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AFP whistleblower’s arrest is ordered

Related stories on GMA-7 online:

Gadian denies “lavish spending” charge
Navy to lift order if Gadian turns herself in

AFP widens probe on Balikatan mess

by Victor Reyes and Wendell Vigilia
Malaya

The military has ordered the arrest of Lt. (s.g.) Nancy Gadian, the Navy officer who has exposed alleged corruption involving funds for the RP-US Balikatan exercises in 2007, for breaching military discipline.

She was also declared a “deserter” after going AWOL (absence without official leave), the military said in a briefing yesterday.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said Gadian will be restricted to Navy headquarters where she is attached unassigned.

Gadian was assistant chief of staff for civil military operations of the AFP Western Mindanao Command during the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises.

Early this week, she accused her immediate superior, Wesmincom head and now retired Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, of pocketing part of the P46-million budget for the Balikatan exercises.

On Wednesday, she said the top brass also got part of the funds.

Gadian is now under investigation by the Navy Efficiency and Separation Board for allegedly failing to account for P2.3 million that the military said was released to her office by the RP-Balikatan directorate in 2007 to finance humanitarian and civic action programs in Western Mindanao.

The investigation was initiated by Cedo.

Gadian, who is in her hometown in Iloilo, yesterday said the arrest order was well within the rights of the Navy, but the military should not force her to continue serving if she no longer wants to. She said she filed her resignation notice last April 16.

Arevalo said the arrest order was not issued because the military is “trying to persecute her or prosecute her on account of the fact that she is revealing something.”

He said Gadian violated military rules, particularly not to gripe in public, by airing her accusations before the media.

Under military rules, complaints should be aired to one’s immediate superior. If the concern is not addressed by the immediate superior, it can be brought to higher officers.

Arevalo also said Gadian applied for leave from March 9 to April 21. The application was granted.

Gadian did not report on April 22. She was placed on AWOL “effective the same date and subsequently dropped from the master list of her unit,” Arevalo said.

From April 22, Gadian was given the 10-day reglamentary period to report since she was marked AWOL. She still did not report, prompting the military to drop her from the Navy’s roster last May 2.

“She is considered a deserter and an order for her apprehension was issued to bring her back to military custody for investigation,” Arevalo said.

He said Gadian’s resignation paper “was not acted upon and cannot be acted upon” because she is facing an investigation.

Gadian said the arrest order would not stop her from exposing anomalies in the Balikatan funds.

Told of Arevalo’s explanation on her resignation notice, Gadian said: “That is their side but let us look at the Constitution, we are democratic country. It’s stated in the Constitution that if you do not want to work, you cannot be forced to,” she said.

Gadian acknowledged military procedures regarding her declaration as having gone AWOL, being a deserter, and subsequent issuance of an apprehension order.

“Once they find me, what will they do to me, what will they say to me?” she asked.

Asked if she was going to resist arrest, Gadian just said: “What I am saying is we are in a democratic country, I will stick to that. If I know that they violated my rights, should I stay silent?”

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., head of the AFP public affairs office, said the office of the AFP’s Inspector General (IG) conducted a probe on Gadian’s allegations, and initial findings indicated the P46 million budget for Balikatan 2007 was all accounted for.

“We cannot really understand what she is saying about misuse (of Balikatan funds),” he said.

Brawner said the IG personnel revisited the records of Balikatan 2007. “But upon looking at the records, we know for a fact that the Balikatan funds of 2007 have been accounted for. We even have a COA (Commission on Audit) audit (report) on this,” he said.

Brawner and Arevalo said the Navy’s Efficiency and Separation Board is looking into some “lavish spending” by Gadian.

Arevalo said Gadian spent P5,700 a day for a hotel in Zamboanga City. He could not say how long Gadian stayed at the hotel but said her bill totalled P14,000.

Arevalo clarified that Gadian is not facing a charge of malversation of funds before the ESB but merely insubordination and violation of a COA circular on how funds should be spent, or “technical malversation.”

The insubordination charge was for Gadian’s refusal to cooperate in the investigation initiated by Cedo.

Gadian, told of the findings on the P46 million, stood by her allegations.

“I know who are the people involved. They should not cover it up. Why are they trying to cover this up… Have you tried to talk to the budget office itself?” she said.

“Why should I be the sacrificial lamb? Is it because I am just a woman? Is it because I’m just a lieutenant?” she added.

Arevalo and Brawner appealed to Gadian to formalize her complaint.

“We would like to get to the bottom of these allegations because what is at stake are not ranks, are not names and not faces of people but the good name and reputation of the AFP, that is being sacrificed here,” he said.

The same appeal was earlier aired by Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, a former AFP chief and now chairman of the Senate defense committee. Biazon has said he could not initiate an investigation without a formal complaint.

Rep. Liza Maza of the party list group Gabriela called for a House inquiry.

She also said the Armed Forces resorted to “draconian” measures by placing Gadian’s 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter under military surveillance.

“These alleged harassment and evil tactics employed by the AFP apparently shows that they are threatened over Gadian’s exposé,” she said.

Related article in Inquirer
: Navy whistle-blower ordered arrested

Published inMilitary

209 Comments

  1. I don’t know yet who is telling the truth on the issue of corruption. But on the matter of AWOL, as long as Maj. Gen. John Martir remains unpunished for his more than 400 days of AWOL, punishing lower rank military personnel of the same offense is gross injustice.

  2. Rose Rose

    Hindi ba na promote pa si John Martir? Ang justice nga naman sa regime ni putot at ni Ingkong…

  3. parasabayan parasabayan

    Sinabi mo pa Ellen. I was fuming mad when I read this woman’s case. I think nagsasabi siya ng totoo.

    You are absolutely right on her 10 day AWOL na ikakaso sa kanya. Gee, si John Rat eh na-promote na General pa! This is a very classic case of “kung hindi ka malakas, lagot ka!”. Kung kasama ka sa mafia gang, protektado ka! What a shame!

  4. iwatcher2010 iwatcher2010

    corruption sa military???? ano pa ba bago?

    next tagline nila…show us the evidences, malaki damage sa institution ang mga baseless accusations??? natinig ko na yata yun’

    maski office renovation, office equipments at consumables pinapatulan sa ghq, eto pa kayang Php 43M balikatan budget

    hmmm…siyempre aalagaan ang heneral kumpara sa isang junior officer

  5. saxnviolins saxnviolins

    Why did she disappear? Is she scared that she will be made to disappear?

    Is she afraid that she might be suicided?

    A petition for a writ of amparo may be useful here.

  6. parasabayan parasabayan

    I just hope that she is still alive. Lawlessness in the Philippines is so “in” to the powerful. For all we know the villains already did something to her. Then they are just making noise to cover it up. I may just be paranoid. Huwag naman sana.

  7. habib habib

    Is this posting with link topic related? Or just asking to be mapansin by the others?

  8. Habib, I deleted the link. I found it unrelated.

  9. LTsg Gadian was interviewed by Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja of DZMM this morning. She said she will study offer of Malacañang under the witness protection program.

    The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, said they are lifting the arrest order if she will return to barracks.

  10. habib habib

    I’m beginning to hate the organization I once respect and belong due to this bastardization of ethics, rules and above all, the Constitution.

    The prime force mandated to protect and defend our people is NOW the same force employed by the powerful to intimidate, harass and silence those who are saying the truth. How can we (still) trust the institution led by WOLVES?

  11. habib habib

    “The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, said they are lifting the arrest order if she will return to barracks.”

    Lift the arrest?

    Tell that to the Marines under John Rat!

  12. habib habib

    naputol..

    Look who’s fooling who.

    It is a clear form of laying a trap to make a mouse come out.

    The Navy should first try and punish John the Rat for his more or less ONE YEAR AND A HALF absence with out official leave and make him RETURN all the salaries and allowances he received during the period AND DEMOTE him for his excesses.

    Nakikita nila ang butas ng karayom subalit hindi nila nakikita ang butas ng palakol. Ginagawa nilang pamasak butas at sacrificial lambs ang mga kawawang maliliit na opisyal at kawal mapagtakpan lamang ang KASIBAAN NG MGA SUWAPANG na heneral na subsob ang nguso sa puwet ng mag-asawang kawatan!

  13. habib habib

    Ellen’

    I hate to say this, but most of linked posts by bitchevil were and are posts unrelated and irrelevant.

    Nagpapansin kasi, eh!

    Kahit magalit pa si artsee.

  14. Jose Jose

    Go Go Go LtSG Gadian. We are behind you. Buti pa to si Lt Gadian matapang para ibulgar yung mga corruption sa AFP. Marami pa yan. Sana si Gen Carlos Garcia nagbulgar din tungkol sa mga nakinabang noong siya pa ang Comptroller kaya lang kasama siya sa mga nagnakaw kaya tameme na lang siya. Pero siya lang ang nagdudusa sa kulungan sa Crame hanggang ngayon.

  15. Roque and Pestaño rally behind Gadian

    A UP law professor and the father of a be-medaled Philippine Navy officer allegedly murdered because he was about to expose anomalies in the naval establishment expressed support yesterday for Navy Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian, the whistleblower in the P46-M Balikatan scam.

    “We call on like-minded citizens to rally behind Lt. SG Gadian,” said Prof. Harry L.Roque, Jr and Mr. Felipe Pestaño, father of Ensign Phillip Andrew Pestaño, who was found dead inside his stateroom on the ship BRP Bacolod City(LC 550) on September 27, 1995 as it was heading for the Philippine Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City from Sangley Point in Cavite.

    They were joined by the Concerned Citizens Movement headed by Former DOTC Secretary Josefina Lichauco and Betina Legarda in calling for a sanctuary and legal assistance for Gadian.

    Prof. Roque and Mr. Pestaño issued a joint statement yesterday after hearing of the plight of Lt. SG Gadian, who now faces arrest after she blew the whistle on the alleged misuse of P46 million funds for the RP-US Balikatan exercises in 2007.

    “Thank goodness that a woman had the balls to expose anew corruption in the military,”said Lichauco. “ Nancy has made us very proud to be women,” said Legarda.

    Mr. Pestaño said he finds it worrisome that charges of corruption continue to hound the Philippine Navy nearly two decades after his own son lost his life because he too was about to spill the beans on his superiors in a scandal allegedly involving drug trafficking and illegal logging.

    “Even as our family continue to seek justice for the death of Phillip, nothing it seems, has really changed,” said the elder Pestaño.” Those who want to tell the truth are silenced, while those who do evil are rewarded.”

    “My son paid the ultimate price for wanting to tell the truth.”

    He said the public should protect the Balikatan scam whistleblower from the fate that his son suffered.

    Ensign Pestaño was only 23 years old, a be-medaled member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maalab Class of 1993, and a cargo and deck and gunnery officer of his last ship of duty who at the time of his untimely death, had a promising career ahead of him. Authorities had declared his death a suicide but overwhelming amount of physical evidence showed that he died in a foul-play. A Senate inquiry found that the Navy officer was murdered on the basis of the physical evidence.

    Murder charges have been filed before the Ombudsman against at least ten officers and men of the BRP Bacolod City in connection with his death but the case has not moved an inch nearly 14 years after his death.

    Prof. Roque said the latest scam to hit the naval establishment clearly indicates that it is only the generals who benefit from the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). The lawyer has argued before the Supreme Court to question the constitutionality of the VFA, under which the annual RP-US Balikatan exercises are conducted.

  16. parasabayan parasabayan

    Kaliwa at kanan ang corruption sa AFP. There is again the case of malversed funds sa CAFGU. Naku talaga. Siyempre kung ang pinakamataas na opisyal ng bansa eh magnanakaw, lahat ng nasa baba ay susunod!

  17. Gabriela Gabriela

    Nakakabuhay ng loob si Capt. Gadian. We should support her.

  18. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    O, ano’ng masasabi ng mga machong opisyales?

    Babae ‘yan, ha?

    Ahay! Parang gusto ko nang maging tunay bebot.

  19. parasabayan parasabayan

    I hope she is safe somehow. Sana may kumupkop sa kanya. Sana ituloy ni Pia Cayetano yung probe sa allegation na ito. Sana lumabas ang totoo. This corrupt regime keeps on eating up all the institutions of the country. SOBRA NA, TAMA NA!

  20. Al Al

    Ingat, Capt. We are behind you. My family is praying for you.

  21. parasabayan parasabayan

    The Navy says, they will protect Gadian, mag-surrender lang.

    Atty or anyone in the blog, can you give us some insight into this case? Gadian already filed her resignation but why is she still considered with the AFP? Legally, do they have a foot to stand on?

  22. TruBlue TruBlue

    This is the place where Consul-Generals, Ambassadors and other foreign dignitaries/officials of Third World Countries get their free training in Corruption and Lawlessness in the Military!

    And when we find the Philippines down the cellar of the most inept and corrupt country, we bark like a crazy-dog.

    Break-a-leg Non-Trapos!

  23. taga-ilog taga-ilog

    Kahanga-hangang babae na may lakas ng loob magbunyag ng katiwalian!!
    Ingat, anak, ang mga whistle blower ay pinarurusahan ng rehimeng ito. Malapit ng magwakas ang kanilang pangaapi sa tulong ng mga katulad mo. IPAGDARASAL KITA!

  24. Jose Jose

    Dapat gawin din nila kay John Martir yung gusto nila gawin kay LtSG Nancy Gadian. Dapat court martial din si John Martir. Nakakahiya sa AFP kasi double standard sila. Ibang rules para kay Martir iba para kay Lt Gadian at mga enlisted personnel.

  25. Balweg Balweg

    Korek Maám Ellen, one-sided talaga ang AFP kung ang pag-uusapan e ang kanilang kabulukan…gusto nilang itago ang kanilang kabahuan e heto at humahalimuyak sa baho.

    Sa totoo lang, ang AFP ang siyang tunay na kaaway ng mamamayan sapagka’t sa halip na sila ang taga-pagpaganap ng peace in order sa bansa e ang daming kriminal sa kanilang hanay di po lahat ha.

    Sinamahan pa ng mga magnanakaw na karamihan e general problem. Dapat e padlock na ang PMA sapagkat dito galing karamihan ang mga pasaway na yan at sakit ng ulo ng ating mamamayan.

    Nagiging lunching pad lang nila ang PMA upang magpayaman at isa na dito si TABAKO at marami pang mga general problems na ngayon e untouchable.

    Dapat suportahan natin ang nagsasabi ng KATOTOHANAN!

  26. Balweg Balweg

    Folks, medyo mabigat po lamang ang aking loob kung ang subject matter e pagsisiwalat ng Katotohanan. Isang hamon ito sa katatagan tulad ni LtSG Nancy Gadian upang ipagpatuloy ang labang sinimulan ni HON. Senator Trillanes until now e naghihimas pa ng rehas na bakal.

    Ang nakakasit ng kalooban e dapat ang AFP ang siyang maging pundasyon ng katatagan ng ating bansa e bakit nangyayari mga bagay na ito at yaong ginawa nila kay citizen ERAP.

    Wag magagalit ang mga taga-AFP, dapat maunawaan nila ang damdamin ng taong-bayan at sa kanila nakasalalay ang pag-asa ng mga mamamayan. Kung may nagkasala sa kanila e dapat patawan ng karampatan parusa maging sino pa man siya, igawad ang batas ng parehas at walang kinikilingan. Yon lang po, Mabuhay ang mga nananatiling tapat sa hanay ng AFP…saludo po kami sa inyong katapatan at pagmamahal sa bayan.

  27. PMC PMC

    Anonymous Letter of Junior officers re: martir case

    September 18, 2006

    HON. AVELINO J. CRUZ JR.
    Secretary for National Defense
    Department of National Defense
    Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
    (Attn: Assistant Secretary for Administration)

    Dear Secretary Cruz:

    Public office is a public trust and as clearly stated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, public officers must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives . Said provision sums up the high sense of idealism that is expected of every officer in the government.

    As expressed by Justice Malcolm in Cornejo vs Gabriel the basic idea of government in the Philippines is that of a representative government, the officers being mere agents and not rulers of the people. Hence, every officer accepts office pursuant to the provisions of law and holds the office as a trust for the people whom he represents. This ruling is in consonance with the provisions in our constitution particularly Article XI, Section 1 which is designed to exact accountability from public officers.

    It is in the light of the foregoing that we regret to bring to your attention how far from the fidelity required of an officer and a gentleman has one COL. JONATHAN C. MARTIR PN(M)(GSC) departed.

    Based on available records, both from the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Immigration, Col. Martir has accumulated more than 945 days of absence (TAB 1). There exists a discrepancy of more than 750 days (or more than 2 years) of unauthorized absence considering that he was only given a total of 195 days of authorized leave (TAB 2). Not even his total available leave balance of 574.84 days could offset this discrepancy.

    Moreover, records bear that Col. Martir left the country on five separate occasions, in 1994, in 1997, in 1998, in 2002 and in 2003 (TAB 3), all without the necessary travel orders required by law for Military Personnel and in violation of the Articles of War (A.W. 62). He was able to deceive the authorities by not declaring himself as a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

    On four separate occasions, he had exceeded his authorized leave — most significant of which was when he exceeded his leave by more than a year or 477 days to be precise, and yet, the Corps never, in any of the cases mentioned, declared him AWOL or dropped from the rolls, much less, have him investigated on his unauthorized absences.

    Section 3 (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) provides that it is unlawful for any officer to cause any undue injury to any party, including the Government. It bears stressing that in all the occasions mentioned, Col. Martir continuously and unjustly received his pay and allowances (TAB 4) even when he was abroad studying Windows 98 and HTML which by the way was for his own personal advantage and benefit only (TAB 5).

    It was most likely that in receiving his pay while absent, Col. Martir have falsified documents and records to make it appear that he was in the country and discharging the functions and duties of his office.

    He was able to deceive even the members of the Commission on Appointments when he appeared before them during his last promotion from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in 2003.

    It is poignantly ironic that taxpayers in the private sector who are on AWOL receive no pay while on AWOL, consistent with the No Work – No Pay rule but some of their counterparts in the public sector like Col. Martir, who are paid by the taxpayers, continue to defraud the latter by receiving their pay without rendering any work.

    Col. Martir’s case should not, by inaction on the part of proper authorities, serve as precedent and bad example to his peers and subordinates.

    Cc:

    TIG AFP
    J1
    TNIG
    IG,PMC

  28. nahnah nahnah

    Guilty kaya ang ginagawa ng mga generals ay mang harass. Kung hindi totoo na nagbulsa ay dapat cool lang sila, o kaya ay ihayag nila ang mga ginastos nila sa publiko. Dapat ay may proper accounting and auditing ang lahat ng pumapasok na pera sa gobyerno, from whatever source. Kung walang accountability, ay sa takbo ng utak ng mga ganid, mapupunta lamang nga sa kanilang bulsa.

    Pihadong bagong investigation na naman iyan. Sa mga tongressmen at senatongs, gumawa na lang kayo ng batas para hindi nila magawa ang kanilang ginawa.

  29. Ellen,

    Re: “Arevalo said Gadian spent P5,700 a day for a hotel in Zamboanga City. He could not say how long Gadian stayed at the hotel but said her bill totalled P14,000.”

    So they are getting back at her for squealing? And they are accusing her of GODDAMN LAVISH SPENDING because she spent a total of 14 FREAKING THOUSAND PESOS IN HOTEL BILLS while she was on mission for the stupid Balikatan Exercises?

    A previous report said that she was accused of having an unexplained 2,400-peso expenditure. And now it’s 5,400 pesos a day of hotel bills.

    Two things here:

    (1) If she was given a budget to spend over a period of time — who cares if she spent it “lavishly” (official Navy description) on hotel bills if the expenditure was authorised

    (2) Why is the Navy ganging up on her, bullying her (typical of PMA hazing attitude of physically bullying plebes who can’t fight their superiors back — what a bloody mentality!!!) instead of coming out openly and explaining things?

  30. Re: “He said Gadian violated military rules, particularly not to gripe in public, by airing her accusations before the media.

    Under military rules, complaints should be aired to one’s immediate superior. If the concern is not addressed by the immediate superior, it can be brought to higher officers.”

    In the strictest terms, Lt Gadian may be violating military rules but in this country where military rules are violated topside left, right and center, how do you expect junior officers to observe, follow and apply these rules when they know very well that their complaints will go nowhere and on the contrary, will go against them.

    As ever, they are only using the only tool left for them to use — they go public!

    You cannot expect your juniors to obey your rules when topside DON’T FOLLOW OR OBEY THOSE RULES!

    IMPOSSIBLE!!!!

  31. Re; “Gadian said the arrest order would not stop her from exposing anomalies in the Balikatan funds.”

    I hope not! Face things squarely Lieutenant! Fight them with their own tools. Don’t forget that you are a military officer and a navy officer to boot — use the tactics of warfare that you’ve learned to hit back at the enemy.

  32. Re: Anonymous Letter of Junior officers re: martir case”

    Incredible! Just incredible!

    And the Philippine military used to be one of the premier militaries in the region decades ago! I can’t believe how low our military has gone.

    Gloria’s having used and violated the military by plotting with topside for the violation of the Constitution has reduced our military to be laughingstock!

    I’ve never been ashamed of my country but by gum, I’m ashamed of its military!

  33. Re: ““That is their side but let us look at the Constitution, we are democratic country. It’s stated in the Constitution that if you do not want to work, you cannot be forced to,” she said.”

    Lt Gadian must be careful!

    She must not say “It’s stated in the Constitution that if you do not want to work, you cannot be forced to,” she said.” or she’ll be falling in a trap, conduct unbecoming an officer.

    She IS a naval officer in active service (and not “an ordinary” individual) — in the strictest terms and under military rules, she has no choice but to work when asked to work and yes, in the strictest terms, the military can force her to work if she refuses to work (and can pick her up manu military and throw her in a stockade illico. )

    What I’m saying is that she must be careful about pronouncing statements that go against the very tenet of military officership to remain credible — because she is and will remain a military officer until she’s discharged. By sticking to her military dignity, she will be able to use weapons with better results (for her own good)!

  34. (and not “an ordinary” individual) — I meant, “Gadian is not an ordinary employee.

  35. Ellen,

    “Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman”

    I knew him when he was very junior. Poor Arevalo — I used to think of him as one with a military future (as in “good”) but he’s now part of a corrupt system.

  36. Re: “Based on available records, both from the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Immigration, Col. Martir has accumulated more than 945 days of absence (TAB 1). There exists a discrepancy of more than 750 days (or more than 2 years) of unauthorized absence”

    Can’t believe this!

    In any other nation’s military, this kind of violation would have been punished severely.

    Amazing that in the Philippines, this “officer” is not only not punished, he is also rewarded with a star rank promotion, back to back!!!

  37. Frankly, I’m beginning to believe that only a thorough cleansing of our institutions in the Philippines could change this state of kababuyan and the awful stench that goes with it.

  38. Mrs. Pong Querubin has filed a case of malversation of public funds (collecting salaries from the government without rendering service) before the Ombudsman. It has not yet been decided so he has not been cleared.

    Yet, the government keeps on promoting him.

  39. Balweg Balweg

    We need to start AdBrux from TOP to BOTTOM to discipline and prosecute who violates the integrity of our Constitutions and all existing laws now without ngipin kasi nga bungi walang power to put people behind bar.

  40. Ellen,

    In that case, there are two things that are horridly wrong:

    1) Ombudsman is doing Martir great disservice for not acting in haste

    2) Military topside errs in not clearing up this AWOL business with the wary public and especially with the men and women serving in the AFP

    If the military topside is hell bent on showing military ethics, there’s only one thing to do: Suspend the officer until the situation is cleared but my goodness me, they shouldn’t promote him.

  41. You know what they do to British AWOLs (who came from a tour of duty in Iraq)?

    They are hunted down like common criminals and brought to military jail and after some formalities dispatched either to a military prison or to a hospital. Meanwhile, their pays are suspended.

  42. Martir is slated to be marine commandant very soon.

  43. Anna, Lt. Col. Arevalo is okay. Do you know that he is now a lawyer too? He has a positive attitude towards media.

  44. Ah is that so? Good on Arevalo! I’m glad… wasn’t wrong with my first impression of him then.

  45. Re: “Martir is slated to be marine commandant very soon.”

    Hah! I hope our brave jarheads will not mutiny!

  46. For Martir to be Marine commandant, he would have to pass over Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban. I’ll write more about this on Monday.

    Here’s one of my past columns on Martir:

    http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=4396

  47. PSB asks:

    “Gadian already filed her resignation but why is she still considered with the AFP? Legally, do they have a foot to stand on?”

    Military rules state that until her discharge papers are acted on with finality as in processed, released and she’s formally, officially discharged, she is still a member of the Philippine Navy and is part of the military.

    That’s the military for you. Can’t just go be absent either (without authorisation, unlike with ordinary employees in the civilian world! Heheh!)

    If our military were not only corrupt, they would have a leg to stand on but as they are now so atrophied, they can’t do anything.

  48. ron ron

    Dito kasi sa atin pag nagsasabi ka ng totoo-ikaw ang sinungaling at hahanapan ka ng butas para sirain ka lalo na kung ang kalaban mo ay malalaking tao…bakit nga ba nag-aklas sila Trillanes noon? di ba dahil din sa magulo at walang katuturang sistema ng miltary? Kumbaga, ang pumiyok lagot kay Gloria!

    Ellen;
    RE: For Martir to be Marine commandant, he would have to pass over Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban.– kailngan pa ba to? for sure lusot yan kasi bata ni Gloria.

  49. Rose Rose

    Ang pagkaintindi ko ang ibig sabihin ng PMA ay Philippine Milatry Academy..but it seems now to be:
    Para sa Magnanakaw Academy run by Pidal Macapalgal Arroy
    ..Courses offered: the art of stealing? the art of lying? Master’s Degree in Corruption? Masters Degree in Deception?

  50. Re: “The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, said they are lifting the arrest order if she will return to barracks.”

    Gosh, what a circus!

    Under normal and reputable military organisations, when an officer goes AWOL and has been officially declared AWOL, whether he/she returns to barracks or not, he/she should be arrested.

    Returning to barracks on her own volition, i.e., not manu militari (by military with force), only means that the voluntary act of “surrender” will be considered and taken in the AWOL officer’s favour, but by no means should it mean that he/should no longer be arrested.

    What’s that? Bahay bahayan? To even begin to pronounce such C’mon, everything is forgotten, Baby!, shows that the AFP has lost its marbles.

    Because this military is so abnormal, so without ethics, so without moral guidelines, so corrupt and so…, so… and so… again and again, they say and do the stupidest, the idiotest, the absurdest un-military like things.

    Unbelievable.

  51. luga luga

    Ano na nga ba ang nangyari sa mga kaso nila Garcia, Euro Generals …. puro PMA’yer itong mga taong ito di ba? Tapos eto na naman. Dapat pa bang gastusan ang Gobyerno ang paaralang ito? Pinapag-aaral sila ng libre tapos ginagatasan pa nila pagkatapos.

  52. My husband just confirmed to me that if his subaltern went AWOL and had been officially declared AWOL, even if he/she went back to barracks on her own, he would have him/her arrested and kept locked in a “cell” (perhaps not in military prison proper) and would let board of enquiry decide his/her fate.

    (But again that’s in the Royal Navy, not in the Philippine Navy bahay-bahayan system “C’mon Baby come back home, everything is forgotten and you’re forgiven!”)

  53. luga luga

    Sabi ni Lt. Gadian “dahil ba hindi ako PMA’yer”. Oh my Luga, ganyan na ba talaga ang mga produkto ng school na ito? Kung hindi man sila ang gumawa at ka-mistah nila yong nasasangkot …. ay kanilang pinagtatakpan? At kung sino mang magtatakip ay mabibiyayaan. Kaya pala pag ikaw ay naging General puwede ka ng bumili ng bahay mo sa Ayala, Alabang.

  54. Re: “Sabi ni Lt. Gadian “dahil ba hindi ako PMA’yer””

    I’m sorry but that kind of retort is not doing her any favour.

    She should take the moral high ground by sticking to strict military attitude with dignity: she is a naval officer, period. PMAer or not should not be the issue. She mustn’t pronounce that kind of statement.

    She must fight them with proper tools and not whimper or moan about what school she didn’t come from.

  55. Our navy is so frustratingly amateurish!

  56. jose miguel jose miguel

    AdeBrux, the form and substance we Filipinos had when we were born as a new nation upon independence from Spain in 1898 made us respectable as a new member of the community of nations. In general, we had a universally classic constitution, a republic, an Academia Militar, a tough defense system and a nationalistic people. You would have never been so proud of our country and its military with such characteristics.

    It is the Americans who invaded us and destroyed all those institutions including our constitution. Yes, we already had a constitution then. Where is it now? What was wrong with it that it was left to bleed somewhere we do not know? After 500,000 to 900,000 of us Filipinos died resisting that invasion, the Americans replaced all of our institutions with aparently new Filipino labelled but fundamentally corrupted institutions. This corrupting Heredity Injuring Virus transmitted by the Americans deep within our different institutions replicated to other systems. It replicated from generations to generations. It developed into an advanced stage- Alienated Identity and Defense Syndrome. One of the symptoms of this is the infection by opportunistic microrganisms. GMA took the opportunity to take advantage of our weakened systems including our national psyche. Many of our people once having access to power of governance, consider it as an opportunity to benefit the self to the ruin of the nation.

    It is in this context where your statement “… only a thorough cleansing of our institutions in the Philippines could change this state of kababuyan and the awful stench that goes with it.” Let us recover that original nation founded in 1898. We had a constitution then. What is wrong with it that it was discarded? We had a defense system which was strongly influenced by the greatest Filipino general in the Filipino-American war- Gen Antonio Luna. We had other respectable soldiers like Gen Ricarte, Gen Tinio and Maj Torres Bugallon.

    Let us conduct research and investigation of why our original constitution and systems which were nationalistic and organic in character were just left to rot in some unknown soil. The stone the builders rejected …!

  57. Anna, looks like the AFP doing damage control. This makes me believe Gadian has the goods on many of the officers and they are panicking.

    Now, they are trying to cajole her to come back so that she can be under their custody. I doubt very much if, at this point, Gadian will allow them to have control over her. She will risk arrest. It’s now up to public to protect her.

    Let’s see what’s going to happen in the next few days.

  58. The problem of the military now is that they have a commander-in-chief who has managed to remain in power by violating the law. They supported her – from her cheating in the election to her cover-up by corruption – invoking their distorted interpretation of following the chain of command.

    Gloria Arroyo has amply rewarded those who enabled her to trample on the law.

    The military will have a difficult time getting support from the public for their strict implementation of the law on a middle-level officer when they have tolerated much more serious violations of their commander-in-chief and other ranking officers.

  59. Civil society, particularly the Concerned Citizens Movement, is extending support to Gadian.

    I think next week, her lawyer, Eman Nobleza and CenterLaw Philippines (Harry Roque is part of it) will petition for a writ of amparo (Saxandviolins mentioned this in the early part of this thread)

  60. Rose Rose

    Could you blame her if she stays in hiding..she is but human and natatakot rin siya..but don’t worry Lt. Gadian God is on your side..TRUTH and JUStICE..we will keep praying for you all..

  61. SnV, why writ of amparo?

  62. Re: “This makes me believe Gadian has the goods on many of the officers and they are panicking.

    Now, they are trying to cajole her to come back so that she can be under their custody.”

    That has occurred to me Ellen! Hence the amateurish PN ‘call’ “come back baby, come back” and Arevalo’s “we just want her to go back to her mother unit” crap.

  63. Re: “The military will have a difficult time getting support from the public for their strict implementation of the law on a middle-level officer”

    Spot on! Just as I said earlier on:

    In the strictest terms, Lt Gadian may be violating military rules but in this country where military rules are violated topside left, right and center, how do you expect junior officers to observe, follow and apply these rules when they know very well that their complaints will go nowhere and on the contrary, will go against them.

    As ever, they are only using the only tool left for them to use — they go public!

  64. Re: Let us recover that original nation founded in 1898.

    Jose Miguel,

    Not easy to re-live the past.

    What we can do perhaps is to pick the good things from the past and inject them in our system today.

  65. Balweg,

    “We need to start AdBrux from TOP to BOTTOM to discipline and prosecute who violates the integrity of our Constitutions and all existing laws now without ngipin kasi nga bungi walang power to put people behind bar.”

    Absolutely.

    You can’t build a good house if all the foundations are rotten.

  66. AdeBeux: “They go public”

    Yes, they are now going to the courts of last resort – the media and the public.

  67. jose miguel jose miguel

    Nationalism in the constitution, in the military and in the life of the Filipino nation was in the past, is not in the present and is not easy to re-live. But, it is being lived by the French, the Israelis, the Japanese and the Vietnamese in the past and in the present. If they can do it, why can we not?

  68. Jose Miguel,

    There was unity. And so it was less difficult to do a “thorough cleansing”.

    I’m afraid there’s no unity at all in Pinas today.

    Our own revolution in 1896 failed (we were instead sold to the US) primarily because the two chieftains went at each other’s throat instead of facing the enemies together.

  69. jose miguel jose miguel

    If this is a solution to make life for government criminal officers miserable and life for whistleblowers easier, why not consider this recovery of the stone rejected by the builders…

  70. “why not consider this recovery of the stone ”

    In more tangible terms, the stone is….

  71. jose miguel jose miguel

    Having been sold to the US is the problem of the US. We did not nor can we accept being sold. We own our nation did we not? The Spanish generals surrendered to our Filipino Generals. We declared our independence. That was 1898. What right does America or any foreigner for that matter have to claim they own us under any circumstance?

    As I have said, let us start with the mind first which controls direction of the action. It is in the knowledge of our one identity which can unite us. This is what France and Israel deliberately did.

    As I have said our self defense system has been injured that we lost our instinct to protect our nation. This is what we need for people to have an instinct and spontantaneity to protect those who do service to the nation like whistleblowers and to sanction opportunists like GMA. Even soldiers will instinctively arrest those who destry our nation and protect those who are being oppressed by foreigners.

  72. Re: “This is what we need for people to have an instinct and spontantaneity to protect those who do service to the nation like whistleblowers and to sanction opportunists like GMA.”

    I’m all for it but where to begin…

  73. That Spain had already formally surrendered to the Federal Republic of the Visayas even before Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was proclaimed Philippine President in Malolos, Bulacan on January 23, 1899. That our Independent Visayan Republic, had never been under the authority and jurisdiction of Aguinaldo’s “Katagalogan” Republic in Luzon.

    from http://www.ilonggonation.blogspot.com/

  74. jose miguel jose miguel

    Start with a pilot project like a company say assigned in Basilan. There is a regular troop and information schedule every week. Soldiers will be taught about history of our nation as provided by credible historians. Official textbooks at least during my time didnot give information about our condition when we became a nation in 1898, the invasion of the Americans, their tortures and killings. Soldiers this time will be given more information including Generals who were in the resistance movement against the Americans.

    This will be followed up by community projects calibrated with the security situation. This will be the theory of national identity validated by concrete experience. Soldiers will relieve the experience of our elder warriors which has a corresponding equivalent to the present. Example is building a deep well or planting cassava TOGETHER and in coordination with the people in the village.
    With all those hardships the soldiers and people in the village invested, after the project is accomplished, a bondage will be created. The soldiers will always refer to the theories of national identity and which were validated by the village project. This will create a bonding which will be hard to break for a long period of time. The motivation is based on the national identity brought about by the information of history of our nation. That means, the actions of the soldiers were based on that theory. It will not be in danger of falling into an ulterior motive like material rewards or carreer advancment.

    Then the lessons will be passed to the villagers. The project will be replicated to other village and to other companies. It will be replicated to battalions then to brigades and the whole of Basilan. Eventually it will be replicated to the whole nation.

    This is just a rough example to give you a visualization.

  75. Education… yes, this is an excellent way to re-start. A continuing education can re-enforce nationalism in the right degree and be the basis for future good actions.

    Agree, Jose MigueL

  76. And we don’t have to borrow materials from foreign sources (unlike JoMa Sison…)

  77. Sumpit — great link. Thanks!

  78. vic vic

    The Military rule is you must complain to your immediate Superior, but those issues should pertains to military matters and disciplines..This is Corruption and it involves the Taxpayers Money and therefore anyone can Blow their whistles and the sound, maybe annoying or unpleasant, especially to the Pretenders like the one Lt.Col. Brawner, who already pronounced that there was no “missing 46 millions” even before he started his investigations, yet it has to be investigated and Exposed. And the Vast Majority of the Population already knew, that most Generals and Officers of the AFP did not make their fortunes from their Remunerations and Salaries and the allegations by Navy Lt. Gadian are the Main sources of their “ill-gotten” wealth…period!!!

  79. Sorry Vic but beg to disagree. Your way is emotive but sadly, it is not the military way in the strictest terms.

    If you are an active member, an officer to boot, of a military organisation, when you have a grievance (and by mean grievance I mean, ANYTHING related to the military and this includes suspicions of corruption), whatever it is, the rule is to bring it to the attention of your immediate superior and if that isn’t possible, bring it to higher command and if that fails, bring it to the highest command and obviously, if all else fails, you go to your Congressman but if still that fails, it’s common sense to go the courts of last resort: media and the public.

    Sadly, we know that there is so much swine-nanigans in the Navy hierarchy, in the AFP and in Congress so she has nowhere to go; can’t therefore blame Lt Gadian for sidestepping the military organisation and her Congressman/woman.

    She obviously has lost trust in/no longer trusts the military service and doesn’t probably like her Congressman/woman either.

  80. Let’s see if I get the whole thing right. As I observed, the first story that broke out was that she had P2.3M Wesmincom funds that she had not liquidated and that was included in Gen. Cedo’s report. He himself said this in ABS-CBN. He claims he had her investigated because of this.

    The Gadian’s reaction was she felt being singled out while Cedo and top brass pocketed the rest of the P46M budget.

    Instead of the issue of the P2.3M, we now get official word from the spokesman that she is being investigated for “lavish spending” P14,000 for hotel bills. From P2.3M to P14,000! Her coming out in media must’ve rocked the Navy boat, huh? Now, it’s just simply report-to-barracks, quits na?

    Aregluhang katakut-takot siguro kaya gustong i-custody si Gadian?

  81. patria adorada patria adorada

    nice take,jose miguel!

  82. saxnviolins saxnviolins

    SnV, why writ of amparo?

    THE RULE ON THE WRIT OF AMPARO

    SECTION 1. Petition. – The petition for a writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. The writ shall cover extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.

    SEC. 14. Interim Reliefs. ” Upon filing of the petition or at anytime before final judgment, the court, justice or judge may grant any of the following reliefs:

    (a) Temporary Protection Order. “ The court, justice or judge, upon motion or motu proprio, may order that the petitioner or the aggrieved party and any member of the immediate family be protected in a government agency or by an accredited person or private institution capable of keeping and securing their safety.

  83. my pleasure,AdB.

  84. saxnviolins saxnviolins

    can you give us some insight into this case? Gadian already filed her resignation but why is she still considered with the AFP? Legally, do they have a foot to stand on?

    Gadian is with the military. The Articles of War consider one who leaves before the resignation is accepted as being a deserter. A deserter may be arrested.

    Imagine if people resigned before a shooting war erupts; you will have no one to defend the country. In peace time, what if resignations are tendered while there is an ongoing insurrection?

    It may be harsh, but the military men chose their calling. They do not just walk out; they must wait to be honorably discharged.

  85. “It may be harsh, but the military men chose their calling. They do not just walk out; they must wait to be honorably discharged.”

    Unfortunately, that is the way it is in the military.

    In our little world in Ellenville, we defend and support military whistle blowers, mutinists, rebels, etc. but truly, this is not how it should be.

    Goes to show how bad, terribly bad this administration has behaved.

  86. And how we no longer can tolerate Gloria and her cabal of rule breakers.

  87. Gadian is lucky in a way that she belongs to an amateur military organisation because anywhere else, she would have been in really serious, very serious trouble for deserting (after a number of days of AWOL, she’s offically a deserter) and in the French Foreign Legion of old, she would have been hunted to the end of the earth and executed for desertion.

  88. Rose Rose

    No El daw sa 2010? nakakatakot ang mangyayari..and for me it looks like: No El? No Hope! No change! Dictatorship! malungkot ang kinabukasan..kawawa ang mga kabataan..kawawa ang bayan…Save your people Oh Lord!

  89. parasabayan parasabayan

    Thanks Sax. Thanks ADB.

  90. parasabayan parasabayan

    Unfortunately our so-called chain of command had been and continues to be broken by the supposed commander-in-cheat. She had and continues to prostitute the AFP reducing the AFP to a mere force of her lapdogs. How can a cheating and stealing illegal president demand discipline in the AFP if she herself has violated all the laws of the land to suit her whims!!!!We are really in a very deep SHIT!

  91. parasabayan parasabayan

    Tama ka Anna, in first world countries, we do not rally behind mutineers. But in the Philippines, we consider them as men who stand for the truth. Obvious naman how our system has already failed the people. The system is tailored to defend a Mike Defensor, the Alabang Boys, a Nani Perez and the like. IT IS BROKEN!

  92. parasabayan parasabayan

    Rose, kapag hindi natuloy ang election, may rebolusyion. Bansot should be very careful. She is just hanging by a thread!

  93. Balweg Balweg

    PBS/Rose, dinadaga na ang mga dibdib nitong rehimeng Arroyo sapagka’t the full force of our laws ay naiinip na upang basahan sila sa lahat ng krimen at pagmamalabis nila sa poder ng kapangyarihan.

    Walang sinuman ang makapipigil sa 2010 except the Filipino people, yong mga kurap at wala na sa katinuan ng pag-iisip e dapat tuldukan na ang kanilang kapalaran.

    Wag tayong mabahala in due time tayong mga Pinoy pa din ang magwawagi sa pakikibakang ito except kung tatalikuran natin ang bayang minamahal.

    Tuloy ang pakikibaka…..till we meet our main objective, sipain ang rehimeng arroyo and her cohorts sa Malacanang thru 2010 election.

    Ating iboto ang mga God fearing and Patriotic Pinoy sa 2010 upang sila ang maging patnugot sa Maharlikang Pilipinas.

  94. Why not report Gloria to UN.

    Offtopic:
    Nawala ang Ties ng Luzon sa China ng dahil sa tulong ng brunei at japan,Kung hindi nasakop ng spain ang Luzon kakampi ang Luzon sa japan sa World War 2 at lahat ng mamamayan ng Luzon ay susuporta sa kanila.

    Majority of Tagalogs now are descended from Kapampangans that turned to Tagalogs not from the original Tagalogs.

  95. parasabayan parasabayan

    Off topic: Cha-cha dead ang sabi ni Villafuerte. Hindi pa sabi ni Nograles. What is the real score? Grabe talaga ang mga ito! Nandiyan kang sinasabi ni Melo na kung hindi sila makakapili ng tamang automation system, eh walang election. Lahat na lang ng posibleng pagpapalawig ng termino ni putot eh ginagawa ng mag alipores niya.

    India has over a billion in population and they are successfully going through their elections. Tayo, 90 million lang, ni hindi natin magawan ng tamang paraan. What is the matter with the KUMOLEK (comelec) and the tongressmen. Sobra sobra na ba ang mga suhol sa inyo at hindi na kayo makatayo sa inyong kinasasadlakan? Pera nga naman…

  96. vic vic

    Anna, that maybe True as Standard Military SOP, but in our case Military Personnel can skip the rank and file and go with their complaints directly to the Military Ombudsmnan for Resolution and beyond….here is the Link>

    http://www.ombudsman.forces.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

  97. vic vic

    Sorry, Upon Review the office of the Ombudman is the office of Last Resort…It will only entertain complaints if all else Fails….my Bad…sorry again…

  98. vic vic

    The Office of the Ombudsman serves as an office of last resort. Members of the Defence community must first use existing internal review mechanisms (e.g., the Canadian Forces grievance process, the public service grievance and complaints process, etc.) before the office can initiate a review or begin an investigation.

    Still a very accessible Office for the reporting irregularities in the Military if the Rank and File fails to resolve…

    The First Military Ombudsman, formerly the head of the Civilian Special Investigation Unit…investigating police actions that resulted in injuries and fatalities did quite a good job with many high profile cases he brought to the attention by his Reports..now he is serving as the Ontario Provincial Ombudsman and was responsible for making the Lotteries Smarten Up and pay up some of their Boboos (victims being cheated by the Retailers of their winnings) and instituted almost fool-proof gaming and responsible for the Big Bosses quiting their Lucrative Jobs.

  99. jocjoc jocjoc

    offtopic din: Bakit ipinagtatanggol ni Ms Ninez Olivarez si Villar? This time, i agree with Sen Pres Enrile na “if he (meaning Villar) has nothing to fear”, he should submit himself to the investigation of the ethics committee. Bukod kay Ninez, defenders din niya sina Pimentel at Alan Cayetano. Sila ang ngawa ng ngawa sa senado, bakit hindi ipagtanggol ni Villar ang sarili niya? May retainers na rin kaya silang dalawa, I reckon they have.

  100. parasabayan parasabayan

    Vic, your Ombudsman in Canada is not the same as the one in the Philippines. Ombudsman Chedeng works only for the fatso, the bitch and their allies. Wrong office…sorry.

  101. parasabayan parasabayan

    Jocjoc, nagtataka rin ako sa todong pagdedepensa ng mga Cayetanos kay Villar. This is a serious allegation on Villar. Hindi lang ito piso piso. It is in billions. If indeed this is true, hindi lang yung pag-rereroute ng kalye ang problema kundi yung bentahan ng mga ariarian niya na nadaanan ng kalye ng todo patong!

    This is a big problem, kasi, early on nakikita na na si Villar is not really that clean. But he is being given a chance to clear himself. Kung totoo na wala siyang kababalaghan, bakit hindi na lang niya harapin ang mga nagsasampa ng kaso sa kanya? Imagine mo kung tunay ngang ganito ang ginagawa ni Villar to favor his businessess, kung mananalo siya sa pagka-presidente, masahol pa kay bitch ang CORRUPTION sa regime niya. It is good that these allegations are coming out now. If Villar can prove that he has not committed anything wrong, magiging hero pa siya and maybe he will win the elections. But he can not just pick the forum he wants. Being a senator, he should have better ethics.

  102. Re: “Ombudsman Chedeng works only for the fatso, the bitch and their allies. Wrong office…sorry.”

    Hihihih! (Your definition of the Philippine Ombudsman is funny, PSB!)

  103. parasabayan parasabayan

    Anna, it is very true. If the case works for the bitch and fatso, the case moves. If it is against them, the case will drag on until the bitch is gone. This is why there is a move to impeach Chedeng. But in the last impeachment hearing, 50 of the togressmen went to watch Pacman so there was no quorum. It has to be reset to God knows when.

    Unfortunately, all our systems are broken. It is like a plugged toilet and the feces are overflowing. The people smell the same odor everyday so the toxic odor becomes their deodorant.

    Sad indeed…

  104. jose miguel jose miguel

    Now,the fresh pure blood that Judge Jorge pumped into the clogged foul smelling veins of our legal system due to the GMA infection has stimulated an officer in another system.

    This is LTSG Gadian who also pumped in fresh pure blood into the also clogged foul smelling veins of our defense system due to the GMA infection.

    May these stimulated further other officers in our different systems to eventually create a strong flushing action against the GMA infection.

    This would be the first step towards our long journey back to our long lost Patria Adorada.

  105. jose miguel jose miguel

    “May these stimulated further…” should have been: “May these stimulate further…”

  106. Rose Rose

    sumpit:Thanks for the info I guess you are from Panay too. The summer before I left the Phil. the Delgados of Jolo invited five of us teachers at Stella Maris fo spend our vacation with them. Gen, Delgado originally from Sta. Barbara was married to the sister of Princess Tarhata. Last summer I was invited to a picnic of Sta. Barbara Assn. and I was told the history of Gen. Delgado. One side of the story was the ten datus landed in Iloilo and not Antique. I am from Antique and we learned that they landed in Hamtik…I guess depende sa historian..the brother of my Lola wrote a book on the ten datus of Panay..siempre naniwala ako sa Lolo Juan..conflicting stories but interesting…

  107. Rose Rose

    incidentally. Ingkong siraulo is from Iloilo, and so is Brenda..very intelligent kuno kaya medio medio..so be it!

  108. Please, let’s refrain from off- the- topic insertions, unless it’s a major breaking story. It ruins momentum of the discussion.

  109. SnV, thanks for the explanation on writ of amparo. I’m told Ltsg Gadian’s lawyers will file a petition for writ of amparo. maybe Monday.

  110. The case of Ltsg Gadian underscores the breakdown of the military institution and if we have to look at it in a wider perspective, the breakdown of almost all democratic institutions in the country.

    Thanks to Gloria Arroyo.

  111. iwatcher2010 iwatcher2010

    The case of Ltsg Gadian underscores the breakdown of the military institution and if we have to look at it in a wider perspective, the breakdown of almost all democratic institutions in the country.

    Thanks to Gloria Arroyo. – ellen

    nakakalungkot, pero talagang binastos at binaboy ni gloria lahat ng institution ng bansa at ginamit para sa kanilang sariling interes…akala nila ang gobyerno ay isang negosyo na kanilang pagmamay-ari kaya daming appointees sa mga govt offices wala naman kakayahan pero busog sa pera ngi juan dela cruz.

    malala ang corruption sa military, at kahit ano pang tago nila ay umaalingasaw ang baho..maski diesel lang sa kampo ninanakaw ng enlisted personnel na may go signal pa sa C.O. at minsan di pa nakuntento di lang pansariling gamit binebenta pa sa labas…ang mga armas ng sundalo dami naibenta sa rebelde pa kaya paano mananalo ang gobyerno halos higit pa ang firepower ng rebelde sa cafgu at afp.

    yang no-el scenario na yan pinalulutang na, sabi ko nga maging handa sa mga kaganapan at garapalang pagkilos ng malacanang mafia at arroyo corrupt-poration…daming paikot-ikot at paglilihis pero iisa lamang ang gusto ang manatili sa puwesto ng kanilang sinasambang magaling na lider kuno…

    sa isang banda isusulong pa rin nila ang chacha pero sa paraaang election of delegates na isisingit nila..hindi sila titigil dahil maraming sasabit sa mga kasalanan nila sa bayan, mga tiwaling lider at trapos, businessmen na nakikinabang, mga oposisyon at civil society groups na tinutulungan at marami pang grupo na kabahagi ng kanilang panlilinlang.

    comelec under melo??? hmmm magkano ba??? este magkano ba ang poll automation contract? alam nilang magigipit sa panahon at sa tamang proseso pero hinayaan pa rin nila…bakit???

    maging mapagmatyag…marami pang kagulat-gulat na pahayag ang malacanang mafia at arroyo corrupt-poration at ang script nila maraming kasali….naranasan yata nila ang pagmamahal at alagang gloria kaya hindi nila hahayaang mawala ang sarap ng buhay na tinamasa nila sa rehimeng ito.

  112. vic vic

    Parasabayan, an Ombudsman by definition is a Referee, an Arbiter, or a person of Goodwill, but it was given different meaning by the way it is practiced in the Philippines, as a Selective Prosecutor…

  113. hawaiianguy hawaiianguy

    Ellen, you hit it right on the head! (May 16, 2009:8:03am).

    And what else is not damaged? Gloria has set all democratic institutions into a bonfire, says someone.

    Sadly, the ones who do the burning are glorified, and those who take notice of it are deep fried or barbecued alive. Poor country!

  114. habib habib

    Will someone persuade me not to drop the remaining micromilligram of respect I still has for the AFP upon learning this hidden record of MARINE Major General John Martir who, instead of being punished for his long string of AWOLs was richly rewarded by almost non-stop promotion being KNITLY attached and identified with the malakanyang chameleons?

    Nakakahiya na ang nangyayari. Ginawa na nilang lubluban ng kababuyan ang Hukbong Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas partikular na ang tinaguriang “chosen force”, ang Marines na kilala bilang “the brave, the proud, the few” na sa nakapanlulumong katotohanan ay pinamumunuan ngayon ng mga opisyales na kasing itim at kasimbaho ng burak sa imburnal ang pagkatao’t bulok na dangal.

    Kawawa ang natitirang ilang magigiting na nadadamay sa kulapol ng katiwalian.

  115. Well,talagang parang weed si Gloria,no wonder why sometimes I wish that Luzon is a monarchy governed by Lakandula’s descendant.

  116. vonjovi1 vonjovi1

    Walang pinag ka iba ang bansa natin sa UGANDA na halos lahat sangay sa gobyerno ay magnanakaw. SA Uganda ay si IDI AMIN at sa Pinas ay si Duwendi naman.
    Mag malasakit ka para sa bayan mo ay ikaw ang makukulong. Hanep na bansa ito ohhhhh. Magnakaw ka para sa iyo ay alagang parang bata ang turing sa iyo.

  117. vonjovi1 vonjovi1

    sabi Ni Ellen,
    I don’t know yet who is telling the truth on the issue of corruption. But on the matter of AWOL, as long as Maj. Gen. John Martir remains unpunished for his more than 400 days of AWOL, punishing lower rank military personnel of the same offense is gross injustice.

    Mali si Lt. Gadian dahil almost 15 days lang yata siya AWOL eh. Kaya mapaparusahan siya dahil di masahol ang ginawa niya. Sana ay Katulad ni Germs-neral John Martil na 400 days awol at may suweldo pa. Kapag masahol at magnanakaw ka ay kakampi mo ang mga nasa gobyerno. Di pa natin alam kung talagang tapat si Lt. Gadian sa tungkulin niya (sana dahil iilan na lang kayo) bakit ngayon lang nilabas ang isyung ito at kung kailan retarded na ang isnag Germ-neral. Baka kaya nag ka onsehan sa hatihan. Sana di siya kasama doon dahil iilan na lang ang matitinong militar sa atin ngayon.

  118. habib habib

    The Philippines is led by an evil reincarnate of pitiless Quetzalcoatl, the plumed serpent who is the main guard of goddess of death!

    An anti Christ in a body of woman, gloria arroyo.

  119. iwatcher2010 iwatcher2010

    kaibigang habib…medyo katakot naman comparison mo

  120. Press statement:

    Trillanes welcomes AFP Probe on Balikatan ‘corruption’

    Senator Antonio Trillanes IV welcomed the announcement made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that no less than its Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado, will head the formal investigation regarding the allegations by Navy Lt. Nancy Gadian that senior military officers pocketed over P40 million in funds in the RP-US Balikatan exercises two years ago.

    Trillanes, a former Navy officer who also expressed grievances against corruption in the AFP during the so-called “Oakwood Incident” says this development could be a departure from previous AFP positions of trying to cover-up the wrongdoings of its senior officers. “This will be a good opportunity for Gen. Ibrado to show the public that he is determined to cleanse the ranks of the AFP. But the investigation must be transparent, comprehensive and impartial in order to be credible. There should be no sacred cows,” he said.

    “I can empathize with Lt. Gadian; we have been through that situation before. I only hope that she is safe. The AFP, as much as the public, should be interested in hearing her story,” Trillanes added.

    Trillanes recalled that this was the common complaint of AFP units who participate in Balikatan exercises. “The counterpart funds released by the AFP to participating units are often delayed until after the actual exercises. As a result, the units resort to borrowing supplies from their American counterparts. Thereafter, the ‘cleared’ funds are often pocketed by AFP commanders through ‘conversion,’ he added.

    Gadian, who has been ordered arrested for desertion and insubordination, earlier volunteered to provide the Senate with documents supporting her claim that retired Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo used the month-long Balikatan in Jolo, Sulu as a ‘milking cow.’ Of the P46 million provided by the Americans, only P2.3 million was released to Filipino soldiers, she disclosed.

    Cedo, then chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has denied the allegations.

  121. Enciong Enciong

    Habib said:
    “I’m beginning to hate the organization I once respect and belong due to this bastardization of ethics, rules and above all, the Constitution.
    The prime force mandated to protect and defend our people is NOW the same force employed by the powerful to intimidate, harass and silence those who are saying the truth. How can we (still) trust the institution led by WOLVES?”

    Kaibigang Habib,

    Isang pakiusap po…

    Do not hate the organization you once respected and belonged to. Instead, hate the wolves that bastardize and prostitute it for their personal gains.

    Maraming maliliit sa ibaba na galit sa nangyayari sa itaas. They too have their stories.

    I believe LtSg Gadian is telling the truth. And hindi lang sa BK’07 nangyari to. MGen Garcia can attest to this… but will he? Ang dami niyang alam. Ang COA marami ding alam. Yung Chief Accountant marami ding alam.

    And DOJ Intel Agent Pacquiao? He’ll say: “Naw yu noh!”

  122. parasabayan parasabayan

    Tama si Enciong Habib. Huwag nating lahatin ang mga opisyal na masasama sila. Mas nakakarami pa ring may paninindigan. Dati rati paisa-isa lang ang mga mandurugas. Ngayon, marami sila. Paano, sumusunod lang sila sa ehemplo ni putot. Kung mandaraya ang puno, ganun din ang bunga.

  123. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    Off topic but please allow me to post here:

    Labor leader’s brother slain in Batangas

    https://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/16/09/

    Who must be behind this/these nonsense killing/s? When will this end?

    Seems nobody’s safe now-a-days.

  124. Enciong Enciong

    Balweg said:
    “…one-sided talaga ang AFP kung ang pag-uusapan e ang kanilang kabulukan…gusto nilang itago ang kanilang kabahuan e heto at humahalimuyak sa baho.
    Sa totoo lang, ang AFP ang siyang tunay na kaaway ng mamamayan sapagka’t sa halip na sila ang taga-pagpaganap ng peace in order sa bansa e ang daming kriminal sa kanilang hanay…
    Sinamahan pa ng mga magnanakaw na karamihan e general problem. Dapat e padlock na ang PMA sapagkat dito galing karamihan ang mga pasaway na yan at sakit ng ulo ng ating mamamayan.
    Nagiging lunching pad lang nila ang PMA upang magpayaman at isa na dito si TABAKO at marami pang mga general problems na ngayon e untouchable.”

    Kaibigang Balweg:

    While I understand where you are coming from, I urge you “not to burn the house to kill the rat”.

    Napakaraming matitinong PMA graduates. Col Querubin is one of them. LtSg Trillanes is another.
    Tabako is not a PMA graduate. Thanks goodness! He is from West Point.

    While it cannot be denied that many PMA graduates fall by the wayside and become infamous like MGen Garcia and many, many others, huwag po naman sana natin silang lahatin. I repeat: maraming matitinong PMA graduates and they continue to fight this corrupted system. Marami pa rin sa kanila ang may integridad, lalo na yung mga nasa ibaba. Believe me!

    Nakakalungkot nga lang ang katotohanang marami rin sa kanilang nasa itaas ay nakain na ng sistema. But tell me… how about the graduates from other prestigious institutions of learning? Is this not the case across the spectrum?

    Kaya ako, I am thankful for having PMA. Mayroon pa ring matitinong napo-produce… inspite of this culture of corruption around us. Inspite of GMA.

  125. Don Sikoy Don Sikoy

    Habib…Paki reserve nalang yung natitira mong respeto na micromilligram nalang sa mga natitirang matino sa AFP.

    Itong si RAT MARTIR, malapit na maubos ang suwete. Kaya nga binabastos na ang Marines maupo lang bilang kumadante kasi mag retire na rin early next year. Hayaan ng apakan niya ang nararapat umupo at ginagalang ng buong marino na si Gen. Sabban. Kaya tuloy itong kumandante na kasalukuyang nakaupo, parang sunog ang puwit at nagmamadaling umalis sa kanyang upuan! At kailangan din may sipain siya siempre! Abangan nalang natin pero balita yung sisipain ay payag magpa sipa kasi may kumpromiso…ano kaya yon? He he…malapit na election!

    Ang nararapat talaga dito kay Martir, imbestigahan din ng AFP ang AWOL niya. Bakit sa Ombudsman lang? Eto ngang usapan kay Navy Lt. Gadian ay AWOL na naman bakit yung kay Martir hindi tignan ng AFP?

  126. henry90 henry90

    Ellen,

    Anna is right. Whatever everyone says, the military as an institution is really regimented and spartan-like in the formulation of its rules pertaining to military discipline. Once you take the oath, you are bound by it. All graduates of the Academy knew by heart the “Profession of Arms” by Gen De Gaulle. It is very disheartening to note that our situation today is not ideal anymore, thus we have officers like Lt Gadian going the “unauthorized” route. I don’t blame her and I will not judge her actions. This is so embarassing for the organization that i so once dearly loved and served faithfully. Off topic, why don’t our military authorities, especially the Navy, correct that oft-repeated error in placing Senior Grade after the rank of Lieutenant? There’s no LTSG rank in the Navy. There’s a LTJG(Junior Grade)to differentiate it from the Lt rank.

  127. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    henry90,

    If you’re not familiar with it, let me correct your knowledge:

    Ensign – Second Lieutenant (In Army & Air Force)
    LtJG – First lieutenant
    LtSG – Captain

  128. Enciong Enciong

    Starch and Henry90, please allow me.

    There is an LtSG rank. Yes the Army/Air Force O-3 rank equivalent. However, per practice, officers carrying that rank are not addressed as LtSG Gadian but instead, as LT Gadian (for example).

    Pero for LtJG ranks, the person is addressed as LtJG as in: LtJG Gadian (for example).

    So, pareho kayong may punto.

    Naw yu noh!

  129. Enciong Enciong

    Pasensya na, ha? Naaaliw lang kasi ako talaga kay Kagalang-galang na Ambassador Pacuiao na ang coach ay si Quotes Freddie Roach! Hehe!

    Naw yu noh!

  130. Enciong Enciong

    Correction… Pacquiao pala.

    Naw yu noh!

  131. henry90 henry90

    Enciong And Starch:

    Sorry, But i have to disagree. Am formerly with the Navy. Our ranks and ratings are patterned after the US model. There is no LTSG rank. I don’t know why the officer corps insists on placing that SG after the Lt. . .Thanks

  132. Enciong Enciong

    Henry90,
    Please read my post again re the O-3 rank.
    Thanks!

  133. So I’m wrong when I address Gadian as captain. I thought that LTsg is equivalent to captain. Sorry.

  134. Don Sikoy Don Sikoy

    Ma’am Ellen, pwede na rin technically wise kasi ang Captain na address mo sa kanya ay equivalent to Navy Lt. (or LTSG) na rank ni (Lt.)Gadian. Yung mga pulis nga maski may civilian ranks na sila lab pa rin nila ang military ranks, ayaw tawaging Senior Inspector, gusto ay Captain! Ayaw ang Chief Inspector gusto ay Major! Pogi points siguro! Dapat nga huwag ng gumamit ng estrella sa kanilang kuwelyo at dapat hugis patola o dahon nalang ng ampalaya!

  135. henry90 henry90

    Mam Ellen:

    As pointed out by Enciong, a Navy Lieutenant is equivalent to Captain in the infantry rank. Since Gadian is with the PN, she shoud be addressed as LT Gadian. Iyon nga yung mali sa GHQ, AFP eh. Until now, sa website ng AFP Commissioned ranks(Officers), yung equivalent ng Army, Air Force and Marine rank na Captain e LT Senior Grade daw. Samantalang nangopya nga lang tayo sa US model. Wala pong LTSG na rank sa US Navy. Pinagdebatehan na namin to ng nag-iistaff course pa kami sa Navy at mali talaga yan. Mam Ellen, sensya na but i have to belabor this point because it’s already part of our history pag di naitama. Until now they’re still referring to Sen Trillanes as ex-LTSG Trillanes. .Thanks

  136. Don Sikoy Don Sikoy

    …Ok lang na tawagin mo siyang Captain pero huwag mo lang lagyan ng (PN) sa huli or “Navy” sa simula kasi equivalent yon ng full Colonel sa PA/PAF/Marines and Technical Service

  137. Until now, sa website ng AFP Commissioned ranks(Officers), yung equivalent ng Army, Air Force and Marine rank na Captain e LT Senior Grade daw. Samantalang nangopya nga lang tayo sa US model. Wala pong LTSG na rank sa US Navy.

    ******
    Iyan ang tanga. Nangopya lang mali pa! Kaya hindi na tumino ang Pilipinas kasi gaya ng gaya noong sa mga kano, hindi naman pala naiintindihan. Walang originality pero ang galing pag sa yabangan. Gaya ni Gloria Burikak, puri ng puri sa sarili, kopya lang pala, niretoke lang kung baga.

    Kawawang Pilipinas!

  138. Ano bang tawag doon sa intimidation ng mga witnesses sa Tate that was the topic of Anderson Cooper of CNN today? Snitching, sabi noon kriminal na itim who rapped against the snitches.

    At least, pag kinulong si Gadian, may kasama na iyong isa pang babaing officer na nakakulong sa Tanay. But to them, I say, “Hail! May your tribe increase!” Pag marami na ang hindi duwag at takot baka masipa na rin sa wakas iyong burikak sa Malacanang. Sana nga!

  139. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    “………Dapat nga huwag ng gumamit ng estrella sa kanilang kuwelyo at dapat hugis patola o dahon nalang ng ampalaya!”

    Don Tikoy, este Sikoy, okey ka, ha?

    Another kulog, este kalog in our roll here in Ellenville!

    Mabuhay ka en welkam ule!

    Huwag ng patola kundi palo palo dahil karamihan din naman sa mga pulis ay ander ng kanilang misis. Matapang lamang sa mga hinahabol nila’t hinuhuling walang armas. Matitinik sa barilan patunay ang kabikabilang rub out na kinasasangkutan.

    Huwag na ring dahon ng ampalaya kundi dahon ng payangpayang (pahiram, Ka Joeseg at MRivera) na pinampupunas sa puwit ng mga inaabot ng rambol ng tiyan (bunga ng pagkain ng napakaraming ginataan) sa gitna ng parang habang nagpapastol ng baka o kalabaw.

  140. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    Patay na naman tayo!

    Nag hala bira na naman ang emperatriz ng Japan.

    As usual, outstanding na naman ang mga sakang!

  141. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    ka Enciong, Don Tikoy, este Sikoy,

    Meron ding katwiran at hindi masisisi ang taing kaibigang si Habib.

    Katulad ko na nanggaling din sa serbisyo ay nanghihinayang at napapasuntok sa mukha ng aking katabi dahil umabot na sa pinakamalalim na pusod ng kahihiyan ang ipinamamalas ng mga namumuno sa Hukbong Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Kung may natitira mang marangal at magigiting na mga opisyal at kawal, sila ay ‘yung mga nasa kulungan at naghihimas ng rehas na bakal.

    Sabihin na nating nagiging pesimistiko na rin ako, subalit sa nababasa natin sa pang-araw araw na pahayagan, hindi ba’t nakakasulasok na ang kabulukan sa hukbo kung saan ang mga pinuno na siyang dapat maging buhay na halimbawa ng mga batang opisyal at mababang ranggong kawal ang siya pang ugat at sanhi ng patong patong na katiwaliang lantaran at hayagang ginagawa?

    Sana nga, ‘yung naiwang matitino at mga malayang nakakakilos sa tatlong sangay ng hukbo, mag-isip na sila bago mahuli ang lahat at isipin nilang sila man ay bahagi rin ng lipunang ngayon ay lugmok at hagok na sa hirap.

  142. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    Nakupo! Kaibigang Habib, pasensiya na, nagkasaliwa ang aking mga daliring pingkaw.

    Eto dapat ‘yan “……hindi masisisi ang ATING kaibigang si Habib.”

    Hindi ko talaga sinasadya. Maniwala kayong lahat, hindi ko gustong i-tayp ‘yan! Promise, kahit mamatay ang mga baboy sa malakanyang.

  143. Yettan Yettan

    To each and everyone,

    I believe we are all entitled to our own opinions, your opinion, my opinion. I would like to tell everyone that “it is easier said than done”, we cannot speak in behalf of the military for they have their own rules, more so they have their own culture. We should not be hitting the AFP as an institution for they have offered their lives in service of Filipino people. You just don’t know how many lives were sacrificed, how many soldiers were separated from their families and loved ones, and how they have offered their OWN lives to protect us against evil forces. Can you do that? I bet no. While you were sitting down there facebooking or blogging, our SOLDIERS are working and anytime of the day, they can be declared dead most especially those assigned in Mindanao. You can only count in hands the “few” corrupt in service. I can assure you that. The rest are all living with integrity and loyalty to the people.

    Another thing, we should not pinpoint identities here. Lt Col Edgard Arevalo (navy spokesman) and the spokesman of the AFP (LtCol Romeo Brawner)are just doing their job to inform the public on the real score on LTSG Gadian’s situation, nothing more nothing less. They are not “protecting the higher ups as you were all saying, but protecting the very institution they are serving.” As you can see, everything is considered an allegation unless GADIAN bring this to proper court. She has not exhausted all the means to air her grievance, instead she has chosen to appear to the public without presenting an evidence and now she has the temerity to say that it is her right to resign if she no longer wants to serve? Yes, she may have the sympathy of the public, but I will not consider her as a worthy public servant at all for she protected only her interests. Know why? the fact that she already knew that she can no longer escape the case filed against her on the balikatan funds, she insisted to appear in public to preempt things to happen. Well, whatever it is, she is still a soldier and ethics wise – she violated all of it.

    I was just saddened with the way people react as if they have served and done so much for the public. Well, we all deserve the kind of government we have.”

    TO THE MEDIA:

    This I consider is one of the vital elements of a democratic country. However, there is “too much or lack of it.” Everybody should know that once you write or say something, you are immortalizing an idea which either brings good or evil out of people who comes across with it with respect to their personal interpretation. Media has the greatest responsibility in molding and shaping the minds of the Filipinos especially the young, the adventurous and the curious. Nevertheless, understanding and discretion should also prevail that media is still a very potent tool to achieving either peace or trouble. Situation today dictates that either both sides are prejudiced or partial as they all are bent on protecting their respective turfs and interests. So, to project a single idea no matter how truthful and factual it is, the theme will remain to be serving the interests and prejudice of the source of the subject being conveyed.

    Jean Francois Revel said: TOO MUCH DEMOCRACY CAN KILL.

    So to the media, please give a balanced news, or at least if you cannot, just shut up. I am not against media and I respect “few” of them but please make the news right.

    – Masteral Student from the “Paglingkuran ang Sambayanan”

  144. luga luga

    I-padlock na lang ang PMA kasi may HP(HokosPokos)123 Virus. Eto yong pag General o magkaka-edad na sila ay may tendency na sila’y mangurakot. Karamihan na naapektuhan nito ay yong mga General na walang ginawa kundi magsipsip at nagpapagamit sa mga nanunungkulan. Pero yong mga General na nasa labanan ay hindi masyado apektado. Mahirap nito ay wala pang pangontra sa virus na ito so maigi isarado na lang.

  145. luga luga

    Nakakahawa talaga ang HP123 virus. Palagay ko ang unang nagkaroon nito ay si Ramos. Kumalat na ito sa mga Ramos Generals at yon nagkahawa hawa na. I-trace niyo na lang pabalik kung saan talaga nag-umpisa … di ba kay Ramos nga galing.

  146. Henry90…(PMA Class 90?)

    It pains me to see too that PN’s achievements in the naval domain are being overlooked because of the “crimes” of a few; we must remember that the Philippine Navy is operating on the meagre resources to protect and guard the archipelago which has one of the longest and perhaps, roughest stretch of coastlines in the world and despite the very meagre resources and small manpower (roughly 20,000 officers and men), they perform to excellent standards.

    They try to do their very best so that the Filipino nation could sleep soundly at night. We cannot call on them for greater sacrifices unless we acknowledge what the good elements in the navy have done and are doing. We must single out the rotten members among them but not cast aspersion on the entire orgnisation no matter how frustrated we all feel.

  147. Those above thoughts are also my response to Yettan.

    I fear that Yettan is right. Often, I (and some among us at Ellenville) do get carried away because of frustration but it is a wrong attitude to take. We must try not to be all-encompassing in judgement over our military organisation.

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of hundreds of thousands of officers and men who are not all corrupt and moral cowards.

    It is fair to point this out — we should and must single out those among them who have committed “crimes” and not pass general judgement on the entire organisation.

    If there are culprits that must be hanged for the creating an unprofessional service, it is Gloria and her cabal of law breakers and rule breakers.

    But not on the good men and women of the military services who tough it out for the country, its people, who fight on their behalf and who against all odds, are tyring desperately to fight the enemies of the Republic so that Filipinos may sleep soundly at night.

  148. OOOps, “hundreds of thousands of officers” ! only hundred and 23 thousand or so officers and men

  149. dang! 123,000 or so …

  150. Re: Since Gadian is with the PN, she shoud be addressed as LT Gadian.

    Henry90 is right. Her exact grade may appear on official or internal PN documents as LT(s/g) but when addressing her (even in print media), she should be simply addressed LT Gadian.

  151. Ellen Ellen

    Thanks Anna, Henry.

  152. “Dapat e padlock na ang PMA sapagkat dito galing karamihan ang mga pasaway na yan at sakit ng ulo ng ating mamamayan.”

    Sorry, Enciong, I don’t agree. You need to reform the institution, if reforms are required, and you can start with the AFP GHQ but you cannot padlock the nation’s premier military academy. The students of PMA do not by design enter the Academy in order to be corrupt.

    The proverbial question is what is the root cause of the problem and the answer is the political system that is the root cause — the corrupt men and women that haunt the “august halls” of Congress, etc., and not the PMA.

  153. Yettan, I feel your pain when your beloved institution is being pilloried. And when people criticize in general terms as if all the people in the military are corrupt and human rights violators.

    I know that is not true.

    I also know the great sacrifices that our soldiers do for the country.

    In my limited interaction with some members of the military, I’ve met many of them who are decent, hardworking and have kept their idealism despite the pressures around them. I perfectly understand the role of Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo and Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner. I don’t take it personally against them the statements that they are issuing. I know that’s the position of the military, not theirs personally.

    They are doing a good job in making the public understand the position of the military. Lt. Col. Brawner’s predecessor, Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres was also good.

    That’s why it’s important for the military to weed out those “few” who damage the institution. The military should cleanse itself to regain the respect and trust of the public.

    The “Hello Garci” case, for example. What did the military do to the officers and personnel who participated in subverting the will of the people?

    I’m sure we both agree that it’s against the military’s oath to help tamper the results of election in favor of one candidate which some officers did.

    What did the military do with the “Hello Garci” case? WHITEWASH. Was anybody punished? Was Habacon punished? Was Kyamko punished? Was Esperon punished? There are many more I know because my fellow reporters and I have done investigative reports on the cheating in the 2004 elections.

    No. In fact they were all rewarded. To the public, Esperon is the face of the military under Gloria Arroyo. He will be the secretary of defense when Teodoro resigns to run for president in November. The people see that those who violate the constitutional prohibition that “No member of the military shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity except to vote” are richly rewarded.

    If the military wanted to redeem itself from the stigma of Hello Garci, they should have made the Mayuga report public.

    Another case is this AWOL of Martir. This was brought up by Sen. Lacson in the confirmation hearing of Martir for his first star. Lacson said if you sweep under ther rug Martir’s AWOL for 477 days, what do you tell the ordinary soldier who went AWOL for just a few days or weeks?

    The CA, of course, is dominated by Arroyo’s loyalists. So never mind military regulations. Martir did not only get his one star. After a few months, he got his second star.

    These are exceptions, I know. But you must understand that these “exceptions” little by little help in diminishing the people’s regard of the military.

    It’s unfair to the many who are upright. It’s sad.

  154. “But you must understand that these “exceptions” little by little help in diminishing the people’s regard of the military.”

    Agree.

    Not easy not to react negatively in a general manner because of these “exceptions” as it is but human nature to begin losing faith in an institution that been so corrupted.

    And as Ellen says, “It’s unfair to the many who are upright. It’s sad.”

    Sad indeed!

  155. neonate neonate

    Anna, speaking of Pinoy unity, have you forgotten Noel the firebrand unifier, he who screams unification atop his soap box, but quick to confront those who disagree?
    The PN had always been operating on the meager resources, maintaining the same number of personnel. The only significant change is its being top heavy – the old T/O had a Commodore as FOIC and joint USN-PN exercises were conducted with ships, not Marines.
    As for the value of the PMA as an institution, one thing is notable – it has created another hegemony such as AGFO and militarized diplomatic corps in Pinoyland, with another Academy (PNPA) and the Party-List waiting in the wings to make things more interesting.

  156. Hi Neonate!

    You’re absolutely right: “The only significant change is its being top heavy – the old T/O had a Commodore as FOIC and joint USN-PN exercises were conducted with ships, not Marines.”

    Whatever happened? That’s why the PN of old (PN vets) used to have good quality personnel as in sea dogs were real sea dogs and not meowing sea cats.

    Re: “As for the value of the PMA as an institution, one thing is notable … with another Academy (PNPA) and the Party-List waiting in the wings to make things more interesting.”

    Well, notable indeed, but can we blame the existence of a parallel army or armies in the Republic on the PMA?

  157. Re: “The only significant change is its being top heavy”

    I’m very critical and will always be critical of a service’s shortcomings beginning or primarily from topside.

    I firmly believe in command responsibility and I agree with you, “the significant change is its being top heavy.”

  158. Yettan, media has its excesses, just like any profession. I welcome complaints about abuses by media because that’s one way also of cleansing our ranks.

    I take seriously my role as a messenger of information to the public.

    To the best of my ability and the resources available to me, I try to get the truth of every issue that I write about.

    If someone gets hurt by the truth, please don’t blame us. We are only conveyors of information.

    In doing our job, it’s important that we are fair to all concerned. I will try to get the side of all concerned. It’s their call if they want to give me their side or not.

    Balance? What’s that?

  159. I’m very sorry, a comment of mine — AdeBrux – May 16, 2009 7:29 pm

    “Dapat e padlock na ang PMA sapagkat dito galing karamihan ang mga pasaway na yan at sakit ng ulo ng ating mamamayan.”

    Sorry, Enciong, I don’t agree. ”

    was intended for Luga not Enciong.

  160. See you folks — am off for a few days with no access to comp and will miss the banter here.

    Take care guys and dolls (or vice versa.)

  161. Henry, okay yung nickname mo kay Liwayway-gawgaw a- Starch.

    Okay talaga kayo.

  162. vic vic

    The Right to peaceful assembly and Protest and what is the limit?
    http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/635387

    For over a month now, Toronto and some major cities of Canada had been “distracted” by almost daily protests and rallies by the very solidly organized Tamil Community, seeking attention from all levels of Government to do something to avert the “genocide” in their homeland..
    City major streets been clogged and the TEST happened Mother’s day when the protesters descended and blocked one of the Major Expressways and forced the Police to close it for more than 6 hours… as children were being used during the protest…

    It already cost the City Millions to keep the protests peacefully and also to protect the protesters and at the same time diverted many police manpower that should have been used to patrol the large metropolitan…How much longer can the public tolerate the Tamils’ community Right to Protest? The Police Chief could only ask the protest leaders to avoid Illegal Acts during the protest and avoid putting Children at Risk….not much to ask from the community and their voices been Heard Loud and Clear…Can Multiculturalism survives if one community test the limit of the Rest of other cultures? We are all for Peace everywhere, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, yet I also believe that to achieve it, it should be done peacefully, even the protests and rallies, without inconveniencing others and causing gridlocks to the city business…

  163. Rose Rose

    in my short lesson on life in the military..ang sabi sa akin that from 2nd Lt upon graduation sa PMA up to being a Captain automatic ang promotion every four years..pagdating sa captain kumapit ka na daw sa powerful politician at bibilis ang promotion…mukhang ganito ang nakikita ko..kaya pala sa Introduction palang nalagpak na ako..

  164. Rose Rose

    AdB: I agree that the military need cleansing..but who is going to be “the labandera”? who is going to initiate a revamp of the system? it seems to be that the promotions of those in military depend on the politial system..politics seem to play a heavy role..does it mean that the Executive Dept. should do the cleansing? with putot malabong malabo..it seems to be a hopeless case..maybe in the next regime..but with no-el as they say..it will be a desperate case..Dear Lord God please save the Philippines! it is now that we need those non corrupt military leaders..retired and active..together with the soldier take action..no matter how few they maybe..they can start with 10 stout hearted men who will fight for the rights they adore..shoulder to shoulder, bolder and bolder they go to the fore..when ten thousand men will fight together man to man..I am pretty sure you are familiar with the song…

  165. kabkab kabkab

    “You just don’t know how many lives were sacrificed, how many soldiers were separated from their families and loved ones, and how they have offered their OWN lives to protect us against evil forces. Can you do that?”– Yettan
    Eto lang ang masasabi ko …. may kanya kanya tayong responsibilidad sa Bayan. Pinasok nila yang propesyon na iyan dahil kaya nila. Ako pinasok ko din tong propesyon ko dahil kaya ko. Parehas lang na suwelduhan at may kanya kanyang responsibilidad. Ang mga ordinaryong sundalo … saludo ako dahil sunod-sunuran lang sa mga nakakataas sa kanila. Pero dapat sasaludo rin kayo sa amin dahil sunod-sunuran din lang kami sa boss namin. Pero pag yong Boss nila ang gumawa ng kagaguhan .. ang ginago nila ay buong sambayanan pero pag ang Boss namin ang nagluko … sisante agad. Ang gulo no? lol

  166. kabkab kabkab

    Ang Bansa ang nagpapasuweldo sa kasundaluhan (kasama si Glorya) dapat lang na maglingkod sila sa Bayan ng walang pag-iimbot at katapatan …. at walang KURAKUTAN.
    Wala na kasing tiwala ng tao sa Gobyernong ito. That’s the problem folks!!!!!!!

  167. Enciong Enciong

    Kaibigang Adebrux:

    Sorry po. Pero hindi ko po words yung attributed mo to me. I just quoted Balweg’s words. Paki-check na lang sa earlier posts dito.

    Actually, I totally agree with you and Ma’m Ellen, 100%. I know LtCol Brawner personally and I know him to be a good, bright, and upright fellow. In fact, the last time I saw him (he was still a Major then), nasabi ko sa kanya: “Magaling ka. You carry the Brawner name very well. Your father would have been very proud of you. I look forward to seeing you a General in the next few years. You would make a good AFP Chief of Staff. Sana hindi ka magbago.” Matinong tao yang si LtCol Brawner. Trabaho lang yung kanya. He has to mouth those words though. He is the AFP Spokesman.

    Kaibigang Neonate:

    Please do heed Ma’m Ellen’s advise. And if I may quote AdeBrux:

    “…It is fair to point this out — we should and must single out those among them who have committed “crimes” and not pass general judgement on the entire organisation.”

    The PMA is an institution that has produced good men — inspite of people like GMA. Yes, inspite of some of its wayward alumni (and they seem to be increasing in mumber — I hate to say this), the PMA has produced more real heroes than any other institution in this country.

    The AGFO is an association of Generals and Flag officers. Not only PMA graduates. I guess you know that. I exhort you to please not besmirch the single institution of learning in the Philippines that produced the most number of alumni that shed their blood so that people like you and me can shout whatever we’d like to our heart’s content and blog and blog for as much as we can.

    The militarized Diplomatic Corps? GMA and others like her (what are we in power for?!) did that! Not the PMA! Her minions are not a fair representation of the PMA!

    Yettan is right. Posts like those are saddening. Yung corrupt na tao, single them out. We should do that. That is our responsibility. But do not generalize and hit the whole organization. Marami pa ring matino sa AFP. Kaya nga sila nagrerebelde at nach-charge ng insubordination, eh. Kasi hindi sila natutuwa sa nangyayari sa itaas nila.

    Salamat po.

    Naw yu noh!

  168. The late General Brawner, father of the current AFP Spokesman, was a decent and honest man. Unfortunately, he’s now the spokesman of the corrupt AFP. Pretty soon, he might be a victim of the AFP corrupt system just like his many comrades. Many started as young and idealistic officers only later to be eaten up by the dirty system of the government.

  169. parasabayan parasabayan

    I have very close relatives who graduated from PMA. Puro straight sila. One even retired and does not own a house at nakatira sa parang barong barong lang. Tagpi tagpi pa ang sasakyan. But I am so ever proud of him! He had the chance to enrich himself coz he was with the Narcotics division before. Money were not marked and could easily be pocketed. But this retiree, who is very dear to me, has always gained my respect. He does not live in a mansion nor drive a pajero car. But I do respect him immensely. He is not a perfect man by the academy standards but by my standards, he practiced the creed of the institution that moulded him. I am pretty sure a good number of these officers are upright. Let us not allow a few of the crooked ones: Asspweron, Ebdame,Reyes, Mayuga,Kyamco,Habacon,Martir and a few others. Sadly, with a very corrupt Commander in CHEAT, there are more and more higher officials who altogether lose their values in exchange for money and position. After the putot is gone, hopefully she will be booted out by hook or by crook in May of 2010, we will have a tough time cleansing our institutions. Tell me what institution of our country is spared from the CORRUPTION of this regime?

  170. parasabayan parasabayan

    Enciong, you liked my “Now you know” (naw yu nah)…heh,heh,heh…

    I baptized Liwayway Gawgaw the nickname “Starch”. Super haba kasi pangalan niya. Nahihirapan akong mag-type…heh,heh,heh.

  171. What about just call her “Laway”?

  172. neonate neonate

    Reviewing my posts again to check for fallacies, (even after umpteenth rechecks prior to posting) I still couldn’t find any prevarications. Therefore I stand by my statements.
    The PMA produces military officers hoping one day to become generals or admirals thru decent means. Most don’t turn out to be rogues, but a few do. By kissing the proper cheek, they get rewarded by a mendacious and rapacious C-I-C. The AGFO is predominantly populated by cavaliers, and one of its burdens is to recommend candidates for star rank, so they share the burden of culpability for the bad deeds of the rogues. The opprobrium of appointing retired generals as ambassadors has recently been openly resented by career DOFA officers. These are verifiable facts.
    Moreover, linking PMA to hegemony, an elite class that dominates the hoi polloi, is not besmirching the institution. It is a natural outcome of human nature, similar to the UPscans, Ateneans, LaSallites and other top schools whose graduates keep this nation ticking. And a hegemony is not necessarily bad if their endeavors trickle down some benefits to the under privileged class, as some political dynasties do (believe it or not).

  173. Even in the work environment, competition among graduates of different reputable schools is rampant. Ateneans against Lasallites. A manager who’s an Atenean would most likely hire a fellow Atenean.

  174. Enciong Enciong

    Salamat po ng marami sa responses ninyo. Nakita ko na rin ang mga punto ninyo and tama and tutoo rin naman. Nasabi ko na rin po ang saloobin ko sa issue na ito. So, I rest my case.

    Parting shot ko na lang on this is: After reading all the above, the more that I am convinced na dapat makapasok sa Senado si Col Querubin.

    Mabuhay po kayong lahat!

  175. Enciong Enciong

    Nalimutan ko…

    Naw yu noh!

    (Hehe! Tama ka PSB. Just remember that yung tono while saying that, dapat Pacquiao na Pacquiao — as coached by Quotes Freddie Roach! hehe!)

    Bitchevil, huwag naman Laway. Okay na yung Starch, mas cute pakinggan. hehe!

    Naw yu noh!

  176. Naipangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako mag comment ng pros and cons sa mga sundalo dahil nagiging senador at congressman sila.Umaalis na sila sa pagiging sundalo.

  177. habib habib

    Ano ba problema nitong si bitchevil?

    Naghahanap ba ito ng mahihila tungo sa kaharian ng kanyang reynang si evil bitch?

    Aba’y walang matinong pasok, eh! Puro sablay!

  178. habib habib

    Mga kasama,

    Ang ating Hukbong Sandatahan ay merong Code of Conduct na siyang saligan ng pagiging isang tunay na marangal at magiting na kawal. Bukod dito ay mayroon ding basic quote of soldiery na nagsasaad ng ganito: “my loyalty to my commander is my loyalty to my unit”.

    Mula sa pinakamaliit na unit ng alinmang hukbo, ang squad (tilap) tungo sa pulutong (platoon) hanggang sa pangkalahatang punong tanggapan (GHQ), ang sino mang namumuno ang kumakatawan at siyang salamin at larawan kung ano ang isang unit.

    Kung ang isang pinuno ay hindi isinasangkot ang sarili at hindi napapakasangkapan sa mga tiwaling nakatataas, ISANG MALAKING KARANGALAN ang pag-ukulan ng katapatan at pagsunod ang ganitong uri ng opisyal. Subalit, paano ninyo gagawin at iuukol ang ganito KUNG ALAM ninyo na ang pagkakaluklok nila sa poder ay bunga ng utang na loob sa pagkalinga at pagtatakip gayundin ang pakikipagkutsaba sa BULOK na namumuno?

  179. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    bitchevil,

    I joined here to share my views according to my experiences and not to do monkey business like you were and are doing.

    All I post here are my own and not copied from others like you usually do without giving attribution to the original writer/author.

    I can’t mix myself up with the likes of your kind. I know who you are. You were once kicked out from this blog due to your trash and toilet humor.

    A kulang sa pansin, that’s what you are!

  180. Yettan Yettan

    The late General Brawner, father of the current AFP Spokesman, was a decent and honest man. Unfortunately, he’s now the spokesman of the corrupt AFP. Pretty soon, he might be a victim of the AFP corrupt system just like his many comrades. Many started as young and idealistic officers only later to be eaten up by the dirty system of the government.

    —CORRECTION: THE FATHER OF THE CURRENT SPOKESMAN OF AFP IS NOT THE LATE GEN BRAWNER BUT THE LATE COMELEC COMMISSIONER, ROMEO BRAWNER SR.

  181. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    ‘Yan na nga ang sinasabi, eh!

    Manaliksik muna ng tamang source upang hindi magmukhang katawatawa sa pagmamarunong sa isinusulat.

    Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

    Talagang itong si artsee, oo!

  182. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    The late BGen Brawner was the first commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment when it was first activated after his stint as AC of S, G3, Philippine Army, if my memory still serves me right.

  183. How is Lt. Col. Brawner related to BGen Brawner?

  184. Kiwi Kiwi

    Mam Ellen kilala ko po ang pamilya ng dating Comelec Commisioner Romeo Brawner Sr., mabubuting tao po sila.

  185. Kiwi Kiwi

    Comelec Commissioner po!

  186. habib, watch your habit. What gives you the right to attack me on my comment? Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t go too far. If you can’t match the level of my comment, then shut up!

  187. ellen – May 17, 2009 3:20 pm

    How is Lt. Col. Brawner related to BGen Brawner?

    …Father and Son.

  188. Liwayway, it was not me who raised the length of your name. It was meant to be a joke on my part. Onion-skinned blogger has no place here in this blog. Don’t be too sensitive. Lately, there are so many new bloggers whose names we never heard of. For those old timers like me, we already know each one’s style and personality. Wait till grizzy becomes active again and you would find out how to deal with her. If you can’t deal with someone like me, you’ll get a hard time with her. Yet, we’re all here having fun and expressing our opinions.

  189. TruBlue TruBlue

    BitchE – Yettan already said the spokesperson for AFP Lt Col Brawner is the son of Judge Brawner yet you gave a wrong answer to Ellen. Please don’t answer in haste.

    There are two Brawner generals, Felix and Percy (I think). There is also one former Colonel who is now a pilot for United AirLines. And the mother of the Ifugao Governor Ted Baguilat is also a Brawner (Lawyer).

  190. Wrong answer? Isn’t Lt. Col. Brawner the son of the late Comelec Commissioner Brawner?

  191. TruBlue TruBlue

    How is Lt. Col. Brawner related to BGen Brawner? – Ellen

    …Father and Son. – BitchE

    Wrong answer? Isn’t Lt. Col. Brawner the son of the late Comelec Commissioner Brawner? – BitchE

    Get the landscape?

  192. The landscape is too wide to see.

  193. Yettan Yettan

    Felix Brawner and Romeo Brawner Sr are brothers. Therefore uncle ni Lt Col Romeo Brawner Jr si Gen. Felix Brawner.

  194. I think General Felix Brawner earned his star during the Marcos regime. The Brawners are also Ilocanos.

  195. habib habib

    bitchevil,

    I’ve said what I have to and I don’t have to deal with you at any length.

    You just keep your decency. Your making fun of anybody here isn’t funny yet, you have a gal to brawl when you’re asked not to. Look who’s onion skinned.

  196. Your petty quarrels are irritating. Please stop.

    Also, we have already established the relationship of Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr. with former Comelec Commissioner Romeo Brawner (father) and Gen. Felex Brawner (uncle).

    That’s already clear. No more argument about that.

    Lt. Col. Brawner is not the issue here. The subject of the controversy is Lt. Gadian and the arrest order for her.

    Balik tayo sa topic.

  197. From hereon, I will erase petty exchanges.

  198. Rose Rose

    Ang sabi ni Ibrado sa isang news item kanina..nasasaktan na daw ang AFP..(Armed Forces of the Phil? or Armed Fordes of Pidal?)..Sa tingin ko ang chain of command ni putot ay.those who are for me, loyal to me and follow my commands stay with me and I will glorify you all (gloria ata ang pangalan ko!) those who are against..I will put in prison..and stay in prison for as long as I hold the power..naala ko tuloy ang sa Bible on the last Judgment? Matt 25:31-46. Kaya lang ang being “righteous ni putot ay kakaiba sa nasa Bible. Pero nag bibible study ang asawa niya..kaya lang hindi naman gov’t official ang asawa niya..and what she is going to do we will find out in 2010..she has sent her messengers to prepare for kingdom come..may mga signs and warning na..

  199. Rose Rose

    Can you see the light at the end of putot’s tunnel? May gloria ba? hindi ko kasi nakikita at sobra ang dilim..at malagim na malagim..sana mali ako!

  200. chi chi

    Rose – May 18, 2009 10:10 pm

    Ang sabi ni Ibrado sa isang news item kanina..nasasaktan na daw ang AFP..(Armed Forces of the Phil? or Armed Fordes of Pidal?)

    Bias kaagad si Ibrado. Paano naman ang Pinas at mamamayan na walang tigil na nasasaktan buhat ng mang-agaw ng poder ang kanyang prisidinti Gloria?

  201. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    gloria is the emissary of death goddess. The innocent Filipinos are offered as sacrifice.

    Kailan matatapos ito?

    Nasa ating kapasiyahan kung kailan tayo kikilos upang ito ay tuldukan sapagkat dito nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating mga supling at susunod na salinlahi.

  202. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    This early, kita kaagad kung ano ang kulay ng itlog ni Ibrado. Hindi pa man nahihimas ni gloria ay namumuti na sa pag-asam ng sarap ng glorya.

    Magkano kaya?

  203. Let’s give the new AFP Chief time to prove himself. I think he’s an upright person.

  204. chi chi

    Hindi pa man nahihimas ni gloria ay namumuti na sa pag-asam ng sarap ng glorya. -Liway

    ha!ha!ha! Pareho lang iyan ng Yanos, Sengas at Mayugas!

  205. habib habib

    Ibrado can prove his uprightness if he can lead the whole AFP oust gloria, throw her, her family and cabals to prison for all their excesses and abuses and make them pay for all crimes committed against the people.

    He can prove his commitment to his sworn duty to protect the republic against aggressors by ridding the whole AFP of rabid supporters/followers of gloria whose objective is to sow animosity as part of her divide and rule formula to infinitely stay in power. If he cannot, he’s just another Yano with no guts to prove his worth as CS, AFP. Another frustration in this page of our history.

  206. Valdemar Valdemar

    Pareho lang, magnanakaw lahat, whistleblower or not by using analogy with the past. I hope I am wrong this time.

  207. Liwayway-Gawgaw Liwayway-Gawgaw

    I had a humps, este hunch na itong si Lt Gadian ay binigyan ng pases para mag-check in sa hotel as reward for her hard work and resourcefulness but there was someone who got jealous and make sipsip to the then WestMinCom chief, LtGen Cedo, thus the reprimand of the poor lady officer directing her accounting the funds disbursed during the Balikatan execrices.

    Siyempre, hindi naambunan, eh malapit sa chief, kaya nagsipsip. ‘Anlagay palalamang? Alimango atityud.

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