By Raïssa Robles
This Year 2012, or the Year of the Black Water Dragon, one Chinese horoscope predicts that “something unexpected will happen.”
That’s putting it mildly if applied to rapidly unfolding political events in the country.
Long before the dragon sets foot on the celestial plain this February 4, two events have already occurred that would affect the rest of the year.
First is the arrest and hospital detention of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Second is the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona by members of the House of Representatives. Should political fortune favor either Arroyo or Corona or both of them, President Benigno Aquino III will be in hot water – likely facing a serious threat of impeachment himself starting this July.
His political troubles won’t necessarily come from Mrs Arroyo, according to Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms. Casiple believes Arroyo is no longer the main threat: “On her own, she can’t do it,” meaning topple Aquino from the presidency.
However, “she’s still a threat” if she combines forces with others and contributes her extensive network and financial resources, he said.
A prominent western businessman who spoke on condition of anonymity gave an assessment of Arroyo similar to that of Casiple. He said he based this on the glaring absence of civilian protests on the day Arroyo was transported to a military hospital. He described this as “a manifestation of her consistent unpopularity as measured by two major public opinion pollsters or surveys.”
However, she is widely believed to be well-funded, he said.
He and Casiple expressed the belief that Arroyo on her own can no longer muster widespread political support from the masses, the politicians and the military in order to topple PNoy – Aquino’s popular nickname.
She can only bank on the expectation that Aquino’s popularity would plummet by the second half of this year, as what has happened to previous presidents. To political science professor Benito Lim, that will happen “when (food and gas) prices go up – PNoy will not be popular.”
In addition, Lim said efforts are afoot “to cut down the popularity of the President” by raising issues against him such as his delayed visit to typhoon-ravaged cities, the continued rise in poverty and his defiance of the Supreme Court order allowing Mrs Arroyo to travel abroad.
Events are now centered on the actions of President Aquino, not Arroyo. Casiple explained that “the situation is physically transitioning into an Aquino-dominated situation but in the context of the 2016 (presidential) elections.”
“Those who are maneuvering to run for the presidency in 2016 are trying to fish
in troubled waters,” he said, obviously referring to Vice-President Jejomar Binay, the only politician who has openly declared his intention to run for president in 2016.
Casiple noted that by July this year, Binay will be thrust into a unique constitutional situation. Under the 1987 Constitution, if the sitting president should vacate his office for whatever reason two years and one day after assuming office, the vice-president who succeeds him can still run for a full six-year presidential term.
July 1, 2012 will mark President Aquino’s two years and one day in office.
“This is precisely the scenario that GMA (Arroyo) took advantage of when she decided to run again in 2004” after replacing Estrada in January 2001, Casiple said.
“Definitely, the people around Binay are thinking of that…but there’s no indication Binay or anyone close to him are doing something about it,” Casiple said.
One way to trigger such a scenario is to impeach Aquino in the same way Estrada was impeached in the year 2000. Casiple disclosed that “even now, there are talks going on in the House (of Representatives) about a possible impeachment of President Aquino (come July). Some of them are collecting articles of impeachment….the president will be vulnerable by then. “
Some Catholic bishops have also openly talked about impeaching Aquino for defying the Supreme Court on the matter of Arroyo’s travel abroad.
In a lightning move last year, congressional allies of Aquino impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. He was accused, among others, of ill-gotten wealth and issuing decisions favoring Arroyo.
If the Senate acquits Corona, this may well pave the way for Aquino’s own impeachment – using as grounds his open defiance of the Supreme Court and well-publicized efforts to unseat Corona as chief justice.
Should this happen, Arroyo, who is now a congresswoman “doesn’t have a choice
but to play because she’s not decisive anymore,” Casiple said. He noted that “in the developing political situation, there are those who can make use of it more than she can.”
But just as Arroyo weathered several impeachment attempts against her, Aquino is bound to use the very same political weapons that Arroyo had used to neutralize all impeachment threats – through the grant of political favors and pork barrel funds.
One potent weapon Arroyo never had, but which Aquino continues to enjoy to this day is the wellspring of popular support. This partly stems from the fact that his first two years in office were marked with a stunning absence of any money scandal involving any member of his official family – that had marred the two previous administrations.
How will Aquino, a Metal Rat in the Chinese zodiac, fare in the Year of the Black Water Dragon?
Dramatic changes have happened at least thrice during the Year of the Dragon in Philippine history.
On January 30,1965 during the Year of the Dragon, Ferdinand Marcos was overwhelmingly elected president. He soon began quietly plotting to stay in power forever and stashing money in a secret Swiss bank account under the alias ‘William Saunders’.
Again, in the Year of the Dragon, a Philippine president was impeached and unseated for the first time. Then President Joseph Estrada was impeached by the House of Representatives on November 13, 2000 and the military turned against him on January 19, 2001 – or four days before the Year of the Dragon officially ended.
In the Year of the Dragon this 2012, one Chinese horoscope has predicted that Metal Rats like Aquino (born February 8, 1960) are bound to have a “fair year”, though one not marked with “outstanding achievement.” Meaning, “it only means you might get less return than you expected even if you put more effort in it.”
One alleged local psychic, who had earlier predicted that Senator Manuel Villar would win the presidency, lately claimed that Aquino would not finish his term.
Casiple disagreed with his forecast, saying: “The opposition is waiting for him (Aquino) to stumble. But I think he will go the whole term. I’m not saying it will be easy. There will be challenges along the way.”
[Note: This article first appeared in the January 2012 issue of Asian Dragon magazine. I am posting it with the magazine’s permission. Also, my thanks to those of my commenters who first raised the July 1, 2012 constitutional temptation scenario for VP Binay.]
jun says
parang nag aamoy conspiracy nanaman, pero palagay ko, this time kung sino man ung mag pro-provoke, mapapalaban, the people will make where to stand,,,, kasi dragon nga eh!!! :))
Baltazar says
Well, I have extreme belief about the psychics, they are all liars. Even Nostradamus was later on found to be just practicing Bibliomancy and current times have proven, he was wrong in his predictions. I am a Chrisitian of a non-Catholic fold and I don’t believe in the Chinese belief thingies as well. We cannot afford another impeachment this year. In fact, PNoy should use all his influence to wrap this thing up ASAP so that the country can focus on more important things. Singaporean economists have already warned of economic slowdown and advised more prudent spending. PNoy should recognize some signals from more affluent neighbors and act accordingly. Otherwise, he may not be able to swim when the tide turns against him and so the fall, not by virtue of any psychic predictions but by his own gravity.
edilford acain pascua says
history repeats itself, this time, i am seeing business figures heavily involved in the process.
i am more and more excited, i need to follow through more aggressively on my immigration plans..
clementejak says
Three weeks ago I was informed that VP Binay will be visiting our place here in Q.C. I dismissed this idea, there is no reason for the VP to come to our place. A week later I was informed that definitely the VP is coming to town and we (our organization) must be at the mini city hall to welcome him.
On the date and time announced that the VP will be with us, the hall was jampacked with crowd waiting for the VP’s arrival.
Finally, the VP’s motorcade strolled in and was met by our secretary to the mayor. Later on as the VP and our secretary to the mayor moved to the stage, our secretary to the mayor introduced VP Binay as the future president of our country, the VP replied politely that still a long way to go. I was at the back end of the crowd and Yelled; “Bise, iimpeach na natin si Pnoy para makaupo ka ng maaga” The crowd roared in laughter, the VP replied; “di ako sasama diyan”.
Clearly, the VP is quietly building up his image for the presidency, I have no objection with it, he is more capable than Pnoy to assume the leadership of the country. The aftermath of Sendong, the VP was so prompt to be in the place of disaster assessing the situation.
raissa says
He was prompt because CDO is a PDP-Laban bailiwick. PDP did not want to lose it. :)
Jan says
A cunning leader is what Binay is. But he is dirty too. Corona’s unexplained wealth is peanuts compared to Binay’s. Let’s pray Pnoy isn’t removed before his term ends, because Binay is surely trouble.
Joe Cunningham says
Wasn’t it the Rat that emerged on top in the race to have Pole Position in the Chinese zodiac scheme of things? I try to maintain a “Glass is Half Full” perspective. But with regards to the political outcome as it affects the overall well being of the nation, I like to think that foreign investors are watching the proceedings under a magnifying glass weighed against their investor confidence. Corruption is a road block to healthy offshore investment scenarios that can be a win/win for the investors and the country as a whole…good ol’ fashioned corporate greed notwithstanding.
raissa says
The Chinese zodiac says – the Dragon is an ally of the Rat.
Elmer Rubendo says
kung wala siguro akong lahing intsik..di na dapat paniwalaan yang mga predictions nila at Chinese Horoscope – Astrology ekek na yan..
Leona says
Don’t believe a word of this Chinese horoscopes…why did China get into communism in the first place? Did they make that horoscope too? Or they couldn’t? Waka Ka Nga! Hao Shiao! Siopao!
Mel says
Senator Marcos doubts success of impeachment move vs Aquino
“MANILA, Philippines – Senator Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr. doubts whether any impeachment move against President Aquino would succeed given the timing and the needed number to oust him.”
SOURCE: Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net 11:45 am | Monday, January 30th, 2012
Senator Marcos doubts success of impeachment move vs Aquino
Mel says
House minority dares Aquino to also explain net worth rise
The opposition in the House of Representatives on Sunday said President Benigno Aquino III should be impeached if senators decide to oust Chief Justice Renato Corona for his failure to explain his alleged “ill-gotten wealth” in the impeachment trial.
House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said the President should explain to the public the jump in his personal wealth based on his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN)—up 256 percent from P15,440,268 in 2009 to P54,999,370 in 2010—or he would be impeached on the same ground as Article 2 of the impeachment complaint against Corona.
raissa says
Perhaps because mommy died in 2009?
Mel says
do you remember the jingle of inday badiday?
carepul, carepul …
baka kung matuloy iyan, tuloy-tuloy ang summon sa iyo ng prosekusyon na pangungunahan ni Suarez (house minority).
sige ka.
baka tanungin ka ng pabastos – ala Mirriam, ‘Sino ang source mo?” sino si mommy? (hindi lang 3 words a second, kundi 6.)
sagot!
hahh, ‘… tapos na ang gamit sa babaeng ito.’ koda ni mirriam s.
Baltazar says
Divested his shares?
JB says
hindi naman siguro mahirap si cory para wala siyang mapamana kay pnoy
truth_seeker1961 says
Trial by publicity against the President. But a dose of his own medicine.
victor says
People Power is behind the President plus the blessings of God , and for having parents who are icons even if they’ve passed; his wonderful and beautiful sisters would strongly deflect & reverse negative powers coming from the water Dragon ( a fairy tale to many individuals) —- if it’s an Eagle then some truthfulness may provide fear to a fallacy.
intrigued says
I’m with you @victor–I’m here overseas just observing what’s happening in the Phils. We are so lucky to have Pnoy as our President. My colleagues from ANZ, NAB and ComSec heaved a sigh of relief when he became the Pres. Work with Aquino, it’s a given fact that 2012 is a very volatile year for almost all economies with the exception of China (it will slow down but not as bad as the other countries). US and European situation are dragging most countries down particularly US; if the bubble burst there’s no recourse for them; they’ve played their cards. There’s no support available to them. You don’t need a psychic to tell you these stuff just read the business daily news. My only advise to Pnoy is to fund more infrastructure projects and redirect the focus of the educational system to science and technology and agricultural related course.
Mel says
@intrigued
Where abouts are you at Down Under?
You wrote, “… European situation are dragging most countries down particularly US; if the bubble burst there’s no recourse for them; they’ve played their cards. There’s no support available to them. You don’t need a psychic to tell you these stuff just read the business daily news.”
True, IMF head Christine Lagarde said “In a wide-ranging speech at the German Council on Foreign Relations think tank in Berlin, Ms Lagarde also called for an additional $500bn (£320m) for the IMF as it seeks to keep afloat countries battered by the crisis.
“And she had a dire warning for policymakers if they failed to do what was necessary, saying the world could slide into a “1930s moment” of isolationism, which led to the Great Depression and eventually to world war.”
SOURCE: IMF chief unveils euro plan and warns of ‘1930s moment’
In the US, “Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos a few days ago, said the “critical risks” facing the American economy this year were a worsening of Europe’s chronic sovereign debt crisis and a rise in tensions with Iran that could stoke global oil prices.” Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/the-biggest-risk-to-the-e_b_1242608.html
As for Australia, the mining industry with consistent demand for mineral resources from China and other asian economies (e.g. Japan, South Korea, India) is safer and well placed to tackle the impending global financial crisis – bigger than the Lehman Bros, Iceland, Ireland, Greece bankruptcies.
For Phils., ANZ‘s global website had 55 jobs advertised at its new Manila operation this week. They ranged from a new head of human resources to credit risk officers and business analysts. Almost all required a high level of university education, two years of similar experience and fluent written English.
“Demand generation has become less of an issue now because the world has come to us so our focus now is on the supply side of talent,” Alfredo Ayala, chairman of the BPAP (BPO Association of the Philippines) said. “The challenge is how can we make use of this strong demand,” said Ayala. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said the talent supply has been an issue since 2003 when the industry was only 25,000 people. “But we are able to cope until now when the scale of the industry has gone up to 600,000. So the problem has become acute because we only have 400,000 graduates a year,” he said.”
World Bank consultant Raja Mitra recently reported the Philippines BPO sector stands to generate $50 billion in revenues by 2020, marking 11 percent of the country’s total GDP.
As for Phil. politics, filipinos should worry if Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would try his luck to run for the Presidency on 2016.
VP J Binay for President on 2016, very much possible. But a traditional politician is the least the filipinos would aspire and clamour for. The Philippines needs a younger, creative and innovative President to springboard the gains of one-term PNoy’s clean sweeping gov’t.
BUT Mar Roxas has a bigger edge, dependent on a consistent high and strong support and clean sweeping gov’t policies of PNoy towards 2016. PNoy’s domestic challenges are cleaning out the scalawags in gov’t services, parallel with his wise foreign policy to deal amicably with China and other claimants in the West Philippines Sea.
I am just wondering why Raïssa gave Credence to various psychics’ premonition by adding it to her blog space for the ‘2012 Political Forecast: “Something unexpected” in the Year of the Black Water Dragon’. I guess, the Black Water Dragon could pass by the Pasig murky River en route to Malacanan (joke only).
Hey, it’s Raïssa’s blog site, she can do whatever she wants. Thanks for sharing.
Baltazar says
@Mel
I just hope that when Mar Roxas is pitted against Binay (once more), he will be on top this time. I have already expressed my prejudices about the latter in a different thread – surely, he is the last person I will vote for president. Ferdie Jr might not be aiming for the presidency yet. In one of the threads, Raissa quipped that Imelda already decided for the son to target the VP post..probably a slow but a surer move to the regain the throne(?). We know that running in our veins is a forgiving (and forgetting?) genes – this may be possible with a good machinery – and Marcos family seem to have a perpetual motion political machinery :-).
Going back to the topic, Singapore, a tiny country but mighty in economy withstood the 2007-2008 crisis. It was very much manifested in our year-end bonus which on the average was about 4.5x monthly salary. Not bad for a public listed and partly government owned company. But just like what I’ve mentioned somewhere else on this thread, Singapore is bracing now for the slowdown. Back home, 75% of the legislative’s time now is consumed in the impeachment and the equally important things only gets the 25% slice. Haste is deemed important in this impeachment. A slowdown can lead to a slide-down especially for RP’s volatile economy.
Mel says
G’day @Baltazar,
2016 Phils. National Election is still far away.
Anyone could still throw their hats into the ‘race’. Including nuisance candidates. LOL!
You got a bonus? Good on ‘ya máte! Glad to hear.
TODAY’s news online at down under was also spectacular.
Meet Victoria’s best boss who gave his staff a $15m bonus
“Workers at bus company Grenda couldn’t believe their good fortune when surprise bonuses averaging $8500 were paid into their accounts – with some staff receiving as much as $30,000.”
Tuwang tuwa ang mga bus drivers!
—–
As for Phils. Corona Impeachment, yeah – the sooner the better for the two branches of Gov’t to move on, and a new replacement with credibility, a non political new CJ.
Let the Ombudsman do the prosecution of R Corona.
Ang goal lang naman diyan is to remove a callous and stubborn R Corona who refuses to resign inspite of all the glaring breaches of their Judicial Code of Conduct.
R Corona having worked with past several Presidents, I thiMk even going back to the time of Marcos, R Corona is a political bogey man. A seasoned politico whose mantra on the corridors of power are vanity. All but the same. He has stooped to a psyche place that all is but in VAIN.
Presidents are but a stepping stone to him. He tried several attempts to solicit PNOY’s graces, even with the help of the clergy to smooch his ass. BUT TO NO AVAIL. This is where Filipinos should admire & give respect to PNOY – hindi paloloko, hindi pagagamit.
Leona says
Between Ms. De Lima and VP Binay, De L. is preferable; between De L. and Roxas, De L. is again preferable. Between De L. and Bong2, preferably sinking the latter is good. But its still far for this. But written on the wall na ito unless someone puts a new paint on it. If PNoy vettes Mar R, VP Binay wins! But De Lima vs VP Binay, on fair game and equal financing, De Lima wins! Computer or no computer, she wins! Comparing the minds of De Lima with Mar Roxas, De Lima has more energetic and living mind. Anyway, it is still far for this.
victor says
Dragons that represent China are plain Fallacy, and Eagles represent the Philippiners and USA, which are real live high Flying Creatures. No wonder why China is a messed-up country ran by its dick-headed military, and whose future is a complete chaos. Philippines and USA are two countries blessed by the Almighty.
ric says
After all the alleged expert analysis, Chinese Zodiac was used to justify a PNoy downfall. This is funny.
truth_seeker1961 says
Forecast: Giants will fall down in 2012?
Andrew Tan, Megaworld’s owner is the country’s 5th richest man in 2010. The next collateral damage of the impeachment trial? Did Megaworld really bribed CJ Corona with a 40% discount? Another thriller! Coming up is Lucio Tan, 2nd richest man, owner of PAL. Lets see if his company is also guilty of bribery by plane tickets.
parengtony says
magkano ang gastos ni Corona pag pumupunta sa Vegas para sa laban ni Pacquiao?
Sino ang sumasagot nito? bakit siya magmamadaling umuwi kahit hindi nya mapapanood ang Pacquiao-Marquez ilang araw bago ang TRO laban sa hold departure order ni GMA? Bakit ang natalong ng kaso ng PAL sa SC (na pinagbabayad ang PAL ng ilang bilyong piso sa illegally dismissed FASAP members) ay talong beses ng pinayagan ng SC mag Motion for Reconsideration? At bakit hanggang ngayon nakabinbin pa rin sa SC ang decision sa pangatlong MR?
Maraming tanong para kay Corona. Tatanggapin kaya ng bayan ang mga sagot nya? Nandito ang natatanging pagasa ni GMA.
baycas says
Sa bolang kristal, pag nagpatuloy na libre ang serbisyo ng mga abogado ni G. Corona hanggang sa pagtatapos ng paglilitis sa Senado, maaaring marami nang pinagkakautangan ng loob si G. Corona liban kay gloria m. arroyo…
The New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary
CANON 4
PROPRIETY
SECTION 13. Judges and members of their families shall neither ask for nor accept, any gift, bequest, loan or favor in relation to anything done or to be done or omitted to be done by him or her in connection with the performance of judicial duties.
This section should be read in conjunction with Section 7(d) of R.A. 6713 which prohibits public officials from soliciting or accepting gifts. According to this provision:
Thus, aside from constituting serious misconduct, the act of demanding and receiving money or property from a litigant violates this provision of the Act. For example, a judge who accepts the free use of a car for a year or utilizes free battery charging services from the shop of the litigant or who allows a litigant to pay for the freight of for personal acquisitions also violates the Anti-Graft Law.
Ideya ito ni G. Rene (tukayo ni G. Corona) Saguisag. Dito mababasa:
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/columnist1/15882-prez-cory-cj-rene-and-ka-lauro
Ancient Mariner says
The puzzle to me is how CJ Corona can justify accepting the services of several attorneys free of charge. If the stories I have read in the past are true this seems to be the case? Major potential for favors to be demanded if the CJ is exonerated.
baycas says
Ang pagkakatalaga daw sa kaniyang misis sa JHMC ay hindi naman daw masama at wala namang batas na nagbabawal dito. Hindi naman daw si gloria arroyo ang nag-appoint. Nguni’t ninombrahan naman si Cristina Corona ni gloria. Di naman makatanggi siyempre ang JHMC Board para ihalal ang misis niya.
Tapos tumanggap pa si Renato ng midnight appointment!
Tahasang nilalabag ang Code of Conduct, yan ang kinakalimutan ni Renato Corona. Dapat masampulan ito para manumbalik naman ang delikadesa.
Ang kawalan ng delikadesa ay maaaring ugat din ng corruption…
baycas says
Yan ang nakalulungkot sa Chief Justice na ito…laging EXEMPTED, pati sa Code of Conduct para sa mga huwes!
Mel says
@baycas
They are ‘a Law unto themselves’ ika nga.
Iyong plano na ‘midnight appointment’ ni GMA kay R Corona, alam na unconstitutional dahil it falls within the period of a national political election.
Ano ang ginawa ng SC? They issued a ruling to allow GMA to promote and appoint R Corona as CJ, the SC willy-nilly circumvented an undisputed Constitutional law of banning political appointments in lieu of an upcoming national election.
junpogi4 says
If midnight appointee is unconstitutional what the heck is he in that position. Why can’t he be replaced so no need for this trial. Can it be that simple? The matter with these lawyers and judges are that they seems to be the law as they please.
Leona says
The SC simply actualy “legislated” the Constitution by adding what did not appear in the law. That’s legal fiction in legal parlance. Its fun to be in that high Court. They can simply say, we are only interpreting the law (yes, by adding something not in the law but according to your interpretation only).
Mel says
Arrogate, that’s what R Corona’s SC did.
Arrogante sa tagalog.
arrogate sa english.
It is in the ARTICLE VI of Impeachment too.
Respondent Betrayed the Public Trust By Arrogating
Unto Himself, And To A Committee He Created, The
Authority And Jurisdiction To Improperly Investigate
An Alleged Erring Member Of The Supreme Court
For The Purpose Of Exculpating Him. Such Authority
And Jurisdiction Is Properly Reposed By The
Constitution In the House of Representatives via
Impeachment.
Mel says
Palace raises questions about condo ‘discount’
“Rule 5.04 of the Judicial Code of Conduct states, “A judge or any immediate member of the family shall not accept a gift, bequest, factor or loan from any one except as may be allowed by law.”
“Hindi po pwedeng tumanggap ng kahit anong regalo, donasyon, utang, discount, gratuity lalo po kung lalabas na it was given in the expectancy of getting something in return….Yung mga ganun po kasing bagay, it also lends that perception that ‘Uy pabor sa akin ‘to,’” Valte said.
Source: Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News Posted at 01/31/2012 4:00 PM | Updated as of 01/31/2012 4:00 PM
Dito na lang @baycas, guilty na si R Corona. It is within their Judicial Code of Conduct that he has transgressed or breached a clear manifesto of their sworn duty and servitude.
Handiong says
I don’t understand the injunction that the Corona trial should be wrapped up as soon as possible so that the government could focus on growing the economy. Does anybody really believe that while the impeachment trial is going on, the entire government is at a standstill?
I don’t understand the injunction that the Aquino Administration should stop prosecuting GMA and her cohorts because the economy is being neglected. Does anybody really believe that all the cabinet secretaries are over at the Justice Department plotting legal strategies against GMA and her cohorts to the detriment of their own official duties and responsibilities?
Could anybody please give me a cogent explanation?
rub says
I found people around here are smart and intelligent, bakit bokya pa rin ang pilipinas compared sa ating mga asean neighbors? export bananas, that’s all?
Mel says
@rub,
Please don’t rub it in. It could sprung into life.
clementejak says
Bananas are an indispensable part of the 7 billions world populations diet thus countries in all four corners of the world have to buy bananas. Our country is lucky that we’re part of the banana growing countries and we have a share of the commodity destined for export.
As usual our country cannot attract foreign investors due to unfriendly business climate here. Our country have now the highest electricity charge/KWHR in asia. In fact a few months back it was published in the local paper that even local manufacturing cos are contemplating in relocating their plant somewhere along our asian corridors to beat this high cost of electricity.
Global economy is slowing down right now because of the euro crisis in europe. America hasn’t recovered yet since the 2008 recession so there’s a slump in the world trade affecting our export earnings.
AUGUST C FERNANDO says
Ok. So let’s all sing Harry Belafonte’s DAY-O, DAY-O, daylight come and we wanna go home. Come Mister Tallyman, tali me bananas!!! HAHAHAHA!!!
Mel says
That’s a good one.
LOL!
Repeat Refrain.
nelson ongpauco says
tama ka dahil sa mga politiko ay mahalaga lang ang magpayaman ..kaya kumandidato sila.. hindi nila kailangan na baguhin ang buhay ng pinoy dahil hindi sila puwedeng kumarakot sa gobyerno…kaya nakipagpatayan ang mga politiko..ang dapat ay suportahan natin si pinoy kung gusto nating magbago ang buhay ng mag tao sa pinas alisin ang mga judge na inapoint ni arroyo o iimpeach para walang gumaya sa kanila..kaialngang makita ang mga bank account nila kahit dollar account..,
Nasser says
Please read this..
From butt of jokes in 1986, Philippines has risen to creditor nation, says ex-finance chief
By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer Central Luzon
3:07 am | Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
26share 225 193
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Who is having the last laugh now?
The joke going around the world in 1986 was that the Philippines had no money but it had a ministry of finance.
This is no longer true, the finance secretary during the Corazon Aquino administration, Jesus Estanislao, said here Saturday during observance rites of the 26th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
The Philippines is now a creditor, rather than a debtor, nation, said Estanislao.
The biting joke about the Philippines was sprung on Estanislao when he went to Italy, Spain and other rich countries in 1986 to borrow money to revive the Philippine economy following the ouster of strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
Estanislao was chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines then.
“In one country, I was supposed to meet the minister of snow. I said, ‘How can you have a ministry of snow when you do not have snow?’ And an official said to me, ‘In the Philippines, you don’t have money but you have a ministry of finance,’”
“Twenty-six years ago, we had no international reserves, we couldn’t pay our debts and we kept borrowing. Now our reserves amount to $80 billion and we have lent $500 million to the [International Monetary Fund] that in turn lent the money to Spain and Italy,” he said.
Best Christmas gift
“We have become a creditor nation.”
Last December, Estanislao said he received the best Christmas gift in the form of an international banking report that listed the Philippines between the 30th and 100th strongest economies in the world.
“By 2050, the Philippines is seen to be the 16th strongest, biggest economy in the world,” Estanislao said.
“I’m here to tell you that this is possible because of what you’re doing in San Fernando,” he said, referring to the performance governance system (PGS) adopted by the city government.
In the Harvard University-designed PGS, everything, such as its vision, mission, goals and objectives, is measured. The PGS also enlists civil society and community groups in its decision-making.
Estanislao said that in a conference on democracy in South Korea earlier, the Philippines was hailed as the nation that “fired the shots in Asia,” which eventually led to the downfall of communist regimes in the 1990s.
Model of good governance
Last week, he said international experts who met with President Benigno Aquino III for a briefing on the government’s anticorruption drive advised him to keep doing what he was doing.
“The Philippines is going to be a model of good governance in the world,” said Estanislao.
He said his group, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), was helping local governments use the PGS as a tool for improving their services and citizen participation.
Still, Estanislao said, public officials and citizens must address local issues like instituting political reforms and changing the political culture. This, he said, would help the Philippines overtake Thailand and Indonesia in terms of economic growth.
“We have to build our economy together, filter down the benefits to the barangays,” he said. “We’re all in this together is President Noynoy’s message.”
juan says
there is something really very wrong with us if we are still giving weight to the stars for our destiny…..please…please… lead us to believe instead that we are at least, as a nation, growing up…
AUGUST C FERNANDO says
Juan, dyan din ako nagtataka. For all the brains a lot of Pinoys have, our country hasn’t progressed — but instead has retogressed a thousandfold! Maybe because we Pinoys are really just good in NGAWA… pero kulang sa GAWA! Watta pity! Kung mautak lamang ako…..
Jumbo Pascual says
Ms RR, I really like reading your articles, they are factual, so please kindly stick to this line of writing, wag namang about chinese caledars parang tabloid material na.
Diosdado B. Bancaso says
tama!
Mark Pere Madrona says
Mam Raissa, just a super minor correction. December 30, 1965 po nagstart ang term of office ni Ferdinand Marcos. Elections were held that November. :-)
Juan Alila says
LOL! Kung ang ganitong hulahula ay may katutuhanan. Alam nyo po ba na dapat nahulaan na nila ano lalabas bukas sa Lotto.
Parang kulam daw… sus. kadaming namatay dahil kagagawan ng kilalang mga tao. bakit walang may nagkulam dito sa kanila? kathang isip at pang komiks.
Wag po kayo magpaniwala dito Ms Raissa… Itoy larong intsik lamang, katuwaan. Dba parang fortune cookies? hehehe………….
EdZee says
The article did not mention VP Binay’s sign in the Chinese calendar and how he will fare in 2012 Year of Black Water Dragon. I suggest that the soothsayers be asked this information so that we could compare it with PNoy’s and see if there is a match.
ROMAN RAMA GUERRERO says
There is no way PNoy could be impeached nor ousted through People Power. The 4 years remainder of his term that begins precisely at 12:01pm; June 30, 2012 also marks the opening of the door for a possible 10 years Binay Presidency up to 2012 i.e. after getting elected for another 6 years in 2016 WHILE SITTING IN OFFICE. That was the interpretation of Sec. 4(3); Art. VII of the Constitution which was followed by GMA who stayed as President for close to 9 1/2 years – from January 20, 2001 to June 30, 2012 as first beneficiary of that flawed constitutional provision.
VP Binay for sure would be in a “damned if he do and damned if he doesn’t” situation as he shall always remain the legal second beneficiary of that erroneous and ab initio NULL AND VOID provision. Unless corrected before that precise time, PNoy shall be exposed like a sitting duck to anybody’s plot to get rid of him. And, by God, he has earned so many powerful enemies lately with motives strong enough to oust him – fair or foul – with somebody who would be more sympathetic to them who wants burial at the LNMB and travel abroad for medical treatment
ROMAN RAMA GUERRERO says
Sorry, some mix-up on dates.”Binay presidency up to 2022 not 2012″ and “GMA stayed as president — from January 20, 2001 to June 30, 2010 not 2012”
baycas says
BROTHERHOOD
Maraming “sleepers” si Arroyo???
kardozoo says
yun meralco case scandal sa CA between Sabio(ateneo-utopian) and Roxas(a UP-sigmarhoan)..pero yung anak ni Sabio ay opus deihindi kaya itong Utopian aligned sa Vatican? but then the INC confirms nor denies a corona alignment…hehe!
Mel says
All Senators and Congressmen of the Legislative Branch are voted nationally and by their respective constituents to represent their common interests in The House, whether it maybe the Congress or the Senate.
Isn’t it just right and fair for their side of the House to compliment each other (Sens & Cens) the opportunity to Chair and Lead their cause of actions?
Rotate the Senate-Impeachment Chairperson
It would serve the better interest of the R Corona Impeachment, especially the sovereign people, to have different Senate-Judges to Chair, handle and oversee the remaining Articles of Impeachment.
To allay the misperception of bias or what appears as a ‘favored’ exclusion (although cast for a vote) of certain clause(s) (e.g. Article II.4) by the current Chair (raised to vote by Senator JP Enrile) the other Senator-Judges must be given the opportunity to seat as Chair for the remaining Articles.
We know that not all Senators are Lawyers and/or with disparity of experiences as such between Senators. For one to Chair, it is not incumbent that a Senator must be a lawyer. The fundamental requisite is of sound of mind, capable of prudent reasoning, able to weigh both panel’s (pro, def) of merits & faults. [some commenters can spin these premise, if you please – thanks].
Rotate the House-Prosecutor, Lead
The overwhelming number of Articles of Impeachment is too much to trot for a lone Lead House-Prosecutor (although with some support from fellow solons, private lawyers), it is but necessary to delegate the leading prosecuting hand for each Article to other House-Prosecutors.
The Fish Net for all 8 Articles is too much for one lead to pull. One Lead Prosecutor is up against a veteran, and a professor. Regardless of who has the most legal supporters, luminaries to back the Lead. The past 11 days of Senate-Impeachment for one Lead is obviously overbearing for one, the current Lead needs a relief, let other H-Prosecutors take some of the helm.
This is not a lone wolf’s single hook, line and sinker crusade. It is a collective Representatives’ call to achieve a better result for the people. Even just one Article to win – clear, incontrovertible & convincing.
Due to limited space for commenters, can’t expound further. Can’t take advantage of Raïssa’s tolerance and kindness.
Mel says
re ‘One Lead Prosecutor is up against a veteran, and a professor.’
One Lead Prosecutor is up against, an ex-Supreme Court Associate Justice, a veteran, and a law professor. Although called from retirement, the age gap wasn’t a deterrent to score ‘political’ points.
Mel says
Rotate the House-Prosecutor, Lead
If the House-Prosecutors can consider this, the other assigned Lead Prosecutor(s) for the other Articles of Impeachment may now have sufficient time to prepare, research, brain-storm and be coached by private but more experienced trial Lawyers.
There would be lapses, or short of skills, between Articles and Lead(ers), but surely, rationale Congressmen can coordinate, support their Prosecution Lead(ers) to excel.
The House-Prosecution can readily give advance memo, schedules or related info to the Senate-Judges of their Articles for hearing, upcoming/available witnesses, material evidences, request for subpoenas, & so forth. The Defense would just have to catch up.
Hopefully, it could be finished by March 23, 2012.
IF the House-Prosecutors hasn’t been confident of late about their Article II, R Corona is justifiably guilty if you can just rationalized your … The Defense’s strategy of late are merely using distractions, use of skewed legalistic (letter for word), interpretations of ….
The SENATE-JUDGES must always bear in mind that this is a political process and exercise. (Other commenting threads in this blog have repeatedly submitted these one-liner)
Mel says
Source: Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News Posted at 02/06/2012 1:37 PM | Updated as of 02/06/2012 6:25 PM
Revamp or change the LEAD House Prosecutor per Article schedules, kailangan kung masa-sayos ang possibilidad na may maipanalo kahit isa. Hindi lang ‘information overload’ kundi kulang sa tulog ang isang LEAD kada Artikulo.
Puwede bang gumamit ng Bluetooth na headset sa Senado?
Para may monitor ang prosekutor habang nakatayo sa pulpito mula sa kapartido, sasabihan na lang pabulong para walang makaligtaan.
Wala naman ata sa ‘Rules of Court’ na bawal gumamit ng ‘Bluetooth headset’.
Mel says
Mel says
FINALLY, Rudy Fariñas’ testosterone is in the right place – go for it! The sovereign people are behind you manong.
NO GUTS NO GLORY! Bring out the Fariñas’ good side manong. Sige lat taa!
THIS IS THE WAY TO DEAL WITH SCALAWAGS IN CLOWN ROBES!
Mel says
IF this challenge pushes through, the Articles of Impeachment will be better crafted.
There were public feelers or news spin wheelers in parallel to R Corona that some or all of GMA Supreme Court Justice appointees might ALSO be impeached.
This could be the catalyst to spearhead in eradicating the remainder of GMA appointees in the Supeme Court! NOT AN EASY BALL GAME TO PLAY, BUT DOABLE to pull it off.
It takes magnanimous guts by the House of Representatives to back and support Representative Rudy Fariñas’ call to his Congress peers, fellow solons to be consistent.
The current House-Prosecutors have learned a lot of lessons, not to repeat to this declaration of Representative Rudy Fariñas.
This time, he would like to take the Lead in prosecuting, not one but 8!
LOL!
Baka naman, pautot lang ni Rep Fariñas eto. O dili kaya nabibigla lang.
HUWAG NAMAN SANA Manong!
Apay sika iti maka dalus dita Supreme Court.
Mel says
Has the SC ruled previously that confidentiality in reference to ‘Foreign Currency Deposits Law does not assure absolute confidentiality of dollar accounts’, that it only applies to foreigners but not to Filipino account holders‘?
Is the Supreme Court consistent in dispensing judgments to issue TROs?
nelson ongpauco says
may kasabihan ang mga chinese na ang maliit na tao ay sinungaling sa sampung sinabi isa lang ang totoo.maga,ling lang manguto sa tao pagkatalikod mo tatawatawa dahil may nautong utuuto na naniniwala sa kaniya..aayuna kang aayunan tapos hindi naman sinusonod ang sinabi..doble kara yan..sana bago kayo maniwala kay binay obserbahan muna ninyo sya kung totoo ang sinasabi nya..lahat ng pol.itiko parepareho..
nelson ongpauco says
ang mga chinese horoscope na yan ay palabas lang ng chinese para bilhin ng pinoy ang mga paninda nila, gaya ng mga dragon mga suwerteng bagay na ipinagbibili nila mga prutas tikoy at iba [pang pagkain ,na hindi naman totoo.sa mga taong sumusunod sa mga sinssabi ng chinese horoscope nagkatotoo ba nabago ba ang buhay ninyo,ang dapat gawin ng tao ay magbago ng ugali ,,magipon ng pera ,magnegosyo ,mag-aral hindi katulad ng mga tao pagsahod inuman na puro utang pagsiningil mo naman galit pa..puro bili ng mga kayabangan …kaya walang asenso….manga politiko puro korakot…sarili lang kapakanan ang iniisip…kaya mga kababayan magbago natayo para gumanda ang buhay natin..
Mel says