MALACANANG'S VULGAR PROTECTION OF LTO CHIEF!

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte says media sources at the DOTC are just trying to confuse the people with the supposed memo of outgoing DOTC Sec. Ping de Jesus to President Aquino recommending disciplinary action against LTO chief Virginia Torres.

Valte even appeals for an end to talks on the memo, simply because it couldn’t be found in Malacanang.

I say Valte is the one CONFUSING the people with her CHEAP, AMATEURISH defense of Pnoy in her DESPERATE attempt to avoid the issue.

The Torres story should be THOROUGHLY CLARIFIED, because it is A TEST of Pnoy’s oft-repeated vows of IMPARTIALITY and SINCERITY in providing good governance.

For if Pnoy’s shooting buddies and other cronies will perpetually get away with any and all accusations of wrongdoing against them, then WE DON’T HAVE a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

What we have is A GOVERNMENT OF PNOY, by Pnoy and for Pnoy and the people special to him.

The issues against Torres were specified in De Jesus’ supposed memo: refusal to pay LTO’s outstanding balance to information technology provider Stradcom Corp. and failure to come up with a new and cheaper private emission testing system for motorists.

A Department of Justice (DOJ) fact-finding committee has recommended that administrative charges be filed against Torres. This has not been done.

And there have been no reports of DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima rejecting the recommendation.

So the only other person who can reject the recommendation is Pnoy himself. This is what Malacanang should explain, memo or no memo.

This is the bottomline. This is not a case of De Jesus being pitted against Pnoy. It is the PROTECTION which is apparently being extended by Pnoy to Torres.

Valte’s claim that no copy of the memo could be found is EXPECTED.

Why would she present something that could help prove the BIAS of Pnoy in favor of Torres? Why would she admit to something that would be a HARD SLAP on the face of her boss?

The Philippine Star reported that it had a copy of the memo. It even quoted portions of the memo in its story on De Jesus and Torres.

I’m a former newspaperman and I know for a fact that newspapers don’t come out with stories as sensitive as that WITHOUT DOCUMENTARY BASIS.

So if Malacanang really wanted to find out the truth about the memo, then it should have first talked with The Star, instead of simply saying they can’t find it

But they DID NOT, or would rather not. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.

f you want an end to the Torres-De Jesus issue, Ms. Valte, there’s only one thing to do- DISCIPLINE TORRES. 30

BEFORE WE ALLOW DIVORCE...

This is a re-post as requested by some personal friends from Manila and Quezon City.

***

I am for the legalization of divorce.

But NOT JUST \a simple divorce, wherein only basic grounds like totally irreconcilable differences and the couple having been legally separated first are among the major requirements.

I/’m not totally aware of the provisions of the proposed divorce law but these are my personal suggestions:

Apart from a THOROUGHLY EQUAL partition of the conjugal assets, the husband must have at least 15 percent more of the total value IN CASH to be given to the wife before the divorce is granted.

This is to ensure that the wife, and the kids, WON’T START FROM ZERO in their new life.

The man will be required to REGULARLY INFORM the ex-wife on EVERY EMPLOYMENT or BUSINESS he goes into, including the COMPLETE ADDRESSES of his office and new home, once the divorce is granted.

The family will be UNCONDITIONALLY entitled to a minimum of 15 percent of the man’s TOTAL EARNINGS, until ALL THE KIDS finish college.

In case of sudden death or incapacity of the ex-wife to collect the child support, arrangements will be made between the eldest child and the man for the transmittal of the funds.

The arrangement will be prepared by a lawyer for the kids and duly notarized for legality and protection of the children’s welfare.

In case the man claims unemployment or loss of income, a thorough investigation will be first conducted by court-designated probers before amendments to the child support are initiated.

If iit turns out that the man is LYING and is just trying to avoid child support, the penalty will be imprisonment and seizure of ALL of his assets at that time or 50 percent of it if he already has a new family by then.

Both the man and the woman WILL NOTY BE ALLOWED TO RE-MARRY for the next three years after the divorce is granted.

This is to further ensure that they will devote all the time they have in preparing the kids emotionally, psychologically and financially for the new life that they will face following the separation of their parents.

Lastly, to minimize the possible baby boom and rise in the number of broken families that will most likely follow, divorce will only be granted TWICE to anyone. NO EXCEPTIONS WHATSOEVER.

I’ll appreciate further insights from you, boys and girls. 30

CHINA'S ARROGANCE OVER SPRATLYS ISSUE!

China has just proven without a doubt that it is an ARROGANT BULLY when it comes to the Spratlys issue.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei has issued press statements CATEGORICALLY saying that Chinese vessels’ patrolling and doing scientific research were completely justified, and that the Philippines’ claims of intrusions were groundless.

Despite the FACT that claims to the Spratlys by some six countries (I hope I got it right) are STILL UNSETTLED before any internationally-recognized body.

For those who don’t know, there is an agreement called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

But by declaring that its patrol vessels were justified and our complaints of intrusions were groundless, China has IGNORED THE UNCLOS by acting as judge of its own actions.

Even a high school kid will realize that China has the guts to ignore the UNCLOS and insult us with intrusions into our territory simply because she’s the biggest among the countries claiming the Spratlys.

But like the typical bully, China steps back and acts as if she’s the prey when the proverbial somebody of her own size steps into the picture.

For the second time, China has called on the United States to refrain from getting involved in the Spratlys dispute.

The US had earlier declared that it would support us in the Spratlys issue.

But take note, boys and girls, the US HAS NOT DONE ANYTHNG against the Chinese over the Spratlys dispute.

The US ONLY declared its support to us and EXPRESSED ITS OPINION on China’s intrusions into our territories. The freedom of expression is a universal right, is it not?

It’s NOT GETTING INVOLVED in the strictest sense of the word.

Unless China has thrown human rights to the wind and wants to CONTROL, from now on everything that anybody wiould wan to say about the Spratlys.

Communism, anyone?

***

Eleven of our friends on “China won’t trigger a war over Spratlys”:

EMMA RECUDO

Watch ko TV dito sa Hong Kong. Nagpapraktis na mga china kung paano magpasabog ng kanyon,..nanakot na,

SUSAN CARO of Dammam, Saudi Araboa

We can assume but we cannot underestimate their intentions.

RAUL VALENZUELA of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

It’s a matter of Filipinos’ properties and honor, China is nothing.

JOE BOY VERA

That is exactly what I am trying to say. China will not dare lose all her economic gains by going to war. Remember that America owes them billions of dollars and what could be the most painful sanction than to default on payments.

FE ARSENIA DE GRACIA of Houston, Texas

Just wondering how China became the owner of Spratlys when it is around 40 miles away from the Philippines and around 600 miles away from China.

NYLRAM DE TEMPLO

I hope so, and that is very nice to hear from you. Tanks.

ANTONIO CRISTOBAL of Manila

Kailangan may masamang maganap para magkaroon ng giyera gaya nung 9/11 scenario. Pag hindi walang giyera kundi war mongering lang yan. Hindi pa nila gagawin sa atin iyan kasi ang focus nila economic. Pero hindi (dapat) isinasantabi ang military might nila.

SERGIO NEPOMUCENO

Yes, the Chinese won't. They have lots to lose in their interests all over the world. What if the USA pulls out their business endeavors from China and triggers the mass pullout of other nation's interests? That will put the "sleeping giant" back into slumber and the panda into hybernation.

JOSE REYES of Victorias, Negros occidental

Deception is an art of war for the Chinese, since (the time of) their popular General Sun Tzu. While we talk about it, the Chinese are already making an advanced move. As the saying goes, "In the long run, China will win."

JOREL PANARES of Cebu City

Nice to read this.

SUGI ANTO of Indonesia

Nice post. Thanks for the information. I'm a blogger from Indonesia.

Thirteen of our friends on “Bombing missions for Metro Manila revealed”

ESSA ABDULMALIK of Dammam, Saudi Arabia

These Muslims are a disgrace to the religion of peace.

EDNA MEYER

Most terrorists are blinded or brainwashed by their leaders.

VIRGINA ADUCA of Montreal, Quebec, Canada

So Mindanao is a haven of terrorists now?

KAPAMILYA KAPATID KAPUSO

Hirap naman kasi sa AFP, pag nagpalit ng commander-in-chief pati mga pagtugis nawawaka, Kikilos lang AFP pag may nalagas na sa mamamayan.

AMAR AQUINO of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat

Muslims become terrorists on the belief that killing disbelievers is a way of praising their god (Allah), contrary to Jesus Christ’s teaching of loving and praying for the enemy-Matthew 5:44.

EFREN PIMENTEL of Silang, Cavite

FEAR means False Evidence Appearing Real. Sowing fear is the core strategy of terrorism. Be not afraid. Be vigilant. Use and leverage well the intelligence network. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD!

BING SALVADOR of Quezon City

This is bad news but let's hope it doesn't happen here. Terrorism is everywhere and no one is spared by its dastardly acts.

MARY GEM PAGGAO

Thanks for the advice. We need to be alert at all times. PRAY, PRAY PRAY! Because of poverty, some are being paid to killi Filipinos like chicken and it's hard to pinpoint who are the masterminds.

DANTE PALAFOX of Caloocan City

They advised the Filipinos. Who instructed them to do the bombings, the intel (intelligence operatives) themselves or the Globalist?

ESTHER UY-OCO of Oceanside, California, USA

Kahit na po walang advisory, we need to be alert para man lang sa ating pamilya.

ROMULUS BELTRAN of Quezon City

The Philippines is a likely target of terrorists because of our close ties and alliance with the USA. This is revolting because we do not even get the respect we deserve from the US of A. North Korea gets more concessions from the Americans because it threatened them back when they hinted of military action. They call us friends and yet treat their enemies far better than us.

DOC C ELEDA PERA of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Thanks for the reminder! We really need to be alert at all times.

JOSE NICANDRO

Kaya we ordinary citizens should always be vigilant. Huwag tayo umasa lang sa kapulisan.

Two of our friends on “Another untouchable Pnoy shooting buddy”:

ALEX VERSOZA of Quezon City

Sabi ni PNoy, she had already served her punishment. Kailan pa naging punishment ang leave with pay? Kailan pa naging punishment na wala man lang categorical ORDER na dapat mailagay sa service record niya? Ganon siguro punishment sa "buddy." Malas mo lang if ikaw si SP (Special Prosecutor Wendell) Sulit. I read in the papers today “Palace unaware of request to reprimand lto chief". If they are still unaware, how in this world had they disciplined her? How could she have served her punishment Huwag naman tayo gawing tatanga tanga.

TERESITA WOODARD of Gapan, Nueva Ecija

Bagyo iyan! 30

CHINA WON'T TRIGGER A WAR OVER SPRATLYS!

Fearless forecast: China won’t go to war over the Spratlys. The dispute will be settled PEACEFULLY.

Even if it has one of, if not the biggest armed forces in the world, China is aware that it will be ALONE against all the other claimant-countries, and their allies, if it triggers a shooting war by forcibly seizing or annexing the Spratlys.

China will be up, INITIALLY, against the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, the other claimant countries and most of all, the United States which has vowed to support us in the Spratlys dispute.

Even if I don’t have statistics, I will dare say that the combined military might of these countries can stand up to the Chinese in case of trouble.

And this is only for starters.

If China takes over the Spratlys without an internationally recognized agreement, then it would be ILLEGAL.

If it’s illegal and fighting seems inevitable, or has started, the United Nations (UN) will definitely step in, especially since China’s current moves in the Spratlys reportedly violates UN treaties on the dispute.

Even if it’s China, the UN will surely not allow any illegal act, especially if blood has started to flow.

Up to now, not even one country has expressed support to China for its bullying tactics in the Spratlys. And there are no indications that anybody would, now or in the future.

For who in his right mind would support an illegal act and riskworld condemnation, if not isolation?

If China would dare go into battle over the Spratlys, it would have to spend millions of dollars, probably DAILY. A big portion of its money comes from foreign trade.

But if it starts a fight, China knows trade with the claimant-countries will be STOPPED and REDUCED DRASTICALLY, at the very least, for the claimants’ allies.

Lesser money means lesser capacity to finance a war. If the entire UN eventually unites against it and starts implementing sanctions, like the members will stop buying its products, China will be on its own.

It will be a HELL which, believe me, the Chinese would not even dare dream of.

Some might say that China can just leave the UN and pursue the annexation of the Spratlys. That’s correct. Any member, for that matter, can leave the UN anytime.

But think about this: Japan left the League of Nations before World War 2 when it was sanctioned by the organization for its armed attacks on smaller countries.

Japan continued with its military expansion throughout World War 2 despite being on its own. Now,, go back to your history and find out for yourselves the devastation it suffered when hostilities ended. 30

BOMBING MISSIONS FOR METRO MANILA. REVEALED!

The international news agency Associated Press has revealed that Zulkifli bin Hir, a long-wanted terrorist believed to be hiding in southern Mindanao, and the Abu Sayyaf have deployed militants for bombing missions in Metro Manila.

The targets of the supposed bombings were not specified and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has not received reports on the plot.

Being a former media man myself, I know for a fact that the Associated Press wouwill not release a story like this without written basis.

But whether the plot is true or not, here again is my earlier blog on how to protect ourselves against terror attacks, with a few additional suggestions.

Wherever you are, be on the lookout for people acting suspiciously no matter how insignificant it may seem, including but not limited to:

Guys who are trembling and restless, and oftentimes perspiring, for no clear reason;

Men who keep on looking around the area or the building if you’re in one, again, for no obvious reason, while holding on tightly to a bag or package. If you see one, notify the first security guard you’ll see if you’re in a building or the first police officer or soldier you’ll bump into if you’re outdoors.

Packages or bags which have been left unattended for at least three minutes, especially if it’s concealed or stuffed in a not-so-noticeable spot in a crowded area;

DO NOT TOUCH any abandoned bag or package IN ANY MANNER whatsoever AND FOR WHATEVER REASON. Stay away from it as FAR AS POSSIBLE and warn the other people around you;

People with bags or packages who slowly walk towards the exit, then puts it down on the floor before rushing out;

Unusual odors, especially chemicals, from unlikely sources.

Cars or any other motor vehicle which will be parked at the most crowded spot, and then ABANDNED by the driver. Chances are, it’s a car bomb. Once you see any of these signs, look for the nearest guard or policeman/police outpost.

If you’re in a building, look for the nearest exit immediately and stay as close to it as possible. Whatever you’re doing, see to it that you look around once in a while so that you won’t be caught flat-footed in case of sudden trouble.

A common and favorite target of terrorists is crowded, or over-crowded, spots like LRT or MRT trains and stations or popular clubs and diners. Avoid getting into one as much as you can. If you have no other choice, stay as near as possible at the exit.

I had also proposed before in an earlier blog that regularly publishing the photos of known terrorists would be a big help since the people will know whom to look out for and avoid.

Make it a point to have the phone numbers of ALL POLICE STATIONS or other law enforcement agencies in your destination, and your community.

READ MORE about bombs and how to detect or avoid them, as well as terrorists and terrorism. And most of all, NEVER EVER FORGET TO PRAY for your safety and those of your loved ones 24 hours a day. 30

ANOTHER 'UNTOUCHABLE' PNOY SHOOTING BUDDY!

So, we have another UNTOUCHABLE among President Aquino’s shooting buddies -- Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Virginia Torres.

A report by the Philippine Star says a major reason for the resignation of outgoing DOTC Sec. Ping de Jesus is Pnoy’s snub of his recommendation to Torres.

The LTO is under the DOTC. Now, think about this, boys and girls:

In a memo to Pnoy, a copy of which was obtained by the Star, De Jesus SPECIFIED at least two of Torres’ insubordinate acts: refusal to pay LTO’s outstanding balance to information technology provider Stradcom Corp. and failure to come up with a new and cheaper private emission testing system for motorists.

Stradcom filed a complaint against Torres, forcing her to go on a 60-day leave last April. A Department of Justice (DOJ) fact-finding committee found merit in the Stradcom case and recommended the filing of administrative charges against Torres.

But up to now, the administrative raps HAVE NOT YET BEEN FILED and Torres’ leave will already end on June 19.

In other words, Torres REMAINS UNTOUCHED.

This despite added reports that she had also allegedly helped a group of businessmen, in a failed ILLEGAL TAKEOVBR of the operations center in the LTO head office in Quezon City last December.

Pnoy’s defenders will say that Torres is entitled to due process.

I say due process HAS ALREADY BEEN EXTENDED through the DOJ fact-finding committee. It continues to be extended via the charges recommended by the committee, in which Torres can prove her innocence.

If they will point to Torres’ leave as proof she’s not untouchable, the leave was voluntary and not ordered by Pnoy. I’ll gladly stand corrected if I have to.

But bear this in mind, boys and girls:

Torres is the SECOND shooting buddy of Pnoy who has remained untouched despite VERY ALARMING ACCUSATIONS of wrongdoing.

Several months ago, DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno was accused of receiving jueteng bribes by anti-jueteng advocate retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

But Pnoy readily cleared Puno and DID NOT ORDER A PROBE. He didn’t even ask Puno to go on leave.

Is this Pnoy’s ‘tuwid na daan?’

You can look at all the dictionaries in the world and NOT ONE will show that insubordination, gross neglect of duty and illegal takeover is a ‘tuwid na daan’ or straight and RIGHTEOUS PATH.

If Torres, and Puno, can’t be touched, what will stop Pnoy’s other shooting buddies and ‘kabarkadas’ now, whether in government or in the private sector, from being arrogant, if not abusive?

***

Thirteen f our friends on “May God be with Michael Ray Aquino”:

KELLY LIM of Manila

Yes, justice will (finally) prevail. Hope so.

KHALIFA CHARLYN DE JESUS of Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Bless him and may he be vindicated.

TERESITA WOODARD of Gapan, Nueva Ecija

Mahihirapan siya sa jail dito sa Pilipinas. Sa Manila (City) Jail daw didiretso. Buti sa America, may sarili sila bathroom doon, complete food, medicines, etc. May Bible study sila doon, at hindi sobrang dami ng inmates.

ELPIDIO QUE of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Or the devil if he lies.

YUKO TAKEI

Lies upon lies ang mangyayari diyan. Kawawang bansa. Pity the guy for allowing himself to be a ploy. May God protect him, and give him courage to tell the truth now before it is too late. Dapat sinasabihan ng mga pari nila iyan that sins not repented cannot be forgiven now and forever, especially when it involves another person's life.

WILLY CAYETANO

Baka bigyan din sya ng 1-gun salute like Ninoy.

AILEEN OCTAVIANO

Ano ang akala niya, hero din siya? No way!

HANSEL ALCARAZ of Pasay City

The best thing he can do is tell the truth.

BING SALVADOR

Let us hope that nobody will intervene. Only Michael Ray Aquino should once and for all tell the truth to put an end to this case. Lots of people have suffered, are in anguish and have been involved already.

VIRGINIA ADUCA of Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Magiging sensational na naman iyan. Lalangggamin na naman iyan ng katakuttakot na questions.

DOC C. ELEDA PERA of Riyadh, Saudi Aravia

Ang tagal na niyang si MIchael Ray Aquino ah. Ewan ko lang… hanggang pa-media na naman iyan, at I’m sure, matutulog na naman sa Supreme Court ang kaso.

SERAFIN TABAN

Michael Ray Aquino's forthcoming arrival is another political melodrama for the local media to feast on. The question is: what lesson(s), if any, could we chew and digest out of it? Who will be the interested parties? Perhaps, Lacson, Estrada, the victims, local media kuro-kuro and politics.

ESTHER UY-OCO of Oceanside, California, USA

We will see what will happen. We will all pray that the truth will prevail. 30

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST TERROR ATTACKS!

In case you missed it in the news, the US State Department has warned its citizens against terror attacks in Mindanao and even Metro Manila.

So allow me to give some suggestions on how to stay safe and to protect yourself against this threat, especially when you’re in public places.

Wherever you are, be on the lookout for people acting suspiciously no matter how insignificant it may seem, including but not limited to:

Guys who are trembling or jitttering, and oftentimes perspiring, for no clear reason;

Men who keep on looking around the area or the building if you’re in one, again for no obvious reason, and especially if holding on tightly to a bag or package;

Packages or bags which have been left unattended for at least three minutes, especially if it’s concealed or stuffed in a not-so-noticeable spot in a crowded area;

People with bags or packages who slowly walk towards the exit, then puts it down on the floor before rushing out;

Unusual odors, especially chemicals, from unlikely sources.

Once you see any of these signs, look for the nearest guard or policeman/police outpost and report it to him.

If you’re in a building, look for the nearest exit immediately and stay as close to it as possible. Whatever you’re doing, see to it that you look around once in a while so that you won’t be caught flat-footed in case of sudden trouble.

A common and favorite target of terrorists is crowded, or over-crowded, spots like LRT or MRT trains and stations or popular clubs and diners.

Avoid getting into one as much as you can. If you have no other choice, stay as near as possible at the exit.

I had also proposed before in an earlier blog that regularly publishing the photos of known terrorists would be a big help since the people will know whom to look out for and avoid.

Make it a point to have the phone numbers of ALL POLICE STATIONS or other law enforcement agencies in your destination, and your community.

And most of all, NEVER EVER FORGET TO PRAY for your safety 24 hours a day.

***

Eleven of our friends on “Before we boycott Chinese goods, consider this”:

DELI FRANCE

Boycott will reduce, if not eliminate, smuggling!

MIKI LAUGHLIN

Total ban on Chinese products that are flooding our markets, mostly smuggled and did not pass quality control if it is safe to use or fit for consumption. China has no investments in the Philippines.

ROMEO SESBRENO of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

China has its own problem! I won't go that far. Put our personal differences aside and figure out how to build a better country, with law and order. That way, we can all live in peace and prosperity..We all know what's ailing the country.

LUIS CUERVO of Lipa City, Batangas

I've got the solution...outsource our governance to CHINA! They have eradicated poverty (and have) free health, ...needs are met and then we run for the elections and a Pinoy becomes China's Prime Minister.

THOMAS BLUE of Seattle, Washington, USA

We must not even think of an economic threat against the world’s leading economic monster. No sir, it will never wor. Most of our Chinese citizens are just that, citizens.

CHI YAP of Raleigh, North Carolina

Yes, always look for the middle ground.

PILAR GILBERT

I don't think boycotting is the issue here. The general public is still patronizing goods made in China because these are cheaper. Because of the bad economy, people have to explore and be smart. Thank you for sharing all your views. Good Luck!

FREEDOM MADERAZO of Pasig City

Do we have alternatives if we are going to boycott Chinese products?

SUSAN CARO of Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Patronize our own products instead f Chinese goods.

LUIS BAYUBAY of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

And the truth is....tumpak na tumpak!

LIZA TREMOCHA

What can we get from this boycott?

Four of our friends on “Don’t expect anything from Pnoy’s new vow”

DELIA SANIDAD of Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Easier said than done.

MA. JENNAH MITRA of Quezon City

It will need a lot of effort to stop corruption and elevate the poor.

JOSE VICTORIO NICANDRO

Member kasi si Pnoy ng mga politicians na naniniwala sa kasabihan na "Nangako na nga, gusto tuparin pa .” Naglaho na lahat ang mga inaasahan kong matuwid na gagawin niya.

ALBERTO LEE oof Houston, Texas

I cannot agree with you more. Empty promises are the bread and butter of politicians. There should be a visible plan A and plan B followed by deeds in quick orders.30