February 17 2009: Shootout or Rubout?

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? We know that our laws here in the Philippines are only good for 2 months or 2 weeks.

Last February 17, 2009, 3 "alleged" carnappers were killed somewhere near NIA road - EDSA. Authorities said that they pursued the said Honda Civic.

Fortunately (unfortunately for the PNP), ABS-CBN got a footage of the actual "clearing operations" after the chase. I have yet to find a copy of the video for you to view clearly of what happened but as of the moment, I can narrate to you what I saw in TV Patrol last night. It was disturbing and at the same time, shocking because we do not know if they were really criminals! How can they defend themselves now??

Here is what I saw on the news...

-Police cars rushing down the hi-way blocking the road and other police vehicles closing up on the honda civic
-The said honda civic (AED-???) was parked orderly, meaning, they pulled over as you can see in the photo above.
-Before the police forces opened the rear right door of the car, The rear windshield was already full of bullet holes.
- The one who opened the door was not in uniform carrying a heavy firearm. (correct me if I am wrong)
- One of the operatives pulled out a yet defenseless victim as you can see in the video. Defenseless and motionless in a sense that when the operative pulled him out, he looked like a doll taking the shape of the car.
- The operative shot him again. (to make sure he is dead?)

Follow-up news said that, the police shot him again because he was still moving.

There might be some people that will rejoice because this is one carnapper gang less in the Philippines but, what if they were innocent? If the police are 100% sure that they are indeed carnappers, I would be praising them now. The problem is, they don't recognize some of them which makes it scary.

This is what I am thinking. What if they kidnapped someone? The victim would have been also killed!! I mean, kidnappers will also flee when flagged down, right?

Going back, do you think the father and the daughter in the Crosswind SUV in the incident in Paranaque are criminals??

This is yet another shootout or rubout incident to be added to the list that will be unsolved because this involves police forces. Sad.

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Law: Is EO 712 legal? (Executive Order 712)

SLEx Traffic.
Photo From: http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8662/traffic1ic1.jpg

According to Makati Mayor Binay, it is not. But to others, they just followed the orders of the President.

Last March 11,2008, Transport groups agreed to stop their strike and return to the roads after a meeting with government transport officials, radio dzBB reported.

Pending the review by DOTC of the questioned orders, rules and regulations, Mrs Arroyo, through EO 712, directed the Department of Interior and Local Government to advise local government units to suspend:

- the establishment and operations of new and existing transport terminals that charge fees and require compulsory use by public utilityvehicles.

- the enforcement of re-routing schemes that violate the authorized routes provided in the franchise of PUVs;

- the issuance of new tricycle franchises;

- the increase in local fees and charges applicable to public transportation;

- the implementation of local programs, projects, and ordinances that have impact on the cost of operations of public utility vehicles without first coordinating and getting the approval of the DOTC to ensure that these programs, projects and ordinances do not prejudice public interest by way of higher transport fares.

The President also ordered the DOTC to establish a National Land Transport Policy framework, which shall facilitate the modernization of the land transport industry through the promotion of utility services which are environment-friendly and provide assistance to the transport sector through lease-to-own programs, technical assistance, subsidies and the encouragement of the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy.

The EO 712 also paved the way for the implementation of a single ticketing system in Metro Manila in accordance with Republic Act 7924.

The DILG was also directed to establish and implement uniform track ban hours.

Fernando insisted that EO 712 is valid and legal and that the MMDA should enforce the single ticketing system for the issuance of traffic citation tickets to traffic violators.

He said that the authority of the MMDA to enforce the scheme is provided for under RA 7924, which created the MMDA.

He said that contrary to the assertion of those opposed to the scheme, the MMDA law superseded the Local Government Code of 1991 since RA7924 was signed in 1995.

Fernando said he respects the rights of the LGUs to question the legality of EO 712 before the court but he added that the MMDA will pursue implement it.

But eight local chief executives out of the 17 Metro Manila mayors have agreed to reject President’s Arroyo’s EO 712.

This decision was reached on Wednesday during a meeting called by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Binay said that the MMDA has “no legislative power” to enforce the single traffic ticketing system.

News Sources:
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February 29 - Ayala Avenue, Interfaith Rally Photos (Are you included here? find iyourself now!)

Can you see yourself in the crowd? Can you find yourself? February 29,2008 Interfaith rally help at Ayala Avenue, Makai City Philippines. Suggested Readiing.> For more Philippine News.




>>> Philippine News

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Erap, Eligible to Run in 2010

Joseph Estrada is eligible to run for the 2010 Philippine Presidential Elections. Raul Goco, a former solicitor general said that, Estrada did not finish his 6 year term which ended January 20, 2001. Estrada added that he left the palace to prevent blood-shed.

Goco asked Estrada to answer on that matter, Estrada told Raul Goco that he has yet no plans of running in 2010. “It is not easy to answer you at this time. But my objective right now is to unite the opposition to ensure the opposition’s victory in 2010," according to Estrada.

Estrada added, "Whoever will have the highest rating in the surveys, he or she will be the presidential candidate I will support in 2010."

Philippine News

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Spratly's war

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that the Philippines should tighten its security in islands being claimed by the country in the disputed Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea.

Santiago issued the statement that echoed the reaction made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) over Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian visit to an island being claimed by Taiwan.

“Hindi maganda iyon dahil nagtatawag pansin s’ya...dito sa away ng mga bansa tungkol sa Spratly island. Ano kaya ang pakiramdaman naman nila kung ipadala naman natin 'yung presidente natin doon at magtuturo s'ya doon sa Spratly," said the Senate's foreign relations committee chief.

(It’s not good because he’s calling more attention to the dispute of several countries over Spratly island. How would Taiwan feel if we send our president to the island?)

Aside from heightened security, Santiago said it is about time that a law be passed to include the Spratlys inside the Philippine archipelagic lines.

"Ang Spratly at Kalayaan Islands ay napakalapit ‘yan sa ating archipelagic beltlines kaya napakatibay din ang ating kausa na sabihin na tayong may-ari n’yan at ang langis sa ilalim n’yan," she said.

(The Spratly and Kalayaan islands are located nearest to our archipelagic beltlines. That is why we have a strong cause to say that we own the island and the oil beneath them.)

Philippine News

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Break time Celeb news: Patrick Garcia has abandoned Jennylyn Mercado?

Patrick Garcia has abandoned Jennylyn Mercado?

Patrick Garcia, according to a close friend of Jennylyn Mercado, has not communicated with his nine-week pregnant girlfriend for two weeks now.

She quoted Jennylyn, “Wala na. Di na nga nagpaparamdam. Pinabayaan nga ako. Two weeks na.

Complete story at Yehey Celebrity news!

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How does land transportation office in the Philippines look like?

LTO - Land Transportation Office (Counterpart of DMV in the United States)
Wires everywhere. Dirty Environment. No smile treatment to everyone. Broken structures. Roof holes.

How much to renew your license?

Drug test - 250 pesos
Medical test - 100 pesos
Licensing fees - 248 pesos + 30 pesos penalty = 278 pesos

I, Drug test
-Pee in the bottle
-Pay 250 bucks

II, Medical test
-Go to the room
-Get the "already filled up form" from the guy
-If ever you have eyeglasses or contacts and he asks you, "Do you wear eyeglasses?" Answer back, "No" or else he "might" ask for bribe money.

III, Fees
30 pesos penalty. For example, your birthday falls on December 2. (that was a sunday last 2007), when you are going to renew your license which expires december 2, you can't because gov't offices are closed on sundays. You renew monday. December 3, you will have a fine of 30 bucks.(no worries, very minimal.)

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Now, they do get around 278 pesos per person (renewal only). There are tons of other funds and sources.

Where the hell are the funds going??

Philippine Politics

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Bayani strikes again! MMDA to implement...

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a single traffic ticketing system to apprehend traffic violators, dzMM reported Sunday.

The Metro Manila Council passed the ruling last week after a lengthy deliberation on the Metro Traffic Ticketing (MTT) system which will be used by MMDA traffic enforcers, local governments, and other deputized agents.

MMDA Chairperson Bayani Fernando said that the full implementation of the MTT system will take around a month.

MMDA traffic management and enforcement personnel would still undergo trainings before they could be deputized to use the system.

Local governments would temporarily use the Ordinace Violation Receipt (OVR) until the MTT is put in place.

The MTT would come from the MMDA only, and the said agency would have a copy of all traffic violation records.

Republic Act 7924 states that the MMDA is deputized to implement a single traffic ticketing system for Metro Manila, and that the Metro Manila Council should first pass the MMDA resolution for the approval of the said system.

from: ABSCBNNews

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Australian abused in South of Negros Occidental.

BACOLOD City: A known leader of a sugar planters group sought Gov. Joseph Maraons intervention on the alleged harassment committed by a foreigner who owns a private island resort in Barangay Tiling Cauayan South of Negros Occidental, reported the Panay News on Wednesday.

In his letter to the governor, sugar planter Manuel R. Lamata claimed that on October 30, 14 soldiers belonging to the 61st Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Tiling Cauayan led by a certain Col. Basco indiscriminately fired their M-16s despite the election gun ban.

The group is said to be escorts of the Hautea and Tongoy families, as well as Australian Peter Zewitsky, said to be the owner of Pitogo Island.

The said shooting incident caused alarm among residents of the coastal community, as the indiscriminate firing continued until November 1, said Lamata, adding that he saw the Australian citizen and his companion Raul Hautea firing the M-16 towards the water. The soldiers just watched and did nothing.

A Mr. Claude Schulze said he, his family and some guests went near the island to fish, confirmed having heard shots that sent them diving for cover. Schulze and his group decided to pack and return to Bacolod.

Lamata added this was not the first time the incident happened, which has stirred fear in the coastal community, reason enough to seek the governors intervention.

From Votester - Philippine Political News

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Gov't men deny abducting 8-year-old girl in Cebu

EBU CITY - Police, military and local officials of Tuburan town are refuting claims of a militant group about an alleged abduction of an eight-year-old girl.

A throng of witnesses from Tuburan trooped to the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) in Cebu City yesterday to dispute a report published in a national daily and aired over a local radio station.

The published report stated that the Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas claimed the girl was abducted on Oct. 16 after her classes ended at the Mag-alwa Elementary School in the northwest town, some 96 kilometers from Cebu City.

The girl was reportedly subjected to tactical interrogation on the whereabouts of her parents, who are suspected members of the New People’s Army.

Officials cried foul over the reports, saying it was one sided and did not publish the truth about what happened.

They denied the girl was subjected to severe tactical interrogation that caused psychological trauma.

From GMA news

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Boracay Mansion and other Erap properties to be confiscated

Come November 7, former President Joseph Estrada will be facing a new headache – the Sandiganbayan will issue a Writ of Execution confiscating almost P900 million worth of his assets.

ABS-CBN’s Ces Oreña Drilon reported that this was stipulated in the ruling handed down by the Sandiganbayan last September 12.

The graft court ruled that since Estrada was found guilty of plunder, he would have to return P545 million deposited in the account of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation, P189 million in another account under the name of Jose Velarde and P142 million in real property consisting of a house and lot dubbed as Boracay mansion located at No. 100, 11th St., New Manila, Quezon City.

Source

Votester - Philippine News

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3 top government officials fired, 1 suspended by Malacanang

The Office of the President ordered Regional Director Nasser M. Musali of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Central Mindanao suspended for six months without pay. The Office of the President reprimanded Chairperson Leonor Tripon-Rosero of the Professional Regulation Commission and Chairperson Lourdes Aniceto of the PRC’s Board of Criminology for failure to answer on time questions from the public.
The PAGC said Dumpit and Jamora failed to exercise diligence as officers of LWUA, and thus were found guilty of Dishonesty and violating Section 3 (e), (g) and (i) of RA 3019 otherwise known as the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Office of the President said Hondrade advanced P1.5 billion to the contractors as cost of the rehabilitation of the Umiray-Angat Transabangan Project (UATP) without complying with law requirements; rented private helicopters without undergoing public bidding; and failed to furnish COA with documents supporting these expenses.

Hondrade was found guilty of grave misconduct, conduct grossly prejudicial to the best interest of the service and of violating Section 3(e) of RA 3019.

Musali was suspended for not declaring in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) ownership of a residential lot in Davao City.

Source

Votester - Philippine Political News

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We are not 3rd world anymore. we are already 4th...

Makati City police chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz said Thursday that Metro Manila’s perennial traffic problems can still be solved by constructing multi-layered flyovers and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations – patterned after those in Bangkok, Thailand – on various thoroughfares in the metropolis.

“I think the government officials in our country, like Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, can explore this for the sake of solving the (worsening) traffic situation in Metro Manila,” said Cruz, who attended a six-day training program organized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Bangkok along with eight other police officers.

Cruz said that from the Bangkok International Airport to the Bangkok city proper, they experienced no traffic due to the three or four-layered flyovers for vehicles in Thailand.

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I have been to Thailand 10 years ago. It was worse back then compared to Manila. If we were third world back then, they are 4th. Guess what? Right now, if you visit bangkok, its way different now. Multi-layered bridges, organized transportation, booming businesses and etc. What gives?

First, they declared bankruptcy back then. I didnt exactly know when but, after that, Thailand grew.

I am not saying Philippines should declare bankruptcy but, we, citizens, should be more disciplined If we go to Singapore, we dont spit anywhere. If we go to the US, or just in subic, we follow the alternate intersection crossing. why cant we do it in Manila then?

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Bribery in the import and export including permits, rampant!

Bribes linked with import and export permits in the Philippines are rampant, affecting the flow of goods and services, according to a World Bank report.

“In Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, and Thailand, extra payments or bribes connected with import and export permits are apparently widespread,” the lender said in a report titled, “ Transparency & Trade Facilitation in the Asia Pacific: Estimating the Gains from Reform.”

The report noted that in the Philippines, irregular payments for imports and exports remain and their size varies substantially. In contrast, bribes appear to be rare in New Zealand.

The World Bank said most middle-income Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies require a number of export or import documents similar to the world average for this income group. In this regard, the Philippines and Mexico perform particularly well.

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Violence may erupt if Erap is convicted or vice versa.

Convicted?

Former Philippine president, Joseph Ejercito "Erap" Estrada's fans and supporters might plan a widespread rioting or looting according to Maj. Gen. Ben Mohammad Dolorfino, chief of the AFP National Capital Region Command, said the military is preparing for a situation similar to the May 1, 2001, siege of the presidential palace by Estrada supporters.

Acquitted?

Also, "[An acquittal] will also cause mass action, although it will vary in magnitude. If [Estrada] is found guilty, it is expected that the mass action will be bigger," he said.

So, whatever side you are on, Pro, Anti or Neutral, AFP is making sure that peace and order will prevail. but we can't help but think that, of course, PNP/AFP will be on the government side. unless, there will be a coup plot against the administration, again...

Article about: AFP bracing for ‘worst-case’ scenario if Erap is convicted from GMA news website.

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GMA destroyed Luxury cars: all show, no go?

Smugglers beware! GMA is destroying luxury cars. but, dont worry, lambos and horses are safe!

"there was that made-for-PR show last week in which 18 confiscated vehicles were crushed, purportedly as a warning to smugglers. The really fancy ones—including a Ferrari and a Lamborghini—were spared, prompting not a few eyebrows to reach for the ceiling."

"Also, while I agree with the destruction of all confiscated vehicles, it can’t be a selective thing. If you are going to destroy the smuggled goods of one importer, you have to make sure you do the same to those of the others. There can be no double standards if we are to make this campaign work."

Manila Times

When I watched the news last week, I saw 3 BMW x5's, 1 Lincoln Navigator, 1 old BMW, and some "not expensive" minivans (we are talking about luxury cars here).

So, where are those other diamonds like the BMW 7-series, lambos, ferraris and Mbenzes?

Philippines is already a double standard country in terms of the classes. for example, class A high ranking or my-dad-is-a-general citizens, can talk the police out when caught in a traffic violation. and now, cars become double standard too. lambos and ferraris can escape being crushed while those minivans, which I know costs around 300 thousand only(except for the x5's and the navi) are crushed to metal scraps.

oh well. This is the Philippines.

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This is what I am talking about...

Was the red alert yesterday about the Abu Sayyaf's terror spill over? or something else? this is what I am saying...

from ABS-CBN news - ‘GMA ouster no longer possible’ By DELON PORCALLA

After causing a political maelstrom that almost swept away President Arroyo, the Senate investigation of the “Hello Garci” scandal – which is set to be reopened – can no longer threaten her remaining three years in office, a retired intelligence officer who claimed to have heard her plotting election fraud with a poll official said.

Retired Army T/Sgt. Vidal Doble said he doesn’t expect the revival of the scandal to cause the downfall of Mrs. Arroyo, saying her administration has managed to consolidate its forces and that the public has become apathetic to political controversies.

“I feel I’m a free man now, and nobody can dictate on me. They had my family before. And there’s no way I’d pull the trigger if they have my family,” he said. He said his family is now out of harm’s way.

He also said that the service provider of Garcillano’s phone, which he used in his conversation with Mrs. Aquino, was Smart Communications Inc.

He also clarified that he did not sell the recorded conversation to former National Bureau of Investigation deputy director Samuel Ong. He said he didn’t know that he would be given P2 million, P200,000 of which he gave to Ong’s agent Lito Santiago. The meeting took place at Imperial Palace, he said.

“My friends ridiculed me for taking only P2 million, and they said I could have sold the tape for P40 (million),” he said. He added he used part of the money to help a sibling.


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So, do you guys still beleive its about the Abu Sayyaf's spill over? Some people are really smart, if the Abu Sayyaf's group can plan diversionary tactics, so can the government. its not an old thing, nothing 007.

Votester - Philippine Political News

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Philippines on red alert status

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday placed all units in six regions in Mindanao on full alert because of ongoing operations in Sulu and Basilan.

Police have likewise been placed units on heightened alert in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas for the same reasons.

The country’s police force was also placed on alert in the National Capital Region because of the ongoing 39th ASEAN Economic Ministers' summit in Makati City.

The PNP earlier said its forces nationwide were on red alert amid intensified fighting between the military and al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf extremists in Mindanao.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., PNP spokesman, said the country's police force was placed on alert after the New People's Army declared that it is renewing offensives against the government.

The full alert status was declared after President Arroyo's meeting with the security cluster of her Cabinet in Malacañang.

During the meeting, Mrs. Arroyo ordered the police and the military to work with local government units in strengthening the government's campaign against terrorism.

PNP on nationwide alert

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Are you sure the red alert status concerns the bombing? No hidden agendas? because i was thinking, there might be something else other than the protection and police visibility in the metro.

Almost all officials/politicians are power hungry. or just hungry for anything? power...gold...attention... name it...

although not all. most of them i believe are like that.

This Red Alert status will give them the chance to use and abuse powers. Some of us know our rights, but, not all. thats where the abuse parts goes in. they will intimidate you and if you get scared firsts even without doing anything wrong, they can extort money from you, or frame you up -> worst case scenario


anyway, for Philippine Political news, go to Votester.com.ph because there, its all about politics, whats happening in the Philippines, especially in NCR.

Also, give me this chance to promote DJ Ferry Corsten. vote for him! He is currently top 6 over a hundred others. He is a Filipino by heart, has a Filipina wife, and loves the Philippines. so, Filipinos! let us unite! lets vote for him at DJMAG and just enter your email address. no need to register! vote now!

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Lim hikes workers salaries; Bayani not so good after all

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has announced a 10-percent salary increase for all permanent employees of city hall while workers who have remained in their present position or post will be promoted to the next rank.

Since I have said in my previous articles, Lim is a good Manila Mayor. Dirty Harry image and Robinhood to some, although without the stealing and giving to the poor part.
Wage Hike Article


On the other hand, Bayani Fernando, on second thought, isn't all great. His recent proposal, Banning fire volunteers from responding to fires or putting them under BFP's control, isn't ok. at all!

Let me just vent some stuffs. a few years back, our office had a fire somewhere in makati. all the government trucks, in front of the fire scene, was just literally watching, telling us they had no water. wtf!? will you go to a war without bullets? then this... I dont have any proof, you just have to take my word for it. they asked for money first before they will start bombing the building with water. great, right?

let me get back to the topic. banning volunteers would be the most stu*** thing they will do. most of the fire scenes, volunteers arrive first, equipped, helping people with all their hearts, since its voluntary work, without pay. now, they are saying that they will put volunteers under BFP? then BFP should pay volunteers if thats the case! Helping others doesn't need heirarchy. everyone is equal.



this is just from the back of my head, I wonder if they have hidden agendas on why they would ban volunteers? Bayani, pls think hard before doing this. If you do this, houses would be burned to crisp and only one working firetruck would be there at the scene. can you handle that? Are you a Henyo


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Recount Approved in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the revision and recount of the votes cast in this provinces 4,847 precincts during the last elections.

The recount was approved by the second division of the Comelec on August 1 in connection with the election protest filed by senior provincial board member Lilia G. Pineda against Gov. Eddie Panlilio who appeared to have won by a margin of 1,147 votes in the May 14 elections.

Panlilios legal counsel, Romulo Macalintal, has condemned the apparent haste and lack of due process of the poll body.

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Will it still matter?? I dont think so.why are they making a big deal ou tof it? it doesn't even matter anymore. why not put their efforts in other things? thats why we are not moving forward. we stay put in some things so long that everything gets delayed.

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