Are we Paying Officials not to Work?

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pardoned Pablo Martinez without knowing she did it.

Norberto Gonzales ignored the intelligence report warning about a possible bombing at the Batasang Pambansa and the intelligence report warning of the possibility of another “Magdalo Mutiny.”

Now, fired Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director Ricardo Dapat is claiming that former Zamboanga Representative and convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos fled the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) without his knowledge and consent.

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Jalosjos is Free?

Amidst the confusion and bustle of the Christmas season, former Zamboanga Representative and convicted criminal Romeo Jalosjos walked out of jail fuss-free and flew to his hometown, Zamboanga. He was then arrested there and he is now threatening to sue the police who arrested him.

Say it with me: “HUWHAT?! ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES!”

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Is it a Triumph for the Sumilao Farmers?

The administration has revoked the conversion order on the disputed farm lands in Sumilao, Bukidnon. This is seen as a triumph for the Sumilao farmers who walked thousands of kilometers to make the administration take notice of their plight. While the land is now back into its original agricultural classification, there are still processes and procedures to be followed before the Sumilao farmers can be awarded and fully use the land.

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Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia vs Cheaper Medicines

For almost a month, Cebu Representative Pablo Garcia has actively blocked the passage of House Bill 2844 or the Cheaper Medicines Bill. He is said to be one of those who have benefited from the “lobby fund” of multinational drug manufacturers who wish to block HB 2844.

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Charter Change Revived

Amidst the flurry of intrigues and problems that the administration is facing, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendments is reviving today the proposals to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution. While the country is still reeling from the failed Magdalo mutiny, and questioning Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s European junket, legislators are already working on a possible Charter Change.

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List of Legislators on Europe Trip with Arroyo

Thirty-four congressmen, and three senators flew to Europe with Gloria Macapal-Arroyo and her grand delegation of some 200 people to Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. Aside from the legislators, Arroyo’s husband, children and grandchildren also joined the trip.

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ABS-CBN vs PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has ordered ABS-CBN to submit raw footage of their coverage of the Makati stand-off at the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

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The Media vs The Government

Perhaps one of the more shocking events during the “Makati stand-off”, is the arrest of countless journalists, including the attempted arrests of popular TV news reporters Pinky Webb, Ces Drilon, and Sandra Aguinaldo. While I buy the argument that it was the police’s responsibility to clear the area and take everyone for “processing,” I don’t think that they did it properly and legally. Rather, (coupled with the declaration of a curfew) it seemed like Martial Law all over again.

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