That is, if he can outlast her everlasting grip on power even if she is desperately grasping on straws (kapit sa patalim).

But at whose expense?
At the expense of the Philippine justice system, but of course!

There have been senators in the United States and other parts, who fled prosecutions from their homelands. But Senator Lacson’s sensational flight from the Philippines shortly after the New Year could go down in Philippine annals as one of the high profile cases in recent memories.

Most of the crimes by fleeing politicians in the U.S. were committed in the 18^th century and involved mostly high treason.

But one of the more sensational recent flights was that of former dictator General Augusto Pinochet when he went to London, England for disc hernia surgery in 1998. Pinochet (pronounced PEE-noh-shay) was suddenly placed under arrest on a warrant of arrest issued by a Spanish judge, who charged the 82-year-old dictator as responsible for “thousands of people who died or disappeared,” including Spanish citizens, in Chile in the decade after he seized power in 1973 following a bloody coup. Pinochet had never faced a judge or jury at home.

SENATOR-FOR-LIFE

But Pinochet’s supporters protested the arrest of the former head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, invoking his diplomatic immunity as a self-proclaimed “senator for life” in Chile and that he traveled to London on his official passport.

Pinochet was eventually allowed to go home in Chile after the British government ruled that the former dictator was mentally and physically unfit to be extradited to Spain for trial on charges of human rights abuses. Actually, it was British payback to Pichochet for helping England during England’s Falkland War against Argentina.

Lacson may not have been accused of mass murder in the league of Pinochet. But he has a better chance of obtaining justice at home than continuing to flee in a world that is shrinking by the minute like a pan de sal (bread) that could lead to his early arrest. Thanks to the advent of the Internet.

If he ends his vagabond life sooner before he is arrested, it could mitigate the circumstances in case if he is found guilty. If he is arrested as fugitive, it could aggravate his situation.

If he feels he is being harassed by the Arroyo government, Ping should think again.

Ping should feel luckier the Arroyo government has not yet thrown everything, even the kitchen sink at him. If the government really pushes the envelope, it should now dangle big reward money for people, who could tip it off his whereabouts.

I read in the papers, Malacanang offered a one million pesos ($20,000) reward money for informants that led to the arrest of erstwhile fugitive Jason Ivler because Ivler’s road rage victim, Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., is the son of Presidential Chief of Staff Renato Ebarle Sr. The amount may be a trickle compared to the $25-M bounty offered by the U.S. government for the arrest of Usama Bin Laden but it is better than nothing.

NO MALACANANG VICTIM, NO REWARD MONEY

Fortunately, Ping’s alleged murder victims, Salvador “Buddy” Dacer, and Dacer’s driver, Emmanuel Corbito, were not related to a Malacanang official so there was no need for reward money to be put up by Malacanang for Ping’s arrest.

Just like the hundreds of suspects behind the massacre of nearly 60 people, including 31 journalists, in Maguindanao province in the Philippines last November, the Arroyo government never offered any reward money to round up all the killers because there was no Malacanang or government official among the victims.

For as long as the Arroyo government will go slow in putting up a reward money for information of the whereabouts of Ping that is allowed by some Philippine special laws, like the bondsmen in court, in customs, tariff code, internal revenue code and others, Ping can take his own sweet time into eluding arrest.

And for as long as Philippine Congress does not raise the amount of reward money for fugitives nor the amount of bonds, property forfeited and fines in case of non-appearance of defendants during court trial, more and more cases are going to remain unsolved by the courts and more defendants will stay at large.

But as to Ping’s alleged plan to return to the Philippines only after a change in the Administration, Ping should forget about it.

If Mrs. Arroyo wins a congressional seat, she can still wield considerable power if she is chosen Speaker of the House.

If I were Ping, he should return to the Philippines and face the music while he organizes a campaign so that Arroyo will be voted off from occupying a Pampanga’s congressional seat.

If Arroyo loses, then, Ping’s problem is a third solved. He only has to reckon with the other two thirds  – the court and the next president of the Philippines.

Otherwise, Ping’s problem is just beginning. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

 In attention bigla ang lahat- sa totoo lang, ha, usap- usapan maraming araw na ngayon ang results ng latest Pulse Asia Trust Rating among Presidential and Vice- Presidentials bets for the May, 2010 Philippine elections.

Villar came out on top FIRST TIME EVER with 70% as against Noynoy’s 64% trust rating. Erap hit a 33% trust grade and was closely followed by Gibo with 32%.

Of course, overjoyed ang Villar camp with the news. The survey kasi came at the time when he was being lambasted for the ‘mysterious’ C-5 controversy where he was accused by colleagues at the Senate no less, for having used his position to the advantage of his private real estate holdings(kalagitnaan ng January). Something that Villar continues to deny to this day. He has even suggested that a case be filed against him with the Ombudsman where he can have the proper forum to defend himself.

Noynoy, in a televised reaction shrugged off news of this development with the comment  ‘of course, pakana lang siguro ito ng kalaban to influence the minds of voters.’ In fairness, some surveys still identify him as the leading bet and many civilian groups are realigning to strengthen Noynoy’s hold to Number 1 till May, 2010.

May kalakasan ang credibility ng survey na ito ng Pulse Asia as it is non- commissioned. Walang nagpagawang private individual or group na pwedeng mapaghinalaang bumulong ng alam n’yo na at magdikta kung ano ang DAPAT na maging resulta. Ang interview ay ‘face to face’, ‘eyeball to eyeball’ ika nga,of a total of 1, 800 respondents, all of voting age, and coming from various sectors of society.

Take note please that this survey is a TRUST SURVEY- different from other surveys that seek to identify specific bets that respondents wish to vote for. PERO , kay ordinaryong Juan, ganun na rin daw yun. Syempre ang pinakapinagkakatiwalaan nya ang kanyang iboboto

TRUST- ano nga ba ito para sa ordinaryong Pinoy ngayon? Sa kanyang patuloy na kahirapan sa buhay, paano kaya siya pipili ng pagkakatiwalaan?

Mula sa aking paggagaygay sa kahabaan ng Ylaya, Tabora at Sto Cristo sa Diviso-ria, albeit ‘slowed down’ na nga ngayon to follow my doctor’s advise not to tire myself too much, sa pakikipagchikahan sa mga ka- neighbors dito samen sa Ba- rangay Kaunlaran sa Cubao, at paggala sa Farmers’ at Agora sa San Juan, bayan ni Erap (groceries, wet market, bangko, Bayad Center, etc), people seem to make their judgment according to what they see or hear from media.

Natural naman yata na these will be their main vehicle in knowing the candidates. 99.995% siguro has had no or will never have the chance to meet any of them, especially the national candidates…well, except perhaps during the miting de avanzes and campaign rallies that these candidates will be able to organize and hold within the 7, 100 islands idagdag mo pa yung areas ng absentee voters- Hongkong, Saudi, etc.

So, ano daw ang dating (so far) ng ating mga kandidato pag nakikita sa tv or naririnig sa radio?

Kay Noynoy, ganda ng dating noong una pagnauungkat nya ang magagandang ala- ala ng mga magulang nyang si Ninoy and Cory. Nangangako syang ipagpapatuloy nya ang laban nila (at laban ng Pinoy). Bongga rin ang ad na kasama nya ang pagkarami- raming sikat na artista na may props pang mga sulo. Dami talaga ng endorsers ni Noynoy.

Vibrant and at the prime of his productive life- yan daw si Noynoy. May lakas and daring to lead the Pinoy to great heights. Ganda pa ng pedigree.  Kaya lang…kaya lang…

Kulang daw sa experience. Very vague and indirect daw ang mga sagot nya sa mga forum na nasalihan nya. Tulad daw nung isang forum where local government units were asking about LGU concerns. Considering that he was chairman of the Local Governments Committee at the Senate, wala naman daw syang naibigay na definitive answers to questions on how local government autonomy can be enhanced. ’I am in the process of studying that…’- yan daw ang malimit na sagot ni Noynoy sa mga issues na hindi sya handang magbigay ng sariling opinion.

On the other side naman is Manny Villar. In his ads naman, porke wala naman syang maipagyayabang na mga bayaning magulang ( but take note please- marami would consider Villar’s parents as real heroes for having moved heaven and earth to nurture fine children), he capitalizes on having come from a poor community from Tondo and rising up through sheer determination-nagtinda sa palengke para makapag- aral, etc etc.

May dating ang kanyang opening salvo sa mahihirap which comprise a very big percentage of our voting population.Remember ng mga senior readers the ‘Poor Boy from Lubao’? Cong Dadong became President using that monicker.

Onscreen in his tv ads, Villar comes out to recite his own testimonial in a very conversational, soft ang dating voice- ‘Naranasan nyo na ba ang mamatayan ng kapatid dahil wala kayong pambili ng gamot? Naranasan ko na yan’. He does not promise- he simply states ‘Naging panata ko na ang tumulong sa mahirap’.

In the simplicity of the words written in his ad copy, in the humility that his face and tone of voice exude, malamang marami- rami ang mapapa- emote sa kanya.

Kaya lang…kaya lang…Sagutin naman daw nya, magalit at mag- alsa boses naman daw sya sa mga taong walang tigil ng kababatikos sa kanya at sa dami ng campaign fund nya. Yung iba kasi, nagdududa pa rin when they are not assured that the accusations are simply made up.

Endorsements, testimonials, bandwagon- kadaming vehicles of media na pwedeng ma- utilize to influence and get the voters’ nod.

It’s about 60 days before Philippine election day. Marami- rami pang mangyayari that can help decide a voter’s choice. I can picture in my mind ang mga umiikot sa mga kautakan ng mga media handlers ng ating mga kandidato  - si Rod T. Reyes, boss namin  ni Tenny Soriano sa Channel 4 noon for the Villar camp; Ramy Diez, boss ko in Channel 4 nung panahon ni Pres. Ramos for Noynoy Aquino’s camp, and Jerra Sison, aming ka- officemate sa Channel 4 and son of the venerable late Press Sec. Jess Sison for Gibo Teodoro. Itotodo ng tatlong ito pati na the rest of the other candidates’ media handlers, ang kanilang galing at reputasyon sa pagpapanalo ng kani- kanilang mga manok.

And they know that there is no FORMULA that will insure SUCCESS in any media campaign.

Depende lang talaga sa dating at reaction sa ating reading, watching, and observing public.Hindi na sila ang voting public na tulad noong mga nakaraan- makakita lang ng artista, maabutan lang ng sangkilong NFA rice, ayos na. Tumaas- taas naman na ang pamantayan ng ating mga voters.

Panahon na talaga, ano?

My thought reaction was more bothersome to me than anything. I saw this boy as a member of one particular ethnic group that at that moment I perceived as mean and lacking in civility. I made a stereotype sweep of his whole race based on that incident because of my anger. That wasn’t the first time I did that either.

Many years ago, I overheard a conversation among a group of co-workers of one particular race referring to Asians as g**ks and rice paddy n****rs. That moment planted the seed of stereotypes in me that I began to regard these men’s race as a race of narrow-minded bigots.

There was another instance when my sons were in high school in the late 80s. Coming out of a popular pizza parlor on the west side, a bunch of bearded drunken bikers tried to pick a fight with us. There were about ten of them and three of us, hardly a fair fight particularly noticing the Buck knives strapped to their belts. It is difficult for a Filipino man to walk away from a fight but I did, even after a few choice racial epithets were hurled at us. I had my sons to worry about and I will not jeopardize their safety to a bunch of drunken pot-bellied bikers brandishing the Confederate flag (in Michigan!?). Besides, I thought, all bikers are depraved xenophobic bullies anyway.

In all three occurrences because of my anger, I failed miserably to see the persons as individuals. I associated them with whole ethnic groups and what a few from their groups have done to me in the past. Not a very spiritual stance.

This brings to mind what a friend once said. His view of people is fundamentally influenced by what he sees and experiences out there. He said that he likens it to what he thinks of pit bulls. Not all pit bulls attack people but because the whole breed is known to be mean and aggressive, he doesn’t want any around him or his family. He prefers Labradors and Beagles because they are known for their friendly demeanor.

Should we be making that assumption about human beings? It would be a sad world if we did. My circle of friends resembles the United Nations and I see them as individuals with whom I have a spiritual connection with. I see the spirit rather than the bodies they occupy. I hate it when I fail to do that particularly during those less than pleasant encounters.

I have to keep on trying to see that spiritual connection though. My mother always told me to see the spark of the Holy Spirit in everyone and I love her too much to let her down. But in case I find my self in dangerous situations once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to know a few basic martial arts moves if only to avert possible harm to my aging body. And by the way, I love Labradors and Beagles :o)

The day before Panlilio’s ouster, Comelec declared that Bulacan Gov. Joselito “Jonjon” Mendoza lost the recount to former Agrarian Reform Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan.

In December 2009, Comelec ousted Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and declared former Governor Benjamin Dy the winner in the 2007 elections.

In addition to the three ousted governors, several other LP candidates have been targeted.

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, who has been mayor for 18 years, has a pending disqualification case on the issue of citizenship.

Another LP candidate who has a pending case in the Comelec is Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio “Marc” Leviste II who is seeking reelection.

Meanwhile, the Comelec’s First Division disqualified LP member Abraham Kahlil Mitra from the Palawan gubernatorial race on the issue of residency. Comelec said that Mitra failed to proved his residency which Mitra vehemently denied.

In my article, “Czarina and the Priest” (February 24, 2009), I wrote: “It all started when Panlilio and other governors were invited to a breakfast meeting at the Malacañang Palace in October 2007. During the meeting, a presidential aide handed brown envelopes to the guests without any explanation. The brown envelope that Panlilio received contained P500,000. After a few days — not knowing what the money was for — Panlilio went public and disclosed the money which he believed was a bribe.”

Panlilio vs. Arroyo

Panlilio’s exposé of the bribery was tantamount to a declaration of war against Arroyo. Pretty soon, Pampanga’s vice governor, provincial board members, and all the municipal mayors ganged up on Panlilio and openly opposed him on everything he did or wanted to do.

Unfazed by the resistance, Panlilio persisted and held his political enemies at bay. Last year, people believed to be associated with Lilia Pineda — one of two candidates that Panlilio defeated in the gubernatorial election in 2007 — launched a recall petition against Panlilio. Some people questioned if Gloria’s son, Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, had a hand in initiating the recall move.

The recall did not materialize and Panlilio’s enemies looked for other ways to remove him from office. The Panlilio-Arroyo war came out in the open when Panlilio accused Gloria and Mikey of “coddling” the jueteng protectors in Pampanga.

Recount

Things got worse for Panlilio when he launched his presidential bid. And when he vowed that he will prosecute Gloria should he win the presidency, his enemies went into high gear and decided to file a recount petition against him.

On February 11, 2010, the Comelec’s Second Division, in its ruling penned by Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, said that Pineda — who lost by 1,147 votes to Panlilio in 2007 — got 190,729 votes against Panlilio’s 188,718 votes, a margin of 2,011. However, Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, in his concurring opinion, differed with a lower margin of only 356 votes!

How could the huge discrepancy happen? What was the basis for the commissioners’ conflicting counts? Shouldn’t they have reconciled their numbers first and resolve any discrepancies before issuing a “final decision” ousting Panlilio? It only proves that the recount process was inaccurate and not credible. It looks farcical.

It is interesting to note that the Panlilio-Pineda recount was completed way back in October 2009 and the Comelec decision was supposed to have been announced last November. However, it was leaked out that Pineda won in the recount. But the commissioners said that their “final decision” might come as a surprise to everybody. It would seem that there were issues that had yet to be resolved.

The silence during the three-month hiatus that followed was deafening. Were the “players” trying to work out a face-saving and amicable “settlement” for Panlilio? But once again, Panlilio pulled a fast one on them. He surprised everybody when he changed his plan to retire from politics and go back to priesthood. Instead, he filed his Certificate of Candidacy for governor on the last day of filing. The news must have zapped Arroyo and Pineda with a double whammy. And that was probably the reason why the “final decision” to oust Panlilio was issued. In my opinion, if Panlilio did not file for reelection and retired at the end of his term on June 30, 2010, the Comelec would have declared him the winner in the recount — thus allowing him to finish his term — and Pineda would run virtually unopposed for governor.

With Gloria running for a congressional seat representing Pampanga’s second district and her son, Mikey, a Galing Pinoy party-list nominee, the governor’s support is a key factor to ensure the Arroyos’ victory in the elections. And with Lilia Pineda as governor, the Arroyos would be able to utilize provincial resources — which they would not be able to use if Panlilio remained in office — for their campaigns.

In politics, nothing happens by accident. Every move politicians make have been hatched ahead of time and the execution is just a question of timing. And the “hatchet jobs” done on Panlilio, Padaca, and Mendoza couldn’t have been more timely.

Adonis vs. Gloriath

With the elections barely three months away, the electoral process enters a crucial period where incumbent governors could play a pivotal role in electing candidates for national and congressional seats. And whoever ends up controlling the House of Representatives would get the Speakership. A few days ago, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino announced that the Lakas-Kampi-CMD will field Gloria Arroyo as its bet for Speaker in the next Congress. He bragged, “PGMA (Mrs. Arroyo) will win as Speaker hands down. She continues to wield power and influence. So if her detractors think they’ve seen the last of her, they are mistaken. She’ll be around longer than they think.” That’s arrogance!

It is now clear what the final moves of Gloria are going to be. Just a few more moves before she goes for the ultimate checkmate… unless she is checkmated first by Adonis Simpao who is challenging her in Pampanga’s second congressional district election. Simpao and his supporters promised that Gloria will have the fight for her political life. Indeed, it’s going to be like the biblical battle between David and Goliath. It’s going to be Adonis vs. Gloriath. Never in the history of the Philippines would one district election determine the future of the entire nation.

            Matapos magpa-alam ay walang kibong umuwi ang mag-asawa. Buti na lang at wala pa ang kanilang dalawang anak, kaya nagkapanahong magka-usap sila  ng masinsinan.

            “Cora, huwag kang gaanong mag-alaala tungkol sa aking kalagayan. Okey pa rin naman ang dayalisis. Malay mo, baka sakaling magmilagro ang Panginoon at may magbigay sa akin ng kidney.” Mahina ngunit pabirong wika ni Mang Karding na sinabayan ng ngiti.

            “Oh Karding, kaylakas talaga ng loob mo. Nakukuha mo pang ngumiti ay gayong alam mong malamang sa hindi na walang magbibigay sa iyo ng kidney. Alam mo ring panandalian lang ang ginhawang dulot ng dayalisis.” Ngayon nga lang ay alam kong nahihirapan ka nang lubha, dahil sa dalas ng pagpunta natin sa pagamutan.” naiiling na wika ni Aling Cora

            Sandaling natahimik si Mang Karding. Alam niyang totoong lahat ang sinabi ni Aling Cora, at totoo ring mas mahirap ang pagdadayalisis niya, at kahit pa nga mas madalas at matagal ang kanyang dayalisis ay  sadyang hirap na hirap siya pag nakaramdam siya nang pag-ihi. Pakonti-konti lang kasi ng lumalabas.

            “Ang mabuti pa Karding ay manalangin tayo. Magdasal tayo ng taimtim at ipanalangin na sana ay may mabuting loob na magbigay ng kidney sa iyo.” Mungkahi ni Aling Cora.

            “Mabuti pa nga. Halika na at magdasal tayo sa Diyos.”

            Matuling lumipas ang mga araw, na naging mga linggo at buwan. Patuloy din silang umaasa at umaasam na sana ay magkaroon na ng donor si Mang Karding na araw-araw nang nagdadayalisis.May mga gabing hindi siya dalawin nang antok na hindi nakaligtas sa matalas na pakiramdam ng kanyang pamilya, na awang-awa na sa kanya.

            Isang gabi, matapos nilang maghapunan at magdasal ay nilapitan ni Betty ang kanyang mga magulang.

            “Nanay, tatay, matagal na rin po tayong naghihintay ng donor, pero hangga ngayon ay wala pa rin. Habang naghihintay tayo, ay papalubha naman ng papalubha ang kalagayan ng tatay, kaya naisip ko po na ano kaya at ako ang magbigay ng kidney sa tatay. Natitiyak ko po na match kaming dalawa dahil mag-ama  kami, at dahil nga mag-ama kami, kaya magka-ugnay. Magka-ugnay na magka-ugnay. Mahina ngunit buo ang tinig na wika ni Betty.

            Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata ng mag-asawa. Hindi sila makapaniwala sa kanilang narinig. Matagal silang hindi nakapagsalita. Parang may bara sa kanilang lalamunan.

            “Tatay, nanay. Huwag po kayong lubusang mabigla. Matagal ko pong pinag-isipan ito, at ito lang ang nakikita kong paraan para gumaling ang tatay.”

            “Naku naman Betty.” Halos mahirinan sa pagsasalita si Aling Cora. “Ang alam kong donor ay yong mga taong hindi na kailangan ang kanilang kidney, o kahit ano pang bahagi ng  kanilang katawan, tulad ng mga taong naaa-aksidente. Naku naman anak. Ano ba ang pumasok sa ulo mo, at bigla mo na lang naisip na maging donor.”

            “Siyanga naman Betty.” Pakli naman ni Mang Karding. Hindi ako makapapayag na ikaw ang magbigay ng kidney. Kailangan mo ang kidney mo anak. Baka kung ano ang mangyari sa iyo kung ibibigay mo sa akin ang isa mong kidney.” Iiling-iling  na wika ni Mang Karding.

            “Ngunit tatay. Hirap na hirap na kayo. Hindi ko na talaga matitiis na makita kayo sa ganyang kalagayan.” Naluluhang wika ni Betty.

            “Betty anak, napakabuti mo, ngunit hindi ko rin makakayang makita kang naghihirap kung sakaling magkaroon ng komplikasyon ang operasyon. Magiging napakasakit . Hindi ko makakayang dalhin.” Naluluha na ring wika ni Mang Karding. Pati si Aling Cora ay umiiyak na rin.

            “Tatay, nanay, huwag po ninyong isipin ang komplikasyon. Wala pong mangyayaring komplikasyon. Modernong-moderno na po ang paraan ng pag-oopera ngayon, at ang operasyon sa kidney ay isa lang  sa pinakasimple. Di nga po ba may ilan na ring nabalita na may kapatid na naghandog din ng kanyang kidney sa kanyang kapatid. Maayos na maayos ang operasyon at parehong malusog na nabubuhay ang magkapatid. Kaya po sana pumayag na kayo.”

            Kahit pa anak. Hindi ko talaga kayang makitang dalawa kayong nakahiga sa operasyon, at lalong hindi ko makakayang dalhin kung may mangyari sa iyo.” Nagkakandabuhol ang hiningang sagot ni Aling Cora.

            “At ano po ang gusto ninyong mangyari nanay?” Pabayaan na lang ang tatay, at maghintay sa wala. Sa palagay po ba ninyo ay makakaya rin ng konsensiya ko na pabayaan na lang ang tatay, gayong alam kong may paraan naman para siya gumaling? Umiiyak ding paliwanag ni Betty.

            Matagal na natahimik ang mag-asawa, lalo na si Aling Cora. Napakalaki nang pagnanais niyang gumaling si Mang Carding, subalit takot na takot naman siyang isailalim din sa operasyon ang panganay niyang anak. Gulung-gulo tuloy ang kanyang isip.

            “Tatay, nanay, pag-isipan po ninyong mabuti ang sinabi ko. Handa po ako kahit anong oras na pagpasiyahan ninyong tanggapin ang alok kong maging donor.” Buo ang loob na pahayag ni Betty sa  mga magulang.

            Sa paglipas ng mga araw ay papalubha ng papalubha ang kalagayan ni Mang Carding. Walong oras ang dayalisis at sa bahay na lamang ito isinasagawa. Madalas mag-iyakan ang mag-anak, hanggang ipasiya ng mag-asawa  na kausapin nang masinsinan ang kanilang doktor. Nais niyang makatiyak na hindi malalagay sa panganib ang sinuman sa dalawa sakaling si Betty ang maghandog ng kidney.

            “Tatapatin ko kayo Mang Karding, Aling Cora. Ang alinmang operasyon ay may panganib, subalit malusog na malusog naman si Betty, at ang operasyon sa kidney ay hindi naman gaanong kaselanan. Marami ng operasyon sa kidney ang nasaksihan ko, at lahat ng mga iyon ay walang naging problema. Maayos na nabubuhay ang binigyan at nagbigay. Saka sa totoo lang kaya talaga ng isang kidney na gampanan ang tungkulin niya sa katawan, kahit mag-isa lang siya.”

            “Ganoon po ba?  Parang nabunutan ng tinik ang mag-asawa.Kung ganoon po ay sasabihin namin kay Betty na pumapayag na kami.” Banayad nilang sagot. Kailan po gagawin ang operasyon?”

            Sa lalong madaling panahon. Ipa-aalam namin kaagad sa inyo. Bago kayo umalis ay hintayin na ninyo ang mga dokumentong kailangang basahin at maintindihang mabuti ni Betty.”

            “Dokumento! Ano pong mga dokumento ang tinutukoy ninyo?”

            “Mga dokumentong nagsasaad na bukal sa puso niya ang pagbibigay ng kanyang kidney. Na walang pumilit o tumakot sa kanya. Mayroon ding tauhan ng pamahalaan at ng ospital ang magsasadya sa inyo para tanungin siya ng ilan pang mahahalagang bagay. Sa harap din nila lalagdaan niya ang mga dokumento. Sila ang tatayong mga saksi sa pagiging “donor niya.”

            “Ganoon po pala.” Magkasabay na wika ng mag-asawa.

            “Ganoon nga po. Heto po ang mga dokumento. Bahala na kayong magpaliwanag sa kanya. Kung mayroon kayong katanungan ay huwag kayong mag-atubiling tumawag.Wika ng doktor sabay lahad ng kamay.

            Matapos makipagkamay ay tumayo na ang mag-asawa. Paalam na po kami

            “Adiyos po.”

Ang kuwentong ito ay batay sa tunay na buhay. Naging tagumpay ang operasyon at sa kasalukuyan ay parehong malusog at malakas ang mag-ama. Kaysaya nilang naninirahang magkakasama. Sadyang pinalitan ang mga pangalan ng tauhan at mayroon ding mga  binago sa kuwento para mapangalagaan ang kanilang pribadong pamumuhay. Although this story is based on real life story, it is still a fiction.

            The women’s figure skating competition has just been concluded. It was about 12:00 midnight eastern time, 9:00 pm in Vancouver. I felt very tired, after witnessing Jeannie Rochette do her long program, joining the thousands of viewers in Canada anxiously watching the performance of this courageous young lady who lost her mother a few days ago and decided to continue pursuing her dream of taking part in the Olympics, which, she felt would have been her mother’s wish. The television screen mirrored all the deep emotions Jeannie Rochette felt, as well as those of her family and the spectators who watched with tears in their eyes. The overwhelming display of support by the audience was awesome. The people from her little town in Quebec were also shown as they collectively cheered when she was awarded the bronze medal.

            I am not much of a fan of modern techno logy. I do not use the computer. I only hear how people gush over the Facebook or the Twitter. I have always been anxious about the evils, that modern technology has brought to this world, like cyber bullying, identity theft, economic frauds that made thousands lose their savings, youth being lured by unscrupulous men and women to join them in horrible experiences involving sex and other criminal acts. I do not even own one of these latest models of telephones or televisions, but I have one of these large screen televisions that was updated by one of the cable companies so that I have access to 100 channels. Am I glad that I had the upgrade. I would not have enjoyed these two weeks of the Olympics had I kept hesitating about acquiring the latest in modern technology.

            I marvel in how different shots of the various events have been combined together to form a collage that is repeatedly shown to introduce a new event. ‘It has been fascinating to see close ups of faces showing anxiety, nervousness, uncertainty, excitement, extreme pleasure, disappointments, ecstasy as well as grief.

            I learned the characteristics that identify each event which I did not know before,. I have developed a keen understanding of the difficulties an athlete undergoes in preparing for his event. It has taken some of them as long as fifteen years to acquire the skills, the body fitness, the emotional preparation, that endurance and the team spirit needed to qualify as an Olympian. I now appreciate more keenly the sacrifices that family has to make in the preparation of a member of the clan for this grand occasion.

            I have followed these 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics from the opening ceremonies and I shall be with it up to the closing. Wait, that is not accurate, my attention was first called when the flame for the Olympic tour was lighted in Greece and members from First Nations welcomed it to Canada. Television kept that torch in the sight of the world as it traveled from hand to hand through the prairies and glacial regions of this vast land in the north, to the crowded cities in the east and central parts back again to the west in time for the opening of the Olympics on February 12^th.,

            The early part of its first day was marked with gloom due to the accidental death of a Georgian Luger during a practice run. This unfortunate incident was in the minds of the huge crowd as well as those in their home watching the opening parade of athletes. The feeling of guilt over some possible flaws in the design of the huge track and the rush of compassions for the members of the Georgian team marred the joy and enthusiasm for the opening ceremonies. As one newspaper headline stated, it was “Ecstasy and Agony.”
 (Saturday Star, Headline, Feb 13, 2010_. The words of condolence expressed with sincere grief as shown in the body language, captured on television, by officials of the International and Canadian committees of the Olympics effectively communicated to the members of the Georgian team the heartfelt sharing of the grief that was felt by people in Canada and all around the world.

            Canadians have been acutely aware of the high expectations from our athletes in these Olympics. For more than a year promotions for “owning the podium.” have been flashed on television screens.  With it is the motto, “I Believe”:  Not only the athletes have been encouraged to believe in their capacities to earn the gold medal but the whole Canadian nation has been asked to rally and support the dream. It was repeatedly emphasized that Canada had not won an Olympic gold in home soil in past times when the country hosted the games. The time had come when this country had to believe that the dream can be a reality. A song was composed and popularized to make every Canadian believe that the time had arrived to win the gold on Canadian soil.

            It was no surprise at all that athletes and non-athlete alike were hoping for gold on the second day of the Olympics. And Jean Heil almost got the coveted first place in the women’s moguls but an American rival beat her to it by a narrow margin. She won the silver.

            The Canadians did not need to wait very long for the gold. Mogul skier Alexandre Bilodeau won the first one and declared as the crowd cheered. “There are so many golds to come. Canada is so strong right now—- The party is just starting for Canada.”

            Canadians glued to their television at this moment of triumph have seen this joyous forecast come to reality in the days that followed. This is the fifteenth days of the Olympics and Canada has the top number of golds: 10, with some 7 silver and 4 bronze. There are still some more to come. Men’s hockey and men’s curling are not done yet.

            As I sit here in my living room watching the various events, I have come to deeply appreciate what modern technology has brought to the world. The use of various kinds of cameras which I am sure I cannot identify has brought to all of those who are not able to go to Vancouver the utmost details of the games. Not only did technology bring the games as if one has the best seat to watch them but the commentaries of foremost previous Canadian Olympians have contributed to a better understanding of each event and a deep insight into the personalities of the athletes. Features like “The Difference Makers” by Rick Hansen have lent a very human touch to the lives of some of the athletes. The interviews with the participants, winners and losers, have given television viewers an opportunity to share in the triumphs and frustrations of the athletes.

            The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics is coming to a close , but the memories, triumphant and agonizing appreciative and critical, compassionate and frustrating, will remain with us for along time, not only to those who had thousands of dollars to go to Vancouver but also with us through  the fascination of modern communication. ****

                She would walk effortlessly as her hips swayed like a well time pendulum, making man men look at her more than twice.  Delicately framed, her face reflected a beauteous and innocent looking architecture and she see to it that she was never too heavily painted.

                What many did not know except a few close women confidantes was the Pauline Espinosa was a widow.  She hailed from a small town in the Visayas where so many pretty girls came from.  She worked as a dress model in those pre-war years, and she stayed in an apartment in Victoria Street, not far from one of the gates of the ancient Walled City.

                |How’s the job, Pauline? asked a friend one Sunday morning when she was in shorts ready for the early walk around the grassy lawn surrounding the Walled city, and where many people loved to enjoy the morning sun.

                “I like the job and the pay is good.  The work is interesting with artistic people around you.  There’s no fixed hours like most employees”, she replied with a smile revealing her two dimples and her pearly white teeth.  “I will be on my way and good luck”, and she wave goodbye to her casual acquaintance.

                In most of the morning when the weather was fine, Pauline would walk on the shady sidewalk of Padre Burgos Avenue lined with palm and fire trees.  Traveling southward imposing Legislative building would be on her left and the long moss covered Intramuros Walls on her right, two structures of compelling grandeur and durability.  As it was still early, Pauline could see the glow of dawn silhouetting the many buildings, a natural elegance many citified people failed to appreciate.  She would then reach the wide boulevard running parallel to the Bay and fringed by the big Luneta Park.  She would see many strollers and the ocean liners anchored in Manila Bay.  The beauty displayed was seen by Pauline for she was an admirer of things beautiful.

                She would then walk back retracing the way she took.  As she reached Victoria Courts, she would stop a while and watch the tennis players, men and women, enjoying themselves in a fine sport.  Then she would head back to her apartment where her maid, Ana waiting for her breakfast

                “Any call for me, Ana?” she would ask her as she entered the door.

                “Miss Lennie Anderson reminded you of your appointment with the photographer on Monday at ten.  No other calls”, Ana retorted as she handed her the bath towel and bathrobe.

                After a quick shower and light breakfast, Pauline would be ready to see her beauty parlor as her hair needed trimming, and her nails some manicure.  She would then leave and by noontime, she would be back and her lunch would be ready.  Ana about 25 years old knew her job well and was a dedicated household help.  She was from Pauline’s hometown and her parents worked for Pauline’s folks back in Iloilo.

                Pauline went to Manila for her studies, she chose architecture.  In her sophomore year at the university, she met a senior law student and in no time at all, the two eloped and got married, much to the consternation of her parents.  She was not even twenty.  Things were settled eventually as the two young people, madly in love, were allowed to continue their studies supported by both parents.

                After class one afternoon, Pauline’s husband went with some friends for a car ride.  The group met an unfortunate accident on the road, and Pauline’s husband was one of the fatalities.  Pauline grief was remorseful, and she did not bother anymore on the outcome of the case.  She packed up and returned to Iloilo.

                “Why don’t you continue your studies here if you want?” advised her father.  “Johnny left you a substantial amount of insurance and personal savings and perhaps you can start your life anew”. 

                “Leave me alone for while Dad, and I will let you know my plan, replied Pauline with uncertainty in her voice.

                After a few weeks, Pauline decided to return to Manila not to study but to work so  she can forget about the tragedy in her life.  Her parents did not stop her from leaving, as making her stay might make her feel more miserable in a slow moving run of life in their home town.

                So, Pauline left for Manila, eventually through her friends got a modelling job and the modest apartment in Intramuros.  Later, her parents sent Ana to stay with her as a housekeeper and companion.

                One cool morning, as Pauline was walking along Victoria Gates, she passed by a young looking American carrying a tennis racquet and small canvas bag common among tennis player.

                “Hello, young lady, is this the way to the tennis court? I’m new in this area; the stranger asked opening a casual conversation.

                “You’re not lost, Marco Polo walk straight ahead and on the right after the massive wall is the tennis court” answered Pauline.

                “Thank you kindly, Miss, My name is Conrad Jones and not Marco Polo, the foreigner said with a wide smile.  The two came to laughing as they walked towards the gate.

                “There’s your domain Marco Polo Jones, or whatever your name is, and don’t sprain you ankle. Bye! Concluded Pauline as she hurried her pace.

                After her routine physical fitness program, she returned to her place.  She took her dinner and there was a knock on the door. 

                “Ana, will you check the door please” Pauline asked her maid.

                “Tell her it’s Marco Polo Jones|” the visitor said in thick American accent, as the door was partially opened by Ana.

                “Tell him to come in, she said after hearing his name.

                “How did you know my address?” Pauline was curious.

                “That’s a military secret.  I also know that you are Pauline Espinosa of certain age and education” he replied with a certainty uncommon among many men she met

                “Lt. Jones, you used your military intelligence on my person, but I know nothing about you except that you are a lousy tennis player and newly assigned in the county”, replied Pauline as she offered him orange juice in a glass.

                The two became good friends as both were young and had good sense of humour.  Pauline learned the military lingo fast and soon, she was beating the wits out of Conrad.  She seemed to enjoy the ribbing. 

                “You are a very nice man, Conrad, educated, refined and with a sharp wit.  But how will an Asian like me fit in your society?” Pauline spoke with sincerity. 

                “You will live with me, not with my parents, or the 45^th Infantry division of the U.S. army”, replied Conrad as if crazy with love.

                “Marco Polo Jones, let’s enjoy the evening, savour the good music and sip the sparkling champagne.  The altar can wait” joked Pauline removing the tension in her partner. 

                By June 1941, world tension between US and the Axis power seemed to increase.  Europe was already in flames as Germany was busy annexing its weak neighbours.  In the Pacific area, there was an uncertain calmness.  In the meanwhile, US-Japan relations were not getting any better.

                When Pauline arrived from work at her place in a cab at seven in the evening, there was a military car waiting.  Her heart beat faster for deep in her mind; she knew that the world situation was not improving.

                “Good evening, darling”, greeted Conrad as she kissed her.  He was in full uniform. “I got my order to return to the States tonight.  World situation is not getting any better.  I love you, Pauline, and I want you.  I will come back to get you.  Mark my word. We will get in touch”, Conrad implored.

                He embraced her and kissed her passionately, Pauline would not hold her tears for since her husband Johnny died, Conrad came along and gave her reassurance in life and the cheerfulness one needed when beset with problems.  Now this new found joy would be gone too. 

                “Don’t worry Conrad, if God wills, we will be together again”, she spoke almost inaudibly.

                Conrad saw that Pauline was wearing the frat pin he gave her and the more he felt bad.  He hugged her again and without looking, he left as Pauline stood speechless.  She heard the start of the car engine, and then it roared in the thick of the night.

                Pauline received two letters from Conrad and he said that he was training for assignment in Europe on a special project.

                She never heard from him again.  The Occupation, the Liberation period, and the National Independence came and left, but she never got any information on the fate of Lt. Conrad Jones.  He must have died on that special mission in Europe.

                Pauline’s story had a streak of Madame Butterfly.  The difference was that the Japanese girl committed suicide when her American boyfriend left her for a military assignment.  In Pauline’s case, she did not kill herself when Conrad left her.  She learned to survive and being a beautiful widow, she met another man whom she married and happily bore many children. *

Today, after four presidents and a fifth to be elected…….. pundits, new generation Filipinos and historians are beginning to question the efficacy of the Feb.22-25,1986 upheaval.

Was it a  revolution masterminded in the capital region for its own political convenience and interest without regards to other areas like Mindanao and the rest of the country?

Was it an aberration or simply a phenomenon that can never be duplicated like the  hastily scripted EDSA II that catapulted Lilliputian , then vice president  Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Malacanang? Unlike EDSA I, the second one starring Mrs. Arroyo was allegedly manipulated by business moguls and titans and  the “Burgis “ of Ayala, Makati because of their disdain of an unschooled tough guy womanizer President in the person of Joseph “Erap “Estrada.  In short, EDSA II was a “second rate, good for nothing …..cheap copycat “  of EDSA I, to quote Cherry Gil from the Sharon Cuneta starrer “Bituing Walang Ningning “.  

But whatever EDSA I is, there is the undeniable truth that after 24 years , we now have a free society. There is now a liberal sprinkling of media as compared to the government-controlled few newspapers and TV and radio stations.

Democracy is back despite its many shortcomings . That is why, we now have 10 candidates for presidents ranging from the billionaire, the pretender to his parents’ legacy, the ex-convict, the clowns and the religious to the lunatic and the strange bedfellows…much better than martial law I should say !     

                                           *******

PIDC’s NEW PRESIDENT: Congratulations to newly installed PIDC (Philippine Independence Day Council) president Minda Neri.

We missed your induction rites Feb.20 despite your personal-last minute effort to invite us (as you just jetted in from Pinas) which is of course by all standards, quite very late and maybe through no fault of your own. But anyway thanks.

It seemed that one of Minda’s subaltern, a PR-designate I think, started PIDC’s new administration on the wrong foot, a costly miscue involving invitations.

Could be a learning curve or first day jitters but nevertheless, SOME people should know this early. Public relations is the very heart of any organizations more so entities like PIDC which relies heavily on community support on their many activities and projects.

I’m hearing talks that Jun Enverga’s leadership (or is it Rosemer’s, the Wonder Woman….in my books) is a tough act to follow and much is expected of the same of Minda’s. That is so unfair.

C’mon ..people have their own minds, different styles and brand of leadership. No need for stereotyping.

Credibility, respect and transparency in an organization coupled with hard work could be the right formula. If one is willing to communicate with the public and the community it serves and at the same time listen to suggestions and even accepts criticisms. you’re on the right track.

Minda deserves all the support she needs to steer the organization into greater heights. No harm giving her that chance.            . 

                                  *******

SEGGA SHENANIGANS ?: Just received a message from Wally Gonzalez of the legendary Juan de la Cruz band saying a check issued by Ms.Grace Parucha of SEGGA, in the amount of $365.00 as payment for balikbayan boxes of Wally and another band member Joey “Pepe” Smith had bounced.

Parucha,  represents Toronto-based Segga promotions that contracted the band last May-December of 2009 for a series of concerts in Canada and the US but failed to pay the band and others of their talent fees amounting  to some  $20,000.

Balita got in touch with Parucha months back who promised to pay the band on a scheduled instalment plan.

But according to Gonzalez, Parucha did not remit any payments based on their agreed schedules. “She was supposed to send $500.00 last January 15 but there was none “ said Gonzalez.

“Ayaw i-release yung balikbayan boxes namin ni Pepe kasi tumalbog daw and tseke ni Grace Parucha “ said Gonzalez describing this latest sad episode as another “shenanigans “ of Segga and Parucha.

“Anyway kami na lang ni Pepe ang nagbayad dito para ma-deliver.May penalty pa na P1,365 (roughly $33.00 Canadian) para sa talbog na tseke. swindler na talaga yan taong yan “ said Gonzalez.

He also confirmed reports that Parucha and her friend  Elsie Maranan are also involved in another forthcoming concert in Toronto in March 20 starring Nora Aunor and had changed their Segga promotions outfit to Mustard Seed production where other associates are involved.

Gonzalez has a warning : “Sana di matulad sa amin ang concert ni Nora Aunor na hindi nabayaran “ Gonzalez added.

                                       *******

CHASING JOSIE: Speaking of concerts, its hard to catch up with songstress Josie De Leon, busy as she is specially last year 2009. We missed her Valentine benefit concert last February 13 at the Kalayaan Community Center in Mississauga.

As a  home-grown talent here in Toronto, Josie readily lends her services to many good causes (gratis et amore sometimes) such as Typhoon Ondoy of CASJ and of course for Mama Ching Quejas Kalayaan Center.

The last Feb.13 gig was her first ever major concert for this year 2010 after a very heavy schedule last year.

This is quite a problem for Josie, health and career wise, I should say. She has a problem of saying no to all of the requests to her and that is both a good and bad thing.

One is, she might become overexposed and of course, physically she needs to rest.

Our friendly advice is…go slow. take it easy and have a break. You deserve it.

One big good thing going for Josie is that she has a good promotions outfit managed by her sister Chat Bautista, Studio Six, a highly professional and creative production company.

                                          *****

The regular PPCO (Philippine Press Club of Ontario) ‘Almusalan “ for 2010 will be held on March 6,at Quiapo, Quiapo restaurant and outlet along #2Principal road in Ellesmere, Scarborough. (Former Golden Valley) and is now owned by our friend Bobby Asuncion. It starts at 10:30am.  Our guest is new Consul general Minerva Falcon who just arrived Feb.23 From Manila.

For details pls. get in touch with Mr. Tony Sicat at 416-2659850.

                                  *****30*****

Q.  Salamat po sa inyong Kolum sa Dyaryo dahil marami kayong natutulungan.

May itatanong po ako sa inyo tungkol sa hinihingi na Sustento ng Ex wife (ANNULLED MAARIAGE) ko na ang dapat ko daw ipadala sa kanila ay P20,000 sa probinsya lang po sila nakatira at kapwa sa grade school nag-aaral.   

Ang sabi nya ay maghaharap daw kami sa Fiscal o sa Husgado kapag ako ay uuwi sa Pilipinas at kung hindi ako maka-pagbigay ng malaking halaga na hinihingi niya na dapat ko raw ipapadala sa dalawa kong anak gayong di ko naman kaya ang ganong kalaking halaga.

 MALIIT LANG ANG SWELDO KO AT dahil nga sa dami kong mga GINAGASTOSAN at binabayaran dito SA CANADA.  (Tulad ng mga Insurance, bahay, pagkain Credit Cards atb pa.)

May Right po ba ang asawa ko o ang Husgado sa Pilipinas  para idikta ang dapat kong e sustento sa kanila?

Hindi pa po kami dumaan sa usapin ng  CHILD SUPPORT at SEPARATION OF PROPERTIES.( I don’t know why — siguro dahil di iyon kasama sa kanyang Petition sa Civil Court noon. )  – Kaya eto ang aking pinaghahandaan.

Pero meron na po akong Church annulment decision paper at maging sa RTC court DECISION tungkol sa pagwawalang bisa ng aming kasal. - Kaya Cleared na ako sa NSO. Although di naman kami actually nagpacivil Marriage, kundi sa CHURCH lang.  

Ang problema po kase ay ….   panay ang reklamo ng ex-wife  ko na kulang daw ang padala ko para sa mga bata .So kung kulang ang sabi ko ay: ” MAS MABUTI PA AY IPADALA NA LANG  NIYA ANG MGA ANAK KO dito SA CANADA. - - PARA NG SA GAYON AY WALA NA SIYANG MAEREREKLAMO SA AKIN. ( No Comment naman siya o natitigilan)  and at the same time mas maganda ang edukasyon at nga programa ng Canada. ” ANG sabi ko pa nga ay huwag niyang IPAG KAIT ang Karapatan din ng mga Bata for a better future and better Life”.

 Pwede po ba yun na ang Korte na lang ang mag- utos sa EX Wife ko NA ISAMA ko NA LANG DITO SA AKIN ANG MGA BATA? na 12 and 9 years old?  Ano po ba ang inyong mapapayo sa problema kong ito ?

Maraming pong salamat. At  Mabuhay po kayo!   AP

Ans.  Basi sa huling salaylsay mo, maliwanag na kung mayroong decision na sa  RTC(Family Court) annulling your marriage, at hindi nag-appeal ang iyong ex-wife o ang office ng Solicitor General, maliwanag na annulled na nga ang marriage mo. Nag-tataka lang ako kung bakit hindi natalakay ang usaping support tungkol sa iyong mga anak, noong nililitis pa  yong annulment mo at ang custody ng mga minor na anak. 

Sa ngayon dahil wala naman palang “order” ang court upang ikaw ay mag-bigay ng support ,  eh walang basihan na ikaw ay ipacocontempt ng ex-wife mo. At dahil kahit paano naman ikaw ay nag-bibigay ng supporta sa iyong dalawang anak, walang basihan sa ngayon ang pag-file ng kaso tungkol sa “violence against women and children for failure to provide support laban sa iyo . 

Tandaan mo rin na ang pag-bibigay support sa anak ay hindi lang tungkolin ng ama. Ayon sa  ating Family Code, ang pag-bibigay ng “supporta”  sa mga anak ay tungkolin ng ama at ina .  So nararapat lang na yong ex-wife mo, bilang ina,  ay mag-share din ng burden sa pag-supporta sa inyong mga anak.

Ang isang nakikita ko na maari mong gawin, lalo na kung ayaw makiki-cooperate ang ex-wife mo ay mag-file ka ng petition sa court for custody of your children, na ang maging grounds mo ang mabigyan ng mas mabuting kinabukasan ang mga anak mo sa Canada kaysa sa Pilipinas sila.

Kung may issue laban sa moralidad ng ex-wife mo, ito ay isang mabigat na grounds upang ang custody ng mga  bata ay maibigay sa iyo ng husgado or your ex-wife has no visible means of livelihood or stable employment or source of income to provide for your children or to raise them decently and morally. 

Kung gusto mo talagang mapa-sa iyo ang custody ng mga anak, lalot pat sila ay mga minor pa lang, mangyari lamang na makipag-unayan ka sa iyong lawyer sa Pilipinas upang gumawa ng kaakibat na hakbang .

Another option is to seek the cooperation and support of your wife, to voluntarily surrender to you the parental custody of the children for their own good.  If you do this, this will save you a lot of trouble and expense should you opt to bring this matter to the court.  

Hanggang sa muli at Good luck sa iyo at salamat sa iyong pag-sulat .

                                                                        # # #

Disclaimer: Batas Pinoy Corner Not Legal opinion:

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This writer makes no representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information provided in this writing. The content provided by Batas Pinoy Corner  is not meant to be a substitute for legal opinion. Always consult your lawyer or other legal professional for  legal advice as regards to the information obtained in this column.

                As the nation prepares to commemorate the 24^th anniversary of the People Power uprising at EDSA next week, it is ironic that the democratic rights of 43 health workers in Morong are now being ignored and trampled upon by members of the military, who have resorted to the old Marcos line that the illegally arrested workers were members of the New People’s Army.

                The soldiers – 300 of them, supported by eight trucks and two armored personnel carriers – raided a rest house owned by a doctor and professor emeritus of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in the early morning of Feb. 6 and arrested the 43 health volunteers, including two elderly doctors, using a suspicious arrest warrant for a certain Mario Condes, a suspected NPA member.

                Mario Condes was not one of those in the private rest house, where the health workers were preparing for a full-day health training and seminar. But the soldiers nonetheless handcuffed and blindfolded the 43 health workers and herded them like cattle into the trucks, claiming that they were making bombs for the NPA and that sacks of explosives were found under their beds.

                The military said they had placed the group under surveillance for several days because they suspected them to be NPA members, and yet could only produce one arrest warrant for that Mario Condes. Obviously, their intelligence officers were not good at surveillance because they could only offer a name that was not even included in the group after several days of spying on them.

                Whether they were indeed NPA members and making bombs or not is up to the courts to decide. What concern us here are not only the illegal raid and arrest, but also the claims of the 43 workers that they were tortured and humiliated by their captors.

                Only the 62-year-old doctor, Dr. Alex Montes, was allowed to testify by the Court of Appeals on behalf of the 42 other detainees and he obviously was threatened by the soldiers because he only narrated about the handcuffing and blindfolding, which was deemed by the military as standard for interrogations.

                Montes said he was subjected to prolonged and repeated interrogation while he was blindfolded and in handcuffs, was denied his right to see a lawyer, and was held in solitary confinement.

Montes said his interrogators repeatedly asked him if he knew a Tirso Alcantara, allegedly a commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) and if he was involved in anti-government activities.

A female member of the group, who was allowed by the military to be interviewed by the media, denied an earlier story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that she was molested by her interrogators. Ballante’s mother had told the Inquirer that when she visited her daughter in the detention facility, the latter whispered to her that her captors touched her private parts while blindfolded and undergoing interrogation.

The narrations of Montes before the court and that of Ballante before the reporters were completely different to what they allegedly told their relatives during their visits.

Montes’ wife, Evelyn, said her husband told her that interrogators attached electrodes to his head, sending electric shocks through his body whenever his answers didn’t please them. Montes also allegedly told his wife that they brought him outside, still cuffed and blindfolded and jabbed his chest with sharp objects, forcing him to move backwards until he fell in a stream of water and nearly drowned.

The detainees also said they were accompanied to the restroom by soldiers and because they were blindfolded and handcuffed, a soldier removed their shorts or underpants for them to urinate. One female detainee said she heard male soldiers laughing as her escort removed her panties to allow her to pee. They also complained that they were not allowed visitation nor allowed to see their lawyers for several days.

When the Court of Appeals granted the detainees the writ of habeas corpus, and ordered the military to produce the detainees on Friday, Feb. 12, the military refused to obey the court, claiming that transporting the 43 to court posed a security risk because they had intelligence reports that the NPA would “rescue” them.

These soldiers not only had no respect for the people’s rights, they also think the justices and the people are so stupid they would believe their lie. Even presuming that their claims were indeed based on credible intelligence reports, is the military so inutile that it cannot even defend against the supposedly under-trained and under-armed rebels?

The military, however, promised to produce the 43 detainees the following Monday because by then, it said, they would have made enough security preparations for the transport to the court. What they actually meant was that they needed two days to prep the detainees for the court appearance, threaten them to “behave,” and make them more presentable to the public, meaning minus the obvious signs of torture. No wonder, Dr. Montes said he was repeatedly brought out for sunning from his solitary cell for two days prior to the court appearance.

This latest military atrocity comes almost exactly four years after special rapporteur Philip Alston of the United Nations blamed military authorities for the extra high incidence of extra-judicial killings since Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed office in 2001, which at that time (2006) had reached 800, according to human rights groups.

He said the killings went unpunished and unabated because the military authorities refused to admit the fact that there have been an unusual high number of political killings and have refused to even condemn the murders.

Prior to the Alston report, the Melo Commission concluded its own report in 2006 with the following statement: “If extra-judicial executions are to be stopped, the political will to do what is right, however great the cost, must pervade all levels of government so that our beloved country can move toward the greater ideals of democracy and justice; it must start with the President who must pursue the prevention and prosecution of extra-judicial killings with urgency and fervor.”

The military authorities have again denied any wrongdoing by its soldiers, and have, in fact, cooperated in the cover-up of this latest military atrocity. Amid all these, Malacanang has remained silent, which will almost definitely be interpreted by the military as a go-signal to move against perceived government enemies.

If the military gets away with the illegal arrest and torture of these 43 health workers, the country will move back closer to the dark days that the people ended at Edsa 24 years ago. When those days come, we can only hope that the people are ready to march back to Edsa and declare: “Never again.”