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Month: January 2007

The rule of the jungle

Published by Ellen on January 2, 2007

We have it from good sources that Malacañang denizens are congratulating themselves for the successful midnight transfer of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith from the Makati City Jail to the US Embassy despite pending appeal on the custody of the American serviceman convicted of raping a 23-year old Filipina in Subic in Nov. 2005.

With Smith now in American custody, Malacañang believes the Court of Appeals will decide that the main petition of Smith’s lawyer on the custody “is moot and academic.”

“The momentum is now in our favor,” a source from the executive department said adding that “national interest has been served.”

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Gloria Arroyo’s statement on Smith

Published by Ellen on January 2, 2007

iamsorry.jpgI wish to appeal for understanding from the people that this action will not affect the substantive issues at bar, nor impede justice and the rule of law.

The government had to take this action in order to forestall the further deterioration in our strategic relationship with the United States, which was being rapidly eroded by our non-compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement.

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Nicole lawyer files contempt charges; US resumes Balikatan

Published by Ellen on January 2, 2007

Evalyn Ursua filed contempt charges against those involved in spiriting Daniel Smith out of Makati City Jail and bringing him to the US Embassy.

The U.S. couldn’t wait to reward Gloria Arroyo for putting American interests over that of her countrymen, they immediately announced that the Balikatan exercises in February will push through. Click here.

Malaya’s update on Smith custody:

Continue readingNicole lawyer files contempt charges; US resumes Balikatan

Lacson abandons plan to run for Manila mayor

Published by Ellen on January 2, 2007

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

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

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

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

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Ang may hawak kay Arroyo

Published by Ellen on January 1, 2007

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.

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The 7 most frequently asked political questions for 2007

Published by Ellen on January 1, 2007

By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star 12/31/2006

Going into the New Year, the political scenario promises to be as exciting as the past two years – ever since Virgilio Garcillano came into vogue. I have been asked the following questions which I now endeavor to answer to the best of my ability to monitor and forecast political trends and events.

2007 Political Risks Q and A

Q: Will there still be restiveness in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) after the post-February 24, 2006 clampdown and the arrest of the escaped Magdalo soldiers before the SONA (State of the Nation Address) in July of 2007?

Continue readingThe 7 most frequently asked political questions for 2007