"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)
Showing posts with label Gloria Arroyo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gloria Arroyo. Show all posts
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Tentacles of Evil
“Work and struggle and never accept an evil that you can change.”
- Andre Gide
So what has our nation become after more than 100 years since the Philippine declaration of independence? Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini and all our heroes for sure are turning in their graves as the nation is plunged deeper unto this pit of corruption and greed.
What has our nation become after almost a quarter century since the first EDSA people power? The spirit of EDSA, our dreams of social justice, is now drowned into the abyss of inequity and elite politics.
It seems that whatever good that is left is overpowered by the powerful stench of mafia-style governance. Our nation has been marinated for so long in this concentrated pulp of sleaze such that as time passes, the flavors of greed and corruption seeps deeper and deeper into its matter. Now, it seems that this concentrate has fully invaded the very core of our nation’s culture, spirit, and consciousness.
What is apparent is that the tentacles of evil have now reached all corners of our society. It is so entrenched that even those who are well-meaning are even blinded by the real issues.
Take for example those who would rather turn a blind eye on the substantive issues and say “Well, let the opposition prove the accusations against Arroyo in an impeachment case or a legal proceeding. Let the rule of law prevail.”
The assumption here of course is that Gloria Arroyo will submit to the “rule of law”. Could a government operating like a mafia submit to the rule of law? We have seen several times already how Gloria Arroyo manipulated our laws to suit her and her cronies. We have seen how Arroyo breached the spirit of our laws just to push her family’s agenda. Now what “rule of law” are we talking about here?
Further what this rule-of-law argument is saying is that removing Arroyo from Malacañang through another people power is a violation of our laws and constitution. The presidency, as all public offices, is a public trust. Now, is the exercise of the people of its sovereign power to withdraw this trust and oust a corrupt and fake president outside the scope of its political rights?!
Or take also the example of those who will simply tolerate Arroyo and defend her by saying “Well, all of them are the same anyway. Let any one who is clean cast the first stone.”
The problem with that premise is that it is okay for their beloved Arroyo to steal since all of these trapo (traditional politicians) are thieves anyway. I don’t know how in heaven’s name could one accept such kind of reasoning.
We should stand up now not for the benefit of the other thief, but for the sake of our nation’s future, for the sake of our children. We should stand up now not because we want to install another trapo, but to push for a social justice agenda that will benefit the poor and the marginalized, our nation as a whole.
This is I think one of the lowest period in Philippine history. A point where the nation is still divided in condemning corruption in its grandest scale. A point where we don’t even tremble in indignation as we are faced with one big blatant attempt to defraud the nation.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337 and for e-mails to ianseruelo@yahoo.com.)
- Andre Gide
So what has our nation become after more than 100 years since the Philippine declaration of independence? Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini and all our heroes for sure are turning in their graves as the nation is plunged deeper unto this pit of corruption and greed.
What has our nation become after almost a quarter century since the first EDSA people power? The spirit of EDSA, our dreams of social justice, is now drowned into the abyss of inequity and elite politics.
It seems that whatever good that is left is overpowered by the powerful stench of mafia-style governance. Our nation has been marinated for so long in this concentrated pulp of sleaze such that as time passes, the flavors of greed and corruption seeps deeper and deeper into its matter. Now, it seems that this concentrate has fully invaded the very core of our nation’s culture, spirit, and consciousness.
What is apparent is that the tentacles of evil have now reached all corners of our society. It is so entrenched that even those who are well-meaning are even blinded by the real issues.
Take for example those who would rather turn a blind eye on the substantive issues and say “Well, let the opposition prove the accusations against Arroyo in an impeachment case or a legal proceeding. Let the rule of law prevail.”
The assumption here of course is that Gloria Arroyo will submit to the “rule of law”. Could a government operating like a mafia submit to the rule of law? We have seen several times already how Gloria Arroyo manipulated our laws to suit her and her cronies. We have seen how Arroyo breached the spirit of our laws just to push her family’s agenda. Now what “rule of law” are we talking about here?
Further what this rule-of-law argument is saying is that removing Arroyo from Malacañang through another people power is a violation of our laws and constitution. The presidency, as all public offices, is a public trust. Now, is the exercise of the people of its sovereign power to withdraw this trust and oust a corrupt and fake president outside the scope of its political rights?!
Or take also the example of those who will simply tolerate Arroyo and defend her by saying “Well, all of them are the same anyway. Let any one who is clean cast the first stone.”
The problem with that premise is that it is okay for their beloved Arroyo to steal since all of these trapo (traditional politicians) are thieves anyway. I don’t know how in heaven’s name could one accept such kind of reasoning.
We should stand up now not for the benefit of the other thief, but for the sake of our nation’s future, for the sake of our children. We should stand up now not because we want to install another trapo, but to push for a social justice agenda that will benefit the poor and the marginalized, our nation as a whole.
This is I think one of the lowest period in Philippine history. A point where the nation is still divided in condemning corruption in its grandest scale. A point where we don’t even tremble in indignation as we are faced with one big blatant attempt to defraud the nation.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337 and for e-mails to ianseruelo@yahoo.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!
* * * * *
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!
* * * * *
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.)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Economist or Politician?
“I think I’m a pretty good economist, but a very bad politician.”
- by Gloria Macapacagal-Arroyo
On rare occasions I agree with Gloria Arroyo. She may be a well-known liar and one of the most corrupt trapo (traditional politician) in Philippine history but once in a while she has the capability to tell the truth. For example the quote above is indeed very true. Below are my proofs and validations.
As a “pretty good economist” the following are just a few examples of Arroyo’s economic accomplishments.
1) Arroyo was responsible in the country’s ballooning debt. Gloria Arroyo, in just a period of 4 years (2001-2005), borrowed P2.44 Trillion, which is more than the combined borrowings of the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations. Arroyo in just a short period was able to bury the country in deeper debt! Of course, we and our grand-children will be the ones who will end up paying those loans.
2) Despite of the ever increasing debt, the only item in the annual government budget that receives real increases in allocation is debt servicing. Where did the money go? Only Arroyo and cohorts know. Sounds like magic but only a “pretty good economist” can do that!
3) Arroyo was the bright mind behind the introduction of an efficient solution to the country’s classroom shortage. Can you still remember last year, when Gloria was able to lick the problem of classroom shortage in the country? All she did was change the ideal classroom-to-student ratio from 1 classroom for every 50 students to 1 classroom for every 100 students! Do you have any better economic strategy than that?
4) Gloria was able to improve the financial status, not of the country by the way, but of her family and cronies. Her being the president is material to the business dealings Mike Arroyo and friends brokered with the Philippine government to corner handsome contracts. Also let us not forget Jose Pidal who stashed away millions in deposits in controversial deals with the Arroyo government.
5) 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.
Now, as a “very bad politician”, below are Gloria’s career highlights so far.
1) During the EDSA 2 protests, Gloria Arroyo then Vice-president only abandoned her boss once it was clear that Erap is about to be toppled. Gloria’s trapo strategy: Stay in the fence while the factions are throwing punches, then when one is about to be knocked out, immediately jump to the winning side! She is such a bad politician indeed – no back-bone, unprincipled, fence-sitter.
2) To make sure she won the previous presidential election, Arroyo utilized hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money to finance her campaign by distributing (read: bribing) local officials. Also she employed the infamous Joc-joc Bolante to distribute bribes pretending as fertilizers. And let us not forget our all-time favorite, Virgilio “Hello Garci” Garcillano who was tasked to make sure that Arroyo leads by 1 million votes in Mindanao at all cost.
Arroyo is such a “very bad politician” for being caught on tape conspiring to rig the previous presidential election. Good politicians don’t get caught, right?
3) Arroyo is swamped with anomalies and scandals which prompted calls for her to be impeached. Impeachment proceeding should be initiated in the Lower House and under the House rules, only one impeachment case can be filed against her within a year. Now, by simply having one of her cohorts file a weak case against her she manages to give herself another year of getting away with mounting crimes against the nation. By abusing technicalities, Arroyo makes a mockery of the constitution and our laws.
4) To appease a section of the opposition and a section of poor Filipinos, Arroyo pardoned Erap after he was found guilty of plunder. Disguised as a humanitarian act, a plunderer who was toppled by the people was freed just to ensure her stay in power.
5) As a “very bad politician”, Arroyo employed different tactics to suppress dissent and opposition to her fake and corrupt government. We can still remember the violent Calibrated Preemptive Response or CPR that met street demonstrations last year. Also, E.O. 464 which was issued to block the appearance of government officials and military officers in Congressional hearings that investigate her administration’s anomalies.
Meanwhile activists and journalists are being assassinated in such blatant fashion as the Arroyo government pays lip service to the protection of human rights.
Pretty good economist but a very bad politician? You bet!
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
- by Gloria Macapacagal-Arroyo
On rare occasions I agree with Gloria Arroyo. She may be a well-known liar and one of the most corrupt trapo (traditional politician) in Philippine history but once in a while she has the capability to tell the truth. For example the quote above is indeed very true. Below are my proofs and validations.
As a “pretty good economist” the following are just a few examples of Arroyo’s economic accomplishments.
1) Arroyo was responsible in the country’s ballooning debt. Gloria Arroyo, in just a period of 4 years (2001-2005), borrowed P2.44 Trillion, which is more than the combined borrowings of the Aquino, Ramos and Estrada administrations. Arroyo in just a short period was able to bury the country in deeper debt! Of course, we and our grand-children will be the ones who will end up paying those loans.
2) Despite of the ever increasing debt, the only item in the annual government budget that receives real increases in allocation is debt servicing. Where did the money go? Only Arroyo and cohorts know. Sounds like magic but only a “pretty good economist” can do that!
3) Arroyo was the bright mind behind the introduction of an efficient solution to the country’s classroom shortage. Can you still remember last year, when Gloria was able to lick the problem of classroom shortage in the country? All she did was change the ideal classroom-to-student ratio from 1 classroom for every 50 students to 1 classroom for every 100 students! Do you have any better economic strategy than that?
4) Gloria was able to improve the financial status, not of the country by the way, but of her family and cronies. Her being the president is material to the business dealings Mike Arroyo and friends brokered with the Philippine government to corner handsome contracts. Also let us not forget Jose Pidal who stashed away millions in deposits in controversial deals with the Arroyo government.
5) 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.
Now, as a “very bad politician”, below are Gloria’s career highlights so far.
1) During the EDSA 2 protests, Gloria Arroyo then Vice-president only abandoned her boss once it was clear that Erap is about to be toppled. Gloria’s trapo strategy: Stay in the fence while the factions are throwing punches, then when one is about to be knocked out, immediately jump to the winning side! She is such a bad politician indeed – no back-bone, unprincipled, fence-sitter.
2) To make sure she won the previous presidential election, Arroyo utilized hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money to finance her campaign by distributing (read: bribing) local officials. Also she employed the infamous Joc-joc Bolante to distribute bribes pretending as fertilizers. And let us not forget our all-time favorite, Virgilio “Hello Garci” Garcillano who was tasked to make sure that Arroyo leads by 1 million votes in Mindanao at all cost.
Arroyo is such a “very bad politician” for being caught on tape conspiring to rig the previous presidential election. Good politicians don’t get caught, right?
3) Arroyo is swamped with anomalies and scandals which prompted calls for her to be impeached. Impeachment proceeding should be initiated in the Lower House and under the House rules, only one impeachment case can be filed against her within a year. Now, by simply having one of her cohorts file a weak case against her she manages to give herself another year of getting away with mounting crimes against the nation. By abusing technicalities, Arroyo makes a mockery of the constitution and our laws.
4) To appease a section of the opposition and a section of poor Filipinos, Arroyo pardoned Erap after he was found guilty of plunder. Disguised as a humanitarian act, a plunderer who was toppled by the people was freed just to ensure her stay in power.
5) As a “very bad politician”, Arroyo employed different tactics to suppress dissent and opposition to her fake and corrupt government. We can still remember the violent Calibrated Preemptive Response or CPR that met street demonstrations last year. Also, E.O. 464 which was issued to block the appearance of government officials and military officers in Congressional hearings that investigate her administration’s anomalies.
Meanwhile activists and journalists are being assassinated in such blatant fashion as the Arroyo government pays lip service to the protection of human rights.
Pretty good economist but a very bad politician? You bet!
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Trapoliticking at its peak
“Funky crime funky crime
don't you know funk's colors blind
well I've committed a funky crime
against a state of mind”
- from “Funky Crime” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
That law is always rigged to favor the rich and the powerful has been blatantly displayed once again in Philippine politics. Trapoliticking in the country is at its highest peak nowadays. And these trapos (traditional politicians) are really getting to be bolder and bolder these days.
It seems that these unprincipled politicians can just rob us (of our taxes or of justice) in broad daylight and pretend as if there is nothing wrong with their action. They can even look us straight in the eye and say they are doing it “for the good of the country”.
Two recent political events have marked the year 2007 as the Year of the Trapos. One is the instant pardon of Erap Estrada who was found guilty of plunder. Then comes the recent efforts of Gloria Arroyo to once again stop a genuine impeachment against her…at all costs.
Pardon me, Madame Gloria
First, let’s track back a little to Arroyo’s pardon of Erap Estrada. I do not know, but this recent action of Arroyo has sort of sent 1000 volts of electricity up my spine. I felt numbness. Disbelief. Anger. And a hint of hopelessness.
For how could you forgive somebody found guilty of plunder but has not even acknowledged his wrongdoing? How could you forget a crime when the criminal has not even owned up to his offense?
It’s not that I don’t expect Gloria Arroyo to be capable of such hideous trapoliticking. But it’s more of a shock that it is indeed happening. It’s like as time goes by under this administration, the Filipino nation is getting buried deeper and deeper into this pit of unprincipled politics.
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.
The spirit of the law, impeached
Now let us go to the issue of the recent efforts of Arroyo to once again stop a genuine impeachment against her.
The removal of a dishonest, abusive and corrupt President is an inherent power of the people from whom all the government powers emanates. This power to remove a President is delegated to Congress through the process of impeachment. This, in essence, is a mechanism to ensure the accountability of the leader of the land to the people through a body which is representative of them.
Now, an impeachment proceeding should be initiated in the Lower House and under the House rules, only one impeachment case can be filed against the same impeachable official within a year. This limitation is supposed to prevent a harassment of impeachment cases against a President who is assumed to be working for the country.
Gloria Arroyo however is using this rule to make a mockery of our constitution and our laws. By simply having one of her cohorts file a weak case against her she manages to give herself another year of getting away with mounting crimes against the nation.
The sadder fact is that a lot of Congress Representatives are in connivance with Malacañang in this scheme. Despite the existence of strong evidence against Arroyo, these shameful people we call “honorable” have several times terminated the impeachment proceedings for mere technicalities taking advantage of the same weak case that one of their accomplices filed.
The spirit of the law is unashamedly disregarded by these trapos to simply make sure that their benefactor remains in power. For them, implementing the spirit of the law is not as important as making sure that the hand that feeds their pocket is safe and sound.
If the Supreme Court doesn’t make a corrective stand on this issue then down the drain our nation go.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
don't you know funk's colors blind
well I've committed a funky crime
against a state of mind”
- from “Funky Crime” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
That law is always rigged to favor the rich and the powerful has been blatantly displayed once again in Philippine politics. Trapoliticking in the country is at its highest peak nowadays. And these trapos (traditional politicians) are really getting to be bolder and bolder these days.
It seems that these unprincipled politicians can just rob us (of our taxes or of justice) in broad daylight and pretend as if there is nothing wrong with their action. They can even look us straight in the eye and say they are doing it “for the good of the country”.
Two recent political events have marked the year 2007 as the Year of the Trapos. One is the instant pardon of Erap Estrada who was found guilty of plunder. Then comes the recent efforts of Gloria Arroyo to once again stop a genuine impeachment against her…at all costs.
Pardon me, Madame Gloria
First, let’s track back a little to Arroyo’s pardon of Erap Estrada. I do not know, but this recent action of Arroyo has sort of sent 1000 volts of electricity up my spine. I felt numbness. Disbelief. Anger. And a hint of hopelessness.
For how could you forgive somebody found guilty of plunder but has not even acknowledged his wrongdoing? How could you forget a crime when the criminal has not even owned up to his offense?
It’s not that I don’t expect Gloria Arroyo to be capable of such hideous trapoliticking. But it’s more of a shock that it is indeed happening. It’s like as time goes by under this administration, the Filipino nation is getting buried deeper and deeper into this pit of unprincipled politics.
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.
The spirit of the law, impeached
Now let us go to the issue of the recent efforts of Arroyo to once again stop a genuine impeachment against her.
The removal of a dishonest, abusive and corrupt President is an inherent power of the people from whom all the government powers emanates. This power to remove a President is delegated to Congress through the process of impeachment. This, in essence, is a mechanism to ensure the accountability of the leader of the land to the people through a body which is representative of them.
Now, an impeachment proceeding should be initiated in the Lower House and under the House rules, only one impeachment case can be filed against the same impeachable official within a year. This limitation is supposed to prevent a harassment of impeachment cases against a President who is assumed to be working for the country.
Gloria Arroyo however is using this rule to make a mockery of our constitution and our laws. By simply having one of her cohorts file a weak case against her she manages to give herself another year of getting away with mounting crimes against the nation.
The sadder fact is that a lot of Congress Representatives are in connivance with Malacañang in this scheme. Despite the existence of strong evidence against Arroyo, these shameful people we call “honorable” have several times terminated the impeachment proceedings for mere technicalities taking advantage of the same weak case that one of their accomplices filed.
The spirit of the law is unashamedly disregarded by these trapos to simply make sure that their benefactor remains in power. For them, implementing the spirit of the law is not as important as making sure that the hand that feeds their pocket is safe and sound.
If the Supreme Court doesn’t make a corrective stand on this issue then down the drain our nation go.
(Send your comments and reactions to: for text messages to 0919-348-6337; for e-mails to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Gloria’s 7 Social Sins
“The cause of liberty becomes a mockery if the price to be paid
is the wholesale destruction of those who are to enjoy liberty.”
- by Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi would have been very happy to witness the presentation of a scroll containing his very own “Seven Social Sins” to Gloria Arroyo on her recent visit to India. While addressed to society as a whole, Gandhi’s “Seven Social Sins” is actually very appropriate reading for unscrupulous politicians like Arroyo.
We sure hope that Gandhi’s words of wisdom could penetrate the callous hearts of these trapos (traditional politicians). Of course that is granting that these rotten politicians still have the conscience left to see beyond their own interests.
Now, here are the seven social sins as proclaimed by the great Mahatma Gandhi: (1) Wealth Without Work, (2) Pleasure Without Conscience, (3) Knowledge Without Character, (4) Commerce Without Morality, (5) Science Without Humanity, (6) Religion Without Sacrifice, and (7) Politics Without Principle.
Here are some of my reflections on these social sins as exemplified by Gloria Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo and their cohorts.
Wealth Without Work. Gloria Arroyo and her husband have exhibited this numerous times already. Recent example would be the controversial NBN project. This power couple is trying to broker a P15 billion project, earn hefty kickbacks in the process by simply using the office the President. Sa-ching! Easy money!
Pleasure Without Conscience. An example of this was Gloria’s ambition to be the President of the country at all costs. As captured in her famous “Hello Garci” conversations, she would even agree to let Garci and men kidnap a poor teacher whose a witness to her election cheating in Mindanao. All in the name of pleasure to be the “elected” President of the Philippines!
Knowledge Without Character. Gloria sure has lots of knowledge given her economist (kuno) background. However this knowledge is useless if she continues to ignore the basic concepts of economic equity and social justice.
Commerce Without Morality. This is exemplified by the many business deals Arroyo and friends brokered with the Philippine government to corner handsome contracts. Also let us not forget Jose Pidal who stashed away millions in deposits in controversial deals with the Arroyo government.
Science Without Humanity. Well, what could be a better example than implementing a high technology project such as the national broadband project? This project will result in millions more of additional debt for the Filipinos (not to mention millions more of kickbacks for Gloria and husband!). Gloria said this would enable students even in the remotest municipalities to access the Internet and learn. Yeah right! Students who have barely anything to eat or do not even have a decent classroom are so excited to browse the worldwide web.
Religion Without Sacrifice. Like many other politicians, Gloria Arroyo has the propensity to project a religious image especially during election period. These trapos summon the support of the Cardinals, the pastors, the priests, the imams and what have you, as they present themselves as god-fearing individuals. Old tricks but the sad fact is, it works!
Politics Without Principle. Now, in this last one Gloria Arroyo would receive the highest honors. I don’t know if I still need to give an instance. Examples are all over the place! Go figure.
is the wholesale destruction of those who are to enjoy liberty.”
- by Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi would have been very happy to witness the presentation of a scroll containing his very own “Seven Social Sins” to Gloria Arroyo on her recent visit to India. While addressed to society as a whole, Gandhi’s “Seven Social Sins” is actually very appropriate reading for unscrupulous politicians like Arroyo.
We sure hope that Gandhi’s words of wisdom could penetrate the callous hearts of these trapos (traditional politicians). Of course that is granting that these rotten politicians still have the conscience left to see beyond their own interests.
Now, here are the seven social sins as proclaimed by the great Mahatma Gandhi: (1) Wealth Without Work, (2) Pleasure Without Conscience, (3) Knowledge Without Character, (4) Commerce Without Morality, (5) Science Without Humanity, (6) Religion Without Sacrifice, and (7) Politics Without Principle.
Here are some of my reflections on these social sins as exemplified by Gloria Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo and their cohorts.
Wealth Without Work. Gloria Arroyo and her husband have exhibited this numerous times already. Recent example would be the controversial NBN project. This power couple is trying to broker a P15 billion project, earn hefty kickbacks in the process by simply using the office the President. Sa-ching! Easy money!
Pleasure Without Conscience. An example of this was Gloria’s ambition to be the President of the country at all costs. As captured in her famous “Hello Garci” conversations, she would even agree to let Garci and men kidnap a poor teacher whose a witness to her election cheating in Mindanao. All in the name of pleasure to be the “elected” President of the Philippines!
Knowledge Without Character. Gloria sure has lots of knowledge given her economist (kuno) background. However this knowledge is useless if she continues to ignore the basic concepts of economic equity and social justice.
Commerce Without Morality. This is exemplified by the many business deals Arroyo and friends brokered with the Philippine government to corner handsome contracts. Also let us not forget Jose Pidal who stashed away millions in deposits in controversial deals with the Arroyo government.
Science Without Humanity. Well, what could be a better example than implementing a high technology project such as the national broadband project? This project will result in millions more of additional debt for the Filipinos (not to mention millions more of kickbacks for Gloria and husband!). Gloria said this would enable students even in the remotest municipalities to access the Internet and learn. Yeah right! Students who have barely anything to eat or do not even have a decent classroom are so excited to browse the worldwide web.
Religion Without Sacrifice. Like many other politicians, Gloria Arroyo has the propensity to project a religious image especially during election period. These trapos summon the support of the Cardinals, the pastors, the priests, the imams and what have you, as they present themselves as god-fearing individuals. Old tricks but the sad fact is, it works!
Politics Without Principle. Now, in this last one Gloria Arroyo would receive the highest honors. I don’t know if I still need to give an instance. Examples are all over the place! Go figure.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
SONA Translation
(This article is an edited and consolidated version of two articles I wrote for my column in The News Today.)
“You come around every now and then
Your clothes are different but youre still the same
Why else would you come here?
Scumbag on a mission”
- from “Scumbag” by Green Day
Here are some quotes from the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and my version of what she really meant. This is an attempt to translate the SONA and unmask its real meaning.
“Tapos na ang halalan at pamumulitika; panahon na para maglingkod nang walang damot, mamuno nang walang pangamba maliban sa kagalingan ng bayan, and to govern with wisdom, compassion, vision and patriotism. “
Translation: Indeed this recent election proved that Filipinos do not really like me much but always remember that I still hold the purse, ok? Tsk tsk if only I wasn’t caught talking with Garci… But anyway, you politicians should now play my game and follow my wishes. And as I have been doing before, your support will always be rewarded. Simply close your eyes and cover your ears, just always say yes to me and I will keep feeding you.
“Hangarin kong mapabilang ang Pilipinas sa mayayamang bansa sa loob ng dalawampung taon. By then poverty shall have been marginalized; and the marginalized raised to a robust middle class.”
Translation: I actually plan to stay in office for 20 more years if that would be fine with you. I promise you, in 20 years we will all be rich, but not as rich as Jose Pidal. Remember how I licked the problem of classroom shortage? All I did was simply manipulate the student to classroom ratio and instantly the problem disappeared. That is how I plan to solve poverty. I’m an economist remember, I know numbers.
“We will have achieved the hallmarks of a modern society, where institutions are strong.”
Translation: Look at how we make our state very strong. Now, anybody opposing me can very well end up with a bullet in the head or disappear into thin air. Warning to critical journalists and activists.
“With the tax reforms of the last Congress, and I thanked the last Congress, we have turned around our macroeconomic condition through fiscal discipline, toward a balanced budget. Binabayaran ang utang, pababa ang interes, at paakyat ang pondo para sa progreso ng sambayanang Pilipino!!!”
Translation: Wow, I am enjoying this! This macroeconomics is really fun! Look, I even borrowed more money than the total borrowings under Cory, Ramos and Erap! And of course, because I borrowed a lot, we were able to pay more of our old debts. Needless to say we have a lot of new debts, hehehe. But why do I care, it’s your tax money that will be used to pay for it anyway.
“First, investments in physical, intellectual, legal and security infrastructure to increase business confidence. Imprastraktura para sa negosyo at trabaho. Isang milyong trabaho taon-taon.”
Translation: As in my previous SONAs, 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.”
Translation: 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.
“Third, investments in bringing peace to Mindanao; in crushing terrorism wherever it threatens regardless of ideology; and in putting a stop to human rights abuses whatever the excuse.”
Translation: We will crush those activists and journalists who have nothing good to do or say especially now that we have the Human Security Act. However, don’t believe those who say that my government or the military is responsible for their disappearance and assassination, ok? Or else I will have you picked up for interrogation.
“…And I am happy to see that the latest survey in June shows the hunger rate has sharply gone down nationwide. We have done that.”
Translation: I told you so, because of my expertise in economics I sure can make sense of statistics. The SWS survey said that from an all-time high of 19%, those who experience having nothing to eat at least once in a quarter went down to 14.7% in June. But as always I would not mention numbers that will contradict my “achievements”. For example, I did not say that the average for the last 37 quarters is 11.6%! So hunger actually increased under my administration. Hahaha, I am so talented!
“Para sa buong bansa naglaan tayo ng P3 billion para sa tatlong libong kilometro ng farm to market roads. Sanlibong kilometro sa Mindanao. Gawa na ang tatlong daan.”
Translation: Yes, that is a total of P3 billion: P1 billion for the roads, P1 billion for the local politicians and of course P1 billion for me! Hehe, it is really hard to be a president so I deserve it, right?
“I ask Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) for open access and more competition.”
Translation: You know, I hate to admit it but EPIRA is a big failure. I was the one who really lobbied for that law to be passed. I said before that EPIRA will lower power rates and will result to better service to consumers. Contrary to that however, our power rates are so high now! Salamat na lang and you are the ones paying for my power bill in Malacañang! Thanks ha…
“The Philippines ranks among top off-shoring hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and more importantly our highly trainable, English proficient, IT-enabled management and manpower.”
Translation: We are encouraging our youth to learn English. It’s ok if you’re head is empty as long as you speak English with an American accent, di ba sosyal pakinggan! And because our minimum wage is cheap, so cheap that it’s far below the living wage, we can corner these foreign corporations to set up call centers here!
“This year, we are investing more for education: P150 billion, P29 billion more than last year.”
Translation: This is the fun part in dishing out big budgetary figures. Nobody will be able to know what part will go to which. Actually, just like our annual allocation for the education sector, more than 90% of the P150 billion will simply go to salaries of personnel and for the operating expenses of the Department of Education. So there is actually negligible budget for new schools, learning facilities and programs that will improve quality education. But don’t try to understand that non-sense, just believe me when I say that education will receive higher budget, ok?
“Kaya sa isang survey, halos kalahati ang nagsabing abot-kaya ang gamot, kumpara sa 11% noong 1999.”
Translation: Yup! I was so excited in conducting the survey myself. Imagine I went door-to-door to conduct my survey. First I went to the beautiful subdivisions in Ayala-Alabang and then the other half of my time I interviewed the squatters in Tondo. And yes, 50% of my respondents said that our medicines are “abot-kaya”! Isn’t that nice?!
“Si Noli de Castro na isa pang kampeon ng senior citizens ay namumuno ng ating programa sa pabahay. Congratulations, Noli. The low interest rates for housing are unprecedented. Naglaan ang Pag-IBIG ng P25 billion na pautang, six times the amount when we started it in 2001. P50 billion pa ang ilalaan hanggang 2010.”
Translation: We have all these nice housing loan programs in place and also low interest rates. So if you earn more than P20,000 a month for sure you can afford these programs. Hmm, I know I failed to mention that most cannot actually afford these programs especially those who are unemployed whose numbers continue to grow every year. And of course if you are earning our meager minimum wage don’t bother applying for a housing loan – that will just be a waste of time.
“Therefore, in the fight against lawless violence, we must uphold these values. It is never right and always wrong to fight terror with terror.”
Translation: But do not call the disappearance of critical journalists and assassination of activists as acts of terrorism. Maybe there is a curse against those who are critical of my government. I promise I have nothing to do with that. Don’t worry, I will ask congress to pass a law to break the curse while I continue hunting down those leftists, rather, those terrorists.
“Together with economic prosperity is the need to strengthen our institutions of government. Let's start with election reform. We have long provided funds for computerization. We look forward to the modernization of voting, counting and canvassing.”
Translation: Indeed, we need a new way to count our ballots. In the last election the opposition was able to beat my candidates because I was not able to call Garci. Tsk, tsk, now people know my modus operandi. Maybe next time, with these new counting machines I can easily ask my “friends” in the Comelec to do some magic! ;-)
“We must weed out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust. We have provided unprecedented billions for antigraft efforts. Thus the Ombudsman's conviction rate hit 77% this year, from 6% in 2002. We implemented lifestyle checks, dormant for half a century. Taun-taon dose-dosenang opisyal ang nasususpinde, napapatalsik o kinakasuhan dahil labis-labis sa suweldo ang gastos at ari-arian nila.”
Translation: That’s right, we will punish those corrupt officials! But only those who are against me, of course. And for those who support me its ok, they deserve extra allowance like Joc-joc Bolante who made good use of taxpayers’ money to buy votes, este, fertilizer I mean.
“What I have outlined today is just a sampler of our P1.7 trillion Medium Term Public Investment Program. How will we fund all these? P1 trillion from state revenues, with tax reforms and firm orders to BIR and Customs to hit their targets. P300 billion from state corporations. The balance from government financial institutions, private sector investments, local government equity and our bilateral and multilateral partners.”
Translation: It is really difficult to tax the rich through their corporations because they are so intelligent and creative in preparing their tax returns. Not to mention they are my friends. So I simply reformed and expanded the VAT so that I could easily tax you, and millions of ordinary workers like you. Never mind the rich, they are only a few anyway. And if our collection is short, I can simply get more loans from World Bank, the IMF or the ADB.
“We were able to strengthen our economy because of the fiscal reforms that we adopted at such great cost to me in public disapproval. But I would rather be right than popular."
Translation: Actually all I do is borrow and borrow, and spend less in social and economic services so that it will appear that our coffer is full. And thanks to the remittances of our OFWs, our economy is still alive! And also, this situation provides me with an nice alibi for my very low public approval rating – because of unpopular “fiscal reforms”! Naks!
“I stand in the way of no one's ambition. I only ask that no one stand in the way of the people's well being and the nation's progress.”
Translation: As I always say anybody against me or my policies will be considered as standing “in the way of the people's well being and the nation's progress”. Is that clear?!
(Send your comments and reactions to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
“You come around every now and then
Your clothes are different but youre still the same
Why else would you come here?
Scumbag on a mission”
- from “Scumbag” by Green Day
Here are some quotes from the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and my version of what she really meant. This is an attempt to translate the SONA and unmask its real meaning.
“Tapos na ang halalan at pamumulitika; panahon na para maglingkod nang walang damot, mamuno nang walang pangamba maliban sa kagalingan ng bayan, and to govern with wisdom, compassion, vision and patriotism. “
Translation: Indeed this recent election proved that Filipinos do not really like me much but always remember that I still hold the purse, ok? Tsk tsk if only I wasn’t caught talking with Garci… But anyway, you politicians should now play my game and follow my wishes. And as I have been doing before, your support will always be rewarded. Simply close your eyes and cover your ears, just always say yes to me and I will keep feeding you.
“Hangarin kong mapabilang ang Pilipinas sa mayayamang bansa sa loob ng dalawampung taon. By then poverty shall have been marginalized; and the marginalized raised to a robust middle class.”
Translation: I actually plan to stay in office for 20 more years if that would be fine with you. I promise you, in 20 years we will all be rich, but not as rich as Jose Pidal. Remember how I licked the problem of classroom shortage? All I did was simply manipulate the student to classroom ratio and instantly the problem disappeared. That is how I plan to solve poverty. I’m an economist remember, I know numbers.
“We will have achieved the hallmarks of a modern society, where institutions are strong.”
Translation: Look at how we make our state very strong. Now, anybody opposing me can very well end up with a bullet in the head or disappear into thin air. Warning to critical journalists and activists.
“With the tax reforms of the last Congress, and I thanked the last Congress, we have turned around our macroeconomic condition through fiscal discipline, toward a balanced budget. Binabayaran ang utang, pababa ang interes, at paakyat ang pondo para sa progreso ng sambayanang Pilipino!!!”
Translation: Wow, I am enjoying this! This macroeconomics is really fun! Look, I even borrowed more money than the total borrowings under Cory, Ramos and Erap! And of course, because I borrowed a lot, we were able to pay more of our old debts. Needless to say we have a lot of new debts, hehehe. But why do I care, it’s your tax money that will be used to pay for it anyway.
“First, investments in physical, intellectual, legal and security infrastructure to increase business confidence. Imprastraktura para sa negosyo at trabaho. Isang milyong trabaho taon-taon.”
Translation: As in my previous SONAs, 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.”
Translation: 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.
“Third, investments in bringing peace to Mindanao; in crushing terrorism wherever it threatens regardless of ideology; and in putting a stop to human rights abuses whatever the excuse.”
Translation: We will crush those activists and journalists who have nothing good to do or say especially now that we have the Human Security Act. However, don’t believe those who say that my government or the military is responsible for their disappearance and assassination, ok? Or else I will have you picked up for interrogation.
“…And I am happy to see that the latest survey in June shows the hunger rate has sharply gone down nationwide. We have done that.”
Translation: I told you so, because of my expertise in economics I sure can make sense of statistics. The SWS survey said that from an all-time high of 19%, those who experience having nothing to eat at least once in a quarter went down to 14.7% in June. But as always I would not mention numbers that will contradict my “achievements”. For example, I did not say that the average for the last 37 quarters is 11.6%! So hunger actually increased under my administration. Hahaha, I am so talented!
“Para sa buong bansa naglaan tayo ng P3 billion para sa tatlong libong kilometro ng farm to market roads. Sanlibong kilometro sa Mindanao. Gawa na ang tatlong daan.”
Translation: Yes, that is a total of P3 billion: P1 billion for the roads, P1 billion for the local politicians and of course P1 billion for me! Hehe, it is really hard to be a president so I deserve it, right?
“I ask Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) for open access and more competition.”
Translation: You know, I hate to admit it but EPIRA is a big failure. I was the one who really lobbied for that law to be passed. I said before that EPIRA will lower power rates and will result to better service to consumers. Contrary to that however, our power rates are so high now! Salamat na lang and you are the ones paying for my power bill in Malacañang! Thanks ha…
“The Philippines ranks among top off-shoring hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and more importantly our highly trainable, English proficient, IT-enabled management and manpower.”
Translation: We are encouraging our youth to learn English. It’s ok if you’re head is empty as long as you speak English with an American accent, di ba sosyal pakinggan! And because our minimum wage is cheap, so cheap that it’s far below the living wage, we can corner these foreign corporations to set up call centers here!
“This year, we are investing more for education: P150 billion, P29 billion more than last year.”
Translation: This is the fun part in dishing out big budgetary figures. Nobody will be able to know what part will go to which. Actually, just like our annual allocation for the education sector, more than 90% of the P150 billion will simply go to salaries of personnel and for the operating expenses of the Department of Education. So there is actually negligible budget for new schools, learning facilities and programs that will improve quality education. But don’t try to understand that non-sense, just believe me when I say that education will receive higher budget, ok?
“Kaya sa isang survey, halos kalahati ang nagsabing abot-kaya ang gamot, kumpara sa 11% noong 1999.”
Translation: Yup! I was so excited in conducting the survey myself. Imagine I went door-to-door to conduct my survey. First I went to the beautiful subdivisions in Ayala-Alabang and then the other half of my time I interviewed the squatters in Tondo. And yes, 50% of my respondents said that our medicines are “abot-kaya”! Isn’t that nice?!
“Si Noli de Castro na isa pang kampeon ng senior citizens ay namumuno ng ating programa sa pabahay. Congratulations, Noli. The low interest rates for housing are unprecedented. Naglaan ang Pag-IBIG ng P25 billion na pautang, six times the amount when we started it in 2001. P50 billion pa ang ilalaan hanggang 2010.”
Translation: We have all these nice housing loan programs in place and also low interest rates. So if you earn more than P20,000 a month for sure you can afford these programs. Hmm, I know I failed to mention that most cannot actually afford these programs especially those who are unemployed whose numbers continue to grow every year. And of course if you are earning our meager minimum wage don’t bother applying for a housing loan – that will just be a waste of time.
“Therefore, in the fight against lawless violence, we must uphold these values. It is never right and always wrong to fight terror with terror.”
Translation: But do not call the disappearance of critical journalists and assassination of activists as acts of terrorism. Maybe there is a curse against those who are critical of my government. I promise I have nothing to do with that. Don’t worry, I will ask congress to pass a law to break the curse while I continue hunting down those leftists, rather, those terrorists.
“Together with economic prosperity is the need to strengthen our institutions of government. Let's start with election reform. We have long provided funds for computerization. We look forward to the modernization of voting, counting and canvassing.”
Translation: Indeed, we need a new way to count our ballots. In the last election the opposition was able to beat my candidates because I was not able to call Garci. Tsk, tsk, now people know my modus operandi. Maybe next time, with these new counting machines I can easily ask my “friends” in the Comelec to do some magic! ;-)
“We must weed out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust. We have provided unprecedented billions for antigraft efforts. Thus the Ombudsman's conviction rate hit 77% this year, from 6% in 2002. We implemented lifestyle checks, dormant for half a century. Taun-taon dose-dosenang opisyal ang nasususpinde, napapatalsik o kinakasuhan dahil labis-labis sa suweldo ang gastos at ari-arian nila.”
Translation: That’s right, we will punish those corrupt officials! But only those who are against me, of course. And for those who support me its ok, they deserve extra allowance like Joc-joc Bolante who made good use of taxpayers’ money to buy votes, este, fertilizer I mean.
“What I have outlined today is just a sampler of our P1.7 trillion Medium Term Public Investment Program. How will we fund all these? P1 trillion from state revenues, with tax reforms and firm orders to BIR and Customs to hit their targets. P300 billion from state corporations. The balance from government financial institutions, private sector investments, local government equity and our bilateral and multilateral partners.”
Translation: It is really difficult to tax the rich through their corporations because they are so intelligent and creative in preparing their tax returns. Not to mention they are my friends. So I simply reformed and expanded the VAT so that I could easily tax you, and millions of ordinary workers like you. Never mind the rich, they are only a few anyway. And if our collection is short, I can simply get more loans from World Bank, the IMF or the ADB.
“We were able to strengthen our economy because of the fiscal reforms that we adopted at such great cost to me in public disapproval. But I would rather be right than popular."
Translation: Actually all I do is borrow and borrow, and spend less in social and economic services so that it will appear that our coffer is full. And thanks to the remittances of our OFWs, our economy is still alive! And also, this situation provides me with an nice alibi for my very low public approval rating – because of unpopular “fiscal reforms”! Naks!
“I stand in the way of no one's ambition. I only ask that no one stand in the way of the people's well being and the nation's progress.”
Translation: As I always say anybody against me or my policies will be considered as standing “in the way of the people's well being and the nation's progress”. Is that clear?!
(Send your comments and reactions to ianseruelo@gmail.com.)
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