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RP under Arroyo is most corrupt in Asia

Published by Ellen on March 13, 2007

This report by Jocelyn Montemayor in Malaya:

For reactions- Malacañang and opposition – to PERC survey, click here.

Foreign businessmen perceive the Philippines as the most corrupt economy in Asia, a survey conducted by the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) showed.

President Arroyo shrugged off the results of the survey that said the Philippines “has the distinction of being perceived in the worst light this year,” edging out perennial bottom dweller Indonesia.

The survey was conducted in January and February covering 1,476 foreign business executives from 13 countries and territories.

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Ang P200 milyong pangako kay Cesar Montano

Published by Ellen on March 12, 2007

Update:Malaya’s report on Montano’s problem.

Ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit medyo nanlalamig si Cesar Montano sa kanyang kandidatura sa pagka-senador sa ilalim ng team GMA ay hindi pala nabibigay ang P200 milyon na ipinangako ng Malacañang sa kanya hanggang ngayon.

Ito ay nanggaling sa isang malapit na tao kay Montano.

Itong mga nakaraang araw, napabalita na hindi sumisipot si Montano sa mga rally ng Team GMA at umu-ugong na baka mag-withdraw siya. Siyempre ang press relase ni Gabby Claudio, ang political operator ni Glori Arroyo, ay nag-aadjust pa raw si Montano sa kultura ng pulitika.

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Trillanes’ statement on denial for media access

Published by Ellen on March 12, 2007

This is one of the items in my accumulated mail. Trillanes issued this last Saturday:

Last Wednesday, I was informed of the denial of my motion to grant reporters and other media practitioners access to me at my place of detention at the Marine Brig, Marine Base at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. I will not deny that I am greatly disappointed by the Court’s ruling.

I believe with great faith that my motion was fair and reasonable. I am not asking that I be allowed to go out of my place of detention to campaign. I know my place and I will never ask for anything which would be unreasonable.

I am simply asking that the reporters and media practitioners who wish to interview me be allowed to visit me at the Marine Brig. There are no laws, rules or regulations which will be broken; no public interest will be prejudiced; no government expense incurred; and no security issues. I, therefore, cannot understand why such a simple request was denied by the Honorable Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Makati.

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Fresh lemon grass

Published by Ellen on March 11, 2007

While I was undergoing chemotheraphy fro my ovarian cancer, my oncologist, Dr. Cecilia Llave, suggested that I try tanglad (lemon grass) for a drink, a tip she got from one of her patients.

That’s what I have been doing the past three years. I don’t know if tanglad has something to do with it but so far I’m okay.

A few weeks ago, an article on the medicinal powers of tanglad had been going the rounds of internet. There’s no harm trying this. A bunch of tanglad is ten centavos. Or you can plant in your backyard for a steady supply.

The article is by Allison Kaplan Sommer:

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“Pilipino” ni Capt. Faeldon

Published by Ellen on March 10, 2007

Kahanga-hanga itong si Capt. Nick Faeldon.

Kahit siya ay nakakulong, hindi nababawasan ang kanyang paniniwala sa sambayanang Pilipino at patuloy na umaasa na magising sa ating matagal ng pagkahimbing.

Isa si Faeldon sa mga sundalong Magdalo na sangkot sa tinatawag natin ngayon na Oakwood mutiny noong 2003 kung saan binulgar nila ang kurakutan at kapabayaan ng mga matataas na opisyal ng military.

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Migrants’ Election Manifesto

Published by Ellen on March 8, 2007

A group called “Concerned Overseas Filipinos Worldwide” is harnessing the power of Filipino overseas to effect change in the country through this coming election.

It has come out with the following manifesto:

We, the Overseas Filipinos worldwide, urge each and everyone in the coming May electoral contest to implore all political parties, emerging parties and their respective candidates to bring forth a platform-based campaign so that the electorate can choose credible persons who are worthy to lead the nation. In order to advance democratic governance in the Philippines, there should be a structure or process of reform that promotes increasingly participatory and accountable governance. In this context, the will and voice of the people should be respected at all times and the sanctity of the ballots must be safeguarded.

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A true Filipino

Published by Ellen on March 6, 2007

Our column last February 28 on the advocacy of detained Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon has elicited an inspiring letter from someone who declined to give his name.

Although the letter writer said that his letter is a personal message to me, I’d like to share it with you all.

I am in my seventies, with 6 children, all UP graduates. A statue of the Oblation occupies a prominent place in my office. I am writing to let you know that for me, and perhaps for many others like me, what you in media are doing, putting in print for our information the heroic acts and the idealism of these young men, in these times, is itself Heroism.

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Chavit in hot water for playing Santa Claus

Published by Ellen on March 6, 2007

By Gerard Anthony Naval

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will ask Team Unity candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson to explain why he should not be disqualified for giving away cash during a sortie in Misamis Oriental last Sunday.

“We will be sending him a letter,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

Under the Omnibus Election Code’s Section 104, candidates are prohibited from giving donations or gifts in cash or in kind.

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Officer in Oakwood sets plea bargain

Published by Ellen on March 6, 2007

Following story by Ashzel Hachero:

Courtroom sidelights: click here.

An Army officer accused of participating in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny is set to withdraw his not guilty plea to the coup d’état charge and plead to a lesser offense.

Speaking through his counsel Paulo Primavera, Lt. Lawrence San Juan yesterday told Judge Oscar Pimentel of Branch 148 of the Makati regional trial court that he is ready to enter into a plea bargaining agreement and plead guilty to the crime of conspiracy to commit coup d’état.

Conspiracy to commit coup d’état is punishable with six to 12 years imprisonment while coup d’etat carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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