People aren’t taking the President’s gamble sitting down. Cabinet members (Florencio Abad of Education, Teresita Quintos Deles, adviser on peace process; Imelda Nicolas of the National Anti Poverty Commission; Juan Santos of Trade and Industry; Alberto Lina of the Bureau of Customs; Emilia Boncodin of Budget; Cesar Purisima of Finance; Corazon Juliano Soliman of Social Welfare; Rene Villa of Agrarian Reform; and Guillermo Parayno, commissioner of the BIR, known as the “doves” and “reformists” in the President’s official family) instead of meekly handing in their resignations, issued a statement, read by Cesar Purisima. By submitting “irrevocable” resignations, they are denying the President the option of reappointing them, so they’re taking themselves out of the equation, as far as the President’s efforts to preserve her rule is concerned.
Cory Aquino will be at the Assumption around noon, and is expected to make a statement. The Philippine National Police are on red alert. The charge d’affaires of the US Embassy has requested air time on TV. Manny Villar has called for a meeting of the resurrected Nacionalista Party at the Hotel Rembrandt, note that Villar is a known backer and friend of the Vice-President. the Liberal Party is also meeting.
The Palace sent out Mike Defensor to attack Purisima, saying Purisima met with the Vice-President a week ago, and that Purisima on his own initiative had gone after former Agriculture Secretary Yap; basically, Defensor hopes to paint Purisima as a scheming renegade. However, Purisima is highly regarded by businessmen, and his statements matter. They have called for the President to resign.
Dinangalen, spokesman of Estrada, condemns the cabinet members for being tasteless and for hitting the President upon resigning, and furthermore, condemns the call of the group for a constitutional succession to the Vice-President. Dinangalen demands the “status quo ante” be established, i.e., restore Estrada! They forget they ratified the present setup by participating in the May 2001 and 2004 elections. Panfilo Lacson, less shrill, praises the cabinet members and says he can live with the Vice-President succeeding the President.
Civil Society, it seems, is prepared to finally rally its forces and make a stand.
The Vice-President has just issued a lofty statement proclaiming his supreme concern is the people; and asking the President to reflect and sacrifice for her people…
Dr. Nemenzo, former president of U.P., still calls for a change in the system and confirms plans are afoot to undertake a change in the entire political system.
Update: AFP says it is neutral, and has issued a directive to all service and unit commanders, to hold true to the chain of command and ignore the politicians.
It may be just a matter of days. This is the tipping point you were talking about a few posts back.
marvin, i think so.
I think so three. Made my validictory already…
the crippled lioness is surrounded by a pack of hyenas who have smelled blood and are now on a frenzy, these hyenas are now nipping, biting, snarling all around her, how good is her stamina.
how long will she last,
i am sad, that she did not put good use her chance to improve our nation
i hope and pray, daylight comes.
Now the military is issuing a statement. saying stuff that they are neutral, and now they are allowing soldiers to speak up. and holy shit they are now allowing people to make rallies and they will not allow them to be dispersed. they will protect the right of free speech.
God help us now manolo. Only thru HIM we can find our salvation (biglang naging relihiyoso.)
how about trying out the protection of the AFP and PNP? lets go to the street and sing kumbaya.
one of those who submitted their irrevocable resignation is my boss (was na nga pala). from the looks of it, i never saw that one coming. i never thought he’s a man of principle if i go by his background. but there he was on national tv. wow. these are interesting times mlq3. but to the chinese, living in such times is more of a curse than a blessing. and our generation is cursed twice, even four times, over.
one of those who submitted their irrevocable resignation is my boss (was na nga pala). from the looks of it, i never saw that one coming. i never thought he’s a man of principle if i go by his background. but there he was on national tv. wow. these are interesting times mlq3. but to the chinese, living in such times is more of a curse than a blessing. and our generation is cursed twice, even four times, over.
What do you think, Monday may bagong pangulo na tayo?
The developments is overwhelming and too systemic. This is scarier than having another EDSA… I am not too sure if this is something we should be happy about either… I wonder, who else is playing behind the curtain?