Let’s End 56.5 Years of Kleptocracy!

 Tarzan’s Post - 1-111021

Let’s End 56.5 Years of Kleptocracy!

“Kleptocracy is a government whose corrupt leaders use political power to appropriate the wealth of their nation, typically by embezzling or appropriating government funds at the expense of the wider population.” (Wikipedia)

From December 30, 1965, when Ferdinand Marcos became our president, to June 30, 2022, when a new president will have been elected, it will be exactly 56.5 years. This is a dark period of kleptocracy in our history from dictator Marcos to our worst president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

 

In between Marcos and Duterte, we had Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III, all weak leaders with varying degrees of mediocrity. They all failed to stop thievery in the government. In Estrada’s case, he was kicked out from Malacañang by EDSA 2 People Power because of brazen plunder involving $78 million to $80 million.

If we are suffering now, it is mainly because of the unabated corruption in our government triggered by the insatiable greed of our government officials. Today, even the money for the Covid-19 pandemic was channeled to Pharmally whose owners are more loved by President Duterte than the 110 million suffering Filipinos. 

We can end the 56.5 years of kleptocracy by electing one of the two most qualified presidential candidates, Senator Ping Lacson or Vice President Leni Robredo. Either one of them can minimize, if not totally eradicate, corruption in the government. I am, therefore, calling on all Filipinos to end the 56.5 years of kleptocracy by voting Senator Ping or VP Leni for president in May 2022.

With all due respect to the rest of the 97 presidential candidates, I would like to humbly advise them to withdraw from the presidential race and help campaign for Senator Ping and VP Leni. It is a great sacrifice on their part, but it would be for the good of our country and all of us, especially the future generations.

Instead of running for president, my unsolicited pieces of advice to former Senator Bongbong Marcos are: 

1. To apologize to the Filipino people, in behalf of his father who “purportedly embezzled $5 billion to $10 billion” from 1972 to 1986 based on Transparency  International, Global Corruption Report 2004; and, 

2. To return the money and other property that belong to the government.

These two actions would somehow assuage the pent-up emotions of the Filipino people especially the victims of Martial law. They would also lessen the guilty feelings of the Marcoses, even if they are on denial until now.

Should Bongbong Marcos refuse to withdraw his candidacy for president, let’s give him a zero vote in our respective precincts. Son of a dictator and direct heir and beneficiary of the Marcos loot, Bongbong Marcos does not deserve to be our president. If the Marcoses were in another country, some members of the family would have been languishing in jail, or all of them could have been killed by an angry mob during the 1986 revolution. But we are in the Philippines where most of our elected leaders and decision makers are suckers for tyrants. In addition, our misplaced kindness is also the injustice that oppresses us.

Again I say, let us stop kleptocracy by voting Senator Ping Lacson or VP Leni Robredo for president in May 2022. And let us all pray to our God in heaven for this to become a reality so that we could end our miseries and sufferings as a people.

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Nalzaro: ‘Poor image’ versus high-level campaign

 Nalzaro: ‘Poor image’ versus high-level campaign

 

The road to Malacañang is long, expensive and exhausting. Becoming a presidential candidate is only the beginning of the election process. In persuading voters, candidates will use different campaign strategies like speeches, advertising in the mainstream media, jingles, colors, even negative campaign and now, social media. Some candidates employ “keyboard warriors” to man and boost their social media department especially now that mass gathering is prohibited because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social media like Facebook, Twitter and others will play a vital role in this campaign.

Because there are presidential aspirants who came from poor families during their younger days, struggled in order to survive and became successful in their field of endeavor, they would capitalize on their “miserable lives” during the campaign period. But will this “poor image” of candidates sell to the voters? Not anymore, said political analyst Froilan Calilung, who teaches political science at the University of Santo Tomas. Calilung said the “poor image” strategy has been adopted by almost all candidates who ran for the highest position in the past elections, but the voters are already aware that this is just the public projection.

Presidential aspirants Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who come from poor families and struggled to survive and became successful, may adopt this kind of strategy in order to entice voters. But will this poor image and projection solve the country’s numerous problems once they are elected? I don’t think so. We now have intelligent voters who will not be swayed and influenced by the public image of the politicians. Not even good English and communication skills of the candidates would help. These voters prefer candidates who have the vision in solving the country’s problems.

Presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is advocating for a high-level and issue-oriented campaign so the public will be able to better understand the gravity of the issues that need to be addressed by the country’s next leaders. I fully agree with Ping. With an issue-based campaign, the voters will be able to make an informed decision as to who are the best, most qualified and capable candidates to lead the government.

Lacson, a retired Philippine National Police chief, who had many exploits in crime-busting during his days in the police force and has been a senator for several terms, said, “We cannot solve graft and corruption by courting the votes of the public through image projection.” Lacson was one of only two senators (the other one was the late Joker Arroyo), who did not receive their pork barrel.

There should be presidential debates, forums and discussions so that all candidates can express their views and opinions on issues confronting the nation. With that the voters can assess who among them can offer solutions to the country’s lingering problems. Voters should not be deceived by candidates who capitalize on their poor lives or background or show to the public that they eat with bare hands to project that they were poor because this will not solve the problems the country is facing. This is already an old script, so to speak.

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It is said that in politics, “there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends, only permanent interests.” Talisay City Vice Mayor Allan Bucao really lives up to this saying. He filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Talisay City on the last day of filing. He will be pitted against Rhea Gullas, wife of Mayor Samsam Gullas, who decided to run for the first district congressional seat replacing his lolo (grandfather), Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Eddiegul), who will be retiring from politics. Samsam is already a sure winner as he is running unopposed.

When asked by reporters why he decided to run against a Gullas when in all his political career which spans more than 30 years he was under the political wing of the Gullases especially Eddiegul, Bucao said Eddiegul reneged on his promise to him. He did not elaborate. But from what I gathered, Eddiegul promised Bucao that he will be the “anointed one” to run for mayor. This “promise” was made by Gullas in the 2019 elections. But when Gullas decided to run for Congress before his retirement, he anointed Samsam, who was then the district’s congressman, to run as mayor. Bucao expected that he would be the anointed one this time, but the Gullases chose Rhea, a newcomer in politics.

But sources said Gullas anointed Rhea because it was the unanimous decision of all their Alayon Party supporters, especially the barangay captains. During consultations, the barangay captains frankly and boldly told Gullas that they will not support Bucao if he will be the anointed one. It was not explained well why the majority of the Alayon Party supporters opposed the anointment of Bucao. Maybe they did not like his brand of politics or character. To avoid a breakup, Gullas decided to anoint Rhea for the continuity of Samsam’s vision and mission in Talisay City. And because of his personal and vested interests, Bucao decided to form his own slate and run for mayor. Aw, let’s see the scattered. (Makitang katag).

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At this early stage and even if the official campaign period has yet to start, gubernatorial aspirant and former tourism secretary Ace Durano is already firing a barrage of issues against incumbent Gov. Gwen Garcia. One of these issues is the sad plight of our provincial hospitals. Ace said Gwen failed to equip and update the various provincial hospitals. Again, like the earlier issue he raised against Gwen on the latter’s failure in handling the pandemic, may I advise Ace not to pursue this issue? Why? Because it will boomerang on his running mate, Vice Gov. Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, who was a second-termer governor prior to Gwen’s re-assumption at the Capitol.

In fact, Gwen did not comment on the issue, saying “it’s not worth reacting to because it came from a person who did not contribute even a kilo of rice or a can of sardines to the province’s constituents during this pandemic.”

Gwen’s possible answer to Ace, even if she will admit the issue, is simple. “Okay, I failed to address the sad plight of our provincial hospitals, but what did your running mate do to address that problem when he served as governor for two terms?” Aw, pite gihapon si Junjun.

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SEN GRINGO HONASAN FILING HIS COC

SEN GRINGO HONASAN FILING HIS COC

Inihain ko ang aking Certificate of Candidacy sa pagtakbo muli sa pagka-Senador sa 2022 Elections. Baon ko ang walang sawang suporta ninyo sa aking muling pagtahak ng landas na ito para sa Bayan.

Magtulungan sa pagsugpo ng kahirapan!

Magtulungan para sa trabaho ng ating mamamayan!

Magtulungan sa laban kontra pandemya!

Magtulungan para sa kinabukasan ng ating kabataan!

#GringoHonasan

#Magtulungan

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First senatorial campaign, 1995; third senatorial campaign, 2007

  First senatorial campaign, 1995; third senatorial campaign, 2007

Mula noon, hanggang ngayon.

Wala mang pondo o malaking makinarya, ang pagmamahal at suporta ng taumbayan ang sa ati’y nagsilbing pundasyon. Ang kanilang mga pangarap at aspirasyon ay aking dahilan at inspirasyon.

#GringoHonasan

#Magtulungan

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Courtesy from our volunteers and supporters led by Mr Jomar Padua of Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya

Courtesy from our volunteers and supporters led by 

Mr Jomar Padua of Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya

 

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SEN FRANKLIN DRILON STANDS ON ANTI-TERROR LAW

 SEN FRANKLIN DRILON STANDS ON ANTI-TERROR LAW

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SEN FRANKLIN DRILON DEFENDS ANTI-TERROR BILL

SEN FRANKLIN DRILON DEFENDS ANTI-TERROR BILL

 

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Sara: 'No substitution' in May 2022 elections

Sara: 'No substitution' in May 2022 elections

Updated at 12.15 am Oct. 10, 2021

THERE will be "no substitution," Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said after she refused to be swayed by her supporters' clamor for her to run for president in the 2022 national elections.

Duterte-Carpio's statement comes as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded political organizations that they only have until November 30 to substitute their official candidates who either withdrew, died or were disqualified.

....

Substitution can only be affected if one is a member of a political party or coalition. One may be substituted by a candidate belonging to and nominated by the same political party or coalition.

"No substitution shall be allowed for an independent candidate," Jimenez said.

At stake in the next year's polls are 18,100 positions — one each for president and vice president; senators, 12; party-list groups, 63; members of the House of Representatives, 253; governors, 81,; vice-governors, 81; Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 782; mayors, 1,634; vice mayors, 1,634; and Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan, 13,558.

The Comelec en banc issued Resolution 10695, setting the election period from Jan. 9, 2022 to June 8, 2022.

Sara: 'No substitution' in May 2022 elections

Updated at 12.15 am Oct. 10, 2021

THERE will be "no substitution," Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said after she refused to be swayed by her supporters' clamor for her to run for president in the 2022 national elections.

Duterte-Carpio's statement comes as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded political organizations that they only have until November 30 to substitute their official candidates who either withdrew, died or were disqualified.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. on Saturday echoed this statement of Duterte-Carpio as he backed out from his Senate bid in 2022 after the mayor did not submit a certificate of candidacy (CoC) for president at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila on Friday, the deadline for filing.

"That's what I declared," Roque said in a text message, reiterating a pronouncement that he will only run for senator in the event that Duterte-Carpio decides to accept calls for her to join the presidential race.

When asked about his plan in case Duterte-Carpio runs as a substitute candidate, Roque said, "She said there will be no substitution."

Various groups have been prodding Duterte-Carpio to run for president, which the mayor has repeatedly rejected, following her father's bid to seek the vice presidency.

However, in a surprise move on October 2, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would be retiring from politics and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go would run as vice president instead.

The President also claimed that his daughter would run for president with Go as her running mate.

Duterte-Carpio, however, announced on Friday that she wanted to finish her term as mayor "for the third and last time in my life as a politician" and called on everyone "to work together for an honest, orderly, and credible elections in May 2022."

Instead of Duterte-Carpio, it was Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa who filed his CoC for president under the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Dela Rosa is also a member of the Davao City mayor's Hugpong ng Pagbabago party.

The 43-year-old mayor has led pre-election surveys on presidential contenders.

Substitution deadline

The Comelec issued the reminder for the substitution deadline at the end of the eight-day filing of the CoC and certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA).

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the November 30 deadline was set so that the name of the substitute candidates can still be printed on the official ballot.

The final list of candidates will be out by the middle of December for loading in the printing of ballots in January 2022.

Jimenez said that starting Nov. 30, 2021 until midday of election day on May 9, 2022, the substitution of an official candidate of a political party or coalition, who died or was disqualified by final judgment may still be done, provided that the substitute candidate and the substituted candidate have the same surname.

He said the requirement for the same surname is to ensure that the printing of the ballots would not be affected, meaning that votes for the substituted candidate whose name appears on the ballot will be credited to the name of the substitute candidate.

He clarified though that no person who has withdrawn his candidacy for a position shall be eligible as substitute candidate for any other position.

Substitution can only be affected if one is a member of a political party or coalition. One may be substituted by a candidate belonging to and nominated by the same political party or coalition.

"No substitution shall be allowed for an independent candidate," Jimenez said.

At stake in the next year's polls are 18,100 positions — one each for president and vice president; senators, 12; party-list groups, 63; members of the House of Representatives, 253; governors, 81,; vice-governors, 81; Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 782; mayors, 1,634; vice mayors, 1,634; and Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan, 13,558.

The Comelec en banc issued Resolution 10695, setting the election period from Jan. 9, 2022 to June 8, 2022.

A gun ban will be in effect during the five-month election period and any violation would be punishable as provided for in Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Also prohibited are the use of security or bodyguards by candidates unless authorized in writing by the Comelec; organization or maintenance of reaction or strike forces; alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service; and suspension of elective local officials.

The campaign period for candidates in national positions is from Feb. 8, 2022 to May 7, 2022. Candidates in local elective positions will begin only on March 25, 2022 but will also end on May 7, 2022.

Campaigning is prohibited during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, on April 14 and April 15, 2022, respectively.

From April 10, 2022 to May 9, 2022, overseas voters may cast their votes in Philippine embassies, consulates, and other Posts pursuant to the overseas absentee voting system. Campaigning abroad, however, is prohibited during this period.

Local absentee voters are scheduled to vote on April 27, 28 and 29, 2022. The last day to file an application to be a local absentee voter is on March 7, 2022.

A liquor ban is in effect beginning May 8, 2022 until May 9, 2022.

Campaigning is prohibited on the eve of election day until election day itself.

The Comelec also prohibits giving or accepting free transportation, food or drinks or things of value; soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against a candidate or any political party in the polling place or within 30 meters thereof; opening of booths or stalls for the sale of merchandise or refreshments within a 30-meter radius from the polling place; and holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races or any other similar sports.

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PING LACSON 2022

  PING LACSON 2022

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Drilon ready to defend anti-terror law: ‘I can face anyone’

 Drilon ready to defend anti-terror law: ‘I can face anyone’

MANILA, Philippines — As the only minority senator to vote in favor of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said he is ready to defend the controversial measure, saying that he tried his best to strike a balance between protecting the people’s rights and equipping the state against terrorism.

“I exerted every effort for a balance between the human rights of individuals and the need for the state to repel terrorism,” Drilon said during an online media forum on Tuesday.

“I can face anyone and say I tried to do my best in order to make a balance. I signed it on the basis of my best judgment that this strikes a balance between protecting our people against abuse by the state and protecting the state itself,” he added.

According to the senator, he introduced 14 amendments to the measure when it was still being deliberated in the Senate.

He said his amendments were “designed to balance off [the bill] and to protect the rights of our people.”

“All I can say is I tried my best. I have no ulterior motive, no political agenda insofar as this bill is concerned,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed into law the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which is seen to give more teeth to the country’s anti-terrorism policies.

Before it was enacted into law, several groups and lawmakers expressed concern that several of its provisions could be used to crackdown on dissent.

The controversial law currently faces several petitions before the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionality.

Whether or not the safeguards placed in the measure to prevent abuses are sufficient, Drilon said it would be up to the Supreme Court to determine so.

“It was an effort to balance the needs of the state and the rights of the people. Whether or not that is sufficiently answered…is a question that the Supreme Court must have to resolve,” he said.

Anti-terror law protects people’s rights, state itself: Drilon

MANILA – Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday defended his support for the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Law, saying he exerted effort to have a balance “between the human rights of individuals and the need of the state to repel terrorism.”

“I signed it on the basis of my best judgment that strikes a balance between protecting our people against abuses by the state and protecting the state itself,” Drilon said during the virtual Kapihan sa Manila Bay.

Drilon said he introduced 14 amendments, “all designed to balance and protect the rights of the people.”

“All I can say is I tried my best. I can face anyone and say I am not favoring anyone,” he said. “It was in my desire to have a balance between the desire to prevent terrorism and balance it with the rights of the people. I have done my best.”

Drilon said the Human Security Act of 2007 has been “very ineffective” in providing the state a legal weapon to fight terrorism “because of the many provisions” that make it difficult to enforce.

“That’s what we were facing,” he said. “I thought that I should put in effort in order to balance this very strong measure to equip our police agencies with the proper legal means and to protect the rights of our people.”

Drilon said whether the lawmakers crafted a “sufficient” law against terrorism “is a matter for the court to decide.”

Voting 19-2, the Senate approved on third and final reading the proposed measure under Senate Bill 1083 last February 26.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill into law on July 3, a month after it hurdled the House of Representatives.

At least eight petitions were filed before the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutionality of the anti-terrorism law. 

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isiPING Ang Kinabukasan!

 isiPING Ang Kinabukasan!

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