Friday, July 23, 2010
Aquino to bare anomalies in SONA
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III will be revealing “a minimum of five anomalies” the previous administration committed that he said will shock the public.
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III will be revealing “a minimum of five anomalies” the previous administration committed that he said will shock the public.
Speaking to reporters after the change-of-command ceremonies at the Philippine Army Friday, Aquino said the anomalies that he and his Cabinet have uncovered will be “shocking” and “without sense, without rhyme and without reason, but which we have to fix.”
“Pati kayo na sanay na sanay na, ma-sha-shock pa rin kayo (Even you who are used to this, will still be shocked),” he said.
Giving a glimpse of his speech, Aquino said one of the irregularities discovered by Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad was the alleged misuse of calamity funds, which benefitted a particular district not hit by a typhoon.
Aquino said the calamity funds have already been “depleted.”
“It seems there was a particular district that benefitted and that is not affected by typhoon Basyang or even typhoons Ondoy or Pepeng. But 20% of the [calamity] funds allegedly went…to that district,” Aquino said.
He declined to provide more details as it would pre-empt his speech.
Asked what the overall message of his first speech would be, Aquino said, “As I said in the beginning, you have to ascertain what the problems are. The problems will point to certain solutions that would be best to solve all of these problems you have identified.”
“In the reverse side of that, we are very, very hopeful of the developments with regards to fulfilling the wants and needs of our state,” he added.
Aquino said his SONA speech is still in the process of re-writing, noting that he and his speech writers were already on the fifth rewrite. The first draft, he said, was 24 pages long, single-spaced and with a font size of 16 points.
“I said this is too much and I have to be very, very careful of what I say because it might create the wrong impression,” he added.
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III will be revealing “a minimum of five anomalies” the previous administration committed that he said will shock the public.
Speaking to reporters after the change-of-command ceremonies at the Philippine Army Friday, Aquino said the anomalies that he and his Cabinet have uncovered will be “shocking” and “without sense, without rhyme and without reason, but which we have to fix.”
“Pati kayo na sanay na sanay na, ma-sha-shock pa rin kayo (Even you who are used to this, will still be shocked),” he said.
Giving a glimpse of his speech, Aquino said one of the irregularities discovered by Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad was the alleged misuse of calamity funds, which benefitted a particular district not hit by a typhoon.
Aquino said the calamity funds have already been “depleted.”
“It seems there was a particular district that benefitted and that is not affected by typhoon Basyang or even typhoons Ondoy or Pepeng. But 20% of the [calamity] funds allegedly went…to that district,” Aquino said.
He declined to provide more details as it would pre-empt his speech.
Asked what the overall message of his first speech would be, Aquino said, “As I said in the beginning, you have to ascertain what the problems are. The problems will point to certain solutions that would be best to solve all of these problems you have identified.”
“In the reverse side of that, we are very, very hopeful of the developments with regards to fulfilling the wants and needs of our state,” he added.
Aquino said his SONA speech is still in the process of re-writing, noting that he and his speech writers were already on the fifth rewrite. The first draft, he said, was 24 pages long, single-spaced and with a font size of 16 points.
“I said this is too much and I have to be very, very careful of what I say because it might create the wrong impression,” he added.
End to poverty and corruption top citizens' SONA wish list
People wants freedom from poverty and corruption, a government that serves them, and a chance to improve their lot – possibly mirroring what typical Filipinos would say out loud if they had the chance to tell President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III what they wanted to hear in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday.
The question, “Anong gusto mong marinig sa State of the Nation Address ni Pangulong Aquino?” sought from citizens what about their livelihood or their community they wished would be addressed when Aquino delivers his SONA for the first time.
Presidents have traditionally outlined programs and legislative agenda when they delivered their SONA every last Monday of July, the Constitutionally-mandated opening of Congress sessions yearly.
Topping the list of citizens’ wishes were those related to being freed from poverty. Most mentioned problems were the lack of jobs, the need to improve people’s standards of living, and the need to improve provisions for water and electricity.
Four of the 15 talked about the need to increase take-home pays. Several others tackled job security and the need to stamp out corruption.
Coming in second among citizens’ top 10 wishes was to rid government agencies of corruption.
The need for better health program and benefits came in third, while discipline and efficiency among state workers ranked fourth.
Education – improving its quality and making it available for more people, especially those in the far-flung areas – was fifth.
The complete list of citizens’ wishes follows:
1. Freedom from poverty (solutions to jobs problem, water and electricity crises)
2. End to corruption
3. Better health program and benefits
4. Discipline and efficiency among state workers
5. Education (Improving quality and equal opportunity for everyone, especially those in the far-flung areas)
6. Caring for the environment (Program on climate change)
7. Crime Prevention (Peace and order)
8. Improvement/ upgrade of infrastructures and technology, road projects, government facilities
9. Overseas Filipino workers' situation (security and benefits, lower taxes)
10. Agriculture (program for small farmers, land reform)
The question, “Anong gusto mong marinig sa State of the Nation Address ni Pangulong Aquino?” sought from citizens what about their livelihood or their community they wished would be addressed when Aquino delivers his SONA for the first time.
Presidents have traditionally outlined programs and legislative agenda when they delivered their SONA every last Monday of July, the Constitutionally-mandated opening of Congress sessions yearly.
Topping the list of citizens’ wishes were those related to being freed from poverty. Most mentioned problems were the lack of jobs, the need to improve people’s standards of living, and the need to improve provisions for water and electricity.
Four of the 15 talked about the need to increase take-home pays. Several others tackled job security and the need to stamp out corruption.
Coming in second among citizens’ top 10 wishes was to rid government agencies of corruption.
The need for better health program and benefits came in third, while discipline and efficiency among state workers ranked fourth.
Education – improving its quality and making it available for more people, especially those in the far-flung areas – was fifth.
The complete list of citizens’ wishes follows:
1. Freedom from poverty (solutions to jobs problem, water and electricity crises)
2. End to corruption
3. Better health program and benefits
4. Discipline and efficiency among state workers
5. Education (Improving quality and equal opportunity for everyone, especially those in the far-flung areas)
6. Caring for the environment (Program on climate change)
7. Crime Prevention (Peace and order)
8. Improvement/ upgrade of infrastructures and technology, road projects, government facilities
9. Overseas Filipino workers' situation (security and benefits, lower taxes)
10. Agriculture (program for small farmers, land reform)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
President Noynoy Aquino SONA 2010
Watch President Benigno Aquino III State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2010 live stream.
President Noynoy Aquino is expected to deliver his SONA during the joint regular session of the Philippine congress (house of representatives and senate) on July 26.
Watch President Noynoy Aquino SONA 2010 Live Stream
President Noynoy Aquino is expected to deliver his SONA during the joint regular session of the Philippine congress (house of representatives and senate) on July 26.
Watch President Noynoy Aquino SONA 2010 Live Stream
Police to deploy 10,000 men for Aquino 1st SONA
At least 10,000 policemen will be deployed around Metro Manila during President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 26.
Director Roberto Rosales of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said majority of the policemen will be tasked to secure areas near the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Rosales said the policemen will be positioned from Elliptical Road to Commonwealth Avenue, up to the St. Peter's Church and Sandiganbayan area.
He said the front and rear portions of the congressional building will also be peppered with policemen.
Rosales added that 3 days before Aquino's first SONA, the NCRPO will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas in Metro Manila.
He said the police leadership is scheduled to meet next week with militant group members and representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the local government of Quezon City to come up with an agreement on the activists' movements during the SONA.
Rosales said they included the CHR in the meeting to make sure the demonstrators' human rights will not be violated.
He assured that all policemen, who will be deployed for the SONA, will be strictly advised not to bring service firearms.
Meanwhile, the NCRPO on Saturday held a contest among police civil disturbance units. The winning unit will be deployed as anti-riot policemen during the SONA.
Rosales said the Northern Police District's civil disturbance team won the contest.
Director Roberto Rosales of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said majority of the policemen will be tasked to secure areas near the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Rosales said the policemen will be positioned from Elliptical Road to Commonwealth Avenue, up to the St. Peter's Church and Sandiganbayan area.
He said the front and rear portions of the congressional building will also be peppered with policemen.
Rosales added that 3 days before Aquino's first SONA, the NCRPO will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas in Metro Manila.
He said the police leadership is scheduled to meet next week with militant group members and representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the local government of Quezon City to come up with an agreement on the activists' movements during the SONA.
Rosales said they included the CHR in the meeting to make sure the demonstrators' human rights will not be violated.
He assured that all policemen, who will be deployed for the SONA, will be strictly advised not to bring service firearms.
Meanwhile, the NCRPO on Saturday held a contest among police civil disturbance units. The winning unit will be deployed as anti-riot policemen during the SONA.
Rosales said the Northern Police District's civil disturbance team won the contest.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Pangilinan, Villar in tight battle for Senate presidency
The battle for the Senate presidency is on, with Senators Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. of the Nacionalista Party and Francis Pangilinan of Liberal Party (LP) tightly competing for the support of their fellow senators.
Villar is seeking the support of the so-called deciding block in the Senate, led by Senator Edgardo Angara.
Joining Angara are Senators Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., and Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
They join the members of the Senate who are already Villar allies: Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Joker Arroyo.
Among these senators, Villar is said to be already certain of the support of Legarda, his running mate in the May polls.
Angara said Villar has been in talks with their group for quite some time.
But Angara's group will not make a decision, until it has talked to Pangilinan.
Angara added party affiliations will not be a factor in their decision.
Meanwhile, Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada confirmed he has signed a resolution supporting Pangilinan.
It is likely Pangilinan will also get the support of Estrada's party-mate, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
If Pangilinan gets Enrile's support, he will have a total of 9 senators backing his bid.
These include his LP party-mates, Senators Frank Drilon, Teofisto "TG" Guingona III and Ralph Recto, and their allies, Senators Serge Osmeña, Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Estrada.
Villar, meanwhile, has seven votes.
While the battle for the Senate Presidency is tight, Quezon City Representative Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. is almost sure to get the House Speakership.
Quezon 4th district Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada III said over 150 congressmen have already pledged their support for Belmonte
Belmonte, being in the LP, is also the bet of President Benigno Aquino III.
Villar is seeking the support of the so-called deciding block in the Senate, led by Senator Edgardo Angara.
Joining Angara are Senators Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., and Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
They join the members of the Senate who are already Villar allies: Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Joker Arroyo.
Among these senators, Villar is said to be already certain of the support of Legarda, his running mate in the May polls.
Angara said Villar has been in talks with their group for quite some time.
But Angara's group will not make a decision, until it has talked to Pangilinan.
Angara added party affiliations will not be a factor in their decision.
Meanwhile, Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada confirmed he has signed a resolution supporting Pangilinan.
It is likely Pangilinan will also get the support of Estrada's party-mate, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.
If Pangilinan gets Enrile's support, he will have a total of 9 senators backing his bid.
These include his LP party-mates, Senators Frank Drilon, Teofisto "TG" Guingona III and Ralph Recto, and their allies, Senators Serge Osmeña, Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Estrada.
Villar, meanwhile, has seven votes.
While the battle for the Senate Presidency is tight, Quezon City Representative Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. is almost sure to get the House Speakership.
Quezon 4th district Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada III said over 150 congressmen have already pledged their support for Belmonte
Belmonte, being in the LP, is also the bet of President Benigno Aquino III.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Ninoy’s Letter to Noynoy
LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY
August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L
My dearest Son:
One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.
In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.
The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.
This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.
I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.
You may ask: why did you do it?
Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.
You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.
For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.
Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.
Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad
August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm
Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L
My dearest Son:
One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.
In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.
The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet “muleta” and sword. The Spaniards call this “the moment of truth.” This is the climax of the bullfight.
This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie’s, your sisters’, yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.
I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I’ve been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the “Anti-Subversion Act” and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.
You may ask: why did you do it?
Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.
You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.
For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.
Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.
The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.
I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.
In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.
Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.
Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.
It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant’s revenge.
It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.
Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.
I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.
In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.
Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.
Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.
I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.
The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands.
Lovingly,
Dad
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