Breaking news!
Resignation statement of Comelec Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr.
Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. Salamat at dumalo kayo dito sa press conference na ipinatawag ko upang mai-pahayag sa ating kababayan ang kabuuan ng niluloob ko patungkol sa mga isyu at kontrobersiya na insinasangkot ang aking pagkatao at ngayong ay nakaka-apekto ng hindi lamang sa trabaho at katungkulan ko bilang Chairman ng COMELEC kundi pati na ang pribasiya, katahimikan at iba pang karapatan ng aking pamilya.
It has been almost a week since I appeared at the Senate Committees investigating the NBN Project. I did so against the advise of my counsel and closest of friends, driven by what I expected would be the inherent fairness of a Senate inquiry and the statesmanship of our Senators.
I was sorely mistaken. I was not treated fairly. My declarations were limited to only those that my most interrogators wanted to hear.
In these few days of reflection and consultation I’ve had with my family and closest friends, I have come to the painful determination that the time has come to separate my person from the office I now occupy, and the institution I head.
I am resigning the Chairmanship of the COMELEC effective immediately.
Let not my detractors feast on this declaration. I am not admitting guilt for any wrongdoing. Neither am I giving up on my crusade to clear my name and reputation. I made this decision to spare the COMELEC from the vicious maliciously concocted attacks on my person. On the 29th of this month we will have another election. It is my intention that with my resignation today I shall have detached the COMELEC from the controversy in which my person is currently embroiled.
In this same way, my resignation should dispel the claims of my detractors that I am dangling so-called “political debts” dispensed when I was supposedly “king” during election period as a shield to fend off moves to oust me from office.
And finally, my resignation negates the accusation that this Administration is out to protect me and my incumbency.
40 years ago, I entered public service fired with the ideals of promoting the welfare or our people and placing public interest above mine at all times. It is for this very reason that I have resigned, subordinating my personal interest in completing the last few months of my term to the higher public interest of saving Congress from engaging in a complicated and long-drawn out impeachment process that would inevitably take its toll on the nation.
I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the government for the mentoring, the assistance and the comfort they have given me in my years in public service. Their thoughts and goodwill have become the founding elements of the wisdom that I bear as I return to private life.
I wish to thank likewise, my family, friends and most especially the people of Mandaluyong. I thank them for bearing with me, for the aid and comfort they have given me through all these years, particularly during these trying times.
I must repeat, however, that I have not given up the fight. Having rid myself of the impression of using my office for personal ends and the burden of keeping my office and the COMELEC away from the vicious attacks on my person, I am all the more determined to carry on my crusade to clear my name and reputation and exposing the lies and malicious claims thrown at me.
Sa aking pamamaalam sa serbisyo publiko, ay naroon ang aking pananalig na anumang haba ng gabi, ay mayroong bukang-liwayway. Sa patnubay at gabay ng ating Maykapal, malaki ang aking pananalig na tayo’y muling magkikita, taas-noo, sa bagong umaga.
As I bow out of public service, I find comfort in the thought that at the end of even the longest of nights, the dawn will break. With the grace of the Almighty, I am confident that I shall see you once again, head unbowed, at daybreak.
Maraming salamat po.
Related stories:
Impeachment now moot and academic
CBCP finally found its voice; thanks God for resignation of Abalos
Congress and Malacanang must be so nervous right now.
Chairman, good for you and your family. Now you face the music just like what you said. Clean your name if you can and let the great show begin.
It is now for the Justice Process to decide if Abalos Claims of Innocence is indeed True. And I believe the country’s Judicial System is still functional and very capable to deal with him and later the Rest of the Them.
Otherwise if you’d choose between losing your Future and that of your Childrens’ and resorting to the Use of Force, what’s the other choice, none but the Force…
He’s resigning as Chairman of Comelec but not as a Commissioner?
Anong kagaguhan yan??
That means he can still maneuver to cover his dirt!
Hoy Abalos, cut and cut cleanly!!!
i dont get why zamora thinks the issue has become moot and academic. abalos remains a commissioner of the comelec and his stay as such still does damage to the institution. the impeachment case is not for removal of a commissioner as chairman, it is for the removal of a commissioner.
No, mali ang GMA-7. He has resigned completely from Comelec. I’ll be posting the official announcement.
“In Malacañang, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Abalos was a victim of a “smear campaign” even as the former congratulated the elections official for making the decision to resign.”
Puno is a master of spin?
Ano nagresign as Chairman but still Comelec Commissioner. Ano iyan klase ah! Di tuloy pa rin ang impeachment. Ano ba ito pakirandaman or a queen’s gambit? Sa Pinas talagang masiyahan ka pero gutom ang abutin sa paghintay. Kung completely resigned tama si HML Ronaldo Zamora, moot na ang impeachment. Takot ka pala sa papel ginawa ni Suplico.
thats good to know. now, if only neri can grow bigger cojones so we can figure out if impeachment applies to someone else.
Clarification so that we will not be wasting time arguing over wrong premise: Abalos has resigned from the Comelec completely immediately. Tomorrow, he will turn over his position and leave the constitutional body.
Ang qustion, hanggang kay Abalos lang ba? Si Gloria Arroyo?
exactly. meron pa yan. there must be something somewhere. i hope everyone keeps vigilant so that we dont let the momentum die down.
The greatest show is about to begin. If Neri has the equivalent of a bomb, Abalos is a Nuclear and Microwave in terms of potential impact. Chairman, you are now the man of the hour, use it wisely.
Does that mean Abalos is now free to keep the loot? Damn! It really pays to be a corrupt member of the GMA’s administration!
Erap’s plunder conviction is reaping positive results for accountability.
Now every public official is subject to the same standard of law.
The very reason why Malacanang is shoving the pardon thing down Erap’s throat.
tayarevo: Erap’s plunder conviction is reaping positive results for accountability.
This is a correct statement if Erap was convicted beyond reasonable doubt and by a fair trial. The problem was that the trial and justice used to Eraps case was compromised. It did not accomplish anything. What is happening to Abalos is different, inunahan lang si Mrs. Pidal kasi nga naman ilalaglag siya. Ano si Chair, bali?
ellen, you are correct to ask kung hanggang ke abalos na lang. what can we do expose the rest of the thieves? thank you jarius for being creative…but the rest of us should pick up his lead. what’s happening out there? skycable is out and the radio stations have unclear transmission.
MarryP, they have already been exposed. the people should demand prosecution and punishment.
“MarryP, they have already been exposed. the people should demand prosecution and punishment.”
Oh! The people are demanding that alright… but the reality is that GMA all has the justices, armed forces , and the law makers, and law enforcers in her pockets! ( At least the key personnels. ) You have to admire her wicked ways on how to survive politically inspite of the majority of the Filipinos almost spitting on her and her family!
Totie,
Irregardless of the fairness of Erap’s trial which can be argued vehemently by either side, his conviction now serves as a gauge that must be applied likewise to Gloria and her cabal.
By not accepting pardon from Gloria Magnanakaw, Erap will do the country a lot of good by catalyzing the eventual prosecution of Gloria’s sins.
Best is for this old man to commit suicide to save his face. Susunod na ba si unano? I hope so.
How about the hand cuffs for the Fatso? Dare?
hrrmmpt, a start of very interesting times ahead? i am not impressed…
that finally the little-Don from Mandaluyong, Ben Abalos, has to go, could NOT even be called a partial relief—the little one has to be sacrificed in order to save the Godfather?
so are the ways of the Mob, Inc.
not to worry, little-Don, este, Mr. Tserman.
we are not feasting on your resignation. if i will have it my way, i want the few intrepid lawyers left back home to prepare the charge sheet, indicting you for string of reprehensible criminal activities—starting way back; more than 1 Billion peso computer scam, May 2004 farcical presidential election results, culminating to that of ZTE’s broadband pay-off scam, and Comelec’s non-recognition of Koko Pimentel’s rightful Senate seat.
definitely, we are NOT feasting! for the ultimate criminal masquerading as legitimate president must too, herself, resign or run the risk of being kicked in the butt on her way out.
Abalos should be arrested and prosecuted for breach of public trust, bribery, election-related crimes, etc. Hindi puede ang resignation lang. May ugali ang mga pilipinong kriminal na mandamay kapag naiipit na. Kung dakpin si Abalos, baka kumanta na iyan.
if he resigned … wala na impeachment case ? hindi na maririnig ng taongbayan ang mga detalye ng kanyang ginawang intervention sa ZTE deal ? hindi na sya makukulong ? please enlighten this curious mind.
bayonic, I believe if we follow the law, that no one is above the law, Abalos resignation does not absolve him of any wrongdoings or even criminal conduct, if and when the Proper Authorities have probale cause to file proper charges in criminal courts and pursue the case with due deligence. But we are in different situation that the law is being bent over and defined to suit the powerful and the wealthy. That too, needs a very close look, after we come to the point that as a nation we have matured.
if there is one lot feasting on your resignation, bet it will be from the Godfather’s circle of associates-politicians.
lest i might end-up misunderstood, the associates includes those double-dealing, sweet murmuring holy-looking bribe-takers in cassocks or soutanes—-known for their deafening unholy silence when the times are rough and when they are needed most.
btw, Ellen, is it the budding little-tyro Don, Rene Sarmiento, going to slid in Abalos chair?
salamat naman at nag-resign ang gago. the next thing to do is to prosecute him for his many crimes against the people.
yaiiiiikkks, if it is Rene !
heavens forbid!!
haaayyy slamat, at nabawasan din angmga corrupt sa gobyerno.
pero how about the case of the election computerization last 2004, ZTE? kakalimutan nlang ba yun?
he claims he is innocent in the ZTE scandal, how come 2 people are having a meeting in your office na hindi mo alam ang pinaguusapan? it’s a billion peso deal! now your telling the filipino people wala ka alam! wag mo naman gaguhin ang tao mr. abalos.
Baka tumakbo sa timbuktu o mejico, o kung saan man. Dapat may hold departure order siya hangang hindi pa resolved itong ABZTEFG scandal. Baka mag ala Jocjoc, eh di goodbye scandal, maghabol tayo sa wala.
Congratulations, Mr. Abalos!
Unlike Neri, it takes manhood to do what you just did.
Ngayon, sana lubus-lubusin mo na.
Ituro mo na sa amin kung saan nakatago ang mga original na COC sa Maguindanao… at sabihin mo na rin na walang mandato itong Unano na nakaupo sa Malacanang.
Tutal pinabayaan ka na rin lang, you should get even with the Fat Goon, di ba? At tsaka suli mo na komisyon mo sa Counting Machines… malakilaki rin yon.
abalos resigns. says the title above.
and maybe he is now designing another tactic how to still benefit from gloria’s and her kabig’s loot dahil kung hindi siya papartehan nina gloria ay ibubulgar niyang lahat ang mga pandaraya mula pa noong 2004.
Kailangang pakantahin iyan by all means. No need for the kid gloves. Kailangan diyan police brutality if it is the only way to make this creep sing!
Resignation lang? Isa siyang kriminal dapat parusahan!
With or without Abalos, and regardless of the outcome of the senate inquiry and the SC decision, we will be paying for the ZTE loan and nothing can stop it.
sacrificial goat si abalos… sa kanya matatapos ang ZTE scandal. and it will be very hard na mapiga si abalos kasi abugado din yan. magaling din sa lusutan yan. so ligtas na ang lahat. masaya na naman ang mga ibang nakinabang. what a conspiracy…
It is obvious na kaya nagresign si Abalos ay para matakasan ang mga imbestigasyon sa kanya. Dalawang tao na (JdV3 at Neri) ang nagturo sa kanyang involvement sa bribery. Alam niyang malapit na siyang masukol. Malinaw na may mahalagang partisipasyon siya sa NBN Project kaya siya nakialam maski na ang trabaho niya ay sa Comelec. Huwag tantanan si Abalos!
Resignation not admission of guilt – Abalos.
Grant of pardon not admission of guilt – Estrada.
Lokohin nyo mga lola nyo.
Who is next to resign? Abalos is just a fall guy absorbing the heat. He can now spill the beans. Gloria Arroyo and Jose Pidal are held responsible for the $329-M ZTE-NBN scam.
Resignation is not enough. It only gives Abalos the time to persecute the witnesses against him away from the glare of publicity that his office gives him. Tignan nyo statement niya, walang remorse. Rather, the whole thing is replete with hidden threats to get even with those who exposed him, and all possible witnesses. It also gives him more time to work out a new fairy tale that will exonerate him. Abalos should be prosecuted IMMEDIATELY. Cuff him na.
Hanggang ganyan na lang ba? Kung nag-resign ba ay wala ng pananagutan sa batas unless merong magdemanda?
So, wala ng impeachment? Sayang!
Huwag pakawalan ng mga concerned groups si Abalos, ilagay ninyo iyan sa fishnet at pagbayarin sa kanyang mga kasalanan sa kapinuyan.
I-klaro niya sa publiko ang katotohanan tungkol sa “Hello Garci” at ZTE bago siya makatakas ng tuluyan!
Abalos has now the opportunity to clear his name if only he’d tell the truth about these two major scandals that still rock the country.
I’m not impressed, unless he talks more and bring Gloria down with her! That’s the moment I’ll celebrate!
Wasn’t Abalos a judge in Mandaluyong once upon a time ? IF so, I think he knows what he is doing. His moves are calculated. He has one last moment left to be a hero – tell all & take her down ! He can also opt to be a Neri & lose the opportunity.
This is an interesting article in Inquirer.Net:
MANILA, Philippines—The country’s Catholic bishops have thanked God that Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Sr. has resigned, saying it was an answer to their prayers.
“Thank God Mr. Abalos responded to our prayer. We congratulate the Senate for the inquiry they have done on ZTE-NBN,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a statement signed by Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.
Here’s the link to story:
newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=91864
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So when will the CBCP start praying for Gloria’s ouster ?
NOT ENOUGH!
The resignation of Abalos is but just one of the poisonous warts that’s been flushed… He’s got to be investigated and his cimplicity in Gloria’s ZTE corruption must be exposed.
Ang tagal mo na dapat ginawa iyan, Abalos. Tatapang-tapangan ka pa. You had no other choice and option but to resign. The evidences against you are so strong and overwhelming that a neophyte lawyer will be willing to act as prosecutor. Kawawa ang defense lawyers mo kahit na tambakan mo ng pera na galing sa mga kinurakot mo. We not only feast and rejoice to your resignation. We demand that you pay for all your sins. We demand that you answer all the charges. We demand that you return all the money that you stole. We demand that you give us a list of those elected candidates whom you made to win and tell us who really deserved. You can start with Migs Zubiri and Kokoy Pimentel. You demand that you tell the people who the true mastermind of the ZTE scam deal. Gayahin mo si Singson kung gusto mo. Okay lang kung gusto mong maging state witness para makuha mo ang immunity. You know what to do. Buti nga sa iyo!
Agree ako kay luzviminda. This is a brilliant move.
The impeachment process is rendered moot, because its only objective is removal of the official. So tigil na ang House investigation. So the only way to dig the dirt on this guy is to go to Merceditas Gutierrez. Now we know what results she produces.
Round nila ito folks. Back to the drawing board. I can just hear them cackling with laughter. Magaling talaga ang kanilang dirty tricks department – parang Dubya and the Scooter Libby commutation.
Now Abalos can take a vacation in Vegas to watch Pacquiao. Anong sabi sa earlier thread dito? Ilalaglag, at pupusta si Fatso sa kabila? Marami na silang pera, para que pa ito? Just to feel the power of being able to manipulate? Sakit na yan, hindi na greed.
Abalos has just knocked on heavens door. His turning around will be one that is negotiated. Former President Aquino will play a role. The Catholic Church will be key to changing the face of Abalos. Talks have begun. Abalos will do what Neri didnt deliver, spill the bigger beans, spell the greater ills…but this will have to mean turning the pages from the zte deal back to election fraud…the only sure hit to PGMA. Abalos had known PGMA has dropped him, he will do a rebound, but Malacanang has assessed that Abalos is so tainted that his credibility to expose any graft or fraud will be doubted and dismissed as a retaliatory move. But government overlooked how the Catholic Church or Cory can make a difference or let alone Abalos former position in the Comelec can command authority in confirming the bogus presidency. However, Malacanang is pretty certain that Abalos bullets will backfire, or they will make sure he cannot wash his hands clean because as Comelec chair he had the full operational control of the elections, and besides the government held just as much “hello ben’s” as there had been “hello garci.”
I noticed that when the news about Abalos’ other family was beginning to hit the stand, he started to exhibit a really concerned attitude.
But yes, I agree with Luz and Atty. His resignation was a well calculated move.
Tuloy ang ligaya, Mr. ex-chair!
The best thing to do is to file cases against Abalos, Mendoza, and of course Gloria and all involve in this anomalous contract. Violations on Omnibus Election Code and the Procurement Law were actually committed. Una para malagay sa hold-departure list ang mga scammers, mahirap na at baka mag ala-JocJoc.
Statement of Sen. Mar Roxas:
Sen Roxas’ “Let the chips fall where they may. It is time that the administration spares no sacred cows, and commits to the policy of transparency and accountability.”
That’s a good sound byte!
Tayerevo: Erap will not accept the pardon. He may look dumb but he is not that stupid, he knows his politics. How could you use a defective gauge? Sometimes its not a far fetched idea to have proceedings like this be outsourced so we can guaranty fairness. If we accept the defective judgement made to Erap it is no different than accepting Gloria as President. Make no mistake, we all wanted to see the full implementation of the law but it has to be a law that will stand the test of time. Real accountability and responsibility based on transparency.
AdeBrux: Kudos to that.
Si Abalos naman talaga ang pangunahing tauhan sa scam na ito sa NBN deal. Siya ang may mga kakilala sa mga ZTE people kaya siya ang naglo-lobby sa pag-approve ng contract. Siya ang may alam sa distribution ng bribes! Siyempre with the blessing ni GLoria at FG, na hindi pwedeng walang parte. Hindi ngayon alam ni Abalos kung isasalba siya ng Malakanyang o manatiling distansiya na lang.
In appointing a news Comelec chair, let the people have a voice, let their voices be heard if the fake leadership indeed intend to pursue a changed corrupt electoral body!
Luz,
Madaling lusutan ‘yan ng mag-asawang korap as usual kung hindi magwawala si Abalos.
They’re monitoring Ellenville, I just submitted comments but I got the same response “you already said that”!
****
Re: It is time that the administration spares no sacred cows, and commits to the policy of transparency and accountability.”
Wow! A tall order for Gloria. Is she interested in what Mar is saying at all?
I wanted a participation of people from all walks of life in appointing a new comelec chair, but it will remain just a dream, I know, under this fake presidency.
Sa totoo lang one step ahead ang resignation move ni Abalos. Lahat ng crooks panalo,ang bansa lang ang tao.
I dont why? Tita cory went to show her support to abalos, Sobra na ang insulto nang mga traditional politician na ito. ang magkauri flock together talaga, ang qoute pa ni tita, truth will come out. What is the truth? Pagkatapos pagkatiwalan ng taong bayan, kanya kanya kayong kurakot sa kaban ng bayan.Tingnan mo ang mga pilipino ngayon,lalong naghihirap,when you didnt do anything when you have the chance to change our country. Walang masama na mag sympatia ka sa mabuting tao o sa humihingi ng forgivess, pero si abalos? na madaming kasalanan sa Diyos at taong bayan. nakapatong na nga, todo pa rin ang tangi niya? Sorry, Hindi ka namin maintindihan. You should condemned, what is bad, and praise what is good.The least you would do ay tumahimik ka na lang. Mayroon pa bang mabuting leader sa Pinas. GOD help us..
At least Abalos has an iota of delicadeza left!What about MIRIAM?
SHAMELESS!!(basta junket,Kasama si Miriam)
“What makes GMA trip to China more interesting is that Sen. Miriam Santiago, the senator who said during the Senate’s probe into the ZTE deal that the Chinese invented not only civilization in Asia but also corruption, is accompanying her.”ABS-CBN news on-line)
Around 5 p.m. yesterday, Abalos and his family were seen in a restaurant with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, national security adviser Norberto Gonzales and Budget secretary Rolando Andaya Jr.
TDC,
Oo nga may deli-cadeza sila na kinakain. hahahah!
Ang galing mag-artista ng mga minions ni Gloria! They’ve just completed shielding Gloria by way of Abalos resignation.
“Ang galing mag-artista ng mga minions ni Gloria! They’ve just completed shielding Gloria by way of Abalos resignation.CHI”
Gloria Arroyo Pidal:You can fool some people all the time and all the people some time.But not ALL the people ALL the time!
Kung si Marcos,who was 100) times more brilliant than Gloria and Mike combined,could not fool all the people all the time!
I just don’t know when,but the ending of the this sad saga in our history is so predictable!Hard to escape the harsh judgment of history.That will be poetic justice.
Chabs,
For all we know, Rosales’ prayer for Abalos to resign is aimed at rendering the impeachment moot. Then Rosales would not have to worry that his Patroness of Jueteng’s name will not be used in vain, for the whole world to hear, should the impeachment trial have taken place.
Personally, I would have preferred the impeachment court over Abalos resignation. It would have provided the opportunity to unveil more secrets that Neri or Favila would provide as an mpeachment court does not recognize executive privilege.
Abalos get knocked out, his corner rejoices. Go figure.
Kaya pala quiet si Cory sa NBN-ZTE deal.May utang na loob kay Abalos.No wonder Noynoy Aquino was so low profile in the senate hearing.So disappointing. Akala ko,the Aquinos were different from the typical politicians.Personal “Utang na loob “more important than national interests!
Anti-FPJ lawyer Jeanette Tecson committed suicide kunos, per abs-cbn news.
Is there a konek here with the current “Hello Garci” investigation and Abalos resignation?
Gumagala ang aking imagination!
TDC,
Sabi ko e galit ako kay Cory ngayon, tahimik kasi ng bumenta si Noynoy! Kesehoda tayo at ang Pinas, basta si Noynoy ay OK na! Bwisit talaga, oo! Matapos niyang isadlak sa dusa ang Pinas dahil sa kinoronohan niya si Gloria, heto ngayon at tiklop ang kanyang mga labi. Kakadismaya si Cory!
After resigning, Abalos might be preparing to escape and leave the country. A “Hold Departure” order must be given to the airport and immigration people. Malakas ang kutob ko na tatakas iyan tulad ng maraming tauhan ni GMA na nangurakot. Let’s keep a close watch on this guy.
CHI:Sayang naman the supreme sacrifice of Ninoy!
The resignation of Abalos is nothing! Investigations and criminal liablities should be determined pronto!
TDC,
Ninoy is not Cory or Noynoy.
Hindi inaasahan ang pagbibitiw kahapon ni Benjamin Abalos bilang chairman ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ngunit higit na hindi inaasahan ang pagdating ni dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino sa bahay ng mga Abalos sa Mandaluyong City.
Cory said she went to see Abalos to show support. So there you go folks…kaya pala tahimik si Pango-long Cory dahil bata niya si Abalos. If I were Cory and to live up to her late husband’s legacy, she should convince Abalos to tell the whole truth.
Kung ang amo niya sinabi ang “I am sorry”, siya (Abalos) naman ay “I resign”. Mas okay kung sinabi niya ng “I will sing”…ikanta na niya lahat.
Politicos cannot be trusted. Dugong Cojuangco si Cory. Baka may pinag-samahan sila o utang na loob sa pagkanalo ni Nonoy Aquino sa senado. Hindi siya naging biktima ng dagdag-bawas. Who knows? Nonoy’s votes were then protected by Abalos.
Ang basa ko sa ginawang resignation ni Abalos ay inunahan lang niya ang Kongreso dahil sure na mai-impeach siya. Now that he has resigned, it’s moot. He shall not be impeached. The other venue with me the court. Tuloy ang demanda sa lokong iyan. Paiyak-iyak pa kasama ang asawa at anak. What’s more to ask for, Mr. Abalos? From a humble caddy you became the Comelec Chairman. Who knows the wealth and assets you have accumulated all these years. Gusto lang ng sabaw sa 5-Star hotel ka pa pumupunta. You had your time. The next best thing for you to do is do the country a favor before you die by telling the truth.
Kaya pala binawalan ni Cory si Mrs. Poe na huwag ituloy ang pagmumura kay Gloria dahil sa “Hello Garci”. Sabit pala ang bata niyang si Abalos.
Mrs.Cory Aquino:
Unsolicited advice po.Sana po next time,please consider the feelings of the Filipino people when you show VERY PUBLIC support to your loyal friends.We have great respect for you as a widow of Ninoy and as a President who helped restore our democratic institutions.
Abalos may have been anti-Marcos fighter (just like the millions who supported the “people power” revolution)BUT he made election a big farce in this country (remember “Hello Garci,” Maguindanao” results?).
I am not accusing him of the ZTE bribery.But I hold him accountable as Comelec chief for all the electoral frauds during his stewardship of the poll body.
Perceptions are more important than reality particularly in this country.
Ok po ba and mga ginawang kalokohan ni abalos porque nanalo naman si Noynoy?
I’m not a Marcos fanatic.
Just a an ordinary Filipino with feelings po.
Correction: The other venue will be the court. To Abalos: Hindi ka pa tapos. Stay in the country and don’t leave. Kumanta ka na…ang mga anak, apo at sa mga darating na generation mo ang makikinabang sa gagawin mong kabayanihan kung magsabi ka lang ng tutoo. At 71, you’re in your twilight years. What’s more to prove? You have the money and tasted power. Think about the people and country even just for this time…then, you can die peacefully.
Imagine, sabit si Abalos sa “Hello Garci” and ZTE scandals (among other big ones), tapos ayan at lumabas si Cory para suportahan si Abalos samantalang ni wala siyang suporta o sinasabi man lang tungkol sa ibinulgar ni Gen. Lim na kalagayang pang-medical ni Gen. Miranda. Wala rin pala siyang puso!
Talagang itong si Cory ay unfair, may tinititigan! Kaisa nga pala siya ng CBCP. I already lost the little respect kay Cory.
TDC and Chi, buti kung makikinig sa inyo si dating Pango-long Cory Aquino. If only for delicadeza, she should not have gone to see Abalos immediately after he resigned. Iyan bang klaseng tao ang bibigyan mong suporta? Why not go to Joey De Venecia? Why not tell the CBCP to help you repeat the past two Edsas? O baka naman nagma-mahjong na kayo ngayon ni Gloria.
pechanco:you have a point!.A personal utang na loob was more important to her than the signal to the people that she didnt consider abalos responsible for all the electoral frauds during his stewardship of the poll body.
TDC, wala sa timing ang pagdalaw ni Cory. Why should one condone a crook like Abalos? O baka naman may alam si Abalos tungkol kay Cory na hindi natin alam. Cory might have gone to talk to him to tell him to shut up. May alam ba si Abalos noong Edsa Uno? May alam ba si Abalos sa Kamag-anak Inc. Cory is brainless. She should have waited a little longer before seeing Abalos. Palibhasa kasi puro dasal at mahjong lang ang alam niya.
ore than six hours after Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr announced his resignation on Monday, journalists saw the poll executive talking with at least three Cabinet officials at a restaurant in Mandaluyong City.
Abalos’s meeting with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales and Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya started about 6:30 p.m. and lasted for an hour inside Max’s Restaurant within Liberty Center at 312 Shaw Boulevard.
Para sa ilang miyembro ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), ang naging desisyon ni Abalos ay tugon sa kanilang mga dasal.
“Thank God Mr Abalos responded to our prayer. The best decision that Mr Abalos has done is to resign amid threats of impeachment. It was a short cut. Thank you, Mr Abalos for your decision,” pahayag ni Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, pangulo ng CBCP.
…Iyan lang ba ang sasabihin niyo? Thank you?
By resigning, Abalos not only escaped the impeachment process, it would also prevent the Senate from putting him on trial.
Once transformed into an impeachment court, the Senate, where Abalos has many enemies, could wield vast powers, including the right to subpoena records, open bank accounts, compel witnesses to testify and prevent officials from invoking the President’s executive order barring them from appearing before Congress without her permission.
Iyan mga kababayan ang dahilan kung bakit nag-resign si Abalos. Wika nga ni Senator Lacson, it was a tactical maneuver.
Good boy, Abalos! Now get ready for the next round. Hindi pa tapos ang boxing. Unless you sing. The country will never vindicate you unless you tell the truth, who’s behind all these NBN scandal, election fraud (GMA cheated, in cahoots with election officials like Garci), and others.
From Pechanco: “Cory might have gone to talk to him to tell him to shut up. May alam ba si Abalos noong Edsa Uno?”
Wala pa sa Commo-collect si Abalaos nuon. Baka sa pagkapanalo ni Noynoy sa pagka senator? Kung di ay bakit kaagad agad siyang bumwisita?
Akala ko sukol na si Ab ng ZTE, nakahugot pa ng trick ang malacanang para sa kanya. Lugi na naman ang mga pinoys.
Corporal work of mercy…that’s how I view it…Cory work of mercy.
She’s in blue not in yellow. Just an act of mercy. She’s not one with abalos (re: bribe attempt) much the same way when you visit a convicted felon. Only being a friend. They even viewed some nostalgic pictures.
She didn’t pass judgment on abalos’ wrongdoing. She asked for prayers…the truth will come out.
For all these, I still admire her.
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Spot-on!
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A likely scenario.
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Headings:
Abalos resigns. (Should’ve been mega-pacific ages ago.)
Abalos sings. (That’s more like it…but I doubt it.)
Sana lahat ng commissioner ng comelec mag-resign, Yung bakalang commissioner ! Yung mukhang baboy ramo na naka-usli ang ngipin sumama na kayo sa amo niyo , para malinis nang husto yang comelec at mabalik ang dating tiwala nang tao sa comelec..!
Bago ka mag-resign abalos , Ibalik mo muna yung Pera na na-komisyon mo ..! ugok !!!!
Dapat si Abalos ang may utang na loob kay Cory not the other way around. Appointed OIC-Mayor siya after EDSA1, then MMDA Chairman, etc.
What could have been Cory’s debt of gratitude that would be bigger than Abalos’ appointment? Was it the decision to count “Aquino” votes for Noynoy only and not dividing it with favorite sister-in-law, Tessie?
Oo nga ano. I missed that point, Tongue.
As usual, you’re providing the correct link.
ermita, gonzales (the banana-eating one, of course), and andaya met with abalos…apparently to tell him:
“YOU are already the BIG fish in the ZTE pond…NO one else but YOU!”
Re: After resigning, Abalos meets 3 Cabinet men for ‘fishpond’ talk
Aha, it’s a chance encounter or just another coincidence. Maybe they discussed about exit and cover-up plans. Gonzales and Ermita belong to Gloria’s inner circle.
Diego,
Heh! Pretty sure something like “exit and cover-up plans” were taken up!
Ermita is not a guy who will be so crude in front of Abalos family as to say “Hey, fella, dontcha worry, we’ll take care of you and make sure you they don’t get to you over at the justice dept so jez hold on and don’t rat on Gloria, OK?” He is used to coded language and am pretty sure Abalos is not so dumb as to not understand!
What happens now to ex-future-Supreme-Court-Justice Benjamin Abalos who-plans-to-retire-in-the-telecoms-industry?
He is still as deadly as a suicide bomber in Gloria’s bedroom. But he is so all greased-up they have to use bacon to duct-tape his mouth.
I believe Ermita, Gonzales, and Andaya told him in unison: “Benjie, may 200 ka dito!”
Hey folks, out of thread question: why does Gloria go to China? To affirm the ZTE deal?
BOB here raised a good point why Cory immediately went to see Abalos. May ginawa ba si Abalos kay Noynoy? I for one could not imagine Noynoy making it to the Senate. Siguro nakiusap si Cory kay Abalos na huwag idamay ang anak. Bakit tahimik si Noynoy sa ZTE scam deal? Kahit itong si Gringo Honasan tahimik. Aba, nakakahalata na kami sa inyo…
Watch closely Norbie Gonzales’ moves in the affairs of Abalos. He was reported to have addressed an audience at the Development Academy of the Philippines (or was it National Defense College of the Phils, im not sure!) behind closed doors, meaning, sans media.
According to a radio reporter who got a text from an attendee, Gonzales named Abalos as the “biggest threat to national security”. It was the same day Gloria spoke to an audience in an agency Tingting Cojuangco chaired.
That was two months ago. I tried to get confirmation from Ellen and from the other blogs, to no avail.
I just realized now, THIS IS IT! This was what Gonzales meant by Abalos being the biggest national security threat.
Or at least a threat to Gloria’s continued stay in power.
Found it! Aug 10 was the date at the NDCP forum in Shangri-La. Still looking for the text of the speech.
Inquirer has published pictures of Abalos with his family when he announced his resignation, undoubtedly to get sympathy and possible turning the blame to the whistleblower, one being supported by the culprits involved in the ZTE-NBN case, and likewise, now enemy Joey dV.
Sorry, Abalos-san, you don’t have a face of an angel. Para kang iyong proverbial wolf in sheep’s cloak! Demonyong-demonyo ang dating mo!
HG: Hey folks, out of thread question: why does Gloria go to China? To affirm the ZTE deal?
*****
Tell you what, HG, sobra kasi ang confidence ng ungas na kaya niyang bilugin ang ulo ng mga intsik kasi akala niya iyong plastic surgeon made an obra maestra on her face. Pakikitahan lang daw niya ng panty, laglag na agad ang mga intsik. Ano ang malalaglag, I leave it to your imagination! Sabi nga sa Ilocano, “Sarampingat!”
I guess GMA would brag about her Chinese ancestry even saying she’s related to the Emperor of China in the past. You’re right, ystakei…she will show her red panty to the Chinese. The Chinese love red color. Masayang kulay daw at suwerte.
HW,
Si Tongue ang nakakaalam kung bakit punta Tsina Gloria.
Tongue,
Bah kung ganyan ang sinabi ni Norbie na biggest threat sa national security si Abalos, kailangang protektahan na niya ang sarili against EK. Ibulgar na niya ang lahat ng alam niya.
Baka kaya the 3 bugok na itlogs saw him right away after his resignation, tinakot o inuto?
Yup, with Abalos full knowledge of Hello Garci and ZTE, talagang mayayanig silang lahat sa EK kapag ito ay nag-alburuto!
Gloria Pidal sat on a wall.
Gloria Pidal had a great fall.
All the queen’s horses and all the queen’s men
Couldn’t put Gloria Pidal together again.”
One by one, they are falling by the wayside (either by divine intervention or by scandals…)in 2007.
1)Claudio(Resigned due to delicate operation)
2)Lolo Gonzales(Kidney transplant)
3)Abalos(ABCZTEFG)
4)Miriam(foot in mouth disease)
5)Neri(cowardice)
There are still 3 months to go in 2007.Abangan!
TDC,
I expect Asspweron caught entwined in his barbed-wires hit by lightning, and Ermita crawls on EK’s floor with frothing mouth.
“expect Asspweron caught entwined in his barbed-wires hit by lightning, and Ermita crawls on EK’s floor with frothing mouth.Chi”
Sila sila rin ang magaaway out of the greed.Expect the following to survive and join the next administration AGAIN!
Ronnie Puno(he has very good “election skills”!)He has been with Marcos/Ramos/Erap/Pidal administrations.
Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara:for image building.
Hear this:
“Cory Aquino trooped to the Abalos residence yesterday afternoon and it’s not hard to deduce that it was to convince him to do a Chavit against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”
That’s Belinda Cunanan speaking.
Praning na po sila.
Was it not also Aling Cory who maneuvered to have Clarissa Ocampo testify against Erap?
Why are Filipinos allowing a criminal to appoint the commissioners in the Comelec? Amazingly idiotic, I guess.
It’s time really for the lawmakers to change that provision that allow the president, fake or real, virtuous or not, to choose people to occupy positions in the government that cannot be biased, prejudiced,impartial, etc. The Commission on Election should be one of those agencies that should be cleaned up of cronies and protectors of the criminals now squatting at the palace by the murky river.
Sinungaling talaga si GLORC. In 2001, when she was caught showing off her red panty, sabi niya talagang ganoon daw ang style niya. Her panties would have the same color as her dress, pero iyong picture sa Inquirer, it looks like she was wearing a white pair of panties. Baka sabihin niya kapareho noong white hair niya!
Tignan natin kung malalaglag ang mga pants ng mga intsik sa panties niya! Kung ako ang masusunod, I will insist on sending this creep to a finishing school para matoto ng tamang pag-upo para hindi siya makitahan ng panty, and learn some good manners and right conduct that she seems to lack even when she claims that she is now the richest crook in the Philippines!!! 😛
kaya kasama si Miriam sa Shanghai …
“In the evening of her first day there, the President is scheduled to attend the opening rites of the Special Olympics at the Shanghai Stadium in Tianyaoquiao Road to boost the morale of the Philippine contingent participating in the sports event.
Participants of the Special Olympics are athletes with special intellectual disabilities, dubbed as special athletes, from around the globe.”
I read that Abalos said he won’t turn state witness. Nahilot ng tatlong bugok na itlog ni Gloria?! Or nasa plano na ang kanyang resignation kapalit ng EK’s protection as previously agreed?!
Chi don’t doubt at all that nahilot ng 3 bugok na itlog si Neri!
The mere presence of 3 cabinet officials in an Abalos family dinner headed by no less than Mr Lil President Ermita is already a code to reassure or perhaps to ‘threaten’ Abalos? No need to say much at that level.
I believe you, Anna. Si Ka Edong pa!
Abalos will probably be given another position just like what all those loyal to the kwin korap are rewarded with by the cheapie queen. There will probably be another shuffling of cabinet position. Naknamputsa talaga!
If Abalos is getting out of Comelec, ipalit sa kaniya si Neri-toke at si Abalos sa CHED? Susmarya! :-O
Anong malay niyo, gawing Supreme Court Associate Justice pa si Abalos. Almost all who helped GMA in her crimes were rewarded with high positions.
Yuko,
I don’t know about appointing Abalos to another govt position desperate as Gloria might be to get him on side so he doesn’t squeal. It would be political suicide. She doesn’t have Congress like she used to when some group wanted Davide impeached. Too difficult for the moment, maybe in a few months when nothing comes out of the Senate thinggy.
As we speak today, has anything been lodged against Abalos in Sandiganbayan? Not that it would come to anything…
But I would like her to do that – appoint abalos to another govt post, who knows? That could spark the much needed cleansing in politics starting with Gloria.
mas matutuwa ang mga pinoy kapag lumantad ang headlines sa mga diyaryo – “ABALOS IS IN COMA”. o kaya “ABALOS COMMITS SUICIDE”.
mas matutuwa ang mga pinoy kapag TUMAMBAD ang headlines sa mga diyaryo – “ABALOS IS IN COMA”. o kaya “ABALOS COMMITS SUICIDE”.
alin kaya ang mauuna?
Mrivera, I prefer this headline: “Neri shot and killed Abalos over romance”. Below the headline is a caption that says “Quarrel over a gay lover”.