Code NGO Scam: PhilDHRRA is part of it!

I can’t help noticing a news report by Jonathan Mayuga " Why Punish  Legitimate NGO's" authored by PhilDHRRA  at BusinessMirror dated  August 27 and by Tina Arceo-Dumlao entitled “NGO group says pork barrel scam gives them a bad name” (PDI 8/22/2013) and this said NGO group is the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) of the infamous PEACE Bonds (PEACe Bonds are Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificates Bonds) of 2001. philDHRRA is part of the Code NGO.

Of all NGOs why in the world that this CODE-NGO be the first to say that the recent pork barrel scam gives them a bad name? What bad name? Was the so-called PEACe Bonds scandal, more than a decade ago, involving their coalition of NGOs did not create a bad reputation for them already? Or is this move of coming out with a position paper given to the DBM and to both Houses of Congress is to preempt the possibility of losing their share in the now stinking ‘pork’ barrel?

Actually there are several honest to goodness NGOs and other so-called civil society groups who are really working to help the poor. But in the case of the CODE-NGO with its PEACe Bonds scandal then, was there any improvement for ten years, in the lives of the poor Filipinos? The ‘bonds’ was supposed to go to poverty eradication and alleviation programs by their group through government partnership, right? Or the mincing of words only covers the real intention of the ‘deal’. What made this transaction anomalous by the CODE-NGO back in 2001 was the composition of the people that made the operation went swiftly, through their connection with the Secretary of the  Department of Finance then, all other steps in granting the bonds to CODE-NGO went smoothly as planned. Some of the shady cast of characters that made the deal with the Arroyo government then are still present in the current PNoy administration. SO we can say, what else is new in the midst of this pork barrel scam, again shady NGOs are involved with the blessing of politicians in all levels of the government hierarchy, from top to bottom.

Sadly, with the cohorts conniving with the corrupt politicians, we will never ever eradicate nor alleviate the lives of the poor of this country. So, please, shut the f$@k up with this charade of putting your name in a bad light, the fact is you did not have the good name to start with. Why not give back what your group stole from the country’s coffers so you can restore your good name.
                                                         
Why not use the funds to livelihood programs like the Kibbutz in Israel to help the government make all the people self reliant and not mendicants? The worst this funds including the CCT are borrowed funds with interests which definitely will drain our government coffers.  

Wake up!

Erick San Juan

 

Threats and Psy ops by Erick San juan

 Threats and Psy ops by Erick San juan

After the meeting of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and China’s Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan at Pentagon, Secretary Hagel will tour Southeast Asia to bolster US military ties with regional partners who face increasing concerns over maritime disputes with China.

Hagel announced on Tuesday he will fly to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines in a week-long visit, with a meeting of ASEAN defense ministers on August 28-29 serving as an anchor for the trip. (Source: AFP News 8/22/2013)

Some observers will take these actions by the US Defense Secretary as something positive when it comes to US-China military-to-military relationship but somewhat ironic when it comes to its military agenda in the Asia-Pacific through its regional partners like the Philippines and Japan.
                                                                                        
Both defense chiefs acknowledged that there are a series of disputes around the Asian Pacific region that are likely to continue to be troublesome. Gen. Chang was even quoted saying,"No one should fantasize that China would barter away our core interests and no one should underestimate our will and determination in defending our territory, sovereignty and maritime rights." (Wall street Journal Aug.21,'13)
                                                                                           
In the midst of the country’s brewing discontent on the pork barrel issue, talks on the new “access agreement” has started and will be finalized with the arrival of US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on August 29 and 30.

We have to remember that the US budget cut on military spending has somehow affected its so-called ‘pivot’ to Asia-Pacific and they had to employ another strategy. And this strategy which they adopted from then Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is very much in tune with their plans especially in the country. This is called the ‘lily-pad’ basing strategy. it is premised on the idea of reducing US permanent overseas presence in favor of moving small numbers of troops for short-term exercises and Special Operations-type raids. Early last year, Leon Panetta has revived this kind of operation and which. much concentration was in the expansion of  Special Operations Forces and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones). Both SOF and UAVs are important capabilities, although they should be seen as supplements to, rather than replacements for, conventional forces.

In my past articles, I have already mentioned the use of the SOFs especially in the south and how the drones had similar operations in combating the insurgents there. So what else is new? It is a fact that when it comes to Uncle Sam’s operations, our country is always the testing ground. Sometimes, our own people as guinea pigs when testing vaccines like what I have discussed in my past writings.

By the way, according to the palace spokesman Sec. Edwin Lacierda, this agreement does not need a congressional approval because “the context for the temporary presence of the US forces in the country will be done within the framework of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). There is no need for Senate ratification. However, for purposes of transparency, the panel will be briefing congressional leaders on the status of the negotiations.”

The mere fact that Beijing and Washington are talking ‘regularly’ on how to find peaceful solutions to their problems in many aspects like cyber espionage, freedom in navigation in the South China Sea, trade and finance and the Taiwan issue, US is also playing its cards with its regional partners here, especially the Philippines, for what purpose?
                                                                                      
Uncle Sam’s agenda in the region, specifically in our country, has double meaning- reclaiming its place as a military power in Asia-Pacific and at the same time rebalancing the power of China vis-à-vis with the US.

We have to be wary at all times because once the access agreement is in place, it is more than the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that we used to have, it is their 'lily-pad base' here. Translation- full access again to their former military bases. And this time around, they will not spend much because as usual, our leaders will always kowtow to what the master will tell them and will forget altogether what is due us. When are we going to learn?

Letter to the editor: Rejoinder at Phil. Daily Inquirer re: Code NGO

I can’t help noticing a news report by Tina Arceo-Dumlao entitled “NGO group says pork barrel scam gives them a bad name” (PDI 8/22/2013) and this said NGO group is the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) of the infamous PEACE Bonds (PEACe Bonds are Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificates Bonds) of 2001.

 

Of all NGOs why in the world that this CODE-NGO be the first to say that the recent pork barrel scam gives them a bad name? What bad name? Was the so-called PEACe Bonds scandal, more than a decade ago, involving their coalition of NGOs did not create a bad reputation for them already? Or is this move of coming out with a position paper given to the DBM and to both Houses of Congress is to preempt the possibility of losing their share in the now stinking ‘pork’ barrel?

 

Actually there are several honest to goodness NGOs and other so-called civil society groups who are really working to help the poor. But in the case of the CODE-NGO with its PEACe Bonds scandal then, was there any improvement for ten years, in the lives of the poor Filipinos? The ‘bonds’ was supposed to go to poverty eradication and alleviation programs by their group through government partnership, right? Or the mincing of words only covers the real intention of the ‘deal’. What made this transaction anomalous by the CODE-NGO back in 2001 was the composition of the people that made the operation went swiftly, through their connection with the Secretary of the  Department of Finance then, all other steps in granting the bonds to CODE-NGO went smoothly as planned. Some of the shady cast of characters that made the deal with the Arroyo government then are still present in the current PNoy administration. SO we can say, what else is new in the midst of this pork barrel scam, again shady NGOs are involved with the blessing of politicians in all levels of the government hierarchy, from top to bottom.

 

Sadly, with the cohorts conniving with the corrupt politicians, we will never ever eradicate nor alleviate the lives of the poor of this country. So, please, shut the f$@k up with this charade of putting your name in a bad light, the fact is you did not have the good name to start with. Why not give back what your group stole from the country’s coffers so you can restore your good name.

 

 Erick San Juan

Historical Blunder

Historical Blunder

By Erick San Juan


August 19, 2003 when the Senate unanimously decided to make former Senator Ninoy Aquino as one of the country’s national heroes based on the bill authored by then Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. And was passed into law through an Executive Order signed by President Gloria Arroyo in November 27, 2003. That is why August 21, Ninoy’s death anniversary is the one declared as a special holiday to commemorate his 'heroic' death that led to the myth of the 1986 People Power Revolution.


It is quite ironic that after all these years (three decades to be exact), the real mastermind/s behind the murder of Ninoy and the alleged hitman, Rolando Galman are still at large. Why is this so?


The mere fact that Ninoy’s wife became the leader of a revolutionary government in 1986, the late Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino could have all the power to solve the double murder case and bring justice to his husband’s death in her six-year presidency. What happened?


After three decades, the Filipino nation seems to be contented with the phrase ‘… and the rest is history...’ Ironically, the Philippine history is full of mistakes that has to be straightened up to make this country proud even many of its historical records might release skeletons that will bring shame on some people who were  collaborators that has put the country in a bad light.


As an observer of events, I wrote in my book, Conspiracies and Controversies, the real Ninoy Aquino based on my research. Actually the chapter on Ninoy has the most number of pages in my book hoping that it will be of help somehow on who could be the possible killer and mastermind in the Aquino-Galman murder case and to shed light on Ninoy’s political life before he met his untimely death.


Actually, through the internet, one can find a lot more on the issues that has shrouded the death of Ninoy, from conspiracy theories to documented information, all written for the interest of freedom of information, including what was written in my book.


Even if ‘the truth can set us free’, this same truth can be painful for some people to accept. Could this be the reason why even the former president Cory Aquino did not use her power to go after the mastermind? And for the second Aquino in Malacanang, will he follow what his mother did and just be contented on what the previous fact-finding commission has reported? Even the presidential sisters- Ballsy and Pinky said they knew who was behind their father's death.


When are we going to find the courage to accept the truth and correct all the mistakes that has been handed down to us?


There are too many blunders already written in our history books and to add more lies, instead of correcting them, we are not helping this country’s future generations. To include a ‘bullet-proof hero’ as one of our national heroes was already a slap on the face to the most dignified heroes that never had the chance to be recognized at all.

         

Remember that “Heroism is the brilliant triumph of the soul over the flesh that is to say, over fear: fear of poverty, of suffering, of calumny, of illness, of loneliness and of death.” (Henri-Frederic Amiel, 1821-1881)


Maybe it’s about time to right the wrongs and give the next generations some dignity they deserve.


 Especially now that untold stories about the real relationship of Ninoy and President Cory is now being exposed at the internet including their supposed divorce.


Do we have to wait for new books  to be released to give us the other side of the truth? PNoy should address this issue and put closure and justice to his fathers death.


What is the death anniversary all about when mother and son became the most powerful people of this nation but perceived as helpless in finding the truth. Who cares?

Global Terror Threat and Fear Mongering, Who Benefits?

Global Terror Threat and Fear Mongering, Who Benefits?

By Erick San Juan

 

Like a spinoff from the past, as in Déjà vu (from French, literally "already seen"), the world is currently experiencing an event that has been already 'sold' worldwide in the days of the "Dubya" Bush era and his band of chicken hawks. The post 9-11 scenario and the resurrection of the bogeyman Osama bin-laden of the famous Al-Qaeda terrorist group is being concocted to come up with another strategy of fear in the process.

 

So even in his grave, Osama bin-laden’s Al-Qaeda group is working overtime to sow fear and post a very crucial threat to Uncle Sam’s homeland. So, the alleged justification of the global warning of a possible terror attack against the United States embassies and consulates.

 

But the truth of the matter is, if we are going to trace back the previous statements from the White House – “the Obama administration dramatically refute its own oft-heard claims that al Qaeda is no longer a force to reckoned with, because it has lost its compact central command and control of its component branches, which have split up into regional franchises operating autonomously. Al Qaeda, they have been saying, is no longer capable of large-scale terrorist attacks on a global scale.”

 

That could be the reason why the unexplained potential threat from a terrorist group like al-Qaeda can be used as a prelude to another 9-11 script as what observers worldwide are saying. Another false flag operation? Are the spin masters preparing the guns of August scenario? And if that is the plan, who will benefit?

 

Quite obvious that in the midst of problems confronting the Obama administration, it is believed that all they can think of is an unexplained terror threat despite the fact that the mighty US has all the latest technology to detect any possible ‘attack’, if there is any. The netizens are coming up with numerous cases of how the Obama administration is trying to gag the citizens of the internet worldwide just to cover up their failed governance.

 

Same holds true for the country, the recent series of bombings in the south is perceived as a masterpiece for something else. But this time, as what was emphasized in Jojo Robles’ column at the Manila Standard the other day, Diversionary’ – “the bombing in Cotabato City, which killed at least eight persons this week, had been predicted not by the police or any of warring political factions in that city, but by “Anonymous,” the blogger (or bloggers) who detailed the wealth-generating prowess of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. Yes, Anonymous’ compelling story about how Napoles got rich through “conversion” of military funds and, later, the use of bogus non-government organizations to kick back pork barrel monies to greedy lawmakers, included warnings that diversionary propaganda tactics like bombings would be used to distract a populace that was getting angrier each day over the scandal involving the high-flying former military wife.”

 

Possibly, it is another red herring to fool the nation’s populace but the important question remains – who benefits?

 

The present administration will not act fast and apprehend the culprits, it cannot escape the rumored possible link of his office or the people in his loop to be part of the red herring going on in the south. Speculations will go on until PNoy will come to his senses that the people in his inner circle are the same people that is pulling his administration down through mischiefs and greediness by thick-faced government officials. It already destroyed our tourism industry and economy.

 

His slogan ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap’ will remain a campaign slogan as poor and hungry Filipinos are on the rise despite the fact that Dinky Soliman’s CCT and PPP is getting additional budget amidst the call for transparency on how this budget is actually being used for the poor or for the favored few beneficiaries of the ‘secretary’.

 

Whether recycled terrorists or terrorists in the government, this overstretched strategy of fear will no longer be buyable as we Pinoys are gradually becoming conscious each passing day and thanks to the internet, leaders who are not working for the common good will always fail. Watch out and learn from history, so as not to repeat the failures of past leaders.

 

Transparency and accountability are the two simple things that citizens are asking from their government because they will benefit more and not just the favored few.

 

Let us continue our vigilance!

Sacrificial Lambs

Sacrificial Lambs
by Erick San Juan

Finally, the second warship arrived in Philippine shore – the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, named after the late Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy officer, who distinguished himself during the Second World War when the patrol boat he commanded shot down three Japanese aircraft, and so is the warship, a WWII vintage. It seems that the purchase (not for free) of the first and second ‘warship’ cutter', another act of support by Uncle Sam to our country. As if we are very grateful for the acquisition, even it was stripped off of its basic accessories and weaponry.

 

Some observers noted that if only the government is sensible and practical enough to buy much newer (not a museum-grade) hi-tech speedboats and portable stinger or surface-to-air-missile (S.A.M.), we can fight better. What we got is an old ship that has taken a month to reach the country. Are we really that serious about the so-called AFP modernization? Or, are we witting tools (fools)as dumping ground for the big brother’s junks? Just asking.

 

The mere fact that we are spending the funds from Malampaya just to ‘modernize’ our armed forces, we might as well spend it to something that is worthwhile than old war materiel being forced to us. Again, 'wala tayong kalaban laban sa sophisticated war machines of China.'

 

Come to think of it, there are obviously other markets where we can purchase modern war hardwares than from Uncle Sam if the US won't give us modern but affordable weaponry. So why do we have to be too 'loyal' to sacrifice the  nation and the genuine modernization of our military?

 

Even China’s most outspoken anti-US military official, Maj. Gen. Luo Yuan, has advised Taiwan to abandon the US as its main weapons supplier and buy arms from Beijing instead, Washington Times columnist Miles Yu reported.

 

The implicit message seems to suggest that Taiwan should use Chinese-made weapons to fight Japan or the Philippines, which are in territorial conflict with China and Taiwan regarding the ownership of few tiny islands in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, Yu said on Friday. (By Jose Katigbak STAR Washington bureau)

 

Could this be the reason for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to strengthen its military ties with our country to contain China?

 

The harsh reaction of the Chinese state-run media towards Japan’s move to sell coastal patrol ships to our navy as an ‘insidious clown act’ by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Benigno Aquino can be perceived as  insecurities on China’s side. And this same Chinese media translated this PHL-Japan’s effort to ‘contain China’ as futile. But to some extent, is it really useless if a neighbor country will help another country to build its defense capabilities?

 

The tension created by this so-called ‘arms race’ in the region will continue as long as there are threats to maritime securities in what they term as freedom of navigation. And,  attempts to appease Beijing on the issue of territorial disputes by country claimants on the contested areas in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea to resolve the matter multilaterally will not gain grounds because Beijing is consistent to its stand on bilateral resolution.

 

Claimants should play their cards well and deal with Beijing with utmost diplomacy considering the hand of Uncle Sam in every way possible will contain China by proxy in the process. We have to be conscious enough not to repeat again the bad parts of history when we were used as cannon fodder and left shortchanged especially our poor war veterans.

 

Let us all be vigilant as we enter these exciting times as the perceived script for the Guns of August is in the offing as Uncle Sam’s hyped and recycled ‘war on terror’ is on the works… 

 

 We should never tolerate any foreign government to manipulate us again and be their sacrificial lambs. We should help the PNoy administration neutralize the pressure but also held them accountable just in case they miscalculate the situation.