24 March 2010

Right or Wrong, the SC is always Right

The following are taken from Emil Jurado’s Column.


Emil Jurado says “Those who condemn the Supreme Court for its 9-1-3 ruling—that says President Arroyo can appoint the next chief justice and mandates the Judicial and Bar Council to submit its list of nominees—bellyache and gnash their teeth saying that the High Court must follow the Constitution, not interpret it.

What these elements can’t understand is that right or wrong, the Supreme Court is always right.

The majority interpreted the ban not to include the Judiciary. Article VIII of the Constitution also mandates that the President must name Supreme Court justices from a shortlist within 90 days from the vacancy. It said that the mandate was precisely under the Judiciary, not under the Executive. If the framers of the 1987 Charter wished the ban to apply to the judiciary, the mandate of appointment within 90 days would not have been under Article VIII.

Since it’s the mandate of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution or resolve constitutional issues, that’s what the High Court precisely did. I may have my own thoughts about this, but as I said, right or wrong, the Supreme Court is always right.”

Sexual Abuses of the Priests and Bishops

Pope Benedict XV was pressured to issue a pastoral letter addressing sexual abuses of the Irish priests and bishops. The Holy See also apologized but it’s short of saying that he (the Pope) would agree to the secular justice that the victims and their families are pressing.


It took the Irish people several years before their cases could be filed to the Irish Courts. The government and the Universal Church in Ireland are involved in conspiracy theories and cover ups. Priests and Bishops in Ireland, like in the Philippines are very powerful that they could get away with any crimes. That’s why I won’t be surprised when one day, the crimes and abuses of the Filipino clergies will also surface. Sabi nga nila, you can’t keep your skeletons in your closet forever. There’s also a saying that says ‘when there’s smoke, there’s fire.’ I’m just counting the days when our hollier than thou priests and bishops will be embarrassed by their misdeeds. Oh, I think I underestimated them. Halang na pala ang kanilang mga bituka at ang kakapal na pala ng kanilang mga mukha! They’re not anymore capable of expressing remorse and shame.

Kung magbatikos ang mga ‘Hijo de puta’ akala mo kung sino ang mga ‘animal’. Okay lang sana kung walang kasalanan pero number one palang mga kampon ni Satanas. You can’t blame Filipinos when they are drawn to other religions like Baptist, Born Again, INC or Islam. It’s not because of the Universal Church’s teachings but because of its priest and bishops. The Universal Church’s right hand doesn’t know what its left hand is doing. I personally do not contemplate of changing my religion but I just chose to be none practicing Catholic. Ayaw ko nang magsimba kasi masyadong mapulitika ang mga pari. Baka masigawan ko pa siya while he’s doing a homily at mapagalitan pa ako ng Nanay ko. So it’s better na hindi na lang magsimba. Total when I’m home, nakakarinig naman sila ng maanghang na salita sa akin pero not in the presence of my mother kasi baka pagalitan ulit ako. LOL. I’m sure most Filipinos feel the same way that I do.

23 March 2010

Opposition and Militants scoring ‘Pogi Points’

Last week, some of the ‘Pa pogi’ politicians and the militants were seen at the gate of the Supreme Court protesting the decision of the SC in allowing the outgoing PGMA to appoint the next SC Chief Justice. It would have been acceptable if they’d just protest for the sake of protesting but they’d once again resorted to name calling and demonizing the judicial institution of our country. These people’s stand on several national interest issues differ depending on their personal interests. They’d pretend to defend the constitution when they hear that the current regime want to change it. But then, when they see that the current regime is just following the rule of law (constitution), they’d malign and demonize the whole institution. What can we expect from these militants? Their primary purpose in life is to create discord and havoc.


If you’re in your right mind you’d agree with me that the decision was fairly written. It’s was also voted for by the majority of Justices. However, these militants and opportunistic opposition leaders who want to score ‘Pogi Points’, the situation is enough to merit another rally and another anti government chanting.

I don’t have any legal background but for me, if they really feel strongly against the ruling, they should have filed an appeal. They prided themselves of having so many A1 lawyers di ba? All they should do is to appeal the SC ruling in the proper forum. Hindi iyong mag ra rally na naman sa kalye at binabatikos ang SC. They could be contempt kung ipagpapatuloy nila iyan. Ang media naman, especially ABS CBN that has no balance reporting would often sensationalize and politicize the issue.

The proper thing to do is to file an appeal and not through another rally and anti-government chanting! Masyado nang maingay!

AbNoynoy

According to http://pinoyslang.com/define/abnoynoy/ AbNoynoy is defined as:


(ab-noy-noy)

Noun. An extremely abnormal person running for public office.

21 March 2010

Hectic days and the Bitter Ocampo’s

I was really busy these past two weeks. I was pre occupied with finding CVs from GulfTalent and Jobstreet.com for vacancies within our Group and for some of our operating companies. For those who haven’t done recruitment, it’s really a daunting task just searching for the right candidates. At times, the candidates that we searched are not anymore available or simply are not interested. The only consolation that we have and what sets us apart from others is that our Company has a good reputation. If we request for an interview with a prospective candidate, they’ll most probably reply positively.


Finding the right candidate for the right job is not just enough. They may be the right candidate for the job but we also have to consider the pay package. Each of our departments and Operating companies has its own salary scales and budgets. Sometimes, the best candidate in the market is already enjoying a good compensation package from his present company. The most difficult task is how to make the candidate happy with the job offer. As my colleague in HR said, the bottom line would always be the money. It’s not always the career path, professional growth or company.

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I’ve already accepted that we could not please everybody! It’s a fact that all HR practitioners should realize. Despite the fact that our management sanctioned performance based increase of 5% of the payroll budget, some of our employees are still unsatisfied. The bad thing is that majority of them are Filipinos. Why can’t they just be thankful of what they’re receiving? Mahirap na talaga kung ang mga tao ay nilamon na ng bitterness. Why can’t they just count their blessings?

That’s not the only good news that we received last week. The management once again gave away performance bonus for the Financial Year 2009. Since it is performance based, the ranges in the bonuses were determined by the Performance Evaluation. So, ito na naman marami na namang unhappy na mga kabayan. They should be thankful that they received something since most of them are the best performers in their respective appraisal groups. Pero ito na naman ang walang katapusang reklamo.

Our HR team decided to send out bonus notifications to all employees so they knew early that they’ll be receiving bonuses. It’s hard work on my part since I have to do all the mail merging in both letter and the labels. I also have to discharge the letter right before the cut off. I did great I guess since it only took less than a day to finish everything, from preparing the letter, labeling and then distribution.

The story should have ended there but then again, our kabayan from Accounts learned that their supervisor received a supplementary bonus from the management. They questioned the abilities of their boss whom they addressed to as very stupid. Since I’m the face of HR in the Corporate Center, I was the first one that they approached. They asked why he (the supervisor) was given preferential treatment over them. I told them that management is not tasked to justify their decision to a lowly employees like us. If they want to question the authority, they better go upstairs at the executive office and try asking the CFO. That is, if they have the guts to go there and ask.

Nakakairita na kasi na akala ng ating mga kabayan na sila lang ang magaling. I will not dignify their bitterness until bitterness consumes them. If they’re really unhappy, they could resign anytime. Sabi nga nila, why prolong the agony?

Change, Obama and AbNoynoy

I think you’ve heard that the AbNoynoy is threatening to impeach the SC Chief Justice and the 15th Justice of the Supreme court once he’s elected. Makapal din ang mukha nitong Abnormal na ito to assume that he’s going to win. The big question is if he’s going to win. The bubble is beginning to burst. Filipinos are now realizing that AbNoynoy is shallow and knows nothing. If ever he’s going to win, he’ll be like his mother, clueless and will let other people run the nation... di ba Frank Drilon? That’s why they used to call Frank Drilon as the little president. Nagtataka nga ako, how can Frank Drilon be the little president when he’s belly is very big. Lumaki dahil sa corruption. Frank Drilon was responsible for all the misguided policies of the doomed Cory Aquino presidency. Kawawa na naman ang pilipinas. We don’t vote for AbNoynoy because he’s the son of the two democracy icon. We don’t vote for him because he’s the abnormal brother of Tetay. We don’t vote for him because we’re sentimental about the deaths of his parents.


The world’s most irresponsible media (ABS CBN) says, Ako ang simula ng pagbabago. They said that if we vote for AbNoynoy, there will be change. How can we change if we are going to elect the wrong leader? We need a president who could hit the ground rolling. Walang OJT sa presidency. Let’s learn the lessons from the United States. They voted Barack Obama because thinking he’s going to bring change and difference. Fast forward, the Americans regretted their decision. As the picture says, OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake America.



So mga kabayan, please don’t be misguided by the Oligarch media’s manipulation. Let’s open our eyes to the truth. Wag tayong papadala sa insincere na pag iyak iyak ni Tetay na nangangampanya sa national TV. Tama na! Kay Tetay pa lang, I have enough of the Aquinos. One Aquino is enough!

PGMA can appoint the Next SC Chief Justice

The Supreme Court is the court of last resort and they’re also the interpreter of the Constitution. In the decision written by Justice Lucas Bersamin, and voted by the majority of the SC Justices, SC says that PGMA can appoint the successor of SC Chief Justice Puno. In another development, PGMA can also appoint the 15th Justice of the Supreme Court before she leaves the Office.


Ayon, nagra rally si Mareng Winnie sa harap ng Supreme Court because of the said ruling. They’re well educated people but they are blinded by their partisanship. They never realized that it’s PGMAs constitutional duty to appoint SC Court Justices. She could not leave the vacancy open while she’s still the seating president. She could not refuse but to discharge her duties.

Maraming politico ang nagsasabi na kaya ganoon ang ruling dahil appointed sila ni PGMA and merong utang na loob nag mga ito sa kanya. Masyado itong immature at illogical since PGMAs successor will also appoint SC justices in the future. So, ano? May utang na loob din sila? What’s new with Philippine politics.. it’s always illogical and immature. As long as these clowns are in the office, they’ll do everything just to get votes, even if it means demonizing their enemies.

I think that now that the question has been answered by the SC, there’s nothing the government critic can do but to respect the constitution. Di ba sila naman ang nagsasabi na wag baguhin ang saligang batas so why can’t they respect the constitution that they say they’re protecting? Ironic isn’t it?

10 March 2010

Profile: Gilberto ‘GIBO’ Eduardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr.

Profile: Gilberto ‘GIBO’ Eduardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr.


Party: Lakas-Kampi-CMD

Campaign slogan: Galing at Talino

Born June 14, 1964 in Manila; only child

Married to former model and Tarlac Rep. Monica Prieto Teodoro; son Jaime Gilberto, 11 years old

Elementary: Xavier School

High school: Xavier School

College: De La Salle University, BS Commerce (major in Financial Institutions), 1984; University of the Philippines College of Law, bar topnotcher in 1989; Harvard Law School,

Master of Laws, 1997

Father: Gilberto Teodoro Sr. (deceased), former Social Security System administrator

Mother: Mercedes Cojuangco Teodoro, ex-Tarlac representative

Blood pressure:
130 / 100 (start of session)
125/95 (end of session, with medication)

Medications/vitamins.
Norvasc (hypertension medicine) and blood sugar medicine, plus one multivitamin a day.

Surgeries. Minor, for removal of cysts.

Ever consulted a psychiatrist? No.

Do you smoke? Stopped August 2008. Used to consume two packs a day.
Children with other women? None.

Advisers:

Economy: Joey Salceda, Peter Favila

Foreign affairs: I have some experience and constitutional knowledge on that.

Security/peace and order: I have a clear idea where we are headed.

Politics: Party mates.

Media: Mike Toledo and some others.

Health: Esperanza Cabral, Francisco Duque.

Education: Jesli Lapus is one of them.

Environment: Tony Oposa.

Fashion: Several, Nikki is one of them, also George Salud and Inaki Garcia.

Who’s running your campaign? Basically it’s a whole team.

Undergone botox? No botox. I just outgrew pimples.

How will you repay campaign donors/recoup personal funds.My personal investment is small. I don’t want to accept personal donations. Must pass through party finance committee.

Role of first lady. Up to her, something to do with child welfare.

Role of vice president. He’s really strong on grassroots issues. I will also use him to monitor infrastructure projects.

Will any of your relatives serve as your confidential staff? No, I didn’t (even) do that in the DND.

Do you watch pirated DVDs? No.

Economy/trade/finance

How will you increase FDI and local investments.

Have long-term plans. Have peace and order. Clear, stable, easy to follow policies. Reward investor-friendly local governments.

What country is your model for economic development? None. The Philippines is unique.

Lower power costs, improve energy security. Firms be allowed to import generation units tax-free. Wave penalties on firms with own generation units. Discover alternative resources. Look into nuclear energy, but not BNPP.

Alternative energy policy. In the long run, it can be pursued.

Infrastructure priorities and how to fund them. Communications, all-weather roads in growth regions. More air and sea ports. All through BOT.

New taxes? Other priority tax policies. Possibly excise, specific and consumption taxes, but not income and corporate taxes.

Economic sectors for priority development. Agriculture. Post-harvest facilities as a complement to agrarian reform.

Are we ready for free trade? We have no choice.

Sectors to be protected/subsidized? Agriculture. Marine resources. Mineral resources.

Sectors to be liberalized. Tourism. Education. Services like lawyering.

Should foreigners be allowed to own land? Certain residential, some tourism, industrial, commercial land, but leave areas for low-cost housing. Definitely not agricultural, mineral and marine resources.

OFW deployment – problem or benefit? It’s a reality. We should protect workers through country-specific pre-departure screening. Design attractive savings vehicles for OFWs.

Lack of skilled workers here due to brain drain. Due to lack of long-term investment plans.

How will you expand the middle class? Quality jobs and more services.

How do you make the benefits of growth trickle down to the grassroots? Sustainability of growth.

Mining and exploitation of natural resources. No open pit mining. Clear benefits to the community. The local community must agree.

Manufacturing and exports. Make us an investment destination. Reduce cost of doing business. Improve communications and transportation facilities. High-quality workforce. Ease tax rates. Review tax incentives.

Agricultural production, agribusiness, tourism. Subsidize farmers, establish post-harvest facilities, easier access to markets, irrigation. Do something about airports. Second runway at NAIA. Ports of entry should cater to cruise ships. Sell ourselves abroad. Peace and order.

Agrarian reform policy Make beneficiaries agro-entrepreneurs. Go slow on acquisition. Mechanize. Dialog with stakeholders.

How will you improve corporate regulation? Give as much leeway to corporations as possible as long as they disclose material information.

How will you stop smuggling? Incentivize customs service.

Support for R&D in key industries. Allow government employee-inventors to keep ownership of invention and to charge royalties.

Bank secrecy laws and money laundering. Institutionalize role of AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) and enforce the law.

National security

Peace in Mindanao.Must be solved under local circumstances, like the local peace and order councils, because each area has distinct customs and traditions.

Policy on communist rebels.Communism is now legal. They can advocate in many ways, but not with a gun.

AFP capability upgrade/modernization.When we buy arms and equipment, we must also have additional funding to maintain them.

The revised National Defense Act, and president’s role in approval of promotions in AFP.Not in favor. There must be minimum basis for promotions.

Fixed term for AFP chief.No. Give the president the discretion.

Can private armies be dismantled?Yes.

Will you retain the CVOs?In certain areas but under the strict supervision of specially trained military unit...not the infantry.

Adopted member of a PMA class? Which one? Yes. Class of 1976.

Importance of US military aid.Very important. They grant $40 million annually in aid and we use it for training of troops and maintenance of military equipment.

With which other countries should RP have closer military alliances?With as many countries as possible.

When the political leadership betrays the public trust, should the military intervene?It should be discouraged. The military should not intervene in political issues and interpret the situation in their own terms.Corruption in the PNP/AFP?

Have private watchdogs over the AFP. Notify AFP leadership of any incidence of corruption.

Foreign Affairs

RP’s most important ally.Three countries are vital to the Philippines – China, Japan and the United States. But also vitally important are the Middle East, the European Union and Australia.

Is China a threat, a challenge, a friend?View them on a macro level. Economically, they are a big trading partner, a big source of potential tourism and foreign investments. But in security, they have spent a massive amount on unlimited military build up, and they have not made their intentions clear on their foreign security policy.

Foreign trip in the first 100 days.No travel for the first six months.

Should RP strengthen ties with any particular region?The European Union. South America. Revitalize the BIMP-EAGA.

RP-US relations under your administration.Continue to be principled, robust, strong and at arms length. Concept of “shared burdens.”

Philippine claim over Sabah.Let the Filipino people decide through a plebescite, but with full information.

Stand on the Spratlys issue.We have a claim to the Spratlys that is now institutionalized in the regime of islands in our baselines law and we will pursue that claim.

Education, culture, arts

Priorities in improving education.Introduce literacy in preschool in the public sector, including literacy in the mother tongue. We need around P1.5 billion a year for teacher training. Set up special student loan fund under SSS.

Additional years in grade school and high school.Difficult but there’s no choice. There’s a lot more to learn now, students cannot absorb all that knowledge in 10 years.

Free universal kindergarten.If you can provide for that, okay.

Importance of English proficiency in national competitiveness.It’s really important, but literacy also in the mother tongue. English remains the language of science, technology and diplomacy.How to improve national competitiveness.

Do away with degree consciousness for promotions. One need not have a master’s degree for leadership skills and institutional knowledge.

Role of arts and culture.We tried to ‘Filipinize’ everything, but we must be proud of our diversity. There’s still a lot of bigotry and prejudice in the country. Culture should be a tool for state building.

Healthcare

Priorities in improving public healthcare.Universal participative healthcare. Everybody must be protected by some form of healthcare.

Family planning/reproductive health.Respect moral choice, but government must help support that choice, even providing what is needed for that choice. Family planning preference must be private.

Keeping doctors, nurses and other health professionals home. Mandatory coverage, so there could be more resources to provide better conditions of employment. Promote medical tourism.

Costs of medicine. Dialogue with producers and provide incentives for local medical manufacturers.

Judiciary

Should SC powers be limited?Put back the definition of judicial powers under the previous Constitution. Restore the old powers of the judiciary.

Should GMA appoint the next chief justice.No. It will also be unfair to the appointee to have that cloud over him.

Will you respect the appointment if she does?It will entirely depend on the circumstances.

Independence of the judiciary.Providing the judiciary with more resources by appointing qualified appointees.

Will you invoke executive privilege, and under what circumstances?Yes, but to the least possible extent.

Corruption

Transparency in government.Full disclosure of any transaction, except on national security issues.

How will you deal with corruption.Creating a culture and attitude against corruption in the bureaucracy.

Prosecution of GMA for corruption.I am not the most credible person to answer that.

Marcos wealth recovery.That should have been settled a long time ago.

Human rights

Murder of journalists and militants.Focus on crime prevention and solution.

AFP/PNP respect for human rights.Remove internal security from the AFP. Sustained deterrence against insurgents.

Is democracy working for RP?Too early to tell, we’re a young democracy.

Is the Philippine press irresponsible?Very responsible, but there are problems.

Have you been treated fairly by media?You win some, you lose some. Would you have it any other way?

Economic rights over civil liberties.No, pareho (they’re equal).

Environment

How to deal with extreme flooding.First, relocate informal settlers in vulnerable areas. Second, provide employment opportunities in the sites. Most immediate is construct a ParaƱaque spillway to drain Laguna de Bay. More elevated mass transport systems like the LRT or MRT in case of evacuation.

Climate change policies.Implement Clean Air Act. Institute lifestyle changes. Have solid waste management. No open dumpsites.

Logging/agroforestry.Map the remaining natural forests in the country. Logging ban for natural forests, regeneration of trees in wooded areas.

Water management.Implement an old law that each barangay should have rain water catchments.

Sports

Priority of sports development. Of course, because it’s an occasion for national unity and pride.

First-ever Olympic gold under your watch? How?That’s a quick win solution. Identify one sport, like boxing, and work on it.

Stand on the following:

Charter change.Yes, if it is transparent.

Cha-cha mode.Constitutional convention.

VFA/US troops in Mindanao.We should continue it.

Freedom of Information Act.Yes.

Right of Reply bill.There should be some sort of a reply.

Divorce.That’s already allowed under Muslim laws.

Marriage expiration.That’s crazy.

Gay rights.Should be talked about objectively. Sign of maturity of the country.

Death penalty.I’m not for death penalty.

What can we expect in your first 100 days?I will try to reach out to my political opponents.

Cabalen lost in her bid for Bb. Pilipinas 2010 tilt because of Politics

Helen Nicolette Henson, Candidate No. 18 of the recently concluded annual Bb. Pilipinas search lost not because she’s ugly but because of politics. As you all know, The BPCI is owned by the Aranetas and KuriMar Roxas’ mother is an Araneta. KuriMar Roxas’ disgust of another Cabalen, PGMA is the only reason why Henson lost. She won a lot of awards yet they did not give her one of the crowns. Instead, they crowned Candidate No. 21 Czarina Catherine Gatbon-whatever who could not even communicate in English (the Bb. Pilipinas – World crown). I have no question about the placement of Maria Venus Raj (Bicol Region) for the Bb. Pilipinas – Universe since she’s perfect for MU pageant. Her model figure and catwalk skills will truly shine in the Universal stage. Krista Mae Kleiner’s crown on the other hand was an exchange deal with GMA7 and the BPCI since Kleiner is a GMA Talent.

Disgusting huh? All through the years, the Aranetas control in the annual pageant resulted to poor performance in the international tilts. The organizers dealt too much on internal politicking that made their organization doomed. Now, they even succumb to the pressure of KuriMar Roxas not to crown Helen Nicolette Henson just because she’s a Cabalen! It’s too bad that Nicolette Henson joined in the election year. Since she’s still young, she can try her luck next year or in the years to come.

As for the Aranetas, Roxas and the BPCI, Good Luck. I say good luck since according to my friend A, the Donald may take away from MU franchise from the Aranetas next year.

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Thanks to Bella, a Cabalen who gave me this info through email. Ito yong sinasabi na totoong pulso ng mga Cabalen na hindi ninyo mababasa sa mga tabloid.

Bullied by the Aquinos

It’s ironic that I have a TFC connection yet I hate ABS CBN News. For me, ABS CBN News is the most irresponsible News organization in the world. Unlike GMA7 na walang kinikilingan, serbesyong totoo lang and they live up to their slogan.

If I can avoid it, I don’t watch TFC. I would rather watch MBC4, Al Jazeera, France 24 or KBS than watch TFC. I don’t worry about the monthly TFC subscription since hati naman kami ni D. Last Sunday, news story broke that Ruffa Gutierrez walked out of the Buzz because of Tetay’s bullying. I feel for Ruffa since she was subjected to Tetay’s bullying since she joined the show. The reason for Kris’ bullying is obvious… envy… INGGIT. Paano naman siya hindi maiingit eh kung magkatabi sila ni Ruffa, she look like Ruffa’s maid. Aside from that, Ruffa was given a juicy offer from TV5.

Kris is addicted to attention. She loves the limelight and she’ll get sick if she’s not in the media spotlight. Haven’t you noticed the series of scandals that she was into before Ruffa’s walk out? Gawa gawa niya lang talaga so that people will talk about her. Tetay’s not just a bully but she’s BASTOS. Her handlers and paid PROs would always say that she’s just being Kris.. Tactless. But there’s a thin line between tactless and bastos (rude) and Kris would always cross that line. Now, napilitan siyang mag apologize because of the candidacy of her brother AbNoynoy. Ang masama, dina justify pa niya ang kanyang mga kamalian. Ang kakapal talaga ng mga Aquino na ito. I don’t blame Anabel Rama if she’d say not to vote for AbNoynoy. She’s right, nobody should vote for AbNoynoy who does not even know the rules of debate. AbNoynoy would always use the ‘PANINIRA’ tactic instead of concentrating on the issues. That’s how shallow the LP presidential bet is.

This should be a lesson to all of us pinoys not to vote for another Aquino. Cory Aquino was a failed leader. She could have done better but she chooses not to. We don’t need another leader who is not prepared for the job. We don’t need another Aquino in power. Tingnan ninyo, si Kris nga sa ABS CBN pa lang reyna, ganyan na ang pinaggagawa. Paano na kaya kung nasa pwesto na naman ang kanyang abnormal na kapatid? The Aquinos are really power hungry. God bless us all!