Payback?

As one of her final acts as President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hastily appointed Renato Corona as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. We wondered why she blatantly ignored the possibility that this midnight appointment would be legally questionable. Could this TRO be an act of “utang na loob”?

Against national interest, the Philippine medical community, and the Aquino administration, eight justices of the Supreme Court, a majority of GMA appointees led by the Chief Justice, has allowed GMA to leave the country at any time. Will she return?

Since 2005, the Black and White Movement has demanded accountability and transparency from Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. We want to believe that she will return to face her accusers and prove her innocence. But her track record is splotched with too many instances of evasion. She has credibility issues with the Filipino people.

In the event she decides to remain abroad, the Filipino people may never know the truth behind so many issues that require redress – cheating in the 2004 and 2007 elections, the Fertilizer Scam, the NBN-ZTE Deal, among others.

We hope that we will be proven wrong. However, if our assertions are proven right, then can we expect the justices that voted in GMA’s favor to resign?

A MATTER OF NATIONAL INTEREST

President Aquino is right. He speaks for many Filipinos who are concerned over the possibility that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may not return after seeking medical treatment abroad. Seeking closure on the issue of cheating in the 2004 elections is a national interest. To lose the opportunity for the state to exercise justice would be a national tragedy.

There are quarters that question the soundness of DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima's decision to deny GMA's request to travel. It is ironic that MC 41 was the same used against GMA detractors. At the time, her allies were fully convinced of its legal basis, but they now find MC 41 unconstitutional when applied to GMA and her family.

That legal matter aside, the Black and White Movement believes that the concern for GMA's return to good health is also a matter of national interest. The offer of the President to assist in getting Mrs. Arroyo the excellent medical care she deserves by flying in a specialist in hypoparathyroidism is evidence of compassion. In truth, do we all not share this hope - that her welfare be seen to so she will be well enough to refute all claims against her?

Now, the Arroyos have made this a matter for the Supreme Court to decide. Should they stay or should they go? By your leave, your Honors, the ball is in your court.

Justice Over Compassion

The Black & White Movement lauds the courage of Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to rule not out of compassion but from deep discernment. Her decision, supported by President Benigno Aquino III, to disallow the former president from exiting the country was not made in haste.

It must have been a difficult decision to make. Filipinos are a naturally compassionate people. Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo must have been hoping that sympathy would cause the government to allow her to travel abroad for medical reasons.

We are glad that the Aquino administration continues to live up to its commitment to fight for justice and accountability. -- END

Through The Eyes Of A Filipino

By Hazelyne M. Elgar (as shared via email)

Listen to me!

You might think we are a poor nation,
but when I look around me I do not see just poverty.
Instead, I see farmers, back bent from sun up till sun down nurturing the land.
I hear fisherfolks heaving, as they gamble with their lives
amidst angry winds and rough water just to nourish their families.
I feel the weary legs of children from far-flung barrios,
as they cross rivers and mountains and walk for miles,
just to get to school because they still dream.
I see determination in the eyes of street children
playing tag with cars flying past on a ruthless highway
in order to augment their parent's meager earnings.
In the face of destitution, the Filipinos are steadfast.
That is courage.

You rebuke us for the graft and corruption plaguing our government,
but when my eyes skim the front pages of broadsheets, I do not see hopelessness.
Instead, I am inspired by stories about pushcart classes
and strangers swimming in deep murky flood waters to save nameless individuals.
I immerse myself in news
about how my countrymen unceasingly believe in the spirit of unity.
I revel because millions of Filipinos still voted for change.
At times when we are at the receiving end of the world's censure,
I choose to see the noble intentions of fallible men to help.
In tumultuous situations, when the urge to hold others culpable is difficult to resist,
I hear a leader embracing the liability just like a leader should.
In the face of adversity, the Filipinos are united.
That is courage.

You chastise millions of my countrymen
for leaving our motherland to seek greener pastures.
Answer me this:
have you ever listened to how they whimper at night because they long for home?
When Filipinas, forced to work away from their dear ones,
shed silent tears as they lull to sleep infants not their own
I begin to understand what unconditional love is.
You lure away our engineers, artists and teachers with a promise of a good life.
The loving hands of our nurses tend the health of your people.
Do not dare ask why we need to fill the void in your labor force!
The Overseas Filipino worker
is intelligent, ingenious, hard working and resilient.
I see that, and in my eyes they are heroes.
In the face of obligation, the Filipinos are self-sacrificing.
That is courage.

You are at liberty to express your opinion about my country,
but you can never take away my pride,
for I belong to a people united in faith and love.
I am Filipino, and no matter where I go I will always be one.
I do not doubt that the time for change will one day come for the Philippines.
Our flag, cast in the sun's glorious light, will be waving high.
My country men's sacrifices will not be in vain.
We will face the future with courage.
As one, we will reach out to the world and the world will embrace us.
Believe me, because I will take the lead.

CONGENITAL LIARS

The brothers Arroyo, Mike and Iggy, must think we are all fools. Either that or lying must be so genetically ingrained in these brothers.

In an effort to save his elder brother from accountability yet again, Iggy Arroyo belatedly owns up to “leasing” five Robinson helicopters from LionAir’s Archibald Po and denies owning any of them. We have seen this before; this legal ploy by the Arroyos is not new. The first time was when Iggy admitted to being the notorious “Jose Pidal” to save his brother Mike from accusations of money laundering.

This tactic may have worked in their favor because Mike’s wife, Gloria Arroyo, was president at the time congress investigated the “Jose Pidal” scandal. However, under the dispensation of President Benigno S. Aquino III that is committed to eradicating corruption, and a new Ombudsman committed to fairness and accountability, this ruse will not work.

The Black & White Movement looks forward to learning that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has done away with parliamentary courtesy and has summoned Iggy Arroyo to testify to the veracity of his new claims. We look forward to seeing Mike Arroyo appear at the senate hearings to defend himself. Both brothers are not only hiding behind medical reasons, they are hiding from the truth.

We have had enough of lies. We have enough of the “wang wang” mentality.

STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF SEC. ALBERTO ALDABA LIM

The Black & White Movement is saddened by the resignation of Sec. Alberto A. Lim from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Bertie took the helm of the DOT at a time of transition brought about by the New Tourism Act and the attendant problems that go with it, both from within the department and within the industry itself.

And yet, amidst these myriad problems, he pushed for “Open Skies” and successfully steered it through the bureaucracy until President Benigno S. Aquino III proclaimed it a policy through an Executive Order. In a few years we should see its positive impact on tourism.

In the process of working in government, Bertie made enemies from powerful vested interests that benefited from a regime of protectionism. And their constant attacks against Bertie made it increasingly more difficult for him to do his job.

We, his co-conveners, respect his decision to devote more time to his family and wish Bertie well in his future endeavors. - END

MEETING WITH MILF – A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

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