April 10 is the anniversary of the capture of Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos by the Japanese in Cebu. He was executed by them in Mindanao on May 2, 1942.
The Philippines Free Press Blog has two articles on Abad Santos (who is on the 1000 Peso bill with two other martyrs of World War II: Josefa Llanes Escoda and Gen. Vicente Lim. All three were executed by the Japanese): Last decision, by Teodoro M. Locsin, and A problem in Philippine history, readers’ responses to Locsin’s article, written when Manuel Roxas was still alive: there was confusion concerning conflicting claims as to who had been left behind with the powers to act on the president’s behalf. A Masonic website offers further documentation to prove Abad Santos was indeed appointed Acting President for the unoccupied areas. Roxas was briefly appointed Executive Secretary and enumerated in a a special Executive Order listing the order of succession in wartime. My column on Thursday will be about Abad Santos.
Jose Abad Santos being sworn in as Chief Justice, at the Social Hall (today’s Heroes Hall), Malacañan Palace, December 24, 1941, shortly before the Commonwealth government evacuated to Corregidor. From left to right: Gen. Basilio Valdes (some of whose diary entries I recently reproduced), Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army; Quezon; Executive Secretary Jorge Vargas; Jose P. Laurel; Jose Abad Santos; Benigno S. Aquino, Sr.; Manila Mayor Juan Posadas.
This blog will be on vacation until Easter.
Technorati Tags: history, Philippines, Philippines Free Press
“This blog will be on vacation until Easter.”
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…………….
🙂
Vacation is good for the soul. Enjoy it MLQ3.
A happy easter holiday to our host and to all of you.
I’ll look forward to your article on Abad Santos. His is a story of real honor and heroism — he really did lay down his life for his country. It’s one of the great stories of the Second World War. Incidentally, that’s Frayed’s great uncle in the picture (Vargas). Have a great break!
Jose Abad Santos, our school–JASMS–is named after him. But his name doesn’t appear in our school song. It goes:
Jose Abad Santos-tortured and killed because he won’t swear allegiance to the Japanese.
Emilio Aguinaldo-swore allegiance to the Japanese because he was tortured.
One of this men shouldn’t be in a Philippine peso bill. (Hint: it’s the one who surrendered to the Americans).
…and who ordered the elimination of Andres Bonifacio and Antonio Luna?
…and why is Arroyo suddenly trying to send Davide to UN, in NY City, far, far away from the Philippines? Is it because of his meritorius government service and excellent qualifications or because of his bold proposal to drastically change COMELEC? We need the voice of more Davides right here in the Philippines.
I would bet Davide’s appointment to the UN is a political debt payment.
We should outlaw such kind of appointments as it is open to corruption. It has become acceptable, but is it really?
Examples/Cases:
1. Davide got the lucrative post (the ambassadorial post gets paid in US$ plus perks in US$) for his role in the swearing in as president of Gloria Arroyo, and the countless favorable SC judgements.
2. The retired military generals get powerful and lucrative government posts because of their ” unquestionable loyalty” plus some other services while they were still in the military.
Who would be the better appointees to ambassadorial posts? I would say those who have trained(studied) for it, and have a lot of experience. They are the rank officers of the DFA. Davide’s stature as the SC chief Justice may help him become an effective ambassador (with the help of DFA officers). But is he really needed there? How about the morale of those from the DFA who are being bypassed with these kind of appointments? (Remember our newly appointed ambassadors to Australia and Greece).
It’s the same with other government offices. When the retired generals get appointed as head, the morale of those getting bypassed is shattered! Is the positive points they bring going to be worth the negative they bring out?
I do not question the fact that these appointees bring with them some skills. But my argument lies in the propriety of making the appointment (in exchange for something done before), and the negative effect to the rank and file officers.
Happy Easter to all!
Polarized and politicized! It’s hard to trust and believe anything/anyone anymore.
We need brave men of principle and conviction like Jose Abad Santos. Where are the likes of him today?
Just a reminder Palabok that while ,Jose Abad Santos was working with the system, his brother, Pedro Abad Santos, together with Luis Taruc, formed the Socialist Party of the Philippines, which launched one of the bloodiest, anti-government challenge in our post-democratic history country.
Polarization will always be.
One fights for one’s beliefs, Purkungkung. Be reminded of that as well.
Jon, Gloria rewards those who serve her well. Wether they are the best qualified to fill the posts they are appointed to is secondary. Their primary responsibility is to Gloria, which is to promote Gloria’s personal agenda.
” alWe need brave men of principle and conviction like Jose Abad Santos. Where are the likes of him today?” By Palabok
Sadly, Palabok those brave men of principles and convictions don’t live another day to fight in our society.
As for the those political appointees, their loyalty to their master should end as soon, where their loyalty to their country begins. That should have been their guiding principles. As always I have spent a month lecturing the wisdom of good governance to those willing to listen at my own expense ( a very expensive exploit), and the benefits of obeying the laws, even without the deterent of punishment as enforcement is lacking as I observe and how eventually if will filter down to benefits of all. I hope that my working visit will somehow in any way effected those I came in contact with. I can only wish I could stay longer. thank you all and for those nice friendsong the way I’ll see you soon. vic
Get me more text about it
The lyrics of J-A-S-M-S Song is really like this:
J-A-S-M-S oh yes the school we love the best
J-A-S-M-S oh yes we sing with a happy zest
come let us join together
children a friendship bound
growing, sharing, learning
alert in by the body sound
we are the JASMS marching on today
we are the JASMS boys and girls so gay
we work together
to build our country strong
reaching out towards others
singing this happy song
this is the JASMS song now
I come from sweden.I wore in 4:th grade 1967-68.I remember thi year in jasms as one of my happiest school year ever..i remember the rice field close to the school.I remember the song to the flag in mornings befor school starts.I remember my friends. What ar you all doing to day….Ola Whith his rememberings