Good governance: Just say "NO!" to wrongdoing

"Corruption, like rust, is corrosive. Preventing rust requires an eagle eye and regular preventive maintenance. Removing rust is more difficult requiring much more time than it takes to prevent, and aggressive expensive measures to restore to its original state."

By Rafael Alunan III
17 January 2013

Lately, there has been a series of damning headlines about the state of corruption in the country. For example, comparative import data of the IMF and BoC indicate huge disparities such that estimated losses to technical smuggling alone was P1.9-Trillion from 2002-2011. That excludes the losses from outright smuggling!

Then there was this news about a drug lab operating in a high-end condo in Global City; before that in a farm in Batangas; before that in a house in Ayala Alabang; before that in various places in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Reports of Mexican drug cartel collaboration with Chinese triads and Nigerian syndicates abound. It means we have porous gates, bad law enforcement, corrupt local government officials and a growing market of drug users.
 

Yesterday, it was reported that the perception index of corruption* was higher last year than the previous year, from 43% to 56%, which viewed it to be "a lot." Surveyed were around 1,000 enterprises that deal with national agencies and local governments. Notwithstanding exhortations for taking the "straight path" many in government continue to ignore presidential orders and the voice of the people.

Corruption, like rust, is corrosive. Preventing rust requires an eagle eye and regular preventive maintenance. Removing rust is more difficult requiring much more time than it takes to prevent, and aggressive expensive measures to restore to its original state.

That's what we have to do with the advanced state of corrosion we see in our state of governance and the state of the nation. We must take aggressive measures to clean house and restore it to a state of honor and respectability. This is not being done in a methodical and aggressive manner across-the-board and down-the-line. "Talk the talk" has not shifted to and gained traction as "walk the talk."

There's a simple formula to avoid/prevent wrongdoing and not add to our state of corrosion: Just Say NO!

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Rafael Alunan III served as Secretary of Tourism and as Secretary of Interior and Local Govt in the governments of President Cory Aquino and President Fidel Ramos successively. Mr Alunan, a regular contributor to this blog, is currently Convenor, West Philippine Sea Coalition and is also a member of the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum. The author has given his permission to publish this article on this blog.


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*Info: "According to the SWS, 42 percent said that “most/almost all” companies in their business sector had given bribes to win government contracts in 2013, practically unchanged from the record-low 41 percent in 2012. Forty-four percent said they were solicited for bribes when getting local and national permits or licenses, paying income taxes, complying with import regulations, supplying government with goods and services, collecting receivables from government and availing themselves of government incentives." (Credit: Data info  and SWS Poll chart sourced from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/ with Research by Ana Roa.) Special thanks to J Chua. ~~ Blog Admin

PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LAW ENFORCERS, NOT LAW BREAKERS

"The video showed that Mayor Binay's aides were armed with armalites and semi-automatics. They were seen cocking their guns as if they were ready for war. Senator Nancy Binay was seen just watching without even attempting to intervene and do the right thing. It only means that she and her brother have the same corrupt, ego/power-tripping mentality."

By Marlene Howe
20 December 2013

Background: Social media is buzzing with criticisms over the extraordinary incident involving Mr Binay Junior, mayor of Makati City and son of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, one of the frontrunners come presidential election 2016, and three security guards of a posh Makati subdivision. Mr Binay, in an amazing display of power had the three guards arrested for refusing his convoy passage through the subdivision. The Inquirer news published a CCTV footage of the incident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFGo9RN5mY.

NO TO THE BINAYS NEXT ELECTION!

Senator Alan Cayetano said that DILG should investigate this incident involving the son of Vice-President Jojo Binay who is also the mayor of the industrial district of Makati. Mayor Junjun Binay wielded his power against the poor security guards and ordered their arrest for doing their job. But obviously, Mayor Binay and his sister, Senator Nancy Binay, don't want to follow the rules because they feel they are above any rule of law.

Mayor Junjun Binay was arrogant and delivered the classic ego/power-tripping phrase, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? He  may be the mayor of Makati but certainly not above the law! Will Mar Roxas, as DILG Secretary do the right thing and take action on this blatant abuse of power? And will President Aquino support this action? This is the time to show your impartiality and do your job of making public officials accountable for their actions. The video and testimonies from the witnesses should be enough to prove the case.


The video showed that Mayor Binay's aides were armed with armalites and semi-automatics. They were seen cocking their guns as if they were ready for war. Senator Nancy Binay was also seen just watching without even attempting to intervene and do the right thing. It only means that she and her brother have the same corrupt, ego/power-tripping mentality..

Their father, the Vice-President also gave a lame excuse for his children's behavior saying that they, his children deserve some courtesy. What courtesy are you talking about, VP Binay? You mean they have to be given a pass not to follow the rules that other high profile and prominent people follow including foreign diplomats? What makes them above everybody else? You are a poor excuse of a father and public servant and you only proved that you have a corrupt mind as well and therefore, YOU DON'T DESERVE TO WORK FOR US! 

In fact, none of you deserve to be in the position of power because you are abusive and corrupt. It's a common knowledge that your children lack the experience to be leaders but because of your money and power they were put in the position of public trust. The Binays only proved to be UNTRUSTWORTHY of public trust. REMEMBER THIS, THE PEOPLE ARE YOUR BOSSES AND YOU ARE THE EMPLOYEES! 

NO TO THE BINAYS NEXT ELECTION! 

~~~O~~~

Below is the incident reported in the Philippine Inquirer so you know what happened:

The general manager of the Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) on Thursday defended the three guards who barred the convoy of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay from using the gate of the subdivision on Banyan and McKinley Roads on Nov. 30, saying they did nothing wrong.

“The rules apply to everybody,” DVA general manager Mike Bucoy said on Thursday. He said the subdivision did not have a “VIP policy.”

Bucoy was referring to the village policy prohibiting the exit of vehicles from the gate after 10 p.m.

The Inquirer reported on Wednesday that Binay had ordered the arrest of the three security guards after his convoy, which included his sister Sen. Nancy Binay, was prevented from using the gate close to midnight three weeks ago.

The guards insisted that the group could not pass through the gate, citing the village policy. The source interviewed by the Inquirer said the same policy was being followed by high-profile residents.

The 187-hectare Dasmariñas Village is home to the embassies of China, the Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Mexico, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka and Turkey, and the consulates of Oman and Vanuatu.

Prominent politicians and celebrities who reside there include Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, former Sen. Joker Arroyo, former Tarlac Rep. Peping Cojuangco, former Speaker Jose de Venecia and singer Sharon Cuneta.

According to the source and the CCTV footage released by Inquirer.net, Binay called for the police who then arrested the three security guards.

Asked if the guards were reprimanded for what happened, Bucoy said they were alright and were still working at the village.

“Wala namang mali na ginawa iyong mga guards ko (Our guards did nothing wrong),” he said.

This was echoed by Inquirer columnist and television host Solita “Winnie” Collas-Monsod who said: “The guards were correct… And Mayor Binay was obviously wrong. He was taking advantage of his position and trying to be above the law. And anything that goes above the law is wrong.”

Read more here.

Marlene Howe is co-Founder and Administrator of the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum and of the Defenders of Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims community as well as  administrator of this blog. Ms Howe is US based but keeps a home in the Philippines.

TO VIEW VIDEO, click on following link: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/549227/our-guards-did-nothing-wrong-dasmarinas-village-officer#ixzz2o20qefYo

A DIFFERENCE IN LEADERSHIP CAN MAKE OR BREAK THE COUNTRY

So much of the country's pork barrel funds have gone to waste financing not-so-important projects to gain political leverage and to line the private pockets of politicians. Poverty has been an ongoing problem and keeps the country in third world status when in fact, we should be one of the richest countries in the world because of our rich and immense natural resources. But our leaders have failed to capitalize on those because of their self-serving agenda.

By Marlene D. Howe
12 December 2013

There have been many posts on Facebook regarding leadership in the Philippines. The recent earthquake and typhoon Yolanda that hit the Central Visayas -- and before that the Zamboanga siege, showed the inept ability of our government leaders to deal with crisis as well as their selfish agenda and hubris. Someone mentioned that perhaps our culture has something to do with the way we are. How come then that developed countries seem to be more productive while we cannot seem to get ahead? We are regressing instead of progressing! 

Basically, all cultures are similar from the ancient days when our forefathers hunted for food. Culture only plays a part in our poverty because of failed leadership. Let's use Singapore as an example. The country, though smaller than ours, is much progressive than the Philippines thanks to leadership. But I put the blame on the people in general for voting for the same inutile trapos to the seat of power.

Here's my take on leadership in the Philippines compared to that of our neighboring country like Japan and our failure in readiness:

So much of the country's pork barrel funds went to waste financing not-so-important projects to gain political leverage and to line the private pockets of politicians. Poverty has been an ongoing problem and keeps the country in the third world status when in fact, we are supposed to be one of the richest countries in the world because of our rich and immense natural resources. But our leaders have failed to capitalize on those because of their self-serving agenda. They have not even thought of ways to prepare for catastrophic events like typhoon that has been a part of our life since time immemorial. We are geographically located in a disaster-prone area and yet our government does not have a plan or programs in placed to mitigate losses, recover and rehabilitate. Only the elites and those in the position of power to steal from the people get richer and the majority gets poorer.

There's a big difference between Japan and the Philippines. That is LEADERSHIP! I can't help compare the two countries because while Japan was able to rise up amidst the rubble of war and became an economic power, the Philippines in contrast, remains in the pit of misery. Japan also has emergency programs worth emulating. We have seen that during the tsunami and Fukushima disaster. The world saw how calm and organized their recovery methods are and there are designated refugee centers throughout the country with well-stocked emergency supplies.

In comparison to the Philippines, kung kelan tayo may calamity saka pa lang tayo mangangapa! (We prepare for calamity when it's there.) The recent typhoon Yolanda proved our inability to handle crisis once more. And though we received a lot of foreign donations, many of them were left rotting in the warehouse and many were sold to the grocery stores. Chaos and pandemonium in the aftermath of the typhoon went out of control because our politicians were busy in power tripping and finger-pointing.

Incidentally, I have said the same thing many times in the past comparing the Japanese leaders to our kapit-tuko disgraced politicians. Japanese leaders embroiled in disgraceful controversy commit hara-kiri or seppuku (suicide) while ours keep the status quo and lie to their teeth. Sila na ang may kasalanan, sila pa ang galit! I don't advocate suicide as it is a sin in many religious beliefs and culture. But at least, they should have the decency to resign from their post for the good of the country so our leaders can focus on other important issues. Japanese people also don't vote for someone with known questionable background unlike the Filipinos who keep voting for the same corrupt trapos and unqualified and inutile celebrities or political dynasty for a measly sum or celebrity status. 

The Filipino voters can't seem to separate personal admiration or adulation of the celebrity from the qualities of a true public servants. This has been the cycle that our people seem to be uninterested to change. Complacency and apathy became the norm. Our current desolate state is the manifestation of our reckless and "bahala na" attitude. Change comes from within! If we change our mindset, we can affect TRUE CHANGE by voting for the right reason and not for selfish reason. Vote for the right candidates because you know and you believe these people have honest desire to serve the people. If the candidate/s turned out to be corrupt or inept, don't vote for that person again. If we do this, our politicians will be more conscientious in their job knowing that come next election they will be out of job. We, the people have that power to hire and fire public servants. Let's be conscientious and not sell our votes. This is what PATRIOTISM is all about! Show love for the country by doing the right thing. 

~~~~O~~~~

Marlene Howe is co-Founder and Administrator of the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum and of the Defenders of Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims community as well as  administrator of this blog. Ms Howe is US based but keeps a home in the Philippines.

Tragic and ironic: Scarborough Shoal used to be called "Panacot Shoal"; must be renamed "Natacot Shoal"

IN THE 17th century, Scarborough Shoal used to be called "Panacot" (as in "Fearsome"), pronounced phonetically as "panakot", as shown in this map*. Today, its Philippine name is Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc. But in reality, it should be renamed "Natacot" ("Frightened"), pronounced phonetically as "natakot", in opposition to its original formidable name. Really, "Natacot Shoal" seems to be the more appropriate name.

The shoal cannot realistically be called "Panacot" or "Fearsome" as in someone or something that can or will scare the living daylight out of someone which is what the Pilipino word 'panakot' means. The brutal fact is the shoal is no longer in Philippine hands because China frightened PH. The shoal has been hijacked by China, roped off to deny access to its original owners, PH. Filipino fishermen who have been fishing in Scarborough waters are forbidden by its stealers, China, to make a living out of its waters.

There is logic to renaming the erstwhile Panacot Island/Shoal "Natacot Shoal" since the guardians and protectors of our waters, i.e., Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard whose role is to fight for and to defend Philippine sovereignty if need be, no longer even patrol Scarborough waters which are located in West Philippine Sea because current leadership apparently does not wish to offend China for fear of provoking a conflict, hence "natakot" (i.e., was or were frightened.)

In fact, in April 2012 during a stand off in Scarborough after Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar handed Chinese poachers to the Philippine Coast Guard, at the first hint of trouble, BRP Gregorio del Pilar (shown) was ordered to withdraw -- Philippine officials were "natakot" (frightened) at the thought of a naval confrontation. General Gregorio del Pilar, the young great revolutionary hero who died defending Tirad Pass from the American invaders and after whom the Philippine Navy flagship was named, must be turning in his grave.

By July 2012, Philippine ships had withdrawn altogether leaving China ships in control of Scarborough. China has since erected a barrier to the entrance of the shoal. Vessels belonging to Beijing's China Marine Surveillance and Fisheries Law Enforcement Command were observed near the disputed shoal. Scarborough Shoal, effectiveley, has ceased to be under Philippine control.  

It is doubtful that China will return "Natacot Shoal", er, we mean Scarborough/Panatag/Panacot Shoal to the Philippines. PH lost whatever chance of retaining sovereignty over "Panacot Shoal" when PH ships were ordered to withdraw from Scarborough just because PH officials were "natakot" (frightened).

This tragedy is similar to the Sabah claim tragedy which began fifty years ago when PH Govt presented its first claim to Sabah. Today, there are groups seeking to revive the Sabah claim. In 50 years, our great, great grandchildren will be putting up "Defenders of Philippine Natacot Shoal Claim" groups... How mercilessly ironic that would be. Well, if they have the same kind of govt officials or leaders we've got today, they will need a lot of luck to make China give up "Natacot" and that is assuming that China has not yet invaded PH islands in the Spratlys.

Related post: Why China cannot be trusted: Continuing violation of 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, List of incidents with China in West Philippine Sea, and China's continuing intimidation of Philippines and Vietnam 

*The 17th century map was first posted on Philippine Sabah Claim Forum by Admin RCR

Where do armed insurectionists in the South get their financing from to checkmate the AFP?

A FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM THAT THE REPUBLIC AND CURRENT LEADERSHIP MUST RESOLVE: Where do the armed insurectionists in the South (MILF, MNLF, NPA, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters mujahideens, Abu Sayyaff bandit group, MILF Bangsamoro Army, etc.) get their financing from to be able to sutain armed insurrections and checkmate the legal armed wing of the Philippines which is the AFP? 

Do they get their financing to pay for insurrection weaponry from Malaysia? From China? From local "taxation"? From protection money from politicians? From America? From the Middle East? From Indonesia? From just about anywhere? 

We believe that until Govt solves this fundamental issue, there will be no peace in Mindanao -- and until Government destroys the financing pipeline or pipelines, sovereignty of the Republic over a vast portion of Mindanao will always be under threat.

NOTE: Similar problems existed in Northern Ireland until the 90s when Irish Americans sustained the terror actions of then terror groups Sinn Fein, IRA, etc by financing them... It was not until Pres Bill Clinton finally decided to cut off the financing pipeline and the media exposed US citizens participation, which effectively destroyed the financing pipeline, that the terror actions of the IRA really stopped.

STORIES and pictures from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Jihad Part 1 and BIFF Jihad Part 2 . The BIFF is a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was organised by Hashim Salamat; the MILF in itself is a breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which was founded by Nur Misuari in the early 70s. All of them had been financed by Malaysia following the discovery of the Philippine Govt's Operation Merdeka in the late 60s.

Lead photo (top picture): MILF weapons display by GMA News Network  Caption: Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters display their weapons inside the MILF's 101st Base Command in Camp Badar, Maguindanao province, where rebels and government troops exchange fire since last week. Mark Navales

THE REPUBLIC CANNOT HAVE A PARALLEL ARMY AND EXPECT THAT REPUBLIC TO REMAIN ONE SOLID NATION!

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A GOVERNMENT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO PUT LAW AND ORDER: NUR MISUARI JUSTIFIES THE MNLF ARMED OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE ABU SAYYAF GROUP -- MNLF ACTS MUCH LIKE THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILILPPINES.

While we understand where our esteemed friend Prof Nur Misuari is coming from, we do not believe that the MNLF should replace the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is our belief that the Republic of the Philippines has only one armed forces, and that there CANNOT BE A PARALLEL ARMY. If the government insists on subordinating its powers, as in outsourcing, to a parallel army, even if its the MNLF (which, incidentally, is calling for secession from the Republic), the government is encouraging contempt for everything that the Republic and its institutions should stand for, and inevitably, is encouraging the dismantling of the Republic.

Our Navy has stopped patrolling Scarborough for fear that we might offend China. We have peacenickers right in Kuala Lumpur grovelling before the Malaysians... What's next? We might as well outsource the defence services for this country!

And all this government can do is to issue a limp statement: "Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said President Aquino did not sanction the MNLF actions against the Abu Sayyaf."

By subordinating law and order powers to the MNLF, this government has encouraged the dismantiling of the Republic! What a crying shame!

REPORT: Nur justifies drive vs Sayyaf
By Rudy Santos, Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 10, 2013 - 12:00am

“Our people in the MNLF had been waiting for years for possible action on the part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the Philippine government (to deal with the problem of Abu Sayyaf),” he said.

Misuari said the MNLF will take the initiative to restore peace.

“We will restore peace in our homeland with or without the Philippine government, we will do it ourselves,” he said.

.../... “We would like to call on the authority of Malacañang that (this offensive against the Abu Sayyaf) is an internal problem of the MNLF. Internal, notwithstanding the fact that we fought against our former comrades who joined the Abu Sayyaf. They are Muslims also,” Hashim said.

According to Hashim, the problem with the Abu Sayyaf has not been addressed since the administration of former President Fidel Ramos.

Link to full story here.

IN PICTURE (From Philippine Star) MNLF chairman Nur Misuari and wife Tarhata Ibrahim Arsad arrive at the NAIA from North Africa yesterday. RUDY SANTOS

22 June 1962 Philippines officially files claim to Sabah in the United Nations.

Today is the 50th anniversary of the official filing of Philippines' claim to Sabah.

On 22 June 1962 or fifty years ago today, the Philippines, under President Diosdado Macapagal officially filed the Republic's claim to Sabah in the United Nations based on historical and legal sultanate of Sulu ownership right.

Fifty years hence, nothing concrete has been done to raise the issue with Malaysia. Instead, in 2003, the daughter of President Diosdado Macapagal who became 'president' extra-constitutionally opened the gates of Mindanao to the Malaysians by allowing the Malaysians to control the so-called peace talks with the MILF and almost gave a huge chunk of Mindanao. 

Today, the son of the senator who denounced President Marcos plans to invade Sabah in the late 60s and who has become president himself has continued the process -- in Kuala Lumpur to boot leading to a signed agreement under the diktat of Malaysia for the creation of a "new political entity."

Where has national self-respect gone???

Lease documents shown below. You may also click on this link here.

Recommended reading: A briefer on the North Borneo (Sabah) ownership from the Pimentel Institute.

22 June 1962: Philippines filed official claim to Sabah

PHILIPPINE SABAH CLAIM FORUM DATES AND EVENTS TO REMEMBER IN RELATION TO NATION'S SABAH CLAIM

By Anne de Bretagne
10 June 2012
For the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum

FIFTY YEARS AGO OR ON 22 JUNE 1962 MORE PRECISELY: PHILIPPINES FILED OFFICIAL CLAIM TO SABAH BUT PHILIPPINES FAILED TO OBTAIN SUPPORT FROM ITS FORMER COLONIAL MASTER TURNED MAJOR ALLY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The Malayans (not yet Malaysians) under Tunku Abdul Rahman, on the other hand, not only had the full support of Great Britain, its former overlords and then key ally but it also appeared that they had received blanket approval to annex Sabah from then United Nations Secretary General U Thant (undoubtedly through the largesse and political pressure by then superpower and Malaya colonials Great Britain.)

The question that comes to mind is why did not the United States of America give the Philippines support in its bid to establish its sovereignty rights over Sabah in 1962 or even during the 60s while the claim was clearly a hot item in the United Nations? The United States which was Philippine colonial master and at the time of the claim was filed was the Philippines' great  'benefactor.' The US, was, after al, a superpower in its own right and could have exerted influence on the United Nations and why not on Great Britain, its major ally and friend with whom it has a 'special' relationship? What happened that the United States decided not to intervene on behalf of the Philippines?

Dates and events to remember related to Philippine Sabah claim:

31 August 1957: Federation of Malaya (not yet MALAYSIA) was established on the Malay Peninsula thus giving the former British colony its political independence, while Britain kept Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei, and British North Borneo (Sabah) outside the federation.

12 May 1961: Malay prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman set about the formation of the Federation of Malaysia (successor to Federation of Malaya) —the political union of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah. The proposal was noted to have been well received in Peninsular MALAYA and Singapore but it was also noted that it was not popular in the three Borneo territories (which included Sabah) which stood to be annexed in the planned Federation of Malaysia.

May 1962: Senator Jovito Salonga treatise on "THE NORTH BORNEO QUESTION" and published in  Manila Times, Manila Chronicle, Philippines Free Press

22 June 1962: Philippines under President Diosdado Macapagal filed official claim to Sabah as successor in interest and formally opposed the planned annexation of Sabah by then Federation of Malaya and Great Britain from whom Peninsular Malaya had become independent.

12 September 1962 (and not on 11 September as claimed by some fake sultan and impostor prince claiming to be representing Sultanate of Sulu): official and formal transfer of sovereignty rights over Sabah to the Republic of the Philippines by Sultanate of Sulu through Sultan Esmail Kiram, legal and moral owners of Sabah.

January 1963: President Sukarno began a low-intensity conflict with Malaya known as Konfrontasi to prevent the annexation of Sarawak which Indonesia claimed as part of the Indonesian territory.

16 September 1963: Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore were annexed to Federation of MALAYA to create the Federation of MALAYSIA. Philippines and the newly formed Federation of Malaysia severed diplomatic ties.

*In picture: President Diosdado Macapagal aboard USS Oklahoma in 1962.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Corona, not morally fit to remain sitting in the country's highest court

The People of the Philippines voted to convict Gloria Macapagal-mindnight appointee Corona and said to the old regime: NEMO NOS IMPUNE LACESSIT!

The impeachment trial of SC Chief Justice Corona was not only concerned with the technical legalities of whether the charges presented against Mr Corona were technically well formulated or not (as Senator Miriam Defensor would have liked us all to believe) but it had been also more concerned with the moral fitness of the man to continue sitting as the highest magister of justice in this land. Because the ordinary Joes of this country could not vote directly, the Senators, in their stead, pronounced a verdict that reflected the nation's desire to rid the nation of the corrupt and the misfits. 

Bravo Senators!

Read the news here:  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/202929/senate-convicts-corona

The People of the Philippines voted to convict Corona and said to the old corrupt regime: NEMO NOS IMPUNE LACESSIT!

ON THE SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE CORONA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

Two of our friend journalists have different views on the fate of SC Chief Justice Corona. One of the nation's respected journalists and bloggers, Ellen Tordesillas predicts that Corona will be convicted. 

Manuel Buencamino, a columnist for Business Mirror, in a comment in Ellen's blog writes, "Corona will be acquitted. Sana mali ako but the guardians of corruption are legion."  

Ms Tordesillas' writes:

"The walkout by Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona sealed his fate: he will be convicted.  

"During his three-hour narration, wherein he didn’t mince words against those he perceived were maligning him including President Aquino, whom he scornfully referred to as “hacienderong Pangulo”, he kept on complaining about his detractors undermining the rule law and bastardizing due process.   

"“Binababoy nila ang proseso ng Saligang Batas para yurakan ang aking mga karapatan,” he said.  

"As chief justice, Corona should be the embodiment of the rule of law. His office enforces judicial code of conduct and the Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers. He knows that a witness, which he was on May 22, does not leave the witness stand without being discharged by the Presiding judge.  Yet,acting imperial, he declared:“And now, the Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused.” He left the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom. He didn’t wait to be excused."

For the complete report: Ellen Tordesillas Blog

Our view from abroad? The impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona has been a good democratic showcase but it has also left an indellible corrupted mark on our political system and on our justice system entailing the risk that the rest of the free world will not find it easy to believe that they can fully trust our political and justice systems again -- at least not for a long time.  

Even if he is acquitted, Mr Corona must resign. This impeachment trial, rightly or wrongly, has exposed some of the dirtiest laundries from his professional and personal domains. The chief justice of a nation's supreme court cannot preside over the highest court of the land with a record such as his and remain credible in the eyes of the nation and the world. There is no other recourse but for Mr Corona to leave, hoping that his departure will save the Supreme Court -- and the justice system, from further indignity.

Perception may not be everything but it plays an important part in how many of the official quarters in the rest of the free world decide whether to trust us or not.

  

*Photo credit: Impeachment Watch News

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE ON THE NORTH BORNEO (SABAH) ISSUE

Four years ago, Malacanang issued a Memorandum [GUIDELINES ON MATTERS PERTAINING T0 NORTH BORNEO (SABAH)] to government departments with regard to the handling of the burning Sabah issue.

So, contrary to what many detractors of the Philippine Sabah claim, the Government of the Republic of Philippines has never recognised Malaysia's purported sovereignty over North Borneo (Sabah). The Philippines, effectively, has always maintained historical and legal rights over Sabah. The documents have also been posted on Facebook by the Philippine Sabah Claim Forum for wider dissemination.

(NB: For easier reading, we have transcribed the PDF documents (1) Circurlar issued by then Executive Secretary Eduardo R Ermita (2)  Department of Education memorandum disseminated upon receipt of Malacanang Circular hereunder.)

Malacanang
Manila
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR N0.`162

GUIDELINES ON MATTERS PERTAINING T0 NORTH BORNEO (SABAH)

WHEREAS, by virtue of Article 1 of _the 1987 Constitution on National Territory, the Phíiìppines has hìstorical and legal right over certain parts of North Borneo (Sabah);

WHEREAS, it is in the national interest to safeguard the country's hístoricai and legal right in North Borneo (Sabah);

WHEREAS, the Philippines believes in the peaceful resolution of disputes with neighboring countries as provided under the same Constitution, which expressly states that the Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations;

WHEREAS, there is a need for guidelines with regard to activities, acts or statements in relation to North Borneo (Sabah) for the protection of the said rights;

WHEREFORE, the following guìdeiìnes are hereby prescribed:

Section 1. No Department, agency, or instrumentality of the Philippine Government shall make any act or statement expressing or implying, directly or indirectiy, any recognition of a foreign state's sovereignty over North Borneo (Sabah) or non-recognition of Philippine title or historicai and legal rights to the same.

Section 2. Any official activity, act or statement relating to North Borneo (Sabah) or which may have bearing on the Philippine claim to said territory shall be carried out only with the clearance of or after consultations with the Department of
Foreign Affairs.

Section 3. Reference to North Borneo (Sabah) in official documents should not include its being part of a larger national/federal territory. These .documents include, but are not limited to, the following: Philippine passports, agreement, agreed minutes, joint communiqués, record of discussions, and similar documents..

Section 4. Philippine government visiting North' Bdrneo (Sabah) shall provide the DFA with a report on their travel thereto.

This Circular shall take effect immedately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of August in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

By authority of the President:

Eduardo R. Ermita
Executive Secretary

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
DepED MEMORANDUM
YN0. 412, S. 2008

DISSEMINATION OF MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO, 162 DATED AUGUST 20, 2008
(Guidelines on Matters Pertaining to North Borneo (SABAH)

To: Undersecretaries
      Assistant Secretaries
      Bureau Directors
      Directors of Services, Centers and Heads of Units
      Regional Directors
      Schools Division/ City Superintendents
     A11 Others Concerned

1. For the information and guidance of all concerned, enclosed is a copy of Memorandum Circular No. 162 dated August 20, 2008 entitled “Guidelines on Matters Pertaining to North Borneo [SABAH)”, which is self explanatory.

2. Immediate and Wide dissemination of this Memorandum is desired.


FRANKLIN C. SUNGA
Undersecretary

Encl.: As stated
Reference: None
Allotment: 1-(D.O. 50-97)
To be indicated in the Pergetual Index under the following Subjects:

LEGISLATIONS
OFFICIALS
POLICY

Sally: MC. No. 162
September 1, 2008

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NB: FOR A CLEARER VIEW OF THE PDF DOCUMENTS (shown below), PLEASE CONSULT THE PDF FILE ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2U9JuIVbTotQkVPckNjNW1HMEk/edit

The PDF Documents submitted by blog contributor Amando Respicion Boncales, researcher and graduate student, University of Illinois.

ALARMING! GPH-MILF creating a "new political entity" [as per Malaysia 'diktat'?]

ALARMING: The joint statement by the Govt of the Republic of the Philippines and hardline rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed on 24th April 2012 in Kuala Lumpur contains a reference to the creation of a "new political entity." 

But what could the term mean? 

The meaning of the term "new political entity", i.e., an independent government, a new political enclave, etc., etc., could not have been lost on a top jurist like Dean Marvic Leonen. We believe the "new political entity" doctrine contained in the GPH-MILF Decision Points of Principles as of April 2012  is actually a continuation of the disrupted Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plan to dismember the Republic when the past administration almost signed away a big portion of Mindanao to Malaysia's proxy, the MILF. The Supreme Court stopped it on time.

We believe that the reference in that joint agreement to a 'new political entity' being created can not be a lapse in judgement, certainly not by a top jurist like Dean Marvic Leonen. We believe that this agreement is spelling out a potentially realistic surrender of republican sovereignty over a big portion of our national territory to God knows which entity. 

Another important point that's so glaring in that "agreement" because of its absence:  The non-mention of internal security powers by the state in that agreement is rather alarming; what does it say or not say? That if the state's internal security is threatened and that the threat is emanating from that new "political entity", the state will have no powers to do something about it... In other words, the AFP, whose mandate is to protect the people of the republic and has for its sworn duty to defend the state from threats coming from within (as well as from external threats), shall not  lift a finger???

Alarming in the extreme...

To have a clearer view of the PDF Documents, click on the following link: http://www.luwaran.com/home/images/stories/statement/27thDocuments.pdf

TO PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS, JOIN THE NEMO NOS IMPUNE LACESSIT AT THE  PHILIPPINE SABAH CLAIM FORUM on Facebook.

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT 2008 DIRECTIVE TO DEPT NATL EDUCATION ABOUT SABAH

To view pdf documents, please click on following link:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2U9JuIVbTotQkVPckNjNW1HMEk/edit

Courtesy of  Amando Respicio Boncales, researcher and graduate student, University of Illinois.

APPEASING MALAYSIA: Must we thrash the notions of national self-respect and human dignity in the name of bogus "peace"?

By HM Sultana Matt Salleh in PHILIPPINE SABAH CLAIM FORUM · 

Barely two months ago was 134th anniversary of the signing of the Sabah lease. Today, the Philippines and Malaysia-funded MILF rebels are setting a timeline for the signing of a "peace treaty" under full Malaysia supervision. The talks are currently ongoing in the heart of Malaysia. It seems that not only are we prepared to play doormats in relation to Sabah but it also looks like we are tacitly about to open the gates of Mindanao to full-scale incursion by Malaysia. Must we thrash the notions of national self-respect and human dignity in the name of bogus "peace"? 

SABAH LEASE IS KEY BASIS OF OUR RIGHT TO SABAH 

By Anne de Bretagne in PHILIPPINE SABAH CLAIM FORUM

When the Sabah lease was signed 134 years ago -- on the 22nd of January 1878, between the Sultanate of Sulu & Sabah and two foreign businessmen, the Sultanate ensured that their rights to Sabah ownership were protected with this all encompassing moral and legal clause clearly spelled out in the lease contract, to wit: 

"...but the rights and powers hereby leased shall not be transferred to any nation, or a company of other nationality, without the consent of Their Majesties Government." 

 

The whole Mindanao-Moro problem and Malaysia's incursion right in the heart of Philippine Moro 'homeland' is without a shadow of doubt tied to the Philippine Sabah claim.

The Malaysians know it and the Filipinos know it but Kuala Lumpur will do everything in their power to make sure that the Philippines will not have a moment's respite to turn around and raise the Sabah claim. And the problem is being compounded by the fact that successive Chinese communities in Sabah have staged their own claim over Sabah and over the last couple of decades; they have been at it, trying to muster political support from the population of Sabah to claim "independence" from Malaysia.

As years go and while this problem is unsettled, there will be more problems -- political and military, that are bound to arise and could very well bring the Sabah question to the inevitable: armed conflict which it almost did back in the 60s when the Philippines attempted to take physical control of Sabah in a covert operation code-named "Operation Merdeka."

After 134 years, it is time to examine the contents of the lease and to bring them out in the open. The Republic of the Philippines nor Malaysia cannot continue to be blind. Sabah is either the Philippines' or it is not -- only a minitious examination of facts done in absolute good faith can determine final legal and moral ownership.

If the parties to the claim or to the counter claim refuse -- and that includes major counter claimant Malaysia, to adhere to the principle of good faith, I'm afraid, the peace and order problem in Mindano will continue as the rebel forces in Mindanao are encouraged, maintained and funded by the the current occupiers of Sabah. And unless we face this extremely sensitive Sabah question head on, there is every chance that we will be encouraging Malaysia to invade Mindanao by proxy.