Author: Ellen

The Wisconsin District Court has dismissed the petition for habeas corpus of former Agriculture Secretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante . Click here.

District Judge Lynn Adelman said, “It is ordered that Jocelyn Isada Bolante’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus is DISMISSED for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.”

Lawyer Harry Roque, who has submitted an amicus brief with the U.S. courts opposing Bolante’s petition for asylum said,”Bolante has run out of options. His only recourse is to tell the truth about the fertilizer scandal; it is revealing information of this kind that would subject him to true political persecution in the Philippines and strengthen his bid for assylum. Anytime he is willing to reveal the truth, I would be happy to take his deposition.”

This statement of support for former UP President Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo is being passed around for signature of the UP faculty. Just like the suspension of Makati Mayor Jojo Binay, the issue here is beyond Nemenzo. The concern should not only be that of the UP faculty. It should also be ours.

It is every citizen’s duty to help shape the life of the nation and steer it toward a better life for most, if not all, as it is the role of academics to examine society and propose alternative solutions and directions.

Through their role as social critics, academics extend their reach way beyond the classroom, sharing their insights and knowledge with the larger public. Academics exercise this function in an environment of freedom: the freedom to inquire, to challenge, and to engage with others in society.

Continue readingThe Futility of Scare Tactics

As I’m writing this column, the Court of Appeals has issued a 60-day temporary restraining order on Malacañang’s suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Binay and his supporters rejoiced over the CA’s decision.

While Malacañang is not rejoicing over the decision, our source said they are relieved. Rodolfo Ferraren, Makati officer-in-charge for two- and-a-half days, said, “Well and good.” He made himself look stupid when he said he will turn over the reins of the Makati government back to Binay. When did he ever take control of the Makati government?

The Court of Appeals has issued a 60-day temporary restraining order on the suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

I was at the Makati City Hall yesterday afternoon up to about 9 p.m. There was a steady stream of visitors, expressing support for Mayor Binay.

There were Bishops Julio Labayen and Bishop Antonio Tobias. Later in the evening the two bishops, together with three other priests, officiated mass.

There was former Finance Secretary Jess Estanislao, whose presence many found significant, because he comes from the business community and is supposedly considered conservative. For him to go there sends indeed a message.

Amidst tension in Makati, Local Government Undersecretary Wencelito Andanar served the suspension order on Makati Mayor Binay, his vice mayor and all the 16 councilors at about 6 a.m.

They have designated Rodolfo Ferraren, official of the national capital region, as officer-in-charge.

Binay refused to personally receive the suspension order. Andanar merely pasted it in front of the City Hall.