Month: October 2005

Pinoy Big Brother

Published by Ellen on October 30, 2005

There is no escaping Pinoy Big Brother these days.

While I was having a medical check-up some weeks ago, the cell phone of my internist’s assistant rang. My internist immediately recognized the ring tone. Amused, he remarked, “That’s Pinoy Big Brother.” The assistant replied, “I got this from you.”

Past 9 p.m. at home, I would be preparing to sleep but I could hear Jason’s jokes, Say’s whining and other housemates voices because my sister-in-law, nephew and niece are ardent followers of PBB.

Two weeks ago, we (mostly non-showbiz columnists) had the pleasure of being brought to “Bahay ni Kuya” by director Lauren Dyogi, the young and good-looking business unit head of the hit show, and the well-liked Boy Abunda. We visited the PBB house on Eugenio Lopez Drive in front of ABS-CBN’s The Loop.

The PBB set is a marvel. It’s a house within a house. Enclosed by a wall with one-way mirrors is a tastefully furnished living unit with two bedrooms, one bath, large living room, kitchen, a garden and a swimming pool. Twenty-six cameras record all the activities within the house including the bathroom (they, however, devised a way that the housemate’s privacy is respected while taking a bath).

FVR, Enriquez, Abat

Published by Ellen on October 30, 2005

Last Friday, former AFP Chief of Staff Fortunato Abat and former Budget Secretary Salvador Enriquez held a press conference at the Café Roma in Manila Hotel. The two are the primemovers of the Christian Nationalist Union which calls for the ouster of Gloria Arroyo and the setting up of a new government to be run by a council.

In past interviews, Abat had been quoted as advocating the establishment of a junta.

Last Friday, Abat denied ever having advocated for a junta.

Enriquez , on the other hand, used a new term for the alternative they were offering:constitutional protective option.

The day before, Inquirer came out with a story on the U.S. Embassy report linking former President Ramos, former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte,Abat and Enriquez to a plot to oust Arroyo.

Abat denied working with Ramos saying that the last time they talked was in 2001 during Edsa II. Enriquez answer was more intriguing: “I do not know that there is such a plan.” So, could there be a plan he doesn’t know?

What was surprising was Abat’s criticism of protest actions against Arroyo. He said “when rallies are dispersed, they convey defeat. They are symbols of defeat. They strengthen GMA.”

Enriquez, made a revealing remark: “Had GMA fell earlier ( when there is no ready alternative yet) who would benefit?

Those remarks reveal the closeness of their position with FVR who has also shunned joining rallies and who said that he supports GMA because “there is no alternative.”

Abat and Enriquez said they had just come from Washington D.C. where they met officials (they decline to reveal the identities of people they met) who told them that House Speaker Jose de Venecia had also been there lobbying for support for his Cha-Cha.

Talking with Abat and Enriquez strengthens my suspicion that they are part of FVR’s network. They shake GMA to compel her to depend on FVR. But it seems they have met their match in GMA who is as wily and as unprincipled as their principal.

Last Oct. 24, 2005, I wrote in Malaya about FVR’s agenda:

I find the justification of former President Ramos of his support for Gloria Arroyo unprincipled.
In a speech before three major business groups last week, former President Ramos explained his support for Gloria Arroyo: “If I have been supportive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, it is only secondary and incidental since there is no other better alternative right now.”
The problem with Ramos is that he wants to be the alternative.

Continue readingFVR, Enriquez, Abat

THINKING LONG TERM

Published by Ellen on October 29, 2005

(Holidays are a good time for reflection. I’m sharing this article I wrote for the Dec. 2004-January 2005 issue of Mirror Magazine)

There are things that we reserve for special occasions. Like, I use my
lovely handkerchiefs when I go to important meetings. I use my nice
sleepwear when I travel.

Upon discovery of my cancer in the ovary, I decided to wear those nice
things more often at home. I said to myself, “What for do I reserve these
things? I may not live very long.”

Cancer causes changes in attitudes and priorities. As I learned to value
each single day as a bonus from The Lord, and therefore must be spent
meaningfully, I was also faced with the dilemma whether or not to pursue
big projects that require longer time. That’s because surviving cancer
comes with the reality that the disease could recur anytime.

Should I abandon the European trip that I was planning with relatives?
Should I continue with the renovation of our house in the province? Should
I plan long term?

I adjusted my priorities, with my health as the top consideration, but I
did not altogether cancel my long-term plans.

WHY I AM A JOURNALIST

Published by Ellen on October 29, 2005

By Ellen Tordesillas
PJR Reports
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
September-October 2005

There’s nothing profound about why I went into journalism.

Writing is my only marketable skill.I can’t dance. I can’t sing. I’m not gifted with marketing savvy to make it as a saleswoman. I’m too disorganized to be a secretary.

But I have always been curious about other people. I want to be where the action is.

When I was in highschool in Iloilo City, I went out with a friend shopping. While walking, we noticed that a couple ahead of us was quarreling. While other pedestrians avoided the couple, I told my friend that we should follow them. From a verbal quarrel, the fight became physical. The woman picked up a stone and threw it at the man. He ducked and the stone hit my face.

I went home with a bandaged forehead.

Malacañang confirms Tiglao ambassadorial assignment

Published by Ellen on October 29, 2005

——————————————————————————– MALACAÑANG yesterday confirmed that President Arroyo has appointed Presidential Management Staff chief Rigoberto Tiglao as ambassador to Greece. Tiglao, in a text message to…

Tambakan ng mga rejects

Published by Ellen on October 29, 2005

Ang laking insulto sa Department of Foreign Affairs ang kumento ni Serge Remonde, secretary for government media, na tama lang na i-appoint si Bobi Tiglao na ambassador sa Greece.

“Sabi ni Remonde, “He has undergone a serious heart operation and he deserves to take it easier.” (Na-operahan siya sa puso at dapat lang na relax lang siya.)

Ang tingin talaga ng mga tao sa Malacañang ng posisyon ng ambassador ay bakasyon o kaya, pa-party-party lang. Kaya tuloy ginagawang regalo sa mga taong napakinabangan sa pulitika o kaya tambakan ng mga rejects.

People’s Court

Published by Ellen on October 28, 2005

Palagi nating sinasabi ang katotohanan ay parang tubig na dumadaloy. Hindi ‘yan ma-aaring pigilan. Dadaloy at dadaloy yan.

Ganyan ang nangayari sa katotohanan tungkol sa pandaraya ni Arroyo noong 2004 elections. Pinipilit niyang takpan at ilibing. Lumalabas pa rin.

Kahapon, inilunsad ng Citizens’ Congress for Truth and Accountability ang “People’s Court” na siyang magdinig ng mga akusasyon laban kay Arroyo na pinilit ng mga kongresistang kaalyado ng Malacañang na ibaon sa pamamagtian ng pagpatay ng impeachment complaint.

Ambassador Bobi Tiglao

Published by Ellen on October 28, 2005

Rigoberto Tiglao, head of the Presidential Management Staff and one of Gloria Arroyo’s trusted advisers, will be appointed ambassador to Greece.

Tiglao’s nomination was supposed to have been signed yesterday, a highly reliable source said. It will be submitted for confirmation to the Commission on Appointments, which is expected to be convened when Congress resumes session on Nov. 7.

The Department of Foreign Affairs next week will ask Greece for its agreement to the nomination of Tiglao, who will replace Lourdes Morales, who will be sent to Cambodia.

Tiglao’s foreign assignment has surprised even some members of Arroyo’s inner circle and has led to speculations on why he has opted to be away at a time when Arroyo’s hold on the presidency is precarious.

The political opposition is stepping up efforts for the ouster of Arroyo, who has been accused of cheating in the 2004 elections. The court martial of Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani and Lt. Col. Alexander Balutan for testifying before the Senate on the use of military personnel to cheat in favor of Arroyo in the 2004 elections has sharpened the restiveness among young military officers who refuse to be used to protect a discredited president.

One source said Tiglao is “running away.” Another source said the ambassadorial post is Arroyo’s reward for Tiglao who had been loyal to her throughout the crisis. In the aftermath of the Hyatt 10’s resignation, Tiglao, together with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Environment Secretary Mike Defensor, took the offensive against their former colleagues, accusing them of betrayal of trust.

Nocturnal President

Published by Ellen on October 16, 2005

First published in PCIJ’s “I” Magazine in 1999

by Ellen Tordesillas
Pres. Estrada’s late-night buddies influence decision-making in the Palace.

THE MEETINGS take place at night and last until dawn. There, views are traded, strategies prepared, and deals struck. By the time the men at the table stand up and stagger out the door, much has been accomplished that may affect the way things are done in this country. President Joseph Estrada, of course, presides over these meetings. But more often than not, those gathered around him during these caucuses are far from being Cabinet secretaries. Rather, they are his personal friends, some of them buddies of long-standing, such as Ilocos Sur Rep. Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson and Caloocan congressman Luis ‘Baby’ Asistio, with whom, it is said, the president shares a fondness for the pleasures of the good life—gambling, alcohol and women included. Singson and Asistio, say Malacañang insiders, are among the president’s most constant late-night companions.

There are other persistent hangers-on, wheeler-dealers like online bingo operator Dante Tan whose BW Resources Corp. has been accused of insider trading and manipulation of the stock market. Certainly, it would seem that ethnic Chinese businessmen are keenly aware that with Estrada, out of sight is out of mind, and are among those that a Palace insider says are fond of “slipping in when dark sets in.”

Ramon Lee, a close associate of Dante Tan and an Estrada election contributor, drops in occasionally, say Malacañang sources. So does Lucio Co, the goateed owner of PureGold duty free stores who was recently accused of being a big-time smuggler. Another fixture of the late-night teté-a-tetés is Jaime Dichavez, a fiberglass manufacturer and real estate developer who was recently involved in the corporate coup at Belle Corporation, operator of the controversial jai-alai games. Dichavez, who has no official post except as head of the Malacañang golf club, is another of the President’s most trusted businessmen-friends.