Think NATION!

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You Should Be with the Winner

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REVOLVING DOORS

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A Crisis, An Opportunity

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POLITICAL CAPITAL 1: Freedom of Information

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SANA

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Whenever there is a presidential election, people tend to wear their patriotism either on their chests, around their necks, or around their wrists: emblazoned tees with the Philippine map, or the colors of our flag, or pendants of the so-called “tatsulok” design, or the ubiquitous yellow, orange, or green watches or bracelets. There is hope, renewal, energy, and vibrancy.

Leading up to the proclamation and the traditional oath taking, Filipinos were one in saying “Think Nation! Think Country!” And then, behold, after the series of welcoming appointments, there are now texts and articles going around on how the few Filipino families belonging to the Class A socio-economic group or what some would classify as ‘oligarchs’ capture power.  While all contributed to the victor’s common coffers, there was an understanding of whoever breaks away gets an additional loot bag.  There were also reports of last-minute contributors who wanted to be a part of the bandwagon.

Then there are the expected appointments: Hyatt 10, classmates and shooting buddies, those they personal know, those recommended by INK, and others. Where is the Liberal Party in all the appointments?  It seems like the core of President Aquino are not from the party. More and more we see daily shocks in those being tapped.

In last Wednesday’s (14 July 2010) Inquirer, a report was made on the alleged conflict-of-interest situations of four appointees.  These are Singson (DPWH), Almendras (Energy), De Jesus (Transportation), Alvarez (Customs) and I hasten to add a fifth, Lim (Tourism).  As Inquirer stressed, all hires before of the families known to be part of the diminutive one percent of the country’s Class A.  The names Ayala, Lopez, Aboitiz, and Metro Pacific (represented by the Midas-possessed Manny Pangilinan) are old names, rich names that constitute the 12 families that run and control this country.  And who is Alberto “Bertie” Lim? He was the Executive Director of the elite Makati Business Club, an unregistered lobbying group that protects their members’ interests. But then again, who are we compared to them?

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Last Tuesday, I received texts about a supposed “criminal enterprise system and networks” of a Senator whose people have been appointed to strategic positions like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Food Authority (NFA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and others being floated for the positions in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Corrections, and even the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID).

It would surely be an interesting Commission on Appointments sessions in the 15th Congress.  I suggest to those raising the hoots to substantiate their claims against the designates for after all, that is the nature of the checks and balance in our system.

Then we asked how come there are now 3-recorded extra judicial killings since Aquino took his oath?  Even the Justice Secretary is asking the question: “How do you explain these killings? Coincidence?”

Think Nation! How can we when we don’t feel government in the aftermath of Basyang.  Think Nation! How can we when government speaks in twisted logic and twisted tongue.  Think Nation! How can we when having a drinking session in Malacanang seems to be the order of the day.

As one politician told me, “Never mind, they will get to their senses after six months and you will see an array of changes.”  I grudgingly said, let’s see. Think Nation! Probably, this would just be what I can hold on as we see how the ship of state will move.  Too early to say? Nah, just red flags everywhere. Darn.

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