TO PCSO: SUE THE BISHOPS OR SHUT UP!

To spare the Catholic Church, particularly the so-called ‘Pajero bishops” from prolonged media bashing, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) had better start filing charges if it really thinks it has a strong case.

If it won’t, then it should SHUT UP until it files charges and gives the bishops an EVEN playing field in protecting their honor and reputation before the prosecutor’s office or the court.

And that goes for Malacanang, too.

Malacanang and the PCSO have been ORCHESTRATING the issue for several days now in media, directly or indirectly, with only a constitutional provision as basis in describing the vehicles or money received by the bishops as anomalous.

With all the financial and logistical resources, and personnel, that you can think of at their disposal.

What do I mean by orchestrating?

In their VULGAR attempt to manipulate the public mind, the PCSO and Malacanang have come out with the issue in three installments so far - the revelation of the donations as first story, the names of the recipients as second story and Malacanang saying the priests are not above the law as third story.

Malacanang and the PCSO have hammered the issue into the public mind, and maligned the bishops three times, through the media blitz. But neither of the two can say if charges will be filed against anybody.

If this is not mind-conditioning I welcome any clarification, with a SOLID BASIS.

I AM NOT SAYING that the bishops are innocent.

But the bishops don’t have the manpower, and the resources, to slug it out side-by-side with the PCSO and Malacanang in a media war.

Like all of us, they have a right to DEFEND THEIR HONOR, especially if the issue at hand has not been ruled on with FINALITY by a competent authority.

In this case, it’s the court since the question is about a supposed violation of the Constitution. Not just the legal departments of PCSO or Malacanang. But how can the bishops defend themselves in the proper venue if they will be judged only in media?

Character assassination is only for dictators. Rumor-mongering is only for LIARS and FISHWIVES (palengkera). Anybody correct me if I’m wrong. 30

NOT ANOTHER POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT, PLEASE!

Personally, I agree to a probe of the supposedly illegal donation of Pajeros or funds for luxury cars to seven bishops from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA).

But whoever will conduct the investigation had better be sure that IT WON’T BE another SHAMELESS, POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT to destroy the name or malign the reputation of the former president.

Two things are CRYSTAL-CLEAR.

The money CAME FROM THE PCSO, not from GMA or from anybody in Malacanang.

The new PCSO management itself is saying that the money or the Pajeros WENT TO THE BISHOPS, not to GMA and not for her personal use at any given in time.

So the probe must focus ONLY on the bishops.

And before the PCSO or Malacanang talks about it again, they had better be ready with their PROOF first and with the statements of the so called ‘Pajero 7.’

For fairness and objectivity, not for any MIND-CONDITIONING plot by anybody. Don’t forget boys and girls, the bishops ARE NOT in good terms with President Aquino.

If ever somebody is planning to drag GMA into this controversy, or worse eventually put all the blame on her, the evidence had better be right beside him or her too,

Several days ago, former Solicitor General Frank Chavez filed plunder charges against GMA several days ago over the supposed unlawful disbursement of fertilizer funds during her ter,

In case you don’t know, a top element of plunder is that the money went to the pockets of the accused for her personal use.

But Chavez ADMITTED in his plunder charges that the funds went to a select group of congressmen and town and city mayors, NOT TO GMA or into her pockets.

You be the judge, guys.

And think about this: the ‘Pajero bishops’, Chavez, and other supposed anomalies during GMA’s presidency are coming out in rapid succession at a time when even Malacanang CAN’T DENY the CONTINUED FALL in Pnoy’s popularity.

Investigate GMA if evidence, SOLID EVIDENCE, warrants. No problem with that.

But If you don’t have anything solid, ave the DECENCY to stop USING THE PEOPLE in your political witch-hunts to cover up your incompetence. 30

TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH...

Here’s a quick way to find out whether or not Hubert Webb was really in the US as he claims to be or was here as new witnesses to the Vizconde massacre supposedly revealed to a multi-agency task force.

Since the Webbs claim they have documentary proof issued by US immigration authorities, then they had better go there with government representatives for a face-to-face authentication with whoever issued these.

There must be radio, TV and print media coverage by Filipino reporters of the authentication from start to finish.

Believe me guys, our media would would be more than willing to cover the event. Radio and TV stations would request for live coverage and both sides must agree to this.

Not only for transparency and to prove that all sides have nothing to hide but also to inform us here at home immediately of the results and erase fears of disinformation or a cover-up.

And both Lauro Vizconde and the Webbs must draw up and sign a legally-binding agreement which will require whoever will be proven wrong to PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE and accept the results of the authentication WITHOUT QUESTION.

The signing should be made public so whoever loses can’t claim he didn’t sign the agreement in the first place.

Earlier reports had said Vizconde is in bad financial shape nowadays. But I’m sure his supporters can easily raise funds among themselves for a US trip.

For the Webbs, no doubt they can afford a trip like this.

The reinvestigation into the massacre of his family could not put Hubert and his friends at the scene and time of the crime. But Vizconde has proclaimed in media that the new witnesses prove what he has been all along that Hubert and his group were the killers.

The Webbs stick to their claim right from the start that Hubert was in the US and that they have documents from there to prove it.

A face-to-face authentication will readily prove who’s the liar.

**

Twelve of our friends on “No reason for Vizconde to celebrate”:

SUSAN JAVIER of Lahore, Pakistan

No celebration yet but hopefully. He deserves justice for his wife and two daughters. May they rest in peace.

MERIT SALUD of Bloomfield, New Jersay, USA

I agree. I do commiserate with Lauro Vizconde but the acquittal on appeal of Hubert Webb by the SC revests to Hubert the presumption of innocence and all its benefits. It is this regard that Boyet rightfully suggests Mr. Vizconde to be cautious with his statements, lest he finds himself facing a criminal information for libel. That is the dictate of the rule of law still enforced in the Philippines.

MAY SUSAN BEDURAL, Chief Parole and Probation Officer of the Department f Justice

I agree!

CHING PLAZA of Butuan City

‎"Justice delayed is justice denied!" If the court of man will fail, "karma" will happen to the real culprit because the Almighty judge will ultimately give the final verdict.

ARCHIE GRAPA of Manila

Anyone unbiased who watched the trial would know that there was indeed a miscarriage of justice. Mrs Tolentino (the trial judge) should be questioned, charged, and disbarred. No less than foreign documentary films point out the glaring lapses in the proceedings. One is being played again and again on CI.

MIKI LAUGHLIN

Let us not be carried away by the baseless grandstanding of the barkers of this case. They are just covering up their failure to get the real criminals,

CYBIL PASCUAL of Quezon City

Honestly, I was one of the many who believed that Hubert Webb was guilty as charged. But as I analyzed the arguments of both sides and read the documents presented, I am now convinced that a man was jailed for 15 years for a crime he did not commit.

DANTE PALAFOX of Caloocan City

Wala na yatang katapusan ang mga palabas na parang may pinagtatakpan at tuloy may mapag-usapan.

WINSTON TIZON of New Manila, Quezon City

The case is closed. Hubert was in the country that time? Why didn’t they show the evidence? Why only now?

FE ARSENIA DE GRACIA of Houston, Texas

When is this issue going to be over?

JOE ALVARADO Jr. of Makati

I still believe that Hubert and his gang did it. They were a bunch of spoiled brats.

DOC C ELEDA PERA

So which is true? Is Hubert really a killer or not?

**

Seven of our friends on “Character Assassination, PCSO style”:

PILAR GILBERT

Boyet, there is the transparency issue again. You just brought up some good points. That is crystal clear CHARACTER ASSASSINATION. If you are talking with the media, you should know better that whatever comes out from your mouth will be used against you. So start with specifics and use proper citations. Thank you for this topic.

OWEN GUE

I agree with you, Sir Boyet. Reading what you have said, this is another clear case of character assassination. The purpose? To draw public attention and divert it from facts that are slowly unfolding. Thanks for shedding light on this issue. God bless you and our group.

MARVIN NORIEGA

Nag-iingay lang si Juico para mawala ang attention ng madla sa kanilang bagong pamamalakad sa pagbibigay ng medical assistance sa mga tao. Sa totoo lang, simula nang sila ang naupo sa PCSO, pahirapan na ang paghingi ng tulong.

GEMMA KIM

Why are they assassinating one another in media? File cases in court!

ED PUNSAL of Tagig

Let us wait for the outcome of the investigation to be conducted by Congress on these allegations of questionable expenditures of the PCSO funds. Hopefully it will be conducted the soonest.

ALLAN DUBAN

What will happen now to those who are in urgent need? What will the PCSO tell them – “Wait we will sue the past administration first. Then, we will help you! Pag nagaway ang mga elepante, langgam ang natatapakan!

AUDI MAGNAYE of San Pascual, Batangas

Witch-hunting, and passing the buck!

***

Four of our friends on “Pnoy proves he’s a weak leader”:

BEL TJ of Ventura, California

People should realize that it’s not just a push of a button (that’s needed) to wipe out all the corrupt, to stop poverty and to get rid of all unfit politicians, i dare anyone out there to challenge Pnoy and see (for themselves) how are they going to make the economy better. It is easier said than done.

JIMMY SALANGA

He is truly a big disappointment. He maybe honest, but without being assertive and decisive, what's the use ?

ISAGANI MACARAIG of San Pascual, Batangas

We really deserve the kind of leaders we have today. Give Pnoy more time. and he'll prove further his incompetence as a president.

ALEX VERSOZA of Makati

Walang kaduda duda na pag-amin ng kahinaan, pag-amin ng walang sapat na paninindigan bilang pinuno ng Pinas. Wala pang modo.

***

Three of our friends on “Michael Ray has to explain these”:

VIRGILIO PERALES of Bogo, Cebu

It's very disgusting! Wala na yatang "matuwid" na direksyon ang kasong ito. Baka sa bandang huli, ang aming ninunong si Lapu-Lapu pa ang mapagbintangan. Mailap na ba talaga ang hustisya dito sa pinas?

JOSE REYES of Bacolod City

Our dangers do not lie in too little tenderness to the accused. Our (judicial) procedure has always been haunted by the ghost of the innocent man being convicted. What we need to fear is the archaic formalism and the watery sentiment that obstructs, delays, and defeats the prosecution of crime.

MARIA CRISOSTOMO IBARRA of Manila

Nothing to explain, Boyet. It’s all done… we have it in the system. So ugly, so enormous lies. What sucks is they make feel they are innocent and we are ignorant.

***

“Floods, floods, floods!”:

CHIQUI APE

Until Filipinos learn to respect, care for and protect our natural environment, worse disasters will keep recurring.

NO REASON FOR VIZCONDE TO CELEBRATE!

Lauro Vizconde has no reason to celebrate the declaration by Justice Sec. Leila de Lima that investigations show that Hubert Webb was in the country and not abroad when his family was massacred in 1991.

Somebody had better tell him to stop categorically saying that he did not make a mistake in pointing to Hubert and his friends as the killers, before he is slapped with one case after another by the Webb Family.

In case you’ve forgotten, Hubert claimed he was in the US when the crime happened. Still, he and his co-accused were convicted but eventually acquitted last year by the Supreme Court.

Now, before you come up with your own conclusion following De Lima’s pronouncement, consider this:

News reports said De Lima admitted that the inter-agency task force did not find witnesses or “credible and confirmed evidence” that would place Webb and his friends at the scene of the crime when it was committed.

Therefore, there’s NO PROOF that Hubert and his friends were really the killers.

De Lima said the magnetic reel tape (MRT) of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which contains the records of incoming and outgoing passengers, revealed that Hubert or his friends did not leave the country before or during the Vizconde massacre.

De Lima also said “no entry appears in any of the computer printouts of (the) MRT for (the) year 1991. There was (an) entry of (former senator) Freddie Webb (Hubert’s father) leaving the country in March 1991 but no Hubert.”

But Freddie emphasized that “there’s (a) record of my son’s arrival in the US.” He also said forensic tests showed that the passport used by Hubert in leaving for the US before the crime happened was authentic.

So Hubert’s supposed presence in the country when the massacre happened is still not yet 100 percent proven.

Until INDISPUTABLE, PHYSICAL EVIDENCE is produced of Hubert’s supposed presence here at home at the time of the massacre. And even if Hubert was indeed here, it doesn’t automatically follow that he and his gang were the killers.

It would be grossly unfair for Vizconde to continue publicly humiliating Hubert and his friends as the killers even though the group could not even be placed by anyone at the crime scene.

NOTHING has been CONCLUSIVELY proven with finality by De :Lima and the inter-agency task force which re-investigated the massacre.

Vizconde had better WAIT for solid proof first before saying anything else, before the Webbs sue him for libel and other possible raps.

Whether he likes it or not, Hubert is also entitled to fairness in everything from everyone just like him. And not even his continued, although justified, ill feelings can take this away from Hubert. 30

CHARACTER ASSASSINATION, PCSO STYLE!

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairperson Margie Juico had better have solid proof of her allegations of questionable expenditures of the agency’s funds on media people and congressmen during the previous administration.

Juico said friends in media of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo got hefty KICKBACKS from PCSO advertising placements on their radio programs, television shows or newspapers.

But she DID NOT NAME even one of the supposed friends, radio programs, TV shows or newspapers. Neither did she explain how the supposed friends came to be friends of the former president.

Juico said the kickbacks, which she later referred to as commissions, ranged from 40 percent to 50 percent of the ad budget.

Now which is which?

Generally speaking, a kickback is the UNAUTHORIZED share of a person from a business transaction for playing a role in its closure, even though that role is his job.

A commission is the incentive given to the person who either found the buyer or was instrumental in the closure of the deal, and that is perfectly legal.

Anybody correct me if I’m wrong.

Being a former newspaperman, I double-checked with the publication I last worked for before I wrote this piece. I was told that as in the last several years, the commission for ads was still 15 percent, the prevailing industry rate.

The person I talked to describe Juico’s 40 to 50 percent allegation as ‘kalokohan!’

Juico claimed media personalities themselves put up ad agencies to facilitate their commissions. But she did not name even one supposed agency or media person.

Juico alleged that Arroyo lavished PCSO funds on allies in the House of Representatives, most of whom voted against her impeachment.

But she DID NOT NAME even one congressman

She did not cite any amount, how much did each congressman receive and supposedly for what and what was there to complain about – was anything illegal or immoral committed or carried out?

Neither did she present or cite specific proof or evidence of her allegations.

I’m NOT SAYING that Juico is lying. Neither am I trying to defend anybody. I would even encourage her to file cases if evidence warrants.

All I’m saying is when you make an accusation against anyone, you have to PRESENT PROOF, and NOT JUST YOR OWN WORDS to be FAIR.

To give the accused the IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITY to reply point by point to what you’ll claim.

When you malign a person’s reputation in the public eye without presenting evidence and leaving him or her guessing on how to come clean, THAT’S NOT FAIRNESS.

That’s CHARACTER ASSASSINATION.

If Juico will be attacked and pressed by congressmen to name names, she has no right to cry harassment or persecution. 30

MICHAEL RAY HAS TO EXPLAIN THESE!

For the sake of whatever credibility he has left, Michael Ray Aquino had better THOROUGHLY clarify why he hid in the US and the gaping holes in his statement when he arrived from extradition.

Aquino said when he fled the country in 2001 out of fear of persecution, “and for the safety and security of my family.”

Persecution by whom? When and how did it start and why did he come to the conclusion that it was a persecution?

Does he have witnesses and proof, INDISPUTABLE PHYSICAL RPOOF, and not just his own words? Does he have witnesses who can support this allegation with equally solid evidence.

What makes this claim highly doubtful is why didn’t he reveal the alleged persecution when he was in the US, immediately, and not yet facing extradition?

He could have done so, and presented proof, through media.

Persecution is ground for political asylum, anybody correct me if I’m wrong. Known as a smart guy, it would be difficult to believe that Aquino simply forgot this.

If he’ll say that the supposed persecution was political in nature, the he could have revealed it right after the Aquino Administration took over. But he did not. Instead, he tried to hold off extradition until the last minute.

He chose to keep silent for 10 YEARS. WHY?

When the Dacer-Corbito murders were carried out, he was a ranking and known influential police official, the operations chief of then Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF).

Did he do anything to help solve the crime? If yes, what? If no, why?

Aquino had also better have a rock-solid explanation on what he meant by for the safety of his family. How was it compromised? When and again, by whom? Does he have proof and are there witnesses to this?

If Aquino will not have convincing explanations to these issues, he will be in for A WHOLE DAMNED LOT OF TROUBLE than he could ever imagine.

He had better realize this, if he still values CREDIBILITY AND FREEDO, spiritually and physically.

***

Twenty-two of our friends on “Pnoy proves he’s a weak leader”:

CLAIRE ESTRELLA BULAONG LAUS of Guiguinto, Bulacan

Where in the world can you find a leader who will say those words to his appointees? Only in Pnoy’s world.

ANDY SANCHEZ

First of all, he is not "a chip of the old block". Second he is more of Cory than Ninoy. Third, he appears to have lost control of some of his appointees.

JOSE REYES of Bacolod City

That's the difference between a leader with a backbone from the leader with a wishbone.

BAL DOMINGO of Quezon City

Siya pa ang nangintriga sa sarili!

ANDREI ALDABA

It also proved how corrupt the system is!

BARON ROLLI

Ganun naman pala eh bakit hindi pa sibakin? Ano hinihintay, Pasko?

ROMULUS BELTRAN of Quezon City

He is not only weak. He is unfit to be President! A President should have the guts to fire anyone in his Cabinet who is causing undue setbacks to his programs. One who is afraid to do this makes himself an incompetent. What a disappointment he has turned out to be!

ESSA ABDULMALIK of Dammam, Saudi Arabia

I knew it beforehand, that was why I did not vote for him. His lackluster performance in the Senate should have been enough basis for the electorate to douse off their enthusiasm to vote for him, enthusiasm borne by the grief over the passing of his mother ex-Pres. Cory Aquino.

GINA TOMLIN

Now-now people, no matter who becomes the president, there will always be a bad member of the Cabinet. I would like to see a poor but well- educated , person who will stand -up for the good of the people to the next president and completely re-build the government. Let ‘s see how many rich people would support that.

MARIO BERNARDINO

When a President is unable to fully exercise leadership simply because he has no effective Cabinet to back him up, the quality of governmental performance is diminished and the public trust erodes further. This is now the norm of Pnoy's cabinet. Indeed, the question of governance hardly interests them. What preoccupies them are their own survival, status, the title on the door and where they would end up. They're a bunch of people with enormous egos!

MARIO PAPA

Every new President ushers in promises. In most cases, promises remain unfulfilled. Sometimes, Presidents are not to blame. The promises were unfulfilled not because they did not want but because the oligarchy and aristocracy of this country considered it a joke.

RODEL DABALOS

How can we trust him to make big decisions if he can't even make a sound judgment to fire these slackers who, in the first place, were appointed by him? Pointing an accusing finger is not a good trait as a leader. There is much to be desired under this administration.

PILAR GILBERT

He needs an educated and experienced political adviser. The current President cannot be blamed for his weaknesses. He has some poor Cabinet members and advisers. You know how politics works behind closed doors.

VIRGIE ADUCA of Ontario, Canada

It’s already proven!

JOSE VICTORIO NICANDRO

He is hiding something, thus he is not being true to his boss.

JOE BOY VERA

It is more than apparent now what kind of president we have. Instead of commending the three secretaries who always give him headaches for being truthful and straight forward, he scoldis them albeit covertly by not divulging their names. He seems to be unaware of that famous Harry Truman's expression, "the buck stops here" that he doesn't want to be the problem solver. He wants to be surrounded by people who always feed him good news, fabricated or not.

JONATHAN VILLEGAS

Sayang, siya pa naman binoto namin! Kaya hindi tutoo yung kasabihan na kung ano ang puno, siyang bunga. Ano pa kayang mga kasabihan ang sisirain niya?

YOLANDA HERRING of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

He’s got no backbone!

RICKY TADURAN of Quezon City

Since birth, weakling na si Pnoy.

MARVIN NORIEGA

Sabi ni Abi Xalte, nagbibiro lang daw si Pnoy nung sinabi niya yan dahil likas na mapagbiro ang Pangulo. Duh! It was a formal gathering and he was delivering a speech. i don't think Pnoy was joking when he blurted out those comments. That's unbecoming of a head of t state.

CHEECHA FERRER

Kapatid nga siya ni Kris. Taklesa sila.

TOMMY BLUE of Seattle, Washington, USA

Wala na ngang ginagawa, pag may ginawa naman, palpak pa! Remember the 1st action series niya sa Luneta? Ayun, patay ang mga Intsik. At nagpapicture pa na nakangiti! And after that...nothing.

Five of our friends on “If we won’t fight for the Spratlys”:

FERNANDO RAFAEL FERNANDEZ CUERVO

Diplomacy will be a better way to peace. China has the guts to move in whenever they feel like it. Hope that doesn’t happen (to us). Are we ready to face them?

NOEL GOFREDO of Rome. italy

Hindi natin kailangan mag-expand ng teritoryo. Nakita mo ang mga Pinoy sa Borneo. Mas gusto raw nla manatili Sabah sa Malaysia kasi maganda yung lugar. Papapangitin at paglkakakitaan ng mga corrupt kung mababalik sa Pilipinas. Magconcentrate tayo sa kung ano ang nasa atin na. Kayo na lang makipaglaban diyan.

ARMANDO MATEO of Meycauayan, Bulacan

Today and in the future, war will be measured in term of economy, political will and modern armaments. It seems we are behind other Asean nations. But our country home to Rizal, Bonifacio and other courageous citizens that should be appreciated. I go with you, Boyet!

FREEDOM MADERAZO of Pasig

To defend your sovereignty is a noble deed! But to look beyond your capacity is of a fool's imagination!

BRENDA PACIFICO of Swan Hill, Victoria, Australia

It’s hard for our nation to fight China.How can we? If China doesn’t bug off, I suppose better sell (the Spratlys) to them. 30