Typhoon Ondoy wreaks havoc on RP economy too

   Estimates from the National Economic and Development Authority show that damage to property, agriculture, infrastructure and overall productivity loss from the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy will further errode an already weak Philippine economy.

The performance of an economy is measured by Gross Domestic Product, or GDP.

“Using the latest available figures from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the NEDA Regional Offices and Office of Civil Defense on the impact of damages caused by typhoon Ondoy, our preliminary estimate shows that the recent storm could reduce the real GDP growth rate in full year 2009 by at least 0.043 percentage points,” said Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Augusto B. Santos. Santos presented the figures during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

He added that given this, the DBCC growth assumption of 0.8 -1.8 percent for 2009 could decline to 0.7 -1.7 percent.

Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) damaged PhP108.9 million worth of infrastructure and crops and affected about 90,000 families as it brought a 40-year record-breaking, 41.6-centimeters total rainfall in a single day (the previous record was 33.4 centimeters in July 1967).

Damage estimates from the National Disaster Coordinating Council are much higher–at PhP4.7 billion.

However, even with the forecasts, simulations and estimates by the economic experts, the official Philippine GDP growth projection WILL NOT BE CHANGED. So for the record, as per NEDA, the 2009 gross domestic product target remains at  0.8 to 1.8 percent.

NEDA noted that overseas Filipino (OF) remittances, which have been stronger than forecast, will help maintain the 2009 gross domestic product target.

Santos thus said that despite the impact of Typhoon Ondoy, “it is best not to move for now the target of 0.8 to 1.8 percent for 2009.”

Remittances from overseas Filipinos, which in turn drives consumer spending, accounts for about two-thirds of GDP.

As of July 2009, remittances from millions of Filipinos working overseas rose 9 percent to $1.49 billion in July, bringing the total for the first seven months of the year to $9.97 billion, up 3.8 percent from a year ago. The growth in remittances bucked an expected plateau, or slowdown of money sent home by Filipino workers abroad. Monetary officials had been anticipating that remittances would contract sharply this year on the back of layoffs in the manufacturing and financial sectors due to the global economic crunch.

In relation to hurting overall economic growth, ordinary folks like you and me can expect an uptick in the prices of many consumer goods–notably fish, fruits, vegetables and rice.

Why? It’s the simple law of supply and demand.

Moreover, people have been shopping like mad the past few days–keeping more stocks of commodities in anticipation of more rains and floods.

The pace on increases of the  prices of goods and commodities is measured by inflation, or the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“Our inflation target for 2009 is not likely to be breached,”  said Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr.  in a mobile phone text message. The BSP forecast price increases to range from 2.5 percent to 4.5 percent for this year, or an average of about 3 percent.

For September 2009 alone, the BSP is keeping its forecast at zero to 0.9 percent.

“Higher prices of vegetables due to recent inclement weather may have been offset by lower prices due to ample supply of National Food Authority [NFA] stocks and early harvest,” said Tetangco, “The continued relatively low crude prices have also resulted in lower domestic pump prices.”

 So what can we do?

I guess sobriety is the name of the game at this point in time. The weather is unpredictable, so the best we can do is to stay sharp and have a Plan B at all times. Panic buying, hoarding and expecting a doomsday scenario won’t help.

 

 

Happy Birthday, Guinness!!!!

In 1759, Sir Arthur Guinness discovered a formula for a stout beer with a distinct bittersweet-burnt flavor. That beer is what is now known as Guinness.

Today, Guinness is celebrating its 250th birthday. It is one of the world’s best-selling and most enduring beer brands. It is one of the trademarks of Ireland, and has produced clever, award-winning and world-changing advertising and promotional campaigns.

Guinness is also part of a bigger company called Diageo, a merger with Grand Metropolitan. Diageo is the holding company for some of the world’s biggest alcohol brands such as Smirnoff Vodka, Gordon’s and Gilbey’s Gin, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Bailey’s Liqueur amd Johnnie Walker Whiskey.

So you kinda wonder, why and how did a beer brand grow into such a huge corporation spanning various markets?

Well, alcohol, especially really good drinks, are ubiquitous in the lives of people. Remember Dionysius? Whether its merriment or depression, alcohol is the way to go.

And so people in the alcohol and spirits business, and all those related to it, big or small, make lots of money.

So here’s to a pint of Guinness! Happy Birthday!

RP Economy: Still Sluggish

The Philippines’ latest import data for July 2009 shows that the country’s economy remains sluggish–and will likely stay this way until next year.

Imports are a vital indicator of economic performance. More imports mean that manufacturers are likely to increase production–therefore, exports and other industries are bullish. Bullish businesses mean that businessmen and investors will likely put up new ventures or expand, which in turn means more employment. More employment, on the other hand, means more people with more disposable income, and therefore, more money to spend, which will then prompt businesses to come -up with even more choices, ergo more products, for the ever-fickle consumer, ergo, people with money to spend.

The Philippines’ major imports include electronics, rice and crude oil–obviously very vital commodities. The electronics imports are processed into various semiconductors and other parts which are then exported to various parts of the world (electronics accounts for more than half of the Philippines export earnings), while rice and oil are socially-sensitive staples.

But with imports dropping 31.6% (or -31.6%) versus July 2008, it seems that the virtuous cycle of economic growth is nowhere near getting on high gear.

This doesn’t seem to bode well for the outgoing Arroyo administration–which wants to pride itself on economic know-how, or the incoming administration come July 1, 2010–because the economic woes could undermine or diminish the traditional “honeymoon period” that comes after peaceful elections and turn-over of power.

So what now? Nothing much can be done except to ride this out. Oh, and with the yuletide season coming up, we can expect some glimmers of growth courtesy of increased consumer spending and the influx of dollar remittances of OFWs for the holidays.

Perhaps it might also help the Philippines to focus on growing “from inside,” meaning pump-priming down to the micro-economic level, rather than relying on external demand or trade to keep the economy going. I think the Philippines’ woes stems from the fact that our domestic economy is weak–I mean, heck, we’re not even self-sufficient with our own staple food!

I don’t claim to be an economist, but look at it this way: even the best economic minds in the country and in the world are having trouble with what to do with this debacle.

So what can we simple folks do to help? Buy more Filipino-made and home-grown products. Sure, I admit, many of these products are at times more expensive and offer less value for money, but perhaps we can try. There are a lot of good, locally-made products out there. That way, we can keep the money in the country.

That’s just my two-centavos worth.

Below is the statement from the National Economic and Development Authority on the July imports:

JULY IMPORTS DROP BY 2.0 PERCENT MONTH-ON-MONTH, 31.6 PERCENT YEAR-ON-YEAR

The total merchandise imports in July 2009 dropped by 2.0 percent from the previous month, and by 31.6 from July 2008. This amounted to $4.0 billion, lower than the previous month’s $4.1 billion due to declines in the inward shipments of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (-28.6%), and consumer goods (-27.9%).

As July 2009 exports declined by 2.8 percent, trade deficit for the month amounted to US$715 million. Alongside the Philippines, Vietnam and Hong Kong also posted trade deficits in the same month among the trade-oriented economies in East and Southeast Asia.

In his memorandum to the President, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Augusto B. Santos observed that imports of major economies in the East and Southeast Asian regions posted positive month-on-month gains in July 2009 due to the restored momentum in world
trade and the upturn of the economies in the region. Malaysia registered the biggest month-on-month expansion, owing to the growth in the country’s intermediate goods imports (which was mainly parts and accessories of capital goods).

Santos said that cumulatively, imported goods reached only $24.4 billion in the first seven months of 2009, a 31.2 percent decline from the same period last year. He added that matched by a weak export performance, merchandise trade deficit reached $3.9 billion for the period, $1.5 billion less
compared to the same period in 2008.

Moreover, while imports of capital and intermediate goods increased, this did not boost total import payments as fuel and food continue to plummet.

Import values of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials declined by 28.6 percent from June 2009 as petroleum crude (-30.6%) and other mineral fuels and lubricants (-49.1%) dragged down the commodity group. In terms of volume, petroleum crude fell by 35.7 percent, which was compounded
by the decline in world prices of fuel. The average price of Dubai oil fell from $69.41/barrel in June to $64.82/barrel in July 2009.

Meanwhile, the 27.9 percent month-on-month decline in consumer goods was due to the drop in food imports (-50.2%) while rice import payments declined by 95.1 percent in July.

“It is essential to note that without the $213 million worth of imported rice in June, total merchandise imports in July would have increased by 3.1 percent on a month-on-month basis,” Santos said adding that dairy products (-5.9%), fish and fish preparation (-12.5%), and fruits and vegetables (-10.6%) also contributed to the negative growth of food imports.

On the other hand, the month-on-month shipments of capital goods expanded by 12.0 percent, bolstered by the growth in payments of power generating and specialized machines (3.6%), office and EDP machines (6.9%), telecommunication equipment and electrical machineries (14.6%), land
transport equipment (24.4%), and optical goods (31.9%). In the commodity group, only aircrafts, ships and boats posted a negative month-on-month growth rate of 20 percent.

Likewise, the 14.2-percent month-on-month increase in raw materials and intermediate goods was supported by semi-processed raw materials, which grew by 17.4 percent. Inputs for the manufacture of electrical equipment grew by 21.2 percent as appetite for electronic products recovered.
Conversely, the 4.9 percent contraction of unprocessed raw materials was due to the substantial decline in the import payments of wheat (-82.2%) and tobacco (-29.8%).

Japan remained the country’s biggest source of imports with a 13.5 percent share in the total value of merchandise imports in July 2009. The month-on-month increase of orders from Japan posted an 11.8-percent increase due to positive gains in the imports of various commodities, particularly capital goods, which increased by 12.9 percent from June 2009. The US was the second largest supplier of imported goods with an 11.7-percent share. Other major sources of inbound cargos were China (8.8%), Singapore (8.1%), and Taiwan (7.5%).

The value of shipments from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan comprised 19.4 percent of the total merchandise imports. Inward shipments from the rest of the ASEAN region covered 24.3 percent of the value of the total imported goods in July 2009.

Telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, raw materials for electronic manufactures, and office and electronic data processing (EDP) machines comprised 56.5 percent of total orders from the top import suppliers in July 2009.

Imports from the top five import sources in July increased by 6.3 percent month-on-month but dropped 23 percent from last year, though moderately lower than the preceding month’s 23.3 percent year-on-year contraction.

-end-

Self-censorship on Facebook

The advent of digital media and social networking sites was a boon for many. It liberalized what used be control of opinions and flow of information and created thousands, if not milli0ns, of empowered citizen journalists.

Studies have shown that it took less than five years for the internet and social networking sites such as Facebook to gain a market reach of 50 million. In fact, Facebook now has over 300 million users, and counting.

With that much freedom and power, it obviously follows that there is so much room for opinions, comments, feedback and information that may be good or bad, positive or negative, and beneficial or detrimental.

Such is the case of yet another Facebook user, another friend, Argee Guevarra, who is facing hot water for what was perceived by some to be defamatory and malicious comments about a popular cosmetic surgeon. The FB shout-outs stemmed from a malpractice complaint he  is handling on behalf of a client, Josefina Norcio. The latter complained of a butt augmentation gone bad at a Belo clinic.

Guevarra posted messages on his FB account calling for a boycott of Belo clinics, among other comments versus Dr. Vicki Belo.

The Belo Medical Group then proceeded with the filing of libel charges versus Gueverra, arguing that the latter had “deliberate and malicious intent to destroy the reputation of BMGI and Belo’s practice.”

“The statements that [the acts] of Dr. Belo and BMGI were unlawful, incompetent and all other vile remarks were intended to cause dishonor [to], discredit or contempt [for] the person defamed,” said Belo Medical Group General Manager Agnes Ballesteros in their complaint versus Guevarra.

Guevarra, to my mind, was simply ranting and exercising the very basic freedom to speak his mind on a social networking site where those who can see the said postings belong to a specific group chosen by the account user.

The Belo Medical Group, in turn, simply exercised its right to seek redress and just compensation for damage supposedly suffered.

But the very basic question of whether Facebook comments are subject to litigation comes into play.

In the blog, “The Warrior Lawyer” (http://thewarriorlawyer.com/2007/02/20/libel-on-the-internet-under-philippine-law/), libel, as per The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, is defined as follows:

“A public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.”

So using the tests for libel, I am not so sure that there is ground for the case. Of course, I’m no lawyer, just someone who studied libel laws to make sure I am covered in the practice of my profession as a journalist once upon a time.

Was it public? Sort of. Because Facebook is seen by many people. However, the number of people who see the postings depends on the settings of the user and his or her friends.

Was it malicious? Now there’s the rub. Because malice is subjective. One could argue that Guevarra was simply shouting out to his friends, warning them of what had happened to a client. Note that this is not the first time someone’s complained of a service gone bad at Belo, or other clinics for that matter. It could even be gleaned as advocacy to uphold proper medical practice, taking into account that the Philippines still does not have adequate protection against medical malpractice and patients rights, even if the country is strongly promoting medical tourism.

Below is a portion of the statement of Atty. Argee Guevarra. The said portion discusses the points raised by his counsel, Atty. JV Bautista, in the response to Belo’s complaint:

“The libel case filed by Dr. Belo needs a serious facelift before it could even be dignified in any court of law. The pleading itself reads and looks like a failed surgery on the laws of libel …

First, the venue is improperly laid. It should not have been filed before the Taytay Prosecutor Office and instead filed before Makati City Prosecutor’s Office which is the place of the offended party (Dr. Belo) and where Facebook, Philippines holds Office. The filing of the case in Taytay may have sinister motives. What is so special about filing the case in Taytay?

Second, the libelous statements were printed and published by Dr. Belo’s own general manager and upon the authority given her by Dr. Belo’s estranged husband and Belo Medical Group Corporate Secretary Atom Henares, which should make said general manager a co-respondent of Atty. Guevarra. In effect, Dr. Belo should be suing her own general manager;

Third, the alleged defamatory statements are privileged communication and are per se, not libelous. Said statements of Atty.Guevarra fall under constitutionally protected exercise of free speech;

Finally, the analogous libel case of Alfonso Yuchengco/Pacific Plans vs. Philip Piccio, arising from a blog written by Mr. Piccio against Pacific Plans was ordered dismissed by the Department of Justice which ruled that there is no such thing as internet libel since Art. 355 of the Revised Penal Code strictly provides that libel can only be committed by means set forth therein (writing, printing, radio etc.) and does not include the internet. Furthermore, criminal statutes are construed strictly in favor of the accused.”

Libel or no libel, the question again is whether or not we must censure ourselves on our own Facebook account. Because Facebook is our own account and is therefore covered by the basic freedom of speech and self-expression, we enjoy the right to post whatever in the world we want.

However, since we have friends and a network that sees these posts, that gives Facebook a public nature or face. Like it or not, people who see what we post on FB might react, and also have the right to take action if they feel offended or get hurt by what we write, post or share.

Should we  treat Facebook like any other means of communication–with caution and care–given that for many of us, this is the most expedient way of expressing our feelings what with the very busy lives many of us lead.

Perhaps it’s better to go back to a bottle of beer, a cigarette and some good face-to-face conversation.

 

 

 

Sanchez vs Cruz (from my perspective)

I had been awaiting a response from my former Journalism professor, Danny Arao, about comments posted by a journalist versus a well-known news anchor on Facebook, when I got a shock reading Alcuin Papa’s story on the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The headline read, “Newsroom war on at TV network. “(http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090916-225546/Newsroom-war-on-at-TV-network)

I guess that was my answer.

It was RG Cruz who apparently and supposedly earned the ire of Korina Sanchez. Alcuin said that RG posted status messages, among others that seemed to attack or defame Korina, stuff like “First Lady wannabe … who would eventually be a bad spouse” and a “queen in her head without a crown.”

In turn, a letter, supposedly written by Korina was sent and circulated far and wide, assailing RG and calling on ABS-CBN management to look into postings on cyberspace.

RG, Korina and even Alcuin are my friends. So being an amiable-type personality, it bothers me to hear of these conflicts.

For the record, RG has deleted all posts on his Facebook account. He does have a blog, which he updates regularly about political issues and whatnot, but that’s RG for you, he’s a guy who’s very opinionated. That’s what I like about him. He speaks his mind.

RG and I talk occasionally. But when we do, we talk for quite a while. I guess one of this things we have in common is that we are often misunderstood. But he is driven and tries his best at what he does.

I had a chance to talk to RG by phone right before writing this post. He’s okay, but would rather stay quiet for now.

Because RG and I are Facebook friends, I saw the posts. But these were removed after a while. Sure, he was kinda ranting, but haven’t we, at one point or more, ever posted something on our blogs, Facebook, Friendster, Twitter, Plurk or whatever social networking site or message site that we ended up regretting.

In a much larger perspective, we all have out our foot in our mouths one too many times.

True, RG should have been careful and constructive. As a journalist, he is, to some extent, a public figure, albeit not in the level of our current crop of showbiz personalities. But his words carry weight. Journalists are opinion leaders too. His blog stats should have been an indicator of that for him.

Now on to Korina. Reposted below is the letter, courtesy of Marichu Lambino’s blog (http://marichulambino.wordpress.com/). I edited the letter minimally, noting some grammatical errors.

“A LETTER TO MANAGEMENT AND TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE TOLD ME OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE FACEBOOK ATTACKS OF RG  CRUZ AGAINST KORINA SANCHEZ”

(From Korina  Sanchez)

“I thought, not too long but hard, about writing this  letter about someone who I supposedly work with but hardly  know—someone who, should I see along our company(’s) corridors, I probably wouldn’t even recognize.”

 “While some characters would sit back, relax and ignore the nuances and irritants of daily living, some characters such as (myself) are the types who would see and know, by experience, if I may add, that evil prospers when good men do nothing.  While there is  wisdom in silence, there is nobility to be found in response  and courage—as foolish as some might think these to be,  given specific circumstances.”

“Such was my thought process when I decided to write this letter.  As inconsequential to my universe  as someone, whose opinion I do not care about at all, is(,) there is something to be said here (and) something to consider.  It is for the greater good  among us who, fortunately or unfortunately, have to work  with each other in ABS-CBN for precisely the greater  good.”

“I received  the calls and texts (to me) from longtime co-workers and  colleagues at the station recently.  They  sa(id), ‘Ma’am, do you know what RG Cruz has been posting  on his Facebook against you? Why is the company allowing  this?  How could he say such things? Do  you have some war going on with him?’ (One of these callers) (person at the  other end of the line) sounded so urgent.  This (was already) (is) the 3rd person to tell me of the  Facebook entries of( by) a certain ( an) RG Cruz (within a few days) about a  ‘First Lady wannabe …who would eventually be a bad  spouse…a queen in her head without a crown…’ and  some.  We have copies of all of the RG  Cruz entries on his Facebook. Suffice it to say, (that) the tirades (were) against, (who Cruz eventually admitted was) Korina Sanchez(.) (These) were as creative as creativity can many times be (b)orne (from) spite and utter, utter hatred.  It  reminds me of the creativity of serial killers from  history(,) Jack the Ripper for instance(,) who kept the English police guessing(,) (and) following and  analyzing each way the pattern was kept alive with each of  his dead, mangled victims.”

“I thought hard, (‘)RG Cruz?  RG Cruz…Oh…RG Cruz, oh that RG Cruz(!)  He always  wears a long coat much like Keanu Reeves in the movie (The) Matrix.’  I once thought it to be cute and  fantasized (about) my fiancé Mar in one of those(.) (I even wondered)(wondering), “Hmmm, maybe this outfit would do it for him and give an extra 5 percentage points in the surveys(.)”  (But) (a)las, we always ha(d) the same reaction to every idea—it is ability, track record, integrity, honesty,  diligence, intelligence, compassion and vision that should  bring an aspirant to his rightful place in history(,) stupid.  Not long coats!”

“Back to RG  Cruz.  Yes, I remember now.  RG is the cute, little young guy who I actually kind of like.  I thought from his outfit and  from watching one anchoring job he did in ANC that this guy  has character.  We would often walk by each other going different directions (along the) company corridors  late at night when I anchor Bandila.  Many  of those times(,) I try to catch his glimpse to smile(,) but, for  some reason, he always has his head down or he would look  (towards) some other direction.  Half of that time(,) maybe it was I looking down (or towards) other  directions.  In short, and as astonishing  as it apparently is, I don’t really know nor have  interacted or worked (with), nor (even) (do I ever) remember having had  conversation with Mr. RG Cruz. (And) I do not know where his  concentrated anger targeted towards me is coming from.”

“Skin off my nose. He doesn’t count.”

“But here is where we learn some things(.) (Y)es, even in instances that should seem not  matter.”

 “Sad as it  is, it is not surprising that in my (more than 20 years with ABS-CBN,)( experience of more than  20 years of work in the company,) there (will)(may) always be someone  like RG Cruz who will just be the way they are without rhyme  or reason.  There have been many batches  before RG that I have seen suffer(ed) and  survive(d).  I guess he represents his  batch.  My advice is, ignore.  And then, when you feel (like) it has become too much,  report to our superiors.  If the regulations and the law warrants, push for management action, even a sanction, (or)(even) a lawsuit.”

“Logic dictates that,  just as we are all bound by  regulations and ethics regarding how we relate and treat  each other within the company, these parameters encompass  treatment of each other that is public, evident (and)  attestable.  Facebook, designed as it maybe for “friends,” is essentially public.  Slanderous comments are, arguably, considered  published.  “Blind item” lawsuits have  been won in Philippine courts as well. As long as more than  a certain number of people can identify, without a doubt,  the unnamed victim of slander and  character assassination,  the offense is actionable.”

“I, by the way, do not understand why Mr. Cruz would bother to not mention my cherished name in his attacks against me when he outright(ly) named another company talent, Mr. Willie Revillame, and attacked him as well.”

 “In the  interest of sound policy covering such misdemeanors(,) to protect its employees and talents and maintain the civility  required of us all to achieve company goals—as  painlessly as humanly possibly—I have inquired with  management and have urged them to take a closer look at the  cyberworld as public domain (and) which (can be) (is) a potent instrument  for destruction and unwarranted personal aggravation of its  victims, especially in the hands of co-employees.”

 “Lastly, but most importantly(,) (i)t has been  almost (six) days since Sen. Mar Roxas’ abdication of position  of standard bearer of the Liberal Party of the Philippines  to endorse Sen. Noynoy Aquino as party candidate for the  Presidency of the Republic.  I’ve seen  it and felt it for myself: it is the easiest thing to have  an ambition, calculate and run for office.   It is the mo(re) difficult to want to serve, calculate,  invest and then give way. Until you see and be, it would be  a task for any jaded journalist to imagine.”

 “The  overwhelming outpour of love, grief, disagreement with the  decision, admiration and emulation which followed Sen. Roxas’ example has carved a niche for his good name in Philippine history books this early in his life in public service and governance.  I would like to  thank many of you who have called to say how they’ve  admired Mar’s sacrifice. To those who challenge the  integrity of Mar’s sacrifice and may dismiss it as  expediency(,) I invite you to a chat as I might enlighten you on things you might not be fully informed about or aware  of.   I give special thanks to Ted  Failon, Julius and Tintin Babao, the people of DZMM News,  Joelet Reyes, the other staff of Bandila,  Ging Reyes and Charie Villa, Ms. Cory Vidanes and our  President Charo S. Concio for their kind and generous  words.”

 “Many of us  in the news business have often thought (and) felt that we are as  big or powerful as those we cover.  Our indifference and sarcasm say so.  And too  many times I have, myself, dismissed acts of greatness and  sacrifice as just “one of those things”. Having taken  this long a leave of absence from my years of work in  broadcast (journalism) for the first time(,) and finding myself (a) participant  in something so important to this country, its people and  its future(,) I now see even more clearly how small and  insignificant each of us is in the much bigger picture (that) affect(s) 90 million lives. That is, until we think, act,  speak and, most of all, do something to become the  difference, make a difference for the good and become…bigger. Or do something or nothing to make us even smaller, more insignificant. We might as well just  disappear.”

 “So to you, RG Cruz, I say, I hope that—as your Facebook entry  narrated—as you were “eating chocolate” and  indulging your gastronomical cravings while events at Club  Filipino on  the 2nd  of  September 2009 were unfolding and all  you could think of and delight in, as written in your  Facebook, are your cruel attacks, pettiness, inanities and  insensitivities to the sacrifice of others and, horror of  horrors, make these public—you will, henceforth, attempt  to save yourself from the very real prospect of  disappearing, leaving this world without a trace, no better  and even worse than when you found it.”

 “By the way,  did you know that Jack the Ripper loved chocolates,  too?  Look it up.”

 KORINA

“P.S.  I have attached an  interesting article written by Ms. Solita Monsod (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090905-223616/The-statesman-and-the-retreatant) –  which I  highly recommend for your reading.  I  encourage you to pass this letter to anyone at the office or  outside who may had read RG Cruz’ attacks against me and  my name as a matter of defense of my character and reputation.  Thank you very  much.”

xxx

 

Off-hand, I sincerely doubt that Korina herself wrote the letter. There were a lot of basic grammatical errors and I’m sure that if experts like Butch Dalisay and other writers would read the letter, they would find even more weirdness in it.

But assuming she had some kind of hand in this, I find it weird that Korina simply could not confront RG and ask him pointblank about the Facebook entries. Doesn’t a 20-year career and her position as Chief Correspondent warrant that. I think class and being a role model for many junior reporters and aspiring broadcasters dictates that she rise above whatever pettiness and confront issues with humility, dignity and grace.

So at the end of the day, even if RG was careless and vagabond with his Facebook entries, it is Korina who should have shown magnanimity and decency. She’s older and a much bigger person is after all.

The lesson here is we should all be careful about what we post and say over the internet. Okay, I know, and I tell myself, what the heck, it’s just Facebook, it’s supposed to be fun, consider this: Facebook’s got over 300 million members worldwide. That’s no small number to sneer at. And as Spiderman’s uncle said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

So to Korina and RG and all those involved, one way or another, come on. You are all bigger than this. Learn to forgive and forget. The worlds of media and politics in the Philippines are really small and intertwined. Do you really want to be itchingly uncomfortable with each other for a long time? 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of NEDA Dir Gen and Socio Economic Planning Sec Ralph Recto

In the interest of fairness, I am posting in full the statement of Ralph Recto, from his press conference on 12 August 2009:

STATEMENT OF SOCIOECONOMIC PLANNING SECRETARY RALPH G. RECTO ON HISRESIGNATION

August 12, 2009

 

Good afternoon to all of you, ladies and gentlemen. More than a month ago, I tendered my official resignationas Director General of NEDA to the President to take effect on the closing hours of August 16. That resignation has been accepted by the President.

 I told the President in my resignation letter elective political opportunities lie on the horizon andafter much thought and discernment, I have decided to explore these but outsidethe podium and canopy that my present office provides. When I first ran this line by some senior staff, they said that mere exploration of some politicaloptions is no ground for resignation. Actually, they are right because a dream for a public office is not punishable by law. And even if one starts preparingto run for office, civil service rules do not require him to give up his current post. The practice, then and now, is one can run an office and for an office at the same time.

But that may be possible in other offices, but not in NEDA, I believe. In my letter of resignation to the President, I thanked her for giving me the opportunity to serve the country through a great agency whose admirable staff responded ably to the challenges of the times.  Indeed, I could not have asked for a more professional and proficient staff than the ones who have warmly welcomed me here and, in myheart, I know that I will be dishonoring their dedication in public service ifI will be preoccupied with other matters other than leading them in their work. Heading the NEDA is a fulltime work. It does not need a leader who is a job applicant in disguise.  Thus, I will be demeaning the people I have worked withand debasing their work ethic if I report to work with other things in mind.

 I know that my resignation violates all the rules in the playbook of political campaigns. It will automatically deprive me of the soap box which will make me visible and the bullhorn which will allow me to be heard. Politicians are also supposed to run into the spotlight and here I am doing the opposite by running away from it, by resigning.  To retain my credentials as a Nedan,  I must step aside and give way to a new DG who will dedicate his every waking hour to the task at hand and not be distracted by an office yet to be won, thus my resignation.

——————————————

So, you decide. Is this reason acceptable? Personally, it still seems weird.

On a more positive note, Recto did announce that the Philippine economy, by all indications, fared much better in the second quarter of 2009.

From January to March 2009, the economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Produce, grew just 0.4%, the weakest since 1998.

Ko-Recto No More?!?!

A cryptic statement from NEDA:

RECTO RESIGNS AS SOCIOECONOMICPLANNING SECRETARY
AND NEDA DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Socioeconomic Planning SecretaryRalph G. Recto announced today his resignation from the National Economicand Development Authority effective Aug. 16 “to explore elective opportunities”. Recto assumed his post as socioeconomic planning secretary and NEDA Director-Generalon July 28, 2008.

As NEDA chief, Recto helped craftand monitor the government’s Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP), the Philippines’pump-priming program. The ERP implementation involved the frontloadingof government spending during first half of 2009 and increased spendingfor social services and infrastructure. Recently, he proposed a new economicplan for next year initially dubbed as REAP (Reloading Economic AccelerationPlan) to protect the gains made through the ERP and prepare the countryfor the economic rebound. He set in place a more institutionalized monitoringof global and local events as they affect the Philippine economy.

Recto advocated various developmentissues such as a transparent oil pricing scheme to protect consumers aswell as greater transparency in government projects. He also backed innovationsin green industry and technology in the Philippines and signed a climatechange program with the United Nations and the Spanish Government. In addition,Recto pushed for deeper engagements with China and other growth regions such as the Middle East.

During his term as NEDA Director-General,Recto instituted the adoption of value engineering in infrastructure projectsto help cut costs, minimize delays and strengthen the ICC process. He introducedan employment odometer for all government projects/initiatives to estimatethe number of jobs that can be created.

Recto also advocated the enhancementof the review of the performance of the Philippine government’s OfficialDevelopment Assistance (ODA) portfolio to help improve the country’s absorptivecapacity, speed up the implementation of development programs and projects,and manage for development results.

 

–end–
Media inquiries
Victoria V. Quimbo
Tel: (632) 6313757, 6313744
Fax: (632) 6313282
Email:        vquimbo@neda.gov.ph

 ————————————

An even more cryptic invite to a press conference:

NEDA Advisory: Press Conference Tomorrow 12:00nn

Dear all:

You are invited to a press confeence tomorrow with Secretary Ralph G. Recto, August 12,  12:00nn at the NEDA Board Room.

Secretary Recto has resigned as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General effective August 16 to explore elective opportunities.

Thank you.

————————————————————

I wonder…if Ralph Recto’s resignation is to explore opportunities in elective office, then why now? The timing’s a tad off.

I’ll admit, I’m not exactly a fan of Ralph Recto (though I soooo adore Vilma Santos–being a fan is not a conjugal thing), but his sudden resignation and his reason for doing so poses more questions and even more speculation.

As Socio-economic planning secretary, Ralph Recto had quite a lot of say in a lot of things. Sure, being NEDA Director-General, the country’s chief economic planner sounds a tad nerdy, but this is one position that holds a lot of clout. Think about it—development projects such as roads, bridges and the like go through NEDA; poverty-alleviation programs and other projects funded by foreign donors go through NEDA. Being NEDA chief was a way to reach out to many people without really being a traditional politician.

So, why resign now? There was still time. He could have at least waited until October.

Perhaps the real reason could be that Ralph Recto pushed against a very, very thick wall…and this wall (or these walls) hit back. Oil companies, the Department of Energy, those involved in the Laiban Dam project–these are all really thick walls Recto pushed against.

Perhaps he was eased out? Forced to resign? Or given a guarantee of election?

One thing is certain…it doesn’t appear to be all that voluntary.

Freaky sideshow during PCCA’s funeral

I came across this post from Happy Feraren. While I don’t know Happy personally, we have some common friends. So thanks to the magic of Facebook,  many are spreading Happy’s post. Read on:

Shame on your Jamby Madrigal by Happy Feraren

Now that we’ve remembered, relived and recreated the spirit of ’86 let’s make sure this yellow ribbon doesn’t get tangled up in other people’s political campaigns.

Subtle electioneering IN A FUNERAL?!?! SHAME ON YOU. Do not ride on Cory’s wave to pursue your vested interest. The people who waited in the streets weren’t there to see you! The revolution doesn’t belong to you, phony politician, it belongs to the people. And what makes you think you could get away with such a dirty trick? Cory’s lasting impression of sincerity, humility and honesty is now the benchmark of what leaders are supposed to be. You think people don’t see through you? The respect we have for Cory is not something you acquire with falsity (or through endorsement from Judy Ann Santos) it is earned. How dare you pose as someone offering sympathy to the Aquino family while you think about the votes you’re going to get come election time.

As I waited for the cortege (news networks’ new favourite word) along the South Super Highway, my mom and I bought 2 yellow umbrellas from this street vendor who was also selling nuts. And then as we paid, he pulled out something from his pocket – a yellow beaded bracelet nicely packed in a small clear plastic bag. Upon handing it over to us, he said: “Eto o, bonus para sa inyo.”Of course my mom and I were pleased and were all “awww how sweet.”Until I actually looked at the bracelet and saw a little tag with the name and photo of Jamby Madrigal.

I called out to him and asked, “O bakit may Jamby Madrigal itong bracelet na ito” and when I looked at the vendor for an answer he had already walked away.

Maybe an hour before this incident, I saw her car passing by the growing sea of people. Window open, flashing the L sign and strangely enough, a cameraman in front filming the people. My mom started shouting “Transparencyyyy!” and then I looked at her asking if I could put up my middle finger and my mom looked at me and said I should just shout transparency, accountability or good governance. In other words “BOOOOOOOO!!!!” And then the two of us just started shouting BOO JAMBY!!!

I am utterly disgusted by you, Ms.Madrigal. And to you other filthy politicians, behave yourselves because we are all watching you, even if you’re supposedly Cory’s “favorite” mayor. Genuine democracy is People Power and everything Ninoy and Cory stood for. It also means that now, whenever there’s a phony claiming he or she is there to protect Cory’s legacy, we will be able to speak up and act with the same fearless fervour we had before.

You know sometimes I wish I could march in the government offices with a magical broom that can sweep away all the dirty politicians we have in this country. A giant clean up, but this time not just for the environment but for our government. Haha, imagine if we could really do that? I’m already writing down the names of the people I’d attack first with my magic walis!

So, before you file for candidacy (a bit too late though in this case) think again. Actually, good luck! The people have remembered.

I recall a lesson I had to learn many times before it really stuck with me: there’s a right time for everything. It is often taboo to mix business with events like weddings, birthdays, baptism or funerals. It’s disrespectful, rude and downright tacky.

Wait? I thought Sen Jamby Madrigal was of good breeding? Doesn’t she always highlight that she hails from the Abad Santos and Madrigal clans and is married to a French nobleman (or was it gentleman)? In a Philippine Tatler interview last year, the good senator even goes on about how manners and perfect everything is a must–there was even a quote about having to iron table linens on the table prior to dining.

So what boggles me is why she, or someone from her team would pull this off? I mean, bracelets with her face in a funeral for no less than a former President? It reeks of class-less-ness! So tacky! Not even a simple person from the hinterlands would think of this.

In fairness, we have not heard Sen Madrigal’s side. So she better explain–good and soon–before this gets out of hand.

 

Much ado about Cory Aquino

As I traversed (more accurately crawled) through the traffic in Makati this morning, I felt a sense of deja vu–Ayala Avenue was littered with yellow ribbons, banners and people wanting one last glimpse of a woman who had such as impact on the lives of every Filipino–Cory Aquino.

I found this article written by Maggie Fox (in http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/03/world/international-uk-witness-aquino.html?_r=1 ):

WITNESS: Aquino’s “People Power” Swept Up Reporters, Too

By Maggie Fox

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – It was a brilliantly sunny morning in March of 1986. Several dozen foreign journalists were up on the roof of the Manila Hotel looking down in disbelief at the shouting sea of yellow before us.

We were in the middle of a remarkable revolution. Cory Aquino, a soft-spoken, unglamorous, motherly figure, was about to drive out of office the powerful and corrupt Ferdinand Marcos — without any bloodshed.

We didn’t know it, but we, the journalists, were part of the story. Tens of thousands of her “people power” supporters rallied around the hotel. Dressed in yellow, they were not planning to charge Malacanang Palace, where Marcos and his family were holed up, defying the results of the election that Aquino had won just days before.

They were not planning to seize weapons and fight the military. They just hoped that by turning out, singing, shouting Cory’s name, and literally showing their colours, they’d shame Marcos into conceding.

It worked. Just weeks later, Marcos and his family fled Manila in the middle of the night, leaving wondering crowds to shuffle through his palace, discovering Imelda’s fabulous shoe collection and leaving the Filipino people free to choose their own leaders.

BENIGNO’S ASSASSINATION

When the international press corps descended on Manila in February of 1986, we were fully expecting to see Marcos steal the election and perhaps jail Aquino, maybe even have her killed. After all, we’d all seen her husband Benigno Aquino, an opposition leader and former senator, shot and killed as he returned to Manila from exile to challenge Marcos in 1983.

As we followed the poll monitors, we ourselves became election observers. “Marcos won’t dare to steal the election while you are here,” people told us.

Later, they would approach us as we watched them rally, as we slept in the streets with them outside the main military camp, as we photographed them handing out yellow T-shirts to supporters in the provinces. “Marcos will not kill us while you are here to watch,” they told us.

In crowds so packed no one could move, a path would miraculously open when a group of journalists approached. “You are welcome here,” the smiling demonstrators would say.

As Aquino rallied on the island of Cebu, I hopped onto an open truck loaded with television camera operators to see better. People in the crowd approached the truck, just to reach up and touch our hands. We were supposed to be neutral observers, but somehow, we were actors too.

The next night, I joined a crowd besieging Malacanang Palace back in Manila. Rocks were thrown, and I thought, “This is it. Now the violence will start.” Instead, in the middle of the night, the crowd surged and I found myself among those wandering through the abandoned palace.

It was over. Aquino’s courage and the perseverance of her supporters had won. Marcos was gone and the Philippines was changed forever.

A few months later, a package arrived at my home in Hong Kong. It contained a medal. Those of us who had covered the events of February and March 1986 had been declared Heroes of the Philippine Revolution.

Later, Aquino’s presidency became troubled. She was challenged and herself accused of corruption. The fledgling rally in the Philippine economy fell flat, and it became clear that the peaceful political revolution was not going to transform the country’s economy, society or culture overnight.

Soon, we journalists were no longer special, either. Crowds even booed us. But that was good. We were back to our natural role, as observers, often carrying unwelcome messages as we reported the news.

Even though Cory Aquino did not preside over a glorious transformation of her country, she did help change the world. Her People’s Power revolution helped inspire others — in the Czech Republic, where the model of peaceful resistance worked, and in Tiananmen Square three years later, where it did not.

Many of us who covered Aquino’s triumph were there in Tiananmen Square, and I remember feeling arrogantly that maybe we were making a difference by being there, too, a shield protecting the young men and women gathered in the Chinese capital to demand democracy. That idea was destroyed 20 years ago this past June, when troops cleared the square, with a still uncountable toll.

At least Aquino was able to die of natural causes. And she left her country free to choose its own way.

 

But what makes Corazon Aquino so special? The Philippines’ 11th president wasn’t exactly the perfect chief executive. In fact, many of the choices, decisions and orders she made way back when still have dire consequences many of us feel until today. 

But whatever choices, decisions and orders she made during her presidency came from a good place–a desire to make the Philippines a better place for Filipinos, an intent to restore freedom and democracy, and her hope for a bright future for the Pearl of the Orient Seas. That, to my mind, is much, much better than all the intellect, governance and political and economic know-how other politicians claim to have.

Cory Aquino had her heart in the right place.

If I recall, Cory Aquino took the cudgels for the opposition–when no one else dared.  Back then, everyone was too scared to step-up against the incumbent because they feared for their lives, their reputations, their wealth and what status they had. Cory Aquino had just lost her husband and was willing to take that chance, if only to see to it that the powers that be back then would see that continuity of progress and development should not be at the expense of personal freedom and human rights.

Cory Aquino restored freedom and democracy.

Sure, much can be said about some of the choices, decisions and orders she’s done, but no one can take away the fact that she stepped-up when no one else would. She inspired many others towards the path of peaceful change.

We fuss about her death. We mourn, even if we didn’t know her at all. We feel a sense of loss. Many even took to the streets to grieve.

But we will dishonor her and her memory if we continue on this path of apathy and demoralization. We take no responsibility and care for the freedom and democracy we have.

Why? Because we allow corruption to proliferate right under our noses.

Because many opt to leave the Philippines to seek greener pastures rather than till the lands to make them green.

Because we blindly act sometimes without thinking.

Someone once said that if we want to make a big change for the better, we have to be prepared to take destiny into our own hands.

So after Cory Aquino is buried, after 40 days has passed after her death, what will we be doing? Once the fuss is over, will we go back to our lives and not care at all?

In death, will Cory Aquno still inspire? Will she do what Ninoy’s death did–unite the opposition? Will her death somehow make the political dreamers wake up and realize that nothing can be accomplished if everyone tries to insist on their own blind ambitions?

I sure hope so.

Freedom and Responsibility

Some jackass lunatics out there seem to think that the world wide web is the ultimate freedom–and that includes the freedom to slander and destroy.

Without a doubt, digital media is a wonderful thing–it’s made so many things so much easier. Blogging has empowered millions of people to share their views, comments, ideas and opinions to everyone else–no matter where they are in the world.

But I remember what Spiderman’s uncle said, “With great freedom comes great responsibility.”

The world may have changed much because of the internet and digital media, but whatever happened to morals, values and common decency?

I am all for free speech–it’s a wonderful blessing.

But what I cannot abide by are people who use this freedom to stage vendetta for personal hurts–such as a bad breakup–and in the process drag so many innocent people through the mud.

What recourse do these innocent people have then? Don’t these people have the right to live peacefully?

So to the jilted lunatics and down-and-out nomads living in some kind of neverland, I hope they get a life. Blogging is a wonderful thing–one that peope like these do not deserve and ought not to do.

If this sounds cryptic, there’s only one explanation–I don’t deal with people who have nothing better to do but pick on others. But I won’t tolerate the evil some people do–at least not for very long.

I always believe what goes around comes around. That’s karma. So to the jerky losers and dissonant neanderthals generating negative energies out there, careful, bad things happen to bad people.