We respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan in regard to the plunder case against former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
We presume the court arrived at its decision after careful evaluation of evidence presented during the trial.
The Black & White Movement, however, laments the selective application of justice – expedient and with a heavy hand for those perceived to be enemies of the GMA regime, while slow and protective toward those allied with her.
What is the difference between Jose Velarde and Jose Pidal?
Why has this government not pursued the cases against Nani Perez, Joc-Joc Bolante, Virgilio Garcillano, and more recently, Benjamin Abalos’ alleged complicity in the ZTE deal? Instead of pursuing these cases, this administration has stonewalled through gag orders such as the illegal EO 464 and questionable MO 108.
This reflects the sad state of our justice system where political patronage is the rule of the day. Those out of favor with the powers that be are prosecuted while those in the inner circle are beyond the reach of the long arm of the law. As former President “Erap” himself has put it… “weather-weather lang.”
We can only hope that when the political winds change direction, those who are currently in the circle of power, who are allegedly involved in crimes more sinister and heinous than Erap’s plunder, will have their day in court.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Faulty Logic
Here's a recent post from Enteng. I tried posting it two weeks ago but was prevented by a Blogspot glitch.
Math was my favorite subject. I still remember an exercise where, using theorems and postulates, you had to prove that 1+0=1. That was fun.
That’s probably why I was gravitated to a career in computer programming, which required a rigid discipline in logic. Faulty logic can prove disastrous.
Consider, for example, the following instructions for an ATM machine: “If requested amount is not less than the minimum amount or requested amount is not more than the maximum amount, then dispense cash requested.” No matter what amount you request, it will always dispense cash – probably not what the programmer intended. Think about it.
When I became active in political advocacy (which started only during the anti-Erap campaign), I realized that people easily fall prey to faulty logic, especially if it conveniently aligns with their own biases.
The classic example is the law of transitivity. A simplified application of this law works this way: If A likes B, and B likes C, then A will most probably like C. In advertising, this translates to the power of endorsements. If I like Piolo, and Piolo says he wears Bench, I will most probably consider buying Bench. Logical.
Here’s how it gets distorted: If A dislikes C, and B dislikes C, then A likes B. Let’s frame it in more real terms: Enteng dislikes GMA, and Erap dislikes GMA, therefore Enteng likes Erap. Not necessarily true. To prove the point, consider this: Enteng dislikes fish, and Hitler dislikes fish, does that mean Enteng likes Hitler? Absurd. And yet, many EDSA 2 veterans who fought for the removal of Erap have bought the palace line that anyone who criticizes GMA is pro-Erap.
The Erap camp is guilty of distorted logic as well. The more logical reading of the GO win in the last elections should be: People disliked GMA, GMA liked (and endorsed) TU, therefore people disliked and DID NOT vote for TU candidates.
But they intentionally misread it as: Erap endorsed GO candidates, people voted for GO candidates, therefore people still like Erap. Using this conclusion, they warn government that people will not take too kindly an Erap conviction. The biggest counterargument to this is the debacle of John Osmena. Erap endorsed him and he still lost badly.
People chide me for the things I do, unfortunately, based on wrong logic. Some would say: I opposed Erap, I oppose GMA, therefore I’m a communist... because that’s what communists do – oppose and attempt to topple government. Many don’t know that when we started the Heal our Land Movement in 2003, we prayed for GMA every week. It was only after the Garci scandal that I started advocating accountability from GMA.
Others taunt me for endorsing some GO senators only to decry their betrayal of the people’s mandate in the process of selecting the senate president. Well... election is the season to be partisan, and I believe that more than just voting, we should campaign for candidates whom we think can serve the people best. And if they later turn out to be deficient or deceitful, let us not tire in denouncing their misdeeds. The alternative – to sit idly by, will not do much good either.
While on the subject, I cannot fathom the logic of Villar’s unholy alliance with the Senate administration bloc. I know he had to do it to secure the senate presidency, and enter the 2010 presidential derby with an edge. But does he really think the advantage of the office can outweigh the stigma of being identified with GMA? Didn’t he learn from the last election? Or does he really believe that our people have such short memory?
Maybe it’s true – politicians are a different species altogether... the kind that’s immune to the laws of logic.
Finally, there are things we do that defy logic. Some people ask why we even bother to pursue impeachment when we don’t have the numbers in Congress. Logical question. The short and simple answer is: because it’s the right thing to do. Had we, as a people, stuck only to what is logical– EDSA 1 and 2 would never have happened.
More than logic, our actions should be guided by a sense of right and wrong. If you bothered to listen to the Garci tapes or read its transcript, you will reach only one logical conclusion: that GMA most probably cheated. In fact, very few (including the most avid supporters of GMA) will deny this.
Yet, they will not act on it and will offer you all sorts of reason to rationalize their position. Everybody cheats anyway. She would have won just the same even if she did not cheat. I’m glad she cheated- she saved us from an FPJ presidency. Who will replace her. Would you rather have Noli. The economy is doing well – why rock the boat.
It’s a long list of reasons, each with a veneer of logical infallibility that makes it seem right. But at its guts, you know it’s neither logical nor right. It’s sad to see how years of despair and disillusionment with our leaders have made our people morally callous and all too willing to accept the lesser evil rather than fighting for what is truly right.
There is an important lesson in this last election. You let cheating of the magnitude revealed in the Garci tapes go unpunished, expect the next wave to be more brazen and rampant. That is the logical progression.
For the benefit of the logically impaired amongst you, let me end this piece with a reiteration of my position on key issues today:
1. Yes, I believe GMA cheated and I will continue to ask for accountability because it is the right thing to do.
2. No, it doesn’t mean I’m pro-Erap, much less support any effort to restore him to power. I still believe we did right at EDSA 2. But it’s in the hands of the court now. And unless there are clear indications of deliberate efforts to subvert justice, we should all accept the court’s verdict, whatever it may be.
3. Yes, I agree that the constitution should be amended, but only after GMA’s term lest it be misused to extend her term of office.
4. No, I am not an obstructionist who will oppose any and all initiatives of GMA. Neither will I support everything from the opposition.
5. Yes, I can sense that the economy is doing well. But it is no excuse to condone the cheating or to be silent in the face of unabated killings, rising levels of corruption, and imposition of the anti-terror law. It’s quite possible that the economy might do even better if the issue of legitimacy is finally settled. After all, our neighbors in the region – including Vietnam, are faring much better than we are.
6. Yes, I will continue to campaign for and against candidates in future elections, even when some whom I campaigned for in the past turn out to be disappointments, ever hopeful that we will one day have the right mix of leaders who will lead the path to a better Philippines. And yes, I will probably campaign against Manny Villar in 2010 if he aligns with the administration this early.
7. YES, I will continue to pray for our country. In the end, kingdoms and nations rise and fall not by man’s wisdom or folly, but according to God’s sovereign will.
God bless the Philippines.
enteng
Math was my favorite subject. I still remember an exercise where, using theorems and postulates, you had to prove that 1+0=1. That was fun.
That’s probably why I was gravitated to a career in computer programming, which required a rigid discipline in logic. Faulty logic can prove disastrous.
Consider, for example, the following instructions for an ATM machine: “If requested amount is not less than the minimum amount or requested amount is not more than the maximum amount, then dispense cash requested.” No matter what amount you request, it will always dispense cash – probably not what the programmer intended. Think about it.
When I became active in political advocacy (which started only during the anti-Erap campaign), I realized that people easily fall prey to faulty logic, especially if it conveniently aligns with their own biases.
The classic example is the law of transitivity. A simplified application of this law works this way: If A likes B, and B likes C, then A will most probably like C. In advertising, this translates to the power of endorsements. If I like Piolo, and Piolo says he wears Bench, I will most probably consider buying Bench. Logical.
Here’s how it gets distorted: If A dislikes C, and B dislikes C, then A likes B. Let’s frame it in more real terms: Enteng dislikes GMA, and Erap dislikes GMA, therefore Enteng likes Erap. Not necessarily true. To prove the point, consider this: Enteng dislikes fish, and Hitler dislikes fish, does that mean Enteng likes Hitler? Absurd. And yet, many EDSA 2 veterans who fought for the removal of Erap have bought the palace line that anyone who criticizes GMA is pro-Erap.
The Erap camp is guilty of distorted logic as well. The more logical reading of the GO win in the last elections should be: People disliked GMA, GMA liked (and endorsed) TU, therefore people disliked and DID NOT vote for TU candidates.
But they intentionally misread it as: Erap endorsed GO candidates, people voted for GO candidates, therefore people still like Erap. Using this conclusion, they warn government that people will not take too kindly an Erap conviction. The biggest counterargument to this is the debacle of John Osmena. Erap endorsed him and he still lost badly.
People chide me for the things I do, unfortunately, based on wrong logic. Some would say: I opposed Erap, I oppose GMA, therefore I’m a communist... because that’s what communists do – oppose and attempt to topple government. Many don’t know that when we started the Heal our Land Movement in 2003, we prayed for GMA every week. It was only after the Garci scandal that I started advocating accountability from GMA.
Others taunt me for endorsing some GO senators only to decry their betrayal of the people’s mandate in the process of selecting the senate president. Well... election is the season to be partisan, and I believe that more than just voting, we should campaign for candidates whom we think can serve the people best. And if they later turn out to be deficient or deceitful, let us not tire in denouncing their misdeeds. The alternative – to sit idly by, will not do much good either.
While on the subject, I cannot fathom the logic of Villar’s unholy alliance with the Senate administration bloc. I know he had to do it to secure the senate presidency, and enter the 2010 presidential derby with an edge. But does he really think the advantage of the office can outweigh the stigma of being identified with GMA? Didn’t he learn from the last election? Or does he really believe that our people have such short memory?
Maybe it’s true – politicians are a different species altogether... the kind that’s immune to the laws of logic.
Finally, there are things we do that defy logic. Some people ask why we even bother to pursue impeachment when we don’t have the numbers in Congress. Logical question. The short and simple answer is: because it’s the right thing to do. Had we, as a people, stuck only to what is logical– EDSA 1 and 2 would never have happened.
More than logic, our actions should be guided by a sense of right and wrong. If you bothered to listen to the Garci tapes or read its transcript, you will reach only one logical conclusion: that GMA most probably cheated. In fact, very few (including the most avid supporters of GMA) will deny this.
Yet, they will not act on it and will offer you all sorts of reason to rationalize their position. Everybody cheats anyway. She would have won just the same even if she did not cheat. I’m glad she cheated- she saved us from an FPJ presidency. Who will replace her. Would you rather have Noli. The economy is doing well – why rock the boat.
It’s a long list of reasons, each with a veneer of logical infallibility that makes it seem right. But at its guts, you know it’s neither logical nor right. It’s sad to see how years of despair and disillusionment with our leaders have made our people morally callous and all too willing to accept the lesser evil rather than fighting for what is truly right.
There is an important lesson in this last election. You let cheating of the magnitude revealed in the Garci tapes go unpunished, expect the next wave to be more brazen and rampant. That is the logical progression.
For the benefit of the logically impaired amongst you, let me end this piece with a reiteration of my position on key issues today:
1. Yes, I believe GMA cheated and I will continue to ask for accountability because it is the right thing to do.
2. No, it doesn’t mean I’m pro-Erap, much less support any effort to restore him to power. I still believe we did right at EDSA 2. But it’s in the hands of the court now. And unless there are clear indications of deliberate efforts to subvert justice, we should all accept the court’s verdict, whatever it may be.
3. Yes, I agree that the constitution should be amended, but only after GMA’s term lest it be misused to extend her term of office.
4. No, I am not an obstructionist who will oppose any and all initiatives of GMA. Neither will I support everything from the opposition.
5. Yes, I can sense that the economy is doing well. But it is no excuse to condone the cheating or to be silent in the face of unabated killings, rising levels of corruption, and imposition of the anti-terror law. It’s quite possible that the economy might do even better if the issue of legitimacy is finally settled. After all, our neighbors in the region – including Vietnam, are faring much better than we are.
6. Yes, I will continue to campaign for and against candidates in future elections, even when some whom I campaigned for in the past turn out to be disappointments, ever hopeful that we will one day have the right mix of leaders who will lead the path to a better Philippines. And yes, I will probably campaign against Manny Villar in 2010 if he aligns with the administration this early.
7. YES, I will continue to pray for our country. In the end, kingdoms and nations rise and fall not by man’s wisdom or folly, but according to God’s sovereign will.
God bless the Philippines.
enteng
Sunday, July 15, 2007
YA GOTTA HAND IT TO MIGZ
GOD helps those that help themselves. So when Migz Zubiri thanked God, he was also thanking Gloria, Garci, Bedol, and Abalos: the faces of our modern "democrazy".
Imagine that. The power and the glory now belong to Migz, now, if not forever. We commiserate with Chavit Singson how in heaven's name could Chavit have lost his top rank to Migz? Poor guy must be really depressed. What a difference a month makes. Chavit was once upon a time first in Maguindanao: but as we now know, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. Even the improbable ones.
Now, Migz owes a lot. When he thanked God, Mama Mary, and all the saints, he was being a grateful person. Grateful, maybe not to the people of Maguindanao, but definitely thankful to all those who helped make his election as credible as Mrs. Arroyo's 2004 victory. As the second most impoverished province of ARMM, we can only hope Maguindanao gets the attention it deserves from him and that it's not just the usual suspects, who get to enjoy the blessings helping Migz win will give.
As for the millions of us that voted for Koko Pimentel, we had it coming. We were old-fashioned enough to believe what mattered more was a genuine mandate, that our votes would count as much as the votes for Migz. How were we to know, that neither our votes nor Migz' votes, mattered at all? What mattered most was never in the public's hands: it was the counting, and who did the counting, that mattered. It didn't even matter if the votes were there, and it didn't matter if all anyone wanted was a chance to vote again, without terrorism and manufactured documents substituting for an election.
Imagine that. The power and the glory now belong to Migz, now, if not forever. We commiserate with Chavit Singson how in heaven's name could Chavit have lost his top rank to Migz? Poor guy must be really depressed. What a difference a month makes. Chavit was once upon a time first in Maguindanao: but as we now know, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. Even the improbable ones.
Now, Migz owes a lot. When he thanked God, Mama Mary, and all the saints, he was being a grateful person. Grateful, maybe not to the people of Maguindanao, but definitely thankful to all those who helped make his election as credible as Mrs. Arroyo's 2004 victory. As the second most impoverished province of ARMM, we can only hope Maguindanao gets the attention it deserves from him and that it's not just the usual suspects, who get to enjoy the blessings helping Migz win will give.
As for the millions of us that voted for Koko Pimentel, we had it coming. We were old-fashioned enough to believe what mattered more was a genuine mandate, that our votes would count as much as the votes for Migz. How were we to know, that neither our votes nor Migz' votes, mattered at all? What mattered most was never in the public's hands: it was the counting, and who did the counting, that mattered. It didn't even matter if the votes were there, and it didn't matter if all anyone wanted was a chance to vote again, without terrorism and manufactured documents substituting for an election.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
DISHONORING THE DEAD
"Muslims cannot dishonor a treaty; they cannot mutilate the dead; they cannot kill women, children, the elderly or any person who does not carry weapons" - Quote from a Khutba (sermon during Friday congregational prayers in the mosques) prepared by the Mufti's of the Autonomous Region in Muslim MindanaoThe Black & White Movement condemns in the strongest possible terms the beheading of ten marine soldiers following a firefight with members of the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT). "It is an inhuman and barbaric act that has no place in any civilized society and we ask that all means be exhausted to bring the perpetrators to justice", says BnW lead convenor Enteng Romano.
Islam condemns decapitation or mutilation of human beings. Filipinos of all faiths decry this brutal act. We condole with the families of the dead.
We are likewise dismayed and horrified at the substandard equipment with which the marines were made to defend themselves. TV news footage showing the failure of a trench mortar to fire as the marines fought for their lives was pitiful and heartrending. We place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the AFP leadership and the current administration for its failure to curtail widespread corruption in military procurement. Once again, the lowly soldier pays the ultimate price for greed and corruption in the military establishment.
We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urge the protagonists to return to the negotiating table to pursue a long term solution to the armed struggle that roils Mindanao.
We are one nation yearning for peace.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
An Urgent Appeal to GO Senators
This is a letter we sent to GO Senators, particularly Senators Escudero and Cayetano, last 28 June. For the record, we have spoken with Sen. Escudero about this but have yet to receive a response from Sen. Cayetano.
Dear Senators
We are alarmed at the way the fight for the Senate presidency is developing. The 14th Congress has not yet opened, and already we are seeing the people’s mandate for an opposition-dominated Senate being squandered.
We view with grave concern that because of a factious opposition bloc, it is ultimately the administration bloc who will determine the outcome of the senate presidency. And the next senate president is inevitably allied, if not beholden, to the administration.
We, therefore, urge the opposition senators ‐ if not the whole bloc, then at least those who won under the GO ticket, to hold a caucus and decide exclusively among yourselves who the next senate president will be. We call on each and every one of you to rise above personal ambitions and loyalties for the higher interest of the people who have pinned their hopes and aspirations upon you in the last election.
The worst thing that could happen is for the opposition to win with an overwhelming mandate the majority of the 12 seats contested, only to end up as the minority in the 14th Congress.
We were one with you when you fought the good fight and celebrated a well‐deserved victory. We pray that you will not fail us on this very important issue.
Vicente R. Romano III
Lead Convenor – Black and White Movement
Dear Senators
We are alarmed at the way the fight for the Senate presidency is developing. The 14th Congress has not yet opened, and already we are seeing the people’s mandate for an opposition-dominated Senate being squandered.
We view with grave concern that because of a factious opposition bloc, it is ultimately the administration bloc who will determine the outcome of the senate presidency. And the next senate president is inevitably allied, if not beholden, to the administration.
We, therefore, urge the opposition senators ‐ if not the whole bloc, then at least those who won under the GO ticket, to hold a caucus and decide exclusively among yourselves who the next senate president will be. We call on each and every one of you to rise above personal ambitions and loyalties for the higher interest of the people who have pinned their hopes and aspirations upon you in the last election.
The worst thing that could happen is for the opposition to win with an overwhelming mandate the majority of the 12 seats contested, only to end up as the minority in the 14th Congress.
We were one with you when you fought the good fight and celebrated a well‐deserved victory. We pray that you will not fail us on this very important issue.
Vicente R. Romano III
Lead Convenor – Black and White Movement
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
About the Party List Black List
Remember this list? It was circulated via the internet a couple of weeks ago, and I received it from a friend. Now I am posting it so even more people can read it:
Well, it seems that this list and our Black List of party list groups have pissed off a few people. The email I circulated among my e-groups went a long way around, and into the inbox of a certain Peri Resabal, who decided to send me this denunciation:
This is what Mr./Ms. Resabal was cheering about:
It is unfortunate that the impeachment paranoia infecting this administration has caused it to lure party list representations into becoming Mrs. Arroyo’s tag teams if they happen to win seats in Congress. It is also unfortunate that these groups don’t realize that their good intentions and past good deeds (speaking mainly of the incumbent), if any, are erased by their alleged backroom deals, and more importantly, by their willingness to turn a blind eye to the search for truth.
Another sad truth is that the party list system is a convenient back door entry into Congress if you haven’t a snowball’s chance in hell to win a seat as an individual running in your district. It’s also a lot cheaper to buy a nomination into a party list than to parlay tens of millions into a district race.
Our criteria for getting on either the Black List or White List are very narrow – for incumbents we study their voting record regarding the last two impeachments and Constituent Assembly. If you voted for impeachment and against Constituent Assembly, you qualify to be on the White List, and vice versa.
As for newbies, we do as much research as we can on the candidate or party list. Some candidates and party list groups have met with us and defended their positions. Depending on how the consultations go, we make our decisions. Sure, many will say the decisions are subjective, but how would you decide if the conversation with a candidate went like this:
Q: What is your view regarding the alleged cheating in the 2004 elections?
A: That’s an old story. The allegations have never been proven. We should move on.
Q: Would you consider voting in favor of impeaching GMA?
A: That’s an issue that we’d rather not discuss right now, we have to consult with our constituents. You see, we are all about our sector’s needs; it’s not an important issue for us.
You get the drift.
Below is a list of "partylist groups" that are fronts of the Arroyo regime and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). This list was prepared by KONTRA DAYA (a broad-based election watchdog formed to expose the very possible repeat of wholesale election fraud in the May Philippine elections). Please circulate widely to expose these groups. REJECT these groups in the coming elections!!!
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
1. AT (Aangat Tayo) connected to PITC Usec. Teddie Elson Rivera
2. Abono connected to House Speaker Jose De Venecia
3. Agbiag! Timpuyog Ilocano, Inc. connected to Office of External Affairs Asec. Marcelo Farinas II
4. Aging Pinoy (Aging Pilipino Organization, Inc.) connected to Norberto Gonzales
5. Ahon (Ahon Pinoy) Dante "Klink" Ang II (1st nominee)
6. Ahonbayan connected to Norberto Gonzales
7. APOI (Akbay Pinoy OFW-National, Inc.) DILG Usec. Melchor Rosales (1st nominee), DILG NCR Dir. Rodolfo Feraren (2nd nominee)
8. AKSA (Aksyon Sambayanan) connected to Norberto Gonzales
9. ANAD (Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy) supported by the AFP
10. ANAK (Angat Ating Kabuhayan Pilipinas, Inc.) Supt. Eduardo Octaviano, NCRPO-PNP (1st nominee)
11. ANC (Alliance of Neo-Conservatives) Usec. for Presidential Appointments Liel Cordoba
12. Ang Kasangga member, Sigaw ng Bayan
13. ARC (Alliance of Rural Concerns) Archie Santiago (son of Sen. Miriam Santiago)
14. ATS (Alliance Transport Sector) Ariel Lim, Presidential Assistant for Public Transport Affairs
15. ABA-AKO Percy Chavez, chairperson, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor
16. Babae Ka (Babae para sa Kaunlaran) member, Sigaw ng Bayan; Sally Dagami (1st nominee), Ruth Vasquez (2nd nominee)
17. BANAT (Barangay Association for National Advancement of Transparency) Raul Lambino (1st nominee)
18. Bantay Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan (1st nominee)
19. Bigkis (Bigkis Pinoy Movement) connected to PAGCOR Chair Ephraim Genuino
20. BP (Biyaheng Pinoy) Dr. Arsenio Abalos, Jesus Cruz (vice-mayor of Mandaluyong)
21. Kalahi (Advocates for Overseas Filipinos) Poe Gratela, former Office of External Affairs coordinator for OFW concerns (1st nominee)
22. VFP (Veterans Freedom Party) supported by the AFP
Well, it seems that this list and our Black List of party list groups have pissed off a few people. The email I circulated among my e-groups went a long way around, and into the inbox of a certain Peri Resabal, who decided to send me this denunciation:
Cheers to that Sonny and Gloria Rutaquio!!! It just shows that the organization that Leah Navarro adheres to is an organization out to topple a government not by elections but by impeachment.
Lahat na party list na walang balak magpatalsik kay Gloria in the next 3-years are all Gloria’s party lists. What a logic!!!
They are a bunch of one track minded individuals who after a change in leadership by people power or otherwise start another impeachment proceeding for the same leader that they help put to power. Kaya di tayo umaasenso.
Pinatalsik si Marcos, pinalit si Cory, tapos gustong patalsikin si Cory kasi walang alam. Nanalo si Ramos, gusto ring patalsikin kasi nangugurakot. Pinanalo si Erap (for his popularity), tapos pinatalsik kasi kurakot, pinalit si Gloria, gusto tanggalin kasi nandaya. Sino ba ang di nandadaya? Sino ba gusto nilang ipalit. Si Noli de Castro? Baka di na umabot si Noli nang 2008, gusto na naman nilang palitan kasi bobo. Leah Navarro, wake up but shut up. Buti pa kumanta ka na lang!
Let’s vote for candidates whom we know who can help stabilize our country!!! We are fed up with chaos. Tama na. Sobra na ang gulo. Isulong ang pag asenso ng ating bayan.
This is what Mr./Ms. Resabal was cheering about:
From: MSUans@googlegroups.com [mailto:MSUans@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of sonny matula
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 3:55 PM
To: MSUans@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Fwd: Fw: [civilizing_politics] Fwd: Pls circulate this: ARROYO'S PARTY LISTS
I am the legal counsel of AKSYON SAMBAYANAN (AKSA) and I protest the allegation that AKSA is an Arroyo's Party-list group.
AKSA is a social democratic party-list organization. AKSA advocates authentic politics of clear ideologies and developed programs of government. AKSA works for concrete reforms that empower the ordinary citizens such as workers, farmers, small businessmen and professionals.
AKSA has an award-winning and record in advancing women's rights and gender justice, and has a strong youth program.
AKSA is clearly at the forefront in the struggle for democracy & Christian-Muslim friendship and cooperation, and against the communist extreme left fronts, against the fascist extreme right,& against extremest Islamist terrorism.
AKSA programs addresses six (6) basic aspects of national security: defense, internal security, food, water, environment. For reforms toward a peaceful, secure, educated & prosperous Philippines, for a society that cares for all its members.
AKSA nominees: (1) Elizabeth Cunanan-Angsioco , 49 years of age, National Capital Region. She is the Chair of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP); NGO Executive Director; Recipient of the International Silver Rose Award for her advocy for women's right. (2) Timoteo Aranjuez, 67, from Bohol, President of the Union of Filipino Workers (UFW) and Chair of the Congress of Labor Organization (CLO). (3) Mao K. Andong, Jr., 55, Cotabato City, peasant organizer and Bangsa Moro Community organizer. (4) Fernando D. Gana, 32, Quezon city, urban poor community organizer, field educator and youth leader. (5) Donna Antoniette A. Casio, 40, Capiz, Research Director of Filamer Christian College, her fields are in community development, microfinance, livelihood. (6) Hadji A. Balajadia, 27, Davao City, intructor of the Ateneo de Davao University,youth leader and Secretary General of the 6th National Youth Parliament.
Atty. Sonny G. Matula
Counsel for AKSA
National Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
It is unfortunate that the impeachment paranoia infecting this administration has caused it to lure party list representations into becoming Mrs. Arroyo’s tag teams if they happen to win seats in Congress. It is also unfortunate that these groups don’t realize that their good intentions and past good deeds (speaking mainly of the incumbent), if any, are erased by their alleged backroom deals, and more importantly, by their willingness to turn a blind eye to the search for truth.
Another sad truth is that the party list system is a convenient back door entry into Congress if you haven’t a snowball’s chance in hell to win a seat as an individual running in your district. It’s also a lot cheaper to buy a nomination into a party list than to parlay tens of millions into a district race.
Our criteria for getting on either the Black List or White List are very narrow – for incumbents we study their voting record regarding the last two impeachments and Constituent Assembly. If you voted for impeachment and against Constituent Assembly, you qualify to be on the White List, and vice versa.
As for newbies, we do as much research as we can on the candidate or party list. Some candidates and party list groups have met with us and defended their positions. Depending on how the consultations go, we make our decisions. Sure, many will say the decisions are subjective, but how would you decide if the conversation with a candidate went like this:
Q: What is your view regarding the alleged cheating in the 2004 elections?
A: That’s an old story. The allegations have never been proven. We should move on.
Q: Would you consider voting in favor of impeaching GMA?
A: That’s an issue that we’d rather not discuss right now, we have to consult with our constituents. You see, we are all about our sector’s needs; it’s not an important issue for us.
You get the drift.
Monday, April 16, 2007
After A Long Spell - The Black & White Lists
Greetings! Yep, I'm back after a protracted hiatus. My absence was partly due to a lot of work, both personal and BnW. It was also due to being just too angry to write. Sometimes it's good to take a step back, recover your well being and refresh yourself.
Another good reason to post is our Congressional and Party List Black List / White List. This is our way of getting involved in the coming local elections. We believe that the road to political and governmental accountability begins in the Lower House. If we want answers to all our questions about scandals like "Hello, Garci", the Fertilizer Scam of Joc Joc Bolante, and burning issues like extra-judicial killings, then we must elect men and women of courage that are willing to impeach Gloria Arroyo in the next Congress. Even more importantly, we must elect Filipinos that will return our badly battered and misused institutions to respectability.
Even now, the battering continues - COMELEC continues to delay the publishing of candidates' names, even Party List nominees. The military is conducting smear campaigns against those they fear, fueled by the paranoia of their civilian leaders. We have witnessed the blatant bias of legislators in exchange for pork and the like, do we really need any more of that? The list goes on and on. And so we have decided to fight back with our own Lists.
Please take the time to visit our website, www.blacknwhite-movement.com, weigh in and spread the word.
Another good reason to post is our Congressional and Party List Black List / White List. This is our way of getting involved in the coming local elections. We believe that the road to political and governmental accountability begins in the Lower House. If we want answers to all our questions about scandals like "Hello, Garci", the Fertilizer Scam of Joc Joc Bolante, and burning issues like extra-judicial killings, then we must elect men and women of courage that are willing to impeach Gloria Arroyo in the next Congress. Even more importantly, we must elect Filipinos that will return our badly battered and misused institutions to respectability.
Even now, the battering continues - COMELEC continues to delay the publishing of candidates' names, even Party List nominees. The military is conducting smear campaigns against those they fear, fueled by the paranoia of their civilian leaders. We have witnessed the blatant bias of legislators in exchange for pork and the like, do we really need any more of that? The list goes on and on. And so we have decided to fight back with our own Lists.
Please take the time to visit our website, www.blacknwhite-movement.com, weigh in and spread the word.
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