San Luis, the new Marcoleta?

328 thoughts on “San Luis, the new Marcoleta?”

1. Excuse me, esteemed gentlemen (and lady) as I have to attend to another favorite diversion – shooting, and pretend that the target is a Junta soldier. I will be at the armscor shooting range in mkati cinema square if anyone would care to join me.
   Till we meet again…tdc, harry, karah

2. Do you guys want Noli de Castro as president if there is another people power?I don’t!

3. MAV No but do we have a choice if GMA is outsted? (I mean if we follow the Constitution in terms of succession).

4. MAV

   I dont like Noli. But I DONT LIKE GMA MORE.

5. Better an uncertain … than a certain one.

6. When i say certain, i am not referring to Noli.

7. Frombelow By the looks of it, it’s quite a Herculean task to unseat GMA – may it be constitutional, extraconstitutional, even some unconstitutional (remember the mob on EDSA 3 as what the opposition call it)? Would Noli run for the Presidency on 2010?

8. If Noli takes over if and when GMA is ousted, all the arguments for people remaining vigilant still applies. That’s a given. In fact, that’s always a given no matter who occupies the Presidency. If back in 2005, people still had the benefit of the doubt that GMA could make up for her illegitimacy with good governance, that benefit of the doubt can no longer be given today in light of all the information that has been made public.

9. Noli is quite acceptable to the Masa but not quite to the middle and upper classes (at least most of them).

10. MLQ3: Knowing about your knowledge with regards to the inners workings in Government from an insider’s and an outsider’s view, I’d like to post some questions and would like to know what’s your take on things.

    (1) Would a regime change before 2010 be more beneficial or more damaging to our Economy, Political Life as a Nation? What are the pros and cons.
    (2) In the stint of GMA as President, how do you gauge her? Taking into consideration PERFORMANCE vis a vis the SCANDALS that beset her Administration?
    (3) Since GMA still has 3 years, given the opportunity to have GMA’s ears – what would be 5 things that you’ll say to her in terms of REFORMS and CHANGES in her style of Governance?
    (4) Who among the Cabinet Members do you think are the PERFORMING ONES and the NON-PERFORMING ONES (I mean in terms of output, reforms, streamlining of their respective line agencies, transparency, etc)?
    (5) Who would be the best candidate come 2010 Elections (whether there will be or where won’t be). Although I know the Cha-Cha Baby of JDV is already farfetched, we might not know. 3 Years is a lot of time and anything can happen.

    Thanks in advance. Will be very interested on your viewpoint on these matters.

11. Gloria Arroyo is really an expert on how to stay in power. There is nothing in Machiavelli’s book that she has not mastered. And she could teach Machiavelli a lot!

    I also suspect that this never-heard Rep San Luis is another Oliver Lozano. And why do we, the Filipino nation, seem helpless?

    Is not the time ripe for a revolution? We can ony take so much evil, iniquity, injustice and corruption.

12. Cheryl When people think of Niccolo Machiavelli, they would readily recall the words “the ends justify the means.” It’s practically a teleological view – any action (may it be evil) is JUSTIFIED if the end is a good purpose. However, Machiavelli himself put some restrictions to this treatise of his. Even Machiavelli asserted that “POWER” for it’s own sake is not acceptable. In a sense, GMA’s actions and actuations really surpassed even the “restrictions that” Machiavelli gave in THE PRINCE.

    This Rep. Edgar San Luis doesn’t ring a bell at all. What we know is that he’s from the 4th District of Laguna. Plus the fact he’s a newbie, there’s no information even in the Congress Website about this fella. In the Congress Website though this guys is registered as INDEPENDENT, I don’t know if this is the latest because there were some new reports that says he’s a member of KAMPI (the political party that GMA founded).

    Ahhh Revolution. I don’t think it’s in the BLOOD and COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS of Filipinos to kill each other. Look at EDSA 1, EDSA 2. EDSA 3 was a different case because it was a MOB (from paid squatters they say) that went to that rally. Although I also like the idea of the Revolution, who would fight who? Who would join who? Given the diverse cultural ethnography of the Philippines.

13. karah, my own political preferences are well known but let me go through your questions as an intellectual exercise:

    1) Would a regime change before 2010 be more beneficial or more damaging to our Economy, Political Life as a Nation? What are the pros and cons.

    I believe the President has done great harm to all our institutions. I am personally convinced she will find every means to stay in power; her minimum political objective would be to find a successor who will protect her, but who can she trust?

    Over the next couple of years, she will be apppointing at least 3 new Comelec commissioners, a new civil service commissioner, around 6 justices of the supreme court, a new chief of staff of the afp. therefore, she has the means and motive to institute a far-reaching change in the staffing of the government, which only leaves congress to worry about (and there are ways to handle that).

    i do think the public will only accept one means of removing her: impeachment. people power is a theoretical option but it requires credible leaders, and just the right combination of factors that have eluded those who’d otherwise be inclined to support it -the leadership question is as relevant to people power as it is to impeachment. so far, the vp serves as a human veto to either option, and no figure is waiting in the wings with the political/moral standing.

    migration abroad serves as the ultimate safety valve, insulating the economy and also, keeping enough people open to the option of ignoring what goes on at home as they can seek a future abroad.

    the cons to keeping the president: extending her stay, further eroding public confidence in the political system, not to mention behind-the-scenes reliance on the top brass of the armed forces, etc. the pros to keeping her until 2010: a certain kind of stability, and a growing sense that perhaps politics is not as central as it once was, that means to blunt its worst aspects by means of smaller reforms on the periphery, meaning the provinces, is possible, and that long-term education might lead to the chance of a better crop of bureaucrats and leaders later on.

    (2) In the stint of GMA as President, how do you gauge her? Taking into consideration PERFORMANCE vis a vis the SCANDALS that beset her Administration?

    She works hard, she studies the issues, she micromanages, she has a clear understanding of where theory ends and practical application begins, she understands every man has his price, she has accepted her unpopularity and genuinely believes she is doing things no one else can do, and that problems can be fixed by a mixture of pragmatic sanctions (the police power, applying the law strategically, keeping up appearances, divide-and-rule and use of the republican playbook). the scandals have not been enough to erode her ability to control the armed forces or the willingness of the middle and upper class to turn a blind eye as she has none of her predecessor’s obvious failings, and there are some areas where things have genuinely improved.

    (3) Since GMA still has 3 years, given the opportunity to have GMA’s ears – what would be 5 things that you’ll say to her in terms of REFORMS and CHANGES in her style of Governance?

    i don’t think many presidents are open to constructive criticism, you do not become and remain president by taking the advice of critics. she is already the 3rd longest serving president we’ve ever had. by october 2009 the 2nd longest. nothing will change in how she governs, and her idea of governance is not promoting a vision or intangibles, but on quantifiable things: primarily, infrastructure. she believes these have hidden and open costs and well, the question only becomes, will the combination be juggled effectively to prevent anything that permanently offends the armed forces and big business.

    (4) Who among the Cabinet Members do you think are the PERFORMING ONES and the ON-PERFORMING ONES (I mean in terms of output, reforms, streamlining of their respective line agencies, transparency, etc)?

    the cabinet members i admired or respected are all gone. i do think sec. teves has limits he will not cross and is basically decent. i think her peace adviser means well. the president obviously believes those she has in place have managed to keep things together, but we have to see if the toll time/stress/age has taken on some of her inner circle and her husband, still leaves her with the combination of daring, ruthlesslness, loyalty she once commanded.

    (5) Who would be the best candidate come 2010 Elections (whether there will be or where won’t be). Although I know the Cha-Cha Baby of JDV is already farfetched, we might not know. 3 Years is a lot of time and anything can happen.

    i don’t think cha-cha is far-fetched. i don’t think focusing on the candidates is entirely appropriate at the present time. i do think this is a time better spent by people exploring what it is, they want, in terms of the “vision thing” the incumbent so sorely lacks, in determining what sort of changes one would like and where our personal preferences coincide with those of others, so that we see, in turn, what sort of constituencies we can build; and finally, the parameters for change that we are prepared to adhere to. i do think that the current frontrunners will most likely be the candidates to consider, but i also think the public temperament would welcome an outsider with a combination of a clean financial record, a recognized work ethic, a demonstrable manegerial/executive ability, and a combination of the common touch and intelligence/sophistication.

14. Be right back. I’ll just be on Youtube. I’ll just load the video of the Algorithm March and so some exercise since I’m all alone and I’m kind bored. I’m wearing a pumpkin headgear. 😀

15. Ooopppsss, I’ll read the reply of MLQ3 and respond first. I thought nobody’s active in the Blog.

16. Personal attacks are a no-no.

    Having said that, I have no inhibitions attacking patently corrupt personalities like GMA or Mike Defensor or Abalos. If they weren’t so evil, no one would be attacking them, innit?

    And I didn’t know there was a big love fest going on in this chat room(?) between a Harry and a TDC.

17. MLQ3:

    I think GMA is at the legacy stage of her term.this means that:

    a)She will go on “monument building” whether it is in terms of bridges,highways or digital highway.something for people to remember that “Gloria was here…”

    b)She will anoint the person who will most likely be the administration candidate on the basis of his willingness to co-opt with her in her remaining years.My bet is Villar.

    3)She will NOT completely destroy the MACAPAGAL name for the sake of her father’s good name in history.

    4)She will put Mike on exile.This guy has done nothing but harm for her.

    5)she will pardon ERAP to establish a precedent.

18. Karah,

    You have the impeachment story wrong. JDV is not behind it. It was filed by Oliver Pulido and endorsed by an ally of GMA. A complaint that’s doomed to failm either in the House or the Senate, is a vaccination, in a manner of speaking.

    That’s why I said let the Senate hearings play out before JDV starts to act and adopts the impeachment as his own.

    As to Jamby….she may be questionable when it comes to timing, prudence and debate but she can’t be bought once she fixes on to something.

19. MLQ3 Thanks for a prompt response. Jumping off from your quite lengthy response, here are my two cents regarding the issues at hand.

    One of the biggest bane GMA faces up to now is the “issue of legitimacy.” She was caught flat-footed when the “Hello Garci Tapes” emerged in the Media. It’s an undisputed fact that all Presidential Elections is mired with Cheating (small-scale or large-scale). It’s either GMA wasn’t careful and smart enough or she didn’t expect such a tape would come out. Although she tries so hard to “insulate” the LEGITIMACY ISSUE through “economic gains, progress & development”, this issue will linger on even in a post-GMA scenario. I concur in the assertion of yours that “who can she trust?” Relationships build on concessions also has its endings. The best way for her to escape future prosecution would be to stay abroad and live her life comfortably there.

    As I’ve said in my previous comments, GMA seems to be on a winning streak in SURMOUNTING all the scandals and controversies that beset her Administration. Now is not the time to quite. Although “quitting while your ahead” might prove fatal for her. Once she does not have the cloak of “immunity accorded” to Presidents, I am sure the opposition would feast on her. (they might succeed or not but they will still feast on her eventually). Wow, 3 Comelec Commissioners, 1 Civil Service Commissioner, and 6 Supreme Court Justices, and a new AFP Chief of Staff would also mean two things (paying political debts or depositing political debts). After all, in the Philippines, he who has the POWER and CONNECTIONS gets ahead like comparing a FERRARI to a JEEPNEY.

    I won’t like to think that the people are already tired staging all these RALLIES and EDSAS. The main reason might be that the “silent majority” don’t wanna sleep with the very “people” they help oust in 2001. Are we seeing a “public consent” of LET THE WHEEL OF LAW TAKE ITS COURSE? Being IMPEACHMENT the only possible and acceptable way to “remove GMA.” (Not unless of course she voluntarily steps down which in your own estimation won’t happen). I don’t wanna belittle people but if those calling for people power are the likes of REZ CORTEZ and NINO MUHLACH, you can surmise who would respond to those calls of going to the streets. Noli seems to be so silent when it comes to Politics. He does his own thing, yes, at the same time he seems to silently support GMA (or maybe we just don’t know).

    The Remittances of the OFW’s amounting to around 10 Billion Dollars up in a year is not only a big help but one of th backbones of the Philippine Economy staying afloat and in the black. By POEA Statistics, the Philippines deploys 1Million – 1.2Million workers per year. Come to think of it, GMA might just find a friend in OFW’s if she pushes for a SPECILA RATE for OFW’s dollars (ofw remittance money). I know that some of the more vocal OFW groups dislikes GMA but these are a meager number compared to those who are apolitical and devote their time to work and nothing else.

    Here are my PROS and CONS (Karah’s version, that is).

    PROS

    (a) Yes, you said it. An athmosphere of Political Stability that would go with it a certain degree of Economic Stability is in order. Foreign Investors and Economic Players would prefer a continuance of Policies (whether it’s beneficial to its people or not as long as it’s benefial to their business).

    (b) Give the chance for GMA to maybe do it right this time (might be an impossibility to some but we cannot predict how people behave and change). Filipinos are forgiving, aren’t we?

    CONS

    (a) The lingering issue of LEGITIMACY would always be there. The disenfranchisement of the Filipino people to the Government because of all the scandals.

    (b) The continuing PLUNDER of the National Treasury. I am not only referring to GMA and her family but to those in power as well (the Cabinet Members, those Appointed to the GOCC’s and GFI, and down the line). I am using the allegation in general because, personally, I don’t have any proof or hard evidence.

    I do think that GMA has the goodwill and to quote you: “she works hard, she studies the issues, she micromanages, she has a clear understanding of where theory ends and practical application begins.” GMA should have exiled FG Mike Arroyo and sone Mikey Arroyo after the Elections. There was a time that Mike and Mikey were made to have a long vacation in the USA but I don’t know what happened that they came back. If GMA has Luli as her “secret weapon”, the GMA has “Mike and Mikey as her in-house dynamites” that slowly blows up whatever credibility and integrity she has as a President.

    What I see here is a LUKEWARM situation. Those who want her out but does not have the numbers and the right leader to rally them behind VERSUS a State falling into pieces and yet there are some parts that things are being built. It’s like a DEADLOCK or a STALEMATE. People either grumble silently or doesn’t seem to care. The critical mass isn’t there – it’s just not there yet to unseat her.

    I am sure GMA listens to someone even among the different factions in here CABINET. I know that GMA trusts some of her lieutenants. I just hope this guy is giving herall the good advice that she needs. Who might this person be? I wonder. But then again, are there more well-meaning people in here Cabinet or more of those who want to cash in until they are replaced. At least, they’ll have hefty sums for their retirement. It’s not anymore a case of “a man’s gotta earn a living”, it’s a case of “i’ll get whatever i can get until I’m booted out.”

    I myself would vouch for the credibility and integrity of Sec. Gary Teves. He as done a lot of good during his sting at the Landbank. He turned an almost collapsing bank into the Premiere Government Bank of the Philippines. Although its quite hard to change bad habits but his presence alone in LBP made a lot of people re-think their work ethics. The other Cabinets seems to be the beneficiaries of “withdrawing political debt.” Land Reform/Agriculture/Agrarian Reform is all mired with a lot of INACTION and “SELECTIVE IMPOSITION OF THE LAW.” There are still a lot of Farmer Beneficiaries that up to now have not been awarded what was due to them. There’s also a lot of SMUGGLING of Agricultural Products of all sorts. Some of them are products that’s harmful to the health.

    In Energy, the “privatization” never came to be as it was intended by the EPIRA Law. Even Electricity in the Philippines is very expensive compared to other Asian neighbors. A lack of Regulatory Environment for the increase of Petrol-related products is another thing to consider.

    The Education Dept. is faced with this USELESS CyberEd Project. What children need are good classrooms, good stock of books and textbooks, good teachers, and good educational environment. They don’t even have the basics and they want to SHORT-CIRCUIT the process by introducing this 26 Billion pesos CyberEd. Yes, this CyberEd is important but there are more important matters to attend to. The DENR doesn’t seem to care in the continuance of ILLEGAL LOGGING in ISABELA and some parts of QUEZON? Even ECC’s can be bought for a price – no questions asked. The DILG, I’ll zero in on the PNP, is always window-dressing the real statistics on crime. Either a police is inept or corrupt except for a FEW GOOD MEN.

    The Dept. of Justice should give priority to cases especially those gathering dust. They better RE ORGANIZE and even STREAMLINE the National Prosecution Service. Even the NBI is all about lip service. Based on personal experience, it all boils down to “If I help you, what can I get in return.” Lolz. Even DOLE should have more aggressive presence in countries where there are Filipino OFW’s. I hear of a lot of Filipinos being victims of either ILLEGAL RECRUITERS or even victims or Embassy Personnel in the different Diplomatic Posts – I think greater collaboration should be done by the DFA and DOLE, is this too much to ask?

    The DND should look into how the AFP disburses its funds to the soldiers. Take for example, when a soldier has a salary of 15,000 Php and other bonuses of 5,000 Php, do they get this one time? Do they get the full amount of their salary or there are cuts? How does the AFP do its Procurement and Bids and Acquisitions? The DPWH should stop destroying GOOD ROADS then building them again. They should focus in the PROVINCES and build highways, city and town roads. Rehabilitate bridges and other things that concern them. Stop, please stop duping all of us. I’ve been to the countryside so I know very well.

    DOTC – the special child this past months. So many bungled projects. Take for example the LTFRB. If you do it legal way, a person who applies for a FRANCHISE (taxi or puj) should only pay at most 5,000Php to 10,000Php but the LTFRB personnel would say that there’s no vacant franchise available anymore. If you give them 50,000Php, you can get a freshly baked FRANCHISE in a days time. Really amazing.

    Would JDV still push for this CHA-CHA? By the looks of it, there’s strong OPPOSITION in the Senate. It’s takes two to TANGO, and in this case, “it takes two to CHA-CHA.” 😀 Yes, the 2010 Elections is a long way to go but some Senators are already making themselves visible, even playing their ELECTION JINGLES when they visit Marketplaces, oopppsss. Even asking that the NBN is a big PABX system, when. I didn’t think that a former Investment Banker could that be naive or what.

    I think I have said more than a mouthful and so I will stop here. Let’s just continue on with the discussions in the succeeding comments and replies. Thanks MLQ3.

20. karah,

    When I got your message giving me this link, I couldn’t believe your’e into blogs now.

    Since when did you lean how to blog?

21. Those unrelenting barrage of impechment complaints are just a manifestation on just how greedy and power hungry some people can get.

    Sure enough there are very controversial issues but IMPEACHMENT is definitely NOT the answer to red the government of corruption, as those who file them always claim to be their motive and driving force.

    Let’s just cut the BS and get to the bottomline. Those who wish to remove the president are just out for revenge, and wants to get all the opportunities themselves.

22. bibeth,

    you hit the nail on the head. let’s move on.let’s not spoil the happy days coming again.

23. bibeth,
    inggit lang sila. wala kasi sila. di sila kasi nabebenefit ng stock market boom and other economic gains ni Presidente GMA. the best siya talaga, noh.

24. frombelow,

    They just can’t wait for their turn. They want it bad, and they want it now.

25. Galing talaga yata ni GMA noh.Lets toast for the happy days ahead, noh.

26. bibeth,

    so true. they have to wait for their turn noh. dont they worry, marami pang matitira noh. di namin kayang ubusin yun noh.

27. Any suggestions on the next wave of leaders we might want to support? Do we any “good guys” at least?

28. Karah,

    Just had a confession, and made a promise not to make any more of those “unsavory’ remarks.

    Fortunately, confession is unlimited. There’s always tomorrow.

    Karah, why do you have to always drag me into sticky situations?

29. hello karah, frombelow, we have a new name?

30. “i do think this is a time better spent by people exploring what it is, they want, in terms of the “vision thing” the incumbent so sorely lacks, in determining what sort of changes one would like and where our personal preferences coincide with those of others, so that we see, in turn, what sort of constituencies we can build; and finally, the parameters for change that we are prepared to adhere to. i do think that the current frontrunners will most likely be the candidates to consider, but i also think the public temperament would welcome an outsider with a combination of a clean financial record, a recognized work ethic, a demonstrable manegerial/executive ability, and a combination of the common touch and intelligence/sophistication.” – mlq3

    I agree completely…

31. We might want to support leaders who are truly intent on working for the good of the country.

    So far, we are seeing none of those.

    Those who call themselves opposition are just big mouths who just want to make names for themselves and make it to the headlines. They offer really no alternative or solution.

32. “This time, I would assert that GMA (whether she was involved or not) should have announced an investigation (albeit a scripted one) on an “alleged bribery” by a High Ranking Gov’t Official & one of her Cabinet Members. That act would have divorced herself from any future controversy (which was eventually, the ZTE-NBN deal)”

    karah, i have to say i agree.

33. “Those who call themselves opposition are just big mouths who just want to make names for themselves and make it to the headlines. They offer really no alternative or solution.” bibeth

    They have to wait for their turn noh. The oppossitionists and the opportunists. Don’t worry noh. The loot is too much noh. Much will be left noh. Just wait for your turn noh.

34. Beth Thanks for heeding my invitation for you to check this Blog out.

35. karah,

    Well, you participating in a blog discussion is an event not to be missed.

    Now I know how you got those eyebags. From too much blogging.

36. mlq3, karah,

    Basically, the question is: “where do we go and who’s going to lead us?”

    If GMA is ousted, resigns or goes on leave, Noli can lead us back to the constitution.

    (a delayed reply to Karah’s questions in the kowtow thread re:LOA )

37. Pete If we follow the Constitution, it’s Noli whether we like it or not. Now, the question is, would something “unconstitutional or even extraconstitutional” have the support of the Filipinos?

    There are others who “status quo”, there are others who say “GMA should be out.” Quite easy to discuss these things but down the line, we are still bordering on theories and speculations.

38. “Basically, the question is: “where do we go and who’s going to lead us?” ”

    A question countlessly answered during the trying times of great civilizations. As they say, the cemeteries are full of indespinsible leaders. GMA out. No big deal.

39. Beth Stop puffing your cigarette first, join in the discussions.

40. Noli can assume the presidency if GMA is ousted from office as mandated by the constitution.

    But the question of wheter it will bring any change is another matter.

    Note: No puffing.

41. Frombelow We can’t really predict Historical Events unless they unfold in front of our eyes. Like what happened to Erap, who would have thought that by not opening an “envelope,” it would become the last straw. What if the envelope was opened? Would that have changed history?

    After all is said and done, whether GMA would be PROSECUTED or NOT, whether GMA would be CONVICTED or NOT, she will have the same privileges like that of Erap. Look at what happened to the Marcoses. It’s an unfair world, really.

42. Karah,

    the only puff i put in my mouth are cream puffs.

43. I refuse to believe that the present batch of government officials is the best the “Philippines” can offer and there is no one else capable of running the country. We only have to look harder. Lets ask ourselves “where are we now?where do we intend to go from here?and set up measurable parameters for the objectives and goals that come up. Then we ask, “what kind of leaders do we need?what traits must they have?what track record are we looking for?what are their plans for us, fo the country, for the office? the answers to these questions must be enablers for the goals that were defined. then we decide on how we are going to choose them and how to protect the integrity of the process. then we give our all out support and finally government and people become partners in nation building.

    The reality is different, we actually have no choice, we are deceived, manipulated, and bought.

44. Manolo And Karah,

    It was actually a very enteresting exchange. So why cut it? Its even very relevant to the thread because thi sthread its all about impeachment of the president. So maybe we can enumerat here all the sins and ” not only impeachable sins of Gloria that we know or perceived to be.

    Im have some follow up clarification.

    “I believe the President has done great harm to all our institutions. I am personally convinced she will find every means to stay in power; her minimum political objective would be to find a successor who will protect her, but who can she trust?”- Manolo

    Is there a way were could we be more specific on harm that she has done to “ALL” institutions?

    Obviously number one is COMERLEC. My gosh, this office is so badly damaged by Gloria’s era . From the appointment of Garci until Abalos resignation. Can we still undo the damage? What needs to be done?

    I was thinking that computerization of election will help much. But this is just systems fix. How about the integrity and credibility of the office itself. Can it still be fixed?

    However, other than COMELEC, I can’t see other institution that were badly damaged by this administration. Maybe you guys can point it out to me and to all readers? And it would be better if you can try to be objective and factual about it. And mor especific too. Just like the way, Manolo and Karah presented it.

45. “After all is said and done, whether GMA would be PROSECUTED or NOT, whether GMA would be CONVICTED or NOT, she will have the same privileges like that of Erap. Look at what happened to the Marcoses. It’s an unfair world, really.” – karah

    Let her have the same priveleges. As long as we find both closure to GMA’s term in 2010 and a new beginning for ourselves. One thing I’m not in favor of is the political unrest and economic decay that goes with a forced change in power – not good for business (especially our business).

46. Ram The issues raised would again BOIL DOWN to the circus called “Elections.” All the questions and assertions are valid but come the “E-day”, a person can only vote once. And sadly, the Filipinos does not have a good track record in choosing its leaders from the Barangay Level up to the National Level.

    We are fortunate we can discuss these things but majority of Filipinos, does not even have the time to open a Newspaper, much more go online and Blog like we do. It’s quite a doleful reality. Try asking these questions to the a streetvendor, jeepney driver, and even cigarrete boys. Since they were born, life’s hard to them and if there’s only one thing in their mind, it is: “How will I eat and survive today” – nothing more, nothing less.

47. Karah,

    “Pete If we follow the Constitution, it’s Noli whether we like it or not. Now, the question is, would something “unconstitutional or even extraconstitutional” have the support of the Filipinos?”

    I think too legalistic, nay simplistic.
    If ever an extraconstutional method prevails, how do we know that it is supported by the people?
    Making it successful does not follow that it is being supported.
    So how can we gauge its support? Of course though some scientific method of measuring public support. Lik an honest election of sort.
    But if the method is unconstitutional, will the winners submit themselves to an honest election?

    So, we must not deluge ourselves that we can gauge if the unconstitutional method employed is supported or not. If they win, thats it. Just like in EDSA 1 and 2.

48. ramrod,

    A leader who really wants to change the country must have certain qualities that he/she must be able to manifest.

    “A great leader is an ungrateful leader”
    Can he/she be able to resist paying political debts? Or can avoid getting indebted? Corruption in the government have its roots on these “political debts”. Businessmen and certain personalities or groups throw their support but with strings attached. Big Contracts, juicy positions are the most common form of payment.

    His/her association with certain people must be closely watched. Is he mingling with opportunists? Communists?

    Until that kind of leader emerges, we just have to contend with what is available.

49. “Until that kind of leader emerges, we just have to contend with what is available.”

    Sorry, the most fatalistic quote of the night.

50. Frombelow I based my assumption from the idea of the EDSA 1 and EDSA 2 experience. Be as it may, I will raise this idea that has haunted this so-called “popular and peaceful revolt.”

    The variable is: when it comes to calls for an OUTSTER (take for example GMA), does Metro Manila alone represent the whole sentiment of the whole country?

    This has been the dilemma all along if we will talk about SUPPORT of the “FILIPINO PEOPLE” on the whole and not the SUPPORT “of the people in Imperial Manila” if ever “constitutional unconstitutional, extraconstitutional means are employed.” People from the Visayas and Mindanao has always been neglected in this regard. It’s like, what the people in Metro Manila does, the people from Visayas and Mindanao have to choice but to be forced whatever Manila serves them.

    Gauging support is very hard – it’s not a exact science. Although it’s a numbers game, it does not end there. We are after all a country of at least 90 Million (+/-). And Metro Manila is around how many?

    I always hear this quote: “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Same goes in every TRANSITION PERIOD. One cannot know, one does not have any guarantees how this ELECTED OFFICIAL, or this SUCCESSOR would behave not unless he/she is already up there.

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