BULLS HIT

Getting caught pants down
RUDY GARCIA

Allegations and denials are now the spear and shields game in the political arena and it is interesting to watch how warriors of both political camps are attacking and counter attacking each other on this controversial ZTE NBN deal scandal. For some, this is a dirty game of politics but there are more who would rather take this as a beginning to end corruption in government particularly in the office of the President that is seemingly trying to cover up the truth behind the scandal.

While it is true that the whistle-blowers don’t have any physical evidence to back up their claims, their consistent testimonies are enough in satiating the public on the truth. On the other side, It is a wonder that Malacanang keeps on issuing statements of denial instead of ordering their men who were involved in the scandal to come out and reveal what they know.

As the Supreme Court said, freedom of speech is the key to the truth, so why not scrap Executive Order 464? After all the executive privilege is not helping much, but is obstructing the truth and making public doubtful on the sincerity of Malacanang in uncovering what really happened. Whoever is the spin master of Malacanang should study his move if he wants a masterpiece of deception that would be acceptable to the public
***
Now, the news headlines this week: “The world would not accept another people power – Arroyo.” And who would? But the President forgot that if there is any people power here in the Philippines, it’s purely our business. The war in the Middle East is not the war of Asia.

“AFP dismisses coup rumor”: That was also their position when Senator Trillanes and the Magdalo made a walk during the Manila Pen drama. They were caught with their pants down.
***
“Gaite says P.5 million from relative.” We have to appreciate this man who was too generous to give this amount to a man whom he only came to meet twice, unless this is another script he was asked to memorize by those spin masters at Malacanang. ***
“Governors troop to Malacanang to show support for President Arroyo.” So how much then will each governor receive in exchange for his support? They got smart ideas for their pet projects.
***
“Malacanang forms legal team to study proposal to scrap EO 464.” In my own opinion, there is no need to totally scrap EO 464, but instead amend some of its provisions. I wonder why they have to study first, before they have to rescind or lift when they should have did it before issuing this order. ***
“AFP, PNP stage unity walk to show loyalty to chain of command.” Lucky for them, no water from fire trucks or truncheons to make them disperse. But where are their placards showing their support? Their uniforms are just enough to show they have to obey the chain of command. ***
“New NBN deal witness Dante Madriaga links first couple to NBN project.” Let’s see if this new witness can be credible enough to get support like Lozada. If not, then he can be considered a nuisance just like Atty. Lozano.

“President admits knowing ZTE NBN deal was allegedly flawed before she signed it.” But Malacang later said the President did not admit of knowing there was a flaw on the said deal. ***
In Baguio City, some people were disgusted with the President when she admitted being aware of alleged anomalies in the ZTE NBN deal but did nothing to safeguard the welfare of the Pinoys but instead choose to look the other way around to favor the interest of the Chinese counterparts and the alleged greedy Filipino group.
***
After that fire at the University of Baguio that caused millions worth of damages, another fire hit a residential house at Gibraltar Barangay Baguio City. Based on initial investigation, the possible cause of the fire was due to old electrical wiring. Maybe the city fire department and officials of the city buildings and architectural office could sit down and lay plans on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Better if they make proper coordination with the Benguet Electric Coop. ***
The Tuba Police Station is commended by this column for successfully intercepting kilos of dead dog meat supposedly to be delivered at several restaurants serving dog meat in Baguio. Those dog meat eaters should now switch on to other meat delicacies, for some dedicated cops from Tuba, are now serious in going after dog meat traffickers. Again my salute to the Tuba, Benguet police.
***
If plans push through, using plastic bags will be prohibited in Baguio come 2012. This is a welcome move from city officials who thought of this idea to lessen the burden brought by the worsening garbage problem, I am fully in support of this good measure of yours honorables. Keep it up!