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Disconnect DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 10/10/2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

Disconnect

DIE HARD III
Herman Tiu Laurel
10/10/2011
While we are not going to look up the medical name for the malady of the disconnection between one’s brain and motor functions anymore, lest we be accused again of casting psychiatric aspersions, we can see many of its symptoms in government.

Of course, the Aquino III government did right by ordering the National Food Authority (NFA) “to buy storm-damaged palay to help the deluged farmers of Northern and Central Luzon. At least four million people were displaced by the winds and floods of two successive typhoons, and a season’s crop was soaked black. Flood waters have not receded in many areas and a very bleak Christmas awaits many of the stricken families. The order to salvage what can be saved of these soaked palays can only be done with the NFA ready to intervene in the market.

Yet, as Aquino III is ordering the state agency to perform its “Good Samaritan” act, two of his top honchos in Budget and Finance — namely, Butch Abad and Cesar Purisima — are doggedly hammering the abolition and privatization of the NFA.

For one, a fully privatized grains sector will not have any inclination to do public service in times of crisis. What is most likely is that it will wait for desperate typhoon and flood victims to plead for their soaked palays to be bought as animal feed as it hoards good rice stocks in order to raise prices.

If Aquino III were without the NFA today, who could he possibly have relied on to assist these unfortunate millions of rice farmers? This is the lesson he should pick up from the unfortunate disasters that have struck us the past two weeks. This is the very argument he should use to silence Abad and Purisima as this comes from wiser and far more experienced and dedicated voices, such as the NFA leaders and employees’ union, and even his own appointed administrator who has since become a defender of the NFA’s vital role in our economy.

So why are Abad and Purisima carrying on with their campaign by dishing out lies against the NFA, distorting its actual financial condition in order to project an utterly hopeless and corrupt image of it?
A fully privatized food, rice, and grains sector will mean the loss of our national food sovereignty and security, as the power over food supplies will be transferred completely to profit-seeking local and transnational traders.

Without food sovereignty and security, the nation will be enslaved to private parties who control its very means of survival and, consequently, compel it to give and do anything in exchange.

Abad and Purisima’s track record betrays clear servility to foreign interests, from pushing the IMF-WB’s Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) to the maintenance of the debt-based financial system despite the overflowing funds lying idle in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Elsewhere, there’s another disconnect: The Meralco (Manila Electric Co.) rate hike for October of P0.09 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at a time when global fuel prices are going down, amid a surplus of hydro-power that should be evident with the hydro-electric dams overflowing.

The oil and natural gas-fueled independent power producers (IPPs) have indexed prices that defy the laws of supply and demand in the world, which apply only to the Philippines.

The official reason for the increase in rates, Meralco says, is that “the generation charge component, which it collects for its power suppliers, will rise by 14.19 centavos per kWh, but this hike will be partly offset by a 5-centavo decrease in the distributor’s own charges, resulting in a lower net increase…” Well, this is just a lie, in complicity with the Energy Regulatory Commission, as Meralco’s Maximum Average Price should not be P1.58 but P0.90/kWh.

Further, it says, “the increase in the generation charge is due to the use of more expensive liquid fuel by First Gen Corp.’s natural gas plants, following a supply restriction at Malampaya natural gas field from Sept. 22 to 25.” This is, of course, another BS.

Why should there be a supply restriction from Malampaya’s cheaper natural gas plant when we all know that it even exports a great part of its production?

Filipino power consumers should have the priority in the use of Malampaya natural gas; and this explanation from Meralco, which is tied to the Malampaya gas by sweetheart supply contracts from the Lopez era, does not go far enough into details to justify the hike.

Malacañang, in the wake of Meralco’s announcement and knowing how sensitive the issue already is, quickly follows up by saying that November power prices will see a decline, as if to show some concern.
But if it is really concerned, what Malacañang should do is to dig deeper into the present Meralco claims to find out the truth while compelling the power company to hold off its rate hike after a thorough hearing on its claims.

Meanwhile, the Code-NGO PEACe Bonds of P10 billion will be paid on Oct. 18 with P35 billion of the taxpayers’ money. The loan’s first beneficiaries were the conspirators of the Edsa II coup d’etat — the Ayala foundation, the Ateneo, NGOs associated with the Caucus of Development NGOs (Code-NGO), the Camacho siblings (one of whom is Gloria Arroyo’s former Finance Secretary), and some others.

This was plunder of the highest degree by people associated with Cory Aquino, from Dan Songco (who managed Cory’s NGOs) to Dinky Soliman et al. The funds from this transaction replaced former foreign funding that was substantially withdrawn from the Philippines when the US shifted its soft intensity conflict projects to other parts of the globe, leaving a few hundred NGO workers now making up another kind of NGO or Neo-Governmental Organizations as the subversive backbone against the Republic. This parallel bureaucracy (as seen in the Conditional Cash Transfer network) is intended to replace career civil service workers, with Aquino III as the president of this parallel network. Another major disconnect, indeed.

(Tune in to Sulo ng Pilipino/Radyo OpinYon, Monday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m. on 1098AM; Talk News TV with HTL, Saturday, 8:15 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m., on GNN, Destiny Cable Channel 8 on “Occupy Wall Street: Lessons for RP”; visit http://newkatipunero.blogspot.com for our articles plus TV and radio archives)

(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu-Laurel)


SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111010com5.html

A perfect scam EDITORIAL 10/10/2011

A perfect scam

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
10/10/2011
The so-called Poverty Education and Alleviation Certificate (PEACe) Bonds issued in 2001 was among the biggest racket sprung under the previous administration, all costing the Filipino taxpayers P35 billion which government gave away to a private group called Caucus of Development NGO Networks (Code-NGO) a P1.4 billion windfall, tax free.

The P12 billion bond float was a payback for the backers of Gloria Arroyo who supported her coup d’etat against then sitting President Joseph Estrada in 2001. The group counted among others, now Social Work and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and Peace Process Adviser Teresita Deles.

The scam was hatched through official channels that probably included then Gloria’s Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho since his sister Marissa Camacho was the head of the Code-NGO and such float needed to pass through a gauntlet of approvals from regulators, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The float was even a first for a so-called zero coupon bond where in maturity the P12 billion value of the bonds when it was issued will be worth P35 billion by this Oct. 18 when these mature..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111010com1.html

Utak wang-wang, utak pulbura FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 10/10/2011

Utak wang-wang, utak pulbura

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
10/10/2011
Malacañang slams the utak wang-wang (VIP mentality) with which Noynoy always brands the previous administration and its officials and allies, but when his officials and allies display not only the same utak wang-wang and but also utak pulbura, such officials that display abusive power are quickly absolved of any wrongdoing.

In fact, Malacañang even lies through its teeth in absolving them, saying no violation has been committed.

A case in point: Presidential Adviser Ronaldo Llamas’ security detail that met a vehicular incident was nevertheless found lugging high-powered firearms, along with handguns.

The immediate claim of Llamas, through a statement, said that all firearms were duly registered, which was a lie, since official bodyguards are permitted to carry with them registered handguns, not high-powered fireams..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111010com2.html

Who sets Lebanon against Syria? 10.10.2011

Who sets Lebanon against Syria?

10.10.2011
 
The West is concerned about the incursion of Syrian troops in Lebanon. Western media wrote that they attacked civilians in Beqaa, having killed at least one person, a citizen of Syria.

Syrian officials claim that it is the radical opposition that has been trying to use the Lebanese territory in the struggle against Bashar Assad's regime. News agencies have already released a number of news stories about the interception of caravans loaded with arms, including grenade-launchers and machine guns. The arms were supposed to be used against representatives of the Syrian army, policemen and state security officers..... MORE

SourcePravda.ru.

URL: http://english.pravda.ru/world/asia/10-10-2011/119278-lebanon_syria-0/

CCM’s food for thought C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 10/10/2011

CCM’s food for thought

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S
Jonathan De la Cruz
10/10/2011
CCM is, of course, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. This early, just over a month into the job, the former Supreme Court justice who stood her ground as a member of that exalted body for years is proving yet again to be her own (wo)man. She is nobody’s patsy. Contrary to the expectations of the hotheads and THIN (Trying-Hard-To-Impress-Noynoy) guys in the present administration, it is clear she is taking the high road, no matter what. Take the case of the controversial plea bargain agreement entered into by then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and former AFP Comptroller Carlos Garcia which was vehemently opposed by no less than P-Noy himself and almost the entire leadership of the ruling coalition, not to mention their cohorts, in and out of government.

One remembers that the administration staked its standing on this issue, left no stone unturned and mobilized all its forces in an all-out campaign to have the agreement rescinded and Garcia sent to jail for plunder..... MORE
SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111010com4.html

World uprising against corrupt thieves

World uprising against corrupt thieves
Thousands of Americans occupied Wall Street without violence  - an epicenter of global financial power and corruption. They are the last rays of light in a new movement for social justice that is spreading rapidly around the world: from Madrid to Jerusalem, and 146 other cities, with others joining all the time. But they need our help to triumph.

The families of workers are footing the bill for a financial crisis caused by corrupt elites. The protesters are demanding a real democracy, social justice and fighting corruption. But they are under strong pressure from the authorities and some media are portraying them as extremists. If millions of us around the world support them, we will increase our determination and show the leaders and the media that the protests are part of a massive movement for change..... MORE

SourcePravda.ru

URL: http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/conflicts/07-10-2011/119267-World_uprising_against_corrupt_thieves-0/

Anything can happen with Cha-cha — solon By Angie M. Rosales and Gerry Baldo 10/10/2011

BICAM CON-ASS CAN ‘GET OUT OF CONTROL’ — JOKER

Anything can happen with Cha-cha — solon

By Angie M. Rosales and Gerry Baldo 10/10/2011

President Aquino cannot remain evasive over the Charter change (Cha-cha) issue since efforts in Congress to tinker with the Constitution will not prosper without his support, Sen. Joker Arroyo said, adding that Vice President Jejomar Binay has reason to be concerned over Cha-cha since there is no real assurance that only economic provisions of the Constitution will be touched.

The moment that Congress is convened as a bicameral constituent assembly (con-ass), it can get out of control, Arroyo warned.

“There could be valid ground for changes, there is nothing wrong with amending the Constitution but once it is opened to amendments, anything can happen,” he said.

Arroyo rallied behind the concerns raised by Binay against the revived call to revisit the country’s Constitution, saying that efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution, if allowed by President Aquino, may go beyond changes in its economic provisions..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111010hed1.html

‘Ka Roger’ is dead — CPP 10/10/2011

‘Ka Roger’ is dead — CPP

10/10/2011
“The voice and the face” of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), is dead.

The revolutionary movement yesterday announced the demise of Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal due to heart attack.

In a statement, the CPP said Rosal died last June 22 after suffering another heart attack in a guerrilla front somewhere in Luzon. He was 64.

“The CPP wishes to inform its entire membership, all revolutionary forces and the public in general that CPP spokesperson Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal passed away in a guerrilla zone on June 22 after suffering a heart attack,” it added..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111010hed6.html

DoJ chief declares invalid special permit issued to mining firm By Benjamin B. Pulta 10/10/2011

DoJ chief declares invalid special permit issued to mining firm

By Benjamin B. Pulta 10/10/2011

Department of Justice (DoJ) declared invalid a “special permit” issued by former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza to a mining firm in Zamboanga del Sur after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima decided that the director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has the sole authority to grant special mining permits and not the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a five-page legal opinion, De Lima said the act of DENR Secretary Ramon Paje of upholding the Special Ore Extraction Permit (SOEP) earlier awarded by his predecessor, former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, to Lupa Pigigetawan was invalid because the power rests only to the Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau who should issue the same under RA 7942 or the Mining Act of 1995.

The ruling issue found “invalid” the granting of a Special Ore Extraction Permit (SOEP) to the mining firm Lupa Pigigetawan..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20111010nat3.html

11 wounded in Zambo twin blasts 10/10/2011

11 wounded in Zambo twin blasts

10/10/2011
Two powerful explosions believed to be from home-made bombs ripped through a motel and a cock-fighting arena in Zamboanga City yesterday, wounding 11 persons, police said.

The first explosion at noon tore through the ground floor of the two-story Red Palm inn in Zamboanga, a port city in the troubled southern island of Mindanao, where Islamist militants operate.

“It was a huge explosion. Six of my friends were injured and taken away for medical help after a wall fell on them after the explosion,” said hotel guest and witness Roland Teofilo, who escaped unharmed.

“I believe the blast happened below our room.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20111010nat1.html

Nietes captures WBO crown; Banal wins too 10/10/2011

Nietes captures WBO crown; Banal wins too

10/10/2011
BACOLOD — Donnie “Ahas” Nietes survived the biggest scare of his career and pounded out a unanimous decision win against Ramon Hirales Garcia of Mexico to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight title Saturday night at the jampacked St. La Salle Coliseum here.

The 29-year-old Filipino boxed beautifully early into the 12-round match, repeatedly scoring with punishing rights that kept his bigger Mexican opponent at bay.

But Nietes nearly faded in the middle rounds when Garcia mounted on the pressure, hammering him inside behind a series of vicious left that wore out the former janitor turned world champion..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/sports/20111010spo4.html

Caloocan mayor offers P100,000 reward for capture of UP employee’s slayers By Arlie O. Calalo 10/10/2011

Caloocan mayor offers P100,000 reward for capture of UP employee’s slayers

By Arlie O. Calalo 10/10/2011

The visibly infuriated Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri yesterday offered P100,000 as reward to anyone who can provide the police vital information that may lead to the arrest of two men who raped and killed an employee at the University of the Philippines-Diliman last October 4.

This as local police chief Senior Supt. Jude Wilson Santos, in his report to Northern Police District (NPD) director Chief Supt. Antonio Decano, announced they have already identified the suspects behind the rape and killing of Jee Ann de Guzman, 26, of Vanguard Street, Barangay 178, also in the city.

De Guzman, who was earlier described as a student but turned out to be an employee of UP’s University Hotel-Marketing Department, was walking on her way home around 8 p.m. and was already some meters away from her residence when suspects Eric Macaraan and Erro Allid alias Dandan, 29, both residents of the area, blocked her path..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111010met4.html

Lawmakers say US helped promote ‘sex tourism’ in RP By Gerry Baldo 10/10/2011

Lawmakers say US helped promote ‘sex tourism’ in RP

By Gerry Baldo 10/10/2011

Amid the stir created by United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.’s statement on “sex tourism” in the country, lawmakers yesterday retaliated by accusing the United States of contributing to the bad image of the country.

According to Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, it was the United States that contributed to the alleged sex tourism in the country at the time when it was maintaining two huge military bases in Subic in Olongapo and at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

“I think Ambassador Thomas might have exaggerated, but he was on the spot in underlining the fact that there is a lot of sex tourism by western men in the Philippines. He should also have acknowledged that the US bases created the problem and that the US soldiers deployed here under the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) contribute to the problem,” Bello said, adding he is inclined to accept the apology of the US ambassador.

“I would accept the apology and move on to the task of greater coordination between both governments to stop sex trafficking,” Bello said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111010met1.html

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