“It is not these well-fed long-haired men that I fear, but the pale and the hungry looking.”
- Julius Caesar
The Arroyo government is now scrambling to find quick fixes to the rice crisis. The government is pretending as if this is something that came from nowhere, that they were caught by surprise as the worldwide food problem reached our shores. It is as if people in the government did not see this crisis coming. It is as if this was an imported disease that we know nothing about.
The reality is that the government is complicit to this very problem. For decades now, our government has ignored the agriculture industry. Succeeding administrations are guilty of disregarding an economic sector that could have been the strong backbone for the country’s development. Yes, our government has been a big failure in being able to capitalize on our rich agricultural resources that would have ensured the nation’s food security.
While other Asian countries continue to build and strengthen their agriculture, we have been busy building malls and golf courses. We have been contented with just sending our people abroad to work as maids and caregivers and take comfort that our economy is kept afloat by their remittances.
Our economic managers conveniently concluded that it is far easier to just import rice from Thailand or Vietnam or from anywhere else. Our policy-makers decided to instead focus on attracting call centers and other service sector industries. And while our government advanced the tourism industry, investment for agriculture dwindled to the point of pity.
Instead of protecting our agriculture the government blindly subscribed to the policy of liberalization that subjected the industry to uneven competition. Let us not forget that it was also Gloria Arroyo, as a senator in 1997, who promoted the country’s entry to the WTO (World Trade Organization) and enthusiastically supported the same trade policies that aggravated the damage to our agriculture industry.
Thus, our own government is an accomplice to this crime of neglecting the food security of the country. But Gloria Arroyo now is acting as if she is not aware of what is happening. And while at this, Arroyo is as usual in a show-off mode – trying to project that she is on top of the problem, that she is tough against rice hoarders, that she is compassionate by distributing cheap NFA rice.
We are a country rich in agricultural resources yet it is a pity to note that we are one of the highest importers in the whole planet of the very staple food that we need.
It is time to go back to the basics – our country needs to be self sufficient most especially in food production. We cannot depend on other countries for our food supply. That is the bottom line.
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
A democratic alternative to GMA
(This is a statement from former UP President and now chairperson of Laban ng Masa Prof. Francisco Nemenzo)
A democratic alternative to GMA
The belated involvement of Makati Business Club and other elite groups in the campaign to oust Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is welcome. But we should not let them steal victory from the people.
The ouster of GMA will bring no significant improvement if the system of elite rule is left intact. Whoever accedes to Malacanang in this political framework will remain a captive of the greedy and colonial-minded elite.
For as long as the elite hold effective power, a snap election will be another contest between trapos who enjoy their financial blessings. Democracy is a fraud where people are merely asked to choose who among the candidates of the elite will represent and repress them.
The truly democratic alternative to GMA is a Transitional Revolutionary Government, a collective leadership that has the strength and political will to institute fundamental reforms. Since the country is damaged beyond repair after decades of oligarchic rule, it has to be rebuilt from top to bottom. New structures for popular participation at the grassroots level should replace the present pseudo-representati ve system. The neoliberal policies now dragging the country to the brink of disaster should be reversed. The public and private centers of power should be democratized. The bureaucracy, military and police should be cleansed of officials whose opulent lifestyles can only be sustained by graft and corruption.
We are appalled to hear the executive director of the Makati Business Club claim that his outfit financed the inter-faith rally last Friday. Laban ng Masa never received and will never accept any assistance from such a source. That is how the elite manipulate the elected trapos. That is why we are not only fighting for regime change; we are fighting for system change. We do not only want to rid the country of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; we want an end to the system that breeds her type of leadership.
A democratic alternative to GMA
The belated involvement of Makati Business Club and other elite groups in the campaign to oust Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is welcome. But we should not let them steal victory from the people.
The ouster of GMA will bring no significant improvement if the system of elite rule is left intact. Whoever accedes to Malacanang in this political framework will remain a captive of the greedy and colonial-minded elite.
For as long as the elite hold effective power, a snap election will be another contest between trapos who enjoy their financial blessings. Democracy is a fraud where people are merely asked to choose who among the candidates of the elite will represent and repress them.
The truly democratic alternative to GMA is a Transitional Revolutionary Government, a collective leadership that has the strength and political will to institute fundamental reforms. Since the country is damaged beyond repair after decades of oligarchic rule, it has to be rebuilt from top to bottom. New structures for popular participation at the grassroots level should replace the present pseudo-representati ve system. The neoliberal policies now dragging the country to the brink of disaster should be reversed. The public and private centers of power should be democratized. The bureaucracy, military and police should be cleansed of officials whose opulent lifestyles can only be sustained by graft and corruption.
We are appalled to hear the executive director of the Makati Business Club claim that his outfit financed the inter-faith rally last Friday. Laban ng Masa never received and will never accept any assistance from such a source. That is how the elite manipulate the elected trapos. That is why we are not only fighting for regime change; we are fighting for system change. We do not only want to rid the country of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; we want an end to the system that breeds her type of leadership.
Readers’ take on corrupt politics
"Kung kaya mong isipin, kaya mong gawin
Isa-isang hakbang lamang at ika’y makakarating
Tulad ng puno na galing sa binhi
Ang mga dakilang gawa’y nagmula sa guni-guni..."
- from “Kung Kaya Mong Isipin” by Joey Ayala
Today I am featuring several emailed letters from this column’s readers. Many of the emails I received in the past days are in reaction to my previous article entitled “The Tentacles of Evil”.
What is common in many of the reactions I received is that despite of what is happening in our country, many well-meaning Filipinos are still ready to stand up for what is right and willing to act for the future of our nation.
Definitely you can sense the tone of hopelessness, of surrender to the seemingly bleak future ahead. We are buried in a very dark hole indeed, but let us hope that we Filipinos can muster enough wisdom, courage and sense of unity to choose the path that will lead us back to the light.
* * * * *
Kabayan,
We all desire to achieve our objectives....
What about those overnight critics/enemies of PGMA who were with her many years in their post and took advantage of enriching themselves? Should we also run after them...or just let them go scot free, as if nothing happened?
If we want to get rid of the scalawags in our society, we should consider the option of reaping them out also....and sow a new seed. Don't let the old weeds remain.
Just my thoughts...
From: maltares@kfupm.edu.sa
* * * * *
I feel so helpless seeing and hearing all this mafia function that’s been happening ever since she (Gloria Arroyo) was in power.
And to realize that she used those money for her own good, sacrificing our Inang Bayan. It saddened me to realize that those projects are good projects, broadband, North and South rail projects to name a few. I'm saddened because it hit me when I think the good impact of such. Broadband means good communication, faster link, same with the road construction that will boost our economy. Look at our neighboring Asian countries, Japan has the Bullet train that transport people faster, good roads and airlines, same with Singapore, Hong Kong and the like.
It’s so frustrating to know, that this unfinished projects cost this much $$$$ and our mahal na INANG BAYAN was in debt for millions AND millions of dollars. Seems like the Philippines was sold to China for the benefit of this hypocrite, and as you well said, FAKE president.
I agree that its time to stand up now before it’s too late, we will soon be carrying China's passport.
From: asilag@arrow.com
* * * * *
Just like many Filipinos, I am appalled by the latest events in our country. This administration just as the previous administrations has committed big crimes against our nation – corruption, corruption and corruption. I do not know if we can even live to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I agree with you that it not correct to swallow the corruption of President Arroyo simply because all of them are corrupt anyway. We cannot trust any of those dirty politicians. It is time to move and bring out alternative leaders for our country’s future.
From: janreyes123@yahoo.com
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337 and for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com)
Isa-isang hakbang lamang at ika’y makakarating
Tulad ng puno na galing sa binhi
Ang mga dakilang gawa’y nagmula sa guni-guni..."
- from “Kung Kaya Mong Isipin” by Joey Ayala
Today I am featuring several emailed letters from this column’s readers. Many of the emails I received in the past days are in reaction to my previous article entitled “The Tentacles of Evil”.
What is common in many of the reactions I received is that despite of what is happening in our country, many well-meaning Filipinos are still ready to stand up for what is right and willing to act for the future of our nation.
Definitely you can sense the tone of hopelessness, of surrender to the seemingly bleak future ahead. We are buried in a very dark hole indeed, but let us hope that we Filipinos can muster enough wisdom, courage and sense of unity to choose the path that will lead us back to the light.
* * * * *
Kabayan,
We all desire to achieve our objectives....
What about those overnight critics/enemies of PGMA who were with her many years in their post and took advantage of enriching themselves? Should we also run after them...or just let them go scot free, as if nothing happened?
If we want to get rid of the scalawags in our society, we should consider the option of reaping them out also....and sow a new seed. Don't let the old weeds remain.
Just my thoughts...
From: maltares@kfupm.edu.sa
* * * * *
I feel so helpless seeing and hearing all this mafia function that’s been happening ever since she (Gloria Arroyo) was in power.
And to realize that she used those money for her own good, sacrificing our Inang Bayan. It saddened me to realize that those projects are good projects, broadband, North and South rail projects to name a few. I'm saddened because it hit me when I think the good impact of such. Broadband means good communication, faster link, same with the road construction that will boost our economy. Look at our neighboring Asian countries, Japan has the Bullet train that transport people faster, good roads and airlines, same with Singapore, Hong Kong and the like.
It’s so frustrating to know, that this unfinished projects cost this much $$$$ and our mahal na INANG BAYAN was in debt for millions AND millions of dollars. Seems like the Philippines was sold to China for the benefit of this hypocrite, and as you well said, FAKE president.
I agree that its time to stand up now before it’s too late, we will soon be carrying China's passport.
From: asilag@arrow.com
* * * * *
Just like many Filipinos, I am appalled by the latest events in our country. This administration just as the previous administrations has committed big crimes against our nation – corruption, corruption and corruption. I do not know if we can even live to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I agree with you that it not correct to swallow the corruption of President Arroyo simply because all of them are corrupt anyway. We cannot trust any of those dirty politicians. It is time to move and bring out alternative leaders for our country’s future.
From: janreyes123@yahoo.com
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337 and for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Time to Move
“ The road may be rough, the weather may forget us But won't we all parade around and sing our songs, A magic kingdom, open-armed…”
- from “Bandwagon” by R.E.M.
A new movement against illegitimate debt was launched during the last weekend in Quezon City . It is aptly called People Against Illegitimate Debt (PAID!). This movement held its first assembly and also launched its People's Petition calling for the creation of an Independent Citizens' Debt Audit Commission.
This column thinks that this is a timely undertaking given the country’s worsening debt situation. No thanks to the sitting fake president! Further, last year was a year when a lot of anomalous big projects were exposed – projects that end up jacking up the country’s debts. Well, it’s not as if there was a year that I can remember when there was a shortage of corruption-tainted debt-creating “projects”.
What made 2007 stand out as the “Year of the Corrupt Trapo” is the boldness by which corruption was done. Just think about the ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) project, the World Bank textbook scam, the Cyber Education Project (CEP). And we can add to that the Austrian Medical Waste Loan. Not all of these projects were initiated in 2007 but it was that year when these anomalies came to light.
It is distressing to note that after these sham projects were exposed, it was met with rage from the public alright, but only took a few days or weeks for the anger to die down. What is ironic is that this anger always ends up building our mounting apathy. We seem to say “Well that is how it is. What’s new?” And every time this kind of event happens we retreat back to our shell and say “I said so. Those trapos (traditional politicians) will always be trapos.”
These actions undertaken by a broad network of social movements, civil society leaders, people's organizations, communities and personalities in organizing the PAID! movement and calling for a debt audit are clearly meaningful steps to the right direction.
Here are excerpts from the group’s manifesto:
"More than just the burden of payments, there is the fundamental injustice. While citizens are forced to pay, much of these debts were contracted without full public transparency and accountability, and without full compliance with democratic processes, and did not benefit the people.”
"Many loans were accompanied by unfair terms and harmful conditionalities. A significant number has been tainted with deception and fraud, or used for questionable purposes such as financing of ill-designed, unnecessary, and even inoperable programs, or repayment of earlier loans for onerous projects such as the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant."
It is high time that we start asking questions. Now, is the time that we demand transparency and accountability from the government.
How much is the country’s outstanding debt and exactly how much are we paying annually? Who contracted the loans and what were the loans for? What procedures were followed? Were these procedures in compliance with the principles of transparency, accountability, due diligence, democratic decision-making?
How were the loans used? Were the funds actually spent for the intended purposes? What were the terms and conditionalities accompanying these loans? What were the effects of the loan-financed projects and policies on communities and on people’s lives?
What were the environmental impacts of these loans and projects? What are the accountabilities of creditors? What are the effects of automatic and continuous payments of these debts today on the lives of the Filipinos?
Answers to these questions are what Independent Citizens' Debt Audit would like to be presented and revealed to the Filipino taxpayers and consumers. It is these questions that PAID! seeks to be answered as it calls for the creation of a Congressional mechanism to audit the country’s debt.
This audit, as PAID! envisions, should go beyond mere accounting as it should examine past and present government policies, transactions and contracts that have contributed to the accumulation of public debts. This action shall be a step for the review and rationalization of laws and regulations relevant to borrowings, public guarantees and debt payments.
One of the main organizers of this movement is the debt watchdog Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC). During the 13th Congress, FDC was successful in getting the joint resolution on debt audit passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. However, it was stalled in the Senate due to the inaction of some legislators.
Now, let us get this moving once again. Let us start talking about this issue as this involves the future of the country. Let us start knocking in unison so the halls of Congress will be filled with our calls. To paraphrase a landmark manifesto: We have nothing to loose but the chains of indebtedness.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
- from “Bandwagon” by R.E.M.
A new movement against illegitimate debt was launched during the last weekend in Quezon City . It is aptly called People Against Illegitimate Debt (PAID!). This movement held its first assembly and also launched its People's Petition calling for the creation of an Independent Citizens' Debt Audit Commission.
This column thinks that this is a timely undertaking given the country’s worsening debt situation. No thanks to the sitting fake president! Further, last year was a year when a lot of anomalous big projects were exposed – projects that end up jacking up the country’s debts. Well, it’s not as if there was a year that I can remember when there was a shortage of corruption-tainted debt-creating “projects”.
What made 2007 stand out as the “Year of the Corrupt Trapo” is the boldness by which corruption was done. Just think about the ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) project, the World Bank textbook scam, the Cyber Education Project (CEP). And we can add to that the Austrian Medical Waste Loan. Not all of these projects were initiated in 2007 but it was that year when these anomalies came to light.
It is distressing to note that after these sham projects were exposed, it was met with rage from the public alright, but only took a few days or weeks for the anger to die down. What is ironic is that this anger always ends up building our mounting apathy. We seem to say “Well that is how it is. What’s new?” And every time this kind of event happens we retreat back to our shell and say “I said so. Those trapos (traditional politicians) will always be trapos.”
These actions undertaken by a broad network of social movements, civil society leaders, people's organizations, communities and personalities in organizing the PAID! movement and calling for a debt audit are clearly meaningful steps to the right direction.
Here are excerpts from the group’s manifesto:
"More than just the burden of payments, there is the fundamental injustice. While citizens are forced to pay, much of these debts were contracted without full public transparency and accountability, and without full compliance with democratic processes, and did not benefit the people.”
"Many loans were accompanied by unfair terms and harmful conditionalities. A significant number has been tainted with deception and fraud, or used for questionable purposes such as financing of ill-designed, unnecessary, and even inoperable programs, or repayment of earlier loans for onerous projects such as the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant."
It is high time that we start asking questions. Now, is the time that we demand transparency and accountability from the government.
How much is the country’s outstanding debt and exactly how much are we paying annually? Who contracted the loans and what were the loans for? What procedures were followed? Were these procedures in compliance with the principles of transparency, accountability, due diligence, democratic decision-making?
How were the loans used? Were the funds actually spent for the intended purposes? What were the terms and conditionalities accompanying these loans? What were the effects of the loan-financed projects and policies on communities and on people’s lives?
What were the environmental impacts of these loans and projects? What are the accountabilities of creditors? What are the effects of automatic and continuous payments of these debts today on the lives of the Filipinos?
Answers to these questions are what Independent Citizens' Debt Audit would like to be presented and revealed to the Filipino taxpayers and consumers. It is these questions that PAID! seeks to be answered as it calls for the creation of a Congressional mechanism to audit the country’s debt.
This audit, as PAID! envisions, should go beyond mere accounting as it should examine past and present government policies, transactions and contracts that have contributed to the accumulation of public debts. This action shall be a step for the review and rationalization of laws and regulations relevant to borrowings, public guarantees and debt payments.
One of the main organizers of this movement is the debt watchdog Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC). During the 13th Congress, FDC was successful in getting the joint resolution on debt audit passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. However, it was stalled in the Senate due to the inaction of some legislators.
Now, let us get this moving once again. Let us start talking about this issue as this involves the future of the country. Let us start knocking in unison so the halls of Congress will be filled with our calls. To paraphrase a landmark manifesto: We have nothing to loose but the chains of indebtedness.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Twelve 2007 issues, Twelve wishes for 2008
2007 is on its way out. Another year has past. Looking back, it has been one chaotic year indeed. Here are 12 selected issues from the various topics I tackled this past year. Aside from the quotes from one article per month, I also included my wishes for 2008 pertaining to each of the issues.
1. Minimum wage, January 2007
“The business sector declares that a legislated P125.00 increase in the minimum wage will be ‘disastrous’ to the economy.
“The business sector presents, in their full page advertisements campaigning against the wage legislation, that the increase will cause a ‘disastrous chain reaction’ and is a ‘ticking time bomb’.
“I say, continue to deny the workers their just share to their fruits of labor and see for yourself where this ‘disastrous chain reaction’ will lead to. And yes, starve an already impoverished population and witness what a real “ticking time bomb” is all about.
My wish for 2008: May workers be more unified in their struggle for just wages. In the sorry state of Philippine politics, only a united loud angry voice by the masses may be effective for the trapos to notice.
2. Global warming, February 2007
“For years now, scientists all over the world have been raising the alarm over global warming. Strong evidence points to this phenomenon and how human activity is strongly link to climate change. Lately a scientific gathering strengthened this consensus with the hope that the world will act faster and face this inconvenient truth.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued their Fourth Assessment Report on the underlying science of climate change. IPCC has concluded that humans are the main culprits for atmospheric greenhouse gas build-up.
My wish for 2008: I hope that more people the world over will pressure their respective governments to act swiftly on this global issue.
3. Still on poverty, March 2007
“Further according to the NCSB, here are the poverty thresholds per capita (per person, per day) in the areas in Provinces in the Visayas area: Guimaras P43.73, Negros Occidental P40.48, Aklan P39.59, Iloilo P39.33….
“It means that here in Iloilo we only need P39.33 a day to live out of poverty. Take note that that amount does not only cover food. That amount should include allocation for house rent, utilities, fare, clothing, health and for other emergencies.
“I don’t actually need to write an article to highlight how the government manipulates these data to hide the real crisis. I know that everyone knows the actual situation and how the burden is getting heavier by the day.
My wish for 2008: May the Filipinos survive another year.
4. Peace in Mindanao, April 2007
“It seems that peace in Mindanao remains to be illusive. The conflict in Sulu is getting worse. As the government continues its military offensive, we should once again bring to the fore the painful impact of war to the population.
“A decision to go to war should be supported with hard facts and real evidence that it is indeed necessary. The government should learn from the example of what happened in Iraq. The government should learn from the previous military offensives in Mindanao. Bombs and guns can never be a solution to the deep divide in the South.
My wish for 2008: Peace. Harmony. Yeah I know this again is too much to ask in a year. Ok then. A bit of peace. A tiny morsel of harmony and tolerance.
5. Arroyo dumped in mid-term elections, May 2007
“Looking at the results of the recent elections, I can say there is a glimmer of hope in the Filipino nation. As of today’s numbers, at least nine in the magic 12 senators are not administration candidates.
“This is by itself equivalent to a vote of no confidence to the current corrupt administration – a government headed by a president whose mandate simply came from a fellow named Garci.
“Despite the Filipinos reluctance to march out in the streets to protest Arroyo’s fraud and corrupt practices, this election results manifest the stand of the majority who are fed up.
“Though this is short of the anger I expect from a nation oppressed by a fake president, I nevertheless say this is a significant spark. A flicker that I hope will never die but grow into a blaze that will light up the Filipinos’ consciousness. A glimmer of hope…
My wish for 2008: I wish that principles return to Philippine politics. Okay that is too much to ask, I know. All I am asking for is just a tiny tiny bit. And may this glimmer of hope transform into a conflagration this year.
6. The continuing burden of PECO consumers, June 2007
“First order of business, here in Iloilo City, should be to alleviate the burden of the power consumers who for years have been slapped with exorbitant electric bills. PECO (read: Patay Electric Consumers) has for decades manipulated the rate setting mechanism to pad its electric rates. And up to now, it seems there is no respite to the suffering of the Ilonggo consumers.
“To compare, look at the amount of taxpayers’ money that the Province was able to save recently when they shifted their power source from PECO to Napocor. Now, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol only spends about half of what it pays PECO before.
“The questions now are: Is there a way to end this abuse and malpractices of PECO? Is there a feasible solution in sight? Or do we simply remain at the mercy of PECO?
“The answer is: Yes, there is a way! In fact we now have a golden opportunity to have a say in PECO and in fact take over its management as a consumer cooperative. To recall, the ERC ordered PECO last year to refund P2.89 Billion of overcharges to its consumers. This amount, instead of the tedious process of distributing it back to thousands of consumers, should be converted to shares to take-over the management of PECO.
My wish for 2008: A stronger consumer movement in Iloilo and all over the country.
7. Another SONA, July 2007
“‘First, investments in physical, intellectual, legal and security infrastructure to increase business confidence. Imprastraktura para sa negosyo at trabaho. Isang milyong trabaho taon-taon.’
“Interpretation: As in my previous SONA, I promised millions of jobs annually. And I am proud to say that yes I have achieved all those targets! In fact by simply paying lip service to the country’s economic needs, our government is forcing, este…causing… millions upon millions of Filipinos to be employed annually… outside of the country, however, hehehe. But still you have to credit me for that, for if there are jobs here in our country, then only a few Filipinos will be able to see America or Canada.
“‘Second, investments in a stronger and wider social safety net - murang gamot, abot-kayang pabahay, eskwelang primera klase, mga gurong mas magaling at mas malaki ang kita, mga librong de-kalidad, more scholarships for gifted students, and language instruction to maintain our lead in English proficiency. Dunong at kalusugan ang susi sa kasaganaan.’
“Interpretation: Health and education, that’s my priority. That is why for 2007 we budgeted P146B for education and P13B for heath care. Just don’t look at my allocation for debt servicing which, by the way, will amount to P622B. Don’t tell anybody ok? Just believe me when I say that health and education are my priorities.
My wish for 2008: That I will not be able to hear another round of Arroyo’s SONA.
8. More illegitimate debts, August 2007
“In 1996, The Philippine government entered into a loan agreement with government of Austria that involves an equivalent of P500 million.
“The Philippine government agreed to pay $2 million annually starting 2002 up to 2014. This translates to an additional annual debt payment of almost P100 Million peso for the Filipino taxpayers.
“Test however showed that the incinerator units are of substandard quality, as it did not meet emission levels guaranteed by the supplier.
“A subsequent assessment of the incinerators’ emissions, jointly conducted by the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that these incinerators emit extremely high pollution.
My wish for 2008: That our legislators will repeal automatic appropriations for debt payments and pass a measure to rationalize the country’s fiscal and debt policies.
9. Suspension of NBN project, September 2007
“The kickback-laden ZTE-NBN broadband project has been suspended. This controversial project will cost $329.5 million – that is, ladies and gentlemen, equivalent to almost P15 billion (yup, that’s 15 with 9 zeroes!) at the current exchange rate!
“But why was the project suspended? Is it because it was tainted with corruption? Or is it to prevent more stink from coming out? Did Gloria Arroyo wake up one morning and realized the contract is unfair to the government? Or is she trying to save her behind by protecting her husband’s behind?
“I think this project should not only be suspended but deserves to be thrown directly into the nearest thrash can. For what is likely to happen is that Arroyo will simply wait for the public opposition to the project to die down and then revive the contract. We know that these greedy, scheming trapos (traditional politicians) will do anything to make their pockets heavier.
My wish for 2008: I ardently wish that these greedy politicians will wake up one day, any day within the year, and recognize that stealing is wrong. Yeah right!
10. Another coal plant proposal and junket bribes, October 2007
“If the current technology used in coal plants is “clean” why is it that up to now there are ongoing technological researches on how to make the same technology become environmentally friendly?
“Simply put, if “clean coal” is indeed “clean” why the need to make it clean?
“This technology that they are pushing is plainly NOT CLEAN – that is the simple message, no matter how they distort the facts. The term “clean coal technology” is a misnomer – grossly misleading and revoltingly contradictory.
“This leads me now to a separate but related issue – the question of legality and propriety of the ‘study trips’ of our ‘honorable’ city officials that were sponsored by the very proponent of a coal plant project in the City of Iloilo.
"Treñas, Mabilog and these councilors should know better. As public officials, they should ensure that their actions and position on issues is beyond reproach. They should not allow their office to be tarnished by such mindless action.
My wish for 2008: That these blind city officials will see the light – that no amount of PR and bribes can cover the fact that coal plants are harmful to human health and the environment. I also wish that Ilonggos will see through the deceit of the coal plant proponents.
11. The pardon of Erap, November 2007
“In writing this article I am even at a loss as to how to approach the issue. The reason is that in any angle you view it; this current move of the fake president is simply revoltingly repulsive (or repulsively revolting)! It was simply a pardon granted without any single grain of wisdom. Well, apart of course from the motive of self-preservation.
“Yes, that is a crystal clear fact – that this pardon of Erap is nothing more than Arroyo’s scheme of ensuring her stay in power. Arroyo is simply trying to appease a section of the ever growing opposition to her administration – a tactic to divide those calling for her immediate removal from office.
“When national policies are made to simply satisfy the interests of a politician then we have a problem. When a presidential power is used for the sole purpose of satisfying a whim of a trapo President then we have a big problem.
My wish for 2008: That Gloria Arroyo and Erap be put in jail together in one cell for crimes against the Filipino nation. Or at least in my dream – that would surely give me a restful sleep.
12. The strengthening of the Peso, December 2007
“The strengthening of the peso against the dollar was also the brainchild of Arroyo. By not investing enough in economic services, the government was able to force more Filipinos, including physicians who became nurses, to work abroad. So the more OFWs, the more dollar and other foreign currency remittances.
“These OFW remittances are the reason why our economy is kept afloat. Isn’t that a very clever economic strategy? Push your population to hunger and they will find food somewhere else and even send more food back home.
My wish for 2008: That Arroyo stops taking credit from ‘achievements’ she did not have a hand on. And that Filipinos will have a better Christmas next year – more food on the table!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! Thanks to all readers and all those who sent text messages and emails. I was not able to reply to all your messages but rest assured that they are all highly appreciated.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
1. Minimum wage, January 2007
“The business sector declares that a legislated P125.00 increase in the minimum wage will be ‘disastrous’ to the economy.
“The business sector presents, in their full page advertisements campaigning against the wage legislation, that the increase will cause a ‘disastrous chain reaction’ and is a ‘ticking time bomb’.
“I say, continue to deny the workers their just share to their fruits of labor and see for yourself where this ‘disastrous chain reaction’ will lead to. And yes, starve an already impoverished population and witness what a real “ticking time bomb” is all about.
My wish for 2008: May workers be more unified in their struggle for just wages. In the sorry state of Philippine politics, only a united loud angry voice by the masses may be effective for the trapos to notice.
2. Global warming, February 2007
“For years now, scientists all over the world have been raising the alarm over global warming. Strong evidence points to this phenomenon and how human activity is strongly link to climate change. Lately a scientific gathering strengthened this consensus with the hope that the world will act faster and face this inconvenient truth.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued their Fourth Assessment Report on the underlying science of climate change. IPCC has concluded that humans are the main culprits for atmospheric greenhouse gas build-up.
My wish for 2008: I hope that more people the world over will pressure their respective governments to act swiftly on this global issue.
3. Still on poverty, March 2007
“Further according to the NCSB, here are the poverty thresholds per capita (per person, per day) in the areas in Provinces in the Visayas area: Guimaras P43.73, Negros Occidental P40.48, Aklan P39.59, Iloilo P39.33….
“It means that here in Iloilo we only need P39.33 a day to live out of poverty. Take note that that amount does not only cover food. That amount should include allocation for house rent, utilities, fare, clothing, health and for other emergencies.
“I don’t actually need to write an article to highlight how the government manipulates these data to hide the real crisis. I know that everyone knows the actual situation and how the burden is getting heavier by the day.
My wish for 2008: May the Filipinos survive another year.
4. Peace in Mindanao, April 2007
“It seems that peace in Mindanao remains to be illusive. The conflict in Sulu is getting worse. As the government continues its military offensive, we should once again bring to the fore the painful impact of war to the population.
“A decision to go to war should be supported with hard facts and real evidence that it is indeed necessary. The government should learn from the example of what happened in Iraq. The government should learn from the previous military offensives in Mindanao. Bombs and guns can never be a solution to the deep divide in the South.
My wish for 2008: Peace. Harmony. Yeah I know this again is too much to ask in a year. Ok then. A bit of peace. A tiny morsel of harmony and tolerance.
5. Arroyo dumped in mid-term elections, May 2007
“Looking at the results of the recent elections, I can say there is a glimmer of hope in the Filipino nation. As of today’s numbers, at least nine in the magic 12 senators are not administration candidates.
“This is by itself equivalent to a vote of no confidence to the current corrupt administration – a government headed by a president whose mandate simply came from a fellow named Garci.
“Despite the Filipinos reluctance to march out in the streets to protest Arroyo’s fraud and corrupt practices, this election results manifest the stand of the majority who are fed up.
“Though this is short of the anger I expect from a nation oppressed by a fake president, I nevertheless say this is a significant spark. A flicker that I hope will never die but grow into a blaze that will light up the Filipinos’ consciousness. A glimmer of hope…
My wish for 2008: I wish that principles return to Philippine politics. Okay that is too much to ask, I know. All I am asking for is just a tiny tiny bit. And may this glimmer of hope transform into a conflagration this year.
6. The continuing burden of PECO consumers, June 2007
“First order of business, here in Iloilo City, should be to alleviate the burden of the power consumers who for years have been slapped with exorbitant electric bills. PECO (read: Patay Electric Consumers) has for decades manipulated the rate setting mechanism to pad its electric rates. And up to now, it seems there is no respite to the suffering of the Ilonggo consumers.
“To compare, look at the amount of taxpayers’ money that the Province was able to save recently when they shifted their power source from PECO to Napocor. Now, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol only spends about half of what it pays PECO before.
“The questions now are: Is there a way to end this abuse and malpractices of PECO? Is there a feasible solution in sight? Or do we simply remain at the mercy of PECO?
“The answer is: Yes, there is a way! In fact we now have a golden opportunity to have a say in PECO and in fact take over its management as a consumer cooperative. To recall, the ERC ordered PECO last year to refund P2.89 Billion of overcharges to its consumers. This amount, instead of the tedious process of distributing it back to thousands of consumers, should be converted to shares to take-over the management of PECO.
My wish for 2008: A stronger consumer movement in Iloilo and all over the country.
7. Another SONA, July 2007
“‘First, investments in physical, intellectual, legal and security infrastructure to increase business confidence. Imprastraktura para sa negosyo at trabaho. Isang milyong trabaho taon-taon.’
“Interpretation: As in my previous SONA, I promised millions of jobs annually. And I am proud to say that yes I have achieved all those targets! In fact by simply paying lip service to the country’s economic needs, our government is forcing, este…causing… millions upon millions of Filipinos to be employed annually… outside of the country, however, hehehe. But still you have to credit me for that, for if there are jobs here in our country, then only a few Filipinos will be able to see America or Canada.
“‘Second, investments in a stronger and wider social safety net - murang gamot, abot-kayang pabahay, eskwelang primera klase, mga gurong mas magaling at mas malaki ang kita, mga librong de-kalidad, more scholarships for gifted students, and language instruction to maintain our lead in English proficiency. Dunong at kalusugan ang susi sa kasaganaan.’
“Interpretation: Health and education, that’s my priority. That is why for 2007 we budgeted P146B for education and P13B for heath care. Just don’t look at my allocation for debt servicing which, by the way, will amount to P622B. Don’t tell anybody ok? Just believe me when I say that health and education are my priorities.
My wish for 2008: That I will not be able to hear another round of Arroyo’s SONA.
8. More illegitimate debts, August 2007
“In 1996, The Philippine government entered into a loan agreement with government of Austria that involves an equivalent of P500 million.
“The Philippine government agreed to pay $2 million annually starting 2002 up to 2014. This translates to an additional annual debt payment of almost P100 Million peso for the Filipino taxpayers.
“Test however showed that the incinerator units are of substandard quality, as it did not meet emission levels guaranteed by the supplier.
“A subsequent assessment of the incinerators’ emissions, jointly conducted by the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that these incinerators emit extremely high pollution.
My wish for 2008: That our legislators will repeal automatic appropriations for debt payments and pass a measure to rationalize the country’s fiscal and debt policies.
9. Suspension of NBN project, September 2007
“The kickback-laden ZTE-NBN broadband project has been suspended. This controversial project will cost $329.5 million – that is, ladies and gentlemen, equivalent to almost P15 billion (yup, that’s 15 with 9 zeroes!) at the current exchange rate!
“But why was the project suspended? Is it because it was tainted with corruption? Or is it to prevent more stink from coming out? Did Gloria Arroyo wake up one morning and realized the contract is unfair to the government? Or is she trying to save her behind by protecting her husband’s behind?
“I think this project should not only be suspended but deserves to be thrown directly into the nearest thrash can. For what is likely to happen is that Arroyo will simply wait for the public opposition to the project to die down and then revive the contract. We know that these greedy, scheming trapos (traditional politicians) will do anything to make their pockets heavier.
My wish for 2008: I ardently wish that these greedy politicians will wake up one day, any day within the year, and recognize that stealing is wrong. Yeah right!
10. Another coal plant proposal and junket bribes, October 2007
“If the current technology used in coal plants is “clean” why is it that up to now there are ongoing technological researches on how to make the same technology become environmentally friendly?
“Simply put, if “clean coal” is indeed “clean” why the need to make it clean?
“This technology that they are pushing is plainly NOT CLEAN – that is the simple message, no matter how they distort the facts. The term “clean coal technology” is a misnomer – grossly misleading and revoltingly contradictory.
“This leads me now to a separate but related issue – the question of legality and propriety of the ‘study trips’ of our ‘honorable’ city officials that were sponsored by the very proponent of a coal plant project in the City of Iloilo.
"Treñas, Mabilog and these councilors should know better. As public officials, they should ensure that their actions and position on issues is beyond reproach. They should not allow their office to be tarnished by such mindless action.
My wish for 2008: That these blind city officials will see the light – that no amount of PR and bribes can cover the fact that coal plants are harmful to human health and the environment. I also wish that Ilonggos will see through the deceit of the coal plant proponents.
11. The pardon of Erap, November 2007
“In writing this article I am even at a loss as to how to approach the issue. The reason is that in any angle you view it; this current move of the fake president is simply revoltingly repulsive (or repulsively revolting)! It was simply a pardon granted without any single grain of wisdom. Well, apart of course from the motive of self-preservation.
“Yes, that is a crystal clear fact – that this pardon of Erap is nothing more than Arroyo’s scheme of ensuring her stay in power. Arroyo is simply trying to appease a section of the ever growing opposition to her administration – a tactic to divide those calling for her immediate removal from office.
“When national policies are made to simply satisfy the interests of a politician then we have a problem. When a presidential power is used for the sole purpose of satisfying a whim of a trapo President then we have a big problem.
My wish for 2008: That Gloria Arroyo and Erap be put in jail together in one cell for crimes against the Filipino nation. Or at least in my dream – that would surely give me a restful sleep.
12. The strengthening of the Peso, December 2007
“The strengthening of the peso against the dollar was also the brainchild of Arroyo. By not investing enough in economic services, the government was able to force more Filipinos, including physicians who became nurses, to work abroad. So the more OFWs, the more dollar and other foreign currency remittances.
“These OFW remittances are the reason why our economy is kept afloat. Isn’t that a very clever economic strategy? Push your population to hunger and they will find food somewhere else and even send more food back home.
My wish for 2008: That Arroyo stops taking credit from ‘achievements’ she did not have a hand on. And that Filipinos will have a better Christmas next year – more food on the table!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! Thanks to all readers and all those who sent text messages and emails. I was not able to reply to all your messages but rest assured that they are all highly appreciated.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
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