Malaya’s report on the Luneta rally:
BY GERARD ANTHONY NAVAL
REFORMS in government, including in the electoral system, should first be instituted before tinkering with the Constitution, Church leaders said in an anti-Charter change rally held yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta.
“Mas magiging maayos ang charter change na pino-propose (nila) kung magkakaroon muna ng pagbabago sa mga tao bago ang kung ano man ang baguhin… tulad ng Saligang Batas natin,” said Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines which initiated the rally.
“A character change is more needed than a charter change,” he added.Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, who officiated Mass during the rally, said: “Changes must come first from people being entrusted with the elections.”
Lagdameo and Rosales agreed with the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines that among those highly needing reforms is the electoral system.
“If those rushing charter change are really sincere about reforms, then let them first reform the electoral system and restore its trustworthiness, starting with a thorough revamp of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Make the 2007 elections truly credible,” CEAP said in a statement.
“Then, when the necessary safeguards against self-interest shall have been set, and after a massive education campaign, maybe we can resurrect the plan to change the Constitution. Until then, let the present charter stay,” it added.
Rally organizers said about 100,000 people showed up for the rally which was originally meant to express opposition to the move of allies of President Arroyo to railroad amendments to the Constitution first through People’s Initiative ands then through a Constituent Assembly.
The police count was 30,000 during the peak of the prayer-rally that started at around 3 p.m. with the Mass.
The CBCP is of the position that if there ever is a need to amend the charter, it should be through a Constitutional Convention, the mode also preferred by majority of the senators.
The Malacañang-backed PI was struck down by the Supreme Court in October, calling it “deceptive and misleading.”
Last week, amid the protest call which was answered by the El Shaddai and Jesus is Lord movement, among other religious groups, House leaders led by Speaker Jose de Venecia dropped the Senate-less Con-Ass and shifted to Con-Con.
House leaders also said there was no more reason for the Church to proceed with the rally.
The CBCP decided to push through with the gathering and use it as an occasion to pray for the enlightenment of the country’s leaders.
UNITY
Rosales, in his homily, said charter change must be done “in unity with the people.”
“Change must come. Only dead men no longer change. If in our lifetime, this change should come, let it all begin with the unity of our people. This means everyone is subject and object of reform,” he said.
He said “the only valid equation a people can make in people and nation-building is the sacrifice that equals the good of everyone, especially the many who are poor in our midst.”
Lagdameo, in his opening remarks, reiterated his call for the people to remain vigilant, particularly against moves to amend the Constitution.
The opposition at the House is saying the Arroyo allies could revive the Con-Ass.
Lagdameo also said the gathering was “an occasion to thank the Lord for answering our un-articulated prayer.”
He was referring to the House’s dropping of the Con-Ass.
REPENTANCE
Lagdameo said he was overwhelmed by the response to the Church’s call and that he “was not expecting the event to be this big – this is the nation a prayer.”
“This only shows that what the public really want is change. The public must be aware of the happenings in the country, aware of the different issues,” he said.
Rally organizers had expected 500,000 participants.
CBCP spokesman Monsignor Pedro Quitorio said in going to Luneta, participants braved the warning from the Armed Forces of a possible terrorist attack.
Lagdameo said there were forces who tried to convince the Church to call off the rally but said the CBCP could not do that “because several other things are happening in the country.”
“We are calling for repentance of sins, reform of morals and renewal of values. This is the purpose of this gathering,” Lagdameo said.
“We need all of it and together, our nation will rise up with hope, right vision and confidence,” he added.
Lagdameo offered an advice to the country’s leaders. “Instead of being self-oriented, why can’t we be country-oriented instead?”
Cha-cha proponents are being accused of pushing to amend the Constitution to perpetuate themselves in power.
NO BANNERS, STREAMERS
Rally organizers from militant, civil society and religious groups said the number of participants reached 100,000 but way below the expected 500,000.
Members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines were also present.
Anti-Arroyo activists heeded requests of Church leaders not to display streamers and banners with political slogans.
Senators, congressmen, civil society group members and business leaders stayed away from the stage.
Senators earlier said they would not want to put political color to the prayer rally and would join the crowd as ordinary people.
Those who attended were minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Senators Panfilo Lacson, Franklin Drilon, Alfredo Lim, Mar Roxas, Serge Osmeña, Luisa Ejercito Estrada, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay Jr.
Among the opposition congressmen who also attended the rally were party-list Reps. Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, Teddy Casiño, Rafael Mariano, Riza Hontiveros and Loretta Ann Rosales; minority leader Francis Escudero; Reps. Erin Tañada, Gilbert Remulla, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Rolex Suplico, Nereus Acosta, Roilo Golez and Allan Peter Cayetano.
SIGNATURE COLORS
President Corazon Aquino was accompanied by Noynoy. Other prominent political personalities who were also at the rally were Black and White Movement leaders Leah Navarro, former government officials Teresita Deles, Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and Florencio “Butch” Abad.
From the business sector were Jose L. Cuisia, Ramon “Blue Boy” del Rosario Jr. and Ricardo Romulo.
Other prominent personalities in attendance were former Vice President Teofisto Guingona; Makati Mayor and United Opposition president Jejomar Binay; former Senators Ernesto Maceda, Rene Saguisag and Francisco Tatad; and Arroyo critics Bishops Antonio Tobias of Novaliches and Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan.
Batangas Vice Gov. Ricky Recto was seated beside Golez.
Liberal Party members led by Drilon wore yellow shirts with their party name on it; Black and White wore black shirts with “Oust Gloria, now na!” prints and Aquino was in her trademark yellow dress.
Only one mural adorned the stage. It read: “”Watch and Pray: Magmalasakit para sa bayan. Pagtitipon para ipakita ang sentimiyento ng bayan.”
The Estradas said they participated in the rally to “pray for the country, the Filipino people and even to our enemies who are also enemies of the Filipino people.”
“Ipinagdasal namin na sana ay makinig na si Gloria sa isinisigaw ng taong-bayan na sawang-sawa na sa kanya, sa panloloko niya sa taong-bayan at sa panggigipit sa bayan,” Sen. Jinggoy said.
RESIGN NOW
He said that if President Arroyo would listen to the people, “she should resign now.”
Lacson, who was accompanied by members of the Be Not Afraid Movement, called for continued vigilance “not only today but on the days ahead.”
“I pray that she may repent on all she has done to the Filipino people,” he said. “Maaaring inabandona na ang Cha-cha ngayon pero maaari pa ring ituloy bukas.”
Escudero said it is only Arroyo who is in the best position to change the country. “Change should start with her,” he said.
Militants said the rally gave them hope that “people power” is still alive.
“This is a perfect way to end the year, and a way to give hope for this nation for the difficult struggles ahead. We hope that this spirit of solidarity will continue to motivate our people to seek changes in our country. We hope that our people will finally make the administration accountable for all its crimes,” said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
Reyes said the Arroyo administration “has tried hard and pulled every antic possible” to put off people from attending the prayer rally.
“There has been deception and misinformation. There have been talks of provocateurs and saboteurs. We have been warned about turning the prayer rally into a circus. Despite all these pronouncements, the people have come out in great numbers to show their solidarity,” Reyes said.
Thousands of Bayan affiliates and allies marched from the Liwasang Bonifacio to Luneta. – With JP Lopez, Evangeline Vera, Reinir Padua and Raymond Africa
The CBCP’s spokesman’s statement about quality and not quantity clearly applies in the Cebu City rally too:
Anti-Charter change rally in Cebu more vocal, political
Jolene Bulambot
Cebu Daily News Inquirer
CEBU CITY–Unlike the Rizal Park prayer rally which avoided political statements, around 600 protesters in Cebu City proclaimed on streamers and placards their call for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and their sentiments against her administration.
The protesters, composed of members of the Jesus is Lord movement, Protestant and evangelical churches and militant groups, marched from Colon Street and gathered at the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda at around 4 p.m. Sunday where they sang hymns and held a prayer service asking for the “enlightenment” of President Arroyo and legislators.
Re: “Anti-Arroyo activists heeded requests of Church leaders not to display streamers and banners with political slogans.”
Wonder why they heeded this particular Church request…
T’was after all only a request and NOT a command to the faithful.
Recently, some bloggers made comments or criticized veteran columist Ducky Paredes for his change of position. I wrote him a letter and inquired about it, and herewith is his reply which I’m sharing with everyone:
I am so disappointed in the leaders of the so-called opposition. Not
one of them has any real plans for this country. they have plans only
for themselves. Anyway, if this is the parting of the way for us, so
be it. I believe I am stil writing what I believe.
On 12/16/06, Noel Pongco wrote:
> Mr. Paredes,
>
> Many have noticed and are now criticizing you for your change of tune
or
> tone towards GMA and Malacanang. I must admit I was and still am an
avid
> follower of yours. However, I now treat you with reservation since I
myself
> have noticed your change. I don’t understand why you have to concur
with
> Bunye’s statement. Don’t you know that Bunye is the Malacanang Press
> Secretary and Spokesman?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Noel Pongco
>
Re Ducky’s supposed reply: “I am so disappointed in the leaders of the so-called opposition. Not one of them has any real plans for this country. they have plans only for themselves.”
Aha! Gloria, I suppose has no plans for herself. Hmmm…
That Gloria is hated by majority of the Filipinos is proven by several surveys.
Yet, rally crowds do not live up to our expectation.
I believe that our idea of People Power which were Edsa I and Edsa II are outmoded. There is people power but it will be manifested in other forms than going to Edsa or Luneta.
How? I do not know. Let’s see how this almost universal outrage for Gloria will take shape in the coming days.
npongco,
umaasa siguro si “Rubber Ducky” na may kukuha sa kanya bilang ‘kalihim’ kung sakaling mapalitan na si Gloria Mansinukaw.
Huwag kayong magtaka kung sakaling maging press secretary ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-golf golf lang.
May pag-asa at magbabago ang bansa natin sa pamamagitan ng mga dedicated at mga determinadong tao at hindi sa tulad nina ducky paredes.
Ducky’s line of reasoning echoes that of Malacanang. Isn’t GMA and Malacanang keep saying that the opposition has no real plans for the country? Ducky could express his change of position without praising a Malacanang cabinet member’s statement like what he did to Bunye. Anyway, let’s give him (Ducky) the benefit of the doubt. Anyone can change his opinion like many who now change their opinions about Marcos.
when will this so called leaders of the church will open their eyes,listen to their ears and use their mouth for the sentiment of the people and good for the country..what change they are praying for GMA??the only change she will do as long as she is seating their in malacanang illegaly pretending to be a president.is a new style again to con the filipino people!after all this brouha ha..and drama by the church leaders..GMA and her evils are laughing and again planing something to decieved again the filipinos..
the only way to have all the things that the church leaders wants like reforms in the comelec,stop the corruptions,killing of innocent people like the judges,journalist,student,social workers,farmers,militants,opposition and even adminitration allies who they sacrifice and the corrupt generals and some men in uniforms and the retired generals who are given juicy positions in the goverment and the criminals who they are using as death squad to kill and monitor people who they brand as terrorist,rebels or reds but are only exercising their rights and grievances under democracy..
is the immediate ousting of GMA!!as long as GMA sits their in the murky river in pasig..expect again new style of killing and murdering of innocent people!!the enemy of the filipino people is GMA and no reforms or change will do this evil!!
character change for GMA? ain’t gonna happen.
i’d rather see a change in leadership in Malacanang.
a personnel change in malacanang is what i want.
Ellen:
It is not enough that the Catholic priests pray for the Great Switik to change her attitudes, etc. They should pray for her removal, and the change in not the attitude, etc. of the Great Switik but the corruption of the Filipinos in the past 20 years or so. Evil for example has become good and vice versa. The evil woman knows this and she makes real good use of the situation.
The prayer rally in fact was very timely for at least the Catholic Church to start now to go backward—stop politicking and concentrate on its prime duty of directing the hearts of its members to God, for if they are upright and righteous, God will bless them with wisdom to know what is right from wrong, good from evil, virtue from vice, pleasure from pain, and they surely will not be easily influenced by evil leaders like the Great Switik but will have the wisdom to resist her and her fellow crooks.
As for the number of people in the rally, 150,000 is not something that we should feel sorry for. It is a good number as a matter of fact. The number could have swelled more if not for the threats, etc. and the confusion deliberately created by the PNP, AFP, etc. on the order of the Great Switik and her cohorts, and even lesser fearless leaders to lead them to glory. Let us be reminded that more than 800 of these fearless leaders have already been liquidated to frighten the people they lead.
150,000 voices must have reached heaven by now. God, with His Infinite Wisdom, definitely knows how He will respond. I, for one, waits for how the Lord will answer the prayers of even a few of the most righteous of the Luneta crowd yesterday.
Let us remember that God’s way is not our way. I, for one, await the power of heaven to be upon this Pimp who has contributed more to the total corruption of Filipinos, whom I believe God must have abandoned as a matter of fact, because they have become unrighteous. The prayer yesterday is a coming back, and let’s see if God finds their prayers acceptable.
I believe in miracles, you know. It can happen anytime, for as the Scriptures say, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to aget, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” (Eccl 3:1-8)
Yesterday was a time for praying! Let’s wait for the time of rending, and perhaps a time of war!!!
To all who were there at the rally, yesterday, I say “MABUHAY!” What’s that saying? “Sa tao ang gawa, sa Dios ang awa!”
Tuloy ang pakikibaka! Nasimulan na, ituloy na! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Looks like “real plan” (re-Ducky’s) of the oppositions has been replaced or peripheralized by the one hidden by a hegemonic (demonic?) group. So, Ducky may have believed that Gloria’s and her questionable regime has a better plan? I didn’t get it. Anyway, I would like to know how, and what’s the circumstance why he praised a lapdog(s) of Malacanan. BTW, I don’t read Ducky, so am not familiar with him at all.
I agree that anybody has the right to change – from neutral to positive/negative, or even from one end to the opposite end. Question is, people normally don’t like those who change from “good” to “bad” (using their own definitions). Many seem to be more forgiving of those who do the reverse (from “bad” to “good”), as in the case of balimbings.
I agree, hawaiianguy. People have the right to change but don’t want to change from good to bad. It is for this reason perhaps why Ellen still maintains her anti-Marcos stand.
It took me some time to learn to navigate to this blog comment site, and your assigned pasword will not be easy to remember… but now to my point…
First of all, we’re together in this struggle to oust Gloria and everythign that she symbolizes as well as every harmful deed she has instituted in the country.
Now, to the main point: you still hold that this anomaly that is Gloria is rooted in the 2004 election cheating, but let me ask – did Gloria just flaunt the law, the public’s interest, the will of the people, human rights, the national interest, the despoiling of the country, the public trust – did it all just start after cheating the 2004 elections or did the very first act that snow balled into what she is today start when she conspired in 2000 to bring down a legally, Constitutionally, mandated government and elected President Estrada, and this was sanctioned by many of the “intelligentia” in the country which allowed her to continue through to the 2004 elections to cheat it…
Isn’t it that the greatest continuing injustice is the injustice of the situation to President Estrada who languishes in captivity though completely innocent – isn’t the mockery of the law at its height with the criminals like Chavit getting away with their false testimony and Gloria and cohorts with their treason against the Constitition and the Will of the People?
If an elected President can be so unjustly treated, what more the Filipino people. Of course, the fate of many others are worse, like those murdered by extra-juidical killings – but they are not as symbolic and morally significant for the entiere nation as an elected President being a victim of injustice in the land that elected him.
I believe that the mea culpa for the 2001 injustice against the Filipino people and their elected President Estrada, that mea culpa is the last act of character change the country needs for final national, moral emancipation…
and by the way, the Makati Business Club should not be exonerated for its continuing support for the stay of Gloria until 2010, nor for its continuing crimes against the people for its predatory business power and manipulaiton of PHilippine politics — they are one of the biggest beneficiaries from Edsa Dos and Gloria’s take over of government… and they are still sucking and raking it in… over the dying bodies of the Filipino… especially Zuellig and Dick Romulo….
Thanks, and more power to the best columnist in Malaya!!!!
Ka Mentong, is that you?
bumaliktad na si ducky. matagal na nating alam yan.
http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2006/09/so-should-we-abolish-senate-ducky.html
I believe it was around August of 2006 that ducky became pro-Arroyo. yeah, i can still remember it. it was weird because one week he was still in his anti-Arroyo mode, the next week he became anti-opposition and pro-cha cha. the tone of his articles have changed. pinuri pa nga niya si mike arroyo sa isang article niya sa abante eh.
para sa akin, biglaan ang change of heart niya for this one time ducky paredes reader. it started from him suddenly become a fanatical advocate of cha cha around august, then naging anti-opposition at anti-senate yung column nya, hanggang naging pro-arroyo na siya completely IMO.
he crossed over to the dark side. that’s when i stopped reading him na.
and i don’t buy his BS na yung opposition raw ang dahilan kung bakit siya bumaliktad.
ka mentong, if erap should be in jail, then arroyo should be there too with him.
pero ayaw ng mga hypocritical pro-arroyo supporters dyan na ipakulong si arroyo (and she’s more corrupt and the bigger crook IMO), then might as well pakawalan na rin si erap.
htlfam, you can change your password into something you can easily remember.
I believe that Gloria Arroyo greedy character won’t change in her lifetime. Satan is always Satan. Gloria Arroyo will use deception to survive. She had lost public trust and credibility. It seems that no recovery in sight. She may appear in different public image or camouflage to deceive the people and it won’t change public perception for her cheating, lying and stealing regime. Gloria character change? Kapag maputi na ang uwak.
Npongco, just a reaction to the reason given by Ducky Paredes. I, for myself, cannot believe that to be a very valid reason for the change of his tune. Almost all bloggers here have been attacking Glue, but have not changed tune and mind just bec there are no plans of the ‘opposition’. That shortcoming of the opposition is there a long time ago, but it did not stop us from punching the maldita tiyanak. I think some big deals can happen while playing golf. Well, he can have his opinion and i have mine too.
Kitamokitako, principles can also change for many reasons, such as expedience and comfort. Words alone are sometimes not enough to measure a man/woman, but deeds are. Once people see Ducky tagging along Gloria’s entourage abroad (all expenses paid for, except by himself) as other oiled journalists do, or receiving govt favor, then it’s time to treat them as fair game. Isn’t that what media people call “envelopmental” journalism?
As for Gloria, she is stuck in her incorrigible principles, as Diego also said. No amount of prayers will make her change her inner ways. Shrewd as she is, Gloria knows how to say nice words to appease the angry. But isn’t the devil also able to do it? Maybe God already made her serve a PURPOSE, and has shown us the SIGN that she deserves to be booted out. It’s up to the people now. For me, our country would be much better off without Gloria and her ilk. Ousting Gloria is long overdue!
Most journalists treat their work as occupation not profession. If you know the meaning of these and the difference between the two, then that’s the answer to people’s surprise why Mr. Paredes has changed. I can say the same thing to this Randy David. He used to be very pro-GMA and Malacanang. And where is he right now? Very critical of Arroyo who now belongs to the opposition.
And you know what? I object to CBCP’s statement that the rally was about quality not quantity. The statement has double meaning. It could be misinterpreted by some. What did CBCP mean by quality? That those who attended were people of quality or who possessed better credentials than those who didn’t go? Assuming that there were only 100,000 who attended far from the projected 500,000, was CBCP saying that the rest of the 400,000 who failed to attend were people of lower class? Indeed, if we take a close look at those participants, they were mostly middle and upper middle class of people. Cory and her groups have never been identified with the poor. Cory and her family as well as those around her were the highly educated and materially blessed. Bill Luz? This Canadian citizen should not have been allowed to meddle in the internal affairs of the country especially in politics. Wasn’t this English speaking bearded guy very much anti-Erap and pro-GMA? Wasn’t he and the Concepcions part of the cheating machine Namfrel last election? What did they do then? They stopped counting when Arroyo’s votes started to decline. It’s this kind of people that make Sunday’s rally a flop…and it shall be in the future as long as we see hypocrites and opportunists like them!
Look npongco, if you object to what the CBCB statement, might make a world of difference if you actually write to them, don’t you think?
What you say makes sense so I suggest you write to them as is…
Write to CBCP? I don’t have any envelope to enclose. Let me just ask you then, Anna: How do you understand the statement? What did they mean by quality not quantity?
Look, I’ve wondered as much in a previous thread but I stopped there. After having wondered and having said it, no longer makes a difference to me to know whatever he meant. A lot more important things to ponder on than the faux pas of a priest.
To me, the CBCP spokesman statement is now public, up to people to ask for clarification. For those who strongly object to his statement, I advise they write to him just as I had suggested to you.
Now, if you don’t have an envelope in which to post your objection, that’s gonna be rather difficult, i.e., to let them know how you feel.
On that note, dear friends, I bid you all bonne nuit! A demain, portez vous bien…
ducky paredes? sudden change of heart? he he he , na-convert na ng mahika ng malacanang, lapit kasi ng lapit eh, tsk! tsk tsk.. ang tindi ng mga banat dati nyan sa glue-ria’s kingdom, baka napagbantaan din nglibel, natakot?
correction:
baka napagbantaan na kakasuhan ng libel? natakot..
Anna, the meaning and difference between quality and quantity makes huge difference. You and I, all of us, should not stop with that statement. CBCP’s statements are often vague and full of contradictions. Their position and stand on every issue be it political and others reflect their own in-fighting inside. They don’t speak with one voice. They claim to be in one Body of Christ; yet each part of the Body goes seperate ways. Such behavior transcends to every faithful Catholic. So, many are confused not only by these Servants of God’s actions but mostly the faith they possess. As an ordinary man, I interpret the statement in an ordinary but logical way. Quantity is the number of the people (who attended) while quality is the kind of people or status of individuals who attended. That alleged 100,000 people who attended if true were of higher class while the rest of those who failed to attend were of lower class…whether this be in economic or educational status; it doesn’t matter but the point is CBCP has made a distinction between two types of people who attended or did not attend the rally.
Dapat kay Ducky sumunod na lang sa utol niya na nagmu-mukmok sa Australia na napagod na daw kuno sa pagiging Pinoy.
sabi ni ducky paredes:
“I believe I am still writing what I believe”? heh heh. not exactly a strongly worded statement.
Anyway ducky, you may “believe”, but I don’t anymore.
One way of knowing that Ducky has changed is how he writes about Mike Arroyo nowadays.
here’s his nov 24, 06 article re the media’s countersuit against Mike Arroyo.
Compare his recent articles re Mike Arroyo to his old articles (before 2006) and you’ll see the difference.
sabi ni ducky paredes:
“I believe I am still writing what I believe”? heh heh. not exactly a strongly worded statement.
Anyway ducky, you may “believe”, but I don’t anymore.
One way of knowing that Ducky has changed is how he writes about Mike Arroyo nowadays.
here’s his recent article re the media’s countersuit against Mike Arroyo.
http://www.duckyparedes.com/blogs/ducky.php?title=11_24_06&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
for more examples, Compare his recent 2006 articles re Mike Arroyo
http://www.duckyparedes.com/blogs/ducky.php?s=%22mike+arroyo%22&submit=SEARCH%21
to his old articles (before 2006)
http://www.duckyparedes.com/sphider/search.php?query=%22mike+arroyo%22&search=1
and you’ll see the difference.
Below is a portion of Ka Mentong’s recent column:
It is not beyond Gloria and her generals to commit “flash flag” operations, they it during their destabilization of President Estrada in year 2000. They blamed the seven bombing incidents, including the bloodiest at the LRT, on Estrada to demonize him; but subsequent investigations of Gloria’s police could only pin it on dubious Muslim suspects. The important point there is that many “civil society” elements believed the initial blame pinned on Estrada, and nobody has come out to aggressively correct that (except this column) and call for pursuit of the real brains behind those bombings.
Reading the above, I can’t help but compare similar scenario to that of Marcos. The Plaza Miranda bombing was blamed on Marcos. Later, his worst critics admitted it was the work of the Communists. Ninoy’s death was also blamed on Marcos; but years from now, the real mastermind would be revealed…and history would indeed be kinder to Marcos.
Lest that the above last paragraph was written by Ka Mentong, may I say it was my reaction to the portion of his column. Ka Mentong, unlike the other journalists, has since changed his opinion about Marcos. Like Ellen, Ka Mentong was an activist in his younger days…active in fighting against Marcos. I hope others would follow and change their opinion about Marcos. Marcos was a simple, good man. I can’t say the same about his wife Imelda…
Should read: Lest that you think the above last paragraph was….
Marcos was his own man and is responsible for both the good and the (mostly) bad actions of his regime. Blaming the wife (Imelda), while popular in Filipino culture, does not wash.
damn, i miss the old ducky.
http://www.duckyparedes.com/archives/Malaya_Archive/2005/2005.05.10.Malaya.txt
and read this too. my my, how times have changed….
http://www.duckyparedes.com/blogs/ducky.php?title=title_7&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
i don’t know about you peeps, but me not likey likey the new ducky version.
quote from ducky paredes column: “The serious answer to these questions is of course to be found in the Constitution: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” Of course, as we all know, the second part of this provision is no longer honored by the present government. The present rule is “No permit, no rally!” by ducky paredes..
I think ducky paredes missed a point here by saying the second part of provision is no longer honored. Indeed the whole provision is not only honored but disregarded by the government with impunity… how could you have a freedom of the Press when you can’t say anything against the shenanigans of the President’s spouse without being sued for libel or the threat of being sued?..how could you have a freedom of the press when even there is no statute abridging the Freedom, but a bullet from assassin is worse for those who air their dissents. How could you have a freedom of speech when a constitution specifically prohibit passing a law, then the President go around by proclamations and decrees with the same results or even worse?
Our Charter (Canadian) states that all are rights are subject to ‘reasonable limitations’ that the house may passed into law, but these laws have not interfered with our “Freedoms” at all. Journalist are still free to opine and citizens are free to protest and air dissents without the fear of prosecution or worse the threats to personal safety. We never fear our Police Officers or our Soldier and we never consider our Political Leaders as anyone, but the people we trusted to manage our affairs.
Then the question is why this is happening in the Philippines. Where the constitution is not honored and abided by the lawmakers. Where the lawmakers and the lawbreakers are one and the same. The answers escape us all, or we may have them but afraid or reluctant to bring them out, for the chance that someday we might be on the other side and enjoy the privileges and wealth that the “status quo” brings and may not want to spoil that chance..or are we all lost; lost in despair of the rape of our very own self.. The answer is with us all..may we find them before it is too little too late…
Kalimutan ninyo na si Ducky Paredes. Pabayaan ninyo na siyang Dumak-duck! Nakasama kasi niya si Fatso sa golf. Baka sinabi, kung sasama ka sa akin, mas malaki ang ibibigay ko para sa golf association mo!
Talk of money being the root of evil! I don’t read Ducky Paredes anymore myself. He’s a rabid anti-Pimentel, too. Hindi ko malaman kung anong dahilan. Kaya nawalan ako ng gana sa kaniya!
cvj,
you’re right but can’t help blame Imelda too. Knowing the Filipina wife who is strong-willed, it is very possible that Marcos also caved in, after all she was his major political partner.
Which reminds me of what Volt Gazmin said when I asked him about his golf handicap… he said, it was his wife.
CVJ and that another blogger, why don’t you also blame Imelda for Marcos’ woes and fate? Any spouse plays a very important role in his or her partner’s actions and decisions. If you read my comment again, I didn’t say it was only Imelda…but his cronies and friends too. Yes, Marcos was his own man. I didn’t say he committed no mistake; and I can say the same of Erap. But most often, it’s the people around that causes leaders to become bad from worse. By my statement, I don’t clear this Gloria of her wrongdoings and crimes. Gloria is very different. She doesn’t listen to anyone but to herself. She micro manages and makes her own decisions without consulting her advisers most of the time. A habitual liar finds it hard to listen.
I don’t think GMA trusts her own people; not even her husband and family members. I believe that not all of her cabinet members and allies are very bad. Some might be trying to advise her and contribute their ideas. But knowing how arrogant and cruel this Gloria is, I believe she doesn’t heed the advice of these well-meaning allies most of the time. Back to Marcos, he became Imelda’s captive after that Dovie Beans sex tape scandal. Marcos like many great leaders was a womanizer. To continue with his vices and to protect his own presidency and political career, he had no choice but to give in to Imelda. Tell me, was there any member of Marcos family side who was involved in scandals and anomalies? His brother Dr. Pacifico Marcos was a reputable doctor. Marcos family’s side kept a low profile. What about Imelda’s side? Well, you only have to recall the activities of the Romualdezes…Again, was Marcos a bad leader? Yes. Was he the worst leader? Definitely no.
Never underestimate the woman’s influence in the life of her man. Tsarist Russia crumbled in pieces due partly to the influence of the man to the Tsar through his close “friendship” with his wife, thus having the wife Alexandra effect those influence. So was Eva Peron of Argentina, where Evita was the power the Man.
Like our Gloria, is she her own woman?, or the Big Man behind could also be the Bad influence in her role? History will find out, but just as husband and wife could have a conjugal role in the business of things, so is wife and husband..
npongco, anna, i don’t disagree that Imelda shares the blame as the other half of the Conjugal Dictatorship. What i don’t agree with is the position (which i commonly hear) that Marcos would have been ok if it were not for Imelda. Any man worthy of the name, especially someone as brilliant as the late President, would own up to his actions and not hide behind his wife before the judgment of history. Same goes with his cronies and friends. As President, the buck stops with him.
If you didn’t disagree cvj, what was your point then?
The bishops are asking to pray
for character change.
How is that to be done?
Who particularly are to do it?
Is character change possible?
The Bishops should name examples.
Is not the 10 Commandments clearer
to follow?
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not kill.
Anybody presently doing these
transgressions and violations
of the country’s law CAN BY
THEIR VOLITION STOP DOING
THESE CRIMES.
AND THE BISHOPS BY ALL THEIR
POWER AND WISDOM FAILED TO
THINK OF THIS CLEARER WAY
TO ADMONISH THE MAGNUM SINNERS.
Agree completely, cvj.
At the end of the day, FM was in command.
Robert V. Maich,
Yes, the oldest law of mankind I think is the clearest of all laws to follow. Just about as perfect as any set of laws, and very simple and succinct, but men complicate it to the point of writing books and books of law and not abide by them.
Vic
this my belief:
if a person has traveled life
and have maintained the
ten commandments, then he is
a better Christian or Muslim
than a priest or a cardinal.
So you can ask your religious
or political leaders whether
they know and had kept the
commandments without absolution
by confession.
Have Gloria and the Bishops
violated any of the ten commandments:
THOU SHALT NOT KILL.
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL STEAL.
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT AQDULTERY.
THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS WIFE
OR HUSBAND.
THOU SHALT NOT LIE.
WHO HAVE VIOLATED ANY OF THESE COMMANDMENTS?
GLORIA ARROYO, MIKE ARROYO, JOSE DE VENECIA,
H. ESPERON, I. BUNYE, F. DRILON, A. PIMENTEL?
CHIZ ESCUDERO, JOJO B BINAY, MIKE AND MIRRIAM
DEFENSOR, ERAP ESTRADA,
OMIGOD! YOU CAN LIST ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, AND THE JUCDICIARY.
EVEN THE ENTIRE PHILIPPINE OFFICIALDOM.
THE QUESTION IS WHY THE BISHOPS, THE MONSIGNORS AND THE PRIESTS DON’T EVEN MENTIONED
OR REMIND THEIR FLOCKS OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
DURING SUNDAY MASSES.
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION IS WHY THE CURIA MURDERED POPE JOHN PAUL I WHEN HE WAS ONLY TRYING TO LIVE THE PREACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST?
WALANG NAKAKAALAM?
KAWAWANG PILIPINAS.
bobvoymaik
Imelda is definitely a vain woman, but her being that powerful over Marcos, I doubt. Uto-uto nga iyan sa tingin ko e.
I would rather blame the cronies for the failure of Marcos to be the president that he promised he would be when he defeated the father of the Great Switik. They were most responsible for his downfall as a matter of fact.
I don’t know, however, if he was still really in command after the death of Ninoy. My mother cried when she saw him in 1986, for he was definitely a very sick man with impaired sight, and I don’t believe that his condition just suddenly turned worse after they were transported to Hawaii! As per information we received from other relatives, he had been sick even as early as the mid-70’s.
ako ay naniniwalang walang kinalaman si macoy sa pagkamatay ni ninoy. at hindi si galman ang bumaril sa kanya.
sino sa inyo ang nag-analyze ng cover ng mr & miss magazine kung saan cover ang pagbaba ni ninoy sa tarmac?
kitang kita ang security/escort na nakatutok ang baril sa likuran ng ulo ni ninoy.
Ystakei, Imelda was never submissive to Marcos. It was the other way. What she did were what this Big Fat Pig Mike has been doing since his wife illegally entered Malacanang. Many questionable transactions were entered into by Imelda and her friends. Corruption was rampant and this was mostly committed not just by Marcos’ cronies, but by Imelda’s group. If Imelda was submissive or as you described “uto-uto” to Marcos, his regime would have been successful and he would not have been ousted. Let’s face it, Imelda partly if not mainly caused the downfall of Marcos.
And you know what folks? Until this day, rumor is ripe that Imelda was part of that grand conspiracy in Ninoy’s assassination. One of her partners is dead and the other is still very much alive today.
Mang Rivera, bilang isang sundalo din ay alam mo ang nangyari kahit na sa mga panahong iyon ay Boy Scout ka pa lang. Isa din ako sa naniniwalang walang kinalaman si Da Apo noon. Kaya lang ginamit nila ang pangyayari para pabagsakin si Apo. Ang pagkamatay ni Ninoy ang umpisa ng pagpagsak kay Marcos. Taong 1983 iyon at 1986 lang bumagsak ng tuluyan si Marcos. Sa madaling salita, hindi bababa sa tatlong taon ang plano at mga kilos kontra Marcos. Etong si tiyanak…eh limang taon na nandiyan pa.
artsee,
may napanood ako kahapon na video ni Jet Li. Ito yung istorya ni Huo Yuanjia sa pelikulang Fearless sa Tianjin, China noong early 20th century.
Syempre gusto ko rin ito dahil tungkol sa history eh.
Kasama ko na nanood ang mga maintenance guy(alam mo na siguro kung ano trabaho ko), – at talagang mahilig sa “bakbakan”(smiley).
Dapat pala talaga ay pag-aralan ang WUSHU.
Binibigyan pagpapahalaga dito ang pag-inom ng tsaa.
Bilib din ako kay Tanaka(Shido Nakamura), iba talaga ang code of honor ng mga Hapon.
Ipinakita sa pelikula kung papaano tinalo ni Huo Yuanjia ang apat na sumisimbolo ng foreign powers: Bitoy(British boxer), Kastila(Spanish swordsman), Belgian soldier(ano ba tagalog nito?) at karatistang Hapon.
artsee, assigned na ako sa jolo, sulu noong panahong iyon na patayin si ninoy. 21 august 1983 siya pinaslang at unang linggo ng september same year ay nasa maynila ako on rest & recreation at noon ko nakita ang cover ng mr & miss magazine.
Mr. Rivera, if you know something about the Ninoy assassination, can you share it with us here…even at least a part of it?
npongco, analyzation lamang sa nakita kong picture as mr & miss magazine ang basis ko sa nalalaman ko sa pagkapaslang kay ninoy. please note that i was only on rest & recreation during the time i had a glimpse on it (see my post sa itaas). another is, paano mangyayaring si galman ang pumatay samantalang nang ipakita sa TV news ang mga detalye ay nakabulagta siya (galman) sa gilid ng van? paano siyang makakalapit sa tarmac gayung hindi naman siya miyembro ng AVSECOM being a pure civilian?
other than these, wala na akong maidadagdag pa. i just stick to my belief and conclusion – walang kinalaman si macoy at hindi si galman ang killer.