Skip to content

Lacson abandons plan to run for Manila mayor

Advisers of Sen. Panfilo Lacson have been telling him not to pursue his mayoralty plans because of questions of residency. Although he had registered in Manila as voter and has bought a house there, there are questions of actual residency. There have been legal jurisprudence that could be cited against him. Even if he won, the risk of disqualification is high.

This now paves the way for Sen. Alfredo Lim’s return to Manila as mayor.

Here’s the report of TJ Burgonio in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

MANILA — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is seeking reelection after all. Because of a possible disqualification over questions about his residency, the opposition senator has abandoned his much-talked about plan to run for mayor of Manila in next May’s elections.

“No, I’m not running for mayor anymore. I’ll just seek reelection,” Lacson said in a phone interview, confirming speculation that he was dropping his bid for the city’s top post.

The senator said he made his decision after his legal staff researched the matter. He also held several consultations with legal luminaries and election lawyers, who all advised him to drop his bid because there was a much bigger chance of his being disqualified because of the residency requirement.

“One prominent election lawyer told me that I have less than a 50 percent chance of not getting disqualified,” Lacson said, referring to lawyer Sixto Brillantes Jr., counsel for the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. “So I thought, ‘What’s there to seek or pursue’?”

Under the law, persons transferring residence for electoral purposes must show proof of their intention to live permanently in their new address. They should also abandon their previous residence.

There are legal precedents on the disqualification of local candidates because of their failure to meet this requirement, according to the senator, a long-time resident of Cavite.

“That’s where we thought we might have some problems. The attending requirements were not as simple as they appeared to be,” Lacson said, even as he pointed out that one of his opponents seemed set on filing a disqualification case against him using the residency requirement as a basis.

The senator announced last November that he was joining the race for Manila mayor before a large crowd of allies and supporters at the Manila Hotel. He was the first among the current crop of aspirants to do so.

The other hopefuls include Lacson’s own colleague, Sen. Alfredo Lim, Mayor Lito Atienza’s son Ali, Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez, Rep. Jose Hizon, Rep. Rudy Bacani, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and former anti-narcotics agent Mary “Rosebud” Ong.

“I feel relieved because we discovered the problem before I filed my candidacy,” Lacson said. “My only regret is that we didn’t do much research work before embarking on such an endeavor.”

Lacson said he was now focused on efforts to form a common senatorial slate with fellow re-electionists Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, Senators Ralph Recto and Joker Arroyo.

“We’re building a coalition. And all of us who are seeking reelection want to form the core group of the senatorial slate of the opposition in 2007,” he added.

Villar’s Nacionalista Party, the Liberal Party wing of Sen. Franklin Drilon, former president Joseph Estrada’s Puwersa ng Masa, and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay’s PDP-Laban have been holding talks for a possible coalition that would field a common senatorial slate next year.

Following his decision to withdraw from the race, Lacson has rejoined the talks, according to a senator and LP stalwart.

Lacson’s name was not included in the opposition’s “temporary list” of 12 senatorial candidates released by Estrada’s camp in November in view of his plan to run for mayor.

Also qualified for reelection are Senators Edgardo Angara and Luisa “Loi” Ejercito-Estrada, the former president’s wife.

Published inElection 2007

109 Comments

  1. joeseg joeseg

    Ilipat ko lang ang ipinoste ko sa kabilang sinulid.

    Siguro nga, Erap intervened between Senators Fred Lim and Ping Lacson na magbigayan. Sa mga nakausap kong taga Sampaloc dyan sa may Bustillos, mas gusto nila si Sen. Fred Lim dahil subok na nila bilang Mayor noon. Galit sila kay Lacson dahil maka-FPJ karamihan sa kanila.

    In the case of Lacson running along with Angara, we know that in politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. Baka maging friends muna sila dahil parehong tatakbo unless Angara will run under the aegis of GMA’s KAMPI. May chismis nga na magkakampi na sila. But as we know, mga shrewd politicians itong mga ito. Kung saan medyo maganda ang atmosphere, doon sila…muna. Tapos kapag nakaupo na, galit-galit na naman. Look at the administration senators and GMA’s backers Kiko Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, Manny Villar and Joker Arroyo. They are more inclined to be in the opposition ticket this time. Mas OK kasi ang pagharap sa masa kesa sa nasa bandwagon ka ni GMA.

    At least, Ping Lacson is very vocal about his being anti-Gloria. At yan naman ang pinupunto natin sa blog na ito, thanks to Ate Ellen. Si Angara, tameme in some issues against GMA. So, in this regard, I doubt if Lacson’s meeting with Ermita will change his mindset. It could be a political suicide. Unless, oy ito ha, unless mga friends, Ermita is now on the verge somersaulting! We can dream, can’t we?

    I hope we could continue what we started naming our senatoriables. In the column of Ernie Maceda, Daily Tribune, first time I read that Arnold Clavio is listed in the opposition line-up. Baka si Igan ang ihaharap kay Mike Enriquez who’s being courted by Malacanang. Hindi pa rin nababanggit ang manok ko, si former Congressman Dik Dilangalen. It’s about time that we have again a Muslim senator.

  2. Pampanga politics looks exciting. Alleged jueteng lord Bong Pineda threatened to tell interesting stories about jueteng if Sen. Lito Lapid starts the jueteng story telling.

    In the interview, he aired a warning to the Lapids should they raise the issue of the “jueteng” numbers game against his wife.

    “Sasagutin ko. Sasabihin ko ang lahat (I will answer these issues. I will tell all),” he said. He, however, declined to elaborate.

    “Away ng magnanakaw,” a taxi driver said of the Pampanga politics.

    Click here for the Inquirer story.

  3. joeseg joeseg

    Ate Ellen, mukhang kumakambiyo na rin si Lito Lapid matapos mangulelat ang Tatlong Baraha sa MMFF. Inalis na sa mga sinehan dahil nilalangaw ang takilya. Indikasyon na natauhan na siguro dahil no pansin na siya ng mga movie fans na bumoto sa kanya.

    Sundan ko lang ang aking earlier post.

    With Ping Lacson backing out from the Manila mayoralty race, it seems it’s also a tactical move to strengthen the stronghold of the opposition in two strategic points. In Manila where the seat of government is located with Sen. Fred Lim winning hands down as Mayor and in the financial hub of the country where Makati Jojo Binay will mercilessly clobber to kingdom come, Sen. Lito Lapid kahit isugal niya ang kanyang huling baraha, although nasa Senado pa rin kung ma-olat.

    One thing is certain now. With Mayors Lim and Binay at the helm, rally and demonstration permits will not be a problem anymore.

    So, I wonder now, baka may kaugnayan yon sa pinagusapan ni Lacson at Ermita kamakailan. Baka kinukumbinsi ni Ermita si Lacson na huwag umurong, ituloy ang laban at susuportahan siya ng Palasyo at all cost. Sa ganun, magkakahati-hati ang oposisyon at ang babandera ay ang kandidato ng administrasyon. The usual divide and conquer.

    Tingnan ninyo. Di ba pursigido si Mayor Atienza na pakawalan na muna si Erap? Isa marahil dahilan ay mag-hands off si Erap sa Maynila. Hindi pumayag si Erap. Sa halip, pinulong niya si Senators Lim at Lacson at pinaurong ang isa na may lesser chances. Si Lacson ang umurong dahil sa residency issue at siempre, ang mga bumoto kay FPJ, baka hindi siya dalhin.

    Sa Pasay, tiyak babalik si Peewee Trinidad. Sa Quezon City naman, Mayor Belmonte is not like Mayor Atienza in kowtowing with GMA.

  4. So, Pineda is talking against Lapid to protect the Great Switik! Bad seed na kasi ngayon si Lapid kay Switik and he is threatening to talk if the Great Switik tries to get the positions in Pampanga that Lapid must have thought rightfully belongs to him and his clan for life.

    Backstabbing? It’s a trait of those with so-called “dugong aso”! Why should we be surprised?

  5. chi chi

    Like Glueria, like minions! Puro magnanakaw, juetengeros!
    Sige, labu-labo na sila. Poor voters, no good choice. And if there ever was, he/she would not have a bit of chance to win over these two warring mekeni lords. Ohhhh lordy, lordy, lordy!

  6. tikbalang tikbalang

    Joeseg
    Hwag lang magkaroon ng martial law. Maganda yang tinutumbok mo at yan din ang akin dasal at naaamoy. May nang hula na kay GMA year of the baboy pala siya. Kaya pala BABOY ANG KANYANG PANUNUNGKULAN. Ang sabi pa 50 / 50 ang chance niyang manungkulan pa sa malakanyang “NAWAY MAGING TOTOO”
    Ate ellen pwede isa pang dasal.
    Naway may mag HUDAS KA GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO…!

  7. Lacson is in for reelection this year a matter of fact. He probably thought he would just run for Mayor after his bad performance as a Senator despite his no pork barrel policy that cannot impress Filipino voters as a matter of fact because they generally think it is part and parcel of being a senator or a congressman.

    Now, someone must have assured him that he would have a better chance to get reelected after landing in the first 12 list in a recent survey and Lim being a better Mayor of Manila than him to consolidate the Manila Police and return it to its former splendor. Remember Lim was a member of the old Manila’s Finest?

    With Lim as Mayor of Manila, we can look forward to a freer Manila, at least as far as getting permits to rally against the Great Switik. Puede nang magmartsa from Ayala to Luneta through Taft Avenue in Manila! Yehey!

  8. Forget people power. Forget resignation. Forget the communists marching to victory. Only the elections of 2007 matter. You don’t like those who signed the VFA? Vote them out. Oops but you like them because they are gonna convict GMA when she is impeached. Mayor Lim for one strongly defends the VFA and demands that we keep our end of bilateral and international agreements.. Glad to see this hasn’t caused the usual atmospheric hyperventilations around here. Or maybe it has, but I missed it. Democracy is a game of numbers, not hysterics.

  9. Lim is a product of the old school of Filipinos willing to kiss American butts for a dollar. It is a dying breed in fact that some half-baked Americans desperately would like to revive!

    On the other hand, he may prove useful as far as getting permits ala-Binay to rally against the bogus government is concerned. Yes, forget about the comnmunists. The movement is dead as a matter of fact with Joma overseas selling his CDs. In fact, I met a die-hard communist when Marcos was president now telling me she was never a communist! I guess, it is because they are more Maoist than Marxist. Now she talks only about going to operas and broadway shows!

    What we have there now shouting expletives against the VFA are real Filipinos—young idealists many of whom have never even have contacts with the aloof Americans in the Philippines, who brush shoulders only with those who have except perhaps when they are there in the Philippines as missionaries out to save the Filipinos from total condemnation.

    I actually find the Americans in Japan to be more down to earth than the snubbish ugly Americans who brag about being treated like gods by Filipinos! I have made friends with a lot of them Americans here as a matter of fact. I even help them get out of some labor and domestic disputes, but only when I think that they are the victims than when they are the offenders.

  10. I should add, “Now she talks only about going to operas and broadway shows—the favorite pasttime according to a friend of mine of the Philippine “burgis”!

  11. mandirigma mandirigma

    Napakaganda ang analysis mo Joeseg. If you’ve read my comments, you would find mine to be similar to yours. Maaaring malaking kinalaman si Erap sa pag-atras ni Lacson. The question is, why did he agree to back out while he refused the same during last election? I think Erap could have advised him not to run against FPJ pero matigas din ang ulo. Some people say the Iglesia Ni Kristo also might have a hand on this. Pareho kasing malapit sina Lim at Lacson kay Mr. Manalo. At this stage, we could present many angles. Para sa akin, kahit sino ang manalo basta taga-opposition.

  12. Ellen,

    First, being a recent returnee to this thread, I ask everyone’s pardon here, in case I seem to be arrogant or unpleasant in my discourse. I am neither, though my personal habits of written aggrandizement and obloquy often give that impression. But those who know me, know I am actually sweet and loving human being.

    But I am more so, a great believer in “eternal principles” — those grand ideas that stand above nations, races and constitutions because they “ought to” apply to ALL such entities, to all of humanity and forever. There are only a few of these–indeed, I think they are countable on a single human hand.

    Our selection may not be the same as others. But it is in a public, emotional controversy such as the Subic Rape Case that we come to examine and decide what our hierarchy of principles really are. What our values and axioms are. What we hold most dear, whether we are Americans, Filipinos, or Japanese, or some combination thereof.

    Nations are also judged by other nations and peoples according to what a particular nation or people seem to hold most dear.

    I have been active here recently because I am concerned that certain vituperative and even hateful impulses are actually self-fulfilling tragedies for the Filipinos — who should have nothing to be ashamed of or insecure about with respect to America. Both nations and peoples are works in progress — not fixed categories of good and evil, victor and victim. And it is towards a far but common shore that we must fix our compasses..there where we are equal in dignity deserved and respect earned.

  13. mandirigma mandirigma

    Many are disappointed with Lacson’s change of heart. Hindi naman dapat na lubhang mabahala sa residency issue. Lahat
    ng pulitikong lokal ang pwesto nagdaan sa ganyang
    problema. What happens now to his supporters who have made arrangement with some businessmen? Paano na ang mga commitment? Baka nga may na-collect nang political donation. If Lacson ranked second in previous survey in the senate race, baka ngayon ay bumaba ang popularidad niya.

  14. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    RE: You don’t like those who signed the VFA? Vote them out.

    The Philippine Senate, Eleventh Congress ratified the Visiting Forces Agreement on May 27, 1999 in a 18-5 vote. The Supreme Court (SC) declared constitutional the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). During the term of President Fidel Ramos, the United States deceptively maneuvered to restore its military presence in the Philippines known as Visiting Forces Agreement. The VFA’s ratification now became the responsibility of then newly elected President Joseph Estrada. Erap made a 180 degrees turn and approved the VFA. He was one the so-called Magnificent 12 senators who opposed the renewal of the US Bases Agreement in 1991.

    Former senator Loren Legarda was a member of the “Magnificent Five” that voted against the controversial RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Who are the other four senators? If there’s a need for VFA revision or rejection it’s up to the voters. In May 207 elections, Filipino electorate should vote for senators that will protect the interests of the Filipinos not the Americans. Some pro-VFA senators are on the possible 12 opposition senatorial candidates.

    Senate of the Philippines
    1998-2001

    Marcelo B. Fernan
    Franklin M. Drilon
    Blas F. Ople
    Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
    Francisco S. Tatad
    John Henry R. Osmeña
    Teresa Aquino-Oreta
    Robert Z. Barbers
    Rodolfo G. Biazon
    Renato L. “Compañero” Cayetano
    Anna Dominique M.L. Coseteng
    Juan Ponce Enrile
    Juan M. Flavier
    Teofisto Guingona Jr.
    Gregorio B. Honasan II
    Robert S. “Jawo” Jaworski
    Loren Legarda Leviste
    Ramon B. Magsaysay, Jr.
    Sergio R. Osmeña III
    Ramon B. Revilla
    Raul S. Roco
    Miriam Defensor Santiago
    Vicente C. Sotto III

  15. mandirigma mandirigma

    Opposition “senatoriables.” The following are being considered for the opposition senatorial ticket:

    1. Former Vice President Tito Guingona

    2. Sen. Loren Legarda

    3. Sen. Ping Lacson

    4. Sen. Loi Ejercito

    5. Sen. Francis Pangilinan

    6. Sen. Manuel Villar

    7. Mayor JV Ejercito

    8. Sen. Joker Arroyo

    9. Sen. Tito Sotto

    10. Sen. John Osmena

    11. Sen. Tessie Aquino-Oreta

    12. Sen. Gringo Honasan

    13. Sen. Kit Tatad

    14. Sen. Nikki Coseteng

    15. Rep. Francis Escudero

    16. Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano

    17. Rep. Noynoy Aquino

    18. Rep. Rodolfo Ompong Plaza

    19. Rep. Imee Marcos

    20. Rep. Lou Antonino

    21. Atty. Aquilino “Coco” Pimentel III

    22. Sec. Dinky Soliman

    23. Usec. Toots Ople

    24. Broadcaster Arnold Clavio

    The final list of 12 official candidates will be finalized after consultations among the different opposition parties. It will be announced on or about Jan. 15, 2007.

  16. In the case of Lacson running along with Angara, we know that in politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

    Are you sure Angara will run with the Opposition? Or Administration?

    http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov27/news6.htm

    SEN. Edgardo Angara yesterday took a dig at minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. for claiming that candidates from the former’s Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino might not be included in the opposition coalition ticket, saying that he remains an oppositionist.
    …..

    Pimentel earlier said Angara should make up his mind on whether he would stay in the opposition.

    “I really don’t know where his canoe will take him – to the high seas or to the Sierra Madre. But kidding aside, he will have to make up his mind, first and foremost, because I’m not too sure that the opposition will go out of its way and make invitations to prospective candidates,” he said.

    Pimentel, president of Partido Demokratiko ng Bayan-Laban (PDP-Laban), said that he doubts if Angara’s LDP wing would still be included in the opposition coalition.

    http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov28/news6.htm

    HOUSE majority leader Prospero Nograles yesterday said Sen. Edgardo Angara is welcome to join the administration’s senatorial ticket in the 2007 elections for supporting Charter change.

    “Only Sen. Angara who is clearly for Cha-cha (charter change) can qualify in the admin ticket, if I may say so,” he said in a text message.

    Angara is one of five senators who have expressed support for charter change via Constituent Assembly (Con-ass).

    The others are Juan Ponce Enrile, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Manuel Lapid and Ramon Revilla Jr….

    Rep. Rolex Suplico (LDP, Iloilo) hailed Nograles’ statement, saying Angara’s departure would not be a loss to the opposition.

    “Good riddance. Angara is a Palace mole,” he said.

  17. So, I wonder now, baka may kaugnayan yon sa pinagusapan ni Lacson at Ermita kamakailan. Baka kinukumbinsi ni Ermita si Lacson na huwag umurong, ituloy ang laban at susuportahan siya ng Palasyo at all cost. Sa ganun, magkakahati-hati ang oposisyon at ang babandera ay ang kandidato ng administrasyon. The usual divide and conquer.

    akala ko ba yung pinag-usapan nina lacson at ermita ay yung tungkol sa “hot mama, hot papa”? lol…

    http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=635

    Tingnan ninyo. Di ba pursigido si Mayor Atienza na pakawalan na muna si Erap? Isa marahil dahilan ay mag-hands off si Erap sa Maynila.

    matagal nang sinasabi ni atienza na itigil na ang house arrest ni Erap.

    http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-137849723.html

    it’s a smart move by the some admin allies to appease the masa supporters of Erap after the Gloriagate tapes came out. And now they’re doing it again dahil palapit na ang election.

    Hindi pumayag si Erap. Sa halip, pinulong niya si Senators Lim at Lacson at pinaurong ang isa na may lesser chances. Si Lacson ang umurong dahil sa residency issue at siempre, ang mga bumoto kay FPJ, baka hindi siya dalhin.

    there’s no love lost between erap and lacson:

    http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20061103hed1.html

    When Failon inquired as to why reelectionist Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was dropped from the original list, Estrada said Lacson does not have a political party and although he claimed to lead the LDP-Lacson wing, the opposition’s unity group only recognized the LDP-Angara wing.

    erap made the premature list after lacson said the opposition does not need erap’s blessing in order to be part of the opposition slate in 2007

    http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct30/news5.htm

    Napakaganda ang analysis mo Joeseg. If you’ve read my comments, you would find mine to be similar to yours. Maaaring malaking kinalaman si Erap sa pag-atras ni Lacson. The question is, why did he agree to back out while he refused the same during last election?

    Because lacson will probably be disqualified because of his residency status in manila. sa presidential elections naman, i believe fpj (and palace mole angara) should have stepped aside for lacson.

    i thought fpj would have won with or without lacson in the race, but i really don’t want fpj to be president. but lacson would have won too against arroyo if the opposition fielded only a single candidate (meaning fpj becomes lacson’s VP).

  18. vic vic

    johnmarzan:
    “In the case of Lacson running along with Angara, we know that in politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.”

    And there is a question begging to be asked, and whose interest would that be?

    We do have fence jumpers, very few from one party to another, but most would do them on principles, sometimes at the risked of being kicked out of the caucus and the slim chance of getting re-elected since not a single member of our parliament is an independent candidate. That some would resigns their post but would not abandon the party (Michael Chong, Minister of Sports and Unity File) because he would not agree on his PM declaring a resolution that one Province (Quebec being a nation within a nation) on a matter of principles, and still maintain a working reationship with the party and his PM. There are a few oppurtunists, but it is not very hard to see their true colours, and most often they faded and not heard again. I hope that the Interest Johnmarzan is referring would soon if not at present translate to interest of the country rather tha self..

  19. Many are disappointed with Lacson’s change of heart. Hindi naman dapat na lubhang mabahala sa residency issue.

    Matagal na niyang pino-problema ang residency issue na yan.

    http://www.manila-election07.blogspot.com/2006/12/lacson-having-second-thoughts-about.html

    read this philstar article too

    http://www.manila-election07.blogspot.com/2006/10/whos-your-choice-for-manila-mayor-in.html#c116370733664409444

    Lahat
    ng pulitikong lokal ang pwesto nagdaan sa ganyang
    problema.

    yeah, at hawak ni arroyo ang COMELEC. remember harry angping?

    http://www.i-site.ph/Databases/Congress/12thHouse/political/angping-political.html

    maka-opposition siya. he was elected congressman twice in manila, even though there were questions at that time (1998) re his chinese citizenship. they were settled in his favor though kaya he was able to two terms as congressman.

    pero nung tumakbo si miles roces (son-in-law ni lito atienza) para sa posisyon niya, binuhay ulit ang citizenship issue. this time thou, the COMELEC has reversed itself and now has ruled against angping.

    web.archive.org/web/20051001083444/http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun16/edcongres.htm

    i thought then that these Arroyo operators were serious because they even tried to have FPJ disqualified via the bogus birth certificate documents of ricardo manapat. buti na lang nahuli yung forgery.

    http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2005/08/ricardo-manapat.html

    now, if the admin made a concerted effort to disqualify fpj and angping using any means necessary, sa tingin nyo ba ay hindi nila madi-disqualify si lacson kung hindi sapat ang residency status ni ping?

  20. 216.109.125.130/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&fr=sfp&p=harry%27s+shocker+dennis+gadil&u=www.malaya.com.ph/apr27/edcongres.htm&w=harry%27s+shocker+dennis+gadil&d=L6Z6rEVuN3L2&icp=1&.intl=us

  21. johnmarzan:
    “In the case of Lacson running along with Angara, we know that in politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.”

    I hope that the Interest Johnmarzan is referring would soon if not at present translate to interest of the country rather tha self..

    sorry, but that’s not my statement but joeseg’s, who i quoted.

    http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=787#comment-66297

  22. Lacson’s moves will be strategical, whether he aligns himself with Angara (which I doubt) or not.

    He is one of the few remaining national politicians with honor.

    I hope he wins in whatever elective post he’s aspiref for!

  23. Re: “i thought fpj would have won with or without lacson in the race, but i really don’t want fpj to be president. but lacson would have won too against arroyo if the opposition fielded only a single candidate (meaning fpj becomes lacson’s VP). ”

    John, totoo yan! That was my beef against Lacson then but after a while, I realized that he was being true to his principles. He believed that FPJ wouldn’t have made a good president.

    Iyong nga lang, he proceeded with the tactics of Attila The Hun, kaya talo sila lahat!

    Sayang!

  24. Lacson is in for reelection this year a matter of fact. He probably thought he would just run for Mayor after his bad performance as a Senator despite his no pork barrel policy that cannot impress Filipino voters as a matter of fact because they generally think it is part and parcel of being a senator or a congressman.

    Pork Barrel is one of the major sources of corruption in Congress. Pork Barrel Politics was what Arroyo used to buy off many of the tongressman’s support.

    In fact, those who voted to kill the impeachment complaint got a bigger Pork than those who did not. quid pro quo.

    http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2006/09/pork-busters.html

    Arroyo’s allies have a decisive advantage when it comes to Pork funding,
    and that money + other gov’t resources will be a big factor pagdating sa elections sa 2007. witness how the arroyo admin used the fertilizer funds, the road user’s tax and the giving of free Philhealth cards during the 2004 campaign to give itself an edge our it’s opponents.

    http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2006/08/update-on-owwa-funds-mess.html

    Para sa akin, i’d rather scrap the pork barrel altogether, and give all the pork money instead to the local government officials, like the mayors and the governors etc– the people who are actually running and maintaining the cities and provinces– instead of the tongressman who spends most of his time in Manila.

    http://www.politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2006/12/why-your-tongressmen-loves-pork.html

    John, totoo yan! That was my beef against Lacson then but after a while, I realized that he was being true to his principles. He believed that FPJ wouldn’t have made a good president.

    Iyong nga lang, he proceeded with the tactics of Attila The Hun, kaya talo sila lahat!

    blame angara for acting like a dictator at the LDP. majority of the LDP officials in fact supported lacson’s candidacy.

    but still, fpj was such a popular candidate, he would have won even with or without lacson in the race. that’s why arroyo used the services of garci and the generals.

  25. mandirigma mandirigma

    If you take a close look at the above opposition senatorial list that I provided, Angara’s name was not included. Imee Marcos and Nonoy Aquino are in the list. Pero hindi pa naman official line up iyan. Siguradong may pagbabago pa. Angara name was previously included when Lacson was not on the list. Ngayon umayaw na si Lacson sa Manila, kasama na si Lacson sa ticker pero tanggal si Angara. That could be one of the compromises entered into between Erap and Lacson to allow Fred Lim to run in Manila. Kahit na may kaunting lamat ang relation nina Lacson at Erap, Lacson has proven to be a very loyal ally to Erap. Malaking bagay ang “trust” na hindi makita kay Angara. Mismong sina Tito Sotto at Oreta na dating kabarkada ni Angara ayaw na sa huli. Another interesting to watch is between Imee and Noynoy in the team. Alam niyo naman ang hidwaan ng pamilyang Marcos at Aquino. But as far as between Noynoy and Imee, matagal nang bati ang dalawa simula noong lumipat sa opposition si Noynoy.

  26. Anyway, John, the Angara episode concerning FPJ is past. FPJ himself is dead. To me, we must take this government led by the evil Gloria to the docks, wherever those docks may be!

    I don’t believe for one second that Gloria had merely the respect for the VFA provisions in mind. It goes beyond that. I believe she acted in huge part to protect HER vital personal interests, that her decision to spring Smith from Makati Jail, is connected to her survival and continuing US support for HER presidency.

    Gloria sold the Philippine justice system, the Philippine law courts, the Philippine judges for her own survival.

    Gloria must be hanged!

  27. The Tribune reports:

    >

    Last night, I wondered whether Smith’s great escape was connected to the Joc-Joc caper in the US, well, Lacson seems to think that it is >

    Lacson stressed that the country cannot afford to allow the Executive branch to continue violating the Constitution. “National security and interest should prevail but it seems that they’re showing to the people that what’s more important is ensuring continuing military aid and financial support (from the US government). The point here is our self-dignity as a nation. It’s not a matter of whether Smith will run away. Where is our dignity as a country, as a people? Where is the love for country that everyone is talking about? They (Palace) threw it out the window just to favor a threatening superpower.”

    I don’t give a hoot where Smith serves his sentence but the Philippine law courts have decided. Why should this government trample upon Philippine judges who have decided in the name of Philippine law by helping the Americans make Smith’s escape a success? Why couldn’t Gloria and her friends in the US Embassy go through the legal process as dictated by Philippine justice just like anybody else instead of crapping, shitting on our legal system?

    There is no longer any real justice system in the Philippines.

    Gloria must be hanged for her perfidy/perfidies!

  28. Oops, here’s the portion of the Tribune report:

    Despite Mrs. Arroyo’s admission of giving in to the Americans in exchange for the continued military assistance, for some senators, the spiriting away of Smith from the Makati City Jail to the US Embassy without any court order, was seen as a probable Palace brokering of a deal with the US, other than claims on the supposed aid and compliance on the VFA, which may involve the case of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “JocJoc” Bolante, when the administration agreed to the transfer to US Embassy of Smith.

  29. Despicable Americans! They erode the already very feeble Philippine justice system – they utter one thing and do another.

    How can they expect even the most willing not to hate their two-timing words?

  30. Gloria’s statement:

    “I wish to appeal for understanding from the people that this action will not affect the substantive issues at bar, nor impede justice and the rule of law,” she said.

    “This difficult decision was made and taken with only the best interest of the Philippines in mind. I therefore ask all Filipinos to stand behind it and to stand behind our alliance with the United States to fight terror and poverty,” Arroyo said.

    Well, F*CK you, Gloria!

  31. The title of the news in French concerning Smith’s great escape should be:

    “Les americains ont a nouveau enculé les philippins à travers Gloria!”

  32. mandirigma mandirigma

    All talks no action. That’s what CBCP is. Below is a part of journalist Herman Tiu Laurel’s recent column:

    Cardinal Rosales was reported in the newspapers to be calling on the people for more “discipline and sacrifice.” I wonder how much more discipline the people can have to keep from going amuck under the pressure of increasing poverty and hunger? How much more sacrifice Filipino families can make when almost a quarter of Filipino families suffer extreme hunger or absolutely nothing to eat several days every quarter and only a meal or two at the best of times which the sociologists term as “moderate hunger.” We hear the same call as the cardinal’s every year, but nothing changes for the better.

  33. Well, Mandirigma, what do you expect the Cardinals to do? Feed themselves to the people, perhaps?

    Funny, your posts remind me of one who’s been banned here, Npongco’s…

  34. Chabeli Chabeli

    Lacson made a good move. He is better as a Senator.
    ***************
    Anna de Brux,
    Regarding Gloria’s statements on the transfer of L/Cpl. Smith, only a POLITICAL PROSTITUTE would do such a thing ! Gloria has ABSOLUTELY NO LOVE FOR COUNTRY !

  35. joeseg joeseg

    JohnMarzan,

    I like the way you put running commentary on some items I posted. Thanks.

    Vic,

    It is common in Philippine politics that there are no permanent friends but only permanent interests. Kasabihan na ito. And it’s happening everytime. Magkasama sa partido ngayon, magkaibigan, pero magkalaban kinabukasan at halos magpatayan. Then, muling magsasama kung saan sila nakikitang may benepisyo para sa kanilang sarili. That’s the permanent interests.

    Mandirigma,

    Thanks for the senatorial line-up you provided which I also read in Ernie Maceda’s list yesterday at Tribune. I commented in my post that it was the first time I read that Arnold Clavio is being considered. Apparently, to counter Mike Enriquez who’s being courted by Malacanang. It’s getting interesting everyday with Angara on the verge of being discarded in the opposition ticket.

    Nice to read Ms. Anna is back. Happy New Year po!

    Yes, GMA admitted it was her decision to transfer the custody of the rapist Smith. Paano ngayon ang sinasabi nina Ermita, Bunye, Gonzalez at Puno na walang kinalaman ang kanilang beloved presidentita sa transfer?

    In the light of many development, what matters now is not about who should run or not or what’s their disdainful past. What matters now is it’s the rule of law that have been WANTONLY DISREGARDED in many instances by the pretender to the throne. What matters now is concerned Filipinos will not forever take things sitting down.

    What matters most is Filipinos will now be unmindful of being maimed or killed in order to get back at these lawbreakers.
    ==

  36. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ms. de brux, I don’t appreciate your remarks. Please treat me with respect like I do to others. Pilipina ka naman siguro ano, though your last name sounds foreign. I shared the above part of the column written by Mr. Laurel. Hindi ko po opinion iyon. Unless you disagree with his opinion, just leave it as that. Hindi ba tutoong sobrang pagtitiis na ang mga Pilipino? Hanggang kailan pa? The Cardinal’s call was not wrong per se, but it remains just a call. What’s needed is some action on their part. Mali ba iyan? You started the New Year with an unfriendly remark. Pero okay lang. Karapatan mo iyan. One thing I’ve learned in life is to adjust with people and my surrounding. And I’m doing that with you. Cheer and Peace!

  37. Mandirigma,

    And I don’t appreciate your comments about the cardinals.

    So let’s leave it at that!

  38. mandirigma mandirigma

    Okay peace na lang tayo. Huwag lang magmura dito. I’m surprised you got away with your profanities posted above. Anyway, what the country needs today are courageous women like you. Matatapang at palaban. Siguro member ka ng Gabriela. Wala po akong galit kay Cardinal. My uncle and a brother-in-law are Catholic priests. If you disagree, you may want to write Mr. Laurel who wrote the column at The Daily Tribune. I only seconded his opinion. Wala naman masama ito di ba? Kung hindi ka sang-ayon, sabihin mo kung bakit. Then, we could all start a healthy discussion here. I would like to think that most if not all here are matured able to deal with issues professionally.

  39. mandirigma mandirigma

    And I don’t appreciate your comments about the cardinals.

    Ms. de brux, singular lang po ang Cardinal dahil si Cardinal Rosales lang ang nagsalita. Hindi naman kasama sina Cardinal Vidal. I mentioned CBCP dahil kasama naman siya sa CBCP. Rosales’ statement might be his personal view but I think it also represents the CBCP’s position. Kahit sa nangyaring huling rally at nakaraan, hindi ba puro tawag at dasal lang? Walang action. That’s the point I’m trying to raise and didn’t mean to offend you or anyone. Naiinitindihan ko naman na wala ka sa mood at masama ang loob mo dahil nasa kapangyarihan pa si Arroyo. But please don’t take it on me.

  40. John and Dean, I accidentally erased your comments submitted for moderation. I’m sorry. Pakiulit please.

  41. Re: “Kahit sa nangyaring huling rally at nakaraan, hindi ba puro tawag at dasal lang? ”

    E ano nga ang gusto mong mangyari? Wala namang tanks or fighter aircraft iyang mga pare? Wala silang armada… ni baril o ano mang armas…wala silang army na handang pumatay kay Gloria.

    Tapos na iyong time ng inquisition… So bakit umaasa ka pa sa kanila? Dapat, iyong mga taga Iglesia ni Kristo, na mas malapit kay gunggong na Gloria, puwede pa siguro, pero haka haka lang…

  42. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ms. Tordesillas, could you please delete these remarks posted above? Hindi po maganda sa forum na ito. Thanks.

    anna de brux Says:

    January 2nd, 2007 at 11:27 pm

    Agree Chabeli “Hang the F*CKIN’ B*TCH “

  43. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ms. de brux, wala ngang armas at tanke ang mga pare pero may mga rosario naman. Don’t you remember the role they played at Edsa One and Two? Dasal at rosario lang ang dala nila pero nagtagumpay din. Kaya nga nami-miss si Cardinal Sin. What we badly need today is someone like him. Pero wala pa yatang kapalit. Siguro kung lalaki ka lang puwede kang maging Cardinal. You may be able to lead.

  44. Ano naman ang magagawa ng rosario? Have you tried to use the rosary as a bullet? Tell me, did it work?

  45. mandirigma mandirigma

    Sorry Ms. de brux, I meant anting-anting. Puwede naman gawing anting-anting ang rosario di ba? Seriously speaking, a leader or government could be brought down not necessarily by force or arms. Malaki ang maitutulong ng moral at spiritual support ng Simbahan. And of course prayer. The church used Radio Veritas in calling people to gather at Edsa in 1986. The late Cardinal Sin called on the flock to oppose the Marcos regime. Wala naman mga sandata ang mga iyan. Anyway, I hope you got my point. Hindi lang naman puro armas. Kapag may mamuno lalo na galing sa simbahan, susunod at tao at mga sundalo. Napatunayan na ito noong Edsa Uno. It might be a different scenario today but the basic formula is still there.

  46. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ms. de brux, what are you talking about? What npongco? Why are you asking me to swear for something that I’m not aware of? Don’t you know swearing is bad as well as cursing? Paano ko sasagutin ang isang tanong na wala akong alam at walang kinalaman? Kaya pala ganyan na lang ang trato mo sa akin because you’ve mistaken me as the one you mentioned. Let Ms. Tordesillas answer your question. Ang initial ng pangalan ko ay ML. If it’s proven that I’m the same person as you alleged, then I’m out of here. Don’t judge lest that you be judged.

  47. mandirigma mandirigma

    God bless you Ms. de brux. The end is near. Not only to the Arroyos but to people who make judgment on the others.

  48. Anna: “I don’t believe for one second that Gloria had merely the respect for the VFA provisions in mind. It goes beyond that. I believe she acted in huge part to protect HER vital personal interests, that her decision to spring Smith from Makati Jail, is connected to her survival and continuing US support for HER presidency.

    “Gloria sold the Philippine justice system, the Philippine law courts, the Philippine judges for her own survival.

    “Gloria must be hanged!”
    *****

    Amen to that Anna. The Great Switik is switik to the core. You bet, she is not serving US interest as a matter of fact, just her own. Natakot when the Americans threatened to withdraw all kinds of aides to the Philippines, not just the Balikatan that is not in fact serving the interest of the Filipinos.

    The truth, Anna, is there has been a strong protest against these military exercises of US soldiers in Japan that the Japanese government in fact has recommended an island off Japanese shore for these exercises conducted even with South Korea but the said island is now being contested by the Chinese, who claim that anything between China and Japan, they own. Ang tindi din ‘no?

    Thus, the military exercise in the Philippines complete with Filipino props of the Moslems and suspected communists in Mindanao! Alam namin iyan dito sa Japan. Bakit hindi iyan alam ng mga pilipino?

    Now, the Great Switik is worried the US will stop even the sending of say California rice that are supposed to be distributed to the needy but are being hauled in some private storage to be sold to the highest bidder without proper accounting of the proceeds by some government finance agency.

    Ang daming pangloloko that I doubt the US embassy can manage to keep track of. Sabi siguro ni Great Switik, “Sayang iyong dollar,” especially with financial aids from other countries also now in jeopardy.

    An investigation should be conducted in fact to determine how much money the US has released for this night transfer operation. Question is who will dare do so? 30,000 dollars for the whole operation is chicken feed as a matter of fact. Asking price must be higher complete with green cards!!!

    Tinatapakan sa pangong ilong ang mga pinoy, hindi humihirit kaya matapang ang mga kano na tapakan sila! Tonguena talaga!

    Anti-Americanism? Nope! Just simple statement of facts!

    PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!

  49. Chabeli:

    You bet, the Great Switik does not love the Philippines! She loves only herself!!! All others, only for her own personal gains!

    PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!

  50. mandirigma mandirigma

    This early, I already lost respect for a member here. What a way to start a New Year. Kung ano ang baho ng dila siguro iyan din ang pagkatao. Well, mas marami naman sigurong matitino. One bad apple doesn’t rotten the whole basket as the saying goes. Hindi ako naniniwala sa ganitong kasabihan. Kung bulok ang mansanas, huwag kainin. Just don’t be interested. Just don’t eat it. Sorry for my sarcasm pero imbes na magmura ako, ito lang ang alam kong isulat.

  51. mandirigma mandirigma

    Not interested. In Tagalog, hindi ako interesado.

  52. You bet, Anna. Why should I be a hypocrite by pretending to be what I am not. Hindi naman ako switik! Honesty is the best policy, sabi nga! Besides, I believe in free agency as long as I do not go beyond the bounds of the law, both of God and of men. I state facts as I know them and related to me. Common sense lang naman and a knowledge of the rule of law!

    Frankly, blogging here makes me feel the same things my grandfather must have experienced when he joined the KKK and became a bodyguard of his cousin, Gen. Antonio Luna, whose assassination he witnessed. He’s the one with the British ancestors.

    Galit siya kay Aguinaldo and his Macabeben guards and all dugong aso!

  53. Dugong aso! Hahahah!

    Actually I only learned about this dugong aso tradtion or what it meant when Bambi Harper wrote about it in her Malaya column…

  54. Pero, know what Yuko? In truth, my dog would feel so insulted to be likened to Gloria’s bloodline…

  55. Sorry sa aso mo, but I guess, hindi naman kababayan ni Great Switik or the Fatso ang aso mo! 😛

  56. mandirigma mandirigma

    mandirigma Says:

    January 2nd, 2007 at 11:22 pm

    All talks no action. That’s what CBCP is. Below is a part of journalist Herman Tiu Laurel’s recent column:

    …Ms. de brux and the others, can you tell me what’s wrong with my above comment? That started our exchange of words, Ms. de brux. Whatever is in your mind or bothering you, let’s put a closure to this.

  57. Ay naku, Yuko, I get satisfaction from the fact that my dog is a true royal dog, being a Finnish champion, Belgian champion, Luxembourg Champion and German champion, no bogus in this dog unlike dugong aso Gloria! Heheheh!

  58. mandirigma mandirigma

    More and worse than the dog is the trainer. Sinong trainer?
    Ang mga sumusunod at pumapatol sa aso, hindi ba mas grabe at malala?

  59. mandirigma mandirigma

    Ang nakakatawa pa, may mga taong mas malakas pa ang tahol kesa sa asong kinamumuhian nila.

  60. mandirigma mandirigma

    I’m from Bacolod. My mother is from Bulacan and we’re related to the late Defense Sec. Alejo Santos. In Bacolod, my first cousins are the Lopues. Balik tayo sa aso, kapag tumahol ang aso ay may kasamang pagmumura. Hindi natin naiintindihan ang tahol ng aso pero ang mga kaibigan nating mga amazona na galing sa bundok ay nakakaintindi.

  61. Anna,

    I like the French poodle. Cute! Bawal lang because my son and I are allergic to pets.

    Over here in Japan, we have what we call “Akita-ken” (Akita dog) that looks more like those dogs use by the Eskimos. Matapang at matibay ang katawan.

    The pad here now are the pettable chihuahua-like bonzaed dogs! People carry them in special bags, dress them up, etc. that is why there are now special sections in department stores here for dogs, cats and other pets. Ang gaganda ng damit! They actually hold fashion shows for these dogs and cats as a matter of fact. Aa, woo!!!

  62. Yuko, did you understand anything from the previous post? What on earth was this yakker talking about?

  63. Ah, woo! Tony Blair? Shame on this Oxonian. I look forward to seeing him tried in the Hague one of these days together with the mad man at the White House, the lukaret doing switik at the palace by the murky river, and our own Elvis Presley, a.k.a. Koizumi for crimes committed on the Iraqis and Afghans!

  64. Which one, Anna? Don’t read all the stupid notes. Haven’t had my sleep yet. Baka mabangungot ako! Still suffer from some jet lag. I find it easier to adjust to US time than adjusting to our time here. Maliwanag kasi on the way back.

    Tira lang ng tira, dearie! I felt lonely when you were not blogging. Buti na lang nandiyan si Chi and Chabeli!

  65. Hehehe!

    Do try to get some rest and lots of sleep dear fellow Amazon (the amazon tag is a compliment btw…)

    As Chabeli said, we will need all the energy we can muster in the days ahead against Gloria…

    Wonder where Chi is… haven’t read her lately (well, tonight, to be more exact.)

  66. I think the real story in Manila has got to be Senator Alfredo Lim’s candidacy for Mayor, which could further blossom into a bid for higher office in 2010.

    The admirable thing about him is that he sticks to principle on the Subic Rape Case when he could be pandering to the Mass Media and the leftist lynch mobs who would be very useful in the coming election.

    There are some like Lim who are hip to the Mass Media’s pressure tactics and propaganda campaigns in support of ideological causes, but are not moved.

    All the brouhaha over sovereignty and the VFA have already been settled by the Supreme Court in the case of Tanada v. Angara. As he explained to Ces Drilon tonight, the VFA is a like a Contract–we cannot just renege on it crying it is unfair to us when we signed it in good faith.

    That’s the style of JDV and House Majority when they tried to change the House Rules on Con-Ass.

    Susmariosep! Trying so hard to scare up some outrage. But it looks like the Filipino people are already way ahead of their betters in Media and the Militant Left.

    Because most of the outrage is actually imagined and dearly wished for, but not forthcoming.

    People have seen through the victimological dramatics.

  67. Are you saying Dean, that what Gloria did, springing Smith from Makati Jail against the expressed decision of a Philippine court of law is the right thing to do?

  68. And btw, what “people” are you exactly referring to?

    Look even the usually pro-Arroyo medium the Philstar that you despised so has now turned against Arroyo for having done what she did?

    Why couldn’t she have waited for the Court of Appeals to render a definitive judgement instead of jumping the gun?

    And you are absolutely wrong, if you think all these “victimological dramatics” here according to you are VFA-related. I’m one of those who believe the Philippines should stand by the international agreements it signs but when Smith was allowed to undergo trial under Philippine Justice system it seems that the most decent thing to do is to allow the same justice system to run the full course rather than jump the gun.

    There is no turning around the issue and no amount of confusing the issues would right the inherently wrong act committed by Gloria and her minions.

    Not even you and your rabid patriotism for America can say that Gloria was right to have done that.

    By doing what she did, she merely flushed the remaining fibers of support in the Philippines for the VFA …

  69. Smith was allowed by both parties, signatories to the VFA to undergo trial under the Philippine justice system, the presiding judge rendered his verdict, the court of appeals has not made a definitive decision on Smith’s appeal so why, why flush the Philippine Judge Pozon’s decision that Smith should stay in a Makati jail down the toilet?

    If so, it’s like accepting that in spite of both parties’ acquiesing to have Smith tried under our justice system, the whole trial of Smith was nothing but only a mockery of Philippine justice.

  70. chi chi

    Anna,

    Just came back from the mountains (hubby’s b-day), and as of this writing am reading these comments above. Ayy naku, take care of the blood pressure. It’s better that you stay young and pretty for Glueria’s farewell speech, kung magagawa pa ‘nya!

  71. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    Anna, may petition na na-submit sa US Embassy:

    Jailguard 1: Ako ang nagsusubo ng pagkain kay Smith. Pengeng US Visa.

    Jailguard 2: Ako nagmamasahe kay Smith. US Visa din ang sa akin.

    Jailguard 3: Ako ang kalaro ng chess ni Smith. Visa din sa akin.

    Filipino wives of US servicemen: Nagtirik ako ng kandila sa City Jail. Visa para sa nanay at tatay ko.

    Raul Gonzales: Ako ang utak ng “noted” ng CA. Pengeng pondo gaya ng kay Merci Gutierrez.

    Sergio Apostol: Ako ang nagconvince sa kanila na pwedeng itakas si Smith. Irequest ninyo akong ambassador.

    Ronnie Puno: Ako ang nagtakas kay Smith. Pondong tulong para sa PNP, sa account ko na lang i-transfer, please.

    Gloria Arroyo: (Letse kayo, anong hindi ko alam? Nagmukha tuloy akong tau-tauhan!) Ako ang nag-utos na palayain si Smith, ano! Kristie, huwag ninyo akong sisipain, please, makukulong ako, at hindi sa Makati Jail kundi sa Bilibid, maawa po kayo.

    Nicole: Walanghiya kayong mga Amerikano! Ibalik nyo si Smith sa kulungan. Tapos, ibalik nyo ang boyfriend kong US Marine. Heheh.

  72. mandirigma mandirigma

    More on Ping: He did not even seek the advice or communicate with his supporers about his withdrawal. Some people might have handled it differently, rather than saying he did not figure the residence requirements were so, Hello? Tatakbo-takbo ka hindi mo alam ang mga patakaran? The truth is, he had a residence in Paco as early as April 2005, but he never bothered to actually reside in the premises. Many thought they could hope on Lacson to refresh Manila with new life. Now, it remains to be just a hope.

  73. mandirigma mandirigma

    Here’s Mr. Herman Tiu Laurel’s reply to Anna de Brux’s reaction. Well, congratulation…he said you were correct!

    Hahaha, yes, Anna de Brux is correct. Some of these cardinals, archbishops and bishops should be fed to the hungry, they’ve gorwn fat on the comforts of their august postions in the Chruch heirarchy. But seriously, there should be radical reform of the Church and all other religious movements as there should be in society in general, we are like the English society in the time of Oliver Twist or the French in the time the Les Miserables of Victor Hugo told of… inhumanity to the poor abounds and grows.

    herman tiu laurel

  74. nelbar nelbar

     

    US Senate to get first socialist everYahoo News(AFP)

     

    by Antoine Agasse

    Tue Jan 2, 9:32 AM ET
     

    BURLINGTON, United States (AFP) – Socialism will get its first-ever face in the US Senate when veteran Vermont politician Bernard “Bernie” Sanders takes a seat in the powerful upper house of the legislature.
     

    In a country where most people think more of North Korea when they hear the word “socialism” — rather than, for instance, democratic socialist Scandinavian countries — Sanders, 65, will be a new phenomenon in the staid two-party system of Washington.
     

    The son of Jewish immigrants from Poland is hardly an extreme leftist. But those in his home state used to his gruff, straight-spoken ways say he could stir up the debate over the policies of President George W. Bush as he assumes his role as a key ally of the new but slim Democratic majority.
     

    Sanders swept to victory with a decisive 65 percent of the vote in the Vermont senatorial race last November.
     

    Running officially as an independent but never hiding his socialist ideas, he trounced a businessman who spent seven million dollars of his own fortune in the race.
     

    But it was hardly surprising after a three decade career in Vermont politics, where people have learned that his disheveled air of a college professor and his strong accent from his native Brooklyn, New York, don’t pose a threat to US democracy.
     

    “I’m a democratic socialist,” he says, explaining his beliefs.
     

    “To my mind, our goal should be a society in which you have a strong entrepreneurial class creating wealth, creating good jobs, but at the same time you need a strong government presence to make sure that all of our people receive at least a minimum standard of living.”
     

    It is an idea Sanders has been pushing since he first ran for a Vermont seat in the Senate in the early 1970s. He only got six percent of the vote against mainstream Democratic and Republican party candidates.
     

    But when he then decided instead to contest the mayorship of the state’s largest city, Burlington, in 1981, he surprised everyone by beating the veteran Democratic incumbent by a bare 10 votes.
     

    “No one expected him to win that race,” said Peter Freyne, a political reporter for the local weekly Seven Days. “He was on the fringe, a loud mouth screamer.”
     

    His victory left local people nervous about the socialist label, rarely worn voluntarily by successful US politicians. Under Sanders the city was sarcastically branded “The People’s Republic of Burlington.”
     

    “They were fearful,” recalled Garrison Nelson, a University of Vermont political science professor who had to go on television to explain that a Soviet attack on a local air base was not imminent as a result of Sanders’ taking office.
     

    After his first triumph, few thought Sanders would last in politics, refusing to join either the Democrats and Republicans, and wearing his socialist views openly.
     

    But on a strong record of managing Burlington, making it known as one of the country’s most livable cities, he was reelected mayor three times in the 1980s.
     

    That record helped carry him to victory in the 1990 contest for Vermont’s sole seat in the US House of Representatives. He held the seat for eight two-year terms before deciding to chase the Senate seat last year.
     

    “The most rural state in the union picking a Brooklyn Jewish socialist makes no sense. But that’s the great paradox of Vermont,” said Nelson.
     

    Nelson said Sanders, who can come across as rude, sports hardly any of the normal attributes of successful US politicians.
     

    “If you look at all the resources that usually exist to explain the success of an American politician, you realize that he has not a lot,” Nelson said.
     

    “He has no political party, he has no personal wealth. He’s not what you call charming, no family connections.”
     

    Sanders is not shy of saying what he thinks, says Cathy Resmer, a local journalist, but it helps him.
     

    “People think he is telling the truth and they like that. He tells them what he believes and not what they want to hear,” Resmer said.
     

    “He’s an indefatigable politician, full of energy and dedicated to the people,” adds Freyne.
     

    “He has no hobby. Politics is his hobby, his life, and he’s determined to get results.”
     

    The Senate will give Sanders a new soapbox for his views. He is officially listed as an independent, but in practice he and another independent will work with the Democrats and be key to their bare 51-49 seat majority over Bush’s Republicans.
     

    “He’s going to do everything he can to make president Bush miserable,” Nelson predicts. “He’s a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.”
     
     

  75. Nelbar,

    Thanks for that news item – appreciate it.

    Ain’t a Socialist myself but appreciate hearing that America is modernizing itself politically!

  76. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    May petition na rin ako.

    ToonGuE-tWisTeD: Ako ang hahawak sa paa ni Gloria, pag rereypin ni Smith. Paki-extend visa ko!

  77. TonGuE-tWisTeD TonGuE-tWisTeD

    SLip of the Toongue! Hahaha!

  78. apoy apoy

    Tatakbo uli si Sen Lim as Manila mayor?? Hmmm..Me naalala lang ako..Tungkol sa anomalya ng sweepstakes noon? Usap-usapan ay mayrong fix winners sa sweepstakes..Nagalit si Lim at iimbestigahan daw ang sweepstakes..Kalaunan,nanalo si Lim ng 10 milyon?? Bilib ako sa imbestigasyon, may resulta..

  79. nelbar nelbar

     
    apoy,

    siguro naman naalala mo rin ang Manila Film fest scam , remember the , “…take it …take it”

     

  80. chi chi

    Tongue, alalahanin mo na pati ang mga paa ni Glueria ay may infection at nakakahawa. heheh!

  81. mandirigma mandirigma

    Your comment about Alfredo Lim was right, Apoy. Hindi naman kasing linis iyan na gusto niyang palabasin. He has his own racket in the past. Kaya lang medyo pino lang siya at hindi garapal na tulad ng iba diyan. You have heard about his Dirty Dozen, right? Iyan ang mga bata niya na gumagawa at tumitira para sa kanya. I forgot this person’s name who used to head the Anti-illegal Recruitment Task Force. Tauhan ni Lim iyan. I wonder what happened to that case.

  82. artsee artsee

    Si Fred Lim isang Tsinoy tulad ko kaya susuportahan ng mga Tsinoy sa Binondo iyan. Tama lang na si Lim na lang kesa kay Ping. Buti na lang umatras ang isa.

Leave a Reply