And other personalities
By Raïssa Robles
I’ve just come from the July 4 Independence Day reception of the US Embassy in Manila.
Normally, I don’t attend such affairs. But it was my first time to be invited. And I was curious to see who among the members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s government would show up, considering that Duterte himself had made noises critical of the US government.
I did not see anyone from inside the presidential palace except Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar. I had a photo taken with him and opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes. I felt like I was sandwiched between two giants.
Both men were very cordial to each other despite what had happened during the election campaign when Trillanes accused Duterte of having hidden wealth in the form of peso and dollar bank accounts.
I also met the new Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya.
Out of uniform, he did not look so grim and foreboding. But he exuded toughness. Even his cheeks looked tough. Except when he smiled.
I promised to send him a copy of my book Marcos Martial Law: Never Again.
President Duterte’s Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was also there, entertaining countless people who wanted to see him and shake his hand.
His stint in Washington as a military attache must have rubbed off on him. He acted more like a diplomat than a former major general.
Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay was of course there to give a speech in behalf of the Duterte government. Later I was unable to find him in the throng because he is small like me and his head does not stick out in the crowd.
So was Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua.
I did find two cabinet secretaries who both looked tired and in need of sleep. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who told me he felt the need to make a sacrifice and accept the government post.
And Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. I congratulated him and told him that I saw him nodding off to sleep at times during the recent forum with businessmen of the cabinet economic cluster. It must be due to the change in his office hours.
Others who were there were retired Brigadier General Resty Aguilar, one of those I interviewed for my book and the current head of veteran affairs.
Congressman Toby Tiangco, who told me he was being considered as the House minority floor leader, Senator Risa Hontiveros who came in red and shook my hand very formally. I also saw the couple Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and his wife Margarita.
There were a few journalists present, among them Philippine Star editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan, ABS-CBN News and Public Affairs chief Jing Reyes. We three had a photo together but strangely, Jing did not come out in the photo :( .
Manila Mayor and former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada recognized me as one of those who nag him for stories.
And former President Fidel V. Ramos again recalled the time I interviewed him on a flatbed truck while he was campaigning in the 1992 elections.
I’m grinning in this photo because Ramos had startled me with a joke. He told me – “I’m going to tell you something personal.”
Then suddenly he said aloud – “Miss! Bukas ang zipper niyo.”
He then chuckled and said he was only joking as I tried to see if my zipper was really open.
Then I kidded him that I heard he was President Duterte’s adviser.
He said he was no one’s adviser and later added that Duterte still had to prove himself. During Yasay’s speech, Ramos had shouted “Palakpakan” (Let’s clap) when Yasay had mentioned Duterte’s name.
I may be wrong, but I did not see one member of the Duterte cabinet allied with the Left during the reception.
In closing, I’d like to thank US Ambassador Philip Goldberg for inviting me to the July 4 celebration, even though he knows I’m critical of some of US actions toward the Philippines. Except for the absence of the Reds, it was a rainbow gathering.
Gumising Ka Bayan says
Abangan Allright
President Aquino in his term had put the corrupt president GMA, the villain in the Philippine history JPE, the super dumb senators like Jinggoy and Bong , the super crooked government contractors Janet Napoles and numerous elected and appointed Government Officials in jail. Several more are being investigated whether political allies or not.
Under Pnoy’s presidency, The Office of the Ombudsman ( Conchita Carpio Morales ) COA ( Grace Pulido Tan ) and the BIR ( Kim Henares ) have regained respectability for the performance of their duties with HONOR and INTEGRITY worthy of gratitude from the hearts of the Filipinos. It is also noteworthy that AMLC had done its share for this country despite the Bank Secrecy Law made by Congress to protect the crooks in their ranks and other corrupt government officials.
Under Duterte, appointments and re appointments of Crooks and Unprincipled characters coming from the terms of GMA, Erap and FVR. The impending rise to POWER of Bongbong ( son of the biggest crook in the Philippinne History ) courtesy of his friend Duterte.
Duterte on the other hand has not done really anything yet aside from the killings of small fishes of drug syndicates. While the PR firms he hired to toot his horn are glorifying him in their press releases the legitimate press is asking why Duterte is cavorting with the BIG crooks.
What is Duterte going to do with the Marcos’s stolen wealth in adjudication? What will Duterte do if The Hague’s decision is favorable to the Philippines ? What will Duterte do to the corrupt ex president GMA who partly funded his campaign aside from the Macoses? What will he do to his campaign promise to put Binay behind bars for corruption ?
Does Duterte really think that using these drug bust killings serve as enough smoke screen to cover the fact that he is re-establishing the crooks in power. Does Duterte really know that the BIGGEST CULPRIT in this country’s economic problem is CORRUPTION ?
Johnny lin says
How Efficient was Aquino presidency(6) years) compared to Duterte(1 week)
Fighting Corruption is both their primary agenda.
Ridding police of drug lord protectors — Duterte presented charts of drug hierarchy with General Garbo on top. Aquino in 6 yrs did not present such when for all we know the info of Duterte came from govt sources. Was Aquino blindsided by his PNP chief appointees? Most probably yes!
June.
FOI- Aquino delayed FOI law advocated by Grace Poe by not certifying it as an emergency when in fact it’s a prelude to investigate anomalies related to corruption. Duterte promised to sign next week an Executive Order for FOI while Sen Poe promised to pass the law. Why did Aquino not sign an FOI EO?
Fascinating comparison?
He he he!
Vhin AB says
Ibang presidente, ibang diskarte. PNoy had big fish jailed, impeached & resigned. With PDu30, he promised to jail Binay ASAP. But still a promise. How about the PNP generals? Just a press release for now. Can he manage to jail them? Abangan!
Sound of Silence says
Mag-ipon ng kakayahan para magawang lumaban. Nakapag-ipon na si PNoy, puwede nang si Duterte ay lumaban.
Vhin AB says
Hintayin natin ang panahon na magpakulong siya ng malalaking isda. Puro small time pa rin ang biktima so far pero umaasa ako na mga big time criminals lalo na mga politicians ang sana ay masimulan na niyang gisahin.
Gumising Ka Bayan says
Abangan Allright
President Aquino in his term had put the corrupt president GMA, the villain in the Philippine history JPE, the super dumb senators like Jinggoy and Bong , the super crooked government contractors Janet Napoles and numerous elected and appointed Government Officials.
Under Pnoy’s presidency, The Office of the Ombudsman ( Conchita Carpio Morales ) COA ( Grace Pulido Tan ) and the BIR ( Kim Henares ) have regained respectability for the performing their duties with HONOR and INTEGRITY worthy of gratitude from the hearts of the Filipinos. It is also noteworthy that AMLC had done its duties for this country despite the Bank Secrecy Law made by the Congress to protect the crooks in their ranks and other corrupt government officials.
Under Duterte, appointments and re appointments of Crooks and Unprincipled characters coming from the terms of GMA, Erap and FVR. The impending rise to POWER of Bongbong via appointment ( son of the biggest crook in the Philippinne History ) courtesy of his excellency Duterte.
Duterte on the other hand has not done really anything yet aside from the killings of small fishes of drug syndicates. While the PR firms he hired to toot his horn are glorifying him in their press releases the legitimate press is asking why Duterte is cavorting with the BIG crooks.
What is Duterte going to do with the Marcos’s stolen wealth in adjudication? What will Duterte do if The Hague’s decision is favorable too the claims of the Philippines ? What will Duterte do to the corrupt ex president GMA who partly funded his campaign aside from the Macoses? What will he do to his campaign promise to put Binay behind bars for corruption ?
Does Duterte really think that using these drug bust killings serve as enough smoke screen to cover the fact that he is re-establishing the corrupt in power. Does Duterte really know that the BIGGEST CULPRIT in this country’s economic problem is CORRUPTION ?
rOSARIO says
Ang liit nyo lang pala Ma’m Raissa. Pero tuwing nakikita ko kayo sa tv parang ang laki laki nyo. Small but giant. Big great stories.
Btw, wala na raw MMLNA dito sa Sm clark, even marquee mall. Sa sm clark 200 raw ang dumating one week lang daw ubos na. And i dont understand how come none is coming since they run out.
Its good to see you in your pics having a time out and hopefully enjoying yourself.
Is the celebration right inside the US embassy?
Maybe the marcoses wasn’t invited. Besides, if they attend, they could be arrested. They are wanted there, di ba?
They maybe renting the building but i think its like US ship is US soil wherever it is located, so pwedeng ganon din sa lahat ng mga embassies kaya nga foreigners go to their embassies kasi sanctuary nila yon like the ofws were told go to phil embassy wherever it is located in other parts of the world para maprotektahan sila. Ergo, the marcosses can be arrested there in US embassy. hehe
Vhin AB says
Do the Marcoses have an outstanding warrant of arrest from the United States govt? Who can provide a link?
Mark says
Nope.
Sup says
Barred in US
Rosales said she was told by lawyers that the contempt award meant that the Marcoses would not be allowed to set foot on any US territory.
“The contempt ruling means that the US courts are taking seriously the disrespect shown by the Marcoses. More than the heavy fines, this is a big embarrassment to the family who has shown no remorse for the deeds they made,” the CHR said.
Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/54454/marcoses-lose-us-appeal#ixzz4DnRcNKTh
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
rOSARIO says
Sa pagkakaintindi ko meron daw.
Contempt charges against the marcoses bbm n imelda re court case appeal against the human rights victims claimants. Kaya raw ndi makatungtong sa US eh ang mag ina.
Statute of limitation na lang ang tingnan kung outstanding pa ba.
Oct 12, 2012
globalinquirer.inquirer.net
Marcoses loses US court appeal.
rOSARIO says
Sorry.
globalnation.inquirer.net
Oct. 29th, 2012
Marcoses loses US appeal.
Tab/cp gamit ko, ndi marunong mag copy paste dito. Sira lap, choppy internet sa lap.
yvonne says
The appointment of Leni Robredo as the new head of HUDCC is a positive act by President Duterte towards political reconciliation. In effect, he recognizes Leni as the rightfully elected Vice-President, an act that does not bode well for Bongbong Marcos’ wrongful claim of being cheated in the elections.
On a side note, President Duterte choses to hold dual office/residence in Malacanang and in what is referred to in the press as ‘little Malacanang’ in Davao City. Isn’t this unconstitutional? Our Constitution provides that there should be one residence for the President.
Vhin AB says
I think I said before, somewhere, that PDu30 will appoint Leni in the future. He will not squander his political capital just because of his affiliation with BBM. Nagpababa lang ng emosyon si Digong dahil katatapos ng halalan. Aso, the talks about not inviting or snubbing her in his inauguration will be left to historians for trivia purposes since it’s not as important as leading the nation for the next 6 years. Makakalimutan din at baka nga hindi na napapag-usapan.
The way I see it, PDu30 knows how to reconcile and heal divisions among the people but in his own time.
With regards to “little Malacañang”, how about the office/residence in Baguio and Cebu City? I wonder if those are also official and constitutional.
leona says
Tama. . . ka Vhin! Si MLQ when he was ‘in exile’ during WW Two was still ‘President’ of RP while residing in Wash. DC.
Btw, the trending now is spate of killings vs suspected drug pushers by ‘God Knows Who?’.
Pres. D’s message during the campaign: ‘I will kill U.’ ‘Kill Drug Pushers. I will reward U.’
But lately, he clarified that by: ‘When resistance is offered, Ur life is in danger, shot first the drug pusher.’ [Rule of law]. Seems this clarification is not yet working though.
So, ‘Better Watch Out ! is trending now. Push and be killed. . . ‘ Not a happy season.
Andres Bonifacio says
It will always be the Malacanang in Manila. No dual residence, no anything unconstitutional, press just propagating issues.
duquemarino says
Must have been the handiwork of former president Ramos. He endorsed Duterte and Leni during the elections.
During an interview after meeting with DU30, VP Leni talked about the other side of the President, his soft side.
leona says
Now they know the ‘Star’ of YOU Raissa on the ‘Inside Politics and Beyond.’
Did you go there in ‘pants’? Kasi you mentioned about ‘zipper’? Kidding. . .
Thank you . . . were there at the July 4th celeb U.S. Embassy.
leona says
From Rappler news July 7, 2016 –
‘On June 30, during his first meeting with his Cabinet, Duterte said that should the Philippines obtain a favorable ruling, it will not “flaunt” it. He said then that “if we decide right, we might also find some alleviation for some of the problems here.”
Alleviation – To make (pain, for example) less intense or more bearable: a drug that alleviates cold symptoms.
Flaunt – display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration or to show defiance.
. . . favorable decision: PH will not flaunt it. To do right, PH will find some solution to make it less intense or bearable for some of the problems here.
In a short meaning: Do not make China more angry or angrier. Does it mean ‘Go on China. . .take West Phil Sea’?
Pres. Duterte wants peace in our land. Is he of the belief that USA is not fully supporting PH’s interests vs China? Or USA is supporting more USA’s interests at PH’s loss or sacrifice?
Filipinos want peace. Can UN and USA give us that peace vs China ‘if’ Arbitration Court rules in favor of PH? Who says they can?
I face a blank wall on that question. Beyond that wall is – there is no easy returning.
Peace with honor as much as can be. Or . . . peace with – – – ? ? ?
leona says
Rappler
http://www.rappler.com/nation/138959-china-ambassador-duterte-hague-ruling
Vhin AB says
I wonder what’s the real celebration about? Was it for the US independence from the British or the independence that they gave the Philippines on July 4, 1946?
Cheers!
raissa says
The first one, although Yasay also praised the US for the second one, with no mention of the Bell Trade Act.
Vhin AB says
If Yasay mentioned the Bell Trade Act then all hell will break loose for Duterte’s govt. Garapalan na yun. But why spoil the party? Yasay is smart. He knows that the US will always be the big brother to their little brown brother even with the president being critical to US foreign policy. US is an historic ally. Pero baka kailangan din na hindi lang panay yuko sa Amerika.
aberato says
What about the marcoses maam raissa?
Vicara says
So unappreciative of that free ride to Hawaii in ’86.
raissa says
Not one of them was there.
I dont know though if they were invited, although Ambassador Goldberg did visi Governor Imee Marcos in Ilocos last year.
aberato says
I see…. Thanks maam.
My guess…hinde kasi nagpunta personally si pdu30.
kalahari says
Another guess – the marcos entourage of 89 personalities when they arrived in Hickam Air Base in Hawaii on 2/26/86 had an excess passengers of 56 which have not been paid/settled until now and reportedly recorded in the US Accounting Office as accounts receivable.
Marcos’ entourage originally numbered about 30 when 4 Sikorsky H1-3E helicopters whisked them out of Malacanang on 2/25/86 and landed at Clark Air Base where they boarded a US Air Force C-130 to Guam. After an overnight stay, the marcos’ party, now ballooned to 89, were flown to Hawaii. (wikipedia)
aberato says
Hehe….mandurugas talaga etong mga marcoses…mi utang pa…
duquemarino says
@raissa
I hope you’ll come out soon with your perspective of all the president’s men and women in the cabinet.
kalakala says
hi, ma’am raissa. pictures show that you really had a nice evening. nice pictures with a deep dimple. happy independence day!
yvonne says
Subscribing.