If you want a good life in the military, just say Gloria Arroyo is the best president the Philippines ever had and that you will die fighting for her. Check out this story by Joel Guinto in Inquirer.
THE Philippine Army admitted on Tuesday that rebel soldiers who have reaffirmed allegiance to the government are detained in more comfortable facilities than their defiant former comrades.
The group of Captain Gerardo Gambala, who have issued two statements of support to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, are housed in “comfortable living quarters” complete with accommodations for their visitors, Army spokesman Major Ernesto Torres told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.
In contrast, the group of Captain Dante Langkit, First Lieutenant Sonny Sarmiento, and Second Lieutenant Aldrin Baldonado are kept in individual cells, mainly because they escaped or went AWOL (absent without official leave) in the past, Torres said.Gambala’s group was also given livelihood projects such as soap-making and poultry-raising to allow them to earn additional income on top of their salaries, Torres.
The salaries of the former fugitives Sarmiento, Rabonza, Army First Lieutenants Lawrence San Juan and Patricio Bumidang Jr., and Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, were cut off late last year.
“There are slight differences [in treatment]. In terms of security, their guards are stricter,” Torres said, referring to the unrepentant mutineers.The rebel soldiers are facing charges before civilian and military courts over a failed mutiny on July 27, 2003. In addition, Sarmiento and Baldonado are facing illegal weapons possession charges stemming from the seizure of a firearms and explosives cache from their hideout, where they were arrested last July 7, 2006.
“If you see their [Gambala’s group] detention, they have comfortable living quarters… They have enough room and full-length basketball courts,” Torres said.
While the defiant mutineers are being detained separately, Torres stressed that their cells are not like a “bartolina” or punitive isolation facilities. “They are given enough food. Their living conditions are good,” he said.
Torres maintained that the stricter treatment for the group was not because of their continued defiance, but because of their past escapes.
Last week, the wives of Sarmiento and Baldonado decried the alleged “mental torture” their husbands were suffering in solitary confinement, allegedly to pressure them into implicating opposition figures in their escape. The Army leadership denied this.
At a hearing of their coup d’etat case in Makati City on Tuesday, Sarmiento and Rabonza arrived looking visibly thinner. Baldonado is not an accused in the case.
Rabonza had reportedly been taken out of confinement after he agreed to identify his alleged coddlers but a source close to the junior officer denied this. The source said he remains in solitary confinement.
Asked for comment on the defiant rebels’ apparent weight loss, Torres said: “When you are in detention, however you are treated, it causes you anxiety.”
Also at the Makati hearing, a lawyer for one of the accused, Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, asked the court to allow him to leave detention sometime in February to file his certificate of candidacy for senator.
Trillanes’ lawyer, Reynaldo Robles, also asked presiding Judge Oscar Pimentel to allow his client to talk to the media during the campaign period.
In a statement, Trillanes said he “welcomes” his reported inclusion in the opposition senatorial slate but added he could push through with his candidacy on his own.
“My decision to run was never contingent on being included in a coalition slate or having a campaign machinery. Either way, it’s a go,” he said.
Keychains and pocket calendars with Trillanes’ image and the insignia of the Magdalo rebel group were also distributed during the hearing.
Trillanes, a candidate for public office? Why not? Fight the enemies on their own terrain, ain’t a bad idea. But he’s got to have the stomach to go the whole hog.
Why should I be surprised, Ellen. It’s the kind of culture they have over there, something that does not bring the good in Filipinos, who have are in fact being pushed to be anything but second or third class!!! And they wonder why the Philippines have lagged behind!!!
Pati sa kulungan, palakasan! Unbelievable, but I have seen videos taken by some Japanese crew for instance for a documentary of a Japanese inmate at Muntinlupa who married a native girl, and was given some conjugal right paying some crooks there even when he was maximum security, and having a son that people here, especially prison authorities, find amazing! He could have a different meal, too, as long as he could pay, and pay he did with fundings from sympathetic fellow Japanese and yes, TV networks in Japan making documentaries of his prison saga.
The last I heard of him was he was no longer maximum security. His earnings inside the prison, though, were not enough to pay back past debts and luxurious living in prison.
No such thing over in Japanese prisons. Even civilian employees like me, full-time or part-time, are subject to strict rules and supervision.
My sympathy to the more courageous “unrepentant” soldiers. Why should they be sorry for doing what’s right, anyway? They need not be saddled with a fake and bogus president!
Heaven have pity on them! They did not become soldiers to serve such weird and a fake government!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Trillanes wanted very much to join the opposition ticket pero puno na. Pati nga si Gringo Honasan hindi naisama. There are just too many candidates from the opposition this time. They all want to be with the winning team. Sa tutoo lang, marami sa administration ang inggit at gusto din lumipat pero no dice.
You bet, Anna, Trillanes, et al should take your challenge. They should never ever make the mistake again to deal with the crooks. Patay kung patay!
No more sundalong kanin, labas ang tumbong, please! Kawawang mga nilalang!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
While in most Democracies the word “equality” has already find its way to the cultures and attitudes of its populace, it is still a stranger to some segments of our society. You can see it all around. How the politicians, the famous, the actors, the well-known, and even the known pilferers, the corrupt politicians are treated with favour different from ordinary citizens. How the beautiful, the pretty and the tall could only get some certain jobs in some high paying positions. I was dumbfounded the last time I look at classified ad, stating the age, the height, the phycical description of prospective applicants and I said isn’t this discrimination? When are we going to learn?
My gosh, this tiny ugly woman Pidal has totally destroyed the military. Only the courage and honor of the very few soldiers are intact. Bilihan na palakasan pa, pathetic situation of the soldiery.
Lt. Sg. Trillanes is charged with various offenses. He has not lost the presumption of innocence, in either the upcoming Court Martial proceedings or any follow on criminal suits against him by the Govt.
Those who believe he IS innocent should fight for his right to a speedy trial. How long ago is he alleged to have committed a crime or violated the Articles of War? Going on four years!
Justice delayed is justice denied. It is just as suspicious as the case of Joseph Estrada, elected President of the Philippines in 1998, but was overthrown in a conspiracy by the AFP-COS, the Vice President, and the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, on Saturday morning, 20 January 2001.
Whose 6th year anniversary is again on Saturday, 20 January 2007!
Since it is the explicit intent of the 1987 Constitution to limit the President to a single six year term in office, it would be the most gracious exit Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could possibly hope for, indeed her crowning place in history, to validly, voluntarily, and constitutionally (please-God-Save-the-Constitution), RESIGN!
Make us proud to be Filipino, Madame President, by proving all your worst critics wrong. Or prove them right.
It’s up to you what you do with your place in history.
Befoul or ennoble it.
Last and best chance I think, before the People must reach for Impeachment by the House and Conviction at Senate Trial. If GMA doesnt resign in a week and a half, what a laugh, Erap could run for the Senate, in time to be a Senator Judge. Those egging Erap on to run, says Erap owes it to FPJ, owes it to the Filipino people.
I think Erap owes it to the Constitution to run in a national election to bring about a Trial by Election. You see, Erap, I claim HAS lost the presumption of innocence in his plunder trial because he was deprived by the Coup Plotters of 2001 of DUE PROCESS. Thus, his case is really President Joseph Estrada versus Chief Justice Hilario Davide. It is the Goedelian incompleteness in the Constitution itself which can hardly contemplate such a stupendous case (only in da Pilipins!) in which the defendant claims it was the Supreme Court itself that violated the constitution six years ago.
Is there a higher court still than the Supreme Court. Of course there is — the source of the spring which cannot rise higher than it, in sovereignty, the People themselves.
Now, I submit, the People can exercise their sovereignty in two ways, by Revolution and by democratic elections.
Erap too has a last chance thing coming up on February 15, 2007, the deadline for registration in the upcoming Senatorial elections. They are just waiting for him to die or go away. It’s his awesome choice to make too.
He and GMA approach dates of tolling significance.
Most of all Erap
I concur with the above letter which to me is a petition of sort. Iyan din ang pananaw ko. President Erap should and can run. He has not been convicted yet. Convicted rapist Congressman Jalosjos also ran while in jail and won. He was allowed to represent his constituents even in prison. Bakit hindi din gawin ni Erap? Former DOJ Sec. Nani Perez can also go to jail and run. If he wins, he can represent Batangas. I’m sure Erap will win pero itong si Perez, nah !
GSDC, habang si gloria at ang kanyang mga galamay ang nasa poder, walang magiging patas na paglilitis at mabilis na pagdinig sa kaso ng sinumang inaakala nilang tinik sa kanilang lalamunan.
mandirigma, si nani perez kung kakandidato muli ay tatlong pamilya lamang ang boboto – kay ermita, recto at mandanas dahil magkakaalyado sila. iisa ang amo. pang-apat ang kaniyang pamilya (perez). wala ng nagtitiwala sa hudas at kurakot na ‘yan! kahiya hiyang akuing kapwa batanggenyo!
Erap remains steadfast in his claim that he is a President-on-leave. Running for the senate may mean foregoing this claim and limiting JV in San Juan arena.
We don’t have any clue, but such move would surely stir the hornet’s nest. Talking of Comelec, the administration’s Garci machinery would grind vigorously more than ever.
Para sa Kanta Mama
I think Erap’s claim for presidency has expired already at the end of the terms he was supposed to complete. That was in 2004.
GSDC
In naming our prospects to run as senators under the opposition banner, on January 8th, 2007 at 7:31 am, I wrote among others (at the thread si Gloria na ang Isyu):
A big surprise is Erap himself running for senator, if there will be no legal impediment.
==
joeseg,
assuming no legal impediments for Erap to run in the senatorial,I am vehemently opposed for such a move..My own honest opinion convicts me that Erap is still the de facto president even convincingly the president de jure..
joeseg,
I agree. Erap’s claim to the presidency under the 1987 Constitution (unamended) expired just before June 30, 2004. That is why he is not giving up anything by running now.
Be there legal impediment to his candidacy?
None that I can see, as he has not been found guilty of ANY crime, nor has he been convicted at any impeachment trial when he was unquestionably still the President of the Republic.
He can no longer run for President, but he is most definitely eligible to run for Veep or Senator, Congressman or Mayor or barangay chief.
The specific choice of running for Senator in an election billed as a REFERENDUM on the current tenant of the Palace is sweetly and justly poetic…
And offers the singular possibility that we shall have a particle-anti-particle annihilation event in which the Nation and Constitution escape them both.
On a practical level however, he might successfully register as a candidate, but he probably has to campaign while in detention.
Think Erap could win a mere Senate seat, just using DVDs and radio-tv interviews from Tanay?
It is mind boggling though that the man who accused Erap of plunder and called for his impeachment–then Senator Tito Guingona–wants to return to the Upper House at the head of Erap’s ticket.
I wonder what understandings of Law and Justice came to VP Guingona that has brought about such a political transformation?
Capt.Gerardo Gambala ang his group in my opinion are a bunch of cry babies and a yellow skin.If you are a real soldier with a testicle fortitude never take a dive for your own self redemption.You started as a group.you finish as a group.How could you have a command responsibilities in the future if you yourself sold your principles for your own salvation.Your men might salute you with a left arm and they will show their right hand middle finger at the same time.
Joeseg: Pare,speaking of a testicle fortitude,the filipinos have proven it in the U.S.A.F.This is a newsflash for young aspiring Filipino who want to join the United States Armed Forces Services but,it is not final yet.U.S.A.F. is planning to recruit high school graduates or colleges student in different military branches,U.S.Navy,U.S.Army and U.S.Marines but I am not sure if U.S.Airforce is included.You must be a U.S.Citizen to join the Airforce.For sure they will recruit a lot of Filipino seaman.I let you know what’s new.But,for now that’s what cooking.
Joeseg:They will recruit in the Philippines.
GodSaveDConstitution?
In the civilian and even in the military courts of law, I suppose Trillanes must be accorded all the leeway to defend himself against cirmiminal allegations and charges of violations of the Articles of War, but am afraid much as his motive were excellent then in threatening to blow up Oakwodd, eg, expose the ills besetting the military, I’m afraid Lt Trillanes committed attempted mutiny – there can be no presumption of innocence in that regard.
Mutiny is punishable by death.
Military law is harsh but Trillanes and his supporters in the civilian world mustn’t lose heart that Trillanes may one day go scot-free and even be elected to the Senate; been several military legal jurisprudences that Trillanes can use in his defence, not least of all, former Lt Victor Corpuz’ defection, subsequent membership and fighting for the NPA, followed to a surrender, a pardon and promoted to the highest echelon of AFP espionage.
I agree with Cocoy entirely in cocoy Says: January 10th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
(Drats and double drats! I meant I’m afraid Lt Trillanes ATEMPTED mutiny…)
But I will not vote for Trillanes if he runs for senator.
Our courts have determined that the accused of criminal offense have the right to a speedy trial, unless the dependant himself causes the delays and that period was determined to be not more than a year. And the trial, before the jury or in sosme cases the trial judge should proceed continuously until a verdict is arrived. The case covers not only person, but also corporate entity.
Considering that most of the accused mutineers and even Pres. Estrada trial for plunder have not been resolved within the reasonable time, I believe even under the provisions of the Philippines Constitutions, (which I am not familiar with) then their rights to a speedy trial had been violated, so are their constitutional rights. Nothing can be worse than the violation of one’s rights under the constitution.
Who’s saying that Trillanes and Company did not commit mutiny? They did. In fact, it was called “a coup d’etat” at first, but when they failed to accomplish anything, not even the reforms Trillanes was caught on TV demanding for, nothing bloody really, it was dubbed by media people as a mere mutiny.
I was called in at the TV studio for an all night translation and editing job, and waited for transmissions from Manila on that incident. Everyone thought it would be a real macoy, but by morning, there were no “hakot” as in the well-funded and well-publicized EDSA 1.
Nothing sensational happened, and so I was told to contact the Oakwood Homes to check on the Japanese guests there that the studio decided would make better news. The program producer in fact had to look for the right word to call it in a dictionary.
Disappointed? You bet, I was. I thought Trillanes and friends could have shown more courage and determination to do what was right and not allow themselves to chicken out with pep talks by the like of Cimatu, et al, irony including Honasan, who must have persuaded them that they would be treated fairly as Honasan and Company were treated by Cory Aquino when they rebelled against her.
They should have known by then that they were dealing with a mekeni, a plighter too many, and a mother of lies and deceit! There were promises made, no doubt, but they were never kept.
Legally, Trillanes and Company need to be disciplined, but to subject them to all kinds of brutality and inhumanity is as criminal as what they have attempted to do. There are international conventions governing such acts as a matter of fact!
(Ellen, Btw, here’s a portion of today’s Philstar editorial and I agree on the condition that the AFP arrest the number 1 terrorist in the AFP’s midst – Esperon.)
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines deserves commendation for every terrorist neutralized. But there are still several terrorists running around in Mindanao, two of them among the most wanted in Southeast Asia. The AFP must show that in this country, terrorists truly have nowhere to hide.”
Correction Yuko: ATTEMPTED coup d’état. Could have been coup d’état had they succeeded.
Since they did not, Anna, it was just an attempt that turned into a mere mutiny!!!
Anna,
It is partly the fault of people like Nene Pimentel and Jamby Madrigal who has insanely opposed the passage of the Anti Terrorism Bill. Lookit, the Philippine Govt even had to pay for the plane fare of Mrs. Balibomber Dulmatin back to the arms of the Jemaah Islamiyah. She had to be deported after illegally staying in the Philippines with her husband, who was certainly up to no good. It’s not just about soldiery, as you know, there is also intelligence work and prevention of plots and plans, financing and organization. That is why we need the Anti terrorism law we have been promising our allies for years now.
Yuko, technically, MUTINY is a very, very serious military offence and crime that carries the penalty of death.
Even in countries that have outlawed the death penalty for civilian criminals, eg., France and the UK, military law in these countries have not done away with death as penalty for mutineers.
Oops, this should read: IRONICALLY including Honasan, who must have persuaded them that they would be treated fairly as Honasan and Company were treated by Cory Aquino when they rebelled against her.
They should not have allowed themselves to be sweet-talked by Cimatu, et al. Laglag din ang mga pantalon, apparently! “Sundalong kanin, labas ang tumbong,” so my Mom says.
Kawawang Pilipinas! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
GodSaveDConstitution,
Perhaps so, but as I understand it, Nene Pimentel wants the a anti-terror bill that will not or cannot be used by Gloria and her minions to violate human rights or suppress legitimate dissent.
From what I’ve read, Nene Pimentel has been trying to finetune the bill but not obliterate it – matter of fact if his e-mail is correct, he’s presented some changes to it so that the bill could be more useful in terms of hunting REAL TERRORISTS, I suppose in the same breadth as when you said:
“We would rather that 9 guilty men go free than a single innocent be unjustly punished!”
And as to your “That is why we need the Anti terrorism law we have been promising our allies for years now.”
I agree but the anti-terrorism law should serve OUR national interests first and foremost and if necessary, use it to pin down the number 1 and 2 terrorists this country has ever known these last few years: Gloria and Esperon!
Anna,
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Though this saying is such a commonplace as to be hackneyed, it captures the essence of what is wrong with the whole Oakwood mutiny case and prosecution.
Is it any wonder that the United States negotiated the VFA with that one year condition on the trial proceedings? US citizens have come to expect a speedy trial as essential to due process.
I think there is another thing to bear in mind: US citizens are entitled to a trial by a “jury of their peers.” Yet under the VFA they are tried by a Judge, who alone makes a decision. This is a surrender of a chershed Constitutional right by US citizens under the VFA. But no one decries it as an insult to the Sovereignty of America. Only Filipinos seem capable of such a victimological self-delusion when it comes to bilateral agreements of mutual interest and benefit.
As to ” It’s not just about soldiery, as you know, there is also intelligence work and prevention of plots and plans, financing and organization.”
Indeed! Trust me, we get all of that from our allies and more even without any formal anti-terror law. Gloria realistically can do without that law if she really wants to – it’s been done before, eg., one captured terrorist, top Abu Sayyaff NEVER came out of military interrogation alive (apparently died of natural cardiac arrest) and I know what I’m talking about.
The thing to do is to make the AFP up to the task of tracking and helping our allies catch the terrorists properly and for our PNP officers not to help terrorists escape from jail.
Anna,
It is not a serious charge to make that Gloria and Esperon are the true targets of an anti terrorism law. It is only the usual blog-rhetoric that demeans the seriousness of that concern.
Re: “Only Filipinos seem capable of such a victimological self-delusion when it comes to bilateral agreements of mutual interest and benefit.”
But Dean, what do you realisticallly expect? Filipinos have not always been at the top receiving end of US treatment. So, in a situation of the kind, it is only human for Filipinos to take care of their own, regardless of whatever.
Just look at what Bush has been doing against those he perceive as threats to his own kind, he kills and maim them… so where’s the inconsistency in the Filipino action?
Dean, “It is only the usual blog-rhetoric ” OK, right you are, heh!
You bet, it is criminal, but criminal or not, they are entitled to legal defense and humane treatment, but look at what these crooks in the AFP and the bogus government do? They put even their lawyers under threat! Unbelievable!
Over in Japan, Anna, with the Japan Self-Defense Force not even supposed to exist, any member of our military who commits a crime is immediately dishonorably discharged and given to the custody of the police for investigation for a period of 10 days that is extendable for another 10 days per crime committed. The process is repeated according to the number of crimes committed until the prosecutor decides to indict.
No indictment, no trial but over in Japan, Anna, once suspected of any wrongdoing, more often than not, there is no going back. Kahiyaan na! And you know how it is in this society where to lose face demands losing one’s life!
Re: “Yet under the VFA they are tried by a Judge, who alone makes a decision. ”
That’s because we have no jury system. That’s not insulting the US, that’s the way it works in our system and since both US and RP agreed that the accused be tried under RP system, we can only conclude that the US didn’t feel insulted by the trial and judgement under ONE Philippine judge.
Anna,
Nene Pimentel is still stuck on the problem of “defining REAL terrorism.” Susmaryosep. And what law is not susceptible to abuse? It is all a bunch of lamebrain excuses to do nothing. This is the problem with seeing Gloria as the sum total of all our troubles. Everything has to be forced to fit a template that points to her as the root of all evil. Nene is a ninny on terrorism, mistaking for a defense of civil liberties the predilection of Islamists and Communists to use our own laws and freedoms to destroy them. He thinks it is is his duty as an oppositionist to oppose Gloria even when the legislation is clearly needed and long awaited.
It’s not statesmanship with him, but grandstanding. Yeccch!
Yuko,
Re: “And you know how it is in this society where to lose face demands losing one’s life! ”
Must admit that I find that there is greater meaning to the word HONOR in Japan than in lots of countries world over, least of all in Pinas
anna,
that’s right, that is why they signed the VFA. So how come you and everybody else can’t accept that the RP must live up to its agreements in the VFA too? Why are we crying “unfair” or “unequal” It’s give and take. Both sides give and both sides take.
I’d rather go by what you said Dean and prefer to have Nene being ninny on a half-baked anti-terror law that Gloria and her ninnies can use wrongly with impunity:
““We would rather that 9 guilty men go free than a single innocent be unjustly punished!” and may I add, “or freed.”
Anna, You said, “Filipinos have not always been at the top receiving end of US treatment. So, in a situation of the kind, it is only human for Filipinos to take care of their own, regardless of whatever.”
“…to take care of their own, regardless of whatever…”
This sounds like an admission of immoral prejudice, not anything human. Or a call for the application of the Olden Rule, an eye for an eye?
I don’t think it is acceptable for even ordinary Filipinos to exercise such an unjust philosophy as to take care of their won regardless of … justice? truth? morals?
Re “everybody else can’t accept that the RP must live up to its agreements in the VFA too? ”
BEG YOUR PARDON, DEAN? Where on earth did you see that I harked for RP not to live up to its agreements? Pray, tell me when did I ever say that? Not in words nor in deeds was I ever a proponent of RP reneging on the terms of an international agremeent.
I may have questions about them, I may not agree with the agreement, I might even resent the bloody agreement but I do believe and I said as much that Pinas should abide by the terms of ANY international agreement it signs.
So, go easy on the accusation Dean, will ya?
Re: “I don’t think it is acceptable for even ordinary Filipinos to exercise such an unjust philosophy as to take care of their won regardless of … justice? truth? morals? ”
Perhaps not acceptable Dean, that’s why I premised my post on the human thinggy, aspect of the Filipino reaction.
As you’ve said, at the end of the day, the Filipino people’s will (decision even if it is prodded by the dictates of a purely emotional reasoning) is higher than an SC decision.
Filipinos are an emotionally driven people just like anybody else that’s human in mind and thought.
Drats! Forget I wrote this: “and may I add, “or freed.” “
Subukan nyong tanggalan ng mga uniporme ang mga sundalong lumahok sa Oakwood noong July 2003 at isama sila sa pulutong ng mga masa na sumama sa deboto ng Nazareno noong nakaraang araw. Tingnan ko lang kung papansinin pa sila?
Duon sa mga gumagamit ng popularidad ng uniporme ng militar, tigilan nyo na yan!
Mailalantad rin ang tunay nyong layunin kung patuloy nyong ginagamit ang mga batang opisyal ng militar!
Mga kaisipan na mula sa mga malalakas na tao ang makakapagpalaya sa bansa na pangungunahan ng mga kabataan!
Kung inyon ihahalintulad ang mga taong naka-uniporme ng maroon noong nakaraang araw sa Quiapo – handa sila mamatay para sa isang paniniwalang ispiritwal at hindi sa paniniwalang pagmamahal sa bansa.
Isipin nyo na lang na maglakad sa kalye na walang combat boots at lumakad ng pagkahabahaba?
Isang pinagsama samang kaisipan nina Bonifacio, Rizal, Recto, Sukarno, Ta Mok, Ho Chi Minh, Saro Wiwa at iba pang lumaban sa pagmamalabis ang dapat na bigyan pansin kung talagang seryoso tayo na lalo pang mapalakas ang ating bansang ginagalawan.
Darating ang panahon, na itong mga naka-uniporme ng maroon, sa tuwing sasapit ang ika-9 ng Enero ay magiging terorista kung hindi sila susunod sa kagustuhan ng mga nagtataguyod ng negosyo sa bansa.
Ang sino mang lalaban sa simulain ng sistemang ekonomiya na tinataguyod nitong naghaharing uri ay ituturing na terorista!
Nelbar’s “Ang sino mang lalaban sa simulain ng sistemang ekonomiya na tinataguyod nitong naghaharing uri ay ituturing na terorista!”
Kaya nga Nelbar, agree ako na i-finetune ang anti-terrorism bill para hindi mahirap magamit ni Gloria at ng kanyang mga alagad.
Drats, double drats! ulit nga: para hindi MADALING magamit ni Gloria at ng kanyang mga alagad sa kalaban niyang ordinaryong Pinoy/Pinay.
OK, Folks, I’ll ponder on all the thoughts expressed here by taking a much needed rest – staying away from Ellen’s blog for the next couple or so of days.
Cheers to Dean and all!
anna,
hope you’re not going away mad, or anything…bet you can’t resist just one more teensy weensy lil comment…hehe, c’mon…let’s see them pearlies…
hahahah! ok, dean, not mad at all but sorry, no pearlies! nah, dean, to be cast to swines? ngek.
ok, this time, cross my heart and hope not to die, am turning off comp and up and away – got to buy things for the flat of the biggest baby boy before i drive the 325 km stretch from here to the city of lights!
If President Erap’s claim has already expired in 2004, then what about the years before that if he’s acquitted of the plunder case? Simula nang umupo o agawin ang kanyang kapangyarihan hanggang sa 2004 nang nagkaroon ng halalan at nanalo itong si Arroyo (cheated or not), those years were supposed to be given back to Erap, right? Mga tatlong taon din iyon. Paano na kung mapawalang sala si Erap? Isa itong matinding legal argument hindi po ba?
Mandirigma, if Erap’s is found “Innocent” as compared to “not guilty”, then by common sense he can reclaimed his Presidency. But under the Criminal Justice not guilty could only mean insuffecient evidence beyong ‘reasonable doubt’ and not entriely innocent, then the Term could have expired. That is just my understanding. That’s the reason why those accused that were declared innocents are usually followed by court proceeding or inquiry why it did happen and they are compensated monetary for wrongful arrest and conviction. That is also why in a country like Japan, before the prosecutors file charges in criminal cases they make sure the evidence are iron clad and they have the highest rate of conviction that are close to 100%. But in most others, the premise or philosophy that it is better to see 10 guilty accused free than 1 innocent convicted, is the result of so many not guilty verdict not because of the prosecutors failure but because of “beyond reasonable doubt” evidence or the defense ability to create even just a little doubt.
You’re a good sport Anna and an even better soldier. Take care on that road!
You got a good point, Kabayang Vic. But regarldless of being proven “innocent” or “not guilty” (I don’t really see much difference in the two), it would be impossible for President Erap to re-claim his presidency. By then, Arroyo would have completed her full term. We’re looking at the year 2010 assuming the verdict clears Erap. Kaya kung mapatunayang walang kasalanan si Presidente Erap, paano na siya? Ganoon na lang po ba? Ang mga nagpahamak sa kanya and those who falsely accused him would be let go? What happens now to Gov. Chavit Singson? Iyan po ang dahilan kaya after so long, Erap’s case remains to be delayed. I should say it’s deliberately being delayed to benefit those who caused his downfall.
May nagkuwento sa akin ng isang kamag-anak ng isang sundalo. Marami daw sa kanila ang walang suot na medyas sa kanilang boots. Kaya kung minsan tuwing pasko, hinhingi na lang nila ang mga medyas na nakasampay o naka-display sa mga Christmas tree ng kapitbahay.
Anna,
We don’t have a jury system in Japan, too. There has been some movement to introduce this for some cases. Civilians were invited to a case study. The people are not interested, especially when they do not have the time to do even when they are promised pay for in lieu of time wasted doing their usual job.
Anyway, in serious cases as murder over here, there are always three judges to decide on the case. For minor cases, one judge suffice. Nevertheless, justice is served especially when the purpose of the court is in fact just to make sure the police and the prosecutor have done a good job investigating the case to establish the guilt, and to determine the culpability and corrigibility of the accused. Otherwise, he/she gets the capital punishment for what’s the use prolonging a fiend’s life and be a menace still to society? Simple logic but good!
Naku Japan na naman. Wala din kaming jury system sa China. Ang meroon lang july system kasi iyan ang buwan ng kapanganakan ko. July 12 to be exact. Si Japayuko lahat ng mga sulat niya puro may halong Japan. Hoy, Pilipina ka pa ba? Pinag-uusapan dito tungkol sa Pilipinas at Pilipino. Over here in China…maraming over the bakod.
>Paano na kung mapawalang sala si Erap?
>Isa itong matinding legal argument hindi po ba?
May naniniwala pa rin pala sa legal na argumento?
Eh yung sa karanasan na lang ni kabansang Allan Paguia na kwestyunin ang mga wisdom ng Mataas na Kapulungan at nag-resulta sa pagkaka-suspinde niya sa larangan ng pag-aabogasya, ano kaya ang masasabi nyo dito?
Ang Korte Suprema sa Pilipinas ay kumakatawan sa naging produkto ng sistema ng hustisya ng North America.
Kaya nakapanglulumo na ang mga founding fathers ng Amerika ay sinira lang ng mga kabaro ni Hilario Davide.
Kabayang Nelbar, let’s give our justice system a chance. Wala na po si Davide. I still trust in the independent mind and fairness of some judges and justices kahit ano pa ang isipin o sabihin ng karamihan. A case in point is this Judge Pozon who rendered a fair decision despite all the pressures she might have experienced. We should worry more not on what the court or the Supreme Court would do but if they would release Erap. Arguments from both sides have been presented pero wala pa rin matibay na ebidensiya para parusahan si Presidente Erap.
kung tunay nga ang sinasabi mo?
Bakit hindi nirerespeto ang mga desisyon ng katudad ni Judge Pozon?
Tama ka din Ka Nelbar. But what we were discussing was about the decision. To respect the decision is another thing. Ang punto ko lang po may mga matitino din tayong mahistrado. If they make the right decision and this is not respected, then wala na tayong magagawa. Iyan nga po ang problema sa gobyernong ito.
ano na kaya ang balita kina invictus, military wife, atbp?
Nakakulong siguro ang mga iyan, Mang Rivera. Ang hinahanap ko ang kumare kong si Soleil. Gusto kong mag-Intsikan kami uli dito.
Repentant, my ass! They are just simply afraid even perhaps for their family so they succumbed to the torture they are being subjected to.
Ellen, over in Japan, when lawyers here find out about torture and police brutality used in investigating cases here, the court just simply dismiss any case, even cases of heinous crimes, for torture, police brutality, and other oppressive acts committed by people in authority is prohibited by law over in more progressive Japan.
My condolence to the people of the Philippines for the kind of injustice they are now being subjected to or being intimidated, threatened, etc. with! Ingat! God bless Senator Trillanes and the brave ones still holding out and proving to be the gallant and brave soldiers that they should be!!!
`Patalsikin Na, Now Na iyong Poohtah calling herself President of the Philippines aka Pampanga!!!