forwardedmail
What Iis Happening to Our Country. Do We understand at all??
To Take A Stand
-by Rafael M. Alunan III
September 2, 2003
An assessment
I've attempted some due diligence in the past three weeks by interviewing keen observers of national security and military affairs. My aim is to share with you an assessment on what may lie ahead based on these interviews. It may be disagreeable to you, and it is my fervent hope that what might be shall not come to pass. If GMA and the opposition fail to rally around democracy and strike a political deal that may be stacked up against her, another coup will be attempted. A rebellious faction of the opposition and the military are in tactical alliance, each using the other to grab power.
Military rebels harbor the belief that they should be in command and control of the government, like the soldier elites of Nasser, Suharto and Musharraf. Their belligerence towards civilian authorities demonstrates their contempt for the current order. So the rebellious political opposition better watch out. The young angry officers, who still lack experience, wisdom and circumspection, shoot problems they cannot solve.
GMA gained the presidency in 2001 under extraordinary conditions without undergoing the routine ritual of compromising with those who could manipulate or undermine the presidency. She is now going through the excruciating pain of cutting deals with them to save her presidency. Machiavellian politics has claimed the seats of Defense Secretary
Angelo Reyes and ISAFP Chief Victor Corpus to save the queen. Will it? That is the question.
In the aftermath of EDSA Dos and the May 1 uprising two years ago, it was apparent that the path to the presidential elections in 2004 would be tumultuous. There is an excessive lust for power and envy in Philippine politics that does not allow for sober competition and governance. In addition, two presidential contenders from the PMA Class of 1971, Senators Gringo Honasan and Ping Lacson belong to the opposition that was unceremoniously swept from office. Their ambitions and track records make for an explosive brew.
The opposition appears unsure of victory in 2004. Its rebellious faction, with their accomplices in the press, has resorted to dirty tactics to destroy GMA's credibility and derail her bid for an official mandate. Despite her announcement last year that she will not run in 2004, her body English and the overtures from various quarters indicate otherwise; hence, removal from office by any means possible.
This is a prime reason for the Oakwood incident, and continuing rumors of another coup are hurting the economy. Whether its negative effects will surpass the aftermath of the 1989 coup attempt remains to be seen. But the resignation of Secretary Reyes adds to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the Philippine environment, which the business sector cites as the principal factors why investment flows to this country are the lowest in the region.
The aborted July 27 coup attempt was prematurely launched, thus, the quick surrender. The coup was to be launched after GMA's announcement to run for office, but the rebels failed in the crucial areas of communication, coordination, operational security and in comprehending that a coup is a complex matter. The 356 rebels were the forward elements, or the tip of the iceberg that remains lurking below the surface. They had no armor, artillery and air cover. And the main force failed to follow on. In short, they had no combat power.
The opposition continues to recruit and rally its armed and civilian components for another exercise. It is pouring more money into the effort. Who they are is for the government to disclose. The economics couldn't be more attractive. Psywar is cheap and the benefits are tremendous if GMA blinks and turns tail. Even if it were to spend a billion pesos for a successful coup, it would still be cheaper than funding a presidential election.
What they have not thought out are the long- term consequences of their actions on the people's psyche, morale and waning quality of life. Or that the Al Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyya, NPA, MILF and organized crime will have a field day as the AFP-PNP shift their focus to their own. Or the probability of an economic recession, given the economy's already weakened state; the continuing exodus abroad for the survival of those left behind; and the risk of more broken families and failed marriages.
Government is walking on eggshells and cannot afford the slightest mishandling of this delicate situation. While the majority in the Armed Forces will respect the Constitution and the chain of command, the existence of a residual force of turncoats is disturbing. Even a pocket-sized aggressor force of 3,000, aided by a drug-crazed riotous mob, could wreak havoc and sneak in a lucky knockout punch.
Veterans sense that the AFP is headed for a bloody clash if a second strike is launched, as both sides seem anxious to finally get it over with. The current situation is a dangerous prelude to civil war to emancipate a corrupted nation from itself. A fragmented AFP, insurgencies in the countryside, and a militant opposition are a potent recipe for national disaster. This may be the catharsis many have long feared would happen in our lifetime.
A number of those who mutinied are themselves tainted with corruption, yet, quite sickened by it so as to rebel against the system that holds them hostage. In that sense, they've drawn much empathy from society-at-large. Still and all, it is no excuse to take up arms and endanger national security. It is truly tragic that the AFP is once again a national concern.
There are also those, deep in their deceit, betrayal and treachery, who are amassing huge fortunes in cash and in kind. Having succeeded once, they will be open to the highest bidder for the next adventure. Except that their funders will never be sure of their loyalty unless they are paid even more, or killed while running the risk of abandonment and revenge.
The next coup attempt could take place within the next three to four months before the presidential campaign shifts to high gear, or after the elections to protest massive cheating. Between now and then, GMA will be depicted as a president that is morally unfit and unable to govern. Staged crimes,escapes from detention, exposes, violent demonstrations and other forms of disorder are the probable courses of action before the next attempt. Efforts to erode her pillars of support will intensify, more so now that Secretary Reyes and BGen Corpus have resigned.
They may first try a blitzkrieg on the Palace to neutralize the president if an inside job proves too difficult. Or they could lay siege on the country's centers of gravity - political, judicial, the military, police, economic, communications - to force a capitulation. A mutiny might be staged simultaneously in key locations around the country and an alternative seat of government established, say, in Cebu or Davao.
The re-appearance of PMAP suggests that the urban poor are being mobilized for a reprise of the May 1 uprising. The opposition's call for GMA's resignation is turning up the heat. The media continues to feed on the people's thirst for drama and fear of the unknown. Tensions are reaching breaking point. The worst is yet to come although there is a slim chance that disaster can still be averted if sense is knocked into the heads of the rebels.
This is not the best of times and the nation has to be ready for any eventuality. It is not a pleasant message to give so please don't shoot the messenger, all right? If you know some of the rebels, serve your country by talking them out of it and embark on a crusade for self-discipline and good governance. This is our only way out.
Bit of trivia ...
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer
in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht
frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses
and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed
ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
Easy vs. Hard
Why is it so hard to
tell the truth but
Yet so easy to tell a lie?
Why are we so
sleepy in church but
Right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Why is it so hard to
talk about God but yet so
Easy to talk about
nasty stuff?
Why is it so boring to look at a Christian magazine
But yet so easy to look at a
nasty one?
Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e-mail but
Yet we forward all of the nasty ones?
Why are the churches getting smaller but yet
The bars and dance clubs are getting larger?
Think about it ...
Are you going to forward this, or delete it?
Just remember, God is watching you.
Prayer Wheel.
Let's see if the devil will stop this one!
Here's what the wheel is all about.
When you receive this, say a prayer for
the person that sent it to you....
That's all you have to do....
There is nothing attached....
This is so powerful....
Just copy this and e-mail it to as many people as you want to and experience God's answer to prayer in your life.
Do not stop the wheel, please .....
Of all the free gifts we may receive,
Prayer is the very best one....
There are no costs, but wonderful rewards...
GOD BLESS!
The politicians have started campaigning for 2004 .. so we should also start educating our electorate! please pass on this message to other pinoys (here and abroad - absentee voting now in effect) who want to take positive steps in helping ensure we elect worthy candidates!
Not in My Hometown
-by Cynthia Patag
"WE'RE never coming back," my eldest sister declared. "Iloilo is primitive! All those shanties!" My sister and her cardiologist husband reside in Texas, USA. To think Iloilo province prides itself in having a broad middle class.
I am a true-blue Ilongga. When my family relocated to Manila in 1972, right after I graduated from high school, this "promdi" (provincial lass) experienced a culture shock of enormous magnitude. When I came back to Iloilo early this year, I got another shock.
The first jolt came when I went to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) to enroll for a Bachelor of Science in education diploma. The dean of education, Dr. Andora, mentioned casually that their guest speaker for this year's graduation rites was Congresswoman Imee Marcos.
"Kaya naman namamatay na 'tong bayan natin, eh! [That's why this country is dying!]" I protested. "If there's one person who ravaged our country, it's Ferdinand Marcos. Before he became president, our nation's debt to the World Bank was one billion dollars. By the time the Marcoses were driven out of this country after 21 years in power by the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, the amount had risen to 20 billion dollars. Today, our nation owes its foreign creditors 54.4 billion dollars. We have never recovered from the rapacity of the Marcos regime!"
Maybe I should have warned the dean not to get me started. But then I remembered Liliosa Hilao.
On April 4, 1973, Liling, 23 and a fourth-year journalism scholar at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila [University of the City of Manila] and editor of Hasik, the student publication, was picked up by four burly agents of the Constabulary Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), led by Lieutenant Rodolfo Garcia, at her house in the Project 2 district of Quezon City. Two days later, Liling was found dead in a toilet at the CANU headquarters and foaming at the mouth. She had reportedly drunk muriatic acid.
An independent inquiry showed that Liling had been severely tortured, sexually abused and then killed by her captors. The military officer held principally responsible for her torture and death was Lieutenant Arthur Castillo. He remains in
the military service.
On April 7, 1986, the SELDA group of former political detainees filed a class action suit against Marcos before the Federal District Court of Honolulu, Hawaii, for gross human rights violations. Liliosa Hilao's case was the first to be presented in court.
"But the sins of the father shouldn't be visited on their children," said the dean.
In his speech at the 17th anniversary of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo noted "the thorough and systematic plunder of the Treasury and government banking and financial institutions
and corporations during the Marcos regime, such as the DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) and the PNB (Philippine National Bank), so much so that in 1986 and 1987 alone, at least 209 billion pesos of taxpayers' money was required to bail them out."
Romulo lamented that many years later none of the Marcoses and their cronies were behind bars.
"As Christians, we must learn to forgive," the dean reminded me. I had to take a deep breath. "The Marcos family is not asking for forgiveness!" I told her.
During a visit to General Santos City, Imee Marcos, who many believe is seeking a senatorial post in 2004, said, "We are willing to apologize provided we know what it is we are supposed to say sorry for."
In March 1997, the US Federal District Court ordered the Marcoses to indemnify 10,000 human rights victims of the Marcos regime to the tune of two billion dollars. Lawyers representing the victims cited at least one human rights case
involving Imee Marcos.
The victim's name was Archimedes Trajano, a 20-year-old student of the Mapua Institute of Technology. In 1973, during a forum held at the University of Santo Tomas, Trajano asked Imee Marcos why she was serving as chairperson of the kabataang Barangay (Youth Council) when there had been no election. Immediately after the forum, Imee's bodyguards abducted him. A week later, his corpse was found. It bore unmistakable signs of torture.
Trajano's parents sued Imee Marcos for murder and torture before the US Federal District Court of Hawaii. In 1992, the court found Imee Marcos guilty and ordered her to pay Trajano's parents the sum of one million dollars.
"Those are your perceptions," the educator retorted.
Whoa. What's next for Imee Marcos-an honorary doctorate?" How naive of me. "And what did Imee donate to WVSU?" I asked. "Nothing."
As if. I decided to enroll at the Central Philippine University.
* *
"Nothing," Dr. Rosario Acerson of the Iloilo Doctor's Hospital (IDH) replied when I asked her if she had anything new to say after the Supreme Court ordered the Kuratong Baleleng case reopened. A week earlier, upon the recommendation of Dr. Rene Juaneza, the IDH board had invited Senator Panfilo Lacson to be the guest of honor and speaker at the launching of the IDH Kidney Foundation.
Were the doctors who had worked hard to put up the foundation aware of the character and background of their guest of honor?
"I can't tolerate this," Dr. Acerson said. As if. Exactly what she couldn't tolerate, she didn't explain.
My hometown is giving me a colossal culture shock! The general apathy I've experienced alternately disgusts and saddens me. But lately, thank God, I have met some Ilonggos with a social conscience.
Let's not forget June Abordo. To this day, the Marcoses have not paid a single centavo to the human rights victims, many of whom have passed away. In the meantime, Imee Marcos, with gazillions of loot at her disposal, is everywhere in the Western Visayas region.
"Artista ang packaging, 'day!" [Being packaged as an actress!] "Nangangampanya na talaga" [Campaigning in earnest], with a formidable national media network to cover her activities. The buzz is that her staff solicits invitations for her to grace events even in the remotest towns. Malls are not spared.
The local government officials who invite her are equally revolting. (Are they salivating for blood money as doles?) Shame.
Then there's the legendary short memory of Filipinos. I call it cowardice.
The youth comprise 59 percent of the voters in 2004. Most of them, however, are not aware of the major role Marcos and his cronies played in the "death by decomposition" of our nation, as Nelson Navarro once put it. Every day, as many as 3,000 Filipinos, among them members of the upper middle class, leave our country, having lost all hope for our country.
If Imee Marcos wins a Senate seat in 2004, she will be the first Marcos to win in a national election since EDSA People Power I, although she won't be the first to use the Senate as a refuge from civil and criminal suits. "Pag itong isinuka na ng bayan ibabalik pa sa poder, patay na" [If this person that the nation rejects will be restored to power, that's it for us]. Justice will never ever come to pass "sa mahal nating bayang Pilipinas" [in our beloved country the Philippines]. So help us God.
-------------------
Cynthia Patag has a Bachelor of Arts in Literature degree from De La Salle University and is now working on a second diploma so she can teach English to public school students.
What Letter does your name begin with
Does your name begin with: A?
U are not particularly romantic, but you are interested in action.You mean business. With you, what you see is what you get.You have no patience for flirting and can't be bothered with someone who is trying to be coy, cute, demure, and subtly enticing. You are an up-front person. You often don't get hints & you ever pass any. Brains turn you on. You must feel that your partner is! intellectually stimulating, otherwise you will find it difficult to sustain the relationship. You require loving, cuddling, wining, and dining to know that you're being appreciated. Your mate's physical attractiveness is important for you. You tend to be very Practical, & not very emotional Your choices are very good & can only lead to trouble. You are very self satisfied & egoistic.
Does your name begin with: B?
You give off vibes of lazy sensuality. You enjoy being romanced, wined, and dined. You are very happy to receive gifts as
an expression of the affection of your lover. You want to be pampered and know how to pamper your mate. You are private in your expression of endearments, and particular when it comes to love. You will hold off until everything meets with your approval. You can control your appetite & feelings. You require new sensations and experiences. You are willing
to experiment.
Does your name begin with: C?
You are a very social individual, and it is important to you to have a relationship. You require closeness and togetherness. You want the object of your affection to be socially acceptable and good-looking. You see your lover as a friend and companion. You are very sensual, Needing someone to appreciate and almost worship you. When this cannot be achieved, you have the ability to hold out on affection until you receive this.. You are an expert at controlling your desires and doing without.
Does your name begin with: D?
Once you get it into your head that you want someone, you move full Steam ahead in your suit. You do not give up your
quest easily. You are nurturing and caring. If someone has a problem, this turns you on. You are highly passionate, loyal, and intense in your involvement's, sometimes possessive and jealous. You are very sharp & talented often with sense of humour. When people bother to look deep inside they cannot resist what they see. You are stimulated by the eccentric and unusual, having a free and open attitude. You get jealous of other people and lose your temper .
Does your name begin with: E?
Your greatest need is to talk. If your date is not a good listener, you have trouble relating. A person must be iintellectually stimulating or you are not interested sexually. You need a friend for a lover and a companion You hate disharmony and disruption, but you do enjoy a good argument once in a while-it seems to stir things up. You flirt a lot, for the challenge is more important. But once you give your heart away, you are uncompromisingly loyal. You will fall asleep
with a good book. sometimes, in fact, you prefer a good book to a lover)
Does your name begin with: F?
You are idealistic and romantic, putting your lover on a pedestal. You look for the very best mate you can find. You are a
flirt, yet once committed, you are very loyal. You are sensuous and privately passionate. Publicly, you can be showy, extravagant, and gallant. You are a born romantic. Dramatic love scenes are a favourite fantasy past time. You can be a very generous lover.
Does your name begin with: G?
You are fastidious, seeking perfection within yourself and your lover. You respond to a lover who is yourintellectual
equal or superior, and one who can enhance your status. You are sensuous and know how to reach the peak of stimulation, because you work at it meticulously. You can be extremely active-never tiring out. Your duties and responsibilities take precedence over everything else. You may have difficulty getting emotionally close to people.
Does your name begin with: H?
You seek a mate who can enhance your zest for life ,fun & everything You seek for. You will be very generous to your
lover once you have Attained a commitment. You are very affectionate & very strong. Your gifts are actually an investment in your partner. Before the commitment, though, you tend to be very careful with your every move and equally cautious in your involvement's often as you believe that you have to look out for yourself. You are a sensual and patient lover. You will hold off till everything meets your full approval. You are a perfectionist, hard to satisfy and strong in your beliefs. Not influential, you always stand your ground. People can always count on you to stand by them in a crisis. You are a dreamer with/ a passion for life.
Does your name begin with: I?
You have a great need to be loved, appreciated... even worshiped. You enjoy luxury, sensuality, and pleasures of the flesh. You like necking spend hours just touching feeling & exploring. You look for lovers who know what they are doing. You are not interested in an amateur, unless that amateur wants a tutor. You are fussy and exacting about having your desires satisfied. You are willing to experiment and try new modes of expression... You bore eas ily and thus require adventure and change. Your commitments don't last very long & you often tend to stray. Loyalty is not one of your strong points. You are more sensual than sexual, but you are sometimes downright lustful.
Does your name begin with: J?
You are blessed with a great deal of physical energy. When used for a good cause there is nothing to stop you, except
maybe that they aren't always used for the good. (you could dance all night.) You respond to the thrill of the chase and the challenge of the mating game.You can carry on great romances in your head. At heart you are a roamer and need to set out on your own every so often. You will carry on long- distance relationships with ease. You are idealistic and need to believe in love. You have a need to be nurtured deep within.
Does your name begin with: K?
You are secretive, self-contained, and shy. You are very sexy, sensual, and passionate, but you do not let on to this. Only
in intimate privacy will this part of your nature reveal itself. When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, you are an expert. You know all the little tricks of the trade, can play any role or any game, and take your love life very seriously. You don't fool around. You have the patience to wait for the right person to come along. You are very generous & giving, often selfless. You are kind-natured & sweet, which is found to be attractive by many. You are a good friend.
Does your name begin with: L?
You can be very romantic, attached to the glamour of love. Having a partner is of paramount importance to you. You are free in your expression of love and are willing to take chances, try new sexual experiences and partners, provided it's all in good taste. Brains turn you on. You must feel that your partner is intellectually stimulating, otherwise you will find it difficult to sustain the relationship. You require loving, cuddling, wining, and dining to know that you're being appreciated. "You require loving, cuddling, wining, and dining to know that you're being appreciated ".
Does your name begin with: M?
You may appear innocent, unassuming and shy; but we know that Appearances can lie. When it comes to sex, you are no
novice but something of a skilled technician. You can easily go to extremes, though, running the gamut from insatiability to boredom with the whole idea of love. You can be highly critical of you mate, seeking perfection in both of you. It is not easy to find someone who can meet your standards. You have difficulty expressing emotions and drawing close to lovers. You are often selfish, thinking you are always right no matter what. You never give in. Winning is your prime desire- at any cost. You often forget friends and family and you live for the moment.
Does your name begin with: N?
You are emotional and intense. When involved in a relationship, you Throw your entire being into it. Nothing stops you;
there are no holds barred. You are all-consuming and crave someone who is equally passionate and intense. You believe in total freedom. You are willing to try anything and everything. Your supply of energy is inexhaustible. You want to be
pampered and know how to pamper your mate. You also enjoy mothering your mate. You often have the greatest love affairs all by yourself, in your head. You are very imaginative.
Does your name begin with: O?
You are very interested in fun activities yet secretive and shy about your desires. You can re-channel much of your energy
into making money and/or seeking we. You can easily have extended periods of celibacy. You are a passionate, compassionate lover, requiring the same qualities From your mate. Love is serious business; thus you demand intensity, diversity and is willing to try anything or anyone. Sometimes your passions turn to possessiveness, which must be kept in check.
Does your name begin with: P?
You are very conscious of social proprieties. You wouldn't think of Doing anything that might harm your image or Reputation. Appearances count. Therefore, you require a good-looking partner. You also require an intelligent partner. Oddly enough, you may view your partner as your enemy...a good fight stimulates those vibes. You are relatively free of hang- ups.You are willing to experiment and try new ways of doing things.You are very social and sensual; you enjoy flirting and need a good deal of physical gratification.
Does your name begin with: Q?
You require constant activity and stimulation. You have tremendous physical energy. It is not easy for a partner to keep up with you. You are an enthusiastic lover and tend to be attracted to people because of their ethnic groups. You need romance, hearts and flowers, and conversation to turn you on and keep you going.
Does your name begin with: R?
You are a no-nonsense, action-oriented individual. You need someone who can keep pace with you and who is your intellectual equal-the smarter the better. You are turned on more quickly by a great mind than by a great body. However, physical attractiveness is not very important to you. You have to be proved to be worthy for a partner. You have a need to prove yourself the best. You want feedback on your performance. You are open, stimulating & romantic.
Does your name begin with: S?
For you, it is pleasure before business. You can be romantically idealistic to a fault and is capable of much sensuality.
But you never loose control of your emotions. Once you make the commitment you stick like glue. You could get jealous and possessive. You tend to be very selfish often regarding yourself as the only human being on the planet.. You like being the centre of attention. You are very caring sensitive, private & sometimes very passive. Turned on by soft lights,
romantic thoughts. When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, you are an expert. You know all the little tricks of the trade, can play any role, or any game, and take your love life very seriously. You don't fool around. You have the patience to wait for the rightperson to come along. You are very generous & giving, often selfless. You are kind nature & sweet which is found to be attractive by many. You are a good friend.
Does your name begin with: T?
You are very sensitive, private & sometimes very passive. You like someone who takes the lead. You get turned on by music, soft lights & romantic thoughts. You fantasize & tend to fall in & out of love soon. When in love you are romantic, idealistic, mushy & extremely. You enjoy having your senses & your feelings stimulated, titillated & teased. You are a great flirt. You can make your relationships fit your dreams, all in your own head. Once you put your mind to something you manage to stand by it and see your dreams through. You aren't very good at expressing your feelings. You like things your own way. You do not like change, you like to hold on to things. This may not always be good because if
given an opportunity things may develop into great things. You work your way to the top. Attention must be given to what others say because even though you don't want to hear it their advice may turn out to save your life. !
Does your name begin with: U?
You are enthusiastic & at your happiest when in love. When not in love you're in love with love and always looking for
someone to adore. You see romance as challenge. You are a roamer & needs adventure, excitement freedom. You enjoy giving gifts & looking good. You are willing to put others feelings above yours.
Does your name begin with: V?
You are individualistic & you need freedom, space & excitement. You wait till you know someone well before committing
yourself. Knowing someone means psyching her/him out. You feel a need to get into his/her head to see what makes him tick. You are attracted to eccentric types. You believe that age is no barrier. You are good at responding to danger, fear & suspense.
Does your name begin with: W?
You are very proud, determined & refuses to take no for an answer when it come to love. Your ego is at stake all the
time. You are romantic, idealistic, often in love with love itself, not seeing your partner for who she or he really is. You feel deeply about love & tends to throw all of your self into a relationship. Nothing is too good for your lover. You like playing love games.
Does your name begin with: X?
You need constant stimulation because you get bored quickly. You can handle more than 1 relationship at a time with ease. You can't shut off your mind. You can do 2 things at once. You are very talented.
Does your name begin with: Y?
You are sensual & very independent. If you can't have it your way, you will forget the whole thing. You want to control
your relationships which doesn't work out too well. You respond to physical stimulation. However if you can make money you will give up the pleasures of the flesh for the moment. You have a need to prove yourself the best. You want feedback on your performance. You are open, stimulating & romantic.
Does your name begin with: Z?
You are very romantic but show feels that to love means to suffer. You wind up serving your mate & attracting people who have unusual trouble. You see yourself as a lover's saviour.
