have to disagree with your approach here. If my lady is angry with me I have to deal with it.Telling her she is not mature or uninformed will not work.In fact it will make things worse. An employer who mistreats employees and makes them angry, ditto. A government which is coming up for re-election with an angry electorate, also definitely ditto.
In fact if politicians try that approach on angry voters voters it will generate mmore resentment and anger.
The only approach that works is Listening, listening, listening..
And i remember that is exactly what Leni Robredo said last year.In fact I quoted her saying it here on this Blog. And her approval rating in the months since then have soared while Roxas has been stuck.
Am I saying that Roxas is evil or bad or uncaring ? No. But I am saying he has not been listening to the angry voters..Perhaps too busy justifying and explaining why their anger is misplaced ..But psychologically that is a lost cause.
This posting by a Filipina citizen says it all… she is NOT a Duterte supporter.
“So yeah I know all sides are guilty of this but nowhere is this pa-alta sosyedad more glaring than with the Mar Roxas camp.
And if they act like boors, understand the hard lives they lead that’s roughened their edges. It’s called noblesse oblige, —the French term that literally means ‘nobility obliges’.
For those of us who have more in life, we are obliged to be more generous, more responsible, more understanding, more protective towards those who have so much less in life.
And my hope is you do your part in closing that ever-widening gap that’s ripping this country apart.
You don’t, of course, need to heed what I say.
The elections will soon be over. And in the end, we will still only have each other.
And it would do this country well if we stop contributing to our country’s wounds and when we can finally see that we cannot pull ourselves out of this mess if we do not take them with us.
But first we need to stop seeing them as separate from us.
And we do need to enclose them in our arms for all the burdens they’ve had to carry and all the oppression they’ve had to endure all their lives that you will never, in your entire life, experience.
Yon lang.
Onward and upward, Philippines!”
Thanks for this irineo !
“noblesse oblige”..The Nobility have an obligation to help & protect those who do not have all the advantages that they ( the nobility ) have…Exactly
This is a bit off topic but not really….
I dance tango..I have done for the past 8-9 years..Tango began as the tance of the barrios in the over populated poor barios of Buenos Aires.. And from there it has spread all around the world Including to Manila..
But here something odd has happened.It is the dance exclusively of the well heeled..All the milongas happen in Makati or Taguig..And people learn tango at classes that are priced in US dollars..And people attending a milonga bring their own partner to dance with- often someone paid in US dollers as a ‘
taxi dancer’.
Having lived for a time In BA’s and danced at the local milongas in the barios of San Telmo & Constitution, Barachas & Congresso, where rich & poor all dance together, I find the tango scene here in Manila a bit bizarre.
“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” .. all is vanity, and every one is vain… I mourn for the teacher because I too, do not know.. whether he has not learned or he forgets how to teach… whether one hides behind intellectual arrogance and the other the excuse of empathy to mediocrity… how is one to become a story teller to the children?….
If Leni Robredo had been at the top of the ticket, this election wouldn’t be close. For all her inexperience, her political instincts are superb.
I don’t buy all of this analysis, but this part definitely rings true:
> ”They are the ones who are taxed the most and financing Daang Matuwid. They are working hard for their families and the country and yet they are the ones who suffer from lack of public service land and air traffic. Breakdown of peace and order corruption, laglag-bala. The poor have their conditional cash transfer fund. The rich have their PPPS. What’s there for the middle class? They’ve been short changed!”
http://k2.abs-cbnnews.com/halalan2016/focus/04/30/16/why-duterte-is-popular-among-wealthy-middle-class-voters
There are a lot of people who have seen abroad… and expect the Philippines with all the new technology and amenities to suddenly work like abroad…
but it can’t happen that fast, because those running the show are… FILIPINOS!
Sure they are learning things on the fly, Mar Roxas is an example of learning stuff on the job and he never makes the same mistake twice, unlike Aquino who sometimes repeats mistakes because he has a certain sense of specialness… but people expect too much.
There would be more patience if there had been more visible progress on those fronts. The administration put its bet on PPP, but for various reasons those projects have been delayed. As a result, a lot of people feel they have nothing to show on that front. The projects being started now (2015-onwards) didn’t bear any political fruit, as those are now tarred with the “hurried up for the election” tag. There needed to be good, visible progress by 2013.
Also, don’t underestimate how bad the administration messaging was on some fronts. The response to traffic that “this is a sign of progress” may have been factually accurate, but it was completely insensitive. Ditto the “this will hurt our credit ratings” response when it came to tax reform. Both made the administration look out of touch and indifferent to the middle class voter.
People would have been patient if the administration was perceived to a) be working on the problems, and b) understood the severity of the problems, aka “we feel your pain.” On both aspects, the political apparatus of the administration failed miserably for the middle class voter, and they are voting accordingly.
I disagree with both arguments…implied on the first is that technology and amenities makes the difference…and on the second because of Filipino overseers…and these are the reasons why: 1) abroad, the Filipinos become obedient to the laws as simple as traffic, they fear the simple traffic enforcers and obey the signals even if there are no enforcers around, they pay their taxes on time, they do not have Filipino time, they are proactive in schools, do their own household chores, etc.. 2) The ordinary Filipinos abroad are conditioned to assert individual rights and freedom without fear esp. in the USA, but not in others 3) They participate in the decision making thru plebiscites on issues for the common welfare of their respective communities 4) The elected officials are servants and seldom condescend. You see the amenities and the bosses have nothing to do with the exercise of social responsibilities… it is just a matter of one correctly assuming their own respective roles and practice just makes it perfect. .. we are the one spoiling ourselves. We pride ourselves as the most Christian, ergo, well equipped morally (????) but do we practice what we preach? We are a non-proactive society, getting anxious and impatient very fast, we blame the government just because they are conveniently there… why not blame god (with or wo without the capital G) instead, after all… “vox populi, vox dei.”… we elected them. We blame Marcos, but we enthusiastically voted him in ourselves (I did,) … what I mean with all these is that we have to learn how to stand on our own … PROACTIVELY…!!! In any change that we want to happen comes the duty to also change ourselves. (I left the Philippines 5 months after Martial Law, because the times was very hostile to me.. I feel the pain of many in this thread.. stayed abroad for 40 years.. now I stay in Pinas 10 months in a year and live the times… I noticed that during those time one may buy a pig to raise at the price of one vote… now a vote buys the equivalent of two kilos)
1. I’m not speaking to your lady. I’m trying to explain the incomprehensible.
2. Poe is very different than Duterte and Binay. Although I Think she is political, she is not corrupt.
3. Roxas does not complain. He works. I think you still don’t quite grasp his character. His followers do complain because they are trying to overcome the incomprehensible.
Ummmm Joe, they do not understand the enemy ? The it is game, set & match…A great pity for the Philippines.
@ Bill
I’ve listened to the candidates’ speeches — when it’s in English.
But what I have heard often from all candidates are one liners as regards their programs for the poor. In contrasts, I have seen Roxas actually saying in very sincere terms on the need to uplift the poor, expounded his programs to help the poor, and exhorted the upper crust of society to understand and appreciate the poor and the need to uplift them.
.All these psycho-analysing the peoples’ inability to assess, or propositing Roxas’ ineffective communication, are exercise in futility. In the end, if people want to be suckers, there’s nothing anybody can do.
Thanks Jonathon for filling me in with this information..At a guess among the causes here in Manila is the traffic grid lock
It’s simplistic to say that any particular problem is “the” cause, but that would be among them. I would argue that there has been a snowball effect when it comes to middle class, Metro Manila problems that has significantly hurt Mar Roxas, as well as coloring media perceptions of the administration as well.
If there is no Manila traffic gridlock, there would simply be another pet hate.
Chempo, there was an ancient Chinese writer who wrote on how to always win in war . It comes down to 2 principles: First understand yourself, Second understand the enemy.There is great wisdom in those words….This throw away comment ” there would simply be another pet hate” does not square either of them.
Gone Fishing. That will be the sign hanging on the Philippines’ door, if he is elected.
Go Fishing will be what Duterte will say to most foreign countries except China.
They will say to Duterte, we will go catch your fish in the South China Sea.
Most appropriate. He will be ridiculed endlessly both here and abroad. And except for his crime busting, he wont be able to accomplish anything, specially on economics.
His crime busting is mostly cleaning out the small fish so the big fish have open water. This will revealed soon enough.
I would have imagined the sign simply read “Gone”.
If you looked hard enough, you could probably see “to China” right under it.
Rubbish. You probably got too much dope or probably had too much horror movies..
While you criticize Duterte, you turned a blind eye on the cunning ways of the current administration to place a Roxas or a Poe on a seat.If we keep seeing the fault in one but not see the fault on the other, we nothing but bigots. We all know that NONE of the candidates is as clean as we want them.
You cannot blame people for supporting Duterte or any devil they please other than your candidate. This is the price of democracy we have to pay and it is the result of the varied experiences each one of us had with the way current administration ran the country.
The best thing for us to do is to respect the decision of the real majority and just be vigilant.
May the country win in this coming election.
Interesting, Stella. I have a sense that it is the Duterte followers who would not accept a democratic vote that went against the mayor. His fans on Facebook are about the most pushy, foul-mouthed bunch of goons I’ve had the misfortune to meet in my entire life. I’m surprised you find comfort with them.
> respect the decision of the real majority
And what if the majority decides to beat up anyone who opposes them?
Like what was done to some Miriam supporters just recently?
Or this recent rape threat?
Picked that rape threat on the news, too.
It’s like Blohm multiplied a millionfold, der Sturmabteilung.
uhm…if the supporters of MDS show this kind of never say die spirit knowing she is lagging in the surveys with an average 4% standing, how much more for us RORO supporters whose ground support is awesome though not reported by the media (controlled by “Chiz’s-may puso, heart na gobyerno” wedding sponsors).
just a short comment to touch base (am a consistent lurker here), am busy posting and sharing on FB timelines of known Duterte supporters. I have influenced a number of them to switch to RORO by answering their anti-Mar posts – in their own FB page.
Hi, Mary! Hats off to you, milady! Keep on fighting the good fight. You just swept my grumpies.
Hi, JP…yep, let’s do that. just a few more days and that’s it.
We’ll see if the misled voters will rule on May 9 and deliver Malacanang to the family of thugs, and alleged plunderers.
or the if there will be a last minute sway votes coming from those who will switch to RORO so we can breath a sigh of relief and we will have Continuity and good governance to usher in what Mar calls “the best is yet to come”.
I am beginning to see rays of hope. Leni just topped one survey and Mar inched up to second place. Almost there! I am dusting off my pompoms and bullhorn! Rah, rah, RoRo!
What real majority? Whoever wins this election will do so with a substantial minority of the voting public.
Indeed. Duterte’s not going to get a honeymoon at all from the public, even if he wins.
Hindi titigilan ni Trillanes iyan, especially after his daughter has been attacked online…
Assuming Roxas wins, his opponents can’t pile on any more negative publicity than they’ve piled on these past seven years (starting before the 2010 election). They’re scraping the bottom of the barrel as it is, recycling old black propaganda. There’s something to be said for a public viewing you with low expectations at the point you’re elected: there won’t be a precipitous drop to follow. It actually provides breathing room, while everyone wakes up in a daze from the collective madness of this election campaign.
@Stella Dee
Well, I dont like supporting devils and I dont like paying the price. What is a “real” majority by the way?
let’s respect each other’s decisions. period…. let’s respect the multitude of idiots who will vote for dudirty… nothing much we can do with idiots. just respect them.
Is a ‘French revolution’ not a possibility? Are the people really just mere spectators to whatever happens in government? Oh! And I’ve made a simplified flow chart of what may happen if ever that he wins. Would this be accurate?
As for some possible parallels to Duterte that had already happened: Joko Widodo of Indonesia, Park Chung-Hee of South Korea, and many Latin American countries?
That is a possibility, yes. The bigger question is whether these reforms are actually feasible, and what implications will they carry in both the near and the far future.
However, even if a French revolution were possible, it should be made aware that that revolution will not be the last. France went through several revolutions before it found the path it wanted to take. With the Philippines being a fractured country with differing definitions of who she is, that process applied to us may take forever….
French revolution… reign of terror with the guillotine.. the greatest proponent of cleansing society by executions, Robespierre, was the last to be executed… people were hanged on lampposts for being dressed to well or seeming too educated… then came Napoleon….
The conservative revolution in agrarian France, against the Jacobins, which the Black Count (half-black Count Dumas whose father was an aristocrat, mother black slave and his son was the famous author of the Three Musketeers) helped subdue for Napoleon.
Napoleon exiled the Black Count and many others, and became Emperor, his creole wife Josephine makes Imelda look REALLY poor, he gave his brothers Kingdoms in Europe… then he was defeated and exiled but came back then exiled again… nonetheless the French elected his nephew Louis Napoleon as President much later – inspite of all promises he became Emperor Napoleon III later on… but the Germans defeated him..
No far off then? But then, we don’t have the resources for expansionism… Bad parallel then?
And if I were to ask, to whom may you parallel Duterte? As for myself, I can’t seem to decide yet as there still seems to be lack of information to make a definitive decision. I’m still foregoing on deciding as I think that a lot can still happen in the next few days. However, if Duterte doesn’t bring up anything worth supporting, well, goodbye support.
As for whom I may parallel a possible outcome if he wins, I basically read up on authoritarianism and totalitarianism:
Joko Widodo – Indonesia
” Only six months later, the fresh face of Indonesian democracy has become the face of incompetence and heartlessness. Your popularity is sliding. You are baffled. Every time you appear on television, there is a flurry of tweets about your fumbling ineloquence or your awkward body language.
The same people who voted for you also seem to have made a new sport out of discussing the little things that have somehow come to define you: every cringe-inducing non-statement you make, your fish out of water expression, your sheer unease in your new public role.
You sometimes find it difficult to understand why the qualities your voters used to find charming during the election campaign – your modesty, your quietness, your penchant for shunning protocol – no longer cut it for them. What they now see, instead, is a man painfully unsuited to his job. ”
——
Park Chung-Hee – South Korea
” Within weeks of his coup, he had established a body to provide central government direction to economic development. A five-year plan was developed, and Park put knowledgeable economists in charge of implementing it. Recognizing the need for large infusions of foreign capital, Park took the vital but highly unpopular step of normalizing diplomatic relations with Japan. This sparked campus demonstrations in Seoul in 1964, and Park responded by imposing martial law until quiet was restored. Normalization with Japan was achieved in 1965, bringing with it $800 million in economic aid.
These funds helped launch the country’s transformation over the next two decades from economic basket case to world leader in iron and steel production, shipbuilding, chemicals, consumer electronics and other commodities. Korea’s per-capita income increased tenfold during Park’s tenure. ”
—–
Lula da Silva – Brazil
” In the 2002 presidential election he adopted a more pragmatic platform; although he remained committed to encouraging grassroots participation in the political process, he also courted business leaders and promised to work with the International Monetary Fund to meet fiscal targets. Lula decisively defeated José Serra, the government-backed candidate, by winning 61.5 percent of the vote.
After taking office in January 2003, Lula sought to improve the economy, enact social reforms, and end government corruption. In 2006, as the end of his first term approached, the economy was growing, and Brazil’s poverty rate had fallen significantly. However, many Brazilians felt that Lula had not done enough to improve the quality of public education or to reduce crime. Moreover, Lula’s vow to fight government corruption had come into question in 2005, when members of his party were accused of bribery and illegal campaign financing. The president was not implicated, but the scandal hurt his popularity. In the first round of the 2006 presidential election, Lula failed to capture enough votes to win outright. Nevertheless, in the second round he easily defeated his opponent, Geraldo Alckmin of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party. ”
—–
Robert Mugabe – Zimbabwe
” Within just a week of the unity agreement, Mugabe was appointed president of Zimbabwe. He chose Nkomo as one of his senior ministers. Mugabe’s first major goal was to restructure and repair the country’s failing economy. In 1989, he set out to implement a five-year plan, which slackened price restrictions for farmers, allowing them to designate their own prices. By 1994, at the end of the five-year period, the economy had seen some growth in the farming, mining and manufacturing industries. Mugabe additionally managed to build clinics and schools for the black population. Also over the course of that time, Mugabe’s wife, Sarah, passed away, freeing him to marry his mistress, Grace Marufu.
By 1996, Mugabe’s decisions had begun to create unrest among the citizens of Zimbabwe, who had once hailed him as a hero for leading the country to independence. Many resented his choice to support the seizure of white people’s land without compensation to the owners, which Mugabe insisted was the only way to level out the economic playing field for the disenfranchised black majority. Citizens were likewise outraged by Mugabe’s refusal to amend Zimbabwe’s one-party constitution. High inflation was another sore subject, resulting in a civil servant strike for pay increases. The self-awarded pay raises of government officials only compounded the public’s resentment toward Mugabe’s administration. ”
—–
Vladimir Putin – Russia
” Promising to rebuild a weakened Russia, the austere and reserved Putin easily won the March 2000 elections with about 53 percent of the vote. As president, he sought to end corruption and create a strongly regulated market economy.
Putin quickly reasserted control over Russia’s 89 regions and republics, dividing them into seven new federal districts, each headed by a representative appointed by the president. He also removed the right of regional governors to sit in the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament. Putin moved to reduce the power of Russia’s unpopular financiers and media tycoons—the so-called “oligarchs”—by closing several media outlets and launching criminal proceedings against numerous leading figures. He faced a difficult situation in Chechnya, particularly from rebels who staged terrorist attacks in Moscow and guerilla attacks on Russian troops from the region’s mountains; in 2002 Putin declared the military campaign over, but casualties remained high. “
Sorry… but even Mugabe is more of a professional than Duterte ever has been.
The main weakness of Filipinos is that they are amateurs… Abaya is a student driver, Mar Roxas a bachelor Wharton graduate… the moment you realize that NONE of your leaders are world-class YET, you are on the way to improving. Stop dreaming, most of the stuff done in the Philippines is Iskul-Bukol management. Wake up and start cleaning house, the only one who has realized this I think is Leni Robredo… there is a very long way to go.
This may sound very arrogant but I can only give my point of view on this – having been forced to become a pro in a first-world setting. Roxas is the best you have, Poe 2nd best.
But out of curiosity, are you comparing him to current Mugabe or 1st term Mugabe? Doesn’t everyone start out as amateurs anyways?
And just to point it out, sadly, the Philippines is not a first world setting so the view may become a bit twisted and warped if applied to the country. But I do agree with you that most Filipinos are complete amateurs at best. Most are just copycats and to be frank, the two you gave are also just that. And one of them likes to claim that he did the things himself. That is one of the main issues I have with those two. For me, this means that stagnation of their attitudes is apparent and improving their skills will be hard if not even a waste of time. (Well, not much for Poe… Actually, just Roxas.) At least for Duterte, he concedes that he is a copycat and he is willing to let people in the know do the job. Watching some of his interviews, when it comes to serious Q&A and the likes, he does respond quite well. He actually sees lots of possibilities. Too much of it apparently for short interviews. I remember watching one of his interviews where he was asked about Federalism and he actually elaborated different systems like of France, UK, Malaysia, USA, etc. for comparison and which one could be appropriate to the country.
And with the MBC talk, well, it was a talk. He sucks at talks. He becomes too aimless without questions to put him back in the right path. And sadly, it seems that the Q&A portion was skipped due to time constraints.
So in a way, though he may seem lackadaisical, he does seem to have an idea on what to do and he does seem to be open to more ideas. Hence the constant backtracking? But then again, this means that his advisers will be the crucial people in his administration? And Duterte will just be a central piece to keep these people together? Hmm… If only we knew who these are… Dammit. But given his following, there will be someone bound to be knowledgeable among them, no?
As for Roxas again, he’s just too entitled, spoiled, and pretentious for my taste. If not for his offer of continuity, Poe would probably be a better choice.
But do note that I will still be awaiting for more information in the next few days. If none will come up, well, goodbye Duterte.
“Most are just copycats and to be frank, the two you gave are also just that.”
Abaya most probably… Roxas I am not so sure. But the essence of a good manager is to evaluate inputs from the experts he has and put them together to form a coherent whole.
“And with the MBC talk, well, it was a talk.” He shouldn’t have talked too much. I don’t know, but if I were in front, I might ask the business people what their expectations are and let THEM talk. But that is just me the consultant speaking, one of our tricks to win time.
“And Duterte will just be a central piece to keep these people together?” On his turf – Davao City, that is probably exactly what he is. But outside his turf he seems stumped.
I think many Filipinos have difficulty dealing with people who are not like themselves, being self-centered. If I had stayed at UP Campus where I grew up, I would have been like that also. But I was forced to adjust, like many migrants and OFWs. Still for almost twenty years I liked the cozy world of family and fellow Pinoys, the strange world of those I hardly knew was avoided. We tend to take the path of least resistance, all of us, if we are honest about it, and act only if forced to. We love our comfort zones. We love it if others go through the difficulties for us. We push people to be our leaders and then blame them. Abroad under other people’s leadership we flourish. Left to ourselves we mess things up.
@Irineo
“Roxas I am not so sure. But the essence of a good manager…”
Roxas as a good manager? Well, probably… I give him the benefit of the doubt also? But one thing’s for sure though is he is not a good leader. IMO, to be brutally honest here, he should pursue a Wharton grad status first before aspiring for presidency. I heard the MBA track does wonders to one’s leadership skills? Though he could try to learn the skills while he is in position, well, I just highly doubt that he will change his attitude even if he does get the position…
“He shouldn’t have talked too much. I don’t know, but if I were in front, I might ask the business people what their expectations are and let THEM talk.”
Agree. That would’ve been the best move for a person like that. Pero wala eh. Ako na nahiya para sa kanya actually. (Nevertheless, I am noting that advice for myself though. I actually suffer the same things as the candidate from time to time. Aimless rambling and whatnot. Heh.)
“On his turf – Davao City, that is probably exactly what he is. But outside his turf he seems stumped.”
Well, we don’t really know if he is really just isolated to Davao now do we? From what I’ve gathered, he has actually been roaming around the country since 2014 for his supposed talks about federalism and other issues in the country. I’m also guessing that it is how his grassroots movement was established? But still, he would’ve surely established a network of machinery of some sort already. His campaign wouldn’t be as successful if it wasn’t. Just my two cents.
“I think many Filipinos have difficulty dealing with people who are not like themselves, being self-centered. If I had stayed at UP Campus where I grew up, I would have been like that also. But I was forced to adjust, like many migrants… ”
Valid insight. I’m actually planning on working and staying abroad some time in the future. Even though I’m currently under an American company with strong ethics and strict standards, it seems that negative Filipino culture still exists within the company so it isn’t actually as strong and as strict as it is supposed to be. I guess Filipinos are really like that. To quote a comment I’ve read somewhere a long while ago:
“Filipinos are like manure. Real beneficial for growth as long as they are regulated and controlled. However, have too much of them and it won’t help as much at all and it’ll also stink up your place real bad.”
> to whom may you parallel Duterte?
Erap. Because my opposition towards Duterte is based on what I experienced with the Estrada administration: he was then a mayor who became a senator and later a vice-president; he even had jokes, he presented himself as a tough guy and an outsider, and yet in the first few years he ran into trouble caused by himself or by his friends, and then the plunder case.
If Duterte turns out to be a paper tiger, he’ll be like Erap 2.0.
@intuitive perceiving
My view is that Duterte won’t be able to do much.
He is starting off on the wrong foot, and you cant emphasize that strongly enough. The sectors he will need to effect his reforms (assuming they are sound, but based on his “policy” speeches, they are not) have been so alienated from him, the only recourse for him is to force it down.
I know. And from what I can see, he may actually follow the same route as Park Chung-Hee. (Read above. The reference to steel industry and getting help from other countries seems familiar…)
Park Chung-Hee – a stern, very learned bureacrat similar to Lee Kuan Yew.
Duterte – a goon from the boondocks. Whatever successes he has are even more random and basically luck than the successes of Aquino. Aquino also for the most part followed foreign pressure – ASEAN, EU and the USA. Because the entire ASEAN region cannot afford to have the Philippines as the perpetual laggard. Now Joe will NOT agree with me on this, but all the nice programs of Daang Matuwid were copied – 4Ps from Mexico, PNP modernization was with German assistance, the other stuff looks like typical UNDP lingo. The reason they can’t explain their programs so well is that they DON’T really get them – like I have written above most Filipinos are amateurs, now I am sounding like MRP, I know.
Daang matuwid copied from other countries? I’d have to disagree with that as well. Why? Because rather than them copying from other countries, it should be Gloria Arroyo’s administration that should take the credit. Daang matuwid just continued on Gloria Arroyo’s works then they just sustained it then took all the credit for themselves while also demonizing the former administration. Not to mention that they even hindered greater developments by underspending. To copy-paste a conversation I’ve stumbled upon in facebook:
”
#Kaine Gandionco:
Leo Castillo the difference is you gave credit to the current administration for the robust growth that our economy has enjoyed over the last six years. In fact, the economy did quite well despite what they did. They perform dismally with the government constantly underspending with their targets. The real driver of the growth was the private sector with consumption and investment spending spurred by the boost in confidence over the country’s economic prospects. Our economy could have grown quite faster than the average 6.3%, possibly even 7-8% had government stepped in and not have missed their targets. Also, even if the government did nothing, the economy would still continue to grow at a pace much faster than that of the previous administrations due to a phenomenon known as the demographic sweet spot which our country has entered into in the recent years, whereby there is a greater proportion of the population in the working class relative to the dependents.
#Leo Castillo:
Kaine Gandionco I agree with many of the things you said; I am aware of demographic sweet spot and I am also aware that GDP is lesser due to underspending. I also understand the reasons for the underspending. If I understand you correctly, you do not credit the administration for the boost in confidence. Is my understanding correct? My assumption was that the the monetary policy and fiscal policy plus the anti-corruption drive are what drove investor confidence. Is this assumption valid?
#Kaine Gandionco:
Leo Castillo this administration kept most of the previous administration’s economic policies in place. Which is why Bsp gov. Tetangco was kept at the helm of the central bank. Kudos to him for keeping monetary policy prudent and supportive of the domestic economy despite the lack of fiscal stimulation with the government’s underspending. In fact the credit watchers acknowledged that the gains of this administration (improvements in the economy and the government’s fiscal position) would not have been possible if not for the reforms instituted during the previous administration.
One thing that this administration is good at is marketing their so called achievements on the economy and anti-corruption drive to the international community, which has actually help fuel the perception that we are a bright spot in Asia. The foreign media and offshore investors actually believe that this administration has clamped down corruption yet you and i both know that that isn’t exactly accurate. A few politicians in the opposition locked up on weak evidence while the allies of this administration who are mired in controversy and scandals continue to walk free. They are only good at putting on a show but where it really counts they have failed miserably.
”
https://m.facebook.com/comment/replies/?ctoken=10153676800477711_10153677760042711&count=7&pc=1&ft_ent_identifier=10153676800477711&gfid=AQCARCa3PpkRPQ5v&ref=bookmarks
And I’d also like to urge you to read the article where the conversation occured. It’s a good read. I promise that you won’t be disappointed. =)
And as an additional, an essay by former pres. GMA to PNoy?
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/829-arroyo-to-aquino-it-s-the-economy,-student
Lastly, on a sidenote, who’s MRP? D=
Regarding govt underspending — this has been hammered by many critics as the main reason why the economy could have been better. Diokno said this was LP’s great incompetence.
“Government economic managers…….. (said) “structural weaknesses” within national government agencies accounted for the bulk of the unspent funds, with 42 percent, followed by peculiar problems of agencies, with 30 percent”. …PDI 9 Jun 2015
I don’t know what the above means. But I think in simple layman’s mind the reason for under-spending is probably has got to do with the reasons of lack of motivation for agencies to spend. Why? Blame it on the success of the “straight path”.
But Duterte doesnt have the sophistication of Park Chung Hee. All he knows is cops and robbers.
He could have used that MBC speech to outline this, but he chose to come late and talk about his 71 year old dick.
Mao nay problema ninyo. Puro mo bright kaayo ba subraan mog analyze. Cgeh vote mo atong sturyaan mog puro mga plano nga dli pd pang buhaton. Mayras pangampanya. Lami kaayog mga sturya humot kaayog mga baba pero mga baho kaayog tae. Mayra mangawats kwarta sa katawhan.
everyone,
if your endo talks like this (I can understand his Bisaya) do you think he deserves a permanent position?
For those of us that don’t Andrew, what is he saying ? And given that he is expressing a political opinion, should using his right to free speech, jeopardise his right to a job ? In my opinion No…In the normal world, the key determinant for a job is competancy…
in the jobs i have created crassness is not a trait I look for.
I still do not know what he said Andrew.
And my point remains.The commentator above is voicing a ‘political opinion’ in this blog about political issues.How does that relate to his/her performance on the job if hired as a BPO ?
OK, let me translate that.
That is your problem. You are all too bright, you over-analyze. You always vote for those who tell you no more than plans which they will not perform. Good only when campaigning. Charming stories, sweet-smelling mouths but whose poos stink. Expert only in stealing the people’s money.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/782544/under-the-mango-tree-sws-fudging-the-surveys
This is truly bizarre. What is actually happening here.? I read the Enquirer article in the Paper today..Where is confidentiality in this way of processing the survey results ? Most disturbing of all is that this way of processing the survey respnses did not alarm Sandoval & Laroza the SWS managers interviews.
The credibility of SWS surveys is lost.
AN ALTERNATIVE OR MODIFIED VIEW OF DUTERTE’S GOVERNANCE.
Assume as in the blog article of Andrew Lim that Duterte is elected President. I can see an evolution of Duterte even with the end down the line as we picture the worst of him:
DUTERTE I
– Benign first stage
– Dictatorship first stage
Of the two option, Duterte and his strategists opts for the Benign first stage. By 2018 he gets to appoint 6 SC Justices replacing the retired ones:
2016 — Jose P. Perez, Arturo D. Brion
2017 — Bienvenido L. Reyes, Jose C. Mendoza
2018 — Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr., Teresita De Castro
If he is able to manage to stay till 2019, he will have a vintage year for SC Justices appointment, a cumulative 10 by 2019:
2019 — Mariano C. del Castillo, Francis H. Jardeleza
Lucas P. Bersamin, Antonio T. Carpio
And of course, the appointment of myriads of Officials in the Military, Police, Ombudsman and various other Judiciary officials which are appointed by the President.
Even by 2018, with 6 SC Justices in his “pocket” he needs only two to three others from the other nine to influence (aka “buy” or threaten).
THE CHURCH
With a benign Duterte in the first stage, the Church confronted with the option,
– Support legal or extra legal ousting
– Not support legal or extra legal ousting
may opt for the latter.
OTHER GROUPS
Aside from groups who have been supporters, Duterte outright supporters, the Leftists, Joma Sison et al, the “Chinese,” a substantial number of non-voters of Duterte may see the benign Duterte as not bad after all. And a significant number of the rest — such as those from the Military, Police, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Mayors, Businessmen — may gravitate to the benign Duterte for various sundry reasons, among which is not to miss out on the gravy train.
So these groups given the option,
– Not yet give him a chance
– Outright hostility translated to confrontation/ impeachment
will opt for the former.
DUTERTE II
With the bait taken, Duterte may evolve into
– Dictatorship second stage
.
.
.
DUTERTE III
– Dictatorship third stage
etc.
MY NIGHTMARE SCENARIO
That is my alternative nightmare scenario. Killing us softly with an evolving Duterte.
I suggest we mull over some of the elements of this modified view.
The benign one is leaving.
Maligno ang susunod.
@NHerrera – the rule of Hitler went very similar to that scenario.
With even Jewish groups trying to survive, helping him.
Frog or frogs being slowly cooked in water.
That is my nightmare, Irineo. And you gave a good historical example.
which is why the 70% should mobilize….
@NHerrera, you forgot to include Quiboloy. if Duterte gets elected (heaven forbids) he, Quiboloy would lord over his kingdom.
Sarap basahin……..but I have long decided…I go for Mar-Leni tandem.
Another political idiot whose mouthful is synonymous with an empty can.
that’s an incredible mix of metaphors, but if you are referring to Duterte, I will give it a pass.
🙂 🙂
I think you left out two words before another…….I am…
Contrary to your opinion; Duterte will produce more than what he says! Exhibit A; The transformation of Davao City; In the 4th quarter in 2017, Davao City will provide 100 GB per second INTERNET the fastest in the Philippines. Instead of condemning let us all pray for a better Philippines. God bless.
On Sunday, May 1, 2016, The Society of Honor by Joe America wrote:
> Joe America posted: “w By Andrew Lim If you are a diehard Duterte > supporter, save your breath and ammo because this article deals with a > post- election scenario where Duterte has won. It does not aim to sway your > vote. This article is for the 70% + electorate split among di” >
That will probably be because the new undersea cable connecting the US and the Southeast Asia will be finished – it will connect to Davao and Manado, Indonesia as well as Honolulu, Guam and Los Angeles – a kind of Route 66 of the Internet….
http://interaksyon.com/business/108069/globe-says-work-on-new-underwater-cable-linking-ph-us-begins – Duterte has NOTHING at all to do with this project I think.
@ramon naguita
er, can you give us proof that this can be credited to Digong? Binay likes to make claims like that when it was the private sector, esp the Ayalas who did much of the development of Makati. Was this not in the devt pipeline some time ago for DOTC?
Who’s the private party here?
there’s a good chance digong’s followers may actually believe that
You got it right, Joe. But your post election scenario missed some points that matter. For instance, you have not mentioned about Duterte’s dalliance with the armed rebels. How will that impact in his presidency and his plan to put up a revolutionary government? Will he or will he not resort to any political experiment or do everything necessary to satisfy his constituents who will vote for him on his assurance to stop by hook or by crook, fast and swift what is described as the twin evils of the Philippine society: drug menace and crime prevalence? You described your post election scenario as neat and very reassuring. Will there be some kind of political mess. What could that be?
I missed that. But for sure the AFP wouldn’t be too happy with his friendliness with Joma Sison.
The thing with Duterte is he drumbeats change, but then proceeds to alienate practically all the sectors he would need support from to effect it. Does he intend to ram it down the country’s throat? Then he will get nowhere if he thinks running the country is the same as running Davao.
During the fragile democracy of the post-Marcos years, in which Duterte had his murky political origins, the AFP “tolerated” Duterte’s arrangements with the CPP-NPA.
Mindanao then (much more so than now) contained multiple gravitational centers of power: civilian government, national government, overlapping vigilante groups funded by big business, radical leftist group splinters (which eventually turned on each other), as well as traditional tribal/political alliances, and the MNLF, MILF.
The military had its various factions, of course–there were all those coup attempts. The military knew about Duterte’s deals with the CPP-NPA and other groups–everyone was doing it, entering into tactical, transactional–and fleeting–alliances, tribal style. Factions of the military then were said to have something going on as well with leftist groups and Moro groups.
BUT, it’s an different thing when the possibility arises of a political operator and moro-moro artist like Duterte becoming president. Military officers who, despite everything, follow a professional code of contact, do NOT relish the thought of having such a man as their Commander in Chief. Didn’t he say something earlier in his campaign about having criminals killed (extra-judicially)? And sending the military to do it? No, I don’t suppose a lot of officers relish being set up as bouncers and proxy executioners for Duterte.
Spot on…Andrew. Thanks. I will share with my FB community.
Thanks Buddy. Long time no see…. San Antonio Spurs are rolling….:)
The CBCP has issued a statement exhorting people “to reject A morally reprehensible bet”. That is a specific candidate- Duterte.
Of course. I expect 30%+ of our voters will not heed this, just like in Erap’s time.
But just like Erap, I predict the same outcome down the road….
Off Topic but very interesting/puzzling
The Enquirere today ran a story about some Liberal party election candidates in Zambales Province have abandoned Roxas and switched to Poe. Why ?
It seems that when Aquino & Roxas went there in a sortie last April 5th they publicly announced their support for the re-election of governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. And this chap is not a LP member and is standing against an endorsed LP candidate..Further he used to be one of impeached corrupt president Gloria Macapagal Aroyo’s most trusted officials.as well..
To me that does not feel like “Straight Path”. Apparently the LP candidates feel that way too..And so are now backing Poe instead who they think embodied Daang Matuwid better.
Changing support isn’t unusual in local politics, especially for bandwagoning; they claim to see who is the one to win, not knowing how they’ll fare once in office.
But given how politics in Zambales operates (I once lived there for five years before moving to Manila), it’s always the patronage that matters, not the actual duty to the people (hell, there was one governor there who once held so-called “State of the Province” addresses, as if his personal monuments weren’t enough).
I thought that Daang Matuwid was about being straight and honest..Well this is not an example in my opinion…
The power structure of the Philippines has been the same for centuries:
1) the people in Manila and the big cities (used to be the Spaniards and their helpers, now it is the elite and their helpers) who live clean among themselves and control things.
2) the provincial bosses (used to be the principalia, coopted datus, then they became local politicians) who take care of things locally for the country’s leaders. They are the ones who get their hands dirty and provide plausible deniability to those on top.
3) the masses, both in the city and in the provinces, who are at the bottom of things.
Aguinaldo and Marcos were both from the group of provincial bosses and rose to challenge the established ones on top – to act exactly like them but with habits from where they came from. Duterte is from the same group. His alleged wrongdoings were known for a long time, yet Roxas still chose to see him as a friend before. De Lima I respect more because she always was against Duterte. Daang Matuwid is a good idea, but incomplete in it’s implementation, because many of its implementers still stick to old bad habits.
Daang Mutuwid = straight path = walk the talk
Roxas has nailed his flag to the mast of D M.
He sails under that flag
Or
It is just decorative propaganda ?
No it’s not decorative, but not all politicians are sticking to principle. Especially politicians at the provincial level (including provincial governors) who are often of questionable virtue.
And then President Quezon’s statement, which seems to be the choice reason for switching: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.”
🙂 Good point, madlanglupa. Missed this yesterday.
It would be naive to think of Daang Matuwid as a finished project, or a project with 100 percent compliance. As its name indicates: It’s a path towards a goal. You fail; you are opposed; the corrupted systems inherited from previous administrations work against you, despite the administration’s attempts to patch the cracks and strengthen the good; people you trust fail you; you sup and talk with unsavory allies and subordinates, expecting to be stabbed in the back, all the time; your mistakes will shadow whatever legacy you have to leave, and the ghosts of those whom you failed, wittingly or unwittingly, will haunt you in one way or another, forever. Then when your term ends, you hand this still-ramshackle-but-doing-better democracy to the next in line, the one who–amid all the political backroom ramifications–seems a decent guy, with a semi-decent chance of being successful in pushing the country forward.
What I’ve said here does not apply to the president’s office alone. Applies to the collective, as well.
A straight path may have stones. It is still straight. It is not always smooth.
The Enquirer headline on page A12 is “In Zambales, LP revolt provides Poe with new allies”
The pro-DU30 supporters, always point to their candidate’s house as proof of life lived simply and clean, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoSOjEBM5sU
Is this a good way of weighing everyone’s lack of corruption? What of Mar Roxas, Poe’s, Binay’s, etc. etc.?
It’s no Pepe Mujica’s but it looks simple enough, I suppose.
that’s why it is called hidden wealth
Peter, I understand the hidden part, but how is it that these pro-DU30 are still convinced of their candidate’s clean and simple living? While the other side, has not been able to convince them otherwise (OR, are they not digging, opting instead to heed Jesus’ rule on casting the first stone?).
If Duterte is simply playing the Pepe Mujica role, he’s playing it to a tee,
(The Chinese fish bowl trick…)
(that’s from “the Prestige”) http://ansible.uk/writing/prestige.html
Give it a day or so and we will know if the P2.4B transactions happened in Digong’s account. Tell-tale signs point to it being correct.
3 of my pro-Duterte siblings have changed their minds due to this issue. Not the rape comments and other previous issues. Corruption is still a big deal.
There are voters who are quite OK with having an extra-judicial killer as president. There are voters who are quite OK with large-scale thievery and corruption, so long as they get a slice of the pie–as with Binay constituents in Makati. But voters shy away from a candidate who looks like a fool being made to dance by someone like Trillanes, and who by extension makes his supporters look like fools. The tipping point will be when people start jeering at Duterte instead of with him. Frankly, I think it’s already happening.
I guess my whole point here, is focus on the Paper Tiger/Sheep in Wolf’s clothing,
Don’t attempt to throw stones– it’ll fall on deaf ears,
@ Peter and Vicara,
I hope you two are right.
I can certainly appreciate the Trillanes move this late in the game (kinda like #NeverTrump), Trillanes isn’t winning VP anytime soon, so he volunteers (or get volunteered) as attack dog.
All fine and dandy. But if the attack dog is all bark and no bite, at the end of the day Duterte, can always simply say I’m the one making the attack dog bark—- ie. he’s playing him like a violin, and Duterte is Niccolo Paganini.
Or, simply level the same allegations.
Hence, a Fool’s Gambit at this point, maybe early on, and with actual proof— instead of this Show me Yours, and I’ll Show you Mine (no, You Show me Yours; no, You! etc. etc.) ad infinitum game.
If Trillanes actually had something significant, Roxas would carry that banner, but they know it’s simply a red herring, so the guy with the most insignificant numbers gets to carry it.
In exactly 1 week, we’ll know.
kakatuwa basahin mga discussion dito pero sa tingin ko si mayor duterte ay produkto ng pinagsama-samang kapalpakan at kapabayaan ng mga lider magmula kay cory hanggang kay pnot pinanganak ako noong 1969 kaya kahit paano ay naobserbahan ko ang bansa natin mula kay marcos hanggang ngayon… noong elementary days ko tumatak sa isip ko si marcos kasi pinatigil nya ang voltes v kung kailang ilang episode na lang ay tapos na… kasi daw it promotes violence sa aming mga bata. buti pa si marcos pati bata naiisip nya kapakanan… move to cory pagupong pag upo nya lahat ng ginawa ni marcos binaligtad nya o pinahinto basta me tatak marcos like pnoc, bnp to name a few .na sana kung hindi pinatigil eh baka mas yumaman pa tayo kesa sa sokor o hongkong…biktima tayo ng away pamilyang marcos at cojuangcco/aquino vengador ang aquino na halos kung pwede lang burahin sa kasaysayan ng pinas ang apelyidong marcos kagaya ng ginagawa ng egyptian noon. solid duterte/cayetano ako kasi anu nga ba nagawa ng mga nagdaang presidente hindi kasi naramdaman ng karaniwang pilipino ang pagunlad daw ng bansa.. uumpisahan ni duterte sa anti drugs, criminalities at corruption siguro naman sa ekonomiya at siguridad naman ng ating bansa ang isusunod nya napaka simple lang naman ng ekonomiya sa tingin ko kasi umpisan lang sa pina ka simpleng approach tuloy tuloy na o walang hinto ang epekto nito gaya ng sa energy o kuryente kung mapapababa ni duterte ang halaga ng kuryente sa boung bansa at magawa nyang pinaka mababa ang kuryente natin sa boung asya kayong matatalino sa economics anu sa tingin nyo ang epekto nito….
Iilang tanong lamang:
“hindi kasi naramdaman ng karaniwang pilipino ang pagunlad daw ng bansa.. ”
Paanong hindi nararamdaman? Nasa abroad ako kaya hindi ko alam. Nakikita ko sa balita na marami nang mga bagong tourist spots ngayon, at doon maraming trabaho. Sa Maynila marami na ring bagong mga trabaho, ang problema lang napupuno masyado dahil doon.
“ekonomiya sa tingin ko kasi umpisan lang sa pina ka simpleng approach”
umpisahan natin sa napakasimple. Tama ba iyong magpunta siya sa Makati Business Club na hindi handa para magsalita? Nasaan ang mga advisers niya o speechwriter? Kahit simpleng kodigo tama na siguro. Tapos bakit niya aasarin ang mga bansang inaasahan ng Pilipinas para sa mga negosyo na nagbibigay ng trabaho sa marami – Australia, Singapore, USA? Meron nang mga OFW sa Australia na napauwi dahil sa kanyang pagmamatapang masyado. Kung sa simula pa lang ganyan na, paano kaya ang susunod?
tingin ko bos ripple effect lang ang mga yan sa pagdami ng populasyon at pagunlad ng ekonomiya ng mga karatig bansa plus pa un mga projects na mga ginawa ng politiko kasi kailangan ng project para me kickback ..di pa rin naman tumaas significally ang per capita ng mga pinoy na di gaya ng sokor, hongkong, malaysia at shenzen na 30 years ago ay di ganun kaunlad.. ang ibig ko lang sabihin ay walang matinding kick start na ginawa ang past presidents after marcos…
manila napuno, bakit di ba ito na anticipate ng mga economist ,, sabi ni digong eh decongest ang magiging approach nya dito which i think is the best long term solution dito mag gagawa sya ng ilang super cities outside manila kung pwedeng lumipat ang mga factories, call centers etc.. isama na rin sana ang mga matitinding university para baka pwede high school na lang matira sa manila… ang taga probinsya pag gusto magaral sa tanyag na unibersidad lumuluwas ng manila bakit di ba pwedeng mabaligtad naman. tingin ko luluwag ang manila lalu na sa traffic…
bos try mu din minsan obserbahan ang mga politiko lalu na sa pangangampanya they always opt for “winnability” mentality sa lahat ng bagay…including na rin si digong siguro dito see bbm joke when he was in ilocos for example..un din malamang ang nasa isip ni digong when he said all those pang aasar sa philippine allies pero di nya namn ito gagawin pag naupo na sya.. no president on his right mind would severe ties with the u.s. and other allies especially when china crisis is just around the corner…
peace…
nadg. salamat sa contribution mo dito pero let’s give credit where credit is due. yung economic growth ng bansa during this administration ay dapat ipagpasalamat ng lahat. tunay na growth yan hindi dahil sa sinasabi mo na dahil sa growth ng mga karatig na bansa. pero yung sinasabi mo na ‘no president on his right mind…’, ang tanong eh, on his right mind ba si duterte? yung pambabae ba ay gawain ng taong mayroong ‘right mind’?
agree ako sa u dun give credit when credit is due pero sana meron din mas matinding accountability sa mga kapalpakan, kasi baka hospital arrest na naman ang resulta ng lrt mrt scandal, pagcor, mamasapano, dengue vaccine, yolanda, tanim bala etc.. mayroon din namn talaga nagawa un past presidents kahit papano pero laging ganun na lang ba “kahit papano” .. ok n ba tayo dun? kesa wala? presidente ng bansa ang involve di naman brgy captain yan o mayor.. un kay mayor digong totoo maaring mali un pambabae nya pero di natin alam un personal na buhay nya un lahat tayo me kanyang kanyang kapalaran sa pag ibig meron me swerte meron din namang hindi..pero hindi un ang punto ang punto eh un good governance, advocacy at patriotism na sa tingin ko medyo nag kulang ng malaki ang past presidents especially etong kasalukuyan….
Ano yun parang Miriam :”I Lied”? if you want him to be OUR president, then he is all YOURS.
Good read
Hi Joe,
I read your article. Have you read some stories about the different programs Duterte has done in Davao? Have you read also some of the stories of the people duterte has helped? Probably there’s a reason why people believe in him. He’s not everything you or the media describe him to be. I had seen him work and serve as Mayor back when i was doing my exposures as a nurse in SPMC and his drug rehab in davao. So he is legit. I don’t think we can just deduce what he has already done. He has greatly improved the lives of people in Davao, mine included, as well as those of the poor.
Maybe this will be a good read for you regarding what Duterte has done for the people in Davao and the nearby provinces. I will share to you this girl’s experience:
I’ve read some of the comments you made and I can assure you not all duterte supporters are foul-mouthed goons and I hope you don’t generalize everybody who supports him with your experience. 🙂
@Irineo Salazar – the last paragraph is for you. 🙂
Can you tell us if there is any truth to the report/journal of Fr. Amado Picardal (Theologian & Visiting Professor of St. Alphonsus Theological & Mission Institute (Davao). re: extra-judicial killings in davao city? Thanks.
Hi Peter, Can you give me the link to that report? But for me in all my years in Davao City, it has been generally peaceful and safe. I don’t think there are any extrajudicial killings that Duterte got involved in. But Duterte loves to exaggerate on his words especially when he wants to get a message out to offenders or those who think about doing illegal activities in the city, because it is effective in deterring crime. Duterte does not run Davao like a dictatorship. I assure you, though. 🙂
World renowned Human Rights Watch puts Duterte at the center of hundreds of vigilante killings. You can search for a meeting they had with the US ambassador on wikileaks. Or just read their reports. His goons have killed dozens of kids under 18. Yet this is who the Philippines wants to elect.
Still, it all boils down to what is happening on the ground and the evidence, of which is circumstantial. Was it proven? We can make noise about it, but we can’t ignore that we need proof. Everyone can just say anything they want, but not have all the evidence to back it up.
It’s simply a case of Dunning-Krugger effect. We may know a lot based on the things we know, but it’s not the full picture.
“I recently received a consolidated report of the killings perpetrated by the Davao Death Squad (DDS) since 1998 up to the end of 2015. The source will not be mentioned for obvious reasons. Suffice it to say that since the killings started, they have been monitoring these cases…
I have personally witnessed the aftermath of two DDS killings. The first was in our parish church in Bajada…”
– Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR
http://amadopicardal.blogspot.com/
Thank you Peter for the link to father Picardal’s blog site..It is profoundly moving.
Tess, well read this report of the UN Special Rapporteur on “Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in the Philippines” submitted to the General Assembly of the UN with special mentioning of the DDS and Duterte. May I cite: “(44) Defending the rights of street children may be unpopular, but no one deserves to be stabbed to death for petty crimes.”
Is this the moral price you are willing to pay for your generally peaceful and safe living?
Click to access English_Alston_Report_Mission_to_the_Philippines_HRC8.pdf
Also, I understand you may be supporting another candidate, that’s fine. I’ve read a bit of the comments you have made. I’m not aiming to change your mind about him either. The thing is, if i may, we should not jump the gun regarding Duterte and the media esp. with all those negativity surrounding him. Trillanes has made a lot of allegations: hidden wealth, undeclared properties etc. some even under fictitious names like Gian Paolo Duterte (the Gian guy tagged to this allegation has spoken about it, and has denied that it is the Mayor’s property. He is a dentist in CDO.). Not all allegations seem to be true. And the timing is questionable, especially with May 9 looming and he is surging in the polls.
To add, there are pictures in the social media about that house Duterte lives in Davao, looks simple enough, modest. It is no mystery to Davaoeños, he does actually live there for years since he was mayor/Congressman/Vice-Mayor. If Trillanes is even credible, let’s say, for someone (Duterte) who has hidden wealth at his age, why does Duterte need to put on a show for years? It doesn’t seem logical. The common people see him everyday working afterhours and I myself can vouch for what he has already done.
Thanks for the question, though, sir. 🙂
Human Rights Watch on Duterte:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2009/05/19/philippine-death-squads-murderous-plague
Hi Purple, The thing is, where is the evidence? they should have filed a case. This all boils down to just being “alleged” of him.
Trust a priest Tess ? If so take a close look at this link..
Filing a case takes power, money and lawyers…None of those executed have any of these things..But maybe they were just poor thieving druggie scum not worthy of life ehh ?
Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR
http://amadopicardal.blogspot.com/
Hi Bill,
Trust a priest Tess ? If so take a close look at this link..
– To answer this, I’m an evangelical Christian. So, if you’re asking me to trust a person/priest because of his religious influence, then I can tell you there too are so many priests who have done plenty of questionable acts as well, ex. rape cases, molestation and these are also known to the public. Not all things are what it seems. So, this means No. I don’t trust a priest. I can respect his stance. But I can agree to disagree can i?
I’m also talking about my own experience with Duterte in his governance, his effective programs and his character. If you haven’t seen the posts about the things he has done (above), then I suggest you should.
I’ll quote you a verse:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, …” Luke 16:10
– We can’t deny that he has improved so many lives (mine included). Should we just ignore others’ accounts just coz a priest has consolidated this report? Tell me i’m wrong.
Re: Filing a case takes power, money and lawyers…None of those executed have any of these things..But maybe they were just poor thieving druggie scum not worthy of life ehh ?
—-
I have worked in the drug rehabilitation center in Davao, I can tell you out of 200 or so rehabs in that place, most come from the poorest section of the community Not from the ‘elite’. So, not sure where you are getting at? I can’t say this is a ‘myth’.
Okay, you answered one of my comments and I am gobsmacked. My concept of Jesus is just soooooo different than yours.
Tess,
The murdered dead file no suits in courts….
But the souls do hang about waiting to give witness later
And the members of the death squads of Davao
Including those who organised and lead them
Will not get out on bail..
Before a bought or scared judge.
And let us not speak of his sexual perversion or plundering
They didn’t file a case because they would be killed. Is that so hard to understand ? I have family experience on the victim side of this.
I’m not trying to undermine what experience you had. But i’m only trying to account for my own. You have given me an article about the HRW, not your own POV and experience up until this comment you mentioned above. We can agree to disagree. 🙂 I’m not trying to convert you. If that’s what you believe about him, then so be it.
I’m not an apologist for Duterte. By the way, I don’t condone as well his crass comments portrayed in the media. I’m only acknowledging the programs he implemented and his governance, well outside the spotlight.
We can all agree, though, that governance in the Philippines, will not just be based on words alone.
@Tess, I find your thinking to be horrifying but we can agree to disagree. We can also all agree that good deeds are better than bad.
Lol. Yes we should just agree to disagree. 🙂
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matt 6:3). – this verse means a lot when it comes to good deeds/works.
Probably this might be a good read about it: https://bible.org/seriespage/7-secret-service-matthew-61-18
Have a nice day Joe! Thanks for engaging.
My day was spoiled by the knowledge that you likely lead a great many people to great suffering, and delight in doing so.
Duterte and his family had been in power for more than 20 years. Not a single of this killings have been solved – in short an Open Case up to this day.
WHY?
I’ll defer to the author, Andrew Lim, as my plane is about to board.
@ Tess Pajaron
First, thanks for your comments. You are the rare Duterte supporter who is civil and can be understood. We evaluate people on the whole, and while you can point to the good he has done, we are pointing to the bad ones.
Hitler was kind and caring for his subordinates, frequently asking how their children were doing, and would pet your dog’s head. He would help people along the way. Of course this behavior was reserved for Nazi party mates. If you were Jewish, then it would have been a bit different. 🙂
If I may add, Ms Pajaron if your preferred candidate would speak with candor and clarity instead of his style of saying this, then that, then pulling back, then saying something outrageous, then withdrawing it. My response to that is that he is not serious, and he is incredibly incompetent.
It is people like you who has to put the meaning, the interpretation, the excuse, the explanation, the clarification whether it was a joke or not. It should be him! How do we know if your apologias (explanations) are the correct ones if he can’t come up with it himself?
This is the presidency, for pete’s sake, and he is toying around with the people!
Hi Andrew,
Your statement: It is people like you who has to put the meaning, the interpretation, the excuse, the explanation, the clarification whether it was a joke or not. It should be him! How do we know if your apologias (explanations) are the correct ones if he can’t come up with it himself?
– Hey Andrew, I’m not trying to come out as an apologist for Duterte here. What I’m saying is fact. If about public speaking is the only issue and his dillydallying statements, then it can be Poe and Roxas who wins. Candor? Can we say that about the other candidates as well? With all due respect, let’s be serious. The problem here is if we base everything in the media (who btw, has done a ton of questionable headlines as well), then we are misinformed. A ton of different headlines, saying different things. Can we really dismiss these over firsthand personal accounts of ordinary citizens themselves? I think not. Incompetency is not based on words, but actions. Sadly, when it comes to politics, Philippine politics especially, it’s as messy as they come.
Comparing Nazi Germany to Duterte, That’s a bit farfetched. He never ran a dictatorship in Davao. I can attest to that. It’s not only davao though. There are more stories from nearby provinces about what he has done (see hana’s testimony) and those countless stories from the Yolanda Survivors (you can find it all over social media). It really speaks volumes about one’s character. Does that say that he is for the people?
If you have read Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf’ (it’s republished here in Germany), you’ll probably note there is a difference with Duterte and Hitler:
Just summarizing – Hitler wanted power and he had that notion of superiority that the Aryan Race are the only ones deserving to exist… He’ll do it by any means – he has the hunger for power.
Going to Duterte, he actually never wanted a national position. He has been invited by FVR, Roxas and even Pnoy to be under his cabinet several years ago. Now, All these other presidential candidates even asked him to their VP, he said no. He was asked by Trillanes, BBM and Alan to run as President. He said no to the first two.. but said yes when he decided to answer the call of the people. Also, An account in Davao from a few years back around 2010 or so when i was still living there, he had announced even before he ran for presidency now, that he wanted to retire. But the people wouldn’t let him.
He has said many times, even on his debates, that you can vote for the leader you want. It is your discretion. I really think he does not want the presidency. For me, it doesn’t really say he thirsts for the highest office.
His ex-wife (on amicable terms), has cancer, and at his advanced stage, he wanted to spend his days with family. Apart from all the conflicting reports, I believe there are personal reasons behind this. and we can’t really say that we can judge him right off the bat from the media. Hope this makes sense a little.
Thank you for the opportunity to engage with you, andrew! It’s wonderful to see many POVs in here and I’m glad to share my piece. 🙂
“Hope this makes sense a little.”
Absolutely not. You are filling in the blanks for him, and we would rather hear it directly from him his detailed policies and programs, which he has not done till now.
If we cannot rely on his statements, are we supposed to rely on people like you? Can you give explanations for Duterte’s statements on foreign policy and economic management?
Oh, I was only trying to point out that there may be personal reasons behind it. But we really can’t demand someone to speak about it if it was the case. So, we can only draw our own conclusions, unfortunately.. But by our own conclusions, can we just write him off? Has the other presidential candidates detailed their policies and programs as well? I believe they have not done so too.
In regards to foreign policy and economic management: with Duterte’s manner of speaking in public, it can be unlearned. Economic management, he has done well in Davao. Foreign policy, that i won’t know unless he will be elected into office. But I can trust he will get the best advisers for him to fill him in on his “lack”. When we’re talking about the highest position of the land, it takes a team to put everything in effect. 🙂
Oh, i wanted to add: Hitler was a great public speaker. 🙂 another comparison to note.
A bit OT… having looked at things extensively… the long-term approach of the planners is very important… but the most important short-term issues must be solved… especially the traffic.
In my blog during a discussion with Karl, we looked at BRT systems… now the P2P busses that DOTC recently introduced are good… but a BRT line along C5 should not be that hard to build, and would cut the slack off EDSA if it goes from Katipunan to BGC… planning is good but sometimes you need to focus on a few urgent things to build trust among stakeholders… this is the experience I can share from IT project… a few quick win bug fixes sometimes work wonders. Because if you don’t do it you get more complaints and clamor, which can kill the entire project.
The next step in changing the Philippines would have to be to solve the traffic in Manila, so the government can move to the much bigger move; that is, facilitating the urbanization of other cities in the Philippines so Manila doesn’t always have to play such a huge role.
The problem is that where some people see a simple fix like the BRT, Duterte and his followers see the grand solution of forced federalism (which would also have the side effect of forcing Filipinos to think only in terms of their family, hometown, home province, etc.)
If this country is to be great, we should start with pursuing the simple solutions rather than the grand ones….
From what I know, there are already plans for a C5 bus route. However, it seems to be stuck in the works due to incompetent people. Though it from a different context, to quote a reply I got from another blog:
“A colleague commented in a forum that we have weak institutions as far as transport is concerned. He was referring to agencies like the DOTC, DPWH, LTO, LTFRB, PPA, and even NEDA and MMDA. This probably has a lot to do with their staff but also because the heads, often political appointees, may not be the people for the job they were appointed to, applied or lobbied for. That certainly is the case with DOTC and its attached agencies whose officials from Secretary down to Asst Secretary level are practically all appointees. Little capacity building has been done and many technical staff have been resigning or retiring since the 1990s an have not been replaced by competent/able people. From an HR perspective that’s practically bleeding that has not been stopped. Trips abroad for staff to attend this and that seminar or training program were basically junkets that have not translated into anything that has gone towards solving problems. People who get appointed to DOTC posts should at least do their homework first and read up on all those studies that have been done in the past in order for them to learn what needs to be implemented in terms of infra and for us to do some serious catch up to improve transport for most people.
Oh. Though short, if you’re interested in to see the whole context of it: https://d0ctrine.com/2016/03/04/curiosities-of-transport-services-in-metro-manila/
The blog is ran by a person from UP National Center for Transportation Studies. Interesting stuff from traffic management to urban planning. Followed it as I was a SimCity junkie. =P)
@uht, well, why not have both simple and grand fixes? Is it not possible? 😉
Grand solutions are certainly possible, intuitiveperceiving. Some of the plans under the Aquino administration certainly are and were (though many were botched in practice). It’s not so much a question of whether it’s possible as so much as it is a question of whether or not people will go along with it, and a question of cost. Many people are discontent with the government no matter how many of the Society’s readers are not, and the government in turn doesn’t have a lot to work with, so it’s best to go simple for now.
Some people do not like to listen to solutions anymore because they have been failed by trapos 1344553847374792042 times, they want their problems to be solved no matter what the solution is. That is the kind of situation that produces people like Duterte. What we need, then, at this point in time are simple solutions to be added here and there to alleviate existing problems. When many simple solutions have succeeded, the government earns people’s trust again, and then it can consider a lot more of the grand things.
TLDR: It’s possible, but it’s not what we need right now
New Trillanes expose…
http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/05/01/16/trillanes-accuses-duterte-of-freeing-8-chinese-drug-lords
MANILA — Following his exposé on the alleged hidden wealth of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Antonio Triallanes IV on Sunday accused the leading presidential candidate of facilitating the release of eight Chinese nationals tagged in illegal drug trade back in 2005.
Speaking to radio dzMM, Trillanes said the eight foreigners were among the 10 people arrested on January 1, 2005, a day after a major shabu laboratory in Davao was busted.
Trillanes said that Duterte, who was then in his 15th year as the city’s mayor, freed the eight foreigners “in the spirit of Chinese New Year.”
Proof in an old Philstar article… there is an article on timawa.net of the same date…
Hi Sir Ireneo,
He does not advocate in killing addicts po, unless these people resist (like firing back to the police or posing a threat to the other civilians’ safety) then he will first ensure the safety of the innocents/other civilians. We have a drug Rehab in Davao and I have been to it through my exposure as a nurse:
This is a good testimony from some of the rehab patients to his programs:
From this post re: the Chinese folks. I believe there was an investigation on this and has pointed out that they were not involved but it was just ALLAN SY, who was at that post still at large. These 8 people were not. Why keep these people in jail, would that be a human rights violation?
I respect whatever your stance about Duterte is. 🙂 However, just wanted to clear this out.
Did media made a monster out of him. What about his plans to eliminate crime and kill all the criminals and pardon the police and military then himself. Was that a joke only statement? like all of his statements?
It sounds like a joke because hie can he pardon without a court convicting them.
all that comes out of his mouth is a figment of media’s imagination.
One thing I can definitely say, Duterte is not as good public speaker as the rest of the candidates, but I can vouch that he is a man of action. Few words, more actions. He is first a lawyer, prosecutor and fiscal before he went into public office. I believe he knows the laws very well. Contrary to what all his detractors are saying. We really can’t deny these stories from the people he has helped and it certainly trumps all the political rhetoric. We can’t always trust what is put out on the media and we ourselves do not know. We can give him the benefit of the doubt.
Saying he will kill is just poor public speaking? So he is a man of action,that is what I am afraid of.
Hi Karl,
What I’m saying is he man of action (in regard to his programs). It does not in any way mean, he will KILL.
For fear, we can’t really just trust our naivéte on these things. If the leader is someone other than Duterte for you, then it’s your choice.
But my choice, is to have faith based on what has already been done and the results that had come with it. I can’t be disarmed by fear. 🙂
I think naive is very different than judicious and kind.
If anything, miss, it’s one thing a mayor can do citywide. But we’re talking about a whole country, which means NOT everything he can micromanage just as deftly as a city. And he has yet to form a cabinet of his own, to see who’s going to fulfill his policies. And not everyone likes him.
You can’t be disarmed by fear.
So you acknowledge fear, if you overcame your fears,I have not.
Your kind of commentary is rare for a Duterte not so apologist.
But I can not understand is the shrugging of his pronouncements and statements as mere poor public speaking.If he can not even speak coherently,and sincerely why would he be a good choice?
You may not be an apologist,but your candidate failed to live up and measure up not just my standards.
Thank you.
@karlgarcia:
Yes, what i mean by “I can’t be disarmed by fear” is that I won’t get ahead. Fearing what can happen if Duterte wins/not wins. We can only hope, for ALL our candidates, that they exercise good governance.
I understand your point, though. We all can agree to disagree. We all have different standards, after all. It doesn’t mean one is better than the other. Nor am I saying that my standard is better than anyone else’s.
Tess, are you ‘of faith’ or atheist? If either, how do you justify the anti-humanity of his methods, claims and threats? There is a lot of documentation. Certainly as much as we have on any other candidate. One cannot just make important information ‘go away’ because it does not suit our purpose.
And how do I explain Duterte values to my young son? The swearing, the crude threats, the jokes about women?
@Madlanglupa:
I can’t seem to reply directly to your response. Yes, if Duterte can be effective in a city, it doesn’t mean he will be effective on a national level. Point taken and it is actually a valid point.
However, can we also ask the other candidates if they have done so in their own city?
My point only is that I can vouch for the things he has already done to the ordinary citizens not just in Davao but on other areas (Yolanda-stricken areas, nearby provinces in Mindanao). I can also tell that there are many things Duterte has done, that were not covered by media. Does that speak volumes? I’m not to cast down your choice but we can’t really say that Duterte is unfit to be running, either. Not everyone likes Duterte, Yes. A lot of people also don’t like Poe, Roxas and Binay. So this basis holds water, to be honest.
@Tess, Nothing you have said speaks with clarity and conviction to me. It speaks of denial of information and decency. It is intelligence without a conscience.
I don’t want a romanticized action hero. I want a boring yet responsible president who knows what he’s doing.
Hi Joe,
since we are taling about denial of information and decency, should we also ignore/deny everyone else’s experience? If the experiences of the “common tao” are not clear and filled with conviction well enough, we can always resort to textbook rhetoric. But it doesn’t mean everything gets done.
All are valid points, though. It’s not intelligence, nor conscience. It’s just plain objectivity, for me and I base it through concrete experience.
You have asked me before re: my belief, Joe. Even God chose a sinner/radical like Paul. God was able use him for His good. There are many sinners in the Bible whom God used: David (an adulterer), Peter (a liar) and many more. It doesn’t mean that because people opt to choose Duterte, they had lost their sense of morality. As I have said, I can only trust to make him work for our good.
@MadlangLupa:
That’s good. He was never one romanticized hero. I didn’t base him from a book or the media. I based this on my own account/experience. But like i said, you are free to choose who you believe. 🙂
As I said, I find such rationalizations horrifying. The logic renders meaningless all good values and deeds. Bad is good because God used bad people in lessons aimed at teaching us good. Truly horrifying. I’d expect that kind of justification from Satan, not a Christian. But that’s just me.
Thanks for your point, Joe.
Maybe we have different interpretations of the bible. I respect you have your own take.
The Bible speaks for me as an evangelical Christian, for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Who are we to judge?
Can we say Roxas, Poe and Binay are ‘clean’? God does not see one sin as greater than the other, or less than the other. All sins are punishable to the same extent by God (Revelations 21:7-8). I’m not saying that “bad is good”, what i am saying is we cannot judge anyone for that matter at all. We are all sinners and very much not perfect.
To recognize sin exists is different than abetting it. In my study of the Bible, Jesus would for sure expect us to strive for kindness and mercy, not murder or adultery or lying.
If we never judged one another, we would have no moral and ethical values. I take that to be consistent with your message, that you and Duterte and any of his followers should be allowed to do as you wish, and anyone condemning you would be held to have offended you, subjecting them to YOUR judgment.
As I said, it is horrifying and I would ask you to take your message elsewhere. It is offensive to the values I subscribe to.
@JoeAm 8:25 I am glad you directed her to bring her reasonings elsewhere. I was just beyond words to the twisted logic just for the sake of defending the indefensible with matching bible verses at that.
Yes. Thanks. After a time it becomes ‘crazy-making’ and I prefer readers to remain sane. 🙂
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/131500-trillanes-duterte-bank-deposit-drugs-source
Ang tanong dito, baka ‘yung mga kumpetensya ang pinapatay, baka lang ah. Pag-isipan natin ‘yan,” he said.
(The question here is maybe he is only going after competition. Just maybe. Something we need to think about.)
Trillanes made it appear that his camp already knows the source of the alleged billions of pesos deposited in Duterte’s account, but refused to divulge details since their investigation is ongoing.
“We are piecing things together. This [needs] a deep and thorough investigation. You will be surprised how deep and big it is. That’s why it’s baffling to think that he could be the next president of the country,” he said in Filipino.
The senator, who has been a staunch critic of top public officials such as Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, stressed the need to reveal the truth about Duterte. He said that it would be hard to resolve this allegation if Duterte already assumes the presidency.
An excellent article. Any article that directly confronts the all-too-real prospect of a Duterte Presidency is–in light of his seemingly insurmountable lead–highly relevant analysis in these turbulent times.
Though, if I may–three points of contention. I apologize for the length.
Point #1: Institutional Support Counts, With A Key Caveat: Widespread Citizen Apathy and Cynicism
“Nearly all the major sectors, the ones with the most leverage post-election, have been alienated by Duterte and are highly unlikely to take his side when he is President: Congress, judiciary/SC, academe, civil society, international community, public intellectuals, human rights organizations, media, business community. The military is unlikely to support Duterte’s goal of “sending tanks and destroying Congress.”
You could have said the exact opposite about Roxas. Or Hillary Clinton. Both, though, have issues with the “people” or the Average Juan or Joe–in a time where institutions, even in advanced North Americn and European democracies, are encountering severe lack of trust from their people. The Man is out of fashion–and any vision of reform that does not acknowledge so, is doing so at its own risk. In these cynical times, reformists no longer have the luxury of politeness: they have to strut like revolutionaries.
Point #2: The Key Difference between Estrada and Duterte: Class
“You may say: he has the support of the 30+%. But remember that Estrada’s voters didn’t have any leverage anymore post-election. What could they do when Estrada got impeached?”
And Estrada did not have the middle-class support–that Duterte now enjoys. And the part of the middle-class that most likely supported Estrada and now Duterte–the new middle class, the middle class not descended from any professional or political clans, the families that lack Spanish or Chinese speakers in their recent ancestry–are, with the explosive rise of the PH Internet Population (30+% and still breakneck growth) and the constant economic policy in the Arroyo and Aquino III eras, larger and more influential than ever before. This isn’t Edsa Tres. What the bourgeoisie want, the bourgeoisie generally get. Duterte, in my opinion, cuts class. The split between Duterte and Non-Duterte supporters is cultural–with the Westernization and the Cynicism as two key criteria.
Point #3: Duterte: Bitter Medicine?
This may seem hypocritical from a Millennial gadget-loving couch potato like me–but letting kids go out to explore is a good thing. It’s a good thing because they might be exposed to bacteria that will strengthen their immune system. It’s a good thing because they might break a few bones–and those bones will only grow stronger. You can’t plan healthy living exactly; it’s more like adapting as best as you can to the situation. More like you have little “sub-plans” that you adjust according to the situation. Like exercise routines. Of course–plans are important but they aren’t the be-it-all and end point of healthy living.
Democracy? Same thing. You can’t plan democracy like you can’t plan healthy living. Oh sure, you have sub-plans, little plans–for healthy living, a safe exercise routine and for democracies, organizations that train potential leaders–but to plan for the whole thing in one big plan? Impossible. Just as you’ll have to get scratches while becoming fit, becoming democratic nation and society entails going through national pain and struggle. No advanced democracy in the world has become a democracy as the result of some big plan, and not as the result of a mixture of social upheavals and deliberate action with liberals just happening to take advantage of the chaotic situation that just happens to be result of vast, immovable social forces, with their little and adaptive plans. France? French Revolution? Germany? WW1? Weimar Era? WW2?
There was once this article I’ve read. It asked, why people have such a high regard for democracy-the-concept but not democracy-the-institutions. The conclusion went something along the lines of this: people have two versions of democracy in their head–the ideal version, with all the wonderful rights, and the de-facto version that they see in real life with all the terrible congressmen and parliamentarians. This isn’t just a developing world thing. This pretty much affect all democracies, including the advanced ones.
The solution to this cynicism is not just to make the citizenry acknowledge that democracy is hard, but to know how it is hard. To be self-aware of how human democracy is, of how it is system made for kingdoms on earth, not of heaven! Yet, when I was in a resort in Palawan, I flipped on Bloomberg Philippines to witness an explanation of political parties that is, quite frankly, sugar-coated kumbaya. I understand that academics don’t expect the citizenry to know the finer details of political science and whatnot–heck, I’m no expert; just a recent high school graduate here who happens to skim through stuff here and there–but giving the impression that “a bunch of nice disinterested, totally selfless guys decided to make a party for the good of the country!”is where political parties come from is, no offense, like telling me babies come from storks. I’m pretty sure that with all the scandals amiss everywhere–not just here, but in the West as well–such an explanation will only make the people more cynical or as my generation would like to put it: edgy.
Heck, let’s show this with one pillar of democracy that everyone wants but everyone doesn’t want to point out the “divisive” roots of: Political Parties. Ask anybody on the street to tell you what a political party is, and they’ll tell you that they are “rational self-interested actors seeking to maximize political gain” in a way that isn’t so nice. That’s half of the answer. And most people only know half of the answer. Which is why people end up with a “man vs. man” Darwinian view of the world, especially when it comes to politics. But you know what’s terrible with this world-view? It makes the people be like Pontius Pilate. The public is blameless. No, it is most certainly not. Because you know what’s the other half of the answer? Political Parties are the result of social divisions in society. They are the very manifestations, avatars of these social divisions. Are they as such, divisive. Yes and No.
The Republicans and Democrats broadly represent two different constituencies: a mostly white constituency brought together by the common ideology of religion and limited government, and a liberal white-minority alliance constituency brought together by the common ideology of secularism and big government. Granted, that’s a simplification, but that’s the general gist. Is it divisive? Definitely, you have people fighting on internet forums like hell for this. Is it integrative? Yes, because these allow them to transcend and connect their local and personal ties to wider social ties: to transcend the many little cuts of family, clan, friend and town to create an larger, easier jigsaw puzzle of a few cuts-religion, class and ideology.
Democracies are like people with voices in their head. And it’s healthy for democracies to have a few voices in their head. For a democracy, it is not healthy to have no voices in your head which is why all that “national unity” stuff is…odd. So we can’t talk about valid problems that your class experiences because of the “national unity” that we must uphold? Sounds like an unhealthy society. The only societies that don’t talk to themselves are…autocracies.
Which brings us full circle to Duterte.
Why do we not have political parties? One article I skimmed though once came to the conclusion that there are a lot of “institutional barriers” that prevent our democracy from having the healthy voices in its head that it needs. Like a strong presidency that can give patronage like candy. But you know–taking the pills just stops the voices; it doesn’t make them go away forever. They were just repressed…
Until Duterte. Duterte is bringing up social divisions in this country to the fore. To make a long story short–my hypothesis is that he’s just the final straw on the camel’s back, the final straw that will stop people from the “fake, patronage-steroid-induced” petty divisions between supporters of political clans and move them into the “grown-up” divisions of religion, class and ideology that are better suited to allowing a nation to form policy democratically.
My reading is that Duterte exposes a divide between the “Westernized” and “Idealistic” against the “Nationalistic” and “Cynical”. My opinion is that the old rich and old middle class happen to lean towards the former and that the vanguard of the masses (who are skeptical either way) the new middle class happen to lean toward the latter. Westernizers like rational government like Roxas. Idealists like clean compassion like Poe.
Reformers should try to adjust to a situation such as this. It is not enough to have good ideas. The price of failure–what came next after Weimar Germany?
“This isn’t just a developing world thing. This pretty much affect all democracies…”
Yeah like Cruz defending Fiorina’s past statements against him comparing it to George Sr. calling Reaganomics as Voodoo economics.
Democracy is like game of thrones then.
Or Amaya,if we want a local touch.
Nice speculation, but I would want to hear even just one policy speech from Duterte on how he will effect the “change” he is promoting. So far there has been none, and the few points he has raised have been so, so wrong.
The post by Joe America/ by Andrew Lim is very sensible and all voters must read, a comparative analyzes with previous presidents of our country which I agree, running the entire country is not a joke or governed by emotions which is a product of a deceitful heart without using the mind will really lead the country in total destruction! please let us use our wisdom wisely and intelligently for our country and people not “me” alone. God bless us all !
Terrific, intense exchange, Joe! I think, after May 9, we’ll all realize again (but not be depressed) that a hard lesson is always learned the hard way. Here, Emily Dickinson’s poem:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers — / That perches in the soul / — And sings the tune without the words / — And never stops — at all — / [next stanza] And sweetest — in the Gale — is heard — / And sore must be the storm — / That could abash the little Bird / That kept so many warm — / [last stanza] I’ve heard it in the chillest land — / And on the strangest sea — / Yet, never, in Extremity, / It asked a crumb — of Me.”
Ah, thanks for the literary uplift, a fine shot in the spirits. Powerful.
It is never too late to stop Mr. Duterte. It’s NOT over until it’s OVER! But, everyone with a passion for our beloved country, the Philippines must act. Let’s protect our motherland. NO WAY, DUTERTE- MARCOS!!!
That Duterte cannot and will not be able to govern is not news to some of us. It is in the aftermath of the election when he realizes this and there is deafening clamor for him to step down or be impeached that I really worry about. If he walks his talk, he will abolish Congress and the only way to do that is declare martial law. Before that happens, he will reorganize the AFP and PNP to insure their loyalty. Like the strongman mayor whose family has ruled Davao using fear and intimidation, a Duterte regime can be expected to use brute force and intimidation to maintain power and get his way. His army of supporters have shown no hesitancy to threaten and coerce followers of his rivals during the campaign, what more when an authorized military is sent to s uppress resistance and dissent from the public and othet branches of government?
I think it would be (if we allow him to be elected). Then anarchy and Quiboloy would reign.
@ Wil, Joe, karl, Irineo, Sonny Vicara, It would be really good if you could tell me what is going on here with this article in the Enquirer yesterday re Leni, Jesse & Aquino..
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/782556/not-all-rosy-between-husband-jesse-and-president-aquino-admits-leni
There are many comments with his article..Most in Tagalog.But some are in English and there is a suggestion that Jesse’s death was deliberate not an accident
Unfortunately, how he died resulted in a lot of tinfoil theories that were now seized upon by her opponents..
Madlanglupa, I assume that by tinfoil you mean ‘speculative’..He died in a plane crash off the island of Masbate. I have rea that that the engine failed. But was there no coronial enquiry into the deaths & why the plane crashed ?
Something very unusual has happened : I made a comment about Leni & Jesse Robredo.I posted it twice. And apart from madlanglupa’s 19 word comment ( Thank you M) there has been nothing in response….
This lack of responses or comments puzzled me.So I did some net researching. And after that a few things are very clear. One is that I have ( unknowingly ) reopened a massive can or worms here about Aquino & his trapo mate Puno. But perhaps that can of worms helps explain some of the animosity that has built up during Aquino’s time as president.
Yet another is that Roxas as the LP presidential candidate & Aquino’s nominated successor, is heavily and unfairly burdened by these past events.
Finally it is that Leni herself is a very extraordinary woman well worthy of being Vice President.
I refrain from commenting because I don’t wish to keep pounding the Roxas drum against your resistance. It is something you will discover by yourself . . . or not.
Aquino/Puno or Aquino/Abaya or Aquino/ Purisima or Aquino/FOI are matters where one must grant a President the right to make choices we might not ourselves make or else we project that we have better information on people and performance than does the President. Or we ought to probe for his rationale before drawing conclusions.
Bill,
Within the LP admin there are 2 factions – the Balay and Samar factions. One is pro Mar and the other anti-Mar — for whatever reasons. This schism has been there since 2010. I strongly suspect one faction is the trapo personalities, the boorish blue-tie clubbers. The other faction the professional managers. In any case, it would be naive to assume there is no rivalry and jealousies within the LP or any other political parties. Such is the consequence when huge egos come together. I’m sure Pnoy spent a lot of time balancing these 2 factions. It was the machinations of these 2 factions that made Jesse Robredo to tell his wife that DILG was not an easy task.
In 2010 when Pnoy was the front contender (on the back of voter sympathy after Cory’s death), lots of politicians from other parties abandoned ship and joined LP. I’m sure this is the basis for the Balay and Samar factions.
When Jesse’s plane went down, there was some curious going-on. Puno went to Jesse’s condo in Manila and tried to secured his documents. He was frustrated by the house-keeper. One can only guess what the hell that was all about. There was rumour that Jesse was investigating some admin higher ups. That’s one more conspiracy theory for the road.
Thanks Chempo & Joe for the comments about this..I was not aware of the LP being factionalised….and the problems this involved..I did read though that Robredo spent his entire 2 years at DILG as the interim secretary and was never confirmed as secretary of DILG. Now that is curious …
Joe by the way, I have deliberately avoided any critical remarks about Roxas here. I do not think any such comment deserved..Though I am aware that some commentators on Facebook & elsewhere do try to put him in their sights.
According to the grapevine the powerful Commission on Appointments passed on confirming Robredo at the behest of his political rival in local politics.
One is a faction led by the executive secretary Paquito Ochoa.
Thanks Gian & Karl for your comments below..
In find this all a bit bizarre..in my country, if the PM says you are minister for the Treasury, Police or Defence or Local government etc etc.. YOU are the minister. and you are answerable every day that parliament sits ( especially via question time ) for what happens in your area of responsibility : the good the bad & the ugly…
I think poorly spoken English is the exception, not rule. Language proficiency is usually cited for the rapid rise of PH BPO industry.
http://www.spi-global.com/blog/think-tank/philippine-call-centers-5-essential-advantages/
Oops. You’re forgetting one very important facet here. If all goes according to survey results, Duterte’s VP is very likely to be Bongbong Marcos. That should merit a part 2 of your article.
Let say all your speculation might be true even though its not. Then whos your alternative candidate? If not Digoong who among rest candidate have the Will to Lead the country.
Roxas? Who is a Big joke and Epal. Binay who is clearly corrupt. Poe who is a puppet and a bog fraud about her nationality. I might go fo Defensor but her health is still a big issue.
Go through your list again. When you reduce people and their programs into one-word summaries, then you will always be lost. Not just in making the choice for this election, but in all aspects of your life. What is the one non-negotiable trait you seek?
Whatever you do, whatever leader would be sitting soon in the Palace, his or her decisions would affect a lot of us, for good or for worse.
To lead, one has to know where to go and thats not Duterte.
then if your good enough to published something like this, better of youll run for president!! nag mamagalingan!
PS: im no duterte supporter
everyone,
that’s the best anti-intellectual statement i have heard so far. onward barbarism! 🙂
ps you cannot fool me with your disclaimer
why cant you be like miss tess pajaron above?
Sam, stick with issues rather than diversions questioning someone’s character. Who do you support and why? Like, get positive.
Has anyone read this one?
Pretty revealing I should say even if it is a watered down version
https://m.facebook.com/notes/annelle-gumihid-sabanal/mayor-duterte-the-squeaky-clean-candidate/10156842129825367?pnref=story
Wow. That’s just…I’ve heard at least one guy vaguely say that GMA has connections to Duterte…but wow…I revise my conclusions…
Still there are two lingering question on my mind…assuming Duterte actually hundreds of millions of pesos…and assuming that those are mostly due to “donations” and not milked from LGU money…assuming his “humble” home and his “humble” apartments for his wives are in some way genuine….what does he really do with that sort of money?
What sort of guy would have a few hundred million stashed while having a humble home, humble”apartments for his publicly-known wives and a relatively clean image up ’till now (which would indicate that he works hard at keeping a low profile)?
Strange.
Some people are motivated by vision than money, but some visionaries wanted to create their own reality through power. In this case, I believe that Duterte thinks he has a vision bigger than him, so his mission is more likely to create his own “ideal” Philippines in his image.
Has anyone remembered why the Joker burned a mountain of money?
The Chechen: Joker-man, what you do with all your money?
The Joker: You see, I’m a guy of simple taste. I enjoy dynamite, and gunpowder, and gasoline!
[he pours gasoline on the mountain of cash]
The Chechen: [panicked] What the…?
The Joker: Ah-ta-ta-ta-ta. And you know the thing they have in common? They’re cheap.
Let us hope for the best and not spread scenarios that may not happen. God is in charge, don’t forget. We only know his bad side but many others see him as a good man, helping others in their need and merciful too. Sufficient for us is God’s Will at the moment in the result of the elections Let’s hope and pray. We are not voting but we pray for all the candidates that whoever will be elected will do his best for God and country and once he is in office God will take over his mind and heart like David in the Bible.
I can agree to this Marietta. 🙂
@Tess…You now live in Germany..Ok please tell me how many mass murderers are allowed to run for political power in Germany ? How many sexual perverts would get voting support there if they ran for political office ? Well why is it so different in the Philippines ?
AS I said earlier I am NOT a Catholic.I am not in fact a Christian. Why ? Too much corrupt priests and bishops and cardinals & popes. Too much totally bizarre theology and dogma…
But the link above comes from a catholic priest in Davao who seems sincere and honest and a man of integrity. Such persons deserve respect.Such persons should be listened to. He has a message of evil done in Davao over many years by people who were commanded b your great mate Duterte…
Hi Bill,
When you speak, as if you already have proof. Mass murderer? Yes, Hitler was proven to be one, based on all the firsthand (personal) accounts of all the survivors.
I’m sure the priest is sincere. He mentioned DDS on his account- connection has yet to be established with Duterte.
With Duterte, while there are a ton of negative stuff about him in the news, there are also more of the good — and these are based on accounts from real people on the ground.
I’m no blind follower, sir, please don’t persecute on something you can’t prove yourself. You can have your own. I’m only proving his ability for governance.
@ Tess
US govt intel knows better…Note they said “CLEARLY”.
http://www.opensourceinvestigations.com/philippines/us-government-duterte-clearly-behind-davao-death-squad/
Wow !! The US Government would ‘arrest’ Duterte if he ever arrived in the USA !
Reading that Open Source report I see that Duterte boasted to an Australian embassy official back in 2003 that this is how things are done in Philippines….
So I don’t think he will be invited to Australia if he is elected president..And if he ever just showed up, he might be arrested and extradited to the USA if they have issued an arrest warrant…
“And if he ever just showed up, he might be arrested and extradited to the USA if they have issued an arrest warrant…”
Bill, you’re giving our State Dept. too much credit.
All they can do is “encourage” investigations (and prosecution), that’s their human rights mandate, but absent of evidence, that’s where our Justice Dept. steps in, you can’t really do anything—- more importantly, if it has nothing to do with American citizens and territory, there’s absolutely nothing to be done.
The main point here is that the US gov’t isn’t in the business of going around suing foreign public officials— this was the reason Obama got his 2nd Air Force One snub this year by the King of Saudi Arabia (Raul Castro was the first).
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2016/04/21/qa-28-pages-saudi-arabia-and-the-911-hijackers/ The US gov’t can’t even do anything with this issue, why would it have an arrest warrant, much less an urge to extradite Duterte?
And I agree with Tess Pajaron there’s waaaay too much vilification here, it’s politics in the Philippines (everyone’s dirty, folks). The question is who is best to govern? Not who is the most EVIL!!! (theatrics is great for elections, I’m a big fan, but don’t get too crazy).
@Tess, Examples of good acts that deny bad are hardly proof, at least to me. Character counts. Diplomacy counts. Reason counts. Risk counts. Human decency counts. Platform counts.
Ah, so you no longer live in Davao. Sorry for assuming you are in Davao and can verify for me the veracity of a journal by a priest WHO IS LIVING in Davao with a timeline that dates back to several years.
Re: DDS, digong himself admitted that this is his creation. It seems you are as out of touch to Davao as some of us, IMHO.
And thank you for “replying” to my query on the priest. (it is not compulsary I agree)
Hi Peter, I was born and raised in Davao, for 30 years. Maybe my take isn’t valid enough for you. I only left 2011. He said, Davao Development System. Yes, he admitted that. That pertains to his women’s programs, Lingap para sa Mahirap, and his plans to develop a rail transit in Davao. I was still in Davao and that exists till this day.
I’m sorry if you concluded that i’m out of touch based on the reason I left the country.
Anyway, I can vouch for Duterte’s governance. That’s it. Character? The firsthand account of the people he has helped directly and indirectly through his programs speaks more about his heart to serve. 🙂
DDS = Davao Death Squad.
see how out of touch you are.
Tess,
Thank you for your comments on here, it’s very refreshing to hear directly from a pro-DU30 supporter, expressed passionately & coherently.
Re Duterte’s governance, has it largely stayed within Davao? or did he/has he spread his governance towards closer cities around Davao, especially around the Gulf of Davao, like Mati, Tugum, Digos, etc. What’s Duterte’s relationship with these cities?
If Duterte does win, and turns the Philippines upside down, with Davao on top, will they be able to develop and learn from the mistakes of Manila region? What ‘s your opinion on this?
If Tess drops off a site link you can visit to converse with her, I’ll publish it. Facebook or wherever. I’m seeking to re-acquire my inner harmony, disrupted by her circles of nonsense that you find coherent. So you can’t converse here.
She was banned?!!! What for?
You guys (non-DU30s) have been wondering what makes a pro-DU30 tick, and when you finally have one in the commentary, not a troll, but someone who answers when prodded… she’s banned? If Duterte wins next week, I think you guys (non-DU30s) owe it to DU30 supporters to at least (at the very least) meet them half-way
— God knows they’ll need your help, the world doesn’t end after May 9.
Joe, you know why Trump is so popular here, he didn’t rely on polls, nor focus groups, he simply had his people listen to Conservative media (blogs, radio, etc.), at the end of the day that’s Trump’s genius (whether he’ll be able to do anything about it, who knows… but Trump listened).
There’s a lesson there, Joe.
Listen.
The time for politicking is nearly done, Tess repeatedly said she wasn’t here to convert anyone, merely to answer and/or clarify. She was ripe for the picking.
My emotional health trumps all, and so she is no longer here. You are free to search for her on Facebook and take up the discussion there. We had a discussion, halfway, as you suggest. It is now over.
“My emotional health trumps all, and so she is no longer here. “
LOL! you can’t argue with that one, Joe.
Davao Development System.What do you think of me,thinking of you?
What are you taking me for,granted?
Lance,
We all have our biases.
She was fine until she reduced evrything to poor public speaking….and the Davao Development System was priceless.
karl,
Agreed.
But everything can be reduced to its most essential form, and DU30’s supporters (like the Trump movement over here) seem to just be fed up of politics as usually—- hence all this bank account stuff seems boring, since we all know all candidates have properties and investments in the US or Canada (I have no problems with hedging bets… but shouldn’t Duterte get a medal for keeping his properties/investments local? hmmmmmmmmmmm…).
So trust is the essence of Tess’ argument, and why (the Why?) should be explored. She’s right about public speaking, Jeb! Bush I’m sure would have made a great executive, but the guy just looked awkward and Trump ate him and spat him out. Cruz is a better debater than Trump (Princeton debate team), he sounds like Joel Osteen and Pat Robertson combined (Evangelical bs style), still can’t touch Trump—-
my point is public speaking skills is overrated (so Tess is correct, absent of evidence, pro-DU30 will fall back on trust, why should be what you guys reconstruct, because come May 9, there’s a chance anti-DU30s will have to play Pathologists, ie. figure it out so it doesn’t happen again.
So Tess’ views was actually value added here.
Maya Angelou was right…
when I said priceless that does not mean value added.i can take her comments better than the storm troopers,but Joe’s decision trumps us all.
Bill in Oz says:
May 2, 2016 at 5:28 pm
@Tess…You now live in Germany
Careful………………She lives in OZ…..hahahhahaa 🙂
https://about.me/tesspajaron
Hi Sup, I live in Munich. Lived in Sydney 2 years ago. 🙂 Never Updated the profile. FYI.
You also never updated your latest info about Duterte…signing a ”weaver” with Cayetano only to be used as toiletpaper…
(Unlike Mar and Leni……those are notarized and 100% true.)
Open the bank acount Duterte, if not….Betrüger!!!
I won’t get ahead, Sup. We all want to be good citizens, right? We should all follow the law. You can say betrüger all you want. But as for me, Lassen Sie das Gesetz seinem natürlichen Lauf fließen. 🙂
Hope not, every day a Duterte presidenty will hurt the Philippine people….court cases, impeachment, Peso lower in value, problems with Embassy’s like Singapore, USA, Australia…..I’m not in favor of that…
Maybe you like it because when you go back here for a vacation your Euro has a higher value so you can do more cheap shopping….
Ok, i stop arguing with you, you are still board member with Lotrin in Davao and i will not waste to much of my energy convincing Davaoeño people that they are going to regret their support to a non worthy President….
If you don’t follow the constitution you should not become President…
Viel Glück in Deutschland………………………
“Maybe you like it because when you go back here for a vacation your Euro has a higher value so you can do more cheap shopping….”
??? Sup, please don’t put words in my mouth.
We can all agree to disagree, can’t we? I’m not forcing you to vote for Duterte. In no way, I was trying to argue with you as well. alle auch Dir das Beste! All the best to you sir.
Sieg Heil, Tess. /S
I’m not buying any of this Hitlerian sophistry you are talking about. Tell that to the mothers of teens slain at random in places around Davao for supposed crimes they did not commit. Tell that to the human rights activists who have recorded God knows how many people were killed in the city where your man reigns just because those people were seen as eyesores, even for begging for alms. Tell that to the Lumad who were evicted violently from their lands so that his friend Quiboloy could build his luxurious mountaintop hideaway labelled as a religious “retreat”.
I intend to live in a world where I do NOT need to tell your King or his subordinates where I am going, nor let him peer into my bedroom or my bathroom with his cameras.
I intend to live in a world where when I travel anywhere in the country I do NOT need to go through several checkpoints so as to confirm my loyalty to your King, nor I should be subjected to unnecessary harassment by strange men with powerful weapons, on a basis of a flimsy accusation or merely looking for money so that they can spend it on liquor or drugs.
I intend to live in a world where I have the right to openly voice my opinion without being suddenly set upon by King’s thugs coming from Facebook and Twitter, nor every post or status update being constantly watched by some faceless entity.
I intend to live in a world where I do NOT need to see his face — or that of Bong Bong Marcos — anywhere I go, posted on buildings, on telephone poles, on the sides of buses, in my niece’s school, in shopping malls, or even a bronze statue of him opposite Jose Rizal in Luneta.
I intend to live in a world where I do NOT need to carry some card — or a microchip — signifying that I am an elite member of his club, allowing me to buy what I want, access whatever information I wish, eat or drink something, and more. In exchange for doing something that pleases him. Like leisurely walking around and beating up people who disagrees with your King.
I intend to live in a world where newspapers are presented as they should, both good and bad, instead of sanitized headlines and reportage, all telling me the “good news”, either about your King (like calling his birthday party “better than Jesus Christ”), his flowery regime, his friends and cohorts, shady financiers, or his foreign allies who have vested interests in keeping the population under control and to excessively exploit our natural resources for ill gain — after the Spratlys, what’s next, Compostela Valley?
I intend to live in a world where people should NOT be gunned down for petty crimes like littering, jaywalking, or smoking, to enforce this so-called “King’s Discipline”. All the while the rest of the population are distracted by the crimino-showbiz elite.
I intend to live in a world where I DON’T want to have the barrel of a gun in my face.
@madlanglupa My, what imagination you have. That’s a nice story. The problem here is, it looks like you haven’t even set foot in Davao City, and as such, you are ignorant in what you are saying. And this goes to all here hot and ready in accusing Duterte. Know the history of Davao and how Duterte’s leadership has transformed if from the killing fields it once was!
And you have the arrogance to talk so condescendingly in your ignorance.
On one hand, you have your 2nd-hand information that may or may not be distorted and may or may not be true… On the other hand, you have the witness of the millions of happy Davaoeños who have seen him everyday (his lifestyle and how he interacts with people) for decades as testament on how Duterte has taken care of his constituents and that of the neighboring provinces.
And ya’ll dismiss our “blind” support for him as being stupid? If this is so, we must be the luckiest stupid people in our country! Benefiting from a lot of things no other city in our land can boast about!
You need to get get out of your bubble.
I was born in Quezon City, my parents wanted us to move to Davao City because of what Manila was becoming as they did not want to raise us such a putrid environment. I’m mighty glad we did move 20 years ago! I dread it every time I go to Manila!
I have been all over the Philippines. I have been all over the world. Davao City IS the best in the Philippines.
If it were easy, I know we’d rather split of from Luzon than throw away our taxes on imperial Manila and just let you guys rot with the people you want to lead you.
And I get it, he talks like a fool. But in the end, you are only able to go skin-deep in looking at Duterte (his way of talking and joking), that you choose to ignore how he actually relates to people to get such strong support.
I encourage you to watch this interview of Cayetano on INQ if you do decide to watch. Cayetano is a better spokes person. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/783051/full-text-inq-a-with-vice-presidential-candidate-alan-cayetano
Hes, the basic guideline for participating in this discussion thread is civility toward others. The name calling works against honest debate. Kindly center on the issues and don’t presume that if someone disagrees with you, he warrants insult. It greatly weakens your case, as if you were desperate to win.
One thing that i constantly observed in these exercise is the notion that electing a president of the republic is equated to electing a local official like mayor/governor. The people expects their president to attend to all their needs up to the smallest detail. Most of which are actually the function of local officials. No doubt, Duterte is effective being a mayor because he reached out and be one with his constituents, he speaks their language and responds accordingly.
We have to let the people of Davao understand that being a president is different in every way. Most of the communications are centered towards national/international level and every word spoken and said are being heard and considered by people around the world and the president now represents the whole of Philippines and NOT only Davao.
Duterte’s speech with the Makati Business Club shown it all. How can we attract investors to come to Philippines if our president dont know how to express his plans and platforms? Inubos niya ang oras sa pagkukuwento at mga boladas na parang nakikipag-inuman lang sa kanto.
@Joe America I’m sorry, it seemed like some people here were throwing insults and weren’t called out on it (“Sieg Heil” – indirectly calling someone a nazi). Anyways, this is my last post here. 🙂 I’ll just leave with a simple breakdown of the “Dutertard” anti-Duterte folks like to call and why they can’t be swayed by current accusations thrown his way:
1. Davaoeños are happy and feel safe – we see, feel the difference in our city.
– It’s tangible, it’s evident, it’s decades proven. We can’t compare that to promises.
– We’d be more foolish to trade that with someone else and be like the rest of the Phils.
2. He is real (not plastic)
– Dozens of personal stories on FB
2. We’d rather not see Duterte go. But we feel the nation could benefit as well.
– He’s old, he should retire. But we believe he has a better chance in turning Philippines for the better as he has in Davao City.
3. Federalism.
– The different cities could benefit more from their taxes and not most going to Manila. Corruption can be better pinpointed to and dealt with.
– Our city is already doing great, but we could do so much more with our own money if not impeded by Manila.
4. If we miss this chance, there ain’t gonna be a next time, there ain’t gonna be another Duterte, perhaps not for a long time (because he’s old).
@Dognoyam I got your point, it is indeed valid. For me, what’s of utmost importance firstly is cleaning up our system which I believe Duterte has strong political will to accomplish. And one of the domino effect would be booming businesses because of trust in a system that works.
I’m not a business person so I can’t say much about it, but I think even if we get all these foreign investments, the ordinary person won’t feel much unless the underlying problems are taken care of first.
I can only hope Duterte has wise advisors to help him. It’s not just Duterte alone, but a team; I myself like more how Cayetano speaks and explains things – to me he’s very clear. I believe he knows and is honest to himself about his own weaknesses and can get the right people to fill those gaps.
That’s all I can say, peace out!
So you’re “hoping” he has “good” advisers. Well, here are at least two of them: Lito Banayo, chief campaign strategist, former NFA administrator, whom the Senate found to be linked to the powerful rice smuggling cartel. Sonny Dominguez, oligarch and front man for the Sultan of Brunei. Am surprised you didn’t know this, He S, they’re from your city. And there’s always Google.
@Hes
I’m sorry, I am a realist. I have read a lot about totalitarian societies, and how much they are dehumanizing. Anne Frank’s diary. The Man in the High Castle. 1984. The Brave New World. Animal Farm. The recent histories of North Korea, Iran, China, Venezuela, Romania, Zimbabwe, and our country.
I’m still not buying the snake oil. Thank you and have a nice evening.
Ahh good ! But there is a huge distance between Sydney & Adelaide, Meanwhile I hope that Irineo is not seduced by her thinking.. : – )
Don’t worry Bill, I’m not converting anyone. 🙂 I just wanted to give a different take on this. lol
Reply to your re God choosing sinners..yes those are all recorded in the Bible because the Bible is truthful in recording events. But not all things recorded in the Bible pleased God nor did God approve of them. These sins displeased God and those who committed them suffered the consequences of their sins. God’s people committed those sins only in single event they werw not in sinful lifestyle. GOD did not choose them because of their sins neither will God choose a person to be his servant who practice sinful lifestyle. God chose people who are not sinless but who admit their sins, repent, ask God’s forgiveness & cleansing and turn away from sin and do God’s will.
I hope that people will stop quoting bible in defense of their candidate
Hi Ecila,
To Clarify: Joe asked me about my belief. I never quoted the bible from the start. But since he asked. So I engaged in the conversation. I was not bible-thumping, to begin with. It was a good conversation between two different views.
Just to engage you about your lecture on the Bible:
All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
You can hate me for quoting you that verse. But, who are we to judge?
Yes, God hates SIN but He does NOT hate the SINNER.
What I’m trying to point out is: What makes all other candidates ‘CLEAN’ and ‘Deserving’? That’s it. Sharing opposing views is fine. I have shared mine, with all due respect to other’s POV.
Shudder. Evil is excused so righteously. It actually scares me when intelligent people pursue evil with such glee. When justification is the ends, not compassion.
Hi Joe, i really hope you are not telling me (in a subtle way) that i’m enjoying/advocating evil. I’m not justifying it at all. Dunning-Krugger effect will probably be an example of this case. The cognitive bias is obvious. I just don’t want to be too quick to judge anyone and get ahead of something that hasn’t come. We can only speculate. I hope that you don’t judge me based on who my choice is. The same way I don’t with you. I don’t write off someone based on what i think i know. Cos we really don’t know the whole picture.
We have to be fair in judging someone “rightly”. Compassion, yes. Didn’t God exercise compassion when he forgave our sins? (famous verse: For God SO LOVED the world, He gave His only begotten son – John 3:16). There is just more to this than just alienating one candidate, just because he doesn’t suit the status quo. You can hate sin, but still love a person (forgive).
In Duterte’s case, most probably everyone in this forum branded him already as a murderer, but I can’t just take anyone’s word for it. Just coz someone said so. I can only rely on my own experience, his works and it has been a positive one. With all my years in Davao, contrary to reports that he kills children and addicts, he has helped more of these people esp. those in the marginalized sector for free. He is not perfect, but who is? That is my reason and I don’t think that can be equated as ‘evil’.
For me, if Duterte wins, great. I believe he will do well. If someone else does, great as well. I hope all of them can exercise good governance.
At the end of the day (or this election), sowing dissension on other people with opposing views is not really helping the country.
I judge your values and find them painful. I don’t have to forgive that which I find abhorrent. Kindly remove your presence from my blog.
@ Ecila,
God also said these…
(Does this mean God’s pro-DU30?)
“At the end of the day (or this election), sowing dissension on other people with opposing views is not really helping the country.”
Wise words indeed.
That’s the lesson the Republicans are about to learn after tomorrow—- and a little bit, the Democrats too, but it’s just a matter of getting Bernie’s pet projects across at this point, then the Democratic love fest.
I hope Filipinos understand that there still is a May 10 and so on and so forth. All the people anti-DU30’s have accused as Evil and Stupid, will have done more to break the country apart than any fluff these politicians have played.
When Trump says immigrants from Mexico are rapists, are Mexicans divisive for being upset?
Trump was talking about illegal immigrants, and he qualified it with “some” (to clarify, later on),
That’s the first statement made. I personally don’t think it’s “some”, it’s a very few amount, but for the purposes of media and threatrics Trump got his point across.
But the cartel problem is real, the loop-holes in immigration in which people come here as tourists or workers, then skip and over stay, most I know become productive illegal immigrants like many Filipinos (many even file taxes, using bank numbers instead of social security numbers), but even within this loophole, criminality exists (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean massage parlours, etc.),
China’s organized anchor-baby program, where they send Chinese citizens to have babies here (that’s a legit national security issue), same with terrorists in the asylum/refugee program.
So however Trump frames this immigration issue, so long as something gets done (instead of getting swept under the rug, as happened before), I’m more forgiving on Trump’s rhetoric—- public speaking’s not his strong suit 😉 , but marketing is.
The issue is divisiveness. Diplomatic restraint and compassion are strengths in office. How are we to conclude that Trump (or Duterte) will be mature presidents, able to lead a diverse nation, if they can’t demonstrate the ability during their “marketing”? Are we to take it “on faith”?
Duterte’s burning of Singapore’s flag could be a criminal offence here in Germany:
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_stgb/englisch_stgb.html#p1038
Section 104
Violation of flags and state symbols of foreign states
(1) Whosoever removes, destroys, damages, renders unrecognisable or insults by mischief a flag of a foreign state, which is displayed according to legal provisions or recognised custom, or a state symbol of such a state which has been publicly installed by a recognised mission of such state, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine.
(2) The attempt shall be punishable.
Section 104a
Conditions for prosecution
Offences under this chapter shall only be prosecuted if the Federal Republic of Germany maintains diplomatic relations with the other state, reciprocity is guaranteed and was also guaranteed at the time of the offence, a request to prosecute by the foreign government exists, and the Federal Government authorises the prosecution.
What I wonder is why NOBODY here noticed the part about the 8 Chinese nationals – there is a final paragraph where Duterte talks sense when it comes to international relations, but ONLY pertaining to China. But I leave it to readers to look for that – gotta go.
Joe,
When it comes to elections, everything’s on faith.
When I voted for Obama (twice), I thought his ‘smartness’ (check out the brains on him, I thought) was gonna save the day. Instead, Obama got us a more screwed up Middle East, which I didn’t think was possible— arguably his “diplomatic restraint and compassion” proved a weakness and not strength.
As for divisiveness, the whole notion of election is Us vs. Them, and only because of embedded traditions (like concession speeches, sharing of staff, etc.) are we then able to consolidate back—- those traditions are stronger over here, over there not so.
This is why Tess’ observation about ramping up these personal attacks, the Sky is Falling scenarios (ie. the World’s gonna End, your candidate’s Evil, so you must be Evil, or your candidate’s Dumb, so you must be Dumb, such attacks) is spot on. The Philippines doesn’t have these conceding processes yet,
so best to be cool on facebook and forums.
caliphman’s saying there’s gonna be another Martial Law, chempo’s talking about worst case scenarios, Mary (who I hope gets her rest) is still all over Poe,
Take a breather, at the end of the day no one really knows what a DU30 presidency will look like, so the best posts on facebook or whatever right now should be,
“I hope you made the right decision, I respect it, and let’s continue this dialogue after the election” (that means people shouldn’t be censored or banned simply because they are expressing a different opinion, Joe— but your health trumps all 😉 )
‘Are we to take it “on faith”?’
Yeah. Because at the end of the day, no matter how educated, how well read, how pious, you are, or how much data/facts you have, when you vote, you’re essentially basing it on faith.
You’re not writing a dissertation or submitting research, you’re simply checking off a name— the guy/gal you trust to be the best candidate of the lot.
My gut tells me that Duterte is a coward, but I’m not gonna stifle Tess‘ opinion of him, simply because I trust my gut more (which do)— or my “facts” or my “data”, or “experts”/those close to the source, friend of a friend of a friend… or whatever it is that we think makes our analyses trustworthy.
I’ve never been to Davao, but I’ll never trump my opinion of a place I’ve never been, over someone’s who’s lived there for 30 years— simply because the stuff I’ve read confirm my own bias.
But my point is to respect each other’s opinions, and votes. My neighbors and I aren’t talking now (although we did try to convince each other), but after election, we’ll have beers like before.
So re “divisiveness” , my advice would be not to ban folks who are only expressing their opinions, in 1 week all this will be over, why not start respecting each other’s choices starting now. Like I said, there’s gonna be May 10 and life continues…
Start reaching out to the other side. I respect your choice, I respect your vote—- that’s democracy. How’s that for unity—- it starts with the voters. 😉
I can respect choices. No problem. Today at the swimming pool, a preacher came up too me to do his missionary work. My exact words: “Sorry, Alex. I’m not here for that. I’m here to teach my son to swim.” End of his missionary outreach. “Sorry, Tess and LCX, I’m here to advocate for an earnest, honest Philippines. I don’t want to be sold pig’s ears.” Disingenuousness, bad presidents, turning Christianity into trash. I’ll listen and even talk for a while. But I have a good sense of when it is time to move on, and to let the blog move on. Sorry I can’t satisfy you, but that’s not my purpose for being here.
It is easy to say, “okay, Tess. Vote your vote.” End of conversation. But Tess had turned preacher. And she took plenty of time and space here. Commanded it, actually. The conversation was going no where.
(recent anti-Trump rally last Fri. at California Republican convention in Burlingame, just south of San Francisco, north of Silicon Valley proper, Capt. Mexico and his buds with Mexican flags burned an effigy of Trump and the American flag)
Flag burning is considered free speech in the US— and rightly so. When did DU30 burn the Singapore flag?
Lastly, why not come up with a two party system, so a 25% isn’t the “majority”.
“Commanded it, actually. The conversation was going no where.”
Joe,
Tess Pajaron wasn’t trolling, read the whole exchange again, she was responding to everyone’s comments. Since she was from Davao, and many here have never been, she should’ve been asked more questions. Instead she was banned for expressing a different opinion, one that has not been examined (remember I’ve been calling for a pro-Duterte voice here for a long time now, because an echo chamber, although fun, at the end of the day is limiting… I see no more divisive force than taking solace in each’s own echo chamber).
Whatever happened to the method of listing items and weighing those items on the essential pros and cons to choose the best one?
If I have a family with resources and the son is graduating from High School in six months time, may this old method not be applicable here with me, the father, my wife and son sitting seriously with paper and pencil after dinner over several dinners with our son to find the best College School for him?
Is it just a case of, say, citing that I — the father — was employed in a Company close to that school till about six years ago, and I tell you it is the best for sonny. I met some professors over cups of coffee and I liked what I heard. Is this enough of a consideration to decide where sonny goes?
Very well said however comparing Estrada- a College drop out turned actor then Mayor with Duterte-an experienced lawyer, public servant and a Mayor for many years is like comparing a fictional character in a Comic book series with a Biography.
https://raissarobles.com/2016/05/02/why-i-believe-rodrigo-duterte-is-copying-marcos-moves-to-set-up-a-dictatorship/
No one can foresee the future but when the past words and deeds of a candidate show that he is likely to deal our democracy and our freedoms a death blow, why would we not be inclined to believe so? I have tried to raise the alarm that a vote for Duterte is a vote for martial law snd worse on this and other previous articles on this site. Mine is not the only voice to issue this grim warning on the eve of the elections for those who are still unsure what to believe.
The link above is to the latest article of Raissa Robles who some newcomers here may not know is one if the leading writers and researchers on the history and horrors of the Marcos imposed martial law. She has always been known for her lack of bias in her writings and not advocating any candidate in this or other national elections, unlike most posters in her website. The May 9 choice is not so much one between one’s personally favored candidated but whether or not to vote for one that places our democracy, as imperfect as it is, in very serious danger.
Do yourself a favor and read it before voting next Monday.ca
I am crying inside.
The difference between the two is that Marcos already had the ears of the military back then, fueled by their contempt for communism. But in this case, Duterte apparently has contempt for the military, as exemplified by his repeat appearances with the Maoists.
If elected, he would drive a ideological wedge into the military and the police, whose personnel have differences regarding their Commander-in-Chief: on one hand they would be expecting greater pay and less restrictions on rules of engagement on dealing with terrorists and criminals, but on the other, he is quietly endorsing the Maoists, the powerful warlords, the crime syndicates, the vigilantes, so much that it could enrage the principled soldiers and cops, those who have fought for the law, the Constitution and the people they served with honor.
Which leads to the greater likelihood of a coup.
I would refer you to Raissa’s article on what Duterte’s avowed plan to create two army divisions and restructure the armed forces to insure their pwrsinal loyalty to him. This are the building blocks for setting up a dictatorship which prompts Ms. Robles to state Duterte is planning to seize power. Sure he is a step behind Marcos because he needs to be elected first in order to reshape the military. But Duterte is no fool or a rookie in leading and applying an armed organization to intimidate and force those who stand in his way. That he would publicly disclose during his campaign what Marcos kept quiet during his pre-martial law years is ominuous as it signals a strong conviction that he has or will have a public mandate to do whatever whatever is necessary to make radical changes.
The question is, how loyal they would be? The military can make or break a president, given our past history.
So far, regarding the military and police generals, all I know is that now-retired Esperon is one of those who earlier egged Duterte to run for office, and the more likelihood candidate as his Fabian Ver. There’s also other officers (active or retired) who are disgruntled towards the current administration, and whom Durterte may tap into as part of his plan for the military.
I have outlined previously an event tree describing the different scenarios leading to a Duterte dictatorship and its aftermath. A bloody and chaotic coup is one scenario if he is unsuccessful in securing the personal loyalty of the AFP and PNP to him and his agenda. Marcos had his Ver and Raissa says Duterte will probably rely on former GMA General Esperon.
Well, if Duterte isn’t enough. BBM may apparently attempt to sway the military into his fold. And this particular author seems to praise him much, because he used to work for the regime.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/94548/the-surge-of-bongbong-marcos
Also an irony, considering the paper was founded in the weeks until People Power I.
I read that too …Let’s hope that it was simply the invitation to eat in a Green Belt restaurant that got all these retired military personal listening to Marcos..
As for the Enquirer it has lost contact with it’s origins ..Maybe because it’s founding editor died last December..
The military cannot be relied upon to maintain Philippine democracy. They lack the established tradition of stepping in to protect the constitutio n as the Thai military does. Secondly, it would be naive to think the AFP and PNP ranks do not share the same clamor to have a strongman seize power and forcefully deal with crime and corruption by decree and extralegal measures. Finally, the AFP and PNP is graft ridden as well with senior officers using their position to enrich themselves at the expense of their men and equipment.
For the public to place power in the hands of Duterte and elect BBM as his automatic replacement is beyond belief for a people who endured grinding poverty and brutality so recently under martial law.
Even then, I cannot exactly determine how much the military and the police be able to function with a potentially belligerent and unpredictable Commander-in-Chief, who is more Mugabe than Mao.
Well, in any case, what you have said is like asking me that I have to prepare for the worst like taking to the mountains once we see Manila is set on fire, because this man has summoned the fierce fiendish beast in people.
I am not asking anyone to do anything at the moment except to consider their vote carefully as it may carry enormous and dire consequences, paricularly if Duterte and BBM are elected. If this should happen, then the perfect storm signal has been sounded and just try and stay safe.
This mayor is promising to raise military pay and empower the AFP to act without worrying about repercussions. All he needs to do is follow in the steps of his self-declared idol, Ferdinand the first. What does any would be dictator do when he loses support of the masses, rule with the barrel of a gun.
> raise military pay
Where he’s going to get that money? Cannibalize this year’s budget, whose largest percentage was allocated to DepEd? Or from his shadowy sponsors? If he can’t get his way with money, nevertheless there could be fanatics in the ranks willing to join his “revolutionary” government.
Its called deficit spending and going heavily into debt. If he cannot get Congress to approve his budget, then for something as crucial to staying in power, he may very well just abolish the legislative branch of government.
Thaind has the enormous advantage that the head of state ( King Bhumipol ) is not the head of government..The Thai royal family have been soverreigns of Thailand since the 1780’s. However they have not ruled the kingdom since the 1930’s ..Thus the Thai armed forces are responsible to the King who does NOT govern. Virtually all the dominions that used to be part of the British Empire have the Queen as head of state but with elected governments
There are also many examples of countries which have an elected president who is the head of state but NOT the head of government. Ireland, Italy. Portugal .India, Timur L’Este iSri Lanka, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Poland Germany, Austria, Hungary etc etc.. These countries all tend to be politically stable because the military is responsible to the head of state..Not the head of government..
However in the Philippines you have been gifted the USA executive presidency system..There are many examples of countries with this system where the military is politicised Flawed constitutions have flawed consequences..Even in the USA..
I do not know if political stablity is due to the military being responsible for a head of state. Well the military credo in the US and the Philippines is supposed to be not to carry out illegal orders. Even if passed down the chain of command. History has shown in the EDSA I and in the Estrada ouster that the military will not turn against its commander-in-chief but instead withdraw support at the senior command levels or not follow orders at the unit level.
@Caliphman ” the military credo in the US and the Philippines is supposed to be not to carry out illegal orders. ” That’s nuts. It turns every military officer into a backyard lawyer..
I have been trying to remember instances of military dictatorships in countries with parliamentary democracies.. I cannot off the top of my head, think of any ( except Spain in the 19th century & Italy with Mussolini ? ) However I can think of dozens of countries with presidential democracies that have had dictatorships : Philippines, Argentina , Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, Bangla Desh, Nigeria, Ghana.
the only big exception is the USA which because it is a Federal state system has dispersed centers of power and so makes a miliitary coup near impossible..
Why the difference ? A long story..For another day…But ‘Presidents’ are merely elected powerful executive Kings..I suspect that is a key difference.
Fellas,
There’s 3 main things re military mindset and coups over here (though Federalism plays a role, it’s not as significant in my estimation in preventing coups or orders being refused),
1. The Constitution (thus country) trumps individuals or groups. We swear an Oath.
2. The concept of Mission accomplishment & troop welfare. Officers ensure missions accomplishment gets done, NCOs ensure officers don’t unnecessarily place their men under harms way—- kinda like letter of the Law vs. spirit of the Law, there’s a constant balancing act.
The importance of a strong cadre of NCOs, ones who can stand up and speak truth to power.
3. Also the tradition of Conscientious Objector, this is thanks to our Quakers, Amish, Mennonites, etc.
Here’s Gen. Smedley Butler (USMC), who applied all three in the 1930s coup attempt of FDR,
“That’s nuts. It turns every military officer into a backyard lawyer.”
Everyone in the military is held accountable. This gets hammered in bootcamp, 2 weeks in (the first week is paperwork, admin stuff, etc.) Officers and NCOs especially are held to ROEs (Rules of Engagement) and Conduct, of their subordinates.
In bootcamp, when this was covered, we watched a scene in Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” and saw pictures of captured Nazi officers and pee-ons whose excuse was, “They made me do it… I was ordered”— and still got hanged. Mid-grade Marine or Navy JAG officers give this presentation.
Hard to see the officer corps staying loyal to someone who is stacking the administration with rebels.
The bad possibility is a repeat of yesterday’s coups, as I know that the military remains staunchly anti-communist.
Off topic
Survey numbers of SWS-BW of April 18-20 versus those of PA-ABS.CBN of April 19-24
I was intrigued by the SWS-BW survey numbers of April 18-20 for the Vice Presidency which gave for Robredo, Marcos, Escudero the numbers 26, 25, 18, respectively. As against the PA-ABS.CBN survey numbers of April 19-24 which gave 26, 31, 18, respectively
So I checked the consistency of the PA numbers. Weighing the regional matrix numbers of Robredo, Marcos, Escudero with the regional weights — NCR 0.1158, BL 0.4449, VIS 0.2077, MIN 0.2316 — we get the calculated results of 25.5, 30.7, 18.3 which when rounded gives the REPORTED 25, 31, 18 AS IT SHOULD.
However, weighing the socioeconomic matrix numbers of Marcos, Robredo, Escudero with the socioeconomic weights — ABC 0.10, D 0.60, E 0.30 — we get the calculated results of 26.6, 29.6, 17.9 which when rounded DO NOT GIVE the REPORTED 26, 31, 18 AS IT SHOULD, except for the case of Escudero.
Thus, the numbers do not tally even when rounded (as they should) — the calculated result gives a 3 point spread Marcos-Robredo as against the 5 point spread as reported.
I AM NOT TALKING HERE OF STATISTICAL MARGIN. It is simply a CALCULATIONAL ERROR in the case of PA. (Calculation is cheap, especially with computer tools — Excel, etc.) Thus, on the basis of this, the spread in Marcos-Robredo results are consistent in both PA and SWS results considering the statistical margin.
——————————
AS A PRECAUTION, against possible error on my part, I took PA results for Duterte, Poe, Roxas from
Regional breakdown:
My calculation — 32.9, 22.0, 19.6
Reported (rounded) — 33, 22, 20
CHECKS as it should
Socioeconomic breakdown:
My calculation — 32.8, 21.6, 20.3
Reported (rounded) — 33, 22, 20
CHECKS as it should
CONCLUSION
This post may sound like quibbling. But in the rush of survey numbers flying “thick and fast” one still has to use one’s number sense, if one can, to see the results from different sources. And here I am looking at two survey outfits which may be said to have established their bona fides in the past.
https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D940597212726805%26id%3D930108150442378%26substory_index%3D0&width=500
@karl please delete. Thanks
Gian,
I can only edit if I authored the post. Sorry bout that.
Thanks, gian.
From the image you referenced, I got this:
(Posted by Silent No More?)
Survey conducted by Exponent M — a Market Research and Survey Firm founded in 2012 by former TNS Employees.
Duterte 35
Roxas 28
Poe 21
Binay 13
Santiago 3
Period covered: April 25-30. 1200 respondents. Margin of error +/- 2.8. Confidence level 95%
Here is a simple concept on the numbers going forward or on election day:
If credit is given to the numbers from Exponent M (ref — giancarloangulo’s post), that is,
Duterte, Roxas, Poe, Binay, Santiago at 35, 28, 21, 13, 3, respectively,
then with the additional negative item on corruption (ref Trillanes) showing Duterte once more as a liar — first, no such account; then there is such account; only it is less than P211m, etc — and the rest of the Candidates taking a shot at Duterte and doing their mightiest to campaign the last few days, it is plausible that each of these other candidates will get an addition 2 points — coming from Duterte’s number. Hence:
the numbers of Duterte, Roxas, Poe, Binay, Santiago becomes 27, 30, 23, 15, 5, respectively.
(A simple play on the numbers. It is obvious I am not a Duterte fan.)
Leni is the number 1
Excellent article. It influenced the ending of my video here (please share): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiOQ0wfrepE
Sorry, I believe I need to put the embed code for the video to work. It is a good visual companion to Joe America’s article, I think.
I deserved a president that have the highest integrity among all of them, why? We have to build a nation that is morally right it start from the President the father of the nation.
If you don’t get it right from the start which is the character of the leader you will not get it right everywhere, we can not build a prosperous nation that have a solid foundation if the leader have flaws in their integrity.
Mga kababayan in this election we have to think of a bigger picture of our country in which direction we are heading not only just talk of killing criminals & drug addicts but more on investing in human capital like big expenditure on education, 4P’s, extended years in education curriculum, RH Bill finally a law, etc., those are human development investment that will solve poverty & later will reduce criminality.
In this election we have to think not only Davao but a nation with more than 7k islands, a nation that is dealing with our huge maritime borders, foreign policy is very important whoever the next president is, as a proud Filipino citizen I deserved a president that will not ride a jet ski & put the Philippine flag in the disputed island, we don’t need the president that will dare to cut ties with our allies & could isolate us from the rest of the world.
I deserved decency as a human being not only because I grew up in the corrupt country like Philippines but as a human being on this planet. Decency in my words & action.
“Tandaan ninyo mga kapwa ko mga Filipino ang isang lipunan na marumi ang namumuno kailanman ay hindi manganganak ng malinis na lipunan.
My Spirit, character, integrity & decency ware embodied by Mar Roxas & Leni Robredo & therefore I deserve a leader like them.
Estrada is not a LAWYER. Duterte is not into gambling and drinking. And more importantly Pnoy is not Cory.
Duterte not in gambling Paul?
He is gambling the whole Philippines..
http://www.philippinenews.com/index.php/en/top-stories/item/2043-video-duterte-to-lease-philippine-islands-if-elected
I suspect that Cory Aquino would be incredibly proud of her son if she were alive today. Same with Ninoy.
Excuse me Joe, Cory helped overthrow a dictatorship….P’noy seems to be twiddling his thumbs watching while Duterte organises to become dictator with a ‘revolutionary’ government with NPA members in the cabinet..
That is a horribly negative presumption, consistent with what crooks, leftists and malcontents would say. He has to concern himself with the ‘rule of law’, which you do not.
No Joe, I am just drawing a conclusion from what Duterte says he will do if elected with 33 % of the vote : establish a revolutionary government with him as dictator as Raisa so clearly states… I think that Aquino has a duty to uphold the law.
It is a presumption to think he is not considering what he may do, and to think that he must inform us prior to the election. You would be correct to advise him, but not criticize as If you knew what he is or should be doing.
This is the face of Duterte in German weekly magazine Stern… “murder is no problem for him” it says and mentions Clarita Alia who lost 4 boys and everything else about Duterte so far…
I Wonder if Tess in Munich can read it ?
Here is the PCIJ article about Alia’s teenagers: http://pcij.org/stories/print/davao.html
It need not be Duterte. It could be anybody with the same rude, outspoken and raucous anti-establishment approach.
The Duterte phenomenon is simply a response to an anger that can no longer be contained and makes people feel that the existing system will never create change.
“Change.”
Sadly, post-Chavez Venezuela is paying the price for the “change” he gave to that country, what with a wrecked economy, rampant criminality, and cheap oil prices.
@Joe : Re standard of English in BPO employees..
I think that the level of written and reading comprehension is high among many Filipinos..I think that the level of understanding of English spoken by non Americans can be very poor. I think that the ability to speak clear audible English among Filipinos varies greatly.A few have excellent speaking skills. But most BPO employees speak so softly as to be inaudible especially with the hum of a few hundred other conversations in the background.
These opinions come from my experience on the phone as a Tesltra customer and from being here awhile in the Philippines.
I accept that as your personal judgment, and have had one bad experience myself. BPO are here for legitimate reasons, cost being one, proficiency another. It is a successful industry. That tends to be a statement, itself.
Bill, here in the US there is great reliance on Philippine call centers as the first point of contact. The range in quality differs greatly from virtually no difference to comparable US support to terrible which is what you described in your personal experience. This is also reflected in the pricing offered to US firms for the level and quality of response required. The Philippine BPO industry has developed and matured very well in the last two decades and has diversified its services to address the the wide gamut of price versus quality preferences of its global clientele. So one can no longer generalize about how good ot bad their services are.
ummmmmmm ! This I did not know..But it seems stupid for an Australian or USA Or Britiish company to sub contract out it’s customer service to cheap but ineffective BPO company..
Bill, the reason corporations outsource is to save money while maintaining satisfactory level customer and backroom services. That level depends on the corporation and the kind of customer involved. It would be stupid for a person to rent a pricey Bentley if he is not going to his wedding but just to the store.
Okay, spilt my coffee on that one.
The BPO business is extremely competitive and segmented. If an outfit cannot meet price and quality tradeoffs required by the market, it soon runs out of business which is grabbed by its rivals in India and the Philippines.
Friends, we are all in this country together. Duterte’s brand of justice is scary. Some, not all, of his supporters are quite aggressive to the point of threatening harm to those criticizing their candidate..I hope and pray they will not eventually be members of the dreaded death squads, I hope and pray too, that no one among the peace loving Duterte supporters, including the rest of us, will not become victims of mistaken identity and be killed without due process.
Law and order is a must so we can have progress, and we have the civilian authority, the PNP and military to enforce the law, and courts to rule on the guilt or innocence of anyone accused.
Death penalty is still not allowed in our constitution. Poe and Duterte has already violated our fundamental law of the land – the Constitution. Binay has allegedly circumvented and manipulated the laws so he can stay in power and finance his dream of being President. Santiago is sick, her choice of VP reveals her damaged discernment of issues concerning our country and has joined those who want to revise our history and forget what the former dictator/plunderer has done to us and our country.
Let’s have leaders that will truly uphold the law and the constitution.
ROxas-RObredo, RORO!!!
Nice to see your post, Mary. It has your stamp all over it; and I am glad.
Been busy posting at various FB groups, sir NH, after my discharge from the hospital.
Am glad to be alive and posting again…joke, hahaha…
Pray tell, Mary, how did Poe violate the constitution. Didn’t you yourself say that we should wait for the decision of the SC? Did you say that just because at that time it looked like the SC would vote against Poe. Now that the SC has decided with finality in favor of Poe, you still say that she violated the constitution. What gives?
Hi, jolly
I have posted my take on her not being a natural born citizen so many times in the past. In my personal and layperson’s understanding of our fundamental law of the land (the Constitution), that is a constitutional requirement that has not yet been amendment yet. To date, International laws have not been ratified yet by Congress by way of an implementing law.
Yes, I did say that we should wait for the decision of the SC if she will be allowed to run, and I also did say that notwithstanding any ruling by the SC, (knowing how they flip flop, and that just like in Congress and Senate, voting is a numbers game), I will be voting according to my understanding of the issues.
Remember their ruling on Estrada being allowed to run for public office after he was convicted of plunder which carries perpetual disqualification to hold office, and their ruling on Enrile bail based on humanitarian consideration which was not even prayed for by his own lawyers?
The SC ruled that Poe may run, I respect that and did not declare a personal war against that decision to allow her to, but as a citizen, I am also allowed to form my own opinion based on my own analysis of issues,
A wrong cannot be right no matter if millions will say it is right. I am glad to be in the company of the 3 SET SC justices who ruled that Poe’s running is unconstitutional, and then again in the Poe vs. Comelec case in the SC, as well as the Comelec en banc decision. That is my opinion as a citizen-voter and I will exercise my right of free expression. I respect the SC ruling that Poe can run, but their ruling on the twin issues of citizenship and residency, a controversial one at that, will still be under review by the PET, if I’m not mistaken, if ever she wins.
I won’t be influenced by surveys, never was, and won’t be influenced by an SC ruling which in my belief is not correct.
I am my own man, errr woman…always am. I will stick to my conviction until I am convinced otherwise ie. that my convictions will bring harm to the country. In this case, I believe that RORO will be good for the country.
Sorry, this off topic but please allow me to share this article by Solita Monsod which fortified my conviction as stated above.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/94100/nothing-capricious-in-comelec-rulings-on-poe
What is grave abuse of discretion? Here is what the Supreme Court said in one of its rulings: “Grave abuse of discretion” defies exact definition; generally, it refers to “capricious or whimsical exercise of judgment as is equivalent to lack of jurisdiction”; “the abuse of discretion must be patent and gross as to amount to an evasion of a positive duty or a virtual refusal to perform a duty enjoined by law, or to act at all in contemplation of law, as where the power is exercised in an arbitrary and despotic manner by reason of passion and hostility. Mere abuse of discretion is not enough; it must be grave.”
Given this definition, do you agree with the Court’s majority that the Comelec had committed grave abuse of discretion? I don’t. I’m not a particular fan of the Comelec, but I read its rulings and there was nothing whimsical or capricious about them.
Did Grace Poe lie in her COC? She did: 1) She said she was a natural-born citizen because she was born to Ronnie and Susan Poe (in an official document of the Bureau of Immigration), and 2) she asserted in her COC for senator in 2013 that she had been a resident of the Philippines for six years and six months, which means that by 2016, she would have been a resident for nine years and six months. That does not add up to 10 years, the requirement for the presidency.
But the majority said that those were not lies, only honest mistakes. Well, gee whiz. If those were honest mistakes, then Grace Poe doesn’t deserve to be president. Committing those honest mistakes makes her less than intelligent. Besides, what is so honest-mistake about saying that one was born to parents who had adopted her? What is so honest-mistake about not being able to add up to 10?
The Supreme Court’s decision on Poe must qualify as one of the most disputed decisions, based on the number of written opinions of justices. I counted 10 separate opinions, dissenting or concurring, and I read every one of them.
But there is one interesting thing I want to point out to you, dear Reader: how (some) justices can write polar opposite opinions on the same subject without batting an eyelash. Do you remember Regina Ongsiako Reyes—who was disqualified from Congress on the basis that she did not satisfy the citizenship and one-year-residency requirements—complaining that the Court was using a double standard?
In the Reyes case, the Court upheld the Comelec, and the ponente was Justice Jose Perez, who happens to be the ponente in the Poe case, where he has taken the opposite view. A not so trivial aside: Reyes’ loss was the gain of Lord Allan Jay Velasco, whom she had beaten, and who is the son of Justice Presbitero Velasco.
Justice Teresita de Castro brought up this anomalous viewpoint change in her dissenting opinion to the Poe decision. She quotes from Justice Perez’s ponencia in the Reyes case: “At this point, the burden of proof shifted to petitioner, imposing upon her the duty to prove that she is a natural-born Filipino citizen and has not lost the same, or that she has re-acquired such status in accordance with the provisions of [Republic Act] No. 9225…. All in all, considering that the petition for denial and cancellation of the COC is summary in nature, the Comelec is given much discretion in the evaluation and admission of evidence pursuant to its principal objective of determining whether or not the COC should be cancelled…”
Given the above, how come the Supreme Court came down hard on the Comelec this time, with some justices implying that the poll body must have been partisan? Justice De Castro, in her dissenting opinion: “With the above, I am at a loss how the Court, through the majority, could rule the way it did in this case when not so long ago it took the opposite position and dismissed the petition of Reyes.”
How, indeed? Justice Velasco voted with the majority in the Poe case. Does that mean that if he had voted in the Reyes case (he recused himself), he would have sided with Reyes and left his son twisting in the wind?
At least one justice implied that the Comelec, in its judgment against Poe, was being partisan. Maybe it takes one to know one. It seems that the Court majority in this case voted, not on the basis of the law, but on other considerations.
Justice Mariano del Castillo (his was supposed to be the majority opinion, but the vote changed at the last minute, so his became a dissenting opinion) hit the nail right on the head when he said:
“In ending, I wish to reiterate that the very precept and principle that is at once the capstone and the polestar that had guided the undersigned in drafting his opinion in this landmark case: this statement from the December 1, 2015 Resolution of the Comelec’s Second Division in SPA No. 15-001 (DC): ‘A person who aspires to occupy the highest position in the land must obey the highest law of the land.’”
To cut continuity, expansion and fine tuning of Daang Matuwid in exchange of misguided change is like what this man is doing, cutting the branch he is sitting on while it’s still attached to a tall tree.
Friends, please let’s go for Daang Matuwid, RORO style. Mar is on record as saying if there is still some things lacking, pupunuan nya, palalawakin; kung may mali, itatama natin, – yan ang ibig kong sabihin ng fine tuning of DM…a Roxas admin is not necessarily 100% PNOY admin, Roxas will correct what was not quite right in the current admin, continue what has resulted in us being upgraded to investment grade by different credit agencies of the world, thereby giving us lower cost of doing business, the continued fight against corruption which netted us of big fishes now detained for alleged plunder – so that we can soar to greatness, like an eagle. It will not be good for us to be in a position of being like a yoyo toy – a good president who did good, to be followed by one who will undo what he had done. we need at least 18 years of good governance to undo the damage done to our economy and morality from Marcos, Arroyo and Erap administrations.
“Digong’s hand raise, closed fist as a mark of struggle observed in his campaign marches, and platform pre & post political speeches.”
I see them in all of the Leftists’ rallies. And we know that the Leftists are one of the groups being used by the Communist Party of the Philippines – they have the armed group (NPA), the demonstrators financed by Leftist partylists in Congress. The farmers’ rally in Kidapawan, hijacked by the leftist with their raised hands and closed fists and red banners, demanding demilitarization in their area…and they have the nerve to say that “the farmers asked for rice and were cruelly given bullets”.
Digong is purposely giving the impression of being a Leftist President-to-be (by his own words), has a BFF in Joma Sison, was allegedly on record as saying revolutionary tax is a reality so just pay them; allegedly paying them 125 million annually, cheered them out loud “Mabuhay and NPA” and is practicing the vigilante style of justice of the NPAs.
I do not want that kind of struggle. I was one of those who struggled against Marcos – that struggle is one that I can understand. It’s quite ironic that a Leftist candidate is being supported by so many religious groups together with Bong Bong Marcos who, together with his loyalists, are accusing the Aquinos of being communists.
If I recall correctly, along with our friend Irineo, the Nazis initially used the Communists and Stalin in advancing their goals, and only after they gained supremacy in Germany did they started purging their supposed allies, culminating in declaring war against the Soviets to seize their lands west of the Urals.
Yes, he is just toying with the CPP/NPA/NDF so that they don’t become much of a problem for now. My view is that he will exterminate them as well at the appropriate time.
Mary,nice to see you up and about.Now I really miss Edgar.
Anyone have any idea if he is doing OK?
I would guess edgar is doing well, reading books, doing his meditations — philosophical and the like — and reading us here with smile on his face. Me too; I miss his numbered, concise to-the-point statements — 1, 1.1, 1.2, 2, etc bracketed by asterisks **.
yep, I really miss sir edgar, too. karl, are you an FB friend of his, is he active there? I am not so into Disqus comments these days, it’s where I see his comments before.
sir edgar, where are you? are you alright?
I asked him before if he was active on social media and he said he was not.If I recall correctly he had an acct on fb and twitter,but he stopped using them.
I saw an Edgar Lores in Disqus about 5 days ago with his avatar. It was just a one-liner comment. I am also one of the many who misses his trademark elucidation.
Knowing Edgar is just somewhere out there is good news.
That’s fair dinkum mate, you are SORELY missed, so stop playing missing already, and you too, mariano 🏄
Mariano is taking refuge at Irineo’s blog.Malapit nang matapos ang 30 days suspended animation nya dito sa Society.
TKU 4 the info Karl 🏄
welcome mercedes.
HI, Joe. Have been trying to post comments since yesterday. The site seems to be rejecting them.
OK, that worked, so will try this. Tess Pajaron, I would advise you read the first article below, which describes how public perception is manipulated by Davao city hall, so that one ends up believing in the exact opposite of reality.
The second shows Senator Poe’s unnervingly tepid and off-tangent response to reports of child killings, back in 2013, when she could have done something about it. Y’all know I’m a fan of hers. 🙂
Dispatches: The Philippines Death Squad Denial Complex
https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/02/06/dispatches-philippines-death-squad-denial-complex
Poverty and family abuse force Davao’s children to the streets
http://pcij.org/stories/2002/davao2.html
I had several other links, but it may be there’s a limit to what I can post.
Only Joe can automatically post more than two links.
> how public perception is manipulated by Davao city hall
Definitely sounds just like what Pyongyang looks like: made safe, clean and attractive for the tourists/fellow travelers, while hiding the less-savory parts away from them.
In a nutshell, even Goebbels and the Kims should applaud this man for his successful manipulation of the populace to vote for him.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/130266-rodrigo-duterte-rapture-imagined-president
In the event, I’m preparing myself for it should things go south, reading survival guides, including those published by the Electronic Frontier Foundation on how to deal with electronic surveillance. Move people I know to the provinces.
It isn’t over til it’s over. We will see.
The whole series is full of brilliant writing. It doesn’t pull the punches on any of the presidential candidates.
The Mar Roxas one is not particularly kind to him either:
> In spite of this, Roxas remains what the Liberal Party touts “the only decent choice.” The choice is black and white. The binaries have been laid out: the decent versus the barbarians, the decent versus the immoral, the decent versus those who would push the country down to hell on a handcart. This is the dangerous territory of exclusionary elitism, of claiming moral high ground without actually listening to why voters have become so desperate to place their bets on other candidates.
> And yet is a young teacher in the conflict zones of Lanao del Sur to be blamed for choosing the Mindanao-born Rodrigo Duterte? Can a taxi driver be called a barbarian for wanting a president who can put a stop to corrupt traffic cops? Is it not reasonable for a starving farmer to protest against the yellow army when the drought kills his bananas and the governor says he doesn’t deserve help?
Link to that one:
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/131345-mar-roxas-inheritance-imagined-president
It is at least a very frank assessment, but even then for him to gain acceptance in a Facebook-dominated society is a tremendous challenge.
Dear all,
Thanks for all the comments. When I wrote this, I did not understand why Duterte was alienating practically every sector he would need cooperation and consensus from if he wins.
Now, if you read Raissa’s latest post,
https://raissarobles.com/2016/05/02/why-i-believe-rodrigo-duterte-is-copying-marcos-moves-to-set-up-a-dictatorship/
then it becomes clear: he really has no interest in getting consensus because he will force everything down. And copying Marcos is no problem for him since he has said that he will copy other leaders’ programs anyway.
Are (mainly) right-thinking Candidate(s) and associates confronted with a pure unmitigated disaster like a hurtling train coming its way powerless — acting as if their hands are tied? I don’t think so.
Like to 10th power
Wiping out criminality in 3-6 months will be quite a challenge, even for Du30. He needs at least a year to get some elements of AFP and PNP on board. He needs at least 6 months to set up DDS franchises all over Philippines. Most likely the master franchisor will be guys from Davao.
My bet on what is the first thing to happen within 6 months is he will create some diplomatic row. His knee jerk reactions to the US and Australian comments on the rape issue, and similarly jerky reaction to some sketchy stuff he heard of the Singapore govt’s action on a fake facebook publication of endorsement of Du30 by the prime minister is a harbinger of what to expect. He works at the thuggish level with a bravado for his supporters to cheer him on. Bear in mind that thus far, he is only the mayor of Davao, hence his action is something the US, Australia and Singapore simply tucks away in some uncomfortable corner. If this happens during his presidency, he will find that reactions will be much much different.
With millions of OFWs, sooner or later another Flor Contemplacion incident is bound to happen somewhere. Will Du30 burn another country’s flag in Malacanang as he did the Singapore flag in Davao? In his thuggish approach, the first thing that comes out of his mouth is “sever relations”. Du30 supporters better understand that Philippines needs the world more than the world needs Philippines. “Sever relations” is just one level below declaration of war. As one FB commenter indicated, and I’ll shout out here:
Hey Du30 supporters. “Sever relations” means :
– NO MORE GREEN CARDS (for US)
– OFWs GO HOME
– NO MORE AIDS (you simply do not realise the amount aids u get from US and other countries — not just during calamities, but financial support to fund various activities in Philippines. If it were to be listed out you will be ashamed and humbled)
– NO MORE VISAS
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”….. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Duterte when he had the 8 mainland Chinese involved in shabu freed in 2005 said – look for the article via google I think timawa.net has it in full I have to go soon – that one had to see to maintaining good relations because there were many Filipino OFWs in China.
So he obviously has a double standard… and there is also an article somewhere about foreign accounts of Duterte, which I am sure Karl can find – it is in any case on the Learning Center FB page somewhere… Singapore, Malaysia and China I have read… bye.
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200502109901.htm
Duterte facilitates release of 8 Sinos
By Edith Regalado
The Philippine Star 02/10/2005
DAVAO CITY — Eight of 10 Chinese nationals arrested last Jan. 1, a day after a shabu laboratory was busted here, were freed last Tuesday afternoon, thanks to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who facilitated their release.
“It is in the spirit of the Chinese New Year and for humanitarian reasons that I am seeking their release,” Duterte said.
He said some of the detainees are either too young or too old to be deprived of their liberty.
Duterte said investigation has cleared the eight Chinese nationals, including the parents of alleged shabu lab financier Allan Sy, of any involvement in the illegal drug manufacturing.
“They have nothing to do with illegal drugs. The only mistake of some of them was that they may have violated immigration laws in connection with their stay here,” the mayor said.
Duterte, however, said the eight still have to comply with the necessary requirements and pay the corresponding fees with the immigration bureau should they wish to extend their stay in the country.
The eight were among the 10 foreigners who were rounded up in the row of apartments in Bo. Obrero here where Sy and his family are also residing.
Two other warehouses of Sy, who is still at-large, were raided here and were found to be keeping shabu-making equipment and chemicals used in manufacturing the illegal drug.
The shabu laboratory raided in Barangay Dumoy yielded over 100 kilos of high-grade shabu with a street value of more than P300 million, as well as shabu-making equipment and chemicals such as ephedrine.
Among those released were Sy’s parents Lin Qiong Xio and Shi Chunchang, who were in the city for a short visit when they were arrested.
The six others are Zhenyi Lu, Yashu Gou, Wendun Zheng, Lu Zixiao, Shi Chun Fa and Cai Lungna.
Duterte earlier wrote Immigration Chief Alipio Fernandez to approve the immediate temporary release of the eight Chinese nationals while the bureau is hearing their cases.
“The old ones have deteriorating health aggravated by the circumstances,” he told Fernandez.
Besides, Duterte said he was also concerned about the repercussions the continued detention of the eight foreigners would have on the hundreds of Filipinos who are legally or illegally staying in China.
“If we want our fellow Filipinos respected in other countries, we must also show respect to their nationals while in our country,” he said.
However, Duterte said he would not hesitate to personally go after foreigners who commit crimes or are involved in the illegal drug trade.
the timawa link.
Philstar has deleted the article.
http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=2338.0
Or write irritating blogs.
as long as it is only the irritating storm troopers and not him personally who will comment,everythng will be fine.I hope.
Dami nyong satsat. Me nagawa ba kayo o mga pinag mamalaki nyong kurap na mga pinuno kumpara kay Duterte? All you are just haters and wannabe part takers of a big chunk of this country’s wealth. Generation of low life crocs!
Bring back Tess Pajaron, LOL! j/k, Joe.
isusumbong kita dun sa maraming satsat tsaka magaling mag-english sige ka….
ano yung low life crocs, bagong sapatos?
Yup. Latest style of footwear na uso ngayon. Endorsed by Davao Development System.
Ahaha, wonderfully hateful statement against the people who have generated wealth that is benefitting so many who have not. I’d be interested in how President Duterte will keep generating wealth after the brains and risk takers and rich people flee to lands that welcome innovation and wealth creation.
Atlas shrugged? So who is John Galt? That’s actually another possibility. Haha
Hahaha Johnny is alive and well and building Makati. He goes by the alias “Ayala”.
Center of business and commerce… Home of tech and trade…
Oh my god… How did I not see that. D=
Well thanks Joe. Atlas shrugged is now associated with Ayala in my mind. haha
🙂
Never a shortage of Jason Ivler gangster wannabes.
Yesterday I was at a meeting in Frankfurt which lasted the whole day… 3 hours train ride in the morning and 3 hours back in the evening… very tiring but what I used to motivate myself is that the less fortunate in the Philippines have THAT routine every day in trains that often don’t work… in fact I relished sitting in the dining car on the way back, the Oriental waiter was a bit bakla but friendly and let me sit the last hour (Nürnberg-München) even if I had already paid my meal which I drew out in order not to sit in the crowded normal section… still LESS crowded than the MRT…
Now I have to be somewhere else at 10 but that is just 15 minutes across the Theresienwiese which are the Oktoberfest grounds… what I am aiming at is EMPATHY… this is something that the government has shown itself wanting in… I recently saw pictures on Facebook about a recent MRT breakdown where the train lurched forward and stopped, people had to walk alongside the tracks AGAIN, this happens often… coming to the office sweaty and tired is no joke who likes it…
Duterte is NOT the solution… but a lot of the protest vote towards Duterte is pure vindictiveness against a perceived uncaring elite and their backers… we are suffering so let everybody suffer is often the spark that ignites revolutions… if you want to convince people to NOT let Duterte win, you have to pick them up from that anger, show empathy for their difficulties which are REAL… somehow the RoRo campaign has to convince people that they will find solutions for that stuff, because it is no joke to have no time left for anything else during the day, 8 hours work and then 6 hours riding back and forth means 10 hours left for private stuff and sleep every day for years…
Indeed. Irineo, I agree with your analysis. The sad part is, if you’re a RoRo/Tuwid na Daan supporter… this protest vote was predictable. It should not have been a surprise to the smart people and political operatives of the Liberal Party… but it appears that’s what happened.
Please refer back to chempo’s article – on a clear day, you can see the MRT…and the video of Roxas’ forum with students and social media groups…his plans were discussed there in detail…the short term ones (P2P, BRT) as well as the long term ones…we are seeing the price of economic development, it’s like we are like a strip of road undergoing short term rehab while the long term solutions are in the pipelines, still braving humps and bumps (convincing private property owners, etc, etc….) a work still in progress.
This has been discussed previously, like that Yolanda fund that has been already answered repeatedly but still being resurrected ad nauseum.
NCR is not the only region in the world that is experiencing severe traffic, so if residents of NCR will vote because of the daily travel torture, that’s part of democracy, but we are trying to encourage everyone to look at the forest and not at a single tree. We who are not that affected now empathize with them, but before, I had breathed in a lot of dark fumes in my daily travel to and from work, been subjected to snatchers and ill-mannered co-passengers, had left my home at 5:00 am to avoid traffic and developed friends who I can sit with in a modicum of security so I can recover the sleep debts while commuting …nowadays, I have been inviting friends and office mates to share a ride with me, morning and afternoon daily to alleviate their sufferings, but I can only do so much on my own.
But as sure as the sum comes up every morning, solutions have been found but as in every long term solutions, it takes time for them to come to fruition.
Mary Grace, Irineo posted a bit back in this thread (May 2, 2016 at 3:26 am) about how there needed to be ways to “build trust among stakeholders” when it came to fixing problems, including traffic. Right now, that trust simply does not exist.
There’s this… absolutism in this community that almost seems to say only long-term solutions are valid, that people must take their bitter medicine. If this was a game like SimCity where another day was as simple as clicking another button, that might work. But we’re dealing with people here. The people who, in a democracy, happen to be in charge.
This is not an ideal world. Sure it would be nice to wait for ideal solutions. But you need to offer the patient hope, some improvement – not just bitter medicine.
And I did read chempo’s article on the MRT. The MRT is only one part of the Metro Manila transport problem – a high-visibility one, sure, but not the only one. What happened in the rest of those areas? Can DOTC not walk and chew gum at the same time? Knowing that the MRT would run into problems should have spurred efforts to try to improve the system elsewhere, to try and lighten the burden on the problematic section.
For example, Irineo mentioned a BRT line on C5 – as someone who passes by C5 every day to work, I think that would have been a great idea. If we can’t even get a BRT operational in six years, well… Rodrigo Duterte would be the least of our problems, because that would mean we have a government that is completely, and utterly, paralyzed. Saying that the MRT situation is complex doesn’t excuse inaction elsewhere.
A lot of people want to blame MRT problems on Mar Roxas because it’s election time and he happened to be DOTC Secretary for about thirteen months. Here are some things about the MRT that I’m sure Mar is responsible for:
1. He sought budget and NEDA approval for the purchase of new train coaches to add capacity to the MRT system. He was the FIRST government official/DOTC Secretary to do this despite the fact that the need to buy new train coaches was known early on in PGMA’s term.
2. He was the FIRST to call out Sumitomo on their poor maintenance of the MRT system for over a decade.
3. He got the ball rolling for the Automatic Fare Collection System (now known as beep) that created a single ticketing system for the MRT and the two LRT lines.
Still, misinformation about his role in MRT problems continue to spread. I previously shared a blog entry on the MRT that I found online because it was incredibly detailed and informative. But the false info continues to go around and it just irks me because it’s unfair not just to Mar but to the hardworking people in DOTC who are trying so hard to keep the train running, even if it was such in bad shape when it was turned over to this administration. (And believe me, with all the suits left and right that they have to contend with, plus the constraints of the Government Procurement Law, plus the never-ending but understandable public bashing, it is SO. HARD. TO. KEEP. THE. TRAIN. RUNNING.)
Case in point: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/765272….
DOTC will probably reply to it. But I don’t work there anymore, so I don’t know that for sure. For now, I will just write about what I know.
Background
(This is lengthy but important to understand my rebuttals to the article that follow.)
The MRT was built through a partnership between the private sector (MRTC) and the government (DOTC). This partnership was formed in the 1990s, when the Philippine government did not have enough budget to build infrastructure such as railways. (I wonder whose fault is that? I think the family of someone running for VP is to be blamed.) This was also at a time when the government was still quite unfamiliar with how Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) should be structured so that taxpayers would not be on the losing end of the deal.
Under that partnership, the MRTC is supposed to build and maintain the MRT system. They contracted Sumitomo to maintain the system, although it was discovered later by an independent audit that Sumitomo’s performance had a lot of critical lapses the MRTC failed to act on. It is also MRTC who is supposed to expand the MRT when ridership goes up and exceeds original capacity, unless they waive this responsibility. (They never waived it.) Most important of all, MRTC OWNS THE MRT SYSTEM.
Government, on the other hand, is supposed to operate the system and pay MRTC, the OWNER, for its use. Payment is pegged on a fixed schedule over 25 years that basically comes down to a 15% return for the investors who financed the construction of the MRT. Ask anyone who works in banking or investing and they would know that a guaranteed 15% return is a very lucrative deal today. The government is also supposed to pay MRTC maintenance fees–because, again, maintenance is MRTC’s responsibility; government just foots the bill.
The contract for this partnership is a very poor one because it gives government very little control over the quality of the system. More importantly, the MRT Corporation has reneged on many of its responsibilities over the last decade and government had very few options on how to penalize them. Some of these failures started out as small ones, such as failing to buy new coaches when ridership was just around 250,000 daily–maybe they were complacent because they never thought it would double so quickly? But today’s MRT passengers bear the brunt of these failures that grew and grew over time.
Now, let’s look at some of the inaccurate statements quoted in the news article.
“The first mistake of the DOTC that caused the damage to the MRT occurred when then Secretary Mar Roxas did not initiate bidding procedures in January 2012, the last time they renewed the Sumitomo contract,” Sobrepeña said in a statement.
Mar Roxas or DOTC was not supposed to initiate bidding procedures for a contractor in the first place. It would have been a violation of the contract because MRTC is the one obliged to bid out the maintenance contract. DOTC just pays.
After the 4th contract extension of Sumitomo, DOTC became wary of letting MRTC renew them again because they were charging so much for poor services. If you look back, 2011-2012 was the time when service interruptions and breakdowns started becoming regular. This was the effect of years of poor maintenance in the hands of MRTC and Sumitomo. Mind you, DOTC discovered that instead of buying spare parts, Sumitomo started cannibalizing a spare train coach! (NKKLK.)
What MRTC should have done was to immediately procure a different, more reasonable and more competent maintenance contractor. They did not. At this time, DOTC was already thinking of and preparing for taking over maintenance from MRTC, but it was clear that it was still MRTC’s responsibility.
DOTC was forced to speed up this process and initiate emergency procurement (an alternative to bidding prescribed by the Procurement Law under certain conditions) in October 2012 when MRTC decided to abandoned its obligation to bid out the maintenance contract AT THE LAST MINUTE–days before the 4th contract extension of Sumitomo was about to expire. That’s an emergency because the alternative was stopping train operations completely, because a train cannot run without a maintenance provider, and that would have been a horrible situation for hundreds of thousands of people in Metro Manila. So, no, DOTC did not invent an emergency situation. IT WAS REALLY AN EMERGENCY. The Procurement Law agrees and allows it. The Ombudsman agrees. And I bet you would agree too if the MRT completely stopped operations for anywhere between six to 12 months, which is the typical bidding duration for big government contracts (if you’re lucky and the bid doesn’t fail the first time).
From that time onwards, DOTC has taken over maintenance of the MRT. Surprisingly (or not), no one has sued DOTC for (justifiably) violating the contract in this regard. I guess when things get difficult, nobody wants to raise their hand and say, “Oh, hey, that’s actually my responsibility!”
[You might be interested to know that in 2014, MRTC sought a Temporary Restraining Order on DOTC’s purchase of new train coaches for the MRT. (NKKLKTLG.) Similar to maintenance, buying the new coaches was MRTC’s contractual responsibility but DOTC decided to take over in 2012, again because of MRTC’s inaction. This is probably even worse because the need for new coaches was apparent as early as 2003 or 2004!]
Note: The Philippine government is in the process of acquiring ownership of the entire MRT system through what is called an Equity Value Buy Out. This is to avoid all legal complications that may hamper DOTC’s rehabilitation and capacity expansion efforts.
Sobrepeña said the department’s second mistake occurred was when it negotiated with PH Trams Inc. and questionably incorporated it as contractor on the same date it submitted its proposal. PH Trams’ contract was submitted last August 6, 2015, within Roxas’s term as secretary.
People like ranting about PH Trams. I want to rant about PH Trams too, but not for the reasons that people think. More on that later.
First of all, PH Trams on its own would not have qualified for the maintenance contract. Something people ALWAYS fail to mention is that PH Trams was actually in a joint venture with CB&T, an experienced rail maintenance service provider. Forming a joint venture is not uncommon in business; companies do it all the time, especially when they embark on new projects and need to join forces with other companies. Older companies like CB&T may opt to partner with newly formed companies like PH Trams in order to accommodate new investors or absorb additional manpower.
Together, CB&T and PH Trams fulfilled all the technical, legal and financial requirements to qualify as a maintenance provider for the MRT. DOTC did not put the fate of MRT passengers in inexperienced hands, as others would claim. They were in very experienced hands, actually. CB&T had been, in fact, maintaining LRT Line 1 for a long time before operations and maintenance of that line was bid out through PPP.
Second, “negotiations” may sound like a fishy term, but it’s a completely legit mode of procurement that the law allows under certain circumstances, in this case the emergency situation resulting from MRTC’s sudden abandonment of its maintenance obligations. While PH Trams may have submitted a proposal in August 2012, this was probably just because they found out that government had plans to take over MRT maintenance in the future. (Again, we didn’t know yet then that MRTC was about to drop the ball–but DOTC was already planning on taking the ball away from them.) Companies submitting proposals to a government agency is not a big deal because submission does not equate acceptance or approval. Ultimately, PH Trams together with CB&T still had to follow the correct negotiated procurement process beginning October 4, 2012, which was when DOTC initiated it.
My beef with PH Trams is that one of its incorporators turned out to be the uncle-in-law of then MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol, who was head of the negotiating team and a member of the Bids and Awards Committee for this contract. This was a clear conflict of interest but one that Vitangcol never disclosed. For this non-disclosure, Vitangcol is now facing graft charges.
If you want to read more about the PH Trams issue, I suggest you read the Ombudsman’s decision dated June 26, 2015. To people who still think that DOTC or Jun Abaya is being investigated over this—tapos na po ang investigation.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/kat-usita/oh-mrt/10154619565298266/
Mary Grace,
You’re missing my point. Let us grant, for the benefit of the argument, that the DOTC is not at fault with MRT3. It would still be obvious that at some point, despite all their efforts, it would run into trouble. Okay… so what alternatives were drawn up? Were there other public transport systems built to relieve the stresses on the MRT3?
I’m sure someone will point out the premium point to point buses. Okay, why wasn’t this put in place earlier? Is it that hard to set up a bus network? The problems at the DOTC go way beyond just the MRT3. They put all their effort into fixing the MRT3, when it’s only one part of Manila’s transport network. Even if what the DOTC did with the MRT3 is defensible, their neglect of the rest of the metropolis isn’t.
I worry when people are so interested in holding a position that they start to lay blames on others for failing to agree with them.
I’m not “blaming” anyone. I’m just pointing out that Mary Grace’s reply didn’t really address my main point. As for my “interest”, I’m merely another resident of Metro Manila whose life has been severely affected by the failures of the DOTC. I’m far from the only one whose life has been affected.
If RoRo supporters really want to win people over to their side – if they want to understand why a bloodthirsty thug has the support of educated middle class Metro Manilans – they need to understand why the middle class is angry. Why, despite six years of a good economy, that middle class is out for blood. Dismissing the complaints as illogical is a fine way to feel better – all the way until a Duterte presidency.
I leave it up to everyone whether they want to listen, understand, and try to win people over – or if they want to feel better about themselves, signal their own virtue, and consider themselves above it all.
There seem to me to be two types of voters. Rational and emotional. The emotional want to scream and punish and hold others to account. The rational want to correct the problems. I can’t figure which group to put you in. You seem rational enough, but you also seem to want to lay blames on others, the Roxas followers at the top of your list. I’d suggest that you vote well, holding yourself to account, and allow others to vote as they will, without prejudice.
Jonathon, be reasonable. There is always a lag time when a new government takes office. Just finding out what the previous ‘mob’ did ( out of the public eye ) takes time. And then undoing it takes more time as the inevitable legal battles take place and the battles in the Senate take place, to get the ‘legal’ authority to sort whatever mess has been left for the new bloke…
Running a competent government takes a huge effort in the Philippines because of the all the litigation and a generally dead slow SC and Senate which has more that it’s hare of self serving old men
Bill, remember: I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt on the legally tangled projects like the MRT. Where they failed is to create new projects that would have been free of the legal problems inherited from the past. Again; five years to set up a modest bus network. Do we have a DOTC that cannot do more than one thing? If we do, we have problems beyond whether a thug is about to assume office. We might have a sclerotic government that is utterly dysfunctional – no matter who is at the top.
@Jonathon “We might have a sclerotic government that is utterly dysfunctional – no matter who is at the top.” Unfortunately the more I find out the more I agree with you…
1. stuff gets stuck in the House (Senate and Congress) for very long… the President can prod but his/her influence is highly limited towards the Legislative. Against all odds some good stuff has gotten done in this period, but some things were buried like Land Use.
There was a major reform of the Criminal Code filed by DOJ in 2014 to replace the present Penal Code which is based on the antiquated 1884 Spanish penal code and would simplify dealing with crimes – who can give an update where that is stuck now?
2. TROs (temporary restraining orders) can block projects, the resolution of TROs also can take years… Gian has some infos on how major projects were blocked in this term.
Of course court cases take forever, something even Rizal criticized, comparing the justice system to the respected system in English colonies, were justice was administered swiftly and which I think is one major reason for the success of Singapore which has that system.
The entire system needs a competent revamp I think, but the political will seems missing.
Hmm… Did somebody say political will + revamp of enitre system? *cough* haha
But on a serious note though, Jonathan pretty much summed up the problem: A sclerotic government that is utterly dysfunctional. However, it does make you wonder if this is intentional or not. Just look at how they manage to actually implement and finish stuff in an instant when push comes to shove. As an example, MRT7 construction? That was actually very surprising that it had suddenly pushed through. The elections probably didn’t have anything to do with it. Probably thought that it was just time to start it already.
…
No, I’m not insinuating anything. =O
But could I ask where I could find the info on how major projects were blocked? I’m curious…
ANOTHER MAYOR, ANOTHER FAILURE
In our history, there have been four mayors who either aspired or became president: Aguinaldo, Estrada, Binay, Duterte. The common thread among them is that all were despised and deemed incompetent and corrupt either during their term, while campaigning, or after.
Today, Duterte reiterated his plan to recruit “economic minds” to his cabinet, admitting his deficiencies. He also repeated his plan to copy other leader’s programs. Nice touch, but…
This will result in chaos since this will build factions within the cabinet very much like during Estrada’s time. KANYA-KANYANG DISKARTE, KANYA-KANYANG DILIHENSYA.
Why? Because the president doesn’t know how to set the agenda. So the one with the loudest voice, the biggest lobby will get what they want, even if it is not good for the country. You will have Quiboloy lobbying, Ramon Jacinto lobbying, the Zamoras of Nickel Asia, all stabbing each other and the poor Duterte with his 71 year old dong wont be able to understand how to sort it out….
All he knows is his cops and robbers thing…
Prof Ambeth is now one of us now. For the sake of truth. For opposition against blatant revisionism.
Senator Chiz Escudero, the vice presidential bet of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, is desperately downplaying the increasing popularity of his most formidable opponent, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. According to Escudero, he opposes Bongbong to prevent a repetition of what he considers “the abusive regime” of Bongbong’s late father, President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.
Escudero’s tactic is sheer political duplicity. In local political parlance, he is a balimbing—a super balimbing even.
As discussed in this column last week, Escudero deliberately concealed from the voters that his late father Salvador Escudero was a devoted cabinet minister of President Marcos. Long after President Marcos passed away in 1989, the elder Escudero continued to publicly identify himself with the ex-president by sporting the colors of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), the martial law era political party of the late president, on his shirts.
Therefore, if the martial law era was the “abusive regime” Escudero now wants to portray to the voters, then his attack against Bongbong is an admission that Escudero and his relatives were staunch supporters of the same “abusive regime.”
The scheming and ambitious Escudero knows that if he admits to the voters his past ties to the martial law administration, his attacks against Bongbong will be empty rhetoric. That is why Escudero has been conveniently silent about his very close ties to the Marcos administration during the campaign.
Correctly or incorrectly, Bongbong finds nothing objectionable about the martial law era. Bongbong admits, however, that he cannot disassociate himself from his father’s name and legacy. Unlike Bongbong, however, Escudero is silent about his ties to the martial law regime. This inevitably indicates that Escudero publicly detests the martial law administration not because it is detestable, but because Escudero hopes that his public criticism of the martial law regime will make voters assume that he was never a beneficiary of martial law, and that voters will not learn about a past he now prefers to forget.
Speaking of martial law, Escudero’s political patron in the NPC, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., was another loyal ally of ex-President Marcos. Cojuangco was in charge of the KBL campaign machinery in Central Luzon. He joined the Marcos family abroad during the 1986 Edsa uprising, and returned to the country years later.
In 1992, Cojuangco organized the NPC. Soon thereafter, almost every politician identified with the martial law regime found sanctuary in the NPC. One of them was the late Arturo Tolentino, an ex-KBL assemblyman and the vice presidential running mate of President Marcos in 1986.
Another NPC stalwart is Estelito Mendoza, Marcos’ favored solicitor general who defended the martial law regime in the Supreme Court. Mendoza has been Cojuangco’s personal lawyer for decades now.
Since very close ties exist between the NPC and many politicians linked to martial law, Escudero’s affiliation with the NPC and its martial law supporters deprives him of any moral authority to attack Bongbong and what Escudero duplicitously brands as “the abusive” martial law regime.
Political observers associate Cojuangco with the controversial coconut levy funds, which currently involves billions of pesos. Early into the political campaign, however, Escudero and his running mate Grace Poe publicly cleared Cojuangco of any culpability. How they arrived at that conclusion objectively, considering their ties to Cojuangco, is a mystery.
When Escudero got married a second time around recently, most of the principal sponsors of his wedding were big-time industrialists who own enterprises subject to strict regulation by government agencies directly under Malacañang. Can Escudero really turn down those wedding ninongs or ninangs in the event they run to him for help whenever their enterprises breach the law?
Escudero’s television advertisements focus on poverty and the inability of the poor to get a college education.
The advertisements suggest that if Escudero is elected vice president, that problem will be solved. Really? Under the Constitution, the sole role of the vice president is that of the president’s replacement. Escudero did nothing to stop poverty when he was senator. How then can he stop poverty as vice president? Escudero’s duplicity should not be rewarded with victory at the polls.
Incidentally, the same may be said of the equally ambitious Leni Robredo, the Liberal Party’s candidate for vice president, who has made promises which a vice president, by himself, is powerless to deliver. Her recent surge in some surveys is statistically impossible, considering that she has not participated in any ground-breaking issue sufficient enough to improve her fourth place ranking which she consistently held for the past several months.
…Victor Avecilla in Escudero, the super “balimbing”
That’s why I call him Chiz Whiz. Trapo to the core.
I rode the time machine and went to the future. I picked up a history book on “Fascinating facts on Presidential Cycles.”
Every third president since Marcos has been ousted.
Marcos- ousted
1.Aquino
2.Ramos
3.Estrada- ousted
1.Arroyo
2.Aquino
3.Duterte- ousted
Not sighted yet in the Enquirer…..But reported in Rappler…
“Philippine presidential favourite Rodrigo Duterte’s vague economic plans and threats to kill thousands of criminals are spooking the financial markets, with one business leader warning on Tuesday, May 3, the trash-talking politician would bring anarchy.
The key Philippine Stock Exchange index fell on Tuesday for the fifth consecutive day, a stretch that began after Duterte made a speech before top business leaders in which he joked about his penis and vowed to pardon himself for mass murder.
Ramon del Rosario, head of the prestigious Makati Business Club that hosted Duterte last week, wrote a column Tuesday in the Philippine Daily Inquirer criticizing the candidate’s “distinct lack of respect for the rule of law”.
“Without the rule of law, there will be chaos and anarchy, and no confidence in our country. Without confidence, there will be no investments, and without investments, there will be no jobs,” Del Rosario wrote.”
I think we all discussed this over 10 days ago…
the link for that:
http://opinion.inquirer.net/94563/a-vote-for-our-future
The complete text in the Enquirer today is far far better than what Rappler published.. And from someone who chaired the Makati Business Club address by Duterte last Thursday…Here it is for the majority who do not bother to open links :
”
MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte was our guest at a recent meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines and the Makati Business Club. He is now the frontrunner in the presidential race, and Election Day is only a few days away.
As we consider our final choices, my appeal is that we pause to fully appreciate the implications of our vote. Whatever others may say, the choice of our next president does matter, very much. The reason our economy has done well these past six years, and many more jobs have been created compared to the previous 12, is mainly the improvement in governance provided by President Aquino and his Cabinet, which brought about the confidence investors needed to bring in their investments and create many more jobs.
As the mayor is the frontrunner, he deserves close scrutiny. And the best way to know him is to go by what he has said throughout the campaign. Let us study some key statements that are particularly noteworthy.
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The mayor said months ago that there would be a lot of fat fish in our waterways because he will dump there 100,000 suspected criminals whom he will order to be killed. He repeated before the business groups that his standing order to his law enforcers when suspected criminals resist arrest is to kill them—and he will arm the enforcers with presigned pardons so that human rights do-gooders cannot get in their way. He also repeated that if a son of his is found to be a drug offender, he will have him killed. For good measure, the mayor also warned the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Human Rights, and Congress not to block him or interfere with his work. And he added that at the end of his term, he would issue himself a pardon for the crime of multiple murder.
The mayor has threatened on more than one occasion to abolish Congress if it does not cooperate with him, or threatens to impeach him. A few days ago he said he might just form a revolutionary government.
The mayor has also expressed strong admiration for Ferdinand Marcos, whom he believes to be the best president our country has had, a hero who deserves to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. To my knowledge, he has made no statements about the world-class plunder of the Marcoses, the massive human rights abuses, and how Marcos brought our once thriving economy to bankruptcy. He also said on one occasion that he may not be healthy enough to last six years as president, but he looks forward to a state funeral, and would turn over the presidency to Bongbong Marcos.
Of course, there was his famous remark expressing disappointment that he did not have first crack at the rape of an Australian missionary. And lately, he declared some bank accounts with significant deposits to be nonexistent, only to later admit that they do exist after all.
There are probably many more statements that would give us a clearer idea of what kind of person the mayor really is. Many who support him clearly believe that statements like these simply demonstrate the strong, decisive leadership that they find lacking in the current administration. Don’t worry, they say, that’s just tough talk. Don’t worry that the mayor will actually do what he promises.
But surely the mayor and his supporters cannot take offense if we take his statements seriously, for these are certainly no laughing matter. For the sense that his statements convey a distinct lack of respect for the rule of law. And the rule of law is the foundation upon which confidence is built. Of course, peace and order are important, but these must be attained within the confines of the law. Without the rule of law, there will be chaos and anarchy, and no confidence in our country. Without confidence, there will be no investments, and without investments, there will be no jobs. These are not threats, only sheer facts. And it will not be just the business owners and bosses who will suffer, but also thousands of workers and their families who will be deprived of jobs. Remember that peace and order ultimately do not come from the end of the barrel of a gun but from food on the table, access to good education, housing and health.
It is in this context that I fervently appeal that we all review our choices one last time before we vote. Let us not vote out of despair or sheer disgust at an indecisive, slow-responding administration, or the infuriating traffic, or rampant crimes. Let us not go for a solution that may be far worse than the problems we are addressing. Think instead of what your vote will mean for your future and the future of millions of younger Filipinos, including your children or your younger siblings and coworkers. Consider the tremendous cost of the wrong choice.
Focus finally on the leaders we need to build on our gains, and to address the indecisiveness and ineptitude that have deterred our progress. Let us select no less than leaders who embody the decency, honesty, competence, toughness and patriotism that we want, and who have the capacity to bring us all together after the elections, so that we can be one united nation in pursuit of a better life for all Filipinos.
Please vote wisely!
Ramon R. del Rosario Jr.
Credit to Ramon del Rosario. He’s got balls.
God helps those who are prudent. And the prudent leader shall have followers.
The indictment of the Aquino administration there must sting, though. ” Let us not vote out of despair or sheer disgust at an indecisive, slow-responding administration, or the infuriating traffic, or rampant crimes.” That’ll leave a mark.
But that is balanced out with this (2nd paragraph)
“The reason our economy has done well these past six years, and many more jobs have been created compared to the previous 12, is mainly the improvement in governance provided by President Aquino and his Cabinet, which brought about the confidence investors needed to bring in their investments and create many more jobs.”
The problem is with the complainers, who lack perspective.
I don’t know where you got your information but this seems not to confirm it:
Falling job creation under the incumbent administration has resulted in the most unemployed, underemployed, discouraged job-seekers, and overseas Filipino workers in the country’s history, IBON said. It noted that only an average of 692,000 new jobs were created annually in the period 2011-2015, which is much smaller than the 858,000 annually in 2001-2010.
http://interaksyon.com/business/127167/state-of-phl-labor–worst-employment-crisis-by-far-24m-hold-poor-quality-jobs—ibon
Well I have more faith in a captain of industry than a Marxist think tank.
Clint, Interaksyon is bulling or maybe you are. For an honest informed opinion read “Filipino Workers, Past & Present : No Free Lunch ” by Cielito F Habito..No propaganda, just the facts..
As I and others have pointed out repeatedly: labeling those who happen to disagree with this administration as “complainers” or whatnot is hardly a productive strategy for winning them over. You want to win all the Duterte supporters over – you need to understand where they’re coming from and why they feel that way. Otherwise, it’s just political tribalism – identifying who is and isn’t part of your “tribe”, and describing the other.
@Jonathan
Totally agree. The pro-Mar group has totally alienated the anti-Mar and the undecided group. Now Mar will never get their votes. If there are those who still can be convinced not to vote for their preferred candidates, these people will vote for anybody else except Mar. Roxas, personally, is already a hard sell. His group, because of their elitist and condescending attitude towards non Roxas voters make it even more difficult to accept him.
I am part of the disgruntled middle class, to call us stupid, misguided, misinformed, selfish, unpatriotic, etc just makes us (the disgruntled middle class) believe that Roxas and his supporters are so out of touch with the realities that are happening on the ground.
Roxas supporters speak of the future, we speak of the present. I work in a GOCC. You Mar supporters, don’t even know that the policies implemented by this administration have made everyday living a struggle. Continuity, you say, but its only a matter of time before we in the middle class become the new lower class.
I am for Poe, because I believe she really has a heart for the people, but I am having second thoughts because of her associations. I can never, in conscience vote for Binay or Duterte,, But I will never vote for Roxas, so in case I change my mind, it will be for Miriam.
Unfortunately this election has come down to either voting for Duterte or voting to stop Duterte..
Why ? because it is clear that he is a murderer and a Philanderer.and corrupt and a plunderer..And we know all this from his own mouth….
The more I have learned here the more I have found out about the failings of the current Aquino government. Yes Joe ‘Pace’, there have been some good things acheived But also a lot was not dealt with . And there is genuine anger and disillusionment with P’Noy…
Poe’s run for president is fueled by that anger & disillusionment…
But now the survey results are showing who has the better chance of stopping Duterte : And it seems to be Roxas…
@jolly cruz
And what exactly does voting for Miriam do, other than a psychological boost?
You say you can never, in conscience vote for Binay or Duterte. So that’s deep and based on conscience/morals. But you will not vote for Mar because of your feelings/alienation and animosity.
Have you bothered to compare your two bases, and which one is non-negotiable? The context is that Duterte stands to win the Presidency if not enough people switch.
A conscience based rejection of Binay and Duterte vs hatred/alienation of Roxas, you think they are comparable, give the stakes and you will vote for the non-candidate?
Incidentally, do you work in PAGCOR?
@andrewlim
Yes I will vote for MDS. The two, Binay and Duterte, no morals. Roxas, no conscience for the downtrodden because he has never felt what is was like to be underprivileged, These characteristics strike at the very core of what is wrong right now.
@jolly cruz
If that’s how you simplify choices, then so be it.
That’s your choice, which leads to nowhere. You will still be stewing mad after the elections because your vote went nowhere.
All you will have left is misery for the rest of your life, and that was your choice.
So, he’s also a real Sturmabteilung, eh?
He is history now. Sacked, kaput, gone. Bye bye pension. Who said Pnoy is always slow to act…
Ok lang yan!
Si Bong bong naman manalo ng VP ehh di ok parin!
The Duterte Presidency is NOT just about voting for a president…IT IS A REVOLUTION!
Duterte is a neoREVOLUTIONIST.
“A revolutionist is someone who wants to change the world — not just sitting around talking about it, but actually doing something to bring about change.” – www vocabulary. com.
As a neoRevolutionist…he must adopt to conquer highly organized diabolic COLONIALISTS…or what we call now neoCOLONIALISTS. This COLONIALISTS evolved to be as if they bring ‘progress’ to humanity…ex. to NEW YORK and to SINGAPORE…thereby the resident citizens are busy enjoying their material world while the neocolonialists continue exploiting them without a trace.
A neoRevolutionist must adopt to the ways of these neoColonizers…esp. in the field of CAPITALISM…the new weapon of COLONIALISM. Banking, real property, smuggling, insurgency…controlled media. BE ONE OF THEM…Corrupt, oligarch, of dynasty, exploit poverty…name it.
This neoRevolutionist must have a carefully planned master blueprint of a REVOLUTION. The planning and execution can run for a lifetime…or generations. The Duterte-Roa generation. To infiltrate the enemy…to be like the enemy. To be poor even if you have billions!
To be both (good and evil). Of lies behind the truth.
NeoRevolutionist Rodrigo Duterte is the new revolutionist Emilio Aguinaldo who sold his sole to the devil thrice…to Spain, to U.S. and Japan…to even kill his men as sacrifice to save the many women and children…WE ARE TODAY the descendants of these survivors…we even became the ‘enemy’ as PROUD Felipenos just to be with our homeland and be with a beating heart!
May we be awakened…we are all brothers and sisters in blood NOT BECAUSE WE ARE FELIPEnos!
As Felipenos, we are going nownere…”Lumingon sa pinanggalingan upang makarating sa paroroonan”…for we did not came from Spain.
“To foretell the DESTINY of a nation (NATIONS), it is NECESSARY to open the book that tells of her past.” – Jose Rizal. Our Spanish slavery is NOT our significant past necessary for us to open. BUT, the story of our Austronesian-speaking ancestors who gave us:
1) our to each his/her own mother tongue, not just taught but breastfed…identifying…
2) our true NATIONS founded not by foreigners but by them (our ancestors coexisting for ~5 millennia until today without inter-subjugation)…and
3) our very existence!
Felipenas is not our UNITY, but a HEGEMONY manufactured by Spain to be owned, taxed and exploited as one. Sold to the buyer U.S., keeping it SINCE the ‘Purchase’ Treaty of Paris. And now being traded to China.
WE NEED THIS REVOLUTION…NOW. Before China takes over…just as what US did in 1898 took over from the dying Spanish colonialism.
TOMORROW, Duterte to tell all…it’s grander than lies and deceit…it’s the TRUTH…THE ONLY VALID REASON – is REVOLUTION!
OMG. Here come the storm troopers.
“To foretell the DESTINY of a nation (NATIONS), it is NECESSARY to open the book that tells of her past.”
Just open the BPI accounts of Duterte……
All your revolutionary rubbish is fit for the dustbin if the BPI accounts are not opened.
Hear, hear!
FREE Tess Pajaron, Joe! I can read Tess’ comments (personal, clear), this storm trooper crap I can’t. At least Tess’ had more insight.
FREE Tess Pajaron! j/k, LOL!
Lance, I am not sure if Tess has been thrown into solitary and is being kept incommunicado. While I do not agree with many of her reasons in promoting Duterte, I do agree with your point that she conducted herself with courtesy and presented reasonable if not questionable responses to critics of Duterte. I see her as an opportunity to learn more why reasonable and educated people are supporting Duterte instead of just exchanging abuse and insults which really serves no one. Besides, it seems like marketing, advocating, or arguing for candidates viciferously is okay if not welcome as long as it is for Roxas. If MRP was accepted here with his antiAquino and sometimes quite annoying comments., whats wrong with hearing out and reasoning with Tess?
It is interesting to see the growing sophistication of social media debate. We see some very sophisticated trolls who recognize that they accomplish little, or hurt the cause, by using insults. But they are trolls, nonetheless, offering up slick-sounding arguments to sway listeners. The difference between a debater and a troll is the sincerity of the speaking and listening. Case study. Irineo listens to everything to process it for new information and insights. Tess listens to everything to develop new arguments to win the cause. Irineo has been around for a long time. He spent his time suspended and earned his way back. He is here for the cause of the blog. Earnest and open discussion. Tess is here for HER cause, in then out because she is not engaged in the higher, enduring discussion. My job is to promote the well-being of the Philippines to the best of my ability. If Tess is interested in that, she will return to discuss other topics. She got plenty of space, but in my judgment, was trolling the blog, much as do Chinese trolls. That’s not the purpose of this forum. If it were, I’d have an advertising schedule, a rate card, to make some money out of it.
As everyone here knows, I have no love lost for Duterte and his winningb
I think he/she made a mistake in his/her internet handle? Rapa should be rape? 🙂
Hahaha! My apologies Manong Joe for the very loud laugh.😃
🙂 Definitely a guy with attitude. 🙂
Hahaha!
@Rapa
Questions:
1. Why did “Aguinaldo sell his sole to the devil…” Was he a shoe salesman?
2. What is a Felipeno? Do they live in the Felipens? Is that the same as Pilefens? Why do you switch your e and i?
The nativist ideology of Dutertismo (c) Randy David is showing… it is similar to the fascist ideology of Mussolini (return to the Roman values of the fasces, the bound sticks that lictors carried) or the glorified Germanic runes of the SS among other things…
It also lends weight to my old suspicion that Duterte is influenced by Parfahrnism – LCPL_X and me had a conversation her about Ahmad Ibn Parfahn of Cotabato, who would be the Chamberlain to Duterte… Parfahn wrote a confused book called Malayan grandeur which my father reviewed very critically, he told me it is like the Aryanism of Chamberlain. Parfahn also wrote that rape culture (“sex gangsterism”) was something the Spaniards brought to the Philippines – Duterte supporters have said foreigners were the ones to rape many Filipina women in the aftermath of Duterte’s rape joke. What Duterte said about Leyte and the Spanish coming, that Muslims were there first also fits into this.
The Rappler reporter assigned to Duterte just recently wrote about how he is – that he can say a lot about how the Spaniards assigned names to Filipinos, that Batongbakal is a sign of having had brave ancestors… “and don’t get him going about 1521″… Put this storm trooper posting together with the other evidence so far (I include the one who posted that the supporters of Duterte are the new Malay middle class without Chinese or Spanish ancestors) and you have the outlines of a fascist-nativist ideology. Very dangerous as it seems to want to deny everything that happened since 1521… back to Lapu-Lapu?
That is the string that binds.
Fascist and strong man rule needs a way to define others in a simplistic way.
Make it complex and the movement fizzles.
He was railing against oligarchs but that is still too complex.
Hitler had his gays, gypsies and wierdos.
What is the equivalent for Duterte?
> What is the equivalent for Duterte?
Small-fry criminals who could still be rehabilitated to become productive members of society. Or street children who could be taught how to become literate and self-reliant in order to be able to regain respect.
But the “new money” parvenus who are willing to vote for him also want the undesirables out of their sight, just as Imelda wanted it as the slums were walled in and then painted white, out of the sight of visiting bankers: “the true, the good, and the beautiful”.
Just look at the “Bolivarian Revolution” of Venezuela and where are they now
He spited the US; the empire strikes back. History tells us that the US always have a hand in the Philippine presidency. The only exception was Estrada and they booted him out of office. I believe the same is going to happen to Duterte that is if he survives an earlier assassination attempt.
Please provide link(s) to validate your theory.
> History tells us that the US always have a hand in the Philippine presidency.
Why America when the *Mainland* Chinese under President Xi have a greater influence to our economy, down to what the sidewalk vendors are selling in Pasay? If they have done that, I’m not surprised they’re also indirectly and possibly trying to influence the elections to their favor, so that it would be easier to claim the entire West Philippine Sea for themselves.
Like Digong’s “anonymous Chinese” donor.
From a reliable media person, Duterte was in HKG last November 2015. Only stayed at the hotel where he met Chinese businessmen for fundraising purposes. No idea if mainland Chinese.
Two very interesting Rappler’ articles. First one is sort of a cautionary tale. The second one exposes the symbiotic (or is it parasitic?) relationship between the Mayor and the Religion Man:
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/130266-rodrigo-duterte-rapture-imagined-president
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/131569-duterte-properties-cars-quiboloy-graft-corruption
After listening 25 minutes to Salvador Panelo, the laywer of Duterte i am already tired…Don’t let Karen Davila speak and ask questions………………A continuous bla bla from his side…yaghhh… 😦 It is not about the 211 million at one time or the balance…all Trillanes want is a look at the transactions in 2014………..Just give the bank history. They can print that in 20 seconds…..Please no 6 years Panelo on nationwide tv to ”explain” the ”mistakes” of Duterte……
I am thinking about buying stocks in Advil………They gonna rise sky high if 100,000,000
Filipino’s going to need that the next 6 years…. 🙂
What is remarkable about the April 26-29 survey of Pulse Asia is the MOMENTUM of Robredo — Robredo’s effective surge over Marcos of 7 points RELATIVE to the April 19-24 survey result of Pulse Asia:
– Robredo up 4 points from her previous 26 to the recent survey result of 30;
– Marcos down 3 points from his previous 31 to the recent survey result of 28
I believe Robredo is unstoppable now especially since the LP will pull out all stops as some sort of insurance in relation to some possible undesired element of the Big Picture.
Absolutely N’herrera ! That is the good news of the surveys..
Yep, Robredo and Duterte (forgive me Leni fans for putting the two in one sentence) are phenomena. Robredo is a phenomenon we can glady welcome to our home. Duterte we just can’t — at least I can’t — because of the most foul stench especially the one coming from the mouth.
The oligarchs of the Makati Business Club—yes, the very same oligarchs that the well-mannered trolls deployed here have said will be done away with by Duterte–now make their favorite known:
http://business.inquirer.net/210012/biz-buzz-a-shocker-for-malacanang
Big business can immediately smell out who will take grease money in return for cutting red tape. Foreign investors frightened off by Duterte? Good, we’ll keep the economy small and under local control by a bunch of good ole boys. I know a guy who knows a guy behind Duterte; once he’s in Malacanang, we can bring in our foreign friends, let them know we have guarantees from the very top. Knock out some of the more annoying monopolies, and usher in new ones. Ours.
The Republic has money in the bank? We the Duterte backers will use it up, pacify the poor, foolish tao who voted him in, fulfill a few of the election promises to show good faith, maybe bankrupt SSS, who cares, it’ll take a while. By then people will have forgotten. They revealed so much, these little people who responded to the trollwork. We know who they are, we have their social media responses and patterns in our database now, we can play them whichever way we want. There’s technology for the asking, from the PRC people who monitor and manipulate citizens through Weibo. We can exchange best practices!
GMA and FG had it down pat: the standardized system for keeping military men happy. “That’s above my bribe grade, pay me a little extra.” We’ll revive that; after all, Rody said throughout his campaign that he’ll retain the systems of previous administrations that work. And some of those systems go way back to 1972.
Could I have have stumbled upon the real reason for Du30/BBM’s popularity in the survey ratings?
https://iq-research.org/en/page/average-iq-by-country
Naw…don’t think so.
😦
😥
Chempo: subtle, subtle.
Chempo:
My musings on the following trivia.
In a country with an average national IQ centered at about 100, especially true for a large population, I read that roughly:
– 5% of the population has an IQ less than 75
– 11.7% of the population has an IQ between 75 and 85
– 66.7% of the population has an IQ between 85 and 115
– 11.7% of the population has an IQ between 115 and 125
– 5% of the population has an IQ greater than 125
Thus, a country such as Singapore may have a high national average IQ but because of it’s smaller population and other considerations it may have less in ABSOLUTE terms of the “unwelcome” outliers (5% with IQ less than 75 😦 ) and ALSO LESS in ABSOLUTE terms of the welcome outliers (5% with IQ greater than 125 🙂 )
Cases:
US with a national average IQ of 98 has quite a lot of people of high IQs
India with a national average IQ 82 has quite a lot of people of high IQs
In absolute terms because of our much larger (Philippine) population compared with Singapore’s we may have more of the welcome IQ outliers?
BTW, India with a national average IQ of 82 has not produced our geniuses — Duterte and BBM.
In any case I find plausible the concept expressed in your link that the difference in average country IQ is correlated somehow with the factor of difference in national income. (Although the link itself cautions against this concept.)
If China were a dumb-ass country with just 0.1% @125 they will still be tops in the survey. Moral of the story, take surveys with a pinch of salt.
Well, for as long as I am on a binge on pre-election political news:
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, bless her, said Tuesday the Philippines is not yet ready for a Duterte presidency, casting doubt on the Davao City mayor’s allegiance to the rule of law.
The senator said many “don’t understand” that some of the actuations of Duterte might be against the law.
Some see him as a hero because he will immediately take down his opponents. We know that that’s wrong, but we have no legal literacy. We don’t even know what “rule of law” is.
“Rule of law means the law applies to everybody whatever his standing in the community. That’s all that it means,” she explained.
The link:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/782948/santiago-ph-not-ready-for-a-duterte-presidency
Duterte admits receiving properties, cars from Quiboloy..
If Filipinos buys this, then the IQ factor possibly is self-explanatory. With due respects to all here.
How convenient. So now Quiboloy is the latest money laundering channel.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/131569-duterte-properties-cars-quiboloy-graft-corruption
Pepe Mojica would have been appalled at such luxury. Besides, I’m uncomfortable with fundies whose teachings and trappings of wealth are terribly incompatible.
Pepe Mojica ! A Uruguyan hero !! From terrorist to torture victim to member of Congress to President and now embracing his simple home in the boondocks…
Opisyal na Pahayag ng mga Kawal at Sundalo Para sa Ating Demokrasya
Ok, the BPI is closed now at 5 pm..How much was there in the dollar account?
“Dollar ni Roxas, buksan ko ‘yan Wednesday (I will open the account
on Wednesday). Sabi n’ya (Roxas), may dollar account ako na milyon, ako
mismo, ‘yan lang dalawa talaga eh (Roxas said I have a dollar account
with millions in it),” Duterte told the media after his airplane landed in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur.
Joe, here are your own words from Junr 2014 on how Aquino could help Roxas become president. I wonder how much he actually did any of them ?
“President Aquino has at least seven ways to promote success for Secretary Roxas:
During the campaign period, actively advertise Mr. Roxas and the steps he would take to help the poor. Add the president’s endorsement to back him up. Maybe it would work. Maybe not.
Project Mr. Roxas as a visible friend of the poor as is now being done as he hands out relief money for Yolanda reconstruction. This is a weak approach because the money benefits local governments, not the poor, directly.
Persistently display Mr. Roxas doing responsible deeds as head of DILG. This so far has been widely offset by Mr. Roxas doing irresponsible deeds, like throwing temper tantrums on golf courses and elsewhere.
Institute dramatic improvement in the conditions of the poor between now and 2016 so that they can TANGIBLY associate improvement in their lives with the straight path. This is hard to do because the need is so great and time so short.
Prosecute vote buyers from the last election, and/or put in place a framework to prosecute vote-buying in the next election, so that vote-buying is less likely to influence the outcome in 2016. This could have dramatic results to diminish Mr. Binay’s “friends of friends” popular appeal. Mr. Binay is unlikely to buy votes directly, but his friends know how to butter their bread.
Promote a network of families extending out from the middle class to their poorer relatives to convey one simple message: vote buying is why the Philippines is not richer.
Establish a network of popular supporters in vote-rich provinces, people whose voices will match those of Mr. Binay’s likely loud popular local backers: Marcos, Romualdez, Garcia, Estrada, Enrile, Revilla, Arroyo, Pacquiao and others.
The absolutely strongest approach, of course, is to pursue all seven of these initiatives with a great sense of purpose.”
He’s been active campaigning, but I’ve not followed his speeches. I also don’t expect him to listen to me. Heh heh
Ahhh Joe, your blog from June 2014 was fairly detailed.and persuasive. That’s why I resurrected it last night and copied it to here…That’s why I wonder still how he has measured up from a more of less ‘objective’ perspective… I have no idea having not been here the whole time
CREDIT THE STRATEBY
Whatever we may say of Duterte, we have to give credit to the strategy employed, that is coming into the Presidential race at the eleventh hour:
– Binay started very early, in fact since he became VP in 2010;
– Poe came in during the COC filing;
– Roxas for all intents and purposes came in effectively months ahead of Poe;
– MDS came in at COC filing time;
– we all know by now that their feet of clay got into the prospective voters mind eventually (MDS, of course, because of her health which essentially confined her rounds to the youth-students who are really the registered 18-22 age range, notwithstanding a 50-60% approval from them, is not enough to even give a semblance of a serious campaign);
– Duterte coming in at the last minute harvested the frustrations of the many prospective voters, such frustrations painted not only realistically but in much exaggerated terms by the then reigning candidates, Binay and Poe; Duterte’s believed claim of making Davao crime and drug-free; and his charm to the many men-women who love him for saying it in the language they can understand and use themselves — all these made Duterte’s narrative sellable and moreover, time has run out to make his admirers realize that he too like Binay has feet of clay.
But I am writing much ahead; the fat lady has not yet sung.
A NOTE ON MDS COMPLAINT ABOUT HER RANKING IN THE SURVEYS
Sen Santiago complains that with 50-60% of all youth-students giving her the thumbs up compared to her Presidential rivals why is she stuck at the 2%-4% level in the surveys of SWS, Pulse Asia.
Using known data and doing correlation, I have calculated with reasonable confidence that the registered voters in the 18-22 age group is only about 7 million. Taking 60% of this gives 4.2m. Thus, MDS vaunted youth-students base is only in the neighborhood of 5m.
From what I see walking around Manila, Duterte’s very popular among the young as well..Hence the major presence in the social media. Does this show up in the survey results ? And if so does this mean that Duterte is popular among a segment of the population which is not registered ?
Bill in Oz,
I myself puzzled about Santiago hence my technical note above. MDS 50-60 percent popularity she gauges from what the student survey in the universities/ colleges have done. I believe her and it is so reported. Beyond the student group the non-student youth I am pretty sure gives her also a thumbs up, but the 25-up group outside the schools may be thinking more of Poe, Binay, and yes Roxas and Duterte. So, the fact of her visits being confined to the schools and not most of them because of her health, she herself and her strategists who know a little of numbers and statistics certainly know the score. In our lingo — she is a “saling pusa.” I am not speaking of her capability when she is healthy.
“saling cat” ? ?????
allowed to join out of pity….dark horse…No direct translation
http://tagalog.pinoydictionary.com/word/saling-pusa/
a young playmate allowed to participate.
—-
scratch dark horse
Ok Karkl ! Thanks ..
welcome.
Yes, Duterte is popular among the young, and they don’t vote. And to that a lack of a national machinery and his lead rapidly shrinks.
Peter Wallace has finally opened his mouth about Duterte in the Enquirer this morning.
“Last week I said, if the polls are to be believed, Rodrigo Duterte will be the next president of the Philippines. The most recent, desperate attempts in the past two weeks to discredit him are too late to make any impact. And there are only four days left before the elections, two of those a weekend.
The latest polls say it’s Duterte. SWS reported he is the choice of 33 percent of likely voters, with only 24 percent going for Grace Poe, 19 percent for Mar Roxas and 14 percent for Jejomar Binay. Pulse Asia’s last survey also points to Duterte as the winner (33 percent), followed by Roxas (22 percent), Poe (21 percent) and Binay (17 percent).
So it looks like Duterte will be president. So what sort of president would he be? That’s a tough question to answer as he hasn’t said much of what he’d do or believes in.
His speech at a recent briefing before the Makati Business Club and Management Association of the Philippines was worrying. He said little of what business wanted to know; instead he raised fears of a dictatorial leadership. We better get used to the idea.”
That is “get used” to the Philippines being run by a “dictator” even though he only 33% of survey respondants support Duterte.
This is a betrayal : he is betraying his democratic Australian origins. And he is betraying his recently acquired Filipino citizenship.
sent you an email, joe.
If Poe were to endorse Roxas and ask her supporters to vote for him–the candidate who, from the start, had superior party machinery and experience–that would immediately create a plurality of votes–perhaps even result in a majority!–higher than any previous survey standings by Duterte.
The maturity of a democracy can be judged by the ability of even diametrically opposed political groups to grit their teeth and form coalitions for the greater good. And “ideologically,” Poe and Roxas are almost identical.
It’s revealing that people say her supporters “dislike” Mar intensely, without saying why, really, except to recite stock phrases (traffic, Yolanda) that have been used so often, gasgas na ang plaka. “Dislike” is a revealing term–used in cases of personal enmity, more often than not. Barrio politics, essentially, among the ABC. Fomented by appointee wannabes and technocrats who were left out of the Aquino administration, and who couldn’t get an entry into the Roxas camp, and by the second-string business players who were stung by his Cabinet policies from way back when. Whether they can get those past personal concerns, and whether Poe herself can get the big picture, remains to be seen.
Duterte is in a category beyond mere “like” and “dislike.”
The better use of Mr. Wallace’ time would be to call for a joining of the Poe camp to that of Roxas, instead of wringing his hands and crying, “Woe is us.”
At a press conference, which ended around 3 p.m., Grace Poe–consistently clueless, and blithely helping her country along the road to ruin under Duterte Rule–rejects calls to join forces with Roxas against Duterte, labeling it “horse-trading.”
She said: “‘Hindi tayo sindikato [We are not syndicate members]’ who can easily trade positions and support for a common cause, said Poe, who had been survey front-runner until two weeks ago when Duterte steadily edged her.”
And one might add, at a point when Roxas has also edged her out in the surveys, and come out strong against Duterte, garnering public attention and support.
So Ms. Poe, who has said that she planned to continue many effective Daang Matuwid programs and policies, appears to compare the Roxas campaign with “syndicates”–even as her camp is plugging Poe-Robredo.
http://interaksyon.com/article/127337/poe-walang-atrasan–grace-wont-yield-fight-says-presidency-not-subject-of-horse-trading
Vicara I find it interesting that this is being carried by” Interaksyon” Ummm yes the NPA aliled media mob
More important though is this : This is the time for Poe who says she wants wants to be a true, real honest Filipina ‘leader’ to assess whether the path she is leading her followers on leads to hope or leads to disaster for the Philippines.
The surveys say that hurricane Duterte is going to win; Hurricane Duterte says he is going to establish a dictatorship, with wholesale murder as part of the process.
No dount Poe is being advised by her backers, her important financial backers, not to withdraw or suggest to her supporters vote for Roxas. After all if Roxas wins they stand to lose everything they have invested in Poe’s campaign.
But I guess no Poe needs to ask herself,” Which is more important, the future of the Philippines OR the future of her big financial backers ?”
Why do you fanatical roxas supporters always call out poe and her supporters. Didn’t you call us as the bobotantes, selfish, stupid, misguided, misinformed, stupid, unpatriotic. You call yourselves the learned, the patriotic, the selfless Filipno. Why expect us to shift to Roxas when as you always say, we only care for ourselves.. All of a sudden you appeal to our patriotism when you have always disparaged it.
I ask now, why don’t you shift to Poe if you are really afraid of Duterte. If you are patriotic and you are very sure that the country will go to the dogs if Duterte wins, then you should be the ones shifting to Poe and not vice versa.
Remember, we are stupid, unpatriotic, selfish, misguided, misinformed. We dont know what’s going to happen under Duterte. BUt you are so wise, so intelligent, so well informed about the ramifications of a Duterte win, that you should do everything to prevent his winning. Why then don’t you do the patriotic thing, and vote for Poe so that Duterte doesn’t win. Don’t expect us, stupid, unpatriotic people, to do it for you.
And please, dont crow about Roxas overtaking Poe. The other survey says Poe is still ahead. And even if we take the survey which Roxas has the lead over Poe as correct, its so miniscule that to say that Roxas has “….come out strong” is so pretentious.
@Vicara
I am at a loss for words for your insolence. You ask for support from Poe’s supporters and yet you continue insulting her.
To compare Mayor Duterte to other mayors would not be fair,inspite of the semilarities in status and situations. It is grossly unfair to put him in a frame wherein the author limits the outcome and draws his conclusions.Everyone reacts uniquely in any given situation so the outcome could vary enormously.The article dwells more on the negative effects,It does not appear balanced,besides All comparissons will always cloud the issue.COMPARATIO CLAUDICAT.
The headline today re the Philippines on Australian Broadcasting Corporation New web site
:
“Duterte ‘very likely’ to face coup if elected Philippines president, opponents say”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-05/rodrigo-duterte-likely-to-face-coup-in-philippines/7387708
Similar article in Daily Mail, UK, with a great infographic included:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3574477/Dictator-Duterte-facing-coup-rumours-Philippines.html
Irineo, the info graphic note for Malaysian corruption needs redoing..The Prime Minister is under challenge for being the corrupt recipient of over $1 billion USA….Otherwise it is a good quick summurary.
And for all the importance of the social media in this campaign, only 39% of the people are internet users !So all the abusive FB stuff is emanating from among that group of the population
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/131928-palparan-talks-about-duterte-elections
In what may perhaps be one of the greatest ironies in an already surreal election season, the man called the Butcher of Southern Luzon is now castigating Mindanao’s Punisher.
“I am retired Major General Jovito S. Palparan Jr, 65 years old, going 66 in September. I am a retired Army Officer, and jobless as of now.”
Palparan has collected a number of monikers under his belt. Butcher, hangman and godfather are only a few. Under his command, in every area where he led his battalions, the list of murdered activists and alleged communists rose in number. He has been accused of ordering torture, including and not limited to waterboarding, beatings – with chains, fists, and a variety of implements – rape, and the massacres of entire families.
Today, he is being held without bail for the kidnapping of University of the Philippines’ students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. He denies the charges, and is also running for a seat in the Senate.
Palparan’s single-minded crusade against communists has been compared to Duterte’s war on crime.The comparison has been rejected by both candidates, both of whom hail from Mindanao.
Duterte calls Palparan “the pathetic former army general who sees things red because of his bloodshot eyes.”
Palparan calls Duterte a coward and an “egomaniac” who “likes to be adored.”
“He stands for nothing,” Palparan said. “He does not have principles”
In a three-hour interview with Rappler on Thursday, May 5, at a military detention center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, the former major general was contemptuous of Duterte’s strongman image.
“I knew it, he’s just trying to be cool,” Palparan said. “What Duterte wants, that he’s going to kill the criminals, he’s just trying to be cool.”
Now, those are the eyes of a killer.
I agree.
Thanks for this, Irineo. Palparan has always scared me because of what I read to be a fine streak of “ruthless”. But in this assessment, he is only brutally honest, and I find comfort in knowing strong truth sayers exist amongst all the powerful people spouting manipulations. I get sick of the Cayetano mentality here. It is common.
Who are you, Andrew Lim?? Are you from Davao?? Do you have any personal experiences with Mayor DUTERTE??
Why do you compare him to the corrupt, uneducated action movie star, Joseph Estrada??
Our Mayor is highly educated, Lawyer, Fiscal and a man of action!!
WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF??
…Of him possibly failing because you people put your Lord on a pedestal too high.
we have to have to cast our votes to whom we think can help our country and wait for the result come tuesday without throwing negative comments against the candidates for all of them have sincere dedication and love for our country be it small or big because at the end of the day it is the filipino who will benefit from this election or the other way around.
yes its election day tomorrow as always iboboto na naman natin ang taong hindi naman natin tunay na kilala just like what happened to cory .. its all in faith and hope.di naman talaga sya kilala personally ng mga taong bomoto sa kanya and so what happened? oo nga sabi nakawala tayo sa dictatorship at susunod na ang peace, security and economic boom eh ang nangyari sunod sunod na coup tapos economic reboot ang nangyari with all her cronies,friends kamaganak in key positions at key business prospects mula noon hanggang ngayon eto pa rin ang kalakaran pati sa botante 500 to 3000 pesos ang binabayad ng mga politiko para sa boto.. ngayon iboboto ko nanaman ang taong di ko talaga kilala gusto ko lang sana mapalitan na ang 30 years na kapalpakan at maitama ang pagkakamali ko noon na sumoporta sa dilaw. pag nagkamali pa ulit ako kay du30 eh di wow na lang ulit masasabi tiis na lang ulit tutal nakapagtiis naman na ng 30 years anu ba naman un 6 years pa ulit pero sana nga iba naman n ngayon i break na nya un kamalasan ng pilipinas pag dating sa president magkaroon na sana tayo ng presidente na tunay na nagmamahal sa bayan a true patriot na handang isakripisyo ang lahat sa pagmamahal sa bayan….
The article forgot to mention that Peter Lavina was and is still a National Democratic Front (NDF) member.
I was born, raised and live in Davao and yes I’ve had personal experience with Duterte. This Rappler report is spot on. From The Rappler: The court cited the results of an examination by a clinical psychologist who found Duterte unable to “remain committed to a person or a relationship.” He carries a “gross indifference to others’ needs and feelings, heightened by lack of capacity for remorse and guilt.”
He is a Sociopath.
1. Disregard for laws and social mores at his convenience
2. Disregards the rights of others
3. Does not feel remorse or guilt
4. Displays violent behavior
Add megalomania.
You are just saying that our system sucks. So we better shift to parliamentary system or disband the Republic of the Philippines.
No he is not saying that. You are saying that.
predicting the future, huh. are you a fortune teller or prophet or something?
For all of you that doesn’t think Duterte will not be a good president, who do you think will be the best choice, or you think you will do a better job than him? Have you done a better job than him in your country? If not then maybe you should think about how you can actually help the country.
From what is rolling off his tongue and his giving license to anyone wth a gun to use it, I’d say that the better candidates, in order, might ave been: Roxas, Poe, Binay, or Santiago. But maybe he will become more civil and represent ALL of his constituents, including those who don’t think crude speech teaches young people the right lessons.
What do we get from sweet talker politicians? We’ve had so many of them since Cory Aquino’s time. I prefer someone that will do the job even he is not a sweet talker. Let’s accept Duterte is the new president elect and we should find a way to support him otherwise our government will not succeed.
Well, sweet talking is one thing, following the laws and human rights conventions is quite another. So you are in favor of dictatorship, Pedro?
As per may 9 result , siguro naman masasabi na natin na he is a clever tactician, a political genius one might add. He reminded me of a character CAPT. JACK SPARROW who get things done despite of overwhelming odds…in his own insane way ..
Now why would he slap the face of the catholic church and the media, before june 30?, is another good question. Your guess is as good as mine..
Well just watch, see and learn..again..
I note the similarity of your comment to that of cwl on a different post: https://joeam.com/2016/06/02/how-can-we-find-unity-if-we-cannot-agree-on-what-discipline-means/#comment-178774
Yup, shared thoughts..
Officer: Which ship do we follow?
Lord Cutler Beckett: Signal the Dutchman to track down Sao Feng. We follow the Pearl. How soon can we have the ship ready to pursue?
Officer: [Officer looks back towards a cracking sound, and watches as the large mast falls down. He looks toward the Black Pearl admiringly] Do you think he plans it all out, or just makes it up as he goes along?
From the movie..
What do you think?
I think there is a plan, but it has not yet been divulged to or accepted by people like the Senators Cayetano. So we have the pushme pullme of different takes on his unbecoming press conferences, and the stopping of them. I for the life of me can’t see what offending the PNP rank and file does for him, and wonder about the AFP. But I for sure don’t think he is winging it. Some of his close associates likely are providing the direction.
Remember he is very much against drugs at alam naman natin lahat na involve ang ibang pulis jan nag uumpisa yan sa pa asset asset muna tapos pag nakikita nila un laki ng kitaaan sa drugs eh na iinvolve na sila jan pati mga officers kaya nga duterte promised a double pay parang its a bet, double or nothing type of a bet. Ganun din sa military pero halos wala naman sila involvement sa drugs di naman nila kasi nakakasalamuha ang mga drug personalities. And i think pareho tayo ng line of thinking sa pinag hahandaang grand plan but i dont want to discuss it openly , pero i think un mga bomoto kay PRRD have it also in the back of their mind. Di ko lang alam kung gusto ba natin ito dahil sa no choice na tayo, ( wala naman alternative sa change na gusto natin )or talagang ito na ang gusto natin sa umpisa pa lang..heil duterte or royal highness duterte whats the difference? Basta change! Ganon kami ka desperate..
Yes, important to bear in mind. Thanks.
So what now ? Did he not govern?