CON-ASS IS A CON

Victorina’s guest writer, Atty. Adel A. Tamano is the current president of the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila. He went to the Ateneo and graduated A.B. Economics. Thereafter, he attended the University of the Philippines and took a masters degree in Public Administration. In June 2005, he matriculated in Harvard Law School's Master of Laws graduate program.

Today, in the Good Times Radio show, Adel announced that he has formally joined the Nationalista Party. The council of Victorina welcomes this fast rising star in the political arena!

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by Atty Adel Tamano

CON. This word perfectly describes the actions of Team-GMA Congressmen who approved House Resolution 1109 at 11:20 P.M. last night. Let’s not get too mired in the legalese and the parliamentary maneuverings; essentially, the aim of Team-GMA congressmen in approving Resolution 1109 is to take the Senate out of the equation in changing the Philippine Constitution, which is absurd because even renaming a road would require the participation of the Senate. Team-GMA knows that they can never get the ¾ vote from the Senate to be able to change the Constitution, via a Constituent Assembly, because Team-GMA does not control the Senate like it does the Congress.

So why is it a mere con? Well because, as in any con or scam, the object is to deceive and divert attention in order to get the real prize: HOLDING ON TO POWER BEYOND 2010. Team-GMA understands that there is not enough time to amend the Constitution with elections happening in less than a year. So the object is NOT to alter the Constitution before 2010 but rather to LAY DOWN THE BASIS for amending the Constitution AFTER the 2010 elections. All Team-GMA needs now is for someone – maybe one of its minions or some well-intentioned individual who wants to stop the Congressional Cha-Cha train – to go to the Supreme Court and get a favorable ruling that says that Resolution 1109 is valid and that the Senate does not have to participate as long as ¾ths of the Congress vote to constitute itself into a constituent assembly.

See, Team-GMA has pretty much given up on winning the national seats, President, Vice-President, and Senators, but they still have a good chance in winning the local congressional seats. So they are willing to lose – what the layman might think are the more important positions such as President, Vice-President, etc. – as long as they have enough Congressmen to amend the Constitution.

So in July 2010, we will have a different President, perhaps an opposition President and new Senators. However, since Team-GMA still controls Congress, then all Team-GMA has to do is to have Congress constitute itself into a Constituent Assembly and propose changing our system of government from Presidential to Parliamentary. Now if the people approve this revision in a plebiscite, maybe a rigged one, then it is Team-GMA back at the helm. So while all of us are so focused on the 2010 elections, Team-GMA is looking beyond that.

Maybe you can dismiss all of this as conspiracy theory or an over-active imagination but nearly four decades ago Filipinos were caught off-guard when Martial Law was declared and the 1973 Constitution was approved in so-called “people’s assemblies,” which laid the groundwork for Marcos’ twenty year rule. So I’d much rather be overcautious than be caught off guard. Eternal vigilance is indeed the price of democracy, particularly when dealing with Team-GMA.

Jobama

Former president Joseph Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay dismissed as "harassment" and "ridiculous" allegations they were “gun-toting” during an event in Cebu.

BY : Boldstar
Jesus Jose Maria “Jejomar” Binay, the mayor of Makati City, called “Rambotito” during Aquino’s presidency and now “Jo-Bama” of the Philippines, is a Presidential candidate in the general election 2010. He is also the president of the United Opposition. He will run under the banner of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban). Among his vocal supporters is the former president Joseph Estrada who stated that Binay has the capacity and the ability. He has shown this as the chief executive of the country’s premier city (2010, pinoyvote).

Many people consider the Mayor as a hardworking individual. He presides over the financial hub of the country, home to the elite in business and society. At the start of his tenure (EDSA 1986) Makati city was near bankruptcy after Yabut’s reign. His supporters point out his achievements in the city’s management, his leading role in the ousting of the Marcos administration hand in hand with Aquino and Estrada as well as his continued opposition to the incumbent Gloria Arroyo. In 2006, he was included among the top 10 mayors in the world in the annual World Mayor project as well as securing 3 terms in office with the fourth being succeeded by his own wife.
His personal origin is more substantially humble compared to the business titans he now associates.

An orphan born into poverty whose first job was as a piggery assistant. He managed to graduate from the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) alongside prestigious alumni such as Fidel Ramos, Ferdinand Marcos, Cesar Virata, Letty Shahani, Cheez Escudero, Mike Defensor, and Felipe Gozon to name a few. He also managed to support himself and obtain a degree in Political Science and Law from the University of the Philippines. Apparently, like Obama he spent the next few years practicing community law among the country’s poor during an era that was kleptocratic and draconian with politics and finance controlled by cronyism.

He was even arrested by the Marcos regime for his pro-democracy efforts.
Here are some of his accomplishments;

1. Member of the Rotary Club of Makati

2. He is currently on his third term as the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

3. Vice President for Membership (2006- 2008), United Cities and Local Governments-Asia Pacific Chapter; Life Honorary Member (since February 2001) and Member.

4. World Executive Committee of the International Union of Local Authorities-Asia Pacific; Member, Executive Committee (2006-2009).

5. Network for Local Authorities for the Management of Human Settlement (CITYNET)

6. Chairman, Finance Sub-Committee, World Scout Organization.
7. Senior executive fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

8. Binay is also a Philippine Marine Colonel in the reservist forces.

9. He is married to Dr Elenita Binay, a medical practitioner and herself the former mayor of Makati (1998-2001)

His opponents on the other hand point out how Mayor Binay consolidated an empire based on money for loyalty and thuggery by his ardent yellow army, exacerbated by the LGU code. He created a political familial dynasty so common among the old “trapos” proliferating in the political landscape of the country. For instance, impeded by a term limit, he let his own wife “rule” Makati with the help of his inexorably dutiful and pugnacious "yellow army" to implement everything. Their imposition on the constituents of the city was shown during the San Lorenzo Village resolution 89 that allegedly saw its passing into ordinance having little or no community consultations required by law with the people affected by the changes.

Additionally, his detractors alleged that his support for the poor and under-privileged of Makati have been mostly machinations for the continuation of his power. By pouring the resources of the city into PNR railways, Kalayaan Road, the Botanical Gardens he ensured votes. His alleged favouritism towards Barangay leaders who are loyal to him ensured funds for their projects and their re-election campaigns. Those who are not are made to suffer as alleged by many during the San Lorenzo debacle. Your funds are supposedly assured if your loyalty is unflinching. Others argued that why shouldn’t he help the poor, isn’t that what the government is about?

Like any politicians in the country, his family is involved in the affairs of the city. One of his daughters is serving as a representative of the 2nd District of Makati City and his son Jejomar Erwin is a Makati Councillor. This grip on power many argued shows a sign of an autocratic individual rather than a democratic fighter and champion of the poor with self interest on the agenda.

He is however a known Arroyo opponent. He is the mayor Malacanang loves to hate. The administration in fact had in the past accused Binay of false accounting and through DILG moved to suspend his tenure as well as accusations of graft which were eventually dismissed for lack of probable cause. And many people including myself praise his battles with Gloria Arroyo, but are also dismayed by his loyalty to the former convicted plunderer, married womanizer, jueteng lord and former jailed president of the republic, Joseph Estrada.

That is why one can’t help but be amused that here’s a man with many successes in running one of the premier cities in the country and could yet be the next President of the Republic of the Philippines. And yet he is willing to be subjected to a possible fatal character assassination by his continued proximity to the former plunderer who is allegedly raising billions for his campaigns. No mud had ever stuck on “Jobama” in the past.

But could he be the next president?

Maybe, maybe not, but please he should stop aligning himself with Barack Obama, it is cheap, moronic and sad. The colour of your skin matters not in the affairs of the republic.

Show us what you’ve got.

BLOGGING: The Power to Shape History

Rain B.

First, let me digress. It must be hard to be a beautiful and accomplished actress Ann Curtis these days. You show up in a fabulous party, dressed up like a goddess, and smile like everyone is there to see you. But they weren't. They were ignoring you. Everyone was looking at BB Gandanghari, dressed in red and black gown. Yep, even those cute Angelos, trying to entertain the crowd, were all eyes at BB. I was in the table next to her, so I knew how people simply swirled around her, ignoring jall those other actors, editors and fashion model.

The party was the Velvet Oscar Night last Friday at the Ayala Museum. They practically invited everyone in the media and entertainment industry. Wines overflowed, much to my delight. And that was the only thing good that night. The rest was boring – pretension at its best. Everyone left hurriedly to the next party, which in our case was the Radio Partners Party where DJ Mojo Jojo was one of the hosts.

That was such a sharp contrast to the Ipanema Giselle Bundchen Collection Bloggers Launch we attended at the Le Souffle the night before. The Victorina Council was invited and we came in full force. Yes, there was food and wine and fashion show and music. But the energy was more real, and the people more attractive.

My friend Noel, a TV Director, declined the invitation to Ipanema saying it was a harried PR night. Well, dude, it was nothing like that. It felt like a gathering of friends.

It was Rodes Fishburne of San Francisco Chronicles who captured the power of blogging very clearly. He said, "The truth is blogs are nothing more than one of our oldest known communication forms: the letter. Think of blogs as personal letters, and letters as conversations, and you've grasped blogs' immediacy and power. Blogs have become so popular so quickly because they are personality driven. We all have access to the same machine now, the Internet, thus advantage is won by using personality, not broadcasting apparatus."

So when someone like, say KC Concepcion, says on national TV that she loves this shampoo. Her message will be taken as what it really is – a commercial endorsement. It is not an expression of her personality. And people nowadays have become so information-driven and tech-savvy that they can smell a fake statement a mile away.

But when a simple blogger, like mugen, writes that he is not a fashion expert but he liked Ipanema because of its environmental advocacy, it has something that brings people to believe – honesty.

The traditional media are now struggling to survive. They know that sooner or later, they will lose their relevance. Slowly, they will lose their value as society's primary source of information that affects public opinion, and stories that touch people's lives. They have become just one mode of communicating, one among the many.
But the blogs have taken over; and most bloggers know this. They know that companies are now after them, not so much to endorse, but to experience their products.
The US Elections has shown that an online community can create a president and cause in monumental shift in world history.

That is the vast potential that blogging, social networking and twittering can provide. We know what to do.

And the time to do it is now.

A Case of Ellen Tordesillas

by Andro Ramirez

The U.S. of A. has sworn in their 44^th President and the world watched in awe and hope, I have to admit it was indeed an historic moment. Just a few decades ago, “his” people were fighting for equal rights in the biggest melting pot of races that part of the globe. Now he is the main man. Although not purely a “homie” and of “da hood,” he is still considered a brotha’. But who cares? The man is now President, and the color of his skin is no longer an issue. Focus instead on what he can, will, and must do to salvage what his predecessor has brought not only to America but also upon the world with his G.I. Joe mentality of economics. Like it or not, America can still create an impact and influence on the world. But let’s not get into that. Not just yet. -- With the stellar rise of President Barrack Hussein Obama to power from the grassroots, is it any wonder that “our” seasoned politicians and personalities want to be associated with his rising star? Not looking at how it came about but with eyes on the prize, the presidency.

Should there be no hiccups, the next Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections is scheduled on May 10, 2010. That is only 15 months away at the time of this writing. As early as last year, feelers have been sent by those with the intent of running for the highest office of the land. To tell you the truth, I am not elated by the unofficial lineup, nor their early product and self-endorsements. Shall I name them now? Wag na lang, because I do not approve of their message which is all bull. They have been doing and saying that for ages, and you know what happens after, NADA! Now they all want to be associated with the name OBAMA. The notion alone makes me feel like regurgitating my meals.

So what now brown cows? After gulping tons of glutathione capsules and ex-deals with their overrated dermatologists to be white, they now want to be black. Fashion and PR pundits may even say “black is back.” Mark this, they will do anything in the coming months just to be associated with the man and his name no matter how putrid their reputations and track records are.

Now isn’t it a wonder not even one, administration and opposition alike, volunteered to slash their lard barrels? They even had the audacity to increase their take by P2 Billion from last year or a total of P9.7 Billion. Hello! BAROK OPAMA’s, in case any of you refused to accept it, we are in a financial crisis, since the time of Marcos. The global crisis is now a reality, but should not be used as an excuse. We ordinary Filipinos have been too overworked and way underpaid long before that, well, that goes for those of us who still have jobs that is. Even our “bayani’s” abroad are already being sent home. And the hapless OFW’s were even used for a photo op. Na-Barok na, Na Korokan pa.

In light of these, let me cite 10 satirical reasons why there can never be a PRESIDENT Barrack Obama of the Philippines:

10. None can claim they have an American mother and a Kenyan father.

9. Heaven forbid if one of them admits using marijuana or “blow” in youth and inhaled.

8. They define hard work as being top in the surveys.

7. I dare one of them leave the church or religion they are affiliated with.

6. Barrack is a two-time Grammy Award winner for audio versions of 2 of his books.

5. Barrack does not like “pork.”

4. He is young but not “Estoopid.”

3. He has to prove he can effect change.

Ours want only affect continuity or maintain the status quo.

2. He is the first human hybrid to rule a world power. And he used to drive a hybrid car.

And the number one satirical reason why there can never be a PRSIDENT Barrack Obama of the Philippines:

1. There might not be a PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION in 2010.

Need I explain further?

I Wanna Be Obama

by Andro Ramirez

The U.S. of A. has sworn in their 44^th President and the world watched in awe and hope, I have to admit it was indeed an historic moment. Just a few decades ago, “his” people were fighting for equal rights in the biggest melting pot of races that part of the globe. Now he is the main man. Although not purely a “homie” and of “da hood,” he is still considered a brotha’. But who cares? The man is now President, and the color of his skin is no longer an issue. Focus instead on what he can, will, and must do to salvage what his predecessor has brought not only to America but also upon the world with his G.I. Joe mentality of economics. Like it or not, America can still create an impact and influence on the world. But let’s not get into that. Not just yet. -- With the stellar rise of President Barrack Hussein Obama to power from the grassroots, is it any wonder that “our” seasoned politicians and personalities want to be associated with his rising star? Not looking at how it came about but with eyes on the prize, the presidency.

Should there be no hiccups, the next Presidential, Legislative, and Local Elections is scheduled on May 10, 2010. That is only 15 months away at the time of this writing. As early as last year, feelers have been sent by those with the intent of running for the highest office of the land. To tell you the truth, I am not elated by the unofficial lineup, nor their early product and self-endorsements. Shall I name them now? Wag na lang, because I do not approve of their message which is all bull. They have been doing and saying that for ages, and you know what happens after, NADA! Now they all want to be associated with the name OBAMA. The notion alone makes me feel like regurgitating my meals.

So what now brown cows? After gulping tons of glutathione capsules and ex-deals with their overrated dermatologists to be white, they now want to be black. Fashion and PR pundits may even say “black is back.” Mark this, they will do anything in the coming months just to be associated with the man and his name no matter how putrid their reputations and track records are.

Now isn’t it a wonder not even one, administration and opposition alike, volunteered to slash their lard barrels? They even had the audacity to increase their take by P2 Billion from last year or a total of P9.7 Billion. Hello! BAROK OPAMA’s, in case any of you refused to accept it, we are in a financial crisis, since the time of Marcos. The global crisis is now a reality, but should not be used as an excuse. We ordinary Filipinos have been too overworked and way underpaid long before that, well, that goes for those of us who still have jobs that is. Even our “bayani’s” abroad are already being sent home. And the hapless OFW’s were even used for a photo op. Na-Barok na, Na Korokan pa.

In light of these, let me cite 10 satirical reasons why there can never be a PRESIDENT Barrack Obama of the Philippines:

10. None can claim they have an American mother and a Kenyan father.

9. Heaven forbid if one of them admits using marijuana or “blow” in youth and inhaled.

8. They define hard work as being top in the surveys.

7. I dare one of them leave the church or religion they are affiliated with.

6. Barrack is a two-time Grammy Award winner for audio versions of 2 of his books.

5. Barrack does not like “pork.”

4. He is young but not “Estoopid.”

3. He has to prove he can effect change.

Ours want only affect continuity or maintain the status quo.

2. He is the first human hybrid to rule a world power. And he used to drive a hybrid car.

And the number one satirical reason why there can never be a PRSIDENT Barrack Obama of the Philippines:

1. There might not be a PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION in 2010.

Need I explain further?

For Better or Worse?

Death is just the Beginning
by: BOLDSTAR
We are not talking about rigor mortis nor pallor mortis as the later is self inflicted in this case. What we are talking about is Lazarus taxon from the fossilised remains of the good-looking actor, drop dead hunkalicious Rustom Padilla. Obviously, there was no embalming process, catastrophic Mayan doomsday nor the body pecked to the bones by vultures like the Tibetan Buddhism sky burial in the movie Kundun. The reappearance of the aforementioned fabulousity is not even morphology through convergent evolution that created an Elvis taxon.. Think of it as death free reincarnation, as opposed to being dead as a Dodo. It is by the expertise of the American advancement in whatever it is, the male to female transition of Binibining Gandanghari is forcing the Filipino psyche to once again swallow or spit acceptance, amidst a whirlwind of public hulabalut. It’s like a "halo-halo" with fruits.

Let I be corrected by my 13 year old niece in the midst of her first menstrual experience and sexual education in school, Miss Gandanghari is not “gay”. My niece is so brilliant. She even knows you can’t get boy germs nor get pregnant from oral actions. Blame the progressive school teachers, TFC Channel, Ruffa Gutierrez and Kris Aquino, the little one knows that Bebe is a transgendered woman.

So why am I writing about Bebe? Well, there is a lesson for all of us. I cannot tell you exactly what lessons they may be. As Yoda said ‘listen to the force [boldstar] may the force be with you’. But I can share that her transformation forced me to think of change and acceptance because what on earth would possess someone to pile on the makeup, wear a skirt, sashay on 5 inch heels with the possible thunderous condemnations of 80 million Catholics, and face the wrath and ridicule of the religious fanatics. Personally, it’s hard being a woman. On the practical side waxing is terribly painful especially if the Brazilians are given privileges down there, while inebriated disgusting men salivate all over you in the pub when you just want to sit, swigl a pint and relax. Additionally, women can be so bitchy. Bebe’s case is all the more intricate because one must hide the virtues of being born with a Y chromosome. Remember bend it like Beckham? For Bebe, one must bend the Beckham between gluteus maximus as close as possible to the sphincter galaxy.

So where are the bible bashers? Haven’t heard any condemnation regarding this woman’s choice to be whoever she wanted to be. Thank goodness the Catholic Church and the Cardinals of the Philippines have realized perfectly well to let the girl be. As Darwin said it’s an evolutionary process. In the past one can be blessed with the patience of nature and tectonic plate movements but in this day and age one can avail oneself the power of makeup and hair extensions’. So, can I be upfront to claim that yes we have finally manage to knock some sense on some religious people? Acceptance is such a blessing and a sign of one’s love for humanity and each other. My pancit, one just needed to go to Roppongi in Tokyo to see and be dazzled by the talent and beauty of some Filipinas. However, don’t get me wrong my advocacy for acceptance does not extend to the politicians who continually ignore the plight of our kababayan’s.

Stand up if you’re guilty.

I mean what the hell would the gleaming facades of the welcoming arches do?

Prosecutor John Resado Lied Under Oath...Not Once, But Twice

Borrowed from Cong. Ruffy Biazon

While a majority of the people believe that Prosecutor Resado is guilty of tax evasion, failure to declare true assets and liabilities and possibly even bribery, enough evidence still needs to be gathered to seal the case against him.

It may be tempting to immediately file a case against him, but any flaw, minor it may be, will be enough for the fiscal who will receive the case to dismiss the case on a technicality. We are led to believe this since we have already seen the association of prosecutors nationwide take a stand behind the embattled John Resado.

So if there is any case that will be filed against the prosecutor, it should be supported with enough evidence to make it airtight and not one prone to be dismissed on a technicality.

But at this time, there is one case that is definitely supported by strong evidence, provided by John Resado himself. There are indisputably two instances that the state prosecutor willfully and knowingly lied under oath.

During yesterday’s hearing in Congress, I questioned him on his testimony about the bribery issue and his story about how the 800,000 pesos came to his hands. In his answers, he perjured himself since he gave conflicting answers, which are all part of proceedings that were under oath.

What took me by awe is the prosecutor’s straight-faced, unflinching replies, even though it was already clear on nationwide TV that he was lying. He was the literal embodiment of “lying with a straight face” and “lying through the teeth”.

After pointing out the conflicts in his statements which I reminded him were tantamount to lying, I asked him that as a prosecutor, if a complainant or a respondent lies to him under oath, what effect will it have on him, he said that it would result in questionable credibility.

His answer is definitely applicable to him. I don’t know if it dawned on him that I had just led him to admit that he has questionable credibility, or he lacked the intellectual capacity to realize it. But the impression is that he is really a stone-faced, iron-willed liar, and I was flabbergasted at how unflinching and confident he was in facing the committee. Even if it was proven that he lied under oath.

In the previous hearing, under oath, he boldly accused PDEA lawyer Atty. Alvaro Lazaro of attempting to bribe him to dismiss the case. The congressional committee members cross examined him and were all unconvinced.

He wanted people to believe that the PDEA deliberately came up with the weak case and that the PDEA lawyer offered a bribe for him to dismiss the case. The basic question was if the case was deliberately made weak, what is the need to offer a bribe to dismiss the case? Wouldn’t the inherent lack of merit be enough to dismiss it, thereby negating the need to shell out extra money for the prosecutor?

Later on, the prosecutor did dismiss the case, citing the faulty gathering of evidence, using the “fruit of the poisonous tree” principle. So, the next question is, if the objective of the bribe offer was to dismiss the case, did he get paid when he finally dismiss it?

But in the inquest resolution which he wrote (assuming that he was really the one who wrote it), he pointed out that the PDEA attempted to remedy the weak case, but he deemed it insufficient. In his testimony before the congressional committee, he also said that the PDEA tried to bolster the case with remedial measures. Are those the acts of someone who would want the case immediately dismissed?

As I said after asking him my questions about it, his story defies logic.

When asked why it was only then that he revealed the bribery attempt, he said that he did not have the opportunity to reveal it during the congressional hearing because he was always cut off by the congressmen. Well, everybody watching on TV and listening in the radio during the coverage of the hearing knows that he had all the opportunity to say it if he wanted to.

When asked why he didn’t reveal it during the NBI investigation, he said he considered Atty. Lazaro his friend and under our culture, friends don’t rat on each other. He even described it “absurd” if he reported it. Remember, he is a prosecutor and he thinks that revealing a friend’s violation of the law is “absurd”.

Later on, I was able to get hold of a copy of the report by the National Bureau of Investigation on the inquiry they made regarding the bribery issue. As I read the entire report, I came across an entry which listed down the statements given by Prosecutor Resado.

Among other things that he revealed during the NBI investigation, he made a categorical statement that no one, not anyone, ever approached him to offer a bribe to dismiss the case or influence him in any way to make a decision.

During yesterday’s hearing, upon my questioning, he said that he voluntarily made that statement, without being asked directly about a bribe offer, unlike in the congressional hearing where he was pointedly asked if he was offered a bribe.

That means that if his accusation against Atty. Lazaro is true, then he gave a deliberately false statement to the NBI without even being prompted. That would be lying under oath since the NBI statement was made under oath.

Aside from that, he would also be liable for obstruction of justice since his statement led the NBI to believe that there was no bribe offer when, as he claimed in a congressional hearing, there was one.

Assuming that he did tell the truth to the NBI, he would then be guilty of lying under oath to the congressional committee since he categorically said there was a bribe offer. He could be cited for contempt by congress and charged with perjury.

Another case of perjury by Prosecutor Resado pertains to how he received the amount of 800,000 pesos, something which he does not deny and even offers an explanation for its legitimacy (although his story is still under doubt).

In yesterday’s hearing, he said that he received the amount in several tranches over several days. Remembering what he said in a previous hearing, I pressed him on his statement. He reiterated that he received the money over several days, that the whole amount was not given in one lump sum but in several tranches.

After making him say that, I referred to the transcript of the previous hearing and pointed out to him that during that hearing, he said that the money, which was actually 1.2 million pesos, not only 800,000 pesos (he was the one who corrected the congressmen), was given to him by his in-laws on November 30. He later deposited the 800,000 pesos on December 2. When asked how many days he had the whole amount with him, he said “only one day”, December 1.

It was another case of Prosecutor Resado in conflict with himself, under oath. It only means that he is lying, and lying deliberately. When you listen to him, he does not seem to be a confused man, and even exudes confidence and boldness when he answers questions.

I have participated in many investigations in Congress and only in rare instances do I see a resource person / witness keep his cool under the scrutiny of congressmen asking questions. Sometimes even the innocent are rattled under the pressure of several congressmen asking criss-crossing questions.

But Prosecutor Resado is quite different. He maintains his composure and answers immediately without stammering, and even looks you straight in the eye. Even if you’ve already caught him lying.

I don’t know what the other prosecutors are thinking now. I can understand why their initial reaction was to rush to his side and defend him during the initial stages of the inquiry. After all, one of their own was under attack.

But after going through all the hearings and seeing the outcome, do they still think that standing by Prosecutor Resado is worth it?

Set aside the issues of bribery, tax evasion, undeclared wealth etc. Those still have to undergo further inquiries and gathering of evidence. But what about perjury? The evidence is there, forever etched in the transcripts of the proceedings in Congress and the NBI.

As prosecutors, they know the value of telling the truth under oath. As John Resado himself pointed out, false testimony leads to questionable credibility. He even cited conflicting statements by the PDEA agents to put a cloud of doubt over the credibility of the buy-bust operation which led him to ultimately dismiss the case.

Now it his turn to give conflicting statements. By the same measure that he judged the PDEA agents, so too, he should be judged. Right now, his credibility is as believable as the idea that elephants can fly.

New Year Messages from Victorina

(To start the year 2009, we asked all council members to write a message to or about a chosen personality that captures his or her interest. And we feature a special message addressed to all Filipinos from Gawad Kalinga’s founder and Magsaysay Awardee Tony Meloto.)



A. Imelda Romualdez Marcos:

Dear Madame Imelda:

As you know getting older means you are closer to meeting the being that bestowed upon you all the blessings in this world. You have traveled and lived a life only most of us can dream. You have met world leaders, partied with rockstars and royalty, and farmers. Only you can make Gaddafi bow his head in respect of your god-given beauty. As you have been blessed in this lifetime, I am sure that over there you will be comforted by the richness of his creation, your worldly possessions are no longer required and thus these must be returned to the people. You once proclaimed you are our star, a beacon of beauty in the darkness, so return all that glittering wealth to the people that adore you in this life and you will forever be adored until time immemorial. Have a happy new year.

Boldstar


B. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Dear Mrs. Arroyo:

Sic transit gloria mundi.

Everything ends, and so will your ride someday. Whether it ends with the gradual waning of your power or in a sudden deposing, you cannot and will not be there forever. And when that happens, even if my friends, my fellow patriots or I am not around, there will always be someone who will want a reckoning.

One way or another, I want you to remember those who have disappeared in the night, those whose parents wish only to find a way to inter their bones. I want you to remember those who you senselessly and uselessly jailed -- with or without charges. I want you to remember the deprivation of those whom you hunted down for their political beliefs. I want you to remember because others will remember them and will want justice.

It need not end in bloody revolution. You still have a chance to change the harsh judgment of history. 2009 is the year to do it. And it may be your last chance.

Trixie

C. BryanBoy


Honestly, could YOU stand to be with a pretentious person?

I found this hideous quote from Bryan Boy entitled “The Great Pretentious Escape”:


--- “I wish people followed my example and used their YOUTH for something better than prattling down the phone in some call center or whatever it is people do for money. Look at it this way: Who needs a job when one can flash a perfect smile, roll drunkenly into anyone's party and enjoy all the benefits of wealth without any of the fussy work nonsense.... Breaking the rules of of rotation and wearing the same thing I wore last month is synonymous to social suicide!” (GP Magazine Vol 1 issue 6, year 2006, page 99)


Such purveyors of pretentiousness should be shot on sight, in my opinion. While people starve and still struggle to scrape out a decent living in our country and around the world, it's just unfathomable how such monsters out there have the gall to write about such frivolity and debauchery. With such a life philosophy, I ponder how Bryan Boy does it. Anyone with half a brain should just throw up in disgust listening to such a contrived mantra... yet there are still those out there that just eat up such crap like there's no tomorrow!

Amiel



D. Willie Revillame
You have reached a certain level of comfort at this point in your life. As evidenced
by your latest spread in YES! Magazine. Good for you. We know how hard it was to get to where you are. And the heartache you gave to one of my relatives long ago for having married you in spite the objections of her family.

Now, when you look at these things you have, may you think about those you ridicule on an every day basis. Yes, you claim to bring joy to the people, that is all well and good. Please do so by not grinding them and making them objects that you step on along with your mother company. When you look at the things that you have, may you remember that you were once like these people, but they had the dignity not to use others to be where you are now. Have a happy new year and may you view the coming years as a catalyst for your genuine reformation.
Andro


E. Tim Yap

Well, we've had quite a year, have we not Tim?

Readers, there's a small part of me that wants to try and understand Tim Yap (I've tried; believe me) and the type of society he surrounds himself with and promotes relentlessly.
The society where so many are marginalized by so very few, but yet remains totally acceptable and actually something to strive for. I call it Tim Yap society. It has to go!

Some of us feel a deep desire to comprehend how HIGH society can 'get away' with such a blatant disregard for the suffering humanity around them, while exploiting at the same time, the deep desire in others (MUCH less fortunate) to achieve the same lofty dreams. Knowing full well, they never will. Ever.

And Tim knows this too. It's just a dream to sell. But it's actually a nightmare.

There really is so much more to do in terms of bringing into clearer focus the true reality of the Philippines. The vast shocking differences between the haves and the have nothings SHOULD bring tears to Tim’s eyes. They don’t

I can't understand it nor will I ever.

You see Timothy, times are changing. Everything is changing mate.
The focus is shifting away from the debauched permission that so many seek from you.
Permission to leave one’s conscience at the door. Permission to leave one’s self respect and sense of self at the door.

Honor, dignity and decent rational are also abandoned.
At the cost of the nation.

Good luck in 2009 Tim. You're going to need it mate.
Happy New Year.

Brian Gorrell



F. Cory Aquino

Dear Tita Cory

During the last months of your term, I, together with five other young people, was imprisoned in Makar, General Santos because of our involvement in the urban poor struggle in that area, without any warrant of arrest. We were very young and idealistic then. Some connections put our ordeal to your attention, thus we were released. Then you sent us an apology. I thought it was nice of a president to apologize.

But here you are apologizing again, this time to a former president who was actually convicted of plunder.

Remember, the first hours of EDSA 2, there were only a handful of us. We came because you sent a message that we should come. You even smiled when we sang our hymn to your sister-in-law, “pasayaw sayaw ka pa, tang-ina ka!”

And here you are, rewriting history, because you thought the whole thing was an error? An “oopppss, sorry tao lang po?”

I certainly wish that you will be more discerning this coming year. As much as I certainly wish you will live longer than your cancer can allow you. But if you want to rewrite history, rewrite it with us, especially those times when we were there when history happened.

Rain

And a Special Message to All Filipinos

From Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga

Let our lives be good news to others.

Oftentimes, people say that media reports too much bad news. We have discovered that they are equally interested in covering inspiring stories that are relevant to the issues of the day and the needs of our times. Good news also sells.

The best news is the poor themselves. They have shown us that they do not want to beg or steal or remain idle –that they can turn troubled and ugly slums into peaceful and beautiful communities, barren lands into fields of abundance –if they regain their dignity and their dreams for their children.

The next great news is that the young are starting to believe that there is hope in this country. Many of them are mobilizing the campuses to be in solidarity with the less privileged in their communities –to build, to care, to mentor and to learn…and to reconnect with the forgotten Filipino again. It is my great belief that change is coming that will make the future much better than what it is now.

Finally, I pray that we can all be grateful for the gift of this country.

As we advocate for change, let us not forget to count our blessings. Let us discard the mentality that everything is bad and wrong in our country, while everything is good and right abroad. Let us observe a moment of grace when we can simply thank God for this beautiful land and the great privilege of being a Filipino. With all our imperfections and problems, this is still the best spot in the planet for many of us who see this country through the eyes of hope.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tony Meloto