The following statement was drafted by the National Union of Journalist in the Philippines after a forum on libel conducted by Atty. Theodore O. Te last week.
As NUJP said, “This statement is to protest the use of the libel law to stop critical reports and commentaries and to fight for the right of every Filipino to seek and receive information and ideas on matters of public interest, which are at the very core of the concept of a democratic society.”
The statement:
“The law on libel exists to protect private citizens from unwarranted damage to reputation, but in the Philippines libel has been predominantly used by public officials as a tool to cow an independent press.
“The most glaring example is the multiple libel cases filed by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo against 43 reporters, columnists, editors, publishers, and even a subscription manager, of various publications.
“We will not dispute the merits of the cases nor Mr. Arroyo’s right to defend his honor and dignity, as he and his lawyers insist.
“What we decry is his propensity to sue journalists so as to muzzle those he does not agree with and sending out a clear signal to others that they risk the same ordeal should they dare cross him.
“Mr. Arroyo is, after all, no ordinary mortal. As presidential husband, he clearly enjoys immense power and influence, not just by his status but also because he does head the Office of the First Gentleman. And many, if not most, of his deeds and pronouncements dwell in the realm of public interest.
“He is, therefore, both a public figure and public official.
“That he is aware of this status and has no qualms of wielding it against his perceived enemies is evident in the fact that, when he filed his latest suit against the Tulfo brothers, he gave his address as Malacañang Palace, as if to stress who he is.
“The record number of cases Mr. Arroyo has filed highlight how the powerful in this benighted land regularly abuse libel laws to curtail the democratic right of the press to delve into the truth behind matters of public interest and the people’s right to know.
“It is also the best argument for decriminalizing an outdated law that has been used not so much to protect the innocent as to shield the guilty.
We demand that Congress immediately work to repeal the law on libel, to strike it off the book of criminal statutes, as part of its sworn duty to strengthen our badly eroded and still beleaguered democracy.
“We demand that Jose Miguel Arroyo cease and desist from this clear abuse of his power and influence and squarely face the issues raised against him where they are properly addressed, in the arena of free and democratic discourse.
“We pledge that neither this nor any other attempts by those in power to trample on the freedom of the press and the people’s right to know shall go unchallenged.
“We commit ourselves to the continued struggle to realize the true blooming of democracy in our land, when freedom of expression shall be enshrined not just in our aspirations but in practice.”
We can do it, stop Miguel Arroyo’s libel suit. Only, if we stand our ground and demand for our rights and liberate our own fear. We the people are also no ordinary mortal, we hold the key to Malacanang. Hence, we demand respect.
In order to save the Republic from complete annihilation by the shameless people now occupying the house of the people, and to bring forth an elusive justice in the Philippines, We the people, with the full cooperation from the National Union of Journalist (NUOJ) is making demand. Our demand is simply like this, all journalists to start a thorough in all respect an investigation of the Arroyo’s assets since the year Arroyos grabbed power. WE, the people would be much interested of how much wealth the Arroyos accumulated. And the very sources from where all those wealth got to the possession of the Arroyos. The investigation should cover everything the Arroyos owned in the Philippines and countries abroad, such as San Francisco, Germany, Hongkong, Spain, Italy, et al. Findings by the NUOJ shall be proclaimed publicly for all civilized nations to see on all the newspapers, radio and television in the Philippines and abroad. No stone shall be left un-turned!
NUOJ, you may exercise the power of the media. Pay back is hell!
The fat guy’s aim in an unprecedented filing libel suits against journalist is not to seek justice or for any monetary consideration,(marami na siya niyon) but just pure harassment to stop them from critizing and writing unfavorable stories against him. Tinatakot o sinisindak sila and in so doing he is abusing his powers as the husband of the illegitimate prez, thus, he is engaged in suppressing and stifling the freedom of the expression. How can you write freely, if you are concerned by the possibility of a libel?
tony cuevas,
walang mangyayari dyan sa plano mo na imbistigasyon. hanggang ngayon si marcos iniimbistigahan, si erap iniimbistigahan. may naparusahan ba? ayon! balik lahat ulit sa pwesto ang mga magnanakaw!
Something to keep in mind, Miguel Arroyo is a nobody. Therefore, journalists you don’t owe Miguel any explanation. You got more right than Miguel and the rest of his family put together. All combined together (journalists) are more credible and believable if we’ve to compare you with the Arroyos. The Arroyos has no credibility, shame, pride and honor. All they’ve to show for are what they stole from the people and the raping of the constitution. And that’s not a good resume to have as the first family of the country, especially whent the majority of the people want them out of Malacanang. But, since this Arroyos are shameless, they don’t care to what happen to the country.
The Arroyos are not a respectable family. The respect they earned from others are bought and paid by the people’s money. So, without the money, the treasury, Arroyo’s are nobody.
Journalists don’t lose sleep on the Arroyos. They are just bunch of desperate family will do anything, even to kill innocent people so they can remain in power.
Journalists, do what you must, but make sure that Miguel doesn’t laugh all the way to Jose Pidal accounts.
hindinapinoy:
I agree with the Marcos and Estrada, being investigated by the government people, and not going nowhere. However, if only the Jounalists now being attacked personally by Miguel himself, perhaps the journalists could it make it a crusade to bring about the truth of Arroyos wealth. And why not? Journalists can also play the hard ball, if they want the libel to stop. It will also at the same time a service to help recover the stolen money from the people’s coffers. I suppose, the ball is on the Journalists court, if they want to take advantage of it. Or, they all can be silent and let Miguel abuse their rights as journalist.
The bottom line, the freedom of the press is protected under the article of the constitution. But, the only frigging (borrowed from Anna) problem Miguel and the Arroyos doesn’t recognized the constitution, since they have re-written the constitution to their convenient and when the people allowed them to grabbed power. Of course, being sorry now is little late, damaged has already been done, and some. I’m pretty much sure the journalists in order to protect their rights, press freedom, they must retaliate and not to let Miguel dictate the tempo.
Journalists you’re the victim of the abused of power, don’t ever forget it.
The office of First Gentleman is about as lofty as one can aspire among the pinoy gentry and what makes it of sterling quality is that it is unique. No other person has held the office except Miguel Arroyo. As such it is incumbent on the husband of Gloria to treat the office with solemn dignity, but unfortunately it seems that the FG has no discernment of his stature. He is prostituing himself with frivolous libel suits that are apparently bent on abridging the freedom of the press.Talk about throwing pearls to the swine … FG is the opposite – he is the swine among the pearls.
off topic, re arroyo ignoring the CA process to get what she wants…
well, it has worked well for her in the past.
politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2006/09/arroyo-must-have-her-way.html
Vic and other Canadians, please read:
Harper’s Taste for War
PM’s pride tied to military muscle, U.S. approval.
By Murray Dobbin
Published: September 25, 2006
It is alarming for many Canadians to watch Stephen Harper, the head of a minority government with the support of fewer than 40 per cent of citizens, turn Canada into a nation of war. But that is what is happening.
The roots of Harper’s preference for war go to the core of his view of government: maintaining a strong, war-fighting armed forces is one of the few roles that Harper believes government should have. He is fighting a war against a battle-hardened and determined enemy in one of the most the most fiercely independent nations on earth. The complexity of Afghan society confounds all but a few who would try to understand it. Yet, for Stephen Harper, understanding Afghanistan seems almost irrelevant. But it is relevant because this is a war that Canada and the West cannot win, any more than Britain and the Soviets could before us. And Canada will share disproportionately in its ultimate loss in terms of dead and wounded, billions of dollars wasted and our international reputation sullied for a long time to come. It will go down in history as one of our country’s biggest foreign policy disasters.
Stephen Harper: The War Prime Minister
Stephen Harper’s contempt for Canada and what it became in the decades following the Second World War is firmly on the record. Most of his comments — his sneering dismissal of our egalitarianism and sense of community — relate to social programs like medicare. He once declared Canada “…a second-tier socialistic country, boasting ever more loudly about its…social services to mask its second-rate status.”
It was not until recently that he revealed his disdain for Canada’s three decades of peacekeeping. In a CBC interview conducted as Parliament resumed sitting this month, Harper showed that he relished the fact that Canadian soldiers were war-fighting, and dismissed Canada’s peacekeeping history as virtual cowardice: “For a lot of the last 30 or 40 years, we were the ones hanging back.” He even mused that the deaths of Canadian soldiers were a boost for the military — cathartic after years of not being able to kill or die like real soldiers. “I can tell you it’s certainly engaged our military. It’s, I think, made them a better military notwithstanding — and maybe in some way because of — the casualties.”
Utterly blind to how the rest of the world sees the conflict in Afghanistan, Harper told the CBC that Canada’s role in Afghanistan is “…certainly raising Canada’s leadership role, once again, in the United Nations and in the world community.”
You have only to look at Harper’s history and his government’s “five priorities” to understand why he would get Canada and himself deeper into a conflict he cannot win. For five years in the middle of his political career, Harper was with the National Citizens Coalition, an extreme right-wing organization that was founded by an insurance company millionaire explicitly to fight public medicare. Its slogan is “More freedom through less government.” It is virtually impossible for Stephen Harper to recognize Canadian leadership in any field — such as medicare — that he believes Canada should not be involved in. For the Conservative prime minister, the Afghanistan conflict may be literally the first time that Canada has shown real leadership in decades.
Dying to be proud
Stephen Harper can finally be proud of Canada, now that we are making war. It does not even matter to him that more question the country’s commitment to the increasingly distorted mission in Afghanistan (49 per cent) than support the mission (38 per cent). Embarrassed for years about living in a socialist country, Harper can now hold his head high where it counts: in Calgary and Washington, D.C.
Four of Harper’s five priorities following the last election reflect his “less government” imperative. Cutting taxes is critical to creating “less government” because so long as you have robust revenue (even surpluses), citizens will expect you to deliver those things they desire. Combatting crime is one of the “core” activities of Canada for Harper and all neo-cons. While priority number three, cleaning up government, is a noble cause, many experts on the effective running of government say that aspects of his huge Accountability Act will serve to paralyze the federal government. His “child care” grants were transparently designed to ensure that government would not be involved in the provision of child care at all.
In the secretive and tightly controlled world of the Harper government, it isn’t always easy to determine who Harper is listening to for advice. But his disdain for government and his enormous intellectual arrogance suggest that bureaucrats, including civilian military officials and the diplomatic corps, are not high on his list. These are the people who would have tried to give Harper an objective analysis of how the Afghanistan conflict was going back in February when he took over as prime minister. But given that they were part of a military establishment that was responsible for the peacekeeping culture he detested, he was unlikely to listen to any cautionary advice.
They were part of the problem, not part of the solution.
‘It’s never enough’
He was much more likely to listen to those running the U.S. (whom he has admired to the point of worship for many years) and to those Canadian generals who were also rejecting the peacekeeping culture. In fact, Harper’s predecessor Paul Martin had already signalled a political change.
Jean Chrétien warned about military demands for money: “It’s never enough…They all need more and they all have plans for more.” But Martin eagerly listened to the war generals and to Bay Street who also supported a stronger military integrated into the U.S. war machine. Already the seventh-highest spender in NATO at nearly $14 billion, Martin added $12.8 billion over five years. Conservatives will top that by a further $5.3 billion, putting spending much higher than at any time during the Cold War. Both Martin and Harper were bending over backwards to please George Bush.
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci, in 2002, made a remarkable admission: the only order he received from the White House when he was appointed was to get Canada to dramatically increase military spending.
It isn’t just the money, it’s how it will be spent. As defence analyst Steven Staples points out: “Without billions of dollars, the military can’t afford to buy the high-tech weaponry required for joint operations with the Americans, the most lethal and technologically advanced fighting force in history…Defence spending fuels military integration [with the U.S].” Harper is even more committed to the idea of fully integrated armed forces as part of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, a formal integration agreement between the three NAFTA countries that will see huge areas of government policy “harmonized,” including energy, water, drug testing, security, immigration and refugees and more.
But military integration is the key to other areas of continental integration — such as open borders — that Canadian corporations want. “Security trumps trade,” Paul Cellucci said repeatedly in lobbying other political parties and Bay Street against Chrétien’s refusal to increase the military budget. They won the money battle, but that’s not enough. As Staples says: “Afghanistan is the proving ground for Canada-U.S. military integration.” Which is partly why Harper extended the mission for two years and is so determined — against history, against logic and in cynical betrayal of Canadian soldiers, to “win.”
EDITORYAL – Corruption sa Thailand
Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 09/27/2006
DAHIL sa corruption kaya nagkaroon ng kudeta sa Thailand noong nakaraang linggo. At masyadong mabilis at walang kahirap-hirap ang Thai military na pabagsakin si Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Ginawa ang kudeta habang nasa New York si Thaksin. Walang dugong dumanak sa ginawang kudeta.
Matindi ang corruption sa Thailand na maaaring kasingtindi rin nang nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Nagsisimula nang mag-imbestiga ang mga ini-appoint na committee ng corrupton para makalkal ang lawak ng katiwaliang ginawa ni Thaksin at miyembro ng kanyang Gabinete. At kasisimula pa lamang ng imbestigasyon, nakita nang may 10,000 corruption cases laban kay Thaksin at kanyang mga opisyal. At pinag-aaralan na ng mga miyembro ng corruption committee na i-freeze ang mga ari-arian ni Thaksin at kanyang opisyales kapag nagkaroon na nang matibay na ebidensiya laban sa bumagsak na lider. Hindi raw titigil ang committee sa pag-iimbestiga sa ginawa ni Thaksin at kanyang Gabinete.
Pinagdududahan na nailipad na ni Thaksin ang maraming pera nang magtungo ito sa New York. Marami umanong bagahe si Thaksin nang umalis.
Limang taong namuno si Thaksin at sa loob ng panahong iyon, maraming alegasyon ang ibinabato sa kanya at isa riyan ang labis na corruption. Kaliwa’t kanan ang suhulan. Nagpayaman habang nasa puwesto si Thaksin. Sa report, tinatayang nasa $2.2 billion ang kayamanan ni Thaksin. Isa ang pamilya ni Thaksin sa 40 pinaka-mayamang pamilya sa Thailand. At marami ang naniniwala na ang kanyang kayamanan ay mula sa corruption.
Sabi ng committee ng corruption na nag-iimbestiga sa mga maling ginawa ni Thaksin, mamadaliin nila ang imbestigasyon para mabawi ang mga nakaw na yaman at nang maparusahan ito.
Walang ipinagkaiba sa Pilipinas ang Thailand. Marami ring corrupt doon. Maraming nagpapayaman habang nasa puwesto. Ang tanging kaibahan lamang ay seryosong magtrabaho ang mga nag-iimbestiga sa maling ginawa ng pinuno. Madaling natutukoy kung gaano karami ang nananakaw at nakahanda na sila para hindi ito magalaw. Sa Pilipinas, hindi ganyan. Dito ay ingas-kugon ang mga nag-iimbestiga sa mga corrupt. At ang masaklap ang nahuhuli lamang ay mga “butiki” at nakaa- alpas ang mga “buwaya”.
patunay lamang ito kung paanong nakakapamayani ang mga gahaman sa pwesto. kawawang pilipinas, pinagpipistahan ng mga tiwali at mandurugas!!
paano nga magkakaroon ng masusing pag-iimbistiga sa mga katiwalian lalo na sa malignong mag-asawa kung sa bawat pagbubunyag ay pananakot at paghahain agad ng kasong libel ang pangontra at itong mga timawang bayarang piskal, huwes at tsuwawa kiling at pagtatakip ang ginagawa sa umaalingasaw na baho pati ng mga alipores nila. kungsabagay, matatapos din ang bangungot na ito, kapag ang kaban ay limas na limas na!!!!
Coincidence or Deliberate?
During the People’s Initiative oral argument at the Supreme Court, there was power failure. At the height of Justice Guiterrez’s questioning, the power went off. The Supreme Court Justices had no choice but to stop the hearing and just decided that the petition be considered for submission.
If these Justice are true to their sworn oath of office, the Cha-Cha is Dead-Dead. But anything could happen under this Arroyo government. If the Supreme Court reverses its decision, there will be bloodshed. I shall lead the Revolution!
27 September 2006
Off-topic lang po:
In a headlines news of the tribune, the CBCP findings on one of their committee report “FPJ was cheated of 600,000 votes!!!!! wow what does it translates??? there indeed was massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.
My question right now is??? why is the CBCP labeled it for their eyes only??? I thought the CBCP is propagatng the truht as one of the universal teachings of christ. IF the CBCP comittee’s report is true they should divulge it and inform the public of the massive cheating in the 2004 elections.
Forthe sake of argument, let’s just say 600,000 votes is not enough to overturn the 1+million votes by gloria against FPJ, it doesn’t mean that there was no cheating??? It just shows that cheating was conducted by poll operators of gloria. cheating is cheating.
I think it is about time that the CBCP divulge their findings about the poll cheating in 2004. Enough is enough, it is high time that morality should be brought back, it is high time for the CBCP to tell gloria its time for her to go.
But please don’t let de castro succeed her, or the country will fall to eternal damnation.
prans
TRUE Journalists in the Philippinjes: UNITE!
I said “TRUE JOURNALISTS” kasi merong bayaran sa tabi-tabi. Malagyan lang ng juicy posts abroad, sampalataya na…hahalika pati puwet ni gloria makasama lang sa mga junkets abroad.
Journalists [b]must unite and expose all the magic gloria ang her cohorts have been doing.[/b] Only in so doing will the people learn that hindi pala tama ang ginagawa ng nasa Malacanang. Todo pasa langf ang iba kasi hindi alam ang tunay na estado ng Bansa sa kamay ng mga alipores ng lagim.
These people are bleeding the Filipino people dry!
Baka bukas, wala na ang Bansang ito, kapag nanatili pang naririyan ang mga bogus na presidente at galamay nya. Baka ibenta pati Pilipinas!
nagtataka pa kayo, madaling bumaliktad at madaling bayaran ang pinoy.
Npongco, in many instances, you had commented to me about being cautious about the U.S. in this whole Joc-Joc Bolante brouhaha. You were right, after all. Just heard that the U.S. apparently struck a deal with the Phil. government on Bolante in exchange for the outcome of the Subic rape case. “Nicole” and her ma were correct, after all.
“Nicole” and her ma should take their issues and complaints to some European NGO to blow this up!
That is just pathetic if you cannot get your goons to kill these reporters, then you sue them. Or lie and say Macapagal is the greatest president after marcos. Just pathetic.
First Fatso is making fun of the law on libel.
I wass talking to an EU lawyer friend who’s defended a magazine here against a libel suit – told him about Fatso’s predilection for filing dozens of libel cases all at the same time against journalists who get his goat.
He laughed. He said, the courts here would question the seriousness of the plaintiff and could call in the plaintiff to the stand and be asked questions by the judges himself or herself. In other words, Fatso, over here would be put on the dock!
“nagtataka pa kayo, madaling bumaliktad at madaling bayaran ang pinoy.”
hindinapinoy,
then revert the formula: take the money and run! (I mean, don’t support the briber’s initiative…), no need to make baligtad!
Ellen,
Re Chabeli’s suggestion: KARAPATAN should sue Gloria in Brussels! It can be done but they should lodge the complaint. I’m willing to help them…
hindinapinoy,
“si erap iniimbistigahan. may naparusahan ba?”
You will find that Erap is in “prison”. 5 years already and he’s not even been convicted of anything yet.
Actually, Erap should file a case against Gloria and her government in the EU for human rights abuse. This can be done!
Can anyone verufy this news I got that Esperon’s 4-Star was approved by the Commission on Appointment?
Taipan,
The Star journalist who covered Gloria’s visit in Brussels was accorded an exclusive interview by Gloria in her Hilton suites here. No less than Romulo and Bunye rang the Star correspondent to confirm the interview, received the same correspondent in full regalia, etc.
Well, save for a liner or two in the Star report pertaining to the interview, the correspondent reported mainly on the rally against Gloria, which apparently got the ire of Gloria!
The Star report on and front cover picture of the rally in Brussels it seems was THE ONLY one published in Philippine newspapers.
This friend was accorded royal treatment by Gloria and her alalays in Brussels, matter of fact, took the “royal” treatment and published the news report on Gloria’s visit that was warranted and not the drivel that Gloria pronounced during the exclusive interview!
But my friend doesn’t give a shit even if Gloria is apparently fuming mad!
Esperon got two confirmations in one day. Jinggoy Estrada did not push through with his objection. His son is in the hospital for dengue.
Ellen knows this Star correspondent, who cannot be paid and won’t make baligtad no matter the price – the guy’s already rich.
Ellen, what a frigging bad luck for Pinas and what golden luck for this Esperon shithead!
Update from Inq7:
First Gentleman’s ‘disregard for press freedom’ slammed
Journalists call for libel decriminalization
By Nonoy Espina
INQ7.net
Last updated 04:17pm (Mla time) 09/27/2006
Yeeehaw!
For as long as there is a press alive anywhere else in the world, the pen could still be mightier than the sword!
Anna,
There is already a move about the lawsuits to be filed in the International Court. I wrote the Barkada about it, remember? Tahimik lang tayo because we do not want the crooks to try to conceal the evidences even by killing the people we are relying on in the Philippines. There are a lot many members of the international community involved in this advocacy as a matter of fact!
Re: “Nevertheless, Te acknowledged that cases filed by the powerful, such as Arroyo, were often “intended to cripple” the defendants and cast a “chilling effect” on other journalists.”
I realize for Filipino journalists, the intention to cripple is more pronounced because of the costs of defending oneself and the time!
The above posted statement has been going around the internet for signature. I got this from:http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=167
If you want to sign up, you can do it here and I’ll forward it to NUJP. Thanks.
Signatories as of 4 p.m. 27 September 2006:
Organizations
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
Bandillo ng Palawan
Individuals
Jose Torres Jr. (Chairperson, NUJP)
Rowena Paraan (Secretary-General, NUJP)
Nonoy Espina (Director, NUJP)
Inday Espina-Varona (Director, NUJP)
Elmer James Bandol (NUJP-Albay)
Leti Boniol (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Ruben Alabastro (Inquirer)
Julie Aurelio (Inquirer)
Elvira Mata (Inquirer)
Adelle Geraldo (Inquirer)
Lorna Kalaw-Tirol (Inquirer)
Juan Sarmiento Jr. (Inquirer)
Chito de la Vega (Inquirer)
Stephanie Asuncion (Inquirer)
Jun Bandayrel (Inquirer)
Tina Arceo-Dumlao (Inquirer)
Margie Espino (Inquirer)
Corrie Salientes-Narisma (Inquirer)
Monica Feria (Inquirer)
Vangie Baga-Reyes (Inquirer)
Mylene Francisco (Inquirer)
Miguel Suarez (Inquirer)
Ted Melendres (Inquirer)
Jun Cinco (Inquirer)
A. Noel Velasco (Inquirer)
Abelardo Ulanday (Inquirer)
Rosario Garcellano (Inquirer)
Artemio Engracia Jr. (Inquirer)
Jose Ma. Nolasco (Inquirer)
John B. Bayarong (UJP-OS)
Romy Elusfa
Joyce Pañares (Manila Standard Today)
Marlon Ramos (Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau-Laguna)
Carla P. Gomez (Visayan Daily Star, Bacolod City)
Arman Toga, editor (Negros Daily Bulletin)
Ire Jo V.C. Laurente (DWOM-FM, Mindoro)
Julie S. Alipala, (Inquirer Mindanao Bureau-Zamboanga City)
David Santos (ABS-CBN Zamboanga City)
Vicente Jaime Villafranca (Philippine Graphic)
Ramon Acasio (Philippine Graphic)
Lynette Ordoñez-Luna (Independent)
Rollie Espina, Philippine Star and Negros Press Club
Ma. Ester Espina, Media Advocates for Reproductive Health and Empowerment
Delfin Perez (Manila Bulletin)
Gerry Albert Corpuz (contributor, Bulatlat.com)
Jofelle Tesorio (Bandillo ng Palawan)
Ansbert B. Joaquin (NUJP Olongapo-Subic)
Tony Bergonia (Inquirer)
Raul Marcelo (Inquirer)
Eric Olona (Inquirer)
Linda Bolido (Inquirer)
Chelo B. Formoso (Inquirer)
Fernando del Mundo (Inquirer)
Cenon Bibe Jr. (Inquirer)
Sandra Sendoyro (Inquirer)
Romina Austria (Inquirer)
Princess Daily Omilga (Inquirer)
Ernie Sarmiento (Inquirer)
Keith Bacongco (Business Mirror)
Jun Verzola (Northern Dispatch Weekly)
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. (Inquirer Southern Luzon-Quezon)
Dodong Solis (Radio Mindanao Networks-Davao)
Alexander Martin Remollino (Bulatlat Online Magazine, NUJP)
Dennis Maliwanag (inq7.net)
ces rodriguez (One Philippines)
Raffy Jimenez (GMANews.TV)
Ilang-Ilang Quijano (Pinoy Weekly)
Noel Sales Barcelona (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP)
Soliman A. Santos (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP/Elliptical Press Corps director)
Kenneth Roland A. Guda (Pinoy Weekly, NUJP)
D’Jay Lazaro (Pinoy Weekly managing editor, NUJP/NCPM Executive Director)
Rogelio L. Ordoñez (Pinoy Weekly EIC, NUJP/NPC)
Bayani Abadilla (Pinoy Weekly, News Editor, NUJP/NPC)
Roel Pareno (Philippine Star)
Frencie Carreon (Zamboanga Today)
Carol “Rollie” Montilla (Eastern Times, Malaya, KMC Magazine)
Carmelito Q. Francisco (BusinessWorld-Mindanao/Mindanao Times)
Veronica Uy (INQ7.net)
Thea Alberto (INQ7.net)
Noel Godinez (Nothern Dispatch Weekly)
Rudy D. Liporada (Editor, Kapitbahay, San Diego, California)
Lito Banayo (Columnist, Malaya and Abante)
Aquiles Z. Zonio (Inquirer Mindanao Bureau/NUJP-General Santos City)
Roel Pareno (Philippine Star)
Frencie Carreon (Zamboanga Today)
Edith Regalado
Iris Cecilia Gonzales (BusinessWorld)
Ma. Ceres P. Doyo (Inquirer)
Bobby Tuazon ( Bulatlat.com)
Grace Albasin (Inquirer Mindanao Bureau/NUJP)
Danilo A. Arao ( Bulatlat.com)
Merpu P. Roa (Filipino Express/MindaNews)
Ermin Garcia Jr.. (Sunday Punch)
Susan Palmes (NUJP-Cagayan de Oro)
Rommel G. Rebolido (NUJP-General Santos)
Artemio A. Dumlao (Philippine Star/NUJP)
Raymond Panaligan (freelance photographer)
Ellen Tordesillas ( Malaya)
Hadrian Hernandez (Gulf News, UAE)
Carlos Isagani T. Zarate (Columnist,Kris-Crossing Mindanao, Inquirer)
Edwin C. Mercurio (Philippine Press Club-Ontario, Canada)
Ninotchka Rosca (Novelist/journalist)
Michael Sarcauga (NUJP-Ozamis)
Roberto Galicia (Philippine Press Club-Ontario, Canada)
Ma. Diosa Labiste (Inquirer-Iloilo/NUJP)
Nestor Burgos Jr. (Inquirer-Iloilo/NUJP)
Michael L. Ubac (Inquirer)
Ronnel Domingo (Inquirer)
Tarra Quismundo (Inquirer)
Philip Cesar Tubeza (Inquirer)
Marinel R. Cruz (Inquirer)
Kathryn L. Reyes (Inquirer)
Pamela Samia (Inquirer)
Robert Jaworski Abaño (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Vincent Cabreza (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Desiree Caluza (Inquirer Northern Luzon Bureau)
Jonathan Cellona (photojournalist, BusinessWorld)
Voltaire F. Domingo
Paul M. Gutierrez (Journal Group)
Gerry Kaimo
Gene de Loyola
Joel Salud (freelance writer)
Edralyn Benedicto (Inquirer Visayas Bureau)
Cheryll Fiel ( Davao Today/NUJP)
Grace Uddin ( Davao Today/NUJP)
Pam Pastor (Inquirer)
Psyche Mendoza
Gil Nartea (Philippine Center for Photojournalism)
Butch Hilario (freelance journalist)
Armando Malay Jr.
Ares P. Gutierrez (Al Nisr Media-Dubai/Gulf News)
Carlos H. Conde
Alexander T. Magno (GMA-News.TV )
Ricky Carandang (ANC)
Allan M. Mediante ( Mindanao Trustee of Philippine Press Institute/Mindanao Gold Star Daily)
Jun Galias (NUJP-Sorsogon)
Manny Lucila (SONAR)
Bobby Q. Labalan (Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau/NUJP)
Jose F. Lacaba
From Abroad:
Organizations:
International Federation of Journalists
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Indian Media Centre (India)
Reporters Without Borders
Individuals:
Christopher Warren (Chairperson, International Federation of Journalists)
Aidan White (General Secretary, IFJ)
Jacqueline Park (IFJ)
Emma Walters (IFJ)
Pi James (IFJ)
Laxmi Murthy (IFJ)
Mike Dobbie (IFJ)
Ashok Malik (Chandigarh Journalists Association, India)
Sonia Randhawa (Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia)
H.Naranjargal (Globe International)
D.Munkhburen (Globe International)
G.Narangarav (Globe International)
T. Davaahuu (Globe International)
D.Enkhtuul (Globe International)
J.Enkhjargal(Globe International)
Ch.Munkhzul (NTV)
B.Galaarid (individual)
Byanbajal (Confederation of Mongolian Journalists)
Sarangerel (CMJ)
Gerard Noonan (The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia)
Jim NOlan (Barrister, Australia )
Alan Kennedy (President, Media Alliance, Australia )
Ruth Polland (President, Media Alliance NSW Branch , Australia)
Wesley Chua (Ming Pao Daily, Toronto, Canada )
Florfina Marcelino (The PHilippine Times, Winnepeg, Canada)
Ellen,
Please add my name
Yuko Takei (Freelance Journalist, Tokyo)
npongo, the article was surely written by one of many critiques of the PM Harper policies. It was stated in the article that the trend of Militarism of Canadian Forces was started by former Liberal Government of PM Paul Martin. The Canadian forces had been neglected for so long, because of reliance to the strength of the U.S. Military and the long tenure of the Liberal government whose policies are well-known to be anti-military and also indifference to the Republican Administration. If you can recall that PM Jean Chretien even didn’t get close to New York city the aftermath of 9/11 and the Americans took that as an insult. And as I said before, Canada has its own interest to serve. During the Campaign, the conservative promised to rebuild the Canadian Forces and what it is doing now is fulfilling that election promise. The Afghanistan campaign will be moving forward, until the NATO command decide to withdraw its troop.
As for the 40 % popular vote, the writer should have known, other than the Conservative is a Minority Government, the winning Party in Election is not decided by popularity votes, but by the Number of Seat the Party wins. The Party who wins the Most seats is declared the winner, no matter if it only has a 30 or even lower popularity votes. That is our system.
The U.S. is not only Canada’s mean ally, it is also its biggest trading partner and defense partner. We have been under the umbrella of U.S. Protection (NORAD, NATO) for a long time and PM Harper realized that. And if the people of Canada do not want the way he run our government, they can tell there Members, especially the Three Opposition Parties Members to introduce the motion for no-confidence and resolve the issue in the Election following. But it was clear during the Campaign that the Conservative will implement the Election Promises and that is what the PM is doing. And the Critiques are multiplying, but that’s our press here. If you want to read more issues against our Government, I recommend The Toronto Star ( I subscribed to the paper). The Toronto Sun is on the Government side and it is more of a tabloid. The Star is the largest daily in Canada and it has a complete on-line edition. Just click thestar.com.
Hi Ellen,
Could you please add my name to the list?
Vi Massart
Chief European correspondent, The Philippine Star
Thank you.
Instead of filing libel suit, Miss Stronach has this to say:
Stronach won’t discuss Domi allegations
Sep. 26, 2006. 07:18 PM
BRUCE CHEADLE
CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — Liberal MP Belinda Stronach is refusing to comment on allegations that she’s a marriage wrecker but says lurid media reports about her role in a high-profile divorce point to a sexist double standard.
“I’d really like to say in a country like Canada that there isn’t, but I do believe there is a double standard,” Stronach told CTV on Tuesday.
“And it’s unfortunate for other women in this country that want to seek political office and to make a contribution.”
Privacy invasions on public figures, added the multimillionaire heiress, are “a deterrent for people in general. It’s not just women.”
It was her first interview since Stronach was repeatedly cited in an acrimonious divorce application by the wife of former NHLer Tie Domi.
Stronach refused to discuss allegations by Leanne Domi that her husband’s adulterous relationship caused their 13-year marriage to end this summer.
“I’m not going to comment at this point in time whether it’s true, it’s false or it’s just the opinions of others,” Stronach said. “I’m not prepared to talk about my personal life at this moment.”
Stronach had been under a self-imposed silence since reports of her alleged relationship to Domi, a high-profile and recently retired winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, first aired more than a week ago.
After standing in the House of Commons on Tuesday to ask the Conservative government about funding cuts to women’s programs, Stronach briefly faced the media.
Asked if she felt the messy divorce allegations might compromise her role as head of the Liberal women’s caucus, Stronach demurred.
“No, I do not,” she responded.
Asked if she was in a relationship with Domi, Stronach abruptly ended the media availability, only to appear later on CTV’s Mike Duffy Live political show.
It is not the first time that Stronach’s love life has been the subject of intense public scrutiny.
The then-rookie MP jumped from the Conservative party directly into the ranks of Paul Martin’s Liberal cabinet in May 2005, jettisoning her high-profile paramour — fellow Tory MP Peter MacKay — in the process.
MacKay, now the Conservative foreign affairs minister, gave despondent TV interviews in a potato patch in his native Nova Scotia that turned the split into a political bodice-ripper.
Stronach was previously married to Olympic speed-skating champion Johann Olav Koss of Norway, and before that to a top executive in her father’s auto-parts empire.
She’s had to deny a string of rumoured romantic partners, most notably former U.S. president Bill Clinton — a friend whose path frequently crosses Stronach’s.
Asked about her many male friends in a new biography, Stronach was forthright with author Don Martin.
“I love them, what’s wrong with that?” said the single mother of two.
Asked bluntly about her sex life, Stronach responded: “Let’s face it. I don’t sit at home and knit on Friday nights.”
Whether the Domi imbroglio could tarnish her political career is a matter of some debate.
Canadians are well beyond such judgments, said Bill Graham, the Liberal party interim leader.
“I think Canadians have come to a point in our national life where we recognize that private lives of people are private lives. Unless it impinges on their public duties, it is not relevant to Canadians.”
And Patrick Gossage, an image consultant with Media Profile who once served as prime minister Pierre Trudeau’s press secretary, said even in the 1970s Canadians were starting to change their attitudes about the private love lives of politicians.
“She is who she is,” Gossage said of Stronach. “So was Trudeau, who liked women and hardly lost votes because of that.”
Political scientist Heather MacIvor said there may be a political price for Stronach.
While lamenting that a double standard does still exist for women in politics, the party-watcher from the University of Windsor, Ont., said Stronach has saddled herself with a public persona as someone who switches parties and partners.
“There is this narrative that has been created about her and she seems to be doing things that confirm it instead of giving the lie to it,” said MacIvor.
“That’s not going to help her get taken seriously.”
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As much as I despise Miguel Arroyo on his arrogant behavior and the abuse of the power by these illegitimate non-paying tenants of Malacanang, decriminalizing libel need to be thoughtfully, very carefully, to make certain that it doesn’t take away the rights of others, the millions of the citizens. Lets not be hasty, when it concern others rights. If I’m to make a suggestion and to direct the blame for the outrageous libel by Miguel, I would consider looking into the judges behavior that entertain the libel of Miguel and are making a mockery of the Judicial System. Expose those judges for what they are, if they’re under the white envelope groups, etc. Such frivolous libel if detected by an honest(?) judge should be dismissed immediately without a hearing. Then again, I’m talking about the land of the Arroyos where everything are in their name. So, fair judgement in the court of law, when the law only recognized the right of one Miguel is one sided?
Is it really, the libel is to protect the honor and dignity of Miguel when he has none? Honor and dignity of Miguel and the Arroyos, what a laugh and a half. How insane to even consider the Arroyo’s honor, especially the one Miguel Arroyo. C’mon lets not be naive.
How about people’s libel suit instead or people’s initiative? How many legal signatures does it take to rid of the Arroyos at our house. What are we waiting for, lets get started. The old adage, if you want it done right, you got to do it yourself. As the story goes, Juan de la Cruz laid on his back with an open mouth, waited for the fruit to fall in his mouth, instead he got a black eye. So, what’s the moral of the story?
Toney,
Just for clarification:
Libel concerns those who are related to the press or work for media and public officials only and not necessarily the millions of ordinary citizens.
I believe Fencesitter who seems to know more about the law, could confirm this.
The ones that can be invoked by ordinary mortals like us when something derogatory is printed against us is, I believe, slander.
Anna:
Taken from the NUJP statement to decriminalize libel, ” The law on libel exists to protect private citizen from unwarranted damage to reputation..blah, blah. It kinda beg, when it mentioned private citizen as the generalization. Then, what I know about the law, it’s beyond my paycheck. As to my understanding, libel is nothing but a complaint that defames one’s character and it doesn’t have to be just limited to journalist, I suppose.
Anna:
I believe libel and slander are in parallel technically. In slander, the statement one’s made toward the other, injurious a reputation. And libel is the actual filling of the charges for the slander made. I think.
Does anybody here got the dirt on Camilo Sabio? Did he go back to Congress (to his old pal I’ll be your friend)after his physical exam. Just wondering, if Sabio as he promised, true to his words, that after the exam that he’ll go back voluntarily and submit himself to Congress. And whatever to the warrant of arrest to the others, and to that gutless wonder Abcde?
Ok Yuko and Vi . I’ll forward your names to NUJP.
My understanding of libel and slander under common law, is available to all. Libel is more in regards to published and written alleged defamations while slander is more of oral and speech. I could be wrong on this. any lawyer listening? not under the criminal code please..
ellen, thanks!
Toney Cuevas,
What did you mean when you say, “How about people’s libel suit instead or people’s initiative? How many legal signatures does it take to rid of the Arroyos at our house”? Pardon my ignorance, just want to make sure on what you mean.
Chabeli:
Just talking nonsense, perhaps and trying to be a smart alec with all this libel being filed by this guy, you know who. So, in that premise why not let the people’s initiative this time to do all the dictating and turn things around. We the people instead of being in the defensive, we start the offensive. Does it make any sense to you? People’s libel against the Arroyos shoul be filed by the people for mishandling and ruining the Pilipino nation’s reputation worldwide. Gloria is surely responsible for defaming the Pilipinos and our institution. People’s initiative, if all possible a petition by all the populace to kick out illegitimate Gloria out of the People’s House – Malacanang. What do you think? Is it possible?
I got you, Toney Cuevas. You cleared up the queries I had in my mind. I wasn’t sure if the focus here would simply be on El Gordo’s libel suit against the journalists. Mind you, I am extremely happy that the journalists are taking a stand and came out with a statement. After all, life is NOT a one way street. He better be able to take what he dishes out, siba?
Your idea of the Pilipinos taking the offense this time around! The “People’s libel against the Arroyos shoul be filed by the people for mishandling and ruining the Pilipino nation’s reputation worldwide. Gloria is surely responsible for defaming the Pilipinos and our institution. People’s initiative, if all possible a petition by all the populace to kick out illegitimate Gloria out of the People’s House – Malacanang” is actually, in my opinion a good idea, Toney Cuevas!
However, if you don’t mind, there are some questions that come to mind:
1) How would you kick this off; do we put a statement in ROPE and circulate it?
2) How will the signatures be verified? It must be far credible than the way Singaw ng Bangaw did it.
3) Who would we send it to? My humble suggestion would be asking Anna de Brux for her suggestion in sending the statement with all the signatures to some NGO in the EU. The EU seems to be far more credible to begin with (as they don’t suck up to the US) and seemingly, they would be less biased.
Did I ask too many questions? Hi hi hi.
Vic, you sure sound like a full blooded Conservative. I’m not familiar with the political structure and events in Canada; but I can say that your Harper is another Bushit.
I’m not quite comfortable to mention about my personal politic. I provide comment as I see things. But, I can’t help to notice, that many if not all in this blog doesn’t care much for President George Bush. And I read many non-complimentary comments about President Bush. Be that as it may, I happened to like President Bush. Personally, I thougth that he’s doing a magnificent job in fighting the terrorist, and that Iraq wasn’t a mistake. It’s something the choice was limited, in my opinion. I would rather take it to the enemy, instead of the enemy bring it to the country, as they did on the 9/11. Who would think that the terrorist will flew the aiplanes to kill randomly innocent people, imagine. Is it wrong to be an infidel?
Usually, we avoid attacking personalities here. Person being human being is just like you and me. Everyone has it’s own limits. President Bush made a Political decision, as President of his country which he believes for the Security of his people; we can attack his policies, but personal insults including that of PM Harper, who happens to believe that implementing the policies according to the ideologies of his Party, is ineffective as part of protest here. Take a look at all the kind of protest in the U.S. where they call the President all kind of names, not only
Bush ignored their protests, but the Public in general, didn’t accept it. The Dixie Chicks, Moore the director, and many high profile protesters, who resort to personalities were mostly ignored. We may used the personality attack to the Arroyos, and other public figures because they are using their personalities, committing alleged corruptions, illegal governance, violation of their oath of office, and non-performance of their public duties, some of them maybe considered criminals as means of protest, but for issues, we attack issues. And stand by them.
Thanks, Ellen. Will ask my friends in the media here if they want to sign up.
Toney,
Personally, I say the most atrocious things about Bush and his policies. I personally don’t take it against others when they defend him. Freedom of speech and all that jazz, so to speak…
(Rizalist, a blogger and I have diametrically opposed views on the Bush’s invasion of Iraq but if I may say, he and I are still friends… we don’t let the Bush factor take away civility.)
I find that if I have to tackle Bush and issues surrounding the invasion of Iraq, the heading must call for it e.g, when the post is all about it.
Ellen’s blog is geared towards discussing Philippine issues and I am all for discussing them here.
I suggest to one and all here, if I may be allowed to suggest it, to focus on the Philippine issues as they are brought by Ellen and to leave the Bush issue/issues elsewhere.
Frankly, we have enough on our plate as it is, tackling Bush is a big platter – I feel, there’s loads about the bastusan syndrome in the Philippines that should more than take up our efforts and energy.
I agree with you, Anna, that Bush is not the issue here. We mention him only when some people in trying to boost up the chances of the Bansot to continue with her bastusan activities that Bush is helping her when in fact he does not even when she gives the Philippines on a silver platter to help Bush with his warmongering activities by providing Americans with the place and specimens (the Moslems in Mindanao) to test their weapons on. This I have been told by a friend as a matter of fact. I was told of how the Americans would even make sure that their weapons and other equipments are well accounted for after an exercise. This, I bet, you must have an information with your military connection.
Anna:
I couldn’t agree more, Philippines is enough to go around and Ellen’s talking points. President Bush is taking all the heat from all sides and got enough to take care of the 300 millions Americans to make sure no harm done to them. A big job when the Americans are very unpopular overseas. But, Gloria is the one should be focusing on and we could put a big target on Gloria’s pic, so we don’t miss.
BTW, look at the stupidity of these crooks in the Philippine government. Why would they confirm the appointment of this Assperon if he is that controversial, and if he is suspected of helping rig the last election? Walanghiya na talaga ang mga ungas na iyan!
Pati pulis takot na manghuli ng mga criminal na iyan. Unbelievable! Onli in da Pilipins!
This should read: I agree with you, Anna, that Bush is not the issue here. We mention him only when some people, in trying to boost up the chances of the Bansot to continue with her bastusan activities, SAY that Bush is helping her when in fact he does not even when she gives the Philippines on a silver platter to help Bush with his warmongering activities by providing Americans with the place and specimens (the Moslems in Mindanao) to test their weapons on.
Joc-Joc in fact is now alleging that there has been negotiation re his freedom and the freedom of the 4 horny US soldiers who should be sent to hell regardless of whether or not Nicole had had romantic notion with one of them. Kahit nga mag-asawa puedeng idemanda when it comes to forced sexual activity!!!
Good chance for the US authorities now to squeeze from him the kleptocracy being committed and money laundering activities of the bogus president and her family in the USA.
3 cheers again for Atty. Roque and for Senator Magsaysay, too. Time to prove that there are still Filipinos with scruples, principles, sense of propriety and willingness to restore the rule of law in that land of our birth made rotten by this wannabe criminal calling herself “president”!
Chabeli,
I will ask around where in the EU, a ROPE petition could be sent…
anna and toney,
libel and slander are of the same genus both are defamation. they differ only in the manner it is committed. the former is by publication and the latter is oral defamation punishable under article 358 of the revised penal code. the third one is slander by deed punishable under article 359 against “any person who shall perform any act not included and punished in this title [Title 13-Crimes Against Honor], which shall cast dishonor, discredit, or contempt upon another person.”
in the past after marcos, there were several attempts to decriminalize libel law. all of them unsuccessful. in fact, there were several arguments forwarded against the law being partly unconstitutional, like the portion where the provision state that “every defamatory statement is presumed malicious”. argument posited is that this presumption is derogatory to the consitutional provision regarding the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
hmmm wishing for its decriminalization seems to me a wishful thinking. you know why? once this libel law is stricken off the statute book, not only the people in malacañang will be the target. every moving human being in the house of representatives, the senate, the judiciary are all favorite targets. in other words absence of libel law is open-sesame to all journalists (responsible and irresponsible included)and even the most honest lowly employee in the bureaucracy can be a victim. imagine if a name-dropper (which we filipinos mostly are) and big-time smuggler demanded the release of an imported shipment without paying the correct import duties and when the custom refuses, the smuggler will go to a paid-hack journalist and invent stories about bribery being demanded by a custom official.
unfortunately for us, it is the congress that has the authority to determine what laws will be introduce, will remain and will be repealed in the current statute book.
by the way, while all of us here decry systematic corruption in the government, no one seems to notice that there is also massive corruption in the private sector. i once worked for a big local utility firm. when the company constructed additional building, i heard stories that some construction materials in big quantity for the corporate building were diverted to a nearby exclusive village where one of a ranking executive lives. voila! after six months, the executive has his mansion.
during yuletide season when departments, divisions, and units are busy preparing for the grand christmas party, i always hear junior executives demanding lechon, or anything thing suppliers can contribute to a festive dinner party. and yet these junior executives have the power to recommend what brand of products to buy for the company and from which contending suppliers the order should be placed.
while still studying, since high school and in college, there was always cheating in the examination mostly committed by the so-called cream-of-the-crop in the class.
the kind of government that we have may only be a reflection of the kind of stuff our society is made of. so disgusting!
npongco Says:
“Coincidence or Deliberate?
During the People’s Initiative oral argument at the Supreme Court, there was power failure. At the height of Justice Guiterrez’s questioning, the power went off. The Supreme Court Justices had no choice but to stop the hearing and just decided that the petition be considered for submission.”
don’t inject malice where there is none. marcos once said: “everything looks yellow in jaundiced eyes.”
the power failure was confirmed by meralco to have been caused by a fault in their primary line serving the area. refuse to believe it and we will unnecessarily drag innocent third-party in a non-existing conspiracy.
if all faith is lost in you in the institution of the presidency, and congress, at least put your last bet on the judiciary. as long as the filipino can still cling to that last thread of hope which is the judiciary, the bond that binds our society will remain, and we will not implode.
anyway, when the power failure took place, all issues have fully been ventilated and the justices were able to take their turn doing the usual incisive interpellations.
if the line of questioning of the justices, notably that of justice sandoval-gutierrez, as well as the answers elicited from the petitioners and their counsels, be the an accurate gauge, the people’s initiative move was effectively paralyzed and could no longer move any further.
any contrary opinion still being peddled by atty. lambino and company in their rounds of practically every network that would care to listen to them, is just an exercise of their constitutional right to free speech. to deprive them of that right would be cruel and degrading. so let it be.
anna de brux Says:
“You will find that Erap is in “prison”. 5 years already and he’s not even been convicted of anything yet.”
anna, the delay in the disposition of erap’s case was his own doing. every motion of the prosecution or any interlocutory order of the trial court (sandiganbayan)is challenged all the way up to the supreme court on “certiorari”. the defense has the wherewithal and plenty of resources to finance that proceedings. in the meantime, the trial court will suspend the proceedings to await what the supreme court will say. we in legal circles call that dilatory. dilatory or not, it is in the book so why not fully utilize it especially if favorable to your cause.
in criminal proceedings where evidences to establish guilt mainly depend on oral testimony of witnesses who merely rely on memory of the acts personally seen in the past, the longer the witness is called to the stand, the chance of faltering memory is great. failing memory is favorable for the defense on cross-examination. if done well, it could create doubt on the minds of the magistrates. and once reasonable doubt sets in the minds of the justices trying the case, acquittal follows.
but contrary view would argue, he is detained why should he resort to dilatory tactics. hmmm he is no ordinary detention prisoner, he is living in relative in his own resthouse. in fact when he was detained in the veterans memorial hospital, the government spent multi-million just to keep him locked up. even today, transporting erap from his resthouse in tanay to the sandiganbayan costs the tax payers half a million spent for the logistics. the government will not offer that kind of privilege to ordinary prisoners. why the government has to do that is a puzzle to me. i suspect that GMA has to do that to pacify a sizeable number of show-biz oriented masses still worshipping erap their idol. an agitated mass of desperate filipinos from the surrounding slum areas of metro manila is a real threat to GMA’s comfortable stay in malacañang as we have witnessed before.
democracy anyone? this is one serious hazard we have to contend in a democracy. so why keep on whining?
Who’s whining, Fencesitter? Gloria is extremely lucky, that commenters here are only doing the activisting thing on the keyboard. Not heckling her to or pelting her face.
Kicking ass fom the keyboard would be more like it, at least from us ordinary commenters here – where the kick lands is another matter.
I do find that democracy in the Philippines is a bit touch and go… you yourself expressed it rather… well, energetically, “the kind of government that we have may only be a reflection of the kind of stuff our society is made of. so disgusting!”
Anyway, thanks for the legal regals! Really appreciated them.
fencesitter,
may katotohanan ang mga nasabi mo. ano mang sektor, nadiyan ang kurakot at lagayan. at hindi na natuto ang mga pinoy.
pustahan tayo, pag kumandidato si pacquiao o si ‘bata’ tiyak panalo.
fencesitter, just to let you know…power went off when Justice Gutierrez was in the process of lambasting the Cha-Cha defenders led by Lambino and Nachura. How could I believe that was mere coincidence?
GMA calls anew for responsible press
The Philippine Star 09/28/2006
President Arroyo called on the Philippine press anew last night to exercise responsibility, citing the power of mass media to topple a government or make or break the economy.
If the military has the power to topple governments in other countries, in the Philippines, that power belongs to the media, the President said.
Mrs. Arroyo also sought the media’s help in boosting the economy further as she claimed that the Philippines is no longer a Third World country because its people “will be enjoying a per capita income of $1,400 this year.”
“Right now, we’re not Third World anymore. At $1,400, we are now Second World, a middle class country… if we are able to continue the trajectory of one percent decline in the poverty level, we can reach hopefully the First World status by the year 2020,” Mrs. Arroyo said during the annual Gridiron of the National Press Club.
The President also appealed to the media to report good news.
“I’m counting on the press to help people become more hopeful of their future because indeed there is much to be hopeful for,” she said.
Mrs. Arroyo emphasized that a better economy would also impact on the Philippine media, which she described as “one of the freest presses in the whole world.”
“You have the power to make or break an economy. You are so powerful that your prophecies become self-fulfilling and I hope that the friendship and goodwill in this fine evening will beckon us to gather around the nation’s brighter future,” the chief executive said.
Mrs. Arroyo challenged the media to be more responsible in the face of the country’s economy that she claimed is showing strong signs of health as seen through the performance of the stock market, the strong peso and impressive per capita income.
“But let us always uphold fairness and justice, duty and responsibility. I hear you well when you ask me for things that promote the freedom of the press. I hope you can hear me just as well when I ask you to promote the responsibility of the press,” she said.
Mrs. Arroyo also thanked the media for supporting the Melo Commission she formed to look into the killings of journalists and activists.
saan kaya nakuha itong S1,400.00 per capita enjoyed by the people daw? samantalang napakaraming naghihikahos na kababayan natin ang hindi kumakain ng kahit nga dalawang beses maghapon? daming mga nagkakalkal sa basurahan upang kahit ‘yung pagkaing para na lamang sa aso at baboy ay maipalaman sa tiyan? daming mga batang hindi makapag-aral, mga namamatay na hindi man lamang nakakatikim ng gamot?
alham du lillah!!! insah allah!!!! sana nga totoo na ang lahat ng panaginip na ito at sa pagmulat ng mga mata natin ay tunay na ang pagbabago. hari nawa.
The gall of This Woman. Boasting again of the increase in the Filipino’s per capita income. Assuming this is true, there was nary a word of explanation that it is the OFW dollars that is causing this…no thanks to her. And those who don’t have the initial resources needed to apply for work abroad are stuck here with spiralling prices choking them and their families.
Tribune news: Gloria ignores NPC’s call on libel repeal!
Why shouldn’t she ignore it? Malaking kuwarta iyan kapag nanalo si Fatso especially with threats and intimidations to the judges, who are told that the Pidals can order the judges of the Supreme Court to disbar them if they won’t judge in favor of the Fatso. Kay Cayetano na lang milyon-milyong pera na ang inaasahan nilang makukuha nila na akala mo naman ay talagang mga mararangal sila! Tangnang abuso iyan. And yes, tama si Ana, bastusan na!
If they are going to change anything first in the Philippines is the too much rights and privileges given the executive. Maging leksyon na sana ang nangyayari ngayon para bawasan ang veto power ng ungas. I don’t know why Filipinos should leave their fate on this crook na magnanakaw na sinungaling pa. Dapat ang mga taumbayan ang masusunod!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Patayin na, patayin na, I beg of anybody who is listening! Kailangan may matakot, lalong lalo na ang nangungurakot. Esperon will be a great example that no one is safe when he spits on my country, even if he is a promoted four star general. Kailngan magkagulo na, mag revulotion na, or endless cycle of goons will run my country. Ang tagal tagal na ang katulad nila na nasa sa pwesto ng kapangyarihan. Kaya hindi maalisalis ang bisyo nilang mangurakot at pumatay para lang ipatuloy ang pangungrakot. Kaya tandaan natin na wala tayong mahihita sa gawa o tulong ng may kapangyarihan sa ngayon.
Pero I know in my heart, Philippines still have people with good ideals for their country. But they have to wake up and smell the rotten corpses. Only big sacrifices have to be made, to get the big change we dearly need.
Josephs…women are usually the least suspected. So, it would be best if the suicide bombers or liquidation squad to eliminate Esperon and his likes are women. We have some very combative women here particularly one who carries a Samurai.
ystakei and josephs, relax lang kayo dyan.
bilang na ang magagandang araw ng mga buwayang yan. alam na ni Lord kung ano ang gagawin kay fatso, bukas makalawa ay maha hi blood yan at aatakehen sa puso dahil sa sobrang taba. si pandak naman ay malamang mabilaukan sa katatalak ng hindi tama at dahil sa kaburaraan.
ang pinagtataka ko ay bakit hindi pa kumilos ulit ang mga tao. mg people power ulit tayo! hwag na isali ang mga bishops na natatapalan. nakakahiya kayo, dapat kayo ang modelo ng morality pero pati kayo tanggap din ng bribe ni pandak.
The Hawaians particularly the Manongs and Manangs in Hawaii should ban the Arroyo family from entering that State.
Maraming Marcos loyalists sa Hawaii. Sana tinira nila si tiyanak noong bumisita ang bruha doon. Kumusta na kaya ang paborito kong American Idol finalist na si Jasmin Trias? Ang ganda na niya ngayon at ang sexy.
artsee,
hindi alam ng marami, tinira talaga siya ng mga anti-GMA dito. kitang kita ng 2 mata ko yung isang grupo ng mga Anakbayan na me mga dala ng anti-Gloria placards dun sa Consulate noong andito si pandak. hindi lang ito lumabas sa diyaryo, dahil hindi naman kasi spectacular ang rally – maliit lang na grupo sila.
meron ding iba na talagang banat ang ginawa nila kay pandak. maraming pinoy newspapers dito sa US ang naglabas ng critical commentaries sa mga ginagawang katiwalian sa pinas sa pinagunahan nina pandak at fatso.
kaya hindi natin masasabi na most welcome siya pagdating dito. yung grupo lang ng NaFFAA yata ang medyo mabuti ang tingin kay pandak, pero hati rin sila dahil merong mga officers na panay ang tuligsa kay pandal sa newspapers, tulad ng PI, Proc. 1017, political killings, atbp.
ystakei Says:
“Tribune news: Gloria ignores NPC’s call on libel repeal!”
FYI ystakei, it is not the duty of the executive department of the philippine government to make or unmake laws. as i said before that is the province of the legislative department. if the executive department needed any particular law to advance its policy direction, all it does is to draft a bill, certify it as urgent and endorse it to any of its many allies in the legislative chamber to introduce it as a bill. and later enact it into a law after fierce fighting, so much grandstanding, endless debates and dirty horsetrading.
again, as i said, since marcos left the country hastily in 1986 to escape the wrath of an angered populace, there were several attempts to have the law decriminalized. of course, it deed not succeed. just because one man mostly hated now looks very much like he is abusing the law by filing a record of 43 libel cases against his perceived enemies would make the move of repealing the law more wiser.
are you filipino? if you are, then you should know that majority of filipinos are fond of entertaining idle talks we call “tsismis”. it could take in the form of rumor peddling (announcing to all unverified facts) or it could be a plain character assassination. whatever form it takes, this preoccupation is counter-productive. sometimes it leads to petty quarrel resulting to physical assaults or injuries. in extreme cases, when the fight turns nasty and ugly, it could be bloody and deadly.
it is a common form of pastime especially engaged by barrio folks, or even in the urban centers by people who can afford to waste their time the whole day. and who says rich and relatively educated people do not suffer from this “tsismis” malady? most people abhor intellectual discussion. it is more easier and entertaining to them talking about other people’s private lives, other people’s physical defects. probably about anything about other people that would make the “tsismoso/tsismosa” feels like he/she is luckily endowed with the good qualities their subjects sorely lacks.
the libel law which was there in the statute book as early as 1932 have withstood the test of time, Mike Arroyo, notwithstanding. it is not wiser to throw that law into a waste basket just because one powerful malacañang occupant is perceived to be using it against his pronounced enemies in the media.
how do you solve a problem like Mike Arroyo? the only practical solution is to fight him head-on in court and let him count his lost cases in his tally-sheet, by demonstrating with competent evidences that the accused journalist publishing the alleged libelous article did it purely for public interest without a trace of any malice.
fencesitter: are you a lawyer? just wondering.
Npongco,
I’m at a loss here… why are you hell bent on fighting with Yuko?
I don’t understand. It seems you can’t post anything without making a snide remark against her. It’s really becoming ridiculous.
You make comments that are sensible but then all of a sudden, wham, bang! A shot against Yuko…
What’s going on?