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Smith back to US custody

Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, convicted for raping a Filipina, was returned to the U.S. custody despite decisions by the Makati Trial Court and the Court of Appeals that he should stay in Makati jail.

The manner Smith was returned to US custody, surely with the approval of the executive department, is another demonstration that jungle justice reigns supreme in Gloria Arroyo’s administration.

Following is Inquirer’s story on Smith’s return to US custody:

Convicted American serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was freed from a Makati jail late evening Friday on orders of the Philippine government, the US embassy said.

Embassy spokesperson Matthew Lussenhop said that Smith was moved out of the Makati City Jail to the embassy at about 11 p.m.

Smith’s transfer came almost a month after the US and Philippine governments urged a local court to turn him over to American custody while his case is on appeal, citing provisions under the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“The government of the Philippines made a decision to transfer Lance Corporal Daniel Smith back to US custody, consistent with the terms of the VFA,” The Associated Press quoted Lussenhop as saying.

“I do not know when the decision was precisely given, but the transfer was made at around 11 o’clock,” he said, adding it “was in cooperation with the Philippine police.”

Smith, 21, of St. Louis, was found guilty on December 4 of raping a Filipino woman, identified in court as “Nicole,” and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was detained at the Makati City jail.

The rape case has tested relations between the two countries, with the Philippine courts refusing to hand Smith over to the US embassy as requested.

The United States cancelled its annual joint military exercises with the Philippines in 2007 in protest at the refusal, which had raised concerns over the legal rights of US soldiers in this country.

Smith’s lawyers, the US embassy, and the Philippine departments of justice and foreign affairs had all said Smith’s detention violates the VFA, which covers the presence of US troops in the Philippines.

A provision in the agreement says any accused American serviceman shall remain in US custody until all judicial proceedings are exhausted.

But Makati regional trial court Judge Benjamin Pozon, in his ruling, said the provision applies only during “the judicial proceedings in the trial court” and expires upon a defendant’s conviction, regardless of a pending appeal.

Private prosecutor Evalyn Ursua, lawyer for Subic rape victim Nicole, said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could be impeached for allowing this “violation of our sovereignty” and “clear foreign intervention.”

“I am sure without her order, this transfer will not be possible,” she said.

Ursua said her group would also file criminal cases against Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romula, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and all those responsible for Smith’s transfer.

“They are all rapists. They raped our Constitution. They should all be held criminally liable,” Ursua said.

Ursua said only the courts could give orders for Smith to be transferred.

Asked what was the basis for Smith’s release despite his conviction, Lussenhop simply said: “By the order of the Philippine government.”

Smith would be kept in the same US Embassy facility where he was held during his trial, said Lussenhop.

An intelligence source said Smith was freed on orders of Arroyo but there was no immediate comment from Malacañang.

Inquirer sources in Baguio where Arroyo is spending the New Year said that she was at with US embassy officials for cocktails for about an hour last night.

“What I know is nakalabas na siya (He has been released). It’s government to government,” a source familiar with the case told the Inquirer apparently to justify the turnover of Smith to US custody.

Philippine foreign affairs officials could not also be reached for comment.

Leftist and nationalist groups had earlier hailed Smith’s detention in the Makati jail, saying it was in accordance with local laws.

They charged that US efforts to get him transferred were “arm-twisting.”

Officials acknowledged the cancellation of the joint exercises was a severe setback in diplomatic relations and to the upgrading of the poorly-equipped Philippine military.

The Philippines has one of the most poorly-equipped armed forces in the region and is already hard-pressed battling a 7,100-strong communist insurgency as well as Muslim extremist groups like the Abu Sayyaf.

It has been hoping for US aid to upgrade its armed forces.

Lussenhop said it was “too early to say” if the cancelled joint military exercises would push through now that Smith was back in US custody. “As of now it is still cancelled,” he said.

Balikatan is the largest US military exercise held in the Philippines each year, involving as many as 5,000 American soldiers.

At least one round of joint exercises between Filipino and US troops has been planned in February, said a military official who coordinated past war games.

The rape case has also sparked street protests and revived anti-American sentiment in the former US colony.

With Tetch Torres and Lira Dalangin-Fernandez INQUIRER.net; Volt Contreras, Alcuin Papa, Tarra V. Quismundo and Norman Bordadora, Inquirer; Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press

Click here for ABS-CBN’s story.

Click here for GMA7 account.

Published inGeneral

93 Comments

  1. mandirigma mandirigma

    Smith should be executed like Saddam.

  2. Maybe the answer is to approach this Micky Mouse government with the words once quoted by Walt Disney.
    That is ‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing’. The doing being to throw this lawless bunch in the government out, as soon as possible. It can’t get better it can only get worse. Judge Pozon sentence just ignored by this woman and her administration, there’s a new surprise action every day of the week. Enough is enough.

  3. alitaptap alitaptap

    So what happened to the sentence of 40 years to life? Is that sentence coming from a mickey mouse court too?

  4. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ngayon nasa US Embassy na ang loko, hindi na papayagan makalabas iyan at makuha uli ng RP government. Inside the embassy, this rapist enjoys all the comfort of a US citizen. Kung sino man ang may gustong makita ang situasion ni Smith kahit media, hindi papayagan ng US Embassy iyan. Whoever says Arroyo has no hand in this sudden transfer while still on appeal at CA better open their eyes. May kinalaman si Arroyo diyan.

  5. Statement of Counsels for the Defense of Civil Liberties:

    RELEASE OF SMITH: ABSOLUTE DISREGARD FOR THE JUDICIARY THE SUPREME COURT AND THE CONSTITUTION

    The surreptitious release of Cpl. Daniel Smith, in the middle of the night at that, to the custody of the United States, despite pending litigation in Philippine courts, is not only a violation of the Constitution, but also a complete disregard and disrespect for the judicial branch including the Supreme Court. It is not only a contempt of court, but treachery that signals the complete breakdown of the rule of law.

    Pres. Gloria Arroyo has submitted the custody issue to the jurisdiction of the judiciary by intervening in the Court of Appeals and arguing against Judge Pozon’s order. Not only is the Executive without the power to transfer a convict under the custody of the Regional Trial Court, but it is also estopped from doing the same since it submitted the issue to the judgment of the Court of Appeals, and ultimately the Supreme Court. The unilateral action by the Executive is courting a constitutional clash between two branches of government, should the Supreme Court uphold RTC Judge Pozon and order the Executive to confine Smith to the Makati City Jail or the New Bilibid Prisons. The US embassy is a foreign territory under international law, beyond the reach of any Supreme Court order.

    Pres. Gloria Arroyo has again committed another culpable violation of the Constitution. Under Sec. 17 and Sec. 5, of Art. VII, 1987 Constitution the President is required to defend the Constitution and execute all laws faithfully.

    Under Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution, anyone who commits a capital offense in the Philippines cannot post bail nor be released on recognizance, when the evidence of guilt is strong. Not only were the evidence strong against Smith, but they were sufficient to find him guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Allowing the accused to remain in US custody is releasing Smith on ‘recognizance’ to the US government, clearly not allowed under the Constitution. The Visiting Forces Agreement, or any treaty for that matter, cannot trump the 1987 Constitution.

    The US will in fact be violating their obligations under the VFA if they continue exercising absolute custody over the accused as provided in Art. II (VFA):

    Art. II It is the duty of the US personnel to respect the laws of the Republic of the Philippines x x x The US Government shall take all measures within its authority to ensure that this is done.

    Wrong Appreciation of the VFA

    The VFA is unconstitutional under Sec. 25, Art. XVIII of the Constitution which provides that :
    Sec. 25. x x x foreign military bases, troops or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines EXCEPT UNDER A TREATY CONCURRED IN THE SENATE and, x x x RECOGNIZED AS A TREATY BY THE OTHER CONTRACTING PARTY.

    The US has not recognized the VFA as a treaty, and has refused to have it ratified by the US Senate until today. Since, the VFA is not recognized as a treaty by the US, it cannot be the basis for the entry of “foreign troops and facilities” into the Philippines. It is the height of self-humiliation for Pres. Arroyo to insist on calling the VFA a ‘treaty’ while the US refuse to accord it the same level of respect.

    Additionally, transferring Smith to the custody of the US violates the VFA presuming the VFA is constitutional. The relevant provision is not Paragraph 6, which discusses the trial stage, but the later provision under Paragraph 10, which appropriately discusses the custody of those convicted and are serving sentence, to wit:

    Sec. 10—The confinement or detention by Philippine authorities of US personnel shall be carried out in facilities agreed on by appropriate Philippine and US authorities. United States personnel serving sentences in the Philippines shall have the right to visits and material assistance.

    Cpl. Daniel Smith has been convicted, and is now serving sentence. If he loses his appeal in the Supreme Court, the time he spent under detention is counted as part of his sentence under the Rules of Court. Sec. 10 no longer provides for US custody, but merely requires that the US has a say on which facility he will serve his sentence. The facility contemplated under sec. 10 is any of the Philippine prisons, and not a prison facility outside the Philippine jurisdiction. The US Embassy is not a detention facility abd is a foreign territory outside the jurisdiction of Philippine courts.

    Unequal Relations under the US Counterpart VFA

    The US also signed a counterpart VFA which regulates the entry of Filipino soldiers in the US. The counterpart VFA is strictly and unequally construed against the Philippines.

    Under the US VFA, the US can immediately imprison any Filipino soldier who commits a crime in US territory, and may waive said right only upon ‘request’ of the Philippine government, but unlike the Philippine VFA, the ‘request’ may be denied. Article VIII, Sec. 2 of the VFA Counterpart Agreement in the US (VFA Part II) merely requires the US government to request US ‘authorities’ detaining a Filipino to release that Filipino to Philippine custody:
    Sec. 2 (VFA II) x x x The (US) Department of Defense will ask the appropriate authorities in the United States having jurisdiction over an offense committed by Republic of the Philippines personnel to waive in favor of the Republic of the Philippines their right to exercise jurisdiction, except in cases where the Department of State and the Department of Defense, after special consideration, determine that United States interests require the exercise of United States federal or state jurisdiction.

    Since the US maintains the right to refuse the Philippine ‘request’ for custody, the Philippines should also do the same under the terms of the counterpart agreement. By giving the US the absolute discretion on the custody of a convicted US personnel, immediately clashes with the Constitutional rights of the rape victim, legal provisions on bail and the equal protection clause.

    This is the first time when a US serviceman is convicted of rape and allowing the convict to escape punishment is not only unjust on the victim but an insult to Philippine sovereignty. This disparity in treatment is magnified by the fact that arrested Filipino “TNT’s” in the US are immediately detained and deported like cattle for not having a visa, while the convicted Smith stay in comfortable rooms in his embassy.

    The Visiting Forces Agreement is unconstitutional. It not only violates the 1987 Constitution’s provisions on deployment of foreign troops, nuclear free Philippines and provisions on sovereignty, among others, but it also violates the Constitution’s provisions on criminal offenses. By not asserting Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the convicted rapist and transferring his custody to a foreign power, in violation of the Constitution, Pres. Arroyo has added one more ground for her impeachment and one more item in the list of crimes she has committed against the Filipino people.

    Reference : Atty. Neri Javier Colmenares
    Date : December 30, 2006

  6. Many of you got the story on Smith’s sureptitious transfer to US custody ahead of me. (I woke up late this morning and I’m having difficulty with the internet connection). Thanks a lot.

    I’m transferring the comments posted under “Myself, Elsewhere” on Smith in this thread:

    Chabeli Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 12:09 am (Edit this comment)

    BREAKING NEWS: L/Cpl. Daniel Smith has been transfered to the U.S. Embassy..”They” took him out of the Makati City jail & transfered him to the U.S. Embassy.

    mandirigma Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 1:39 am (Edit this comment)

    That’s a direct assault on our sovereingty and justice system. Panahon na para putilin ang patuloy na pakikialam at pambrabraso ng Estatos Unidos. We must not take this sitting down.

    chi Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 1:53 am (Edit this comment)

    As expected, Glueria’s hands are everywhere just to please her Amo Dubya! Hahah, sooo frightened without Bush’ support. And to think that she floated to replace Ams with Aussies e pareho lang naman iyon. Utusan din ng Amerika ang Australia.

    Pakipot pa kunwari, alam naman na wala siya sa pwesto na pumili ng susuporta sa kanya na bansa dahil basang-basa na ’sya. Natauhan na di pwede ang kanyang pakendeng-kendeng with the star countries! O e di balik din siya kay Bush. Sissy!

    mandirigma Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 2:46 am (Edit this comment)

    Please take note that the Smith’s transfer to the US Embassy was done just a few days before New Year. People’s attention is in preparation for the New Year celebration. Ganyan din ang ginawa noon ng DOJ nang ibinasura nila ang kaso ni Garcillano. They timed in a couple of days before Christmas Day. Now that he’s inside the US Embassy premises, parang nasa Amerika na din siya. Anong malay natin baka ililipad siya sa Amerika para doon na mag-Bagong Taon kasama ang kanyang pamilya and then bring him back after New Year. Nobody knows. Everyone’s busy for the New Year celebration. Malala na talaga ang situation sa ating bansa. It has become a lawless society. Just look at this Abra Governor Valera who has now been arrested; not as a suspect in the killing but by violating a traffic law. Hindi daw niya alam na may regulation na “No plate, no travel”. As a Governor, he should know this. Ignorance of law excuses no one.

    chi Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 2:58 am (Edit this comment)

    And the transfer of Smith to the US Embassy was done “in the dead of the night”. This dark administration of the pekeng pangulo is so dreadful of daylight that they move at nighttime to steal and conceal everything from the people. Evil lurks in the dark.

  7. More of comments on Smith from the previous post:

    mandirigma Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 4:09 am (Edit this comment)

    You know what Chi? They invoked the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) but these GIs are not actually visiting but are now staying in the country.

    chi Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 4:34 am (Edit this comment)

    mandirigma,

    What I understand is that under VFA, the US has a custody right of Smith. I just don’t know if gray areas exist as I’m not an expert on this kind of agreement. What I express here is what I feel as makabayang pinay, and not a legal opinion.

    This Nicole rape case becomes a high profile issue because this fake administration is hilong- talilong to please Bush.

    kitamokitako Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 6:53 am (Edit this comment)

    Na-rape na naman ang Pilipinas. Ang justice system ay gutay gutay na. Despite court order, Smith, the American convicted rapist, was illegally transferred to the US embassy. Ano ba yan, kasuka-suka na!! Kawaawang Pilipinas, many heroes died for her, para lamang i-rape lang ng mga demons na nasa poder ngayon.

    apoy Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 7:31 am (Edit this comment)

    kitamokitako,
    malay natin baka sa kalaliman ng gabi, malipat din si
    Joc-Joc Bolante sa Philippine embassy?
    At pumayag ang US sa extradition para harapin ang kasong fertilizer scam?
    Tapos, mapapawalang- sala siya dahil walang ebidensya…
    728 million naglahong parang bula, kaya walang ebidensya..Abangan ang mga eksena sa:
    Ang Simbang Gabi ni Gloria.

    kitamokitako Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 8:00 am (Edit this comment)

    Apoy,
    Hindi malayong may ganyang niluluto. Ligtas na (for the meantime si Garci), ngayon si Joc-Joc naman ang ire-rescue. Mga balasubas na nga eh!!!No shame talaga.

    cocoy Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 8:15 am (Edit this comment)

    mandirigma;RE:Smith transfer to U.S.Embassy.
    This is what I am trying to imply on you on our last issue,but instead of listening to me you are debating.We have the same goal but,differ in opinion.Don’t worry I am not violent.I am on disability retirement and I am able to see a big picture ahead of me.We can now stop assasinating others character I am on your side.

  8. More comments on Smith from previous thread:

    cocoy Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 9:39 am (Edit this comment)

    apoy: tama ka d’yan kasi noong last hearing ni Joc-Joc sa Chicago nawala ng biglang bula.Baka ngayon naglalaro ng dama iyong dalawa sa iisang dormitory na di natin alam kung saan.

    mandirigma Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 10:37 am (Edit this comment)

    Ka Cocoy, ano ba ang pinagsasabi mo na may character assassination pa? Tinamaan ka na naman siguro ng depression ano? You sounded like you were on Smith’s side and I was with the victim Nicole’s side. Diyan tayo magkaiba. Now that Smith has been transferred to the US Embassy ignoring RP’s court order, masaya ka na siguro. You’ve been in the US too long so I don’t blame your change of heart. Martial Law ka pa doon kaya mas may pusong Amerikano ka kesa pusong Pilipino. Okay lang. Kanya-kanyang paniniwala lang naman iyan.

    isabel Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 10:42 am (Edit this comment)

    re mandirigma”s: “Anong malay natin baka ililipad siya sa Amerika para doon na mag-Bagong Taon kasama ang kanyang pamilya and then bring him back after New Year.” marami ng kasong ganyan nuong ang clark at subic ay base militar pa ng mga kano. ang mga sundalong amerikano na may mga kaso sa mga pilipino ay bigla na lang naglalaho, kamukat-mukat mo, nasa ibang bansa (base) na sila. baka nga ang mangyari ay ilipad nila si smith palabas ng pinas at hindi na siya ibalik forever. hindi naman niya kailangan mag-apir sa korte habang naka appeal ang kaso niya. at hindi rin malayong iabsuwelto siya, in the dead of the night ulit. tama ba ang premise ko mga igan na magaling sa law?

    mandirigma Says:

    December 30th, 2006 at 10:50 am (Edit this comment)

    I agree, Isabel. But since Smith’s case has shaken up to the level of international news, I think they won’t do that to him. Masyado nang halata kung itakas pa nila si Smith. Look at that white guy Strunk who allegedly killed Nida Blanca. Pinayagan nilang umuwi sa Amerika para kuno mag-attend sa burial ng nanay at hindi na bumalik. Babalik pa ba iyan siya nga ang pumatay kay Nida? I think our government should demand for his extradition. Ganoon ang ginawa nila kay Smith kaya dapat lang pabalikin si Smith at sagutin ang paratang sa kanya sa pagkamatay ni Nida.

  9. Chabeli Chabeli

    The transfer of L/Cpl. Daniel Smith to the U.S. Embassy from the Makati City jail has BAD FAITH written all over it.

    The transfer was done at a strange hour: 11 p.m. At this time of night, no court or government agency was open & apparently, Judge Pozon as well as the CA Judge were not aware of this transfer. Why have L/Cpl. Smith transfered on New Year’s Day weekend when pretty much everybody were on vacation &/or asleep?

    It would be easy to look at this whole scenario & put the blame solely on America. But if we were to stop & analyze the whole transfer issue and go back to the documents of the VFA, it would be interesting to find out first whose signature appears on the VFA documents and agreed to its terms & conditions ? If these terms & conditions were agreed during Gloria’s term, then GLORIA IS TO BLAME because she opened the window for a foreigner to rape us. BAD FAITH IS SYNONYMOUS TO GLORIA.

  10. Another “deal” in the dead of the night. Why is this administration so notorious with this kind of practice. Wasn’t the Con-Ass and Garcillano’s clearing also done in such unholy hours? They no better than common thieves and thugs who do their dastardly acts in the dead of the night. Now Nicole is raped not once, but twice.

  11. nelbar nelbar

     
    The Philippine Star headline : 
    July 01,2006 Saturday : Borra, five other Comelec execs liable in ‘Mega’ deal
     
    – front page picture – 
    President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo are accompanied by Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardo after laying wreath at the foot of the Rizal monument at the Avenida de Las Islas Filipinas in Madrid Spain yesterdat
     

  12. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    Mrs. Gloria Arroyo and her government bow-out to Uncle Sam’s demand. Mrs. Arroyo has the full responsibility for the release of convicted rapist Daniel Smith to the U.S. government. GMA cannot distance herself what transpired during the custody negotiation. Perhaps Gloria Arroyo wants to impress the U.S. after the 2004 Philippine military contingent pull-out in Iraq. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Solicitor General Antonio Eduardo Nachura are the alter ego of the president. The president’s men acted like lawyers of Daniel Smith after his conviction.

  13. Mike Uliling Mike Uliling

    Siguro nagpipista na yung mga tulad ng disgrace santos na iyan at mga ibang makapili sa Amerika dahil nabawi nila ang kanilang inosenteng rapist.

  14. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    110th death anniversary Jose Rizal theme: Ang Makabayan sa Isip sa Salita at sa Gawa

    Mrs. Gloria Arroyo and her government is a big insult to our independence. Our heroes spilled their blood and sacrificed their lives to gain sovereignty and freedom from colonial powers.

  15. isabel isabel

    kung tayo ay galit na galit sa ginawang katraiduran nitong si gloria at mga kampon niya ng kadiliman, ano pa kaya si nicole? tama si schumey, nicole is raped not only once but twice. at mas masakit yung pangalawang rape sapagkat ginawa ito ng mga kababayan niya mismo at ng mga taong supposed to be ay dapat mgangalaga at magtanggol sa kanya. pinakamasakit sa isang babae ang pagsamantalahan o abusuhin ng isang kakilala, kaibigan, o kapamilya dahil meron aspeto ng betrayal of trust. at sa kaso ni nicole, hindi lang iisa ang gumahasa sa kanya on both counts. sa oras na ito, hindi awa ang kailangan ni nicole, kungdi suporta ng bawat isa sa atin.

  16. Chabeli Chabeli

    Isabel, you’re right in commenting that “kung tayo ay galit na galit sa ginawang katraiduran nitong si gloria at mga kampon niya ng kadiliman, ano pa kaya si nicole?”

    I can only imagine how betrayed “Nicole” feels by this Gloria’s government.

    Well this act is another issue that the opposition can take against the Glorialets in the ’07 elections, IF there will be elections..

  17. isabel isabel

    mensahe ko para kay nicole:

    huwag kang bibitaw, girl. naumpisahan mo na ang laban. nakita na ng sambayanan kung gaano ka nagpakatatag sa harap ng pangungutya ng mga banyaga pati na ng iyong mga kababayan. marami kaming nagdadasal upang makamit mo ang katarungan. makakabawi din tayo, at saka tayo maniningil ng pautang.

  18. The past several actions of this woman and her government directly and blatently against the rule of law may be an indication that her end game will be to declare Martial Law. Its often said that what this woman wants she gets and Martial Law or some other emergency power will be in her interest to allow her to rule forever. No elections, No impeachment, and continue to steal, lie & cheat all the way to the bank err banks. The amazing thing is that all this is happening with not a thing being done to stop them. Oh yes threats but nothing is done to stop them. Every day is a Christmas day to this government. The saying goes – by doing nothing you get the government you deserve. Its time to wake up people.

  19. We awoke to find that Garci had been cleared, we awoke today to Smith having been transfered to a 5 Star facility outside of the jurisdiction of the Philippines, complete with room service & air-con and american guards. In both instances no law court appearance was involved.
    Don’t be surprised to awake to Martial Law. Mark my words.

  20. Smith’s transfer sparks anger

    The transfer of a US marine convicted of raping a Filipina to his embassy has angered activists and surprised a government official, who Saturday questioned the move’s legal basis.

    Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Zozimo Paredes, executive director of the VFA secretariat said Smith’s transfer to US Embassy late Friday night was “irregular”.

    Click here for ABS-CBN update.

  21. Ellen:
    This Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Zozimo Paredes, executive director of the VFA secretariat is polite beyond words, its not irregular its ILLEGAL.

  22. We are now getting to the point that nobody gives a inch of snuff for the contents of the Constitution which has been eroded by Arroyo and her mob time and again.

  23. Chabeli Chabeli

    If we had a STRONGER leader, a leader who was respected, I don’t think the U.S. would have done what they did. Nag papabastos kasi eto si Gloria, so nabastos nga tayo !

  24. ‘nobody’ gives a pinch of snuff..sorry I’m so angry

  25. Chabeli Chabeli

    A clear definition of a POLITICAL PROSTITUTE is GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO !

  26. isabel isabel

    wwnl,
    idagdag na rin natin na ang ginawa nilang ito ay IMORAL, at si gloria ang pinaka imoral na presidente ng pilipinas. excuse me, nagpapanggap lang nga palang presidente itong iskwater sa malakanyang.

  27. Chabeli:
    Can you imagine a leader of a country going cap-in-hand for 40 pieces of junked helicopters. Then she got he bloody cheek to talk about being a first class country.
    People please wake up its getting to be beyond a joke.

  28. Chabeli, it’s not only that “nagpabastos” si Gloria Arroyo sa mga Amerikano. Siya mismo ang nambabastos sa Constitution natin. Sumakay na lang ang U.S.

  29. I really believe she’s bitten off more than she can chew this time because with the Smith issue the women demomstrators will take to the streets, and how. The women tend to have more guts to demonstrate their rights than their male counterparts.

  30. Chabeli Chabeli

    We-will-never-learn, Gloria’s so-called, “Strong Republic”, as well as her “talk about being a first class country” is nothing but political blah-blah uttered by a POLITICAL PROSTITUTE who continues to SQUAT in Malacañan. The people have awaken, it is all a matter of time. Let’s be patient. It will come like a lighting bolt & Gloria won’t know what hit her. Many times I have said that the longer she clings to her seat, the worse the outcome for her. We only have world history to tell us that. Look at Saddam Hussein; look at the fate that befell him. I do not think Gloria is an exception to world history.
    *******************************
    Ms. Ellen, tama po kayo, si Gloria nga po ang “nambabastos sa Consitution natin”. It all begain with her stupid Cha-Cha idea !

  31. Just look at other countries around the world, most leaders of the stronger countries are strong defenders of their own countries. The Philippines are thought as fair game because the leader of the Philippines is weak, failing to defend its corner. Glo start to pack your bags even the americans are laughing at you, because they see you for what you are, its just a pity that the Filipino hasn’t admitted it yet.
    Lets all pray, but in doing so remember that the Lord said to help those who help themselves. Its time to help yourselves folks.

  32. Chabeli Chabeli

    We-will-never-learn, an EU Ambassador to the Philippines once expressed to me that in his country it would be unfathomable if their citizens packed their bags & left for greener pastures. He said that that it would be considered a great insult if their country could not take care of its own people. He finds it insulting when you have a President (Gloria) who even encourages this move; it is as if she is selling her own people, then he asked me whether it has dawned upon our OFWs that behind this encouragement from Gloria is really what has helped her remain in power..

  33. Chabeli Chabeli

    It is a SAD REALITY that there are still those who take the sit-back-&-watch attitude at a time when the Philippines is in the brink of a social collapse. This is similar to those, when asked to take a stand against Gloria, answer with the a question, “who is the alternative?”

    These very people do not realize that this question is not a legitimate question if they have an iota of love for the Philippines. Heroes don’t ask questions like that. They take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

  34. Chabeli:
    I doubt if these OFW’s ever go beyond thinking of the monetory value to what their trip abroad will be to them and their families, and who’s to blame them. If this government really concentrated on producing employment here there would be no need for OFW’s, period. Whereas these countries that are encouraging OFW’s could take some of the blame except that these EU countries encourage crossing borders for the freedom of their own citizens, but you can be sure that they will be crossing back to their own country again. If you say to a Pinoy where do you come from, more than likely the reply will be a provincial Area/Town/City and not the Philippines, as in the country.. Meaning that they see their birth place in the smaller sphere as against EU citizens will tell you that they come from a particular country in the EU and naming it. Its my opinion that this is a problem for Filipino in particular that a EU citizens don’t have as baggage.

  35. roljen143 roljen143

    ano pa nga ba ang makikita natin sa mga tuta ng kano e di SUNOD!!!SUNUDSUNURAN LANG… pag pinakain sila ng tae ….kakain yang mga yan kasi……amoy pera sila

    dapat magkaroon na tayo ng tunay na kalayaan sa mga dayuhan…ipakita natin na tayo’y tunay na pinoy na may dugong matapang…hanggang sa huling patak ng dugo…

    laban kung laban pinoy!!!

  36. zenzennai zenzennai

    Chabeli,

    “who is the alternative?” na tanong, paglaging inuulit, ang siyang isang dahilan kung bakit bagsak ang ating mga democratic institutions.

    ganun na ganun din ang kanilang tanong nuong kasagsagan ng panggigipit ni Marcos, kaya nagtagal ito at tuluyang naging diktador.

    para sa akin, isang malaking dagok sa kanilang lahi ang ganitong klaseng tanong at malisyoso pagpaulit-ulit na tinatanong. dagdag pa, isang pagpapatunay na ito ay tanong ng mga DUWAG!

  37. There are many opposition members who have proved themselves to be honest, truthful and lawyers full of courage to defend the Phil;ippine Constitution. You’ve seen them defending it against the allies of this fake. Members young and not so young but all of them brave enough to defend their country and call a spade a spade.
    So don’t try to argue that there is no alternative because either you don’t have television covering the events in congress or your talking complete and utter B.S.

  38. The general populace has become adapt to waiting for disasters then clearing up to salvage anything left standing of their home.
    Its repeated again and again after a disaster, mainly to the same victims, because there’s a cycle of being able to clear up after the event but not mastering the advance preparation to lessen the damage when it arrives.
    This lack of preparation goes right down to the leaders at provincial level. But even at National level it still shows because GMA is a perfect example of a disaster for the whole country, but not removing her to lessen the damage done. Most other countries may get caught once, but twice, thrice even, their would be big questions from the people to their leaders the first time.

  39. Look at all the Billions being wasted by this government, every day, you don’t need a masters in accountancy to know that we as a country are bankrupt.

  40. lokal vocal II lokal vocal II

    We will never learn

    baka kailangan pa ni zenzennai ng Hubble Telescope para makita nya ang alternatives ng the Great Switik.

  41. lokal vocal II lokal vocal II

    It shows talaga who is the REAL BOSS in this country. Rizal would be turning in his grave. More than 100 years from his death we are not really free.

    USA can trample our sovereignty as a nation anytime. They are sooooo shameless. All the pretensions about the great democracy in the world seems hollow. America only practices democracy in their home turf. It is a tyrant to a poor country like ours.

    The militants and NPA are proven right.

  42. lokal vocal II lokal vocal II

    USA: All the pretensions of being the great democracy unravels…

  43. mandirigma mandirigma

    Kung ang ilang government officials ay nagulat sa transfer ni Daniel Smith, ibig sabihin si Arroyo ang personal na nag-utos sa pag-transfer. If it is proven that Arroyo directly ordered the transfer, then it’s time for another impeachment. Hopefully, she gets it this third time.

  44. chi chi

    Chabeli, Zenzennai;

    Those who persistently ask “who is the alternative” fail to recognize pinoy’s inherent talents or themselves. What I feel is that they just don’t want changes to happen in our country, their so frightened of a chance that “no alternative” mantra becomes a mere scapegoat for them. In reality, those who ask are benefitting from this bogus presidency. Kahit aso pwede sa akin na alternative kay Glueria. Ganyan ko sya ka hate!

  45. tikbalang tikbalang

    Papaano mo irerespeto ang taong sumisira sa kapakanan ng mga naapi.Kung siya pa mismo ang gumagawa ng mga kawalang hiyaan. Mga KABABAYAAN ko gumising na tayo sa katotohanan na dapat PATALSIKIN NA! SIPAIN NA SA 2007! Ang BUGAW NA PANDAK! Sakim talaga sa KAPANGYARIHAN.
    Sana hindi dumanak ng dugo ang taong 2007 lalo na sa mga Pilipinong Makabayan. Babuyan na talaga himurin mo TIYANAK pati ang butas ng PUWET ni Bush! Para manatili ka lang sa pwesto may kapalit lahat ang iyong mga maling gawa. “KABABAYAN MO NI RAPE NG ISANG DAYUHAN” SANA ANG ANAK MO NA LANG ANG NA RAPE NG MADAMA MO ANG POOT AT GALIT SA TAONG RAPIST!!!!!!!

  46. chi chi

    Legal Minds,

    What happens now to Judge Pozon’s court order? Was this null and void from the beginning or that the fake president nullified it just like that to please her Uncle Sam?

  47. chi chi

    Smith physically raped Nicole, OK lang kay bogus Glueria pinalaya pa for a meaningless tapik from Dubya. Hindi pa siya ilalaglag ngayon ng Uncle Sam niya.

    Glueria and minions continue to rape the Philippine Constitution and the Kaban ng Bayan, raping as well the very foundation of a pinoy family by not creating jobs at home, instead sending supermaids overseas to finance the lifetyles of the Pidals and minions.

    Result, more broken Filipino families. Latest news was that more and more overseas workers no longer remit $$$ to their families back home due to vices, other spouses, etc.

    Glueria has been penetrating, stabbing the very core of a pinoy life, draining our hopes to the extreme, raping us all of our happy existence not once but twice! I’m all for Glueria’s double-hung!

  48. mandirigma mandirigma

    Sa mga nakakaintindi ng batas, Judge’s order should never been overpowered. There’s a pending appeal filed by the Solcitor’s General Office with the Court of Appeals. Then, there’s still the Supreme Court which is the final arbiter. Ang isa lang palusot nila ay ang VFA. Pero sila mismo lumalabag sa VFA dahil nasa bansa natin ang mga sundalong Kano hindi bilang bisita kundi nandito na sila para manatili. I liken this Smith case to that of Saddam. I was watching the TV news cable today and the American defense lawyer of Saddam blasted the US for blantantly influencing Saddam’s trial. The lawyer revealed that on every trial, there were US representatives roaming around the court and handing out some documents to the Iraqi prosecutors. So, ganyan din ang ginawa ng mga Kano sa mga opisyales natin at Korte. Kung paano minadali ang pagbitay kay Saddam sa utos ng Amerika, ganyan din naman ang ginawa kay Smith na pinalipat sa US Embassy. Ang tanong ngayon: Tuloy pa ba ang Balikatan Exercise? Kung tinuloy ito, who would deny that its cancellation was not tied to the Smith’s case? Dapat palitan ang pangalan ng military joint exercise at tawaging “Balikligaya Exercise”.

  49. Chabeli Chabeli

    Zenzennai captured the essence of that RIDICULOUS QUESTION, “who is the alternative” to Gloria, by saying that “…para sa akin…isang pagpapatunay na ito ay tanong ng mga DUWAG!” You couldn’t have said it better !

    Chi, I also agree with your opinion that those who ask that RIDICULOUS QUESTION “…just don’t want changes to happen in our country, their so frightened of a chance that “no alternative” mantra becomes a mere scapegoat for them. In reality, those who ask are benefitting from this bogus presidency.”

    Did Jose Rizal some 100 or so years ago ask that question ? No. He loved the Philippines and became a hero. Did Ninoy Aquino ask that question ? No. He loved the Philippines and became a hero.

    As I mentioned earlier, Heroes don’t ask questions like that. They take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

  50. Chabeli:

    You bet, whoever asks, “Who is the alternative to the Great Switik?” must be sick in the head or have no trust in the Filipinos or to himself if he is a Filipino by birth and origin. Wow, talaga naman! How can Filipinos insult their own selves by even throwing this silly question to their fellow pinoys considering the fact that the Great Switik is nothing but a great switik, who is definitely good only in pimping Filipinos overseas, and tolerated by her fellow crooks?

    Kawawang bansa! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA! SOBRA NA, TAMA NA!

  51. apoy apoy

    cancel ang balikatan pero tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ibat-ibang uri ng panggagahasa..
    Diyos ko, huwag mo na silang patawarin dahil alam na alam nila ang kanilang ginagawa..

  52. cocoy cocoy

    Mandirigma:On the last post you asked me who’s IM? IM is a street lingo we used when I drive my MB from dust to dawn to clear up the smoke and polluter violators on the street so that when you wake up in the morning your children are safe in going to school.Sisiw lang ako para pagka-abalahan ng IM na sinasabi mo.Gets mo na.Secret na lang natin kung nakuha mo na ang ibig kung sabihin.My license expire when I retire.Yes,gusto ko ng umuwi at manirahan sa Pilipinas kaya nga I become involve in this thread to see what is going on in our country,pero sa probinsya ko gustong tumira.

  53. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ka Cocoy, akala ko pa nga ang ibig mong sabihin sa IM ay International Master chess player ka. If you’re returning home, I recommend three provinces: Bukidnon, Abra and Lubao, Pampanga.

  54. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    What’s next traitor Gloria Arroyo? Does it means the VFA and military aid continues after the release of Daniel Smith? The increase of U.S. military assistance to the Philippines is link to Visiting Forces Agreement and Pres. Bush’s global war on terror. Vietnam-vintage Huey helicopters ang kapalit ni Daniel Smith.

  55. cocoy cocoy

    mandirigma:Akala kp ba magkaibigan tayo bakit gusto mo akong maging kapitbahay ni Garci at ni Bong Pineda sa Pampanga.Gusto kung maging Kapitbahay si Koko Pimentel magkapareho kami ng pangalan iba nga lang ang letter.

  56. isabel isabel

    dkg,
    ang running joke nga ng mga us airforce ay pinakamatapang daw na piloto sa buong mundo ay ang mga piloto ng phil. air force dahil ang pinapalipad nila ay mga mga flying coffins na basura na lamang sa kanila. masakit, pero tutuo at hindi ako natatawa.

    ang sabi ko naman, sila ang pinakaduwag na piloto (u.s. pilots) with their unmanned aircrafts that they’re flying now.

  57. cocoy cocoy

    Si Gloria ngayon at si Bolante ay isa ng despensable (kamote)este,commodities dahil nakuha na ng America ang gusto nila.

  58. cocoy cocoy

    Ngayon pwede na ninyong hilingin ang ulo ni Bolante sa America dahil nakuha na nila si Smtith.Give and take,’ika nga.Pero sino ang manghihingi kay Bush.Si Gloria?Hindi niya gagawin iyon.Kung para sa akin lang aaraw-arawin ko ng kilos protesta ang U.S.Embassy “Now,you got Smith,Give us Bolante” Iyan na lang ang tanging paraan sa ngayon para makaganti.Kung si Smith ang hihilingin ninyo sa America,hindi na ninyo makikita ‘yon.Nawala na ng parang bula.

    Kung si Bolante may pag-asa pa.Niloloko lang kayo ni Gloria kung sabihin niyang malakas pa ang kapit niya kay Uncle Sam.
    Kilos na!punta na sa U.S.Embassy and demand Bolante’s head.

  59. isabel isabel

    cocoy,
    para sa anong dahilan at kailangan pang pauwiin sa pinas si bolante? buti nga sa amerika at nakakulong siya. pag pinabalik dito yan, magiging isang garci o smith lang yan na palalayain in the dead of the night ng mga bampirang sumisipsip ng dugo ng mga pilipino with gloria as the queen of phil. vampires.
    dapat kay bolante bitayin at ipakain sa mga bulate.

  60. isabel isabel

    yung tanong sa itaas na “who is the alternative to gloria?”, aba’y matagal ng tanong iyan at tila napakahirap na tanong at hindi natin masagot ng diretsahan. ang itanong kaya natin ay “WHAT is the alternative to gloria?”. baka sakali ay may diretsang sagot ang isa sa atin dito.

  61. isabel isabel

    “It is better to follow even the shadow of the best than to remain content with the worst.”
    quoted from The Other Wise Man by henry van dyke as posted by ms. ellen.

  62. joeseg joeseg

    Isabel, at the moment I think nobody has the direct answer to your question.

    But who or what is the alternative to GMA will be known in the days to come. As I read somewhere here, it’s the same question on who will be the one after Marcos. Nobody could answer that question directly that time but presto! EDSA One provided the answer!

    Huwag lang tayong mainip. Darating din yan. Ang importante ngayon ay hindi panghinaan ng loob ang mga personalidad and groups who are in the forefront against the present regime. Tayong nasa Pilipinas na maliliit na tinig and even those those who are abroad may not be of big help but we’re also helping by letting them know our combined sentiments and manifestation that we are clamoring for a change.

    I beg to disagree na puro satsat lang tayo rito. Huwag nang magantiyaw kung walang ring magagawa. May mga kumikilos na at nandito sila sa Pilipinas, nakatungtong sa lupa. Some people who are in this blog are moving, you just don’t know them. Some groups are working out strategies in every way they can but perhaps, their efforts are not enough because the enemies have all the weapons to fend of. But they are not hopeless. They are undaunted. They will prevail. In time.
    ==

  63. isabel isabel

    joeseg,
    tama ka, may mga grupo nga sa pilipinas na hindi na yata natutulog at may mga plano na at strategies para mapatalsik itong pekeng pangulo at kanyang mga kampon. kahit pa saang sulok tayo ng mundo, basta’t ang puso natin at diwa ay pilipino, may maitutulong tayo kahit logistics lang at moral support (pampalakas loob kung baga). and as of my writing this, tila yata may sumagot na ng diretsahan sa tanong kong, what is our alternative to gloria. kaya lang ayaw kong isulat dito kasi tinatanong ko pa rin ang sarili ko kung carry ko ba ito. na-shock yata ako sa sagot.

  64. mandirigma mandirigma

    The question “What is the alternative to Gloria” was a legitimate question that requires a legitimate answer. Kung ako ang tatanungin, dahil sa napakasama na si Arroyo at hindi na natin kayang masikmura ang kanyang ginagawa, kahit aso sa kalye ay mas magandang alternative kesa sa kanya (Arroyo).

  65. cocoy cocoy

    Isabel:Oo nga pala ano,naisip ko mayroon palang flying coffin at magagaling na piloto na magtakas kay kamote katulad ng ginawa nila kay Garci.Kung ganon eh,di ifreezer muna namin siya rito.Kung sakaling mawala na si Gloria baka titino na ang kanyang magiting na pilito.
    About alternatives para lang namang sabong iyang pustahan.Ang inakay ni Dadong sa ngayon ay ganador,ang mga tao naman ay mahilig sa sabong.Mayroon na akong nakitang bagong tinali na pwede na nating pansabong sa kanya sa ngayon.Pero,mayroong mas matindi Lahing Texas pa.Kaunting hilot sa pak-pak at kaunting pakain ng feeds at kaunting alaga palagay ko pagdating ng susunod na mga derby,magiging ganador itong manok ko,kapangalan ko kasi.Anong say,mo?
    ‘wag ka ng magtampo nagkamali lang siguro s’ya ng pagkasabi with good intention.Smile na at bati na tayong lahat.

  66. joeseg joeseg

    Isabel, the various attempts to topple down GMA is just like the years that you, I understand during the Marcos years, experienced difficulties and suffered setbacks but kept going on.

    In today’s struggle, it reminds me of a piece I read few months back. I was able to save it but inadvertently erased the author’s name. It goes like this:

    NOW IS THE TIME
    Whatever happened on the previous attempt doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is what you do now.

    Though you may have failed once, or numerous times, or a thousand times, that has no bearing on what you’re able to do now. In fact, each failed attempt brings you closer to success.

    By discovering what does not work, you have more information to help you know what does work. The more you have invested in the goal, the more motivated you are to make it succeed.

    Effort is never wasted, even when it leads to disappointing results. For it always makes you stronger, more capable and more experienced.

    Now is the time to make use of all that strength and experience. Now is the time to push forward with more commitment and effectiveness than ever before.
    Take great satisfaction in where you have been and in how far you have come. Now is your opportunity to make it into real and lasting success.
    ==

  67. isabel isabel

    salamat, joeseg, sa inspiring piece. nasaan man ako ngayon at anuman, wala akong pinagsisihan. and yes, to some degree, kaya ko pang magcommit para maiahon ang bansa natin mula sa kanyang pagkakasadlak sa kahirapan pighati ng pagkaalipin.

    yes cocoy, bati tayo, at natawa ako sa iyo at kay mandirigma. kaya lang ayaw ko yata sa aso o baboy bilang pamalit kay glue.sori ha.

    hindi ako nagtampo. ang motto ko nga “ang pikon, talo”. kahit naman kung minsan magkakaiba ang opinyon natin dito, iisa lang naman ang hangarin natin, ang mapalayas si glorya ang mga kampon niya ng kadiliman. hindi naman tayo xerox machine na kung ano ang sinabi ng isa iyon na din ang sasabihin ng lahat. ang mahalaga we agree to dis-agree. parang yung teorya ng thesis>anti-thesis(counter-thesis)>synthesis. di ba maganda kapag malayang magpahayag ng opinyon ang iba’t ibang personalidad na ang pinanggalingan at mga karanasan ay magkakaiba rin?

  68. Joeseg, I second Isabel. That’s an inspiring piece. Appropriate as we enter a new year.

  69. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    Hugas kamay ang Judas ng bayan. Sino ang maniwala na walang alam si Gloria Pandaka? Sino ang ginagago ninyo? Pati trapik kasali sa palusot. Tell that to the Marines General Ermita!

    Excerpts ABS-CBN News 12/31/2006
    President Arroyo did not know of Smith’s transfer’
    Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita Sunday said President Arroyo has nothing to do with the abrupt transfer of convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith to the US Embassy. Ermita said Mrs. Arroyo, who is at present in Baguio City with the Presidential Family, left the matter to the National Security Council.
    He added that the council did not even inform Mrs. Arroyo its final decision to transfer Smith to US custody. Ermita, however, admitted that Smith’s transfer will result in better RP-US relations.

  70. Kampon ng Kadiliman is the Great Switik. She’s Dugong Aso, too. Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna is kabalen, too, but not dugong aso. The Great Switik owes Satur and Company her victory in 2001 versus Erap. EDSA 2 was streaming red. I recognized Liza Masa as one of the convenor of that hakot power (not people’s power) with schools, churches, etc. getting funds no doubt to “hakot” all those students and churchgoers to the EDSA Shrine now off limits to the squatters at the palace by the murky river.

    Dugong-Aso was the term coined by members of KKK in referring to Lazaro Macapagal and his fellow Macabebens, who were often used by the Spaniards to spy on their countrymen. In a power struggle in the ill-fated movement that weakened the Spanish position in the Philippines, the Macabebens were used to murder Bonifacio, et al.

    My maternal grandfather was an eyewitness to the assassination of Gen. Antonio Luna, who was my grandfather’s cousin and he was bodyguarding, and reason why even now my family stays away from the Dugong-Aso.

    Anyway, here’s another back-stabbing against Ocampo’s Party, Bayan Muna, a legitimate political party whose members are now being made a scapegoat by the Great Switik and her paid generals ala-Hitler when he ordered the extermination of all Jews. Just sharing:

    A few hours before the new year, gunmen shot dead the Bayan Muna Regional Project Officer in Bicol. Rodolfo Alvarado, Jr. is also the Bayan Muna Provincial Chair of Albay, the 6th nominee of Bayan Muna partylist. He had 8 gunshot wounds and was killed at his house in Ligao City, Albay.

    For photos and statement of Bayan Muna Bicol,go to:

    http://www.arkibongbayan.org/pong/pong.htm

    *****

    Someone in this blog mentioned about this administration of the bogus president being backward. You bet, it is, because blaming the reds for the ills of the country is going back in time, and it is definitely obsolete. Ocampo, in a meeting with Japanese and Filipinos in Tokyo mentioned that Marcos was not in fact responsible for the killings of many of his fellow insurgents then, but he attested to the many killings that this bogus president has ordered to keep herself and her husband at the palace by the murky river so they can have accesss to public and private treasuries, and the paid generals saying “Aye!”

    I suggest we all archive all the declarations made by the Great Switik and the AFP Generals re the operatives to wipe out the NPA (kuno) and all others opposed to the bogus president, et al. Keep them intact just so we can have evidence of her utterances, etc. that she can even have the nerve to deny committing when cornered.

  71. Chabeli Chabeli

    Joeseg, I second the motion, too, of Isabel & Ms. Ellen. It is truly a beautiful & inspirational piece.

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