Sabi ni Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, hindi raw alam ni Gloria Arroyo ang patagong paglipat kay Lance Corporal Daniel Smith sa U.S. Embassy noong Biyernes nang magha-hating gabi.
Sabi ni Ermita ang nagdesisyon raw ay ang National Security Council na pinamumunuan ni Norberto Gonzales. Nasa Baguio raw kasi si Arroyo kaya minabuti na raw nila na hindi na sasabihin.
Kung totoo ang sinasabi ni Ermita (panay sinungaling kasi sila kaya hindi mo malaman kung alin sa sinasabi ang totoo), ang lumalabas nito ay tau-tauhan na lamang nila pala si Arroyo.
Parang nagpapatunay ito ng usap-usapan na hindi na nga si Arroyo ang nagpapatakbo ng bansa kungdi ang grupo ng mga “hardliners” na kinabibilangan ng retired generals at ng mga kasalukuyang matataas na opisyal sa military. Kasama si Ermita sa mga sinasabing “hardliners”.
Ngunit iba naman ang sinabi ni Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno na umamin na mga Philippine National Police, na sa kanyang jurisdiction, ang naglipat kay Smith. Kaya raw maghahating gabi nila ginawa at pabilisan para raw maiwasan ang traffic. Sinabi rin ni Puno na aprub raw ni Arroyo “in principle” ang kanilang ginawa.
Kahit ba sa Baguio si Arroyo eh, bakit walang telepono o cell phone? At kahit totoo na hindi nila sinabi kay Arroyo ang paglipat kay Smith, ngayon na ito ay napabalita na, ano ang sinabi niya? Wala naman. Kaya hindi siya maaring maghugas kamay sa paglapastangan ng batas at ng Constitution.
Sabi ni Ermita makakabuti raw sa relasyon ng Pilipinas at Amerika ang kanilang ginawa. Paano naman ang batas ng Pilipinas?
Ang isyu ngayon ay hindi na kung ginahasa talaga ni Smith si “Nicole” (dahil marami rin naman ang hindi naniniwala kay “Nicole” kahit nagdesisyon na si Judge Benjamin Pozon). Ang isyu ngayon ay ang pambabastos ng batas ng Pilipinas.
Kahit pa nagkasundo ang US Embassy at si Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo at may legal opinion si Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales na nagsasabing si Smith ay dapat sa pangangalaga ng Amerika habang may appeal ang kaso, sinabi sa order ni Judge Pozon na “until further orders from this court”. Dapat man lamang hinintay ang order ni Judge Pozon.
Maintindihan natin kung hindi respetuhin ng Amerikano ang ating batas. Ang masakit, ang ating sariling opisyal, naturingang presidente kuno kasama ang kanyang executive secretary, ang nambabastos ng ating sariling batas.
Philippine Star reports on possible “Constitutional crisis over Smith.Click here.
A very close friend of mine, who UNFORTUNATELY is part of the so-called “Wednesday Club” said it so well when I asked him why Gloria, who is supposedly an intelligent woman, makes extremely stupid moves. He said that Gloria “is riding a tiger that she can not control. The tiger may eat her instead.”
No wonder the rumour that “…hindi na nga si Arroyo ang nagpapatakbo ng bansa kungdi ang grupo ng mga “hardliners”…”
I agree with Ms. Ellen also that the issue now “ay hindi na kung ginahasa talaga ni Smith si “Nicole” (dahil marami rin naman ang hindi naniniwala kay “Nicole” kahit nagdesisyon na si Judge Benjamin Pozon). Ang isyu ngayon ay ang pambabastos ng batas ng Pilipinas.”
Because of this, “Nicole” is not the vicitim here anymore. The victim here is the Filipino people. The rapist is non other than Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
I cannot agree with you more Chabeli and Ms. Tordesillas. As a matter of fact, the world is now laughing at us, our country, for the very stupid move the government made. Talagang binastos nila ang hukom natin. Binastos nila ang ating gobyerno. Binastos nila ang ating mamamayan. Binastos nila ang ating bansa. All these just because of one person: Ang pinakabastos sa lahat…Arroyo!
Ellen:
One of the things that Nicole’s lawyer can do is write to the justice department of the US and report the above matter to the US authorities even when in fact I doubt if the Americans would worry about any effect this kind of legal and other breaches between the US and the Philippines because of the slave attitude of Filipinos toward the Americans even now. I can pass on the letter in fact to a US Senator and Congressman I know, and they can study the matter as a matter of fact.
It’s time in fact for Filipinos to stand on their rights as a free people. Hindi na puede ang arte busabos at pulubi na takot na takot na mawalan ng limos para sila mabuhay! Sobra namang parasitic ang utak ng mga ‘tadong iyan.
Ang problema kasi sa kagaguhan ng mga pinauupo, walang tiwala ang mga kano sa mga pilipino kundi utuin sila para palagi silang sumusunod sa mga kano. They can drop Filipinos in fact like hot potatoes.
Sa totoo lang, nagtaka nga ako nang isama ni Bush ang Pilipinas sa posibleng aatakihin niya dahil kuno sa Al Qaeda cell at NPA daw na mismong gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang nagpapalagay sa mga listahan ng mga wanted sa ibang bansa gaya ng listahan ng FBI, etc.
Biro mo nakalagay ang grupo ni Joma sa listahan ng FBI samantalang kahit na maki-cooperate ang America sa pagmanman ng mga members ng Red Army noon, wala sila sa listahan ng mga kano dahil alam nilang kaya ng Japanese police na hanapin at hulihin sila. Puro asa kasi ang ginagawa ng mga tamad na pilipino kaya tuloy ang tingin sa kanila mga istupido!
Masakit tanggapin ang katotohanan pero kundi ba namang gago, mismong biktima ng panggagahasa siyang inaakusa, at mismong autoridad ng Pilipinas pa ang nag-uudyok doon sa mga alembong na mga pilipina na haranahin iyong horny na sundalong kano. Dito, bawal iyan. Walang palakasan lalo na sa kulungan!
Ystakei’s suggestion is a good one. Why not write to the US authorities? Kahit na alam natin na walang mangyayari, bakit hindi subukan? One thing I’ve learned from these American leaders is that they do listen to public opinion. Kapag binanatan na sila ng media at pinuna ng mga ibang bansa, kung minsan kumikilos sila.
Delikado iyan, Ellen, kung totoong under control na ng military si Great Switik. Labas ng Pilipinas, parang Burma. Ang tibay din ng SLORC nila. Walang magawa ang mga British para isalba si Au San Suu Kyi.
Ellen,
Ang America naman ay ginawa lamang ang dapat na ginagawa ng ating mga opisyal – ipagtanggol ang interes ng atin sariling bayan. Kaya asar man ako sa nangyari ang galit ko ay sa atin mga opisyal at hindi sa mga Kano. Masuerte sila na ang mga opisyal nila ay pinaninidigan ang kanilang bayan. “My country, right or wrong” yan ang paniniwala nila. Hindi tulad ng mga opisyal natin na ang pinaninindigan ay “Foreign aid, right or wrong.”
Nabasa ko ang mga dahilan na ibinigay ng Malacanan at pati na rin ang sinabi ni Senador Enrile tungkol sa pinagbabasihan ng relasyon natin sa mga Kano. Talagang wala silang respeto sa kanilang sariling bayan. Papaano tayo bibigyan ng respeto ng iba?
This should read: One of the things that Nicole’s lawyer can do is write to the justice department of the US and report the above matter to the US authorities even when in fact I doubt if the Americans would worry about any effect this kind of legal and other breaches WILL HAVE ON THE DIPLOMATIC TIES between the US and the Philippines because of the slave attitude of Filipinos toward the Americans even now.
Ystakei,
From what I understand, it is fortunate for Japan that the VFA of sorts they have with the U.S. is more advantageous to Japan. I don’t think that there is a custody clause in the Agreement in Japan’s VFA similar to the one in the Philippines, which is why the GI serviceman in Japan landed in jail & ours went back to U.S. custody.
Those who agreed on the terms & conditions of our VFA should be questioned. Who sold the Philippines’ sovereignty ? THE ONES WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS on that document, as well as the PRESIDENT who agreed to ALL the terms & conditions of the VFA.
Ellen:
May isang kasong kahawig ng kaso ni Nicole dito sa Japan na nangyari sa isang military base sa Yokosuka.
Isang dayuhan din dito iyong babae na nagpunta sa isang bar na madalas puntahan ng mga sundalong kano. May lumapit sa kaniya at tinanong ng “May I buy you a drink?” na kapag tinanggap ang ibig sabihin ay puede nang makipag-alembongan. Mamaya nagkayayaan na, pero nang nasa kotse na sila, nagbago ang isip ng babae. Nang sabihin ng malibog na kano na doon na sila magyarian ay tumanggi ang babae. Nagalit ang libog na libog nang kano. Pinilit si babae. Sinaktan pa para maipilit ang gusto. Tinakpan ang bibig ng babae para hindi makasigaw. Nang makaraos ang salbahe, nakapiglas ang babae at nagsisigaw. May mga sumaklolo at dumating ang mga pulis. Huli si kanuto.
Nag-imbestiga ang mga pulis. Napatunayang hindi consensual ang ginawa ng bastos na kano gawa ng mga pasa sa katawan at sugat sa ari ng babae, at iba pa. 10 years ang sentensiya, dishonorably discharged pa. Gustong mag-appeal pero sinabihan ng abogado na walang pag-asang ma-absuwelto siya.
Kaya anong sinasabing hindi rape ang ginawa ni Smith kay Nicole? At saka bakit papayag ang mga pilipinong bastusin ng mga kano ang batas nila sa tulong ng mga bastos din na mga opisyal nila na pihadong nakikipag-secret deal na sa mga kano na makakakuha ng green card gaya noong mga pulis na humihingi ng green card in exchange for information taken from an apartmeht occupied by members of the Islamic Fundamentalists, who tried to bomb the WTC in 1993 and assassinate the Pope in 1995 in Manila.
In short, dapat lang magprotesta ang mga pilipino araw-araw sa harap ng US Embassy para isauli iyong horny na sundalong si Smith. Left, right and in-between dapat sumama sa protesta!!! Hindi dapat makinig doon sa mga Amerikanong hilaw!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Chabeli:
Sinabi mo pa. Sa totoo lang, maraming buhay ang ibinuwis para maging favorable sa Japan ang US-Japan Military Agreement na na-ratified noon 60’s at hindi naman napapalitan o na-a-amend na walang pasabi sa mga taumbayan. Malakas kasi dito ang civic consciousness ng mga tao gawa ng hubog maliit pa ang mga hapon na hindi sila puedeng mag-isa! Pinupukpok ang pako kapag nakausli.
As I have stated in other posts, I have interpreted for a lot many US servicemen charged in Japanese courts. Walang nakakaligtas. Madalas dagdag trabaho pa nga ako dahil kailangan kong i-translate sa ingles ang mga statement nila para walang lusot na tumanggi silang pumirma at sabihin iyon ay dahil hindi nila naiintindihan ang kasulatang pinipirmahan nila. Isang tanong lang ng pulis dito para ma-establish kung rape o hindi ang kaso regardless of whether or not sumamang kusa ang biktima sa perpetrator. Walang ligtas lalo na kasi dito walang na-i-indict kung walang matibay na ebidensiya. Kaya hindi makahirit ang mga kano!
Tama si MB, papaanong rerespetuhin ng mga kano ang batas at hustisya ng Pilipinas kung mismong mga opisyal nila hindi marunong mag-respeto ng batas at hustisya nila! Por diyes por singko, wala na bang katapusan ang mga kagaguhang ito?
I can accept that Lance Corporal Daniel Smith is a Government Issue (GI). A GI belongs to the government of the United States of America. As such, the U.S. reacquired that which belongs to them. They took Lance Corporal Daniel Smith back into their custody as agreed upon in the VFA. Fine.
I can also accept that there are many who feel that Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, raped “Nicole”. Fine.
What I CAN NOT ACCEPT, however, is that a mere mortal like Gloria can RAPE OUR CONSTITUTION with a snap of a finger ! Did Gloria not swear “to faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man” ?
Ystakei,
I agree with your comments that “Tama si MB, papaanong rerespetuhin ng mga kano ang batas at hustisya ng Pilipinas kung mismong mga opisyal nila hindi marunong mag-respeto ng batas at hustisya nila!..”
Respect IS earned talaga !
Below is part of columnist Dick Pascual’s column:
GARBAGE: So now we are confronted with such a disturbing question as: How come in a similar criminal case in Japan, the American GI accused of raping a native is detained in a Japanese jail while his case is being heard?
Why are Filipinos being treated differently? Just because the US gives us aid we allow it to treat us like garbage?
How will our honorable senators answer those questions?
Maybe what some of the senators and some critics of the VFA can do is use the Smith case as a cause or basis for raising once more the prior question of the VFA being unconstitutional.
That would require the overturning of the Supreme Court decision in G.R. No. 138570, dated Oct. 10, 2000, declaring it to be constitutional. But the SC – especially one under Chief Justice Reynato Puno who led the justices who voted against the VFA – can always change its mind.
Pera lang ang habol ng mga ganid na lider ng Pilipinas kaya inilipat si Smith sa US custody. Because Nicole’s lawyer, Ursua was said to be keen on filing charges to those involve in the illegal transfer of Smith, here is a report from Tribune today,
“According to Apostol, they are not alarmed or threatened by the lawyer’s statement, adding they are more concerned on the possible pullout of the US aid to the country if the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which was used as basis for Smith’s transfer, has not been implemented.’
As ALWAYS, where the money is, that is where the mind and heart of top leaders of this country are. Kaya nga hindi matalo ang NPA o ang mga tinatawag nilang mga terrorists from Mindanao, eh, pinagkakakitaan ng mga general at mga Pidals and mga aids from foreign countries for wars against them.
Etong si Apostol, kung pakinggan mo ang English niya parang si Garcillano at mga pulitikong ipit ang dila sa English. Do you know that Apostol was once City Fiscal of Quezon City during the time of Marcos? Tuta iyan ni Imelda noon…at baka hanggang ngayon.
Tribune’s headline: Palace backs “brains” behind Smith transfer …Threatens counter-raps vs “Nicole” lawyer
*****
If I were Ursua, I would not back out as long as I move within the bounds of the law. Then, if the Malacanang lackeys ignore the rule of law again, she may try to take her case to the UN and the ICJ. Patong-patong ngayon ang kaso ni Great Switik, et al that may one day lead to some international sanction/embargo. Gutom ang labas ng mga pinoy lalo na wala naman silang lang oil for something like the food for oil applied to Iraq during the embargo against Saddam. Panlaban lang naman ni Great Switik iyong mga No. 1 Export nila, iyong mga OFW they human traffick!
Tonguena, bakit hindi naaantig ang mga MBC, et al diyan? Dahil ba kasi nasa Tate ang mga pera nila?
First and foremost, allow me to greet each and everyone a very Happy New Year with my best wishes for peace and prosperity for all.
Coming back to the blogging world today, whether about Pinas or somewhere else in the world, news seems bleak and dreary.
What has shocked me, however, is the news about the Philippines concerning Smith’s “great escape” from Pinas prison abetted no less than by people of this bogus government.
Our prisons have known similar “great escapes” by foreign terrorists, foreign criminals, drug dealers, BOI-sponsored would be Filipinos, etc. but nothing takes the cake where Smith’s “great escape” is concerned.
I DO NOT BELIEVE that Gloria wasn’t informed beforehand of DILG’s plan to spring Smith from the Makati jail.
How can these eggheads even begin to believe that they are doing the right thing? Haven’t the Makati Court and the Court of Appeals decided that Smith should stay in Pinas jail?
What are Gloria and her legion of technocrats? A bunch of animals? What have this bogus and fake leader and her legions of animals done again to this country?
There comes a time when good people must say STOP to the continuing moral plunder of the nation…
They will be right if and when they decide to take Gloria and her fatso of a husband out of the comfort of Malacanang, in the dead of night to be hogtied and shot like what the Romanians did to the Caucescu couple for crimes against the people of the Philippines – justice will then have been served.
Could Joc Joc Bolante’s case, i.e., sent back to Pinas, have also contributed to the “great escape?”
Inilipat si horny Smith sa US Embassy dahil (1) mas mahal daw na ipa-renovate ang selda niyang hiniling ng mga taga-US Embassy na dapat pinagsasabihan ang mga kababayan nilang huwag mag-abuso sa Pilipinas at bistado tuloy na maraming rapist sa kanila; (2) para ipalabas na malakas pa rin si Great Switik sa mga kano kahit na isinusuka na siya ni Dubya na sa totoo lang ay hindi ngayon makahirit dahil wala nang naniniwala sa kaniya. Sa CA nga ang daming galit sa ginawa kay Saddam not that they love Saddam, pero sabi nga ng isang kaibigan kong kano, Saddam is/was the problem of the Iraqis although the US who created him in the first place had the responsibility to destroy him in the end.
Nice try, Ermita-san, et al! Ipinapakita lang ninyo na istupido kayo para galangin ng mga kanong amo pa rin ang tingin ninyo!
Example, I tried to see the reaction of Americans when I introduce myself as a Filipino or as a Japanese. Mas maganda ang trato sa akin kapag sinabi kong taga-Japan ako. Awed na awed ang mga kumag sa totoo lang.
Impression kasi, madatong ang mga hapon. Pag sinabi kong pinoy ako, no pansin ako kasi madalas kahit na professional sa Pilipinas, ang trabaho sa Tate pag bagong salta, tagahugas lang ng pinggan o katulong sa mga care home lalo na ngayong ina-advertise pa ng mga switik ang mga super atsay at atsoy.
Kaya ang ginagawa ko ginagamit ko ang Visa card ko na may pangalang hapon at mark ng bank ko sa Japan para walang duda. Doon lang sa Chinatown ako nagbabayad ng cash dahil itong mga intsik, sigurista. Ayaw tumanggap ng tseke o credit card sa bayaran!
Kawawang Pilipinas! Nasira lalo dahil kay Great Switik!
As to Garciallano, let him be tried and judged by the CPP-NPA kangaroo courts.
RE: Garci
Inasmuch as justice seems to have no real meaning in this country anymore, let Garci be judged by the nation’s parallel courts.
However, my only wish is if Garci is found guilty by the parallel courts (CPP-NPA), I hope he would be hanged and not shot by a firing squad.
To me, Garcillano doesn’t deserve the honor of being shot by a firing squad.
Anna: “How can these eggheads even begin to believe that they are doing the right thing? Haven’t the Makati Court and the Court of Appeals decided that Smith should stay in Pinas jail?”
I ask again, what is Judge Pozon going to do about this? If something like this had happened over here in Japan, you can bet your bottom dollar, there would be an outcry, and hurling of threats of breaking off diplomatic ties. Our judges would go berserk and demand not just an explanation but the removal of officials involved in this stupidity. Pihadong maraming magpapakamatay kapag nangyari ito, including the judge in charge of this case. Ganoon kahigpit!
Too bad, wala niyan ang Pilipinas. Ang daming makapal ang mukha! Kawawang bansa!
Agree Yuko…
As in several countries with civilized governments.
Gloria and her minions have cast the remaining fiber of self-respect for the nation: into the TOILETTE and down the the sewage system gutters!
Devastated Lebanon government has far more greater respect for their people than this hateful and shameless Gloria govenrment will ever have.
Glueria became a mere military prop since the Hello Garci bomb exploded. If one would believe this Ermita et al; Glueria had nothing to do with the 1st and 2nd impeachment, nothing to do with the Cha-cha moves, nothing to do with the transfer of Smith to the US Embassy, among her hindi mga nalalaman!
Saan tayo nakakita ng lider ng pamahalaan na walang nalalaman at ang nagdedesisyon ay ang military or cabinet. She’s no longer in control since the day she cheated the 2004 elections. The Garci Generals and her Ermita Aparador already made her their most important prisoner in Malacanang.
Nakita ninyo na palagi na lang binibihisan ni Lupita at tapos ay kokodakan ng Inquirer for first page photo. Nasa harap ng Belen, basta naglalakad lang, sumasayaw ng igorot dance, nagsu-surfing, nagbabasag ng champagne, nasa loob ng kweba kasama si public pigyur, etc. E kung hindi ba naman props na lang s’ya, ano ang tawag diyan.
The Garci Generals and Ermita Aparador can just switch her off and on. Even if she struck an agreement with Bush to let Smith go and US would let her finish her term in return, the fact is right before our eyes, Glueria is nothing without Ermita’s mafia! Pag binitiwan iyan ni Ermita, kahit ang Uncle Sam niya ay walang magagawa.
Ang sarap na palabigasan ni Glueria, hindi nauubusan! Sa pekeng pangulo naman, OK na kanya kahit de-susi lang s’ya basta huwag matulad kay Erap! Ang labas ay ginagago ang mga pinoy ng mga walanghiyang ito!
GI Joe Smith was found guilty of the Philippines court for raping a Pilipina woman. And GI Joe Smith was sentenced to served a life in prison in the Philippines jail. It was a decision made by the Philippines Judge in the Philippines court of law. Now, the transfered of GI Joe Smith to American Embassy was a total disregard to the rule of law, the Philippine laws, as usual, not so surprisingly, none other but illegitimate Gloria. No one to blame but bogus Gloria, it comes with the territory as the head of the State. Hence, the moved was political, to kiss ass.
MB,
Diyan ako bilib sa Amerika, kung citizen ka nila “right or wrong” ay ilalaban ka. Kaya nga naawa ako kay Nicole ng sabihin niya na mas gugustuhin pa niya sa ngayon na maging american citizen dahil ipinaglalaban nito ang kanilang mamayan. Samantalang sa rehimen ng pekeng pangulong Glueria ay ibinenbenta ang lahat ng puri para lang manatili sa pwesto, walang hustisya, walang hiya, walang umiiral na Konstitusyon!
Chi:
You wanna know kung sino talaga ang presidente? Sabi ng isang gambling lord I met in Tokyo na nagbabayad ng 5M pesos kay Fatso every game operation niya, decoration lang daw si Great Switik dahil empty head naman daw. Palagi lang nagpapa-cute lalo na kung kaharap noong mga PMA grads na papogi-pogi. Excuse the word, but he used the word, “Landi!”
Mas takot daw siya kay Fatso na kaibigan ni Ermita at iyong anak din kabarkada noong asawa ng anak ni Ermita na kaibigan din daw ni Pacman dahil Oympic bet daw ng Pilipinas before. Remember may mga kamag-anak si Fatso sa military na na-ranked up nang umupo si Great Switik! Kaya iyong din ang isa pang dahilan for the special buddy-buddy.
In short, sila-sila na lang ang nagpapalakad ng bansa. Medyo natatagilid na nga iyong kamag-anak ng father ko na si Uncle Fidel.
Palagay ko sinasabon na ng mga kano iyan dahil palpak ang operation to remove the Great Switik even with US help sa totoo lang dahil malaking kahihiyan ang inaabot ng mga kano sa mga operations ni Great Switik na imbes na hindi mabisto ang kapalpakan din ng mga kano, nabubulgar pa ng husto na parang nabu-burlesque-san!!!
Kaya who says that the Americans love the Great Switik? Tanong nga ng isang member ng church namin na nasa Tokyo CIA, “Is she still there?” Nagtaka nga ako nang tanungin niya ako ng ganoon. Kaya alam kong trying hard lang si Great Switik. Kaya pati iyong kapatid ni Ninoy ginagamit dahil hindi niya alam na hindi naman na malakas kay Bush ang ABC! Hahahahahaha! Hibang talaga!
Kawawang Pilipinas, saddled with a creepy! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Yup, Chi, lalo na kung puti ka! But then, Chi, ang mga kano kasi alam nila ang rights and privileges nila in general. Sila mismo ang nagdedemand ng serbisyo regal mula sa gobyerno nilang hindi makakahirit sa kanila. Naiintindihan nila kasi na “a democracy is a government OF, FOR and BY the people!” Sa Pilipinas, pag nagdemand ka ng ganyan, ang sabi sa iyo ng mga Amerikanong hilaw o bayaran ni Great Switik, komunista ka! So, ang ibig nilang sabihin, iyong mga kanong nagmamartsa para sa kanilang mga rights and freedom, komunista din? Iyong mga itim na nagmartsang kasama ni Martin Luther King, komunista din ba?
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Yuko,
Korekek ka naman, Americans know their rights and privileges. Napanood ko si Roseanne Barr, the comedian, before the Nov elections. At talaga sinabi niya kay Bush ” we pay you, you are our employee, not the other way around”. Tapos, inulit niya sa Larry King show.
Kasi, under this fake president, the reds are the most comfi scape. Gumagawa ng kagaguhan tapos lahat ng critics komunista! Iba talaga!
Proves true what I’ve posted before that GMA is basically an OUTLAW. Rule of Force prevails. GMA loyalist generals are strategically positioned in both civilian posts and militiary commands.
Anna, the trade-off is not (just) Bolante. It’s the U.S’s go-signal for martial law. So, it’s now definitely a go, a green light for GMA’s declaration of Martial Law.
Objective? Charter change.
GMA has consistently given illegal orders that substantiates the assertion that she is illegitimate.
GMA is illegitimate. What do you expect her to do, honor her oath of office and obey the law?
GMA appointed the generals to key positions. The theory that she is being held hostage by the military is baseless.
GMA is in command. Her survival strategy is to buy the loyalty of generals by bribing them with appointments to powerful positions and to scare the military about the communists political arms.
GMA, an OUTLAW, as an illegitimate Commander in Chief of the AFP, will declare an unconstitutional Martial Law and will change the Constitution against the will of the people.
The theory that America will do “anything” to help Smith escape justice is utterly wrong. It will do “everything” it legally can, however.
We must learn to use American adherence to its own laws to help ourselves. We must ask what our greater interest is: Justice or Vengeance?
Remember the reported claim of resigned Defense Secretary Nonong Cruz that it was Director of National Intelligence Negroponte, who may have averted the declaration of martial law by GMA in November, 2005. It was the answer to a post I had written in October that year: Where Will America Stand as the Iron Fist Falls?
As bloggers and citizens, we must clearly distinguish the two issues of a rape incident and the long term national interests of our two nations.
Our biggest problem is not America at all. But the current administration and GMA.
Keep you eyes on the prize, and as Mao Tsetung once asked, “Who are our friends and who are our enemies.”
We are our own worst enemies. Why?
Because we have no MORAL consistency, and pure politics and ideology often rules our hearts and minds.
America has no interest in shielding rapists from justice. But that is the difficulty every principled government faces: it must protect the Constitutional rights of even a criminally convicted rapist. At the same time it has duties and interests that far exceed the rape global importance. This is a terrible balancing act that only a great and generous nation can perform.
Regarding Japan, let us not forget that she hosts 90 US military facilities, including several major military bases, with permanently stationed US soldiers and nuclear weapons (I believe.) Also, its jails are probably more respectful of human rights than American jails, such that the issues of custody and jurisdiction have been treated differently as well. Here in the Philippines we have adult rapists (mixed in with 20000 minor age children) who may not ask Daniel Smith for his ID either.
Re Bolate: What trade off? He does not want to go back to the Philippines, and so do his fat bosses. Likewise, Smith does not want to stay in the pig pen in the Philippines.
A trade off will mean an exchange of prisoners, but in this case, the Philippines under the Great Switik does not want Bolate to come back, and there can be no fair exchange.
The Americans cannot risk having another blot in their record so they wait if the Philippine judge will protest or not. If he accepts some peace offering like a well-paid retirement for instance in the US, then they can fly off Smith unless of course, Japanese activists informed of what Smith did to a Filipina continue the protest upon his return to Japan, where he was based. That surely the Americans cannot take the risk of with majority of Japanese nationals voting against US military presence in Japan.
Hopefully, Judge Pozon will stick to his decision, and demand the return of the horny US soldier.
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Yan din ang na aamoy ko Juan del Mundo. Masyadong minadali habang ang taong bayan ay abala sa pagdidiwang ng pasko at bagong taon. Sana naman ay hindi, dahil magiging madugo ang taon na ito. Wala nang patutunguhan si Pandak pag natuloy ang election sa Mayo. katapusan na niya ! Sipain na! Patalsikin na! UMPISAHAN NA!
Many are talking about Martial Law but don’t understand that this is not possible under the current constitution. The law and situation today are different from that of Marcos. Sa panahon ni Marcos, puwede siyang mag-declare ng Martial Law na walang hadlang. And that was what he did. The 1987 Constitution which is still valid today is different. Arroyo can declare Martial Law but after 3 days, the Congress could reject it. And Martial Law is valid for 60 days only. Kaya iba ngayon. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit hindi magamit ni Arroyo ang kasalukuyang Martial Law. She’s restricted and her hands are tied. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit pinilit nila ang Cha-Cha at patuloy pa din niyayari. Of course I’m not an expert in constitution and political laws. That’s only as far as I know.
what i can say is that gma is a living robot!! she can not decide for her own and she does’nt feel anything…
saan ka naman makakakita ng pangulong panay ang bawi sa mga sinasabi, panay tanggi sa mga palpak na gawain at higit sa lahat sinasangkalang ang mga tauhan!!!
bakit kaya nagiging parang sunud-sunoran lang itong si gma!!! ano kaya ang dahilan???
Maniwala ka doon kay ermitanyo,masyado naman yatang mababa ang pagtingin ng America sa Pilipinas kung pirma lang ni sic-boy gonzales okey na.Palagay nila gago ang mga pilipino.
Mandirigma,
Art VII. Section 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, VOTING JOINTLY (!!!), by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.
Ang dahilan PEKENG PANGULO SI GMA! Ano ka ba naman roljen143. Gising kabayan! Ikaw ba naman magtinda ng pekeng ginto ilagay mo sa suka makikita mo ang tunay na kulay diba. PATALSIKIN NA! SIPAIN NA! UMPISAHAN NA!
Thanks Mr. Del Mundo for the quotation. Can you also send us the version of the old constitution under Marcos? I would like to see the difference. I’m sure there’s a difference. Nang baguhin ang constitution noong 1987 sa pag-upo si Cory Aquino, the intention was to prevent the President from abusing his power and that includes declaring Martial Law. The above law you cited indicates that. Of great importance is the portion that states that the Congress may revoke it. Kaya hindi absolute and power ng Presidente. Hindi magawa nitong Arroyo ang ginawa ni Marcos. That’s why she was and still pushing Cha-Cha para manatili sa poder.
Welcome back all those who have gone on Christmas and New Year holidays!
Juan del Mundo
Meron bang website constitution ng Pilipinas pls. lang po pake post kung meron.
Mandirigma,
You are dead wrong about martial law and the constitution. By a simple majority vote of The Congress voting JOINTLY, a declaration of martial law or a suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus may be rejected or AFFIRMED. Thanks to Juan del Mundo for saving me the trouble of quoting the provision.
She can do martial law without the Senate’s concurrence and by a vote far less than the three fourths required for Con-Ass!
God Save the Constitution!
Constitutional Gambit
GMA can proclaim martial law to trigger a constitutional process that will bait or force the senate to join the lower house as a body or as a constituent assembly to jointly address the matter of the proclamation, either to revoke it or extend it. But once convened as a Conass, the lower majority virtually takes over the entire Congress. They can extend the efficacy of the proclamation of martial law, vote to include into the agenda the resolution to address the conditions that ‘forced’ and justified the president to declare martial law, and initiate the needed ‘urgent political reforms to save the reublic and preserve economic gains.’ Thus cha-cha via Martial Law is a pragmatic option.
mandi,tik, http://www.chanrobles.com/index1.htm
Constitutional Gambit
GMA can proclaim martial law to trigger a constitutional process that will bait or force the senate to join the lower house as a body or as a constituent assembly to jointly address the matter of the proclamation, to revoke or extend it. But once con ass is convened the lower house majority, via a majority vote of the whole rule, virtually takes over the whole congress, take total control of its proceedings and railroad even charter change.
GMA’s Constitutional Coup
GMA’s central agenda since the “let’s start the great debate” SONA, changing the present charter with her “ultimate solution” constitution will accomplish two objectives: escape from accountability and entrench her and her allies in power. GMA allies will dominate a unicameral Parliament that has the sole power to impeach her. With some of the limitations on her powers today removed, the power to dissolve the Parliament and a “Supreme Court stripped of the power to determine whether she has gravely abused her discretion”, GMA will have the vast powers exercised by President Marcos. Crucially, GMA’s constitutional coup would effectively undercut any legal and constitutional challenge to her legitimacy and let her stay in power, constitutionally more secure, from the transitory period to 2010 and beyond.
Juan del Mundo:
There is NO NEED to convene a Con-Ass to affirm a declaration of martial law or suspension of the writ of habeas corpus because if you read the provision carefully the Congress convenes to decide the issue “WITHOUT NEED OF CALL” :Section 18. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.
The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call.
Talaga atang diyan mapupunta sa martial law, yan na ang huling baraha ni Pandak! Ang daming mga militar na nasa likod niya at biglang tumaas ang mga rango hmmpp. Tapos ang mga komokontrang militiral nakakulong. Isang HIMALA na lang ang pag asa..? NOEL na ba talaga?
GodSaveDConstitution,
Thanks, re-reading:
“The Congress, VOTING JOINTLY, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in REGULAR or SPECIAL session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension,”
How is the ‘voting jointly’ proceeding undertaken by the upper and lower houses?
Martial Law? The Great Bugaw does not have to make a formal declaration of it. She has been imposing her own rules from day one she took over the position from the duly elected president of the Philippines. She is now the law and so is her Fatso of a husband! Nagtataka pa ba kayo?
It may not be so pronounced in Manila, but in the provinces, they are even required to have a cedula and cannot walk around when the military gives order on pretext of the communist insurgency—hindi pa tawagin mga tulisan na lang.
I’m told by my Japanese friends that in the provinces they have gone to, the list of people for assassination are even advertised with leaflets distributed by the authorities there. This kind of report in fact, they submit to the Japanese authorities to stop ODA to the Philippines.
I believe them, for majority of the people they reported to be in the list in the leaflet they were able to get there are now dead!!! Bizarre? You bet, it is.
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Juan del Mundo,
I think the main point is that a joint session of the Congress is automatically convened “without need of call.” That the voting is jointly only means that they need a mere 50% plus one vote of “ALL the Members of the Congress” to reject or affirm the imposition.
As for Japan, the commenter “YSTAKEI” studiously ignores the simple fact that Japan is the most perfect semicolony of America and has been for sixty years. It’s entire military defense rests on the US Armed Forces and she hosts the largest number of foreign military bases (all American) in the world. Gladly and wisely I would think, considering how secure and certainly economically sovereign she is.
The main reason the Philippines is backward are the Communists and their “insurgency.” They are the ones that are violating our sovereignty day in day out with their extortions, kidnappings, land mine layings and the eating of their own children who won’t bow to Utrecht.
They don’t want the Philippines and America to have any kind of relationship, because they shall never have a chance to establish a Maoist totalitarian state here. Never!
God Save the Constitution!
Official declaration na lang ang kailangan ah. Ang tagal ng sikil ang mga karapatan ng mga pinoy. Hindi lang nila magawa sa ngayon dahil hindi pumapayag si Uncle Sam.
I don’t think Bush will back up Glueria’s formal declaration of martial law especially now that both US houses are controlled by Democrats. Bush has only about two years in office, and while he gets everything that he wants from Glueria, he’s not stupid to ruin his would- be- legacy and name by supporting Glueria’s martial law obsession. Lasenggo din si Bush pero hindi matatanga ni Glueria.
I’m posting here the full article yesterday’s Philippine Star because Star does not maintain archives for their stories:
Constitutional crisis over Smith’
By Michael Punongbayan
The Philippine Star 01/01/2007
A constitutional crisis could be the result of the transfer of convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith from the custody of Philippine authorities to the US embassy, a group of lawyers warned yesterday.
The Counsels for the Defense of Liberties (Codal), an organization of lawyers, law professors and law students, also denounced yesterday the “surreptitious release” of Smith from the Makati City Jail (MCJ) on Dec. 29 as a blatant display of disrespect for the judicial system.
Codal spokesperson Neri Colmenares said that by ordering Smith’s transfer, the executive branch is courting a constitutional clash with the judiciary, should the Supreme Court uphold Makati City regional trial court (RTC) Judge Benjamin Pozon’s decision to detain Smith at the MCJ and bar the US and Philippine governments from transferring the 21-year-old US Marine to a facility not run by Philippine authorities.
Colmenares warned that the US embassy is foreign territory under international law and is beyond the reach of any Supreme Court order.
Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, however, said the transfer of Smith from the MCJ was necessary to protect both Philippine and US national interests.
Enrile asserted that the transfer was allowed under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries.
“In a contract like this, it is an extraordinary system, another sovereign that is involved. It is not only the sovereignty of the Philippines that must be taken into account but you have to take into account the sovereignty of the other state which entered into the agreement,” Enrile said in an interview over dzBB yesterday.
“We should not sacrifice our national interest. What we are talking about right now is only on the issue of custody,” Enrile said. “The case will continue. The case is on and is being appealed. It will continue to be heard by the highest court of the land. Let us wait for the decision of the highest court of the land. Let the process take place.”
Colmenares said President Arroyo, in allegedly authorizing the transfer, committed a culpable violation of the Constitution, noting that under Article VII Sections 17 and 5, the President is required to defend the Constitution and execute all laws faithfully.
“Under Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution, anyone who commits a capital offense in the Philippines cannot post bail nor be released on recognizance when the evidence of guilt is strong,” Colmenares said. “Not only were the evidence strong against Smith, but they were sufficient to find him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
“Allowing the accused to remain in US custody is releasing Smith on recognizance to the US government — (an action) clearly not allowed under the Constitution. The VFA, or any treaty for that matter, cannot trump the 1987 Constitution,” he added.
He said the US will, in fact, be violating their obligations under the VFA if they continue exercising absolute custody over the accused because Article II of the bilateral act clearly provides that “it is the duty of US personnel to respect the laws of the Republic of the Philippines” and that “the US Government shall take all measures within its authority to ensure that this is done.”
The lawyer’s group also said the American government has not even recognized the VFA as a treaty and has refused to have it ratified by the US Senate until today.
“Since the VFA is not recognized as a treaty by the US, it cannot be the basis for the entry of foreign troops and facilities into the Philippines,” Codal said in its statement. “It is the height of self-humiliation for President Arroyo to insist on calling the VFA a treaty while the US refuse to accord it the same level of respect.”
“(Smith’s) transfer to the US embassy, in the middle of the night at that, to the custody of the US (authorities), despite pending litigation in Philippine courts, is not only a violation of the (1987) Constitution, but also a complete disregard (of) and disrespect for the judicial branch including the Supreme Court,” Codal said in a statement.
“It is not only a contempt of court, but treachery that signals the complete breakdown of the rule of law,” Codal said, noting that President Arroyo is “not only without power to transfer a convict under the custody of the Regional Trial Court but is also estopped from doing the same since it submitted the issue to the judgment of the Court of Appeals and, ultimately, the Supreme Court.” Unequal relations
Colmenares said the VFA also screams of unequal relations under the US counterpart VFA because the latter “is strictly and unequally construed against the Philippines.”
He explained that under the US VFA, the US can immediately imprison any Filipino soldier who commits a crime in US territory and may waive that right only upon request of the Philippine government, but unlike the Philippine VFA, the request may be denied.
Codal believes that since the US maintains the right to refuse the Philippine request for custody, the Philippines should also do the same under the terms of the counterpart agreement.
The group said giving the US the absolute discretion on the custody of a convicted US personnel immediately clashes with the constitutional rights of the rape victim, legal provisions on bail, and the equal protection clause.
“This is the first time when a US serviceman is convicted of rape and allowing the convict to escape punishment is not only unjust to the victim but an insult to Philippine sovereignty,” Colmenares said.
“This disparity in treatment is magnified by the fact that arrested Filipinos in the US are immediately detained and deported like cattle for not having a visa, while the convicted Smith stays in comfortable rooms in his embassy,” he said. Lost self-respect
Meanwhile, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III said the pride and self-respect the Philippines earned from the removal of the US military bases in Clark Field, Pampanga and Subic Bay in Olongapo, Zambales have been obliterated by the acts of the Philippine government when it turned Smith over to US custody.
While there are ambiguities in the VFA which Pozon capitalized upon to ensure that the Philippines’ sovereign rights and Constitution are not trampled upon, Tañada said “the new and hastily forged Romulo-Kenney Agreement on Smith’s custody reflects an unthinkable sellout of our national interest.
“Shouldn’t our attitude in the ambiguities be on the side of our own nationals rather than a foreigner, especially when there is already a conviction of rape?” Tañada asked. “Isn’t it ironic that when this issue erupted last year, our government asked for custodial rights of the accused and now that he is already convicted, we are turning Smith over to the US?”
He added that whoever ordered the transfer of Smith’s custody should have clearly and strongly explained to the US that the Philippines has its own judicial processes that should be followed.
He said the merits of the case is for the courts to decide, not the executive branch.
“The US’s utter disregard of our judicial system and processes which we partly inherited from them is unconscionable. If the tables were turned, I don’t think the US or its judicial system would permit such a transfer,” he said.
Tañada said the authorities acted like thieves in the night when the Philippine government officials in collusion with US government personnel turned over Smith from his Makati City jail cell late Friday night and transported him to the US embassy compound in Manila.
But Enrile said the issue of Smith’s transfer should not even be a cause of alarm. He added that the Philippines has more to lose than gain if it insists on detaining Smith in Philippine custody.
“Now, if we push that, we will have a democratic rupture with America,” Enrile said. “Are we ready to confront America on this issue and is it worth our people’s interest to sacrifice the security and the national interest of the country, including maybe our economic interest, in this particular issue. That is a larger consideration to be taken into account.”
Enrile has been vocal against the local court’s insistence on taking Smith into custody. The senator was also confident that the US government would respect provisions of the VFA even after Smith is already in their custody.
“Since the start, I asked them to let the Americans have custody of Smith. Anyway, this case will go on. As long as he remains in the country, the sovereign rights of the Philippines are respected,” Enrile said. “But if we are going to insist on what we want, do we have the clout to do it?”
Hinting that the country still needs the joint RP-US Balikatan exercises, Enrile said the government needs to maintain the US as an ally to help the government in protecting the country’s vast coastline and territory. It will be recalled the Enrile served as defense minister under ousted former President Ferdinand Marcos and his successor President Corazon Aquino.
“Besides that, America is our ally. There is an unseen value that is given to them. If there is no America, we will have to spend half of our lives to provide with ourselves with our security umbrella to protect ourselves from our neighbors. We do not have a Navy, the Air Force. We have the ground forces to protect ourselves but that’s all,” Enrile said.
Besides the nation’s security concerns, Enrile said the US government greatly helps in uplifting the country’s economy, which may be the more logical reason why the Philippines could not simply reject the US government’s request for Smith’s transfer.
“America is the source of a bigger portion of our economy. Much of our trade is trade with America, we cannot give it out just like that. The source of our economic development, one of the main sources is America,” he added. — With Pia Lee Brago, Christina Mendez
Chi,
Of course, we are all free to have our choice for the senators. In another thread, naiposte ko na ang aking choices and those not in my list. Basta maging majority in the senate, maganda na ang hininga. First and paramount is to topple down Gloria whatever it takes pero mas maganda kung may due process which is impeachment.
As I posted in a thread earlier when I joined the blog, I surmised that the more intense political battle is in the local settings, for congressman, to be specific. It’s where the impeachment proceedings should start and transferred to the Senate if approved by the needed numbers. Mathematically, it’s more or less a cinch in the senate because the way it is, the only hold-out in the current crop is Miriam DS with Lito Lapid now wishy-washy. Bong Revilla may soon join the majority if we will consider the previous antics of his erpat, Ramon Revilla, and his bro in-lawJawo, who were political butterflies. But knowing also Miriam, it will not be surprising if she one day will spring a surprise. She has started by being aghast with the transfer of the rapist Smith to US embassy in the dead of the night.
Going back to the locals, I’m fortunate to have the youthful Lorenzo Tanada III as our incumbent congressman. He’s one of the few who took valiant stand against the pro-GMAs assholes in the Bastusang Pambansa, the latest caper was railroading of the con-ass and in the two impeachment attempts. It’s on the papers how he objected to the unlawful transfer of the rapist Smith to the US Embassy. Where before he was considered a weakling as a neophyte solon, now he’s reelection is assured. He certainly made his late grandfather, the intensely nationalist Lorenzo Tanada, proud and smiling from where he is now.
To those who are familiar with the congressional districts and its representatives, it means I’m from Quezon, where ka Roger roams. I’m a lowly PROMDI, from the province, of this group. But I have an address while Ka Roger has none or no permanent address at all. But mind you, he’s readily available to make comments on current issues over the radio.
Clear like a crystal, “It is the height of self-humiliation for President Arroyo to insist on calling the VFA a treaty while the US refuse to accord it the same level of respect.”
Ito talagang si Glueria, wala nang itinirang hiya sa sarili!
Ito namang si Enrile, problema lang ni Glueria ang sagot n’ya!
02 January 2006
FIRSTLY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!!!
Now to the topic, the manner in which smith was removed from the MCJ was still odd, funny thing, most, if not all of the hoods of the leprechaun are saying she doesn’t of the transfer, chabeli and ellen and the rest of you guys are correct to say, that the leprechaun is not running the presidency anymore. The worse thing is who among her cabals are running the show now???because of the pullout in the balikatan exercise, NATAKOT NA SILA!!!! ano ba yan!!! that is the very reason why the american idiots are laughing and makung fun of us, they know that they have us by the neck. So what if they pull out???they are only giving us scraps of their war machines. Most of the euopeans countries appluded the decision of judge pozon, and now they are contradicting his decision, even ZUL must is making a crazy statements nowadays. CRAZY!!!!!!!
prans
What’s all the fuss about this Martial Law? Since Arroyo became President, there has been an undeclared Martial Law. It’s just a paper. Ang tingnan natin iyon lahat na ginagawa niya at mga nilabag niya. There’s no official Martial Law but her acts all pointed to that.
Ellen,
I’ll scan the leaflet with the list of NGO leaders for termination by the military that I Japanese friend of mine obtained when she visited one of the provinces where the AFP do these killings of community leaders, et al they tag as communists even when they are not, especially the pastors, priests and nuns of both independent and Catholic churches who are very critical of the Great Switik. I’ll send you a copy when I do.
A friend has actually written about it in some Japanese newspapers. Kaya panay ang patawag ng Minister of Foreign Affairs namin kay Siason, who apparently washes off his hands about these extrajudicial killings.
All the more reason for this blog, etc.
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
The case of Cpl. Smith custody is covered under the VFA, which both countries are signatories to the agreement. Judge Pozon interpreted the term that the “ judicial proceeding” is done at the conviction of the accused, while the U.S. interpreted it upon exhaustion of all appeals and the final verdict which may reach the supreme court. Both governments agreed on the U.S. interpretation. And the VFA or any of its terms was not declared unconstitutional by either courts (the U.S. and the Philippines) the terms could be enforced by the authorities, under the agreed interpretations.
The U.S. will protect its citizens and accorded them the same rights and privileges anywhere they are, the same as we should expect our own country will do for us. We have dared a country in the middle east, Iran in particular for torturing and killing one Iranian of Canadian Citizen, and even recall our ambassador from that country. We have also an agreement with the U.S. to allow our Citizens to serve their sentences for crime committed in the U.S. in our Jails and Penitentiaries if they choose to.
But to suggest that the U.S. authorities will protect and cover up for the crimes of its citizen is perhaps going beyond, because the U.S. justice system will not think twice of sending its own Criminals to the gallows, and have no mercy on criminals especially rapists and murderers. But on the other hand, the U.S. believes in their Constitutions, the rights of everyone, even their criminals and that too will not think twice to protect those rights, not the criminals.
Chi,
Enrile definitely knows how to play his card although I am not in favor of his sa pula sa puti game play with the squatters at the palace by the murky river. I guess, he is simply trying to survive especially with his business interests in a limbo with nature not proving to be on his side either.
Mandirigma,
Regarding martial law, that was a smart remark you just posted. You must be an intellectual! (but a very young intellectual who isn’t now and won’t be much affected if and when we get martial law?).
Mandirigma,
regarding martial law, i agree with you, na meron ngang de-facto martial law na umiiral sa ating bansa. i came from an urban center, and yet 13 or more of its barangays have army detachments na nagkakampo sa mga barangay halls, kapilya, at eskwela. never ito nangyari nuong panahon ni marcos. at hindi ito unique sa lugar na pinanggalingan ko, dahil ganito rin ang sitwasyon sa mga barangay sa iba pang towns ng probinsya at iba pang barangay sa mga probinsya sa rehiyon na namin. ang mga nagpoprotesta, kung hindi nawawala, tinatadtad ng bala. and i have seen one (or one similar to it) of the death list na binabanggit ni Ystakei. i have several friends who have survived marcos, at kung kailan sila nanahimik at nag-aalaga na lamang ng pamilya, duon naman sila pinaslang mga mga death squads na nakabonet at nakasakay ng motorsiklo. i have a friend na binaril sa loob ng kanyang jeep, buti na lang may presence of mind siya & he used his body to shield his wife and his son.
ang batas militar ni gloria ay tila masahol pa nuong panahon ni marcos. believe me, i am not a doctor, but i have been there, and i have witnessed the butchering.
Isabel,
If you have indeed “witnessed the butchering” is it not your duty to go to the authorities to divulge what you know and to seek justice for the victims? Or is this the reason the police keep saying they have no witnesses to these “extrajudicial killings”?
GodSaveDConstitution Says: “is it not your duty to go to the authorities to divulge what you know and to seek justice for the victims? ”
What auhtorities, one may ask… Gloria’s legal, judiciary system? Seek justice fot the victims you say?
Don’t be naive.
It would be like playing Russian roulette if Isabel went to your so-called authorities.
What about the Garci affair? Garci was found INNOCENT and all charges against him dropped… and you call this justice at work?
What about the Mayuga report? Whatever happened to the report?
What about the officers and men who stand accused today of so-called coup d’état? Have they been tried? Do you mean to say that Esperon, the ultimate bastos in military law can be trusted, relied upon to do the right thing?
What about the many victims of killings, political and otherwise? Have their families obtained justice?
Let me cite to yoy what I believe is justice at work and justice for the victims at work:
In the UK, a few weeks ago, 5 prostitutes were discovered murdered. The police force of Ipswich went to work, the whole nation went looking for the murderer or murderers; in less than 1 week, 1 suspect was apprehended, and in less than two weeks, another suspect was caught… Overall, justice for the victims prevailed.
This is justice at work!
America is the source of the biggest portion of Philippine fortune, hence, our judiciary system, our judges, their decisions, can go hang!
In effect that’s what people, i.e., Enrile, etc., are saying.
Well, next time, the Philippines wants something from the US, Gloria might have to open her bedroom door to the Americans so they could rape her with impunity…
The Philippines has lost the last remaining fiber of self-respect as a nation with a so-called working judicial system.
If members of this government could shit on the head of Judge Pozon with so much ease, why shouldn’t Americans be do it too particularly when one of theirs is involved? They’re mearely protecting one of their own.
Justice in the Philippines may not work the way we want it to be, but if people gather enough courage to bring forth witness against those committing crimes and wrongdoing they may not get convicted in the “court of justice” as it stands now, but by the public. We all knew that Garci, was guilty beyond reasonable doubt, even if absolved by the DOJ. The public knew that going to court is like playing “russian roulette”, but had nicole scared to play the roulette, another one could have gotten away.
well, we can’t blame individuals for not trusting anyone, but in the end that is self-defeating. it may take only a few brave souls to wake up the apathy and conciousness of the whole nation or it may only take one brave individual, but someone got to do it and without regards for the outcome.
Vic,
Agree! That’s why the idea of parallel courts is good!
Let this parallel courts, for they are made up of the Filipino people too apply justice!
Let me tell you this Vic, inasmuch as I have absolutely no faith in Gloria’s legal or judicial system (look, even a Filipio judge could be crapped upon), if my brother becomes a victim (he’s received threats) of extra-judicial killing from his opponents (Gloria’s camp), I swear I will pay people to murder those who will do him harm.
Atta girl, Anna!
Welcome back!
Anna,
USEC Corpus did a good job patiently explaining to Etta, Ursua and Pia tonight that there is absolutely no mention of Muntinglupa or Bilibid in the Revised Penal Code or Rules of Court because where and how a convict is confined under Philippine Law is purely an executive function implemented by the Bureau of Jail Management. Ursua’s ululation that Daniel Smith has “escaped” is really just so much victimological hysterics.
But I would like to recommend to everyone on this thread who thinks they really understand this case to please read the Supreme Court Decision on the VFA Bayan vs. Exec.Sec. from six years ago.
It is really disgusting to see the people who recently castigated JDV and HOuse Majority of trying to change the rules in midstream, wanting to do exactly the same thing with the VFA.
ON top of that is the disingenuous claim that they are just after justice for Nicole when their real target is an important relationship between the RP and the US. The Left wants to abrogate the VFA for calling their friends in Utrecht “terrorists”. Nicole is their prisoner now, along with Daniel Smith.
Vic,
Perjury, I understand, is a crime even in the Philippines, and yet, amazingly, there are people there who work as professional perjurers tolerated and recognized by the court as long as they cannot be caught lying! 😛
I understand, for instance, the Nicole rape case is no exception to the rule. Apparently, false witnesses were presented to defend the horny US soldiers accused respectively of raping and conniving in the rape of Nicole paid even perhaps in US dollars that infuriated Nicole’s lawyer.
Outside of the court, there was even the Catholic priest witnessing for his fellow Americans in the Nicole case instead of him telling them to confess their crime and ask forgiveness for their sins.
Over in Japan, victims of rape cases are not often presented in court because statements they give during police investigations can suffice plus the evidences the police painstakingly try to find for a case to be indicted in a Japanese court.
I actually have never heard of victims of rape in Japan hiring their own lawyers to defend them, or their lawyers quarreling with the prosecutors who are supposed to be on their side and not on the side of the perpetrators of crimes!
Anna,
I’m told that the cheapest hiring price now of killers for hire is about 1 to 2 hundred dollars. Kasing mura ng kanilang mga kidney!
Godsavesdconstitution, thanks for your comments about me saying I’m smart, but I find it a bit sarcastic. Even a child and illiterate would notice that an undeclared Martial Law exists. Isabel explained it better than I did. Even though my relatives were victims of Martial Law, I would like to believe that it’s worse under this Arroyo regime. Iyan nga ang mahirap. Hindi baleng may official na Martial law at least aware ang mga tao. Wala ngang Martial Law ngayon pero ang mga nangyayari tulad at mas masahol pa noon.
Tribune’s headline: GMA admits ex-deal forged with Uncle Sam on Smith … RP sovereignty made subservient to foreign will to butter up to the US
*****
I’m not surprised. I was going to say, “The idiot does not have balls!” Of course, she doesn’t. Babae kasi siya. Pek2 meron siya!
Sayang iyong perang ginastos para sa “Iron Lady” publicity stunt ng punggok na ito. Magaling lang magbugaw! Pwe
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
Yuko,
Then my several thousand dollars could go a long way…
Natakot mawala iyong mga tira-tira ng mga kano. Nabebenta kasi sa blackmarket iyong mga baril na ipinamimigay ng mga kano, that’s why. Sayang daw iyon. Tutal butas na rin daw si Nicole, magpatuloy na lang daw siyang mag-hunting ng matitisod niyang kanong sundalo na darating pa! Quoted iyan na sinabi ng isang opisyal ni Great Switik, I am told. Bastos! Sariling bansa binaboy!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA! MGA KANO LANTARAN NA ANG PANGGAGAGO SA MGA PINOY! PWE!
You bet, Anna. Your thousand Euros will go a long way. Mas mataas ang palit ng Euro kesa sa dollar!
Yuko,
I am infinitely ashamed of the people in government today and I now understand why there are Filipinos who would rather go to all lengths to hide their being Filipino.
Having said that, I still would not hide my being Filipino – on the contrary, in the Christmas parties, we attended here and elsewhere, I never lose sight of the opportunity to put a bad word or bad words against this moral dwarf and her legion of demons.
In yesterday’s party with friends at a friend’s house served by a group of Pinoy domestic helpers, the topic of Pinas came up, I said, Pinoys in general have dignity but the moral dwarf has none, etc., etc. I also added that I wouldn’t shed a tear if she were assasinated!
Anna de Brux,
Welcome back ! Hope you & your family enjoyed your holiday.
Great comments, as usual, especially when you said that in a recent gathering you mentioned “…that I wouldn’t shed a tear if she were assasinated!”
Hide their being Filipinos, Anna? Actually, they cannot. Kahit nga iyong mga Indonesian or Thai, akala mo mga pinoy kundi pa magsasalita!
As for being ashamed of the Pidal government, I am not. I condemn this bogus government as a matter of fact. don’t even recognize and address the Great Switik as president, for to me, she is not!
In the parties I attended in the USA during my visit there, I did not even have to be cautious about saying a word or two against the Great Switik. Everybody was asking in fact when she could be removed. Even the mekeni I talked to were against her, and wanted her out.
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA! NATAKOT SA PEOPLE’S POWER NG MGA KANO KAYA NAMBASTOS NA NAMAN!
Hi Chabeli,
Thanks… Yep, t’was great holiday. And you? Did you have great holiday?
By the way, are you still in good old Manila?
Take care… don’t let Gloria’s legion get anywhere near you. They are worse than the ebola or HIV virus.
John Marzan and Dean, I accidentally erased your comments that were submitted for moderation. I’m sorry. Please write it again.
Dean,
I’ve told you before, I don’t give a shit where Smith serves his sentence but it should be done according to the dictates of this already feelble Philippine justice system because by contravening the decision of the courts, we render everything and anything the Philippine courts may do now and in the future, absolutely futile.
The thing to do was to follow what the Philippine Justice System has provided.
Stop trying to mix up issues.
1. A Philippine judge has given his sentence.
2. The Court of Appeals upheld the Makati Judge’s decision.
3. Makati Judge says, Smith will continue to stay in Makati jail.
So, by springing Smith from Makati effected no less than by Malacanang, what do you think it tells us? Justice in the Philippines is to be mocked, to be laughed at, to be taken for granted?
Why can’t Gloria and her bosom friend in the US Embassy go through the process, at least that would have shown the world, the Filipinos and everyone else that there’s still some dignity in Pinas?
Don’t come to me lecturing about who’s a prisoner here or what because that’s all past me. I am merely for the rule of law and by saying what you even half-hedartedly, you are showing that there’s no longer such a thing as the rule of law.
Don’t be so blinded by patriotism for America, Dean! Wrong is wrong, no matter who does or says it!!!!
Just to remind you Dean, here was what I posted in your own blog under The Logs In Our Own Eye Saturday, December 16, 2006…
HILLBLOGGER & Hillblogger Jr said…
My own take on Pozon, the VFA and the whole Smith-Nicole rape issue.
I don’t know if Pozon rendered his verdict based on Philippine law or against the VFA.
The VFA consideration to me is purely political and should never have come into the picture the moment the wheels of justice started rolling.
If Pozon did his job to the best of his conscience and according to the rule of law, and thereafter rendered verdict according to the dictates of the law, that’s really what matters.
Frankly, I’m of the opinion that while Philippine justice overall is not all that just, I’m prepared to give Pozon the benefit of the doubt – that he based his judgement on the merits of the case and rendered a conviction because our law said so and not because of the the political implications that the VFA hold.
As Bernas said in his column, a verdict was rendered and Smith is now serving his sentence because he’s been found guilty by Philippine justice.
Frankly, Smith’s custody is immaterial to me now, he may serve it in the US, in the Philippines, doesn’t really matter not an iota to me.
However, I do believe it is important that we abide by the international treatises and agreements we sign. But I also believe that Judge Pozon must not be intimidated by the powers that be because he merely did his job.
Asking him to do something against what he believes is the law is bound to have worse repercussions particularly at a time when the rule of law in the Philippines doesn’t seem to have any meaning.
Smith is in good hands, in your good hands and those of the good hands of Gonzales and by no means any lesser hands at all, i.e., in the hands of the United States of America is behind him.
If the Court of Appeals rules that he should be turned over for custody to the American Embassy on account of the provisions in the VFA, then so be it.
But let the wheels of Philippine justice roll for the moment. Let the Court of Appeals do its job. No need to jump the gun.
6:09 AM, December 18, 2006
Rizalist said…
Roger that, Hillblogger!
Yuko,
In Criminal cases ( as compares to civil cases) the victims of criminal acts are witnesses. The case is always of the state or in our case the Crown against the accused. So all investigations, police works and prosecutions are handled by the crown and the victims may or may not be brought as witnesses. But at the same time, the victims of the crimes can hire their own lawyers in preparation for the civil case, or in a very major case as an advisers to the victims. But victims, unless pursuing a civil case should never incur out of pocket expense, but instead in our case as we are now comparing justice system between our countries, are even entitled to social assistance if livelihoods are interupted during the process. So there is no comparison between the countries especially the Philippines. Even our criminals here can avail the services of the best defense lawyers through our legal aid funds. Ever wondering why they are out and in in jails? or some don’t even get to see the jails, until some of their kinds metted the street justice that some do deserve. Because of our legal aid system that can afford much more experience lawyers defending the criminals than the lawyers prosecuting them..ours is not even close to that desirable one, but we accept it and its shortcomings, a very expensive system, but it keep us safer..
Yuko,
Re: “I condemn this bogus government as a matter of fact. don’t even recognize and address the Great Switik as president, for to me, she is not!”
Same here! When I was “presented” to her here while she was on a visit, I didn’t address her President, I simply said, “Madame” and that was it.
She asked me a few things but NEVER did I address her president!
I was informed thereafter that some people were shocked by my refusal to address her president but I don’t give a frigging care!
Cristy Ortega, Phil Envoy here probably never forgave me for that but who cares?
If I were to choose between Gloria and Jean Marie Le Pen of the National Front here, I would choose the latter! Coz I know he wouldn’t sell French dignity to a foreigner!
Hi, Anna de Brux, holidays were great. One tends to feel the spirit of Christmas more in the Philippines..good to know you had a great time, too. I’m off in a couple of weeks, then back in Manila in May.
Ha ha ha, as it is I can slowly feel “Gloria’s legion” creeping in, and yes, I agree with you that they certainly “… worse than the ebola or HIV virus.”
Take it easy, too. We need all the energy in the coming months. From what I hear, it’s going to be topsy turvy in the coming months.
Anna de Brux, you said that “When I was “presented” to her here while she was on a visit, I didn’t address her President, I simply said, “Madame” and that was it.”
You HAVE guts ! Good for you ! Although some may say that it is the Office (of the President) that we must respect, however, how can one respect such an office when the one who represents the office is BASTOS ? Respect, after all, is earned.
“however, how can one respect such an office when the one who represents the office is BASTOS ? Respect, after all, is earned.”
Right you are Chabeli!
Besides, I would be defeating my own principles, i.e., my conviction that she is NOT the legally elected president of the Republic, furthermore, I would be condoning her illegal act, her usurpation of the highest office of the land if I accepted to call her president, worse, I would be making bastos of the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines and everything that it should stand for if I make a mockery of the said office by addressing her president!
That ranking RP officials, including Gloria, spirited Smith out of our prison to US custody is unmistakably a sellout of the nation’s dignity and sovereignty. No other argument can buttress that fact. It’s now clear that they don’t want to displease Uncle Sam, never mind if they break our own laws and shortcircuit the judicial process. Never mind if they kowtow to foreign interest, so long as their pockets are full and they are still in power.
Isn’t this the way what Gloria and her minions have been telling us since day one? Look at her midnight proclamation as president compared with Smith’s midnight release, those sleepless nights that her warped congress debated cha-cha to make things easier for them as they rape the law of the land. It’s time that the country enslaved by its own rulers be liberated to prevent further deterioration and decay.
The only alternative I can see now is a nation free of Gloria and her minions. The sooner she goes, the better.
Baka natin tawaging “bastos” ang mga iba at mga kaaway, tingnan muna natin ang ating sarili kung disente tayo at hindi bastos. If right in this group one maltreats another, on what authority is this person to call others as such? Kung dito nambabastos ng kapwa dahil lang sa hindi sang-ayon sa pananaw, anong karapatan na tawagin ang iba na bastos? At hindi ba higit na bastos ang magmura? We can convey our message loud and clear without using profanities. Such behavior reflects one character. And I’m not interested in such people too. Peace and cheer!
There goes the rants again… exatcly the same modus operandi as the previous one…
Anyway, lest we start getting distracted, here’s what I propose, we all say, HANG GLORIA FROM THE HIGHEST LAMPOST!
Gaya ng sinabi ko, huwag na lang kainin ang bulok na mansanas, hindi ba Ms. de buruxs? You started it so please finish it. I cannot go down to your level kasi lalaki ako. Hindi ako marunong magmura. This attitude could be the reason why the opposition is not united. Maraming nagmamarunong and they belittle the others who share the same goal. Hindi ko ugali ang mang-insulto pero ugali ko ang ituwid ang kamalian. I passed your disagreement to Mr. Laurel and it’s up to him if he wants to respond. He believes Cardinal Rosales’ call is useless. And I share his belief. Nothing personal. Just plain fact.
Not interested!
Tong Laurel knows me and he knows where I stand.
Mandirigma,
My advice to you… stop focusing on my posts and stop trying to distract me. Once and for all, I ain’t interested in what you are saying about me or about my posts.
You are trying to distract the flow of the thread here by fixing your gaze at my comments. Exactly the same modus operandi of one who has been banned here.
So here’s my advice, forget commenting about my posts and I’ll forget you exist.
As I said, I ain’t interested…I’m interested in focusing against Gloria. So, beat it, will you?
Well, bato-bato sa langit ang tamaan huwag magagalit. Ms. de brux, can we start the New Year warmly and friendly? I’m not distracting you. Sumasagot lang naman ako sa iyo. Natuto nga ako sa iyo ng one liner. I just don’t know why you were offended with my posting of Mr. Laurel’s recent column about Cardinal Rosales’ statement. Tapos kung anu-anong parinig at insunuation ang binibitawan mo. You were even asking me to swear? Huwag naman. Anyway, pasensiya na. My apology kung nainis ka rin. Sige, tuloy ang laban natin…hindi tayong dalawa. Tuloy ang laban sa pagpapatalsik kay Arroyo!
Atta girl, Anna. I have the same sentiments re Philippine justice system/Philippine law/Philippine sovereignty VS VFA based on my experience interpreting for offenders from the US bases under the US-Japan Military Pact.
If the Japanese can enforce their own rules of laws even with such pact with provisions the US always makes sure would be favorable to Americans, why can’t the Philippines?
Ang hirap kasi kay Great Switik, lahat pinakikialaman kahit na bugok naman ang coconut shell niya. Hindi tuloy siya makahirit! Tonguena, kulang na lang magpa-rape doon sa mga horny na Amerikano!
Point, Anna, is how much money was passed off in this deal! I don’t believe that the Great Switik moved free of charge! May pambayad na siya ng property taxes on her properties in the US acquired I am told only after she entered politics and tributaries paid to her and the hubby!
PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
This should read: As for FEELING ashamed of the Pidal government, I am not. Why should I feel ashamed for this government knowing it is bogus? I condemn it. I strongly feel ALL Filipinos should condemn the Great Switik, her husband and those who patronize them.
Americans should feel wary aligning themselves with this dugong-aso!
You mean, Yuko, Gloria is capable of going traydor to them just as she did when she unilaterally backed out of the Iraq Coalition of the Duped, er the Willing pala over the kidnapped Pinoy?
I agree. Why be ashamed of something that doesn’t exist. Why be ashamed of a government that’s illegal and fake? In like manner, bakit aaminin ang isang bagay na hindi tutoo? Bakit pa susumpa kung hindi naman tutoo? If you visit San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito’s office, Jinggoy and Loi’s senate rooms, you can see Erap’s picture hanging. Hindi ang litrato ni Arroyo.
Hey Dean, just shows your limited knowledge of the Japanese when you say, “As for Japan, the commenter “YSTAKEI” studiously ignores the simple fact that Japan is the most perfect semicolony of America and has been for sixty years. It’s entire military defense rests on the US Armed Forces and she hosts the largest number of foreign military bases (all American) in the world. Gladly and wisely I would think, considering how secure and certainly economically sovereign she is.”
Oh, yeah? Semicolony of the US, you say? BS! That’s what you think. At least, in the upper-class society I move in, I still have to meet a half-baked American like you, nor anyone willing to kiss the smelly butts of Americans.
I’ll let you into a secret. What Japanese say with their mouths do not exactly reflect what they think in their head! In short, when a Japanese say “Yes,” more often than not, he means, “No!”
Sure, Japan defends presently on US defense but whose fault is it? The Americans thought they could continue to control Japan if they would impose their own Constitution on the Japanese, who were not allowed to bear arms, had no other recourse but make good use of such restrictive Constitution the Japanese way. They excell in doing that, you know, just like when they built small cars, etc. fit to Japanese consumption using US techniques! If that is not being wise, what is?
Now, the Americans tell the Japanese to rearm. It is a welcome treat as a matter of fact to a lot many nationalistic and hawkish Japanese. Wait till you see Japan militarize. Baka matakot ka!
Right you are Yuko!
“Wait till you see Japan militarize. Baka matakot ka!”
It would be easy for Japan to re-arm. Japan has the technology and the nuke plants. Kahit bukas kaya nila. The question is will the Japanese politicians and Parliament allow this? Kung minsan may false sense of nationalism and patriotism. Tulad na lang sa Pilipinas natin. Sigaw ng sigaw ng kalayaan at makabayan pero hindi naman makatayo sa sariling paa.
Exactly my point, Vic. Why should the victim be the one hiring a lawyer in a criminal case as what has happened in the trial of the People of the Republic of the Philippines VS the American rapists?
Over in Japan, rape is considered as a grave and serious crime, and accused are not allowed to post any bail especially when they are foreigners who can easily fly out and escape prosecution especially when they are from countries Japan does not have any extradition treaty with.
Despite the provisions to protect the interests of US nationals under the US-Japan Military Pact, criminal offenders from the US bases are turned over to Japanese authorities especially when the victims are nationals of Japan, and they serve their sentences in Japan which has due jurisdiction over such cases.
At least, in the case of Japan, the Americans recognize the fact that Japan is a sovereign state, not a semi-colony that blogger Dean, who must have parroted the Nokors, insinuates it is.
The criminal case has not been over yet, Vic, so there is no way Nicole can file a civil suit against the horny rapist yet. Still, Nicole has to get a volunteer lawyer to make sure that her interests are also protected under the laws of the Philippines, which has jurisdiction over the case especially when the crime was committed when the rapists were on a furlough and out of uniform!!!
Unfortunately, it is something Filipinos have not clarified with the Americans during the negotiation for the VFA that should have been more favorable to Philippine interests than to the US. Kundi ba naman bobo itong mga inutil pang mga opisyal na pilipino ang nagbibigay ng katwiran sa mga Amerikano para sila makalusot!
Atty. Ursua may cite similar cases in Japan, where Americans are more willing to abide by Japanese rules, compromise and cooperate with Japanese authorities. Bakit hindi iyan magawa ng mga pilipino? Ang bobo naman!
Mandirigma:
Apparently, you are not reading Japanese news. Abe has already announced the creation of the Ministry of Defense and additional taxpayers’ money for the building up of Japanese defense.
Frankly, I have ambivalent feeling about this. I like Japan to be able to defend itself but that will mean remilitarization of Japan. I have heard enough stories of what conditions were when Japan was under military rule to make me shudder of the thought.
As the old warning says, “Don’t play with fire!” This is what Abe is committing right now!
Now, as for the US soldiers in Japan, hindi nakakahirit ng husto ang mga iyan dito. Nabubugbog sila ng mga hapon when they go on furlough tapos siga-siga ang dating!
I saw a picture published in Malaya of two Filipino soldiers during a Balikatan exercise carrying toiletries for some US soldier and acting like the super tsimoys the Great Switik pimps overseas in exchange for some dollars maybe! Kakakulo ng dugo!
Thanks for the correction Ystakei. Pasensiya na hindi ako marunong bumasa ng Japanese newspapers. But you know what? I like this Abe. I like him better than the previous one. Medyo may pagka-moderate si Abe and he’s not as submissive to the Americans as the other one. Okay, I personally agree in strengthening Japanese Armed Forces mainly for defense of the Pacific. Kailan natin ng balance of power. Hindi puwedeng hayaan na lang ang China na mamuno sa Asia.
FYI, Abe is no idiot. His grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, was once PM of Japan and had special ties with the Philippines. He was head of the Philippine-Japan Society, but you don’t hear him brag about being friends with this and that in the Philippines. He does not need to.
He speaks English having studied and taken up Political Science at the University of Southern California, but you do not hear him brag about it, nor try to impress his fellow Japanese with his language skills unlike the Great Switik who speaks like a frog with a terrible accent–hindi pa mag-tagalog!
Ystakei,
What sovereign nation has its national defense almost completely in the hands of America? Japan, the perfect semicolony. Successful, prosperous, proud. But sovereign? Tsk.Tsk. Denial of reality won’t make it so.
Kahit hit and run lang akong magpost dito, lagi naman akong nagbabasa. Alam ko na si npongco ay halos di nagtatagalog kaya parating english ang mga posts niya, contrary kay mandirigma na matatag magtagalog, kaya kumbinsido ako na hindi sila iisa.
ystakei Says:
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:56 am
…unlike the Great Switik who speaks like a frog with a terrible accent–hindi pa mag-tagalog!
But when GMA tries to speak in Tagalog, it becomes funny and outrageous. Please read this article by: REGINA BENGCO & JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
parang off topic na ito, kasi napag-iwanan na ako ng milya-milya. but somebody has pointed to me my duty as a citizen of my country. all i can say that the cases i mentioned have been documented, and submitted to the melo commission (kasama ng marami pang similar cases). alam naman natin kung anong naging verdict ng komisyon (without even bothering to call witnesses and families) patungkol sa mga kaso ng extra judicial killings and dis-appearances. sinabi mo pa, anna. wala nga akong balak makipag russian roulette sa kung kaninuman at madagdag sa statistics ng mga biktima ng karahasan sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni gloria. ayoko ng linyang “ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo”. it’s either ang mabuhay para sa iyo or ang pumatay para sa iyo. since i am not brave enough to do the latter, duon na lang ako sa una, to live for my country and witness a new morn adawning in her land. salamat po for reacting on my behalf.
Salamat ng marami, Kitamokitako. Wala kang magagawa kung ganyan ang galaw ng utak ng mga tao. Some people are just too suspicious and judgmental. Ipinipilit sa iyo ang isang bagay na hindi tutoo. Can you imagine I’ve even been asked to swear? Kulang na lang ipasumpa ako hawak ang biblia. Anyway, para sa akin tapos na iyon. Even if I knew I did nothing wrong, I apologized. Ganyan lang naman ang dapat di ba? Humility and respect. Ang ayaw ko lang kababaeng tao nagmumura. May ina at mga kapatid akong babae. Hindi sila ganoon. Hindi lang ako sanay.
Isabel,
Sana ay hindi masyadong mapatagal ang paghihintay ng bagong umaga, pero sabi ko nga sa isang thread “a moment under this regime of pekeng pangulo seems like eternity”.
Hayaan natin na eternity siya tutal eternity sa hell naman. Baka…maybe before the Chinese New Year. Baka makamtan na natin ang ating pinakaasam-asam.
mandirigma, Ok sana kung ang eternal hell ay siya lang ang nagsa-suffer. Ang siste, mukhang siya ay maligaya at ang mga pinoy ang sinisilaban sa hirap.
ellen: i just wonder what happened to npongco. is he just absent or there is truth in what anna is saying that he is banned. just asking.
yes, Npongco is not welcome in this blog.
Bakit hindi na welcome si Ponga? Hindi ba na-convert na siya mula Kapampangan sa Hapon dahil Niponggo na siya? Ate Chi, nabanggit mo ang salitang “eternity” naalala ko tuloy ang kanta ni Eddie Peregrina na “I will be loving you eternity”. Ay mali, I will be loving you “eternally” pala.