Since the “Hello Garci” controversy back in 2005, this administration is facing its worst challenge today. And much as she was during those “I am sorry” days, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is much hard headed as ever before. The “pretender” vows to stop all attempts against her illegitimate rule – probably, even to the extent of fighting the Almighty, by hanging on to power with dear life. She and her cohorts dismiss the upcoming groundswell of mass actions against this administration as a mere propaganda of the opposition, devoid of veracity and reality. The Cabinet staged a charade – the “unity walk” in an attempt to show the supposed invincible chain which binds them to their Commander-in-Chief, even as GMA’s political operators work in the backdraft in a dizzying array of loyalty checks and trade-offs. With all its machinery, their act is about to expire, as the people maintains the sword of Damocles over the head of this regime. As a punishment for clearing the mountain of Philippine resources, like the flash floods that hit Leyte in the 1990s, this administration shall drown in its lies and deceit sooner or later.
I beg the pardon of whoever might read my blog for starting it with such harsh words. I have nothing but criticisms reserved for Gloria’s presidency. Who would not be disgusted with a shameless leader, if a leader is what you would want to call her. The PhP 2 billion Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, the Hello Garci tapes, the Jose Pidal account, the Fertilizer Fund scam, the North Rail Project, coupled with triad of illegal issuances (Calibrated Pre-emptive response, Exec. Order 464, Pres. Proclamation 1017) to prevent legitimate dissent, add extra-judicial killings, name it, this administration has done it. If you do not abhor all of this, I ask “where is that goodness in you?”
This administration is now banking on weak grounds; another strong scandal could rock this administration to its knees. But what exactly makes the NBN-ZTE deal especially damaging? There are two basic reasons.
Firstly, the NBN-ZTE Deal is one of a kind. Of all the scandals to have hit this administration, it is only now that someone from the inner circle has come out. Although one cannot ascertain whether GMA is the one having a direct hand in this controversy, all evidence goes back to Malacañang. Ben Abalos, the FG, Joe de Venecia, all of them have a hand in this controversy. They could have all gotten away with it, as the people are no longer keen on following up this anomalous deal, believing that nothing would come up anyway. It could have all gone as planned if not for the star witness’ supposed kidnapping which gave a shroud of legitimacy on his accusations. Backed by the testimony of Secretary Romy Neri, the witness Jun Lozada said it all. The administration made a very critical blunder, as the media and the Senate are following this witness. They should have made him land in Cebu, or shipped him out of the country again via another exit like what they did to Joc-joc Bolante. Being expert in building a lot of airports, they should have been more innovative now. But alas, they remained unlearned.
Secondly, Jun Lozada did not mince his words. Even his corruption at Philippine Forest Corporation, he decided to spill it all off. Mea culpa he says, he decided to waive his right against self-incrimination to testify to what he knows even to the extent of showing that he is no saint to be believed in. The Filipinos know that everyone in government is corrupt. Jun Lozada did not say it, he claims to be a part of it. He delimited himself to what he defined as “acceptable” and “non-acceptable” zones. He came to court with unclean hands, but the people absolved him. He then confessed his guilt, and to attest his sincerity for penance, he named the culprits for this sin as his absolution. There is a saying, “Ang Filipino madali magpatawad,” as long as “totoo ang iyong sinasabi.” Jun Lozada was forgiven, now the culprits must stand trial.
This administration is now shaking on its foundations. The very ground upon which it stands is as soft as quick sand. The Filipinos have not yet dismissed her lying and stealing. GMA must face the music. She must face the problem square on, otherwise the down pour of the people’s anger would be much harsher. So let me offer my proposals:
One, charge in court Ben Abalos, FG Mike Arroyo and other individuals linked to the controversy. Two, reform COMELEC by asking all present Commissioners to resign and by appointing credible individuals nominated by the people. Three, resign and call a snap election. These are very basic proposals premised upon the clamor of the people. The Congressmen and Local Government Leaders should make clear their stand regarding this situation as the power of the people is in the process of being flexed. All those against to its genuine aspirations shall fall together with this regime.
Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them, says the Constitution. Let it be an active statement rather than a mere platitude on the highest law of the land.
I beg the pardon of whoever might read my blog for starting it with such harsh words. I have nothing but criticisms reserved for Gloria’s presidency. Who would not be disgusted with a shameless leader, if a leader is what you would want to call her. The PhP 2 billion Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, the Hello Garci tapes, the Jose Pidal account, the Fertilizer Fund scam, the North Rail Project, coupled with triad of illegal issuances (Calibrated Pre-emptive response, Exec. Order 464, Pres. Proclamation 1017) to prevent legitimate dissent, add extra-judicial killings, name it, this administration has done it. If you do not abhor all of this, I ask “where is that goodness in you?”
This administration is now banking on weak grounds; another strong scandal could rock this administration to its knees. But what exactly makes the NBN-ZTE deal especially damaging? There are two basic reasons.
Firstly, the NBN-ZTE Deal is one of a kind. Of all the scandals to have hit this administration, it is only now that someone from the inner circle has come out. Although one cannot ascertain whether GMA is the one having a direct hand in this controversy, all evidence goes back to Malacañang. Ben Abalos, the FG, Joe de Venecia, all of them have a hand in this controversy. They could have all gotten away with it, as the people are no longer keen on following up this anomalous deal, believing that nothing would come up anyway. It could have all gone as planned if not for the star witness’ supposed kidnapping which gave a shroud of legitimacy on his accusations. Backed by the testimony of Secretary Romy Neri, the witness Jun Lozada said it all. The administration made a very critical blunder, as the media and the Senate are following this witness. They should have made him land in Cebu, or shipped him out of the country again via another exit like what they did to Joc-joc Bolante. Being expert in building a lot of airports, they should have been more innovative now. But alas, they remained unlearned.
Secondly, Jun Lozada did not mince his words. Even his corruption at Philippine Forest Corporation, he decided to spill it all off. Mea culpa he says, he decided to waive his right against self-incrimination to testify to what he knows even to the extent of showing that he is no saint to be believed in. The Filipinos know that everyone in government is corrupt. Jun Lozada did not say it, he claims to be a part of it. He delimited himself to what he defined as “acceptable” and “non-acceptable” zones. He came to court with unclean hands, but the people absolved him. He then confessed his guilt, and to attest his sincerity for penance, he named the culprits for this sin as his absolution. There is a saying, “Ang Filipino madali magpatawad,” as long as “totoo ang iyong sinasabi.” Jun Lozada was forgiven, now the culprits must stand trial.
This administration is now shaking on its foundations. The very ground upon which it stands is as soft as quick sand. The Filipinos have not yet dismissed her lying and stealing. GMA must face the music. She must face the problem square on, otherwise the down pour of the people’s anger would be much harsher. So let me offer my proposals:
One, charge in court Ben Abalos, FG Mike Arroyo and other individuals linked to the controversy. Two, reform COMELEC by asking all present Commissioners to resign and by appointing credible individuals nominated by the people. Three, resign and call a snap election. These are very basic proposals premised upon the clamor of the people. The Congressmen and Local Government Leaders should make clear their stand regarding this situation as the power of the people is in the process of being flexed. All those against to its genuine aspirations shall fall together with this regime.
Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them, says the Constitution. Let it be an active statement rather than a mere platitude on the highest law of the land.
No comments:
Post a Comment