NPA Attacks Mining Firm in Compostela Valley

For the second time within a year, I received a frantic SMS from one of my friends. The mining company that he works for has been attacked by NPA rebels. The first attack happened last year, early at night while most of the employees were having dinner. No gunshots were fired, but the NPAs stayed for a couple of days and destroyed some expensive machinery.

Last night, I received the message at around 12 midnight. The rebels never reached the employees’ residences and staff houses but gunshots were fired. Allegedly, a truck full of NPA rebels dressed in military attire tried to enter the premises but ended up exchanging shots with the PNP, military, and company security. Nobody has been reported to be injured. There is no news yet if machinery or equipment was damaged.

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Arroyo to Run for Prime Minister

Despite claims that it is Speaker Prospero Nograles is the main culprit behind Cha-Cha, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr has stated that is it Malacañang that’s behind the move. And now, a less shocking, very much expected but still appalling news… Arroyo CAN run for Prime Minister.

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Noli De Castro for President?

Malacañang has declared that Vice President Noli de Castro is its top bet for the administration’s presidential candidate for 2010. De Castro ran for the senate in 2001 as an independent candidate. When he was elected, it seems like he aligned himself with the administration. Needless to say, I cannot remember any act, advocacy, or proposal by de Castro which is contrary to the administration’s policies. In 2004, he ran for the vice-presidency with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As vice president, I cannot remember any act, legislation, or advocacy which he has pushed or worked on that has significantly captured the attention of the Filipino people, or has changed our lives or our country.

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The Impeachment of Merceditas Gutierrez

The impeachment case against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been found to be sufficient in form by the House Committee on Justice. The impeachment complaint cites betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution as the impeachable offenses of Gutierrez. The committee, however, still has to decide if it is sufficient in substance. That, I guess, will be the litmus test for the integrity of the committee.

Members of civil society led by former Senate President Jovita Salonga filed the complaint for her failure to prosecute cases filed against the administration and its allies. Among the cases cited are the Mega Pacific election computerization contract, World Bank financed road projects, and the fertilizer fund. According to the complaint, the negligence of the Ombudsman in properly giving attention, and prosecuting these cases is a betrayal of public trust and a culpable violation of the Constitution.

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Political Will = Bayag

A couple of days ago, there was a discussion on Plurk regarding the appropriate Filipino translation of political will. And Jenny has asserted that the translation is bayag (balls). And most of us unequivocally agree.

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