Ellen – Page 430 – ellen tordesillas

Awaiting SC’s decision

Published by Ellen on October 24, 2006

The public’s concern that the Supreme Court will succumb to the pressure of Malacañang for them to reverse their 1997 decision prohibiting changing the Constitution without an enabling law is reflected in the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations.

The survey conducted nationwide from September 24 to October 2, 2006, using face-to-face interviews of a national sample of 1,200, showed that six out of ten Filipinos (62 percent) are “unsure” that the Supreme Court will decide fairly on the petition by Sigaw ng Bayan and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative.

One-fourth (24 percent) said they have “little trust” while 13 percent say they have “much trust” that the tribunal will make a fair decision on the petition.

Takot sa katotohanan

Published by Ellen on October 24, 2006

Binigyan ng MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) ng X rating and pelikula ni dating Pangulong Estrada ng X rating. Ibig sabihin noon hindi mapanood ng publiko.

Ngunit hindi sinabi ng MTRCB na bawal panoorin sa loob ng bahay mo.

Mas matindi pala ang interpretasyon ng military dahil ipamigay mo lang ang CD ni Erap, kulong ka na.

Confined to brig for non-existent offense

Published by Ellen on October 22, 2006

A junior navy officer has been detained in the Philippine Marines Brig for almost a month for allegedly distributing compact discs of former President Estrada’s life story and about cheating in the 2004 elections.

Navy 1Lt Artemio Raymundo, Jr. was ordered confined by Navy Major Danilo Luna,commanding officer, last Sept. 25 in connection with his “alleged involvement on (sic) the distribution of CD’s containing Erap’s documentary.”

Last October 2, Raymundo’s lawyer, Juanito I. Velasco of the Lazaro Law firm, wrote the staff judge advocate of the Philippine Marine Corps that “Under Article 70 of the Articles of War, a person subject to military law, charged with minor offenses, ‘shall not be placed in confinement.’ “

Harry’s offer to Joc Joc

Published by Ellen on October 22, 2006

Lawyer Harry Roque has an offer to make to Joc-joc Bolante: I will testify in favor of your request for asylum in the United States on one condition – tell the truth.

Roque said Bolante should reveal who ordered him to divert the P728 million fertilizer fund and some two billion pesos more of agricultural funds to the campaign kitty of Gloria Arroyo in 2004.

“It is revealing information of this kind that would subject him to true political persecution in the Philippines and strengthen his bid for asylum. Anytime he is willing to reveal the truth, I would be happy to take his deposition,” Roque said.

Bayad utang sa mga heneral

Published by Ellen on October 22, 2006

Wala na bang ibang pwesto na maibigay si Gloria Arroyo kay retired AFP Chief Generoso Senga at ilalagay siya bilang chairman ng Channel 4?

Sabi nga ni Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, “Bakit hindi ambassador?” Si Vidal Querol, dating national capital region commander ng Philippine National Police ay ginawa niyang ambassador sa Indonesia.

Dati si dating AFP Chief Efren Abu ang sinasabing ipadala sa Indonesia dahil classmate niya and Indonesian President. Baka may ibang pwestong nakalaan kay Abu.

Lahat kasi na nagre-retire na opisyal ng military at PNP ay binibigyan ni Arroyo ng trabaho dahil malaki ang utang na loob niya sa kanila sa kanyang pagpanatili sa kanpagyarihan kahit siya ay hindi naman hinalal ng sambayanang Pilipino at siya ang pinakakainisan ng pangulo sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Jocjoc rejected again

Published by Ellen on October 21, 2006

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.”

The Futility of Scare Tactics

Published by Ellen on October 21, 2006

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

Scenes from a rally

Published by Ellen on October 20, 2006

Photos of rally at Makati this afternoon. The rally was staged without a permit. It was peaceful and lasted for about three hours.

Former UP President Dodong Nemenzo, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jimmy Regalario, Amina Razul, former Senate President Ernie Maceda, and Roy Señeres.

Delaying Arroyo’s downfall

Published by Ellen on October 19, 2006

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?

TRO issued

Published by Ellen on October 19, 2006

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

Author: Ellen