As we were saying, Irene Khan

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Dear Irene:

Halfway into your official visit and only after one tweet, enemies of freedom of expression and opinion in this country have already come out of the woodwork to attack your person and your mandate. Among them is a retired general and former spokesperson of the government’s counter-insurgency task force; another is a self-absorbed lawyer who once publicly defended Adolf Hitler.

But you must know about how your post on X on your visit to the Tacloban District Jail yesterday made the spokesperson of the regional red-tagging task force reply with menacing vitriol. You asked, “How long must they (journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and fellow human rights defenders Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna) wait to be freed?” and Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales responded with naked annoyance and arrogance.

UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan (second from left) with staff and the three political detainees at the Tacloban District Jail on Friday. (Ms Khan’s X post)

Mr Gonzales alleged that you directly insulted the so-called independence of the entire Philippine judicial system, particularly the national prosecution service, by asking the question. He felt compelled to remind you that the outcome of court trials in the Philippines is not subject to ideologically-based speculation, conclusion and assumption.

I could have laughed hard at that were it not for the fact that too many innocent people have been victims of our corrupt judicial system. Leila de Lima (your fellow lawyer, former senator and former justice secretary who I heard will also be meeting you on this trip) will tell you more about it.

The public prosecutor went on to allege that your question assumes the three detainees will be free and that it encroaches on the functions of Philippine courts, putting a cloud on the so-called competence and integrity of the country’s law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. But he himself assumes the court will agree with him that the three prisoners slept with guns and grenades under their pillows (like hundreds of other political prisoners at the time of their midnight arrests), doesn’t he?

The fiscal who moonlights as a red-tagging task force mouthpiece proceeded to advise you to observe prudence and tact. Obviously bereft of these values himself, he ordered you to choose your words carefully when commenting about a host country that now happens to be ours. He seems ignorant of the fact that the state he refers to is a founding member of the United Nations of which you represent. He also “strongly reminded” you that the Philippines is a country of laws, forgetting that those laws include international covenants such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the country signed and claims to adhere to, the very same precepts your mandate and your very presence in the Philippines are based upon.

Mr Gonzales claimed as well that every person charged with an offense in the Philippines is entitled to due process of laws. Indeed, Frenchie, Marielle and Alexander should be entitled to their rights. But the public prosecutor is obviously desperate of reminding that the arresting officers swooped like thieves in the dead of night and blindfolded them. Yes, the government harps that no one is above the law here, but we aver in turn that many are under its boot.

Gonzales meanly ended with the statement that it is not your place to pass judgment on pending trials in this country’s courts. “Know your place in our country. Respect begets respect,” Gonzales wrote. “You are not a part of our judicial system,” he added.

Thank heavens you are not, Irene. If you are, who in their right mind would think of asking your help?

But you hear us more now, right? Asking a simple question, twitting an opinion, can be dangerous in this country. It is unacceptable to the State Mr Gonzales and government officials his kind represent. #

Tagumpay, bagong antas ng paglaban ng marinong Pilipino

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Ni Nuel M. Bacarra

Sa kahabaan ng T.M. Kalaw sa Maynila, maraming paikut-ikot, paroo’t parito. Maraming nagtitinda. Maraming tao. Dito rin karaniwang nagsasama-sama ang mga aplikanteng marino, sa tapat ng Luneta Seafarers Welfare Foundation, isang foundation umano na ngayon ay nagsisilbing boarding house. Para sa mga progresibong organisasyon, tamang lugar ito para maiparating sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho sa ibang bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpi-piket at pagpapapima ng petisyon para sa kapakanan nilang mga marino.

Sa ingay ng tila nagka-karerang mga motorsiklo at iba pang sasakyan sa kahabaan ng lansangan noong Byernes, pinangibabaw ng mga tagapagsalita sa piket ang kanilang mga panawagan sa naroroong mga marino umaasang makasampa sa barko. Nangangalap sila ng pirma para sa petisyong tanggalin ang probisyong bond execution ng Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers na pinagtibay ng Senado at Kongreso noong Disyembre 13 ng nakaraang taon. Naghihintay na lamang ito ng pirma ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. para maipatupad bilang batas.

Ito ang una sa serye ng mga planong kilos protesta at pangangalap ng pirma para sa petisyon ng mga progresibong organisasyon ng mga marinong tutol sa bond execution.

Nauna nang ibinasura ng Senado sa panukala nito ang escrow account at fiduciary provision dahil na rin sa pursigidong paglaban ng mga asosasyong Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines, Association of Marine Officers and Ratings (AMOR) at Cavite International Seafarers Association.  Tinanggal ang mga ito dahil malinaw na pagkakait ito ng benepisyo na ipinaglalaban ng mga marino. Mga probisyon itong pabor sa may-ari ng barko at manning agency. Sa esensya, ito ay malinaw na pagbimbin sa pinansyal na benepisyong dapat nilang makuha. Kahit ideklara ng National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ang desisyong pabor sa marino, kapag nag-apela ang inirereklamong ahensya, doon mabi-bimbin ang kumpensasyon sa pamamagitan ng escrow account at fiduciary provision. Ang apela ay maaari pang umabot hanggang sa Korte Suprema.

Ipinalit naman dito ang probisyong bond execution na mas malala kaysa dalawang nauna. Ang mga marinong magsa-sampa ng kaso sa NLRC, ay maglalagak ng cash bond (awtomatiko at sapilitan) taun-taon hanggang di natatapos ang kaso. Hindi pa malinaw o kung ilang porysyento ng kumpensyon inilalaban ng isang marino ang halaga ng cash bond. Anila, malamang wala nang magsasampa ng reklamo laban sa kumpanyang may-ari ng barko o manning agency dahil sa halip na makuha nila ang nararapat na kumpensasyon, sila pa ang mamumulubi sa taunang gastos gastos para sa cash bond. Kumpara sa escrow at fudiciary provision, higit na mapagsamantala ito dahil mismong sa mga marinong nagsampa ng kaso manggagaling ang cash bond at, hindi tulad ng dalawang naipagtagumpay nilang ipatanggal sa panukala, na mga kumpanya o manning agency ang maglalagak ng pondo.

Ani Chief Engineer Rey Tranate ng AMOR: “Para lang sila may magagawang batas sa atin, para hindi sila mapahiya, ang mga kongresman at senador, gumawa talaga sila ng paraan para tayo gipitin. Ito ngayon iyong cash bond na tinatawag. Magba-bond muna ang seaman bago ilaban ang kaso. Milyon ito. Sa ganito, wala nang maki-claim. Papalakpak ang tenga ng agency kasi wala nang magrereklamo. Mapupunta lahat sa agency. Itong mga agency ang yumayaman dahil doble ang kita nila. Kumikita na sila sa sweldo natin na may kaltas sila. ‘Pag kayo ay nagkasakit at di kayo nag-claim, sila rin ang magki-claim sa benepisyo niyo!”

Ilan sa mga nagprotestang marino sa Maynila noong nakaraang Biyernes. (Nuel Bacarra/Kodao)
Petisyon

Kapos ang Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers sa mga probisyong dapat sumalamin sa pangangilangan ng sektor. Kaya tulad ng naipagtagumpay nilang pagpapatanggal sa ilang probisyon, bukod sa bagong probisyong higit na maglalagay sa kanila sa ibayong kahirapan, kalakip sa petisyon nila ang iba pang kahilingan. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod:

  1. Isama ang mga mangingisda (fisher) na pumapalaot lampas sa saklaw ng Pilipinas, gayundin yung mga marinong nagtatrabaho sa mga lokal na kumpanya na bumibyahe sa mga isla ng Pilipinas. Ang paggigiit na isama ang mga mangingisda ay bahagi ng probisyong nakasaad sa Maritime Labor Convention ng 2006 kung saan kabilang ang Pilipinas na nagtibay dito noong Agosto 20, 2012.
  2. Tanggalin ang limitasyon sa edad. Malaking problema rin ng mga eskperyensyadong marinong 40 o 50 anyos kahit angkop ang pisikal na pangangatawan at kwalipikado pa silang maglayag dahil prayoridad ang mas mga batang marino. Ang batayan ng empleyo ay ang kaangkupang magtrabaho. Ayon sa Department Order 130 Series of 2013 ng Department of Labor and Employment, nakasaad sa Rule III, Section 1 nito na, “Hindi pinapayagan ang sinumang wala pang 18 taong gulang na magtrabaho sa barko.”. Walang nakasaad na maksimum na edad.
  3. Tanggalin ang libu-libong bayarin para makapagtrabaho sa barko. Sa karanasan ng mga marino, umaabot ng halos ₱83,000.00 ang gastos sa mga pagsasanay sa loob ng halos tatlong buwan. Hindi pa kasama rito ang gastos sa akomodasyon, pagkain at pamasahe.
  4. Tanggalin ang blacklisting o watchlisting. Kapag nagreklamo ang isang nag-aaplay na makapagtrabaho sa barko bakit matagal ang proseso, nanganganib din ang kanyang katayuan magtrabaho dahil maaari siyang maisama sa blacklist o subaybayan ang rekord sa pagtatrabaho.
  5. Ipatupad ang mga nakasaad sa International Maritime Convention. Ipatupad ang regularisasyon sa trabaho. Iginigiit din nila ang kasiguruhan sa trabaho sa pamamagitan ng malinaw na probisyon kaugnay sa pagtanggal sa kontraktwalisasyon.
Ambag sa lipunan

Tinatayang 90% ng kalakalan sa daigdig ay mahigpit na nakasandig sa paglalayag ng mga barkong naghahatid ng produkto sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Malaki ang kontribusyon dito ng mga Pilipinong marino mula pa noong kalakalang Galeon hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ang kasanayan nila sa pagmantine at operasyon ng mga barko ay kritikal na pangangailangan ng kalakalan sa mundo. Dahil sa pulu-pulong katangian ng bansa, natural na tendensya na ang paggamit sa karagatan sa anumang uri ng paglalakbay at pagnenegosyo.

Ang Pilipinas ang may pinakamalaking bilang ng mga nagtatrabahong marino sa buong daigdig. Noong isang taon, aabot sa 14% ng mga seafarer sa buong mundo ay mga Pilipino.

Kabilang sila sa hanay ng mga Pilipinong nangingibang bansa o Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Ayon sa Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), umaabot sa 750,000 ang bilang nila sa buong bansa. Subalit halos kalahating milyon o dalawang katlo lamang ang naeempleyo o nakakasakay sa barko taun-taon. Ang natitirang sangkatlo ay nag-aaplay na lang sa mga inter-island na lokal na barko, ang iba ay aplay dito, aplay doon habang ‘di natatanggap sa trabaho.

Taun-taon ay mayroong gumagradweyt na halos 25,000 estudyante pero halos 20% lamang sa kanila  ang nakapagtatrabaho sa mga barko.

Mula 2017-2022, halos 1.6% ng Gross Domestic Product (GDP, kabuuang produkto at serbisyong nalikha sa isang takdang panahon) ang kontribusyon ng mga marino sa bansa. Noon 2022 lamang, nagpasok sila ng $6.715 bilyon sa bansa o halos 20% ng kabuuang remitans ng mga OFW, ang mga tinaguriang bayani ng kasalukuyang panahon. Sa pagtatapos ng 2022, umabot sa 8.9% ng GDP ang kabuuang remitans ng mga OFW sa bansa. At sa pagtaya ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 22% ng kabuuang remitans ng mga OFW ay mula sa seafarers.

Ayon pa kay Pres.. Marcos Jr.: “We are proud of our maritime heritage and our title as the Seafaring Capital of the World…We will always be grateful to our seafarers for what they have brought to our country.” (Ipinagmamalaki natin ang pamana sa pandaragat at ang ating pinanghahawakang titulong Pandaigdigang Kabisera ng mga marino. Lagi nating kinalulugdan ang ambag ng ating mga marino sa bansa.”) Ang pagpapasa ng isang Magna Carta para sa mga marino ay sinertipikahang kagyat ng pangulo sa kanyang State of the Nation Address noong Hulyo 2023. Kaya nagkumahog ang mataas at mababang kapulungan ng Konggreso.

Sa petisyong inihahapag ng mga organisadong marino para sa pagbasura sa bond execution at iba pang kahingian, bitbit nila ang pag-asa ng tulong mula sa masang Pilipino at sa uring manggagawa sa kabuuan.  Tulad ng masinsin nilang pagkilos laban sa probisyong escrow at fiduciary na naibasura, buo ang loob nilang panghawakan ang mga tagumpay na ito para isulong ang tunay na Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers na tunay aariin nilang kanila dahil bunga ito ng kanilang sama-samang pakikibaka. #

Top 10: Mass Movement Moments 2023

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By Renato Reyes Jr. / Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

Solidarity and resistance were the key themes of the year 2023. Collective struggle was our response to the worsening crisis in the Philippines and in the world. Many offered the supreme sacrifice so that freedom and democracy could be achieved. The mass struggles waged by oppressed peoples remain our hope and inspiration.

Here are some of the mass movement moments that made their mark in 2023.

1. #FreePalestine

The Philippines was part of the global protests against the US-backed Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The mass actions were staged in Manila and various parts of the country especially in Mindanao. Filipinos abroad also joined the global protests in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, The Netherlands among others. Defying Philippine police forces, various sectors marched to the Israeli embassy in BGC and the US embassy in Manila to denounce the killings of Palestinians and to demand a #FreePalestine, from the river to the sea. The global movement exposed the depravity and moribund character of the US war machine, the utter bankruptcy of the Zionist project and the justness of armed resistance for national liberation against colonial occupation. In Manila, various groups and the University of the Philippines hosted Filipino-Palestinian refugees from Gaza who were repatriated by the Philippine government but lacked state support to be able to settle and integrate here. Palestine continues to fight even as the year ends, and will continue to fight for freedom well into the new year.

2. #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

The most sustained mass campaign this year was against the profit-oriented PUV modernization program which aimed to phase-out traditional jeeps, allow for the corporate takeover of local routes, and squeeze more profits from commuters. Strikes were staged in March, November and December of this year. During the March strike, government conceded that it would not phase-out traditional jeeps that are still roadworthy. The government however insisted on the forced consolidation of jeepney routes and franchises to allow the corporate takeover of local routes, and then force the use imported “modern” jeeps that favor foreign manufacturers. So long as the PUVMP remains, the livelihood of drivers and operators would remain threatened. The biggest political victory of the campaign was the tremendous support it garnered from the public who sympathized with the plight of the jeepney drivers and who rejected the profit-oriented modernization scheme. The fight is not over though as the December 31 deadline looms.

3. #AbolishConfidentialFunds, #NoToMaharlikaScam

Fighting corruption was a major campaign for 2023 as groups opposed the Maharlika Investment Fund and the confidential and intelligence funds of top government officials. Protests greeted the signing of the Maharlika Investment Fund as workers and economists expressed concern over the huge allocation, questionable returns, and potential for misuse of the so-called sovereign wealth fund. Makabayan lawmakers meanwhile exposed the questionable rapid utilization of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President in 2022. The OVP did not have any confidential funds allocated under the GAA of 2022 yet somehow obtained P125 million from a fund transfer authorized by the Office of the President. Public outrage, amid the intensifying contractions among the factions of the ruling elite, made possible the removal of the confidential and intelligence funds of the OVP and the DepEd. The confidential and intelligence funds of the President remained untouched by Congress. Presidential travel funds also significantly increased by 58%, bringing it to a whopping P1.408 billion in 2024.

4. #NeverAgain

Fighting historical revisionism and fascism are our sworn duties under a second Marcos regime. This year saw efforts at “rebranding” the Marcos dictatorship with DepEd proposals to remove “Marcos” from “diktadurang Marcos” and the official use of “Bagong Pilipinas” as a call-back to the “Bagong Lipunan” of Martial Law. No amount of “rebranding can hide the crimes of the dictator and cover-up the fascist character of the current Marcos regime. A huge march was held in Manila on September 21 to mark the 51st anniversary of Marital Law. Upon reaching Mendiola, thousands of candles were lit as protesters sang Bayan Ko.

5. #SahodItaas #PresyoIbaba #MahalSaPilipinas

The economic crisis was a key issue throughout the year as we saw inflation quicken, and “shrinkflation” take hold of basic commodities. The first quarter of the year saw rising prices of agricultural food products while the Marcos regime further liberalized importation of agricultural products, instead of supporting local production and clamping down on cartels. The second quarter of the year saw a huge May Day demonstration that brought together various labor groups for the common call for a nationwide wage increase. June 30 meanwhile marked the first anniversary of the Marcos regime with groups marching to Mendiola with a parody of the Tourism Department’s “Love the Philippines”. “Mahal sa Pilipinas” was what many poor Filipinos were saying.

6. #EndImpunity #StopTheKillings

Tyranny and impunity are not forever. This year saw the first criminal case filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte by teacher-lawmaker France Castro of ACT Teachers’ Party. There now seems to be a different government attitude when it comes to cooperating with the ICC, with some quarters saying that ICC prosecutors have indeed been allowed into the Philippines to probe the Duterte drug war. SMNI is no longer untouchable, is the subject of a congressional inquiry and has received a suspension order from both the MTRCB and NTC. Bayan leaders and a journalist have filed civil cases against two of SMNI’s host. Meanwhile, trumped-up cases of “terrorism” vs Southern Tagalog activists have been dismissed at the level of the prosecutors.

7. #SurfaceJhedAndJonila

One of the most riveting incidents of 2023 was a presscon supposedly presenting “rebel surrenderees” Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro. But instead of the usual government gloating, the two young environmental activists turned the tables on the NTF-ELCAC and exposed that they were actually abducted by the military, held against their will in a safe house, and coerced into signing documents that claimed they were rebels. It was a moment of great courage that shook the military establishment. The fascist abductors scrambled for an explanation and then decided to charge the youth activists with “perjury”. Jhed and Jonila have filed a writ of amparo before the Supreme Court and remain active in their environmental advocacy. Many victims of abductions, like Dexter Capuyan and Bazoo de Jesus, remain missing to this day.

8. #SONA2023 and the Doble Kara effigy

For Marcos’ second SONA, a broad range of political forces marched along Commonwealth Avenue to press for higher wages, lower prices and an immediate response to the worsening economic crisis. Bayan brought out the Doble Kara effigy which showed the duplicitous character of the Marcos regime – one that claims to be different from previous puppet regimes but is fundamentally the same. The effigy was burned during the protest, the first for a Marcos SONA. For this act of protest, Bayan artist Max Santiago was slapped with trumped up charges such as violations of the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. Both cases were eventually dismissed by the QC prosecutor.

9. #HindiMagagapi

Last April 24, progressive organizations paid tribute to revolutionary heroes in the struggle for genuine freedom and democracy over the last 50 years. Many of them were victims of extrajudicial killings and summary executions, while others died in battle with the fascist forces. More than a thousand people attended the outdoor event that recognized the contributions of Jose Ma. Sison, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria, Fidel Agcaoli, Antonio Zumel, Jorge Madlos, Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal, Ericson Acosta, Kerima Tariman, Kamil Manangan, and many others. In the event, speakers asserted that revolutionaries are not terrorists but freedom fighters who loved the masses and wanted a just and lasting peace for the Philippines.

10. #JustPeace

On November 23, the GRP and NDFP signed the Oslo Joint Statement signifying the intent of both parties to pursue peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict. The move was welcomed by various democratic forces and even the political parties in Congress. Human rights groups sought the release of political prisoners including the NDFP peace consultants and the removal of the terrorist designation against the NDFP and the CPP and NPA. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte openly opposed the resumption of the talks, calling the Oslo Joint Statement “an agreement with the devil.” The fascist mindset drew widespread criticism from the people and pushback from her political foes. With guarded optimism, we await the results of the possible meetings that will take place next year, even as we continue to fight for a just and lasting peace in the framework of the national democratic struggle. #

Isang kontemporaryong kwento ng paglikas

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Nagpapasalamat si Evelyn Cordonia na nakabalik na siya sa Pilipinas at ang kanyang pamilya matapos ang matinding paghihirap sa walang habas na pambobomba ng Israel sa Gaza. Isa siya sa mga Pilipinong napilitang sumunod sa utos ng Israel na lumikas mula sa Gaza sa pagsisimula ng panibagong giyera noong Oktubre 7.

Hindi lamang ang matinding takot mula sa mga bomba ang kanilang dinanas. Nagpahirap din sa kanila ang iba’t ibang uri ng karahasan mula sa kaniyang tinutuguriang “kabila.” Si Evelyn ay 18 taong nanirahan sa Gaza, kasama ang kanyang Palestinong asawa at kanilang anak.

“Wala kaming kuryente, walang tubig, walang wi-fi dahil pinutol lahat ito ng kabila. Nasira ang aming sasakyan kaya wala kaming magamit sa paglikas,” ani Evelyn sa isang media forum sa Lungsod Quezon noong Biyernes.

Hindi lamang galing sa lumulusob na zionistang estado ng Israel ang utos na lumikas na ang lahat sa Gaza. Panay na rin ang tawag ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa Amman, Jordan kina Evelyn at iba pang Pilipino na umalis na sa Gaza dahil sa bantang delubyo.

Sa kabutihang palad, may sasakyan ang isa nilang kapitbahay na gusto na ring lumikas. Subalit ang sasakyang iyon ay wala namang gasolina. “Kaya kinailangan naming ilipat ang gasolina mula sa sira naming sasakyan sa kanilang sasakyan,” kwento ni Evelyn.

Pagdating ng pamilya sa Raffa Crossing papasok ng Ehipto mula sa Gaza, inakala nina Evelyn na ligtas na silang mag-anak. Subalit tanging si Evelyn lamang ang naisumiteng pangalan ng embahada sa listahan at wala ang kaniyang asawa at anak. “Hindi ko maiwan ang aking mag-ama,” aniya kung kaya hindi siya tumawid.

Si Evelyn habang kausap ang mamamahayag sa Pilipinas. (Litrato ni Lito Ocampo)

Bumalik ang mag-anak sa kanilang bahay at kinailangan nilang magbayad ng mahal sa isang drayber upang sila’y ibalik sa binobombang erya. Muli nilang dinanas ang pagpapa-ulan ng bomba ng Israel gabi-gabi. “Naroon kami sa basement ng aming apartment building, patong-patong kami sa isang sulok, sinusubukang takpan ng aming mga katawan ang isa’t isa,” kanyang kwento.

Makalipas ang ilang araw ay may nahanap siyang isa pang kapitbahay na may generator kaya nakapag-charge ng telepono si Evelyn. Kumontak siya sa embahada ng Pilipinas at nakiusap na isama ang kanyang anak at asawa sa listahan ng mga lilikas. Muli silang pinabalik sa crossing sa kabila ng tumindi pang panganib sa biyahe.

“Ngunit sa pagbalik namin doon, ang anak ko lamang ang naidagdag, wala ang aking asawa sa listahan. Muli kaming nagpasya na walang lalabas ng Gaza na hindi kami kumpletong mag-anak,” kwento ni Evelyn.

Naulit ang kanilang hilakbot sa  muling pag-uwi upang hintayin ang pag-aayos ng embahada sa listahan. Sa ikatlong pagbabalik sa crossing, nasa listahan na ang kanyang asawa. Ngunit hindi agad binuksan ng Ehipto ang border at dalawang araw pa silang naghintay, walang matuluyan o masilungan man lamang. “Naglatag kami ng karton sa sahig kahit maginaw na,” ani Evelyn. Noon napagtanto nina Evelyn na sa kanilang panic, kung ano-ano na lamang ang kanilang nabitbit sa kanilang paglikas. “May nai-empake nga akong sapatos na walang pares,” aniya.

Photo by Ash Hayes on Unsplash

Sa kabila ng kanilang mahirap na kalagayan, pinagana ni Evelyn ang kanyang angking tapang at pagka-malikhain.  Gamit ang natitira nilang pera, namili si Evelyn sa mga kapwa bakwit ng kung ano-anong maaring ibenta. “Tinawag ko itong Manila Market. Ang kinita ko roon ay ipinambili ko naman ng aming kailangan, lalo na ng pagkain,” kanyang kwento.

Matapos ang dalawang araw at gabi, nakatawid na sila sa Ehipto. “Pangatlong batch na kami ng mga Pilipinong nakalabas sa Gaza,” aniya.

Subalit may panibagong hamon ang mga bakwit na tulad nina Evelyn pagdating dito sa Pilipinas. Samantalang may mga kapatid pa siyang nagpapatuloy sa kanila ng ilang araw, ninanais niyang may mas permanente silang matutuluyan habang naririto sa bansa. Umaalingawngaw sa kanyang isipan ang tanong sa kanya ng kanilang anak” “Paano na ang buhay natin, Mama?”

Para kay Evelyn, ang Gaza at Palestina ang kanilang tahanan at nais pa rin nilang bumalik sa lalong madaling panahon. Kung  tutuusin, si Evelyn at ang kanyang pamilya ay parang sina Maria, Jose at Hesus na lumikas mula sa Palestina patungong Ehipto mahigit dalawang libong taon na ang nakakaraan. Tulad nila, sana ay makabalik rin sila sa lalong madaling panahon. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)

Fr. Joe Dizon, ‘chaplain of rallies’, remembered on 10th death anniv

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By Nuel M. Bacarra

Progressive groups, church and lay people remembered Fr. Jose Pacturayan Dizon, known to his comrade and friends as Fr. Joe D, on his 10th death anniversary last Saturday, November 4. A Mass was offered, officiated by Msgr. Manuel Gabriel, followed by tributes at the Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City.

Speakers from different churches and leaders of organizations shared anecdotes about the late Roman Catholic priest, known in his lifetime as the “Chaplain of the Parliament of the Streets.” They said they remember Fr. JoeD for his cheerfulness.

Fr. Joe Dizon in an anti-pork barrel rally he organized. (Photo by Pher Passion/Pinoy Weekly)

They called him a priest with deep passion for justice and love for the poor, especially the workers. Dizon founded a mission for workers at the Cavite Export Processing Zone where he focused his ministry until his last breath. Dizon died at the age of 65 on November 4, 2013 due to illness.

He was also one of the staunchest critics of government corruption, leading such campaigns as the Abolish Pork Movement and Kontra Daya, among many others.

National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) acting general secretary Minnie Anne Calub said: “Hindi ko malilimutan ang pagse-setup ng unang Kontra Daya Monitoring Center sa NCCP Ecumenical Center. Bagama’t nakakapagod ang ilang araw na pagbabantay, pero dahil sa kanyang sigasig, sa kanyang paninindigan sa adhikain ng Kontra Daya, mahihiya kang magpahinga. (What I cannot forget was the setting up of the first Kontra Daya Monitoring Center at the NCCP Ecumenical Center…While days of monitoring were exhausting, because of his passion, in his stand to the cause of Kontra Daya, one would be ashamed to take a rest.)

“There are many stories I can share about NCCP’s works with Fr. Joe. Suffice it to say that the best way to honor Fr. Foe is to continue his legacy, to continue his work and ministry for social justice. Pagpupugay! (salute) to Fr. Joe!” Calub added.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) chairperson emerita Dr. Carol P. Araullo, read the tribute of the late Prof. Jose Ma. Sison written a day after Dizon’s death, a portion of which reads: “He was a consistent critic of the anti-people, anti-national and anti-democratic character of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system and the chain of corrupt and brutal regimes. In every way possible, he fought for the people’s rights and interests. He was active in the poll watchdog Kontra Daya and opposed the automated programmed cheating in the elections of 2010 and 2013.”

Professor Sison said that Fr. Joe D was a purveyor of advancing the social justice agenda of the Catholic Church and stood for the preferential option of the church for the poor. He was also a prime mover in the people’s campaign against the continuing corruption and repression under the Aquino regime.

Professor Sison added: “Fr. Jose P. Dizon served the people without any reservation and to his last breath. He sought to align the Church with the demands of the Filipino people for national and social liberation. He shall always be remembered as a patriot and revolutionary. And the people shall always honor him.”

Church-based cultural group Haranang Bayan offered songs for the late priest.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairman Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos paid tribute by reciting his poem “Dakilang Lingkod Bayan” for Dizon that he wrote on the spot. Ramos’ poem in part reads:

“Kilos protesta sa lansangan upang madinig ating karapatan/Lupa… Sahod…Trabaho… Karapatan

at Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan./Di mo alintana ang hirap at sakripisyo/Ginugol ang talino, kakayahan at buong buhay/Para sa masang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan,/Para sa amin… Martir ka ngmagbubukid

At bayani ng sambayanan!”

(Street protests to echo our rights/Land…wage…jobs… rights/and Freedom to the Motherland./You never thought of hardships and sacrifices/You dedicated your wisdom, strength and your whole life/For the oppressed and exploited,/For us peasants… You’re a martyr/And hero of the people! #

Pinay-Palestine writes, ‘How can Filipinos not understand oppression?’

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By Yasmin Abdel Khaleq

Hi, my name is Yasmin. I am a pharmacy student here in the Philippines. In my four years of living here, I have received comments from fellow Filipinos, curious of where I come from, seeing my big nose and almond-shaped eyes. They would proceed to assume “From Israel?” and I would say “Palestinian po ako.” They would then say “Ah, Khamas.” It reached the point that I do not want to prolong these kinds of conversations anymore. So, for strangers, I would just say “Pinoy lang po ako. Opo, Pinoy lang po talaga ako,” to end these.  

I regret denying my roots. I regret failing to tell Filipinos WHO I AM.  

I AM UNAPOLOGETICALLY FILIPINO-PALESTINIAN AND NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME.  

I am dedicating this post to YOU. To you FILIPINOS who comment here on Facebook nonstop, saying “Bakit kayo nangingialam sa problema ng ibang bansa?” Sabay sasabihin ninyo, “Pray For Israel.”  

I know that EVERYONE sees what is going on right now. They call it the “Israeli-Hamas Conflict” or “war”. 

Real history, real traditions 

No matter what history timeline you believe in, you cannot deny the fact that the State of Israel was only established 75 years ago. If you read up on the diaries of the founders of Zionism, you will find out that the land where Israeli Zionists are settling in right now WAS ALREADY INHABITED BY THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. No, it was not a desert.  

Zionism is a movement, a settler-colonial project, which aims to establish a Jewish nation-state in Palestine, now called the State of Israel. In 1922, after World War I, Palestine was under a British Mandate. It was even considered a “Class A” mandate because of the advanced infrastructures Palestine had. The Balfour Declaration was then established that promised a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This helped the Zionist movement to further achieve its aims.  

Also, stop calling people anti-semitic for standing with Palestine! Mind you, there is nothing wrong with Jewish self-determination. What is completely wrong is the ethnic cleansing and dispossession of the Palestinian people for the past 75+ years just so these Zionists who came from all over the world can establish a homeland.  

We do not hate Jews. We hate Zionism. There is a HUGE difference. If you see the protests going on in the world right now, you will notice that Jewish people condemn the State of Israel and are ashamed of the Zionist Israeli settlers for using their name as Jews, for using the Torah, for using the name of God, as an excuse to kill and displace Palestinians. A homeland is not built this way.  

Palestine wasn’t an empty piece of land with no people. Palestinians were already there! Sabi ko nga kanina, it was a land filled with advanced infrastructures with agricultural capabilities. My grandparents grew up there and so did our entire family line of Palestinians before 1948. Ask any Palestinian, we can mention the names of our ancestors who were born in Palestine.  

On the other hand, ask any Israeli where they came from. Most likely, they would say they moved to Israel but were originally from Italy, Poland, France, Yemen, Lebanon, or wherever else in the world they came from. The only thing they have in common is being Zionists settlers. That’s why they steal Palestinian traditions and make it their own to show the world that they have something in common.  

Remember when Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez went to the State of Israel where an event was held. She wore a Thobe (a traditional Palestinian dress) and helped prepare Warak Enab (a Palestinian dish). That’s exactly what I’m talking about.  

A 2021 bike rally for Palestine. (Bulatlat photo)

‘Wouldn’t you want to fight back?’ 

Now on to “Hamas” which some of you can’t even pronounce correctly. The only reason why Hamas attacked is to free Palestinian prisoners, stop Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to break the siege on Gaza. Did you know that the release of one Israeli soldier frees approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners? Prisoners who were kept in cells unjustly and inhumanely, prisoners who did no wrong other than being Palestinian, prisoners who are women and children. INSTEAD, the assault has led to non-stop Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, around 6,000 bombs the past week. Around 800 Palestinian children killed. Around 2 million Palestinians displaced once again.  

Moving on, if you ask the people of Gaza if they support Hamas, they would simply say THEY DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE. Imagine living in an open-air prison for years with your electricity and water allowed for only 3 hours a day? Sudden bombings here and there? How would you feel? Wouldn’t you want to fight back?  

Fifty percent of the population in Gaza are CHILDREN. One cannot imagine the pain they experience. Children witness the killings of their sisters, brothers, parents, and they are the only victims left alive. There are records of Palestinian children committing suicide because of this.  

By saying “But, Hamas…” is the equivalent of saying “ALL LIVES MATTER.” You are justifying the violence inflicted upon Palestinians, the collective punishment done to Palestinians, when in fact we are powerless. We are only asking for freedom to literally get back what we actually owned.  Also, no matter how many people in Palestine vote for Hamas, IT STILL DOES NOT EXCUSE ISRAEL’S ONGOING GENOCIDE OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. YOU CAN ADVOCATE FOR THE LIVES OF PALESTINIANS WITHOUT ADVOCATING FOR HAMAS. 

Now, if you are STILL taking a neutral stance and staying blinded when everything is in front of you, let me ask you: Do you condone the killings of civilians, medical personnel, journalists, bombings of hospitals, and the bombings of ambulances? BECAUSE ISRAEL HAS BEEN DOING THAT TO PALESTINIANS. THEY DISREGARD THE PROTECTIVE EMBLEM THAT PALESTINIAN HEALTH WORKERS AND JOURNALISTS WEAR AND THAT IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL LAW.  

How could you now side with the oppressors?  

At this point of reading my post, you may wonder, why are these information not being reported in news outlets? Here’s why: Mainstream media coverage favors Israel where five major U.S. newspapers show negativity only for Palestinian stories.  

There are studies that cover media bias favoring Israeli narratives. Palestinians are HIGHLY underrepresented. This is why there is so much misinformation going on, news reporters in the West would literally report fake news, then say sorry later on as if the damage hasn’t been done already. It isn’t fair at all.  

Mainstream media says out loud that both sides should be grieved but the reality is that only the Palestinians are buried in mass graves. Other than that, the massive support of the U.S. government to Israel (120 billion US dollars in military aid), is definitely enabling the genocide in Gaza.  

Israel’s civilians are armed, their forces has an army, a navy, an airforce, and nuclear weapons. What do Palestinians have? This is why it is not a conflict! It is a situation of the oppressor and the oppressed. Hindi patas ang armas dito, hindi ‘to gyera. Literal na gusto nilang patayin at tanggalin ang lahat ng Palestino sa mundo.  

Mainstream media continues its 75+ years of misreporting what actually happens to Palestinians. We are NOT seen as HUMANS anymore because of this. The Israeli narrative has harmful and grave effects. This can be seen in the recent killing of 6-year-old Wades Al-Fayoume in the U.S. because he was Muslim and Palestinian-American. 

Do not tell me ISRAEL has the right to defend itself. Palestinians have the right to resist by any means necessary. This is outlined in the U.N. Resolution 3236. You may ask, what about the Israeli civilians? Well, have you seen the video last week? How they rushed to the airports to leave “Israel”? There’s your answer. Let them all go back to where they came from. They have passports and families there anyway. 

Stand with the Palestinian people. Stand with the oppressed. You are a Filipino and so am I. We share the same sentiments as Palestinians. Every Filipino should unconditionally support Palestinians and all oppressed peoples as our struggles are interconnected. Our countrymen have fought off our oppressors before. How could you now side with the oppressors?  

If anything, we understand what occupation means. We are ONE in the struggle for liberation from U.S. imperialism. STAND AGAINST the U.S. that backs the State of Israel. Condemn the State of Israel! It isn’t complicated! Palestinians are experiencing genocide while the whole world is idly watching! 

Let the whole world know the truth 

This is the end of my post. Please do your own research, your own readings. Make sure that the sites you are viewing aren’t biased to the Israeli narrative. I suggest checking out DecolonizePalestine‘s website, a project founded by two Palestinians in Ramallah. It is filled with research and articles, a collection of resources such as books so one can learn more about Palestine. Also check out Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, a movement that aims to end the international support of Israel’s oppression against Palestinians via boycott, divestment, and sanctions.  

Lastly, please follow Palestinian Instagram accounts. They cover everything that happens in Gaza as they experience the genocide imposed to them by the State of Israel. They risk their lives as journalists and medical personnel to report, whilst they witness the death of their family members and friends. I have a whole list posted in my Instagram stories and highlights (@ycsmcn on Instagram).  

Reach out to your friends and family. Let the whole world know the truth. Continue sharing what Israel is trying to shut off from the world as they cut off electricity and water supply in Gaza, as they commit international crimes. This is the least you can do as a HUMAN.  

Pilipino ako. Palestino rin ako. In our lifetime, Palestine will be free.

 Solidarity always! 

#IStandWithPalestine

#FreePalestine

(This essay is published with approval by the author.)

Not defeat, but a resolve to seek justice

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By Nuel M. Bacarra

I interviewed Raymond Manalo early in the morning of the promulgation of his and brother Reynaldo’s kidnapping and illegal detention with serious physical injuries case against retired Major General Jovito Palparan last Friday, October 6. He was excited and, as was the mark of his 16-year narrative against “The Butcher” and cohorts, he was straightforward and hopeful. “GUILTY!” Raymond blurted when I asked him what he thought the verdict would be.

Raymond was justifiably confident as he presented generally the same testimony he provided in the case that convicted Palparan of the same charges involving missing University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2018. He added that his testimony was even stronger this time as he was no longer a simple witness but he was testifying on his and his brother’s own abduction and torture in the hands of Palparan’s men.

Meeting the general and other victims

Raymond had always been consistent in his revelations against the accused. He and Reynaldo were abducted on February 14, 2006 from their home in San Ildefonso, Bulacan by the paramilitary under the 7th Infantry Division then commanded by Palparan. They were brought to various military camps throughout Central Luzon for 18 months but eventually escaped from a chicken farm somewhere in Pangasinan province where they suffered forced labor in the hands of their captors.

Raymond told the Court that after their abduction Palparan himself ordered the brothers brought to the barangay hall in Sapang, San Miguel, Bulacan where the most notorious general of the Gloria Arroyo regime personally gave him P1,500 to give to his parents. Palparan instructed Raymond to give the amount to his parents and tell them it was “his income from his new boss.” Palparan also told Raymond to tell his parents not to “attend hearings or join rallies and that he already joined Palparan.” In addition, The Butcher also told Raymond that, “If he attempted to escape, his family will be massacred and he and Reynaldo will also be killed.”

In a Philippine Army camp in Limay, Bataan, Raymond testified that he witnessed the torture of Karen and Sherlyn, as well as the the murder of farmer Manuel Merino who was kidnapped with the students. Merino was stabbed and his remains were burned. Raymond added that he saw the fire burning in the distance the entire night. Afterwards, Raymond and Reynaldo were brought to a resort in Iba, Zambales. But when they were brought back to Limay, Karen and Sherlyn weren’t there anymore.

READ: Abandoned Mount Samat Military Camp Yields Bones, Evidence; Quest for Justice Continues

Raymond’s testimony in Karen and Sherlyn’s case was so strong that the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court upheld Palparan’s conviction.

Raymond himself was severely manhandled by the soldiers. He still sports a scar on his forehead that came from a blow with the butt of a gun. His back became an ashtray of the troopers during a drinking spree and he also became their punching bag. He also underwent sessions of “water cure” from his captors.

Unacceptable verdict

But the Malolos Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19 under Judge Francisco P. Felizmenio acquitted Palparan last Friday afternoon.

We saw Raymond rushing down the courthouse after the promulgation to join his supporters gathered by the curb. Crying, he shouted: “Walang katarungan dito! Ang katarungan ay para lang sa mayayaman, hindi para sa mahihirap! (There’s no justice here! Justice are only for the rich, not for the poor!)

Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay immediately embraced Raymond to console him and asked water for the crying victim. Edith Burgos, mother of involuntary disappearance victim Jonas Burgos, also embraced and comforted him. It was Atty. Julian Oliva Jr. who fielded the reporters’ questions about what happened inside the courtroom. I hardly understood the questions and answers as I could not take my eyes of Raymond. He was heaving with grief as he covered his face with a towel.

Raymond Manalo being consoled by Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay. (Nuel M. Bacarra/Kodao)

What followed were indignant speeches about the Court’s decision. When Raymond had somewhat recovered, the group decided to go back to Manila. At six in the evening of the same day, a rally was held at the Boy Scout Rotunda in Quezon City for more indignant speeches against the verdict. Human rights and progressive groups said they could not reconcile Felizmenio’s decision with the fact that Raymond’s testimony that convicted Palparan earlier—one that was upheld by superior Courts—was junked. They agreed with the victim when he shouted, Takot ka, Judge!” (You’re scared, Judge!)

Raymond was himself the last speaker at the indignation rally. Composed this time, he said the pursuit for justice in his and his brother’s case will continue. He assured the media and his supporters that a new round of battle in the courts and in the streets will soon commence. Palparan would not escape accountability, he said.

Covering the promulgation had been one of the longest for me since I became a reporter for Kodao. My advancing age tells me there should be few of this kind of coverage, but my tiredness was overshadowed by Raymond’s determination and strength. What could a reporter do when he has compelling stories and strong subjects like Raymond Manalo but accompany him (and others like him) in their journey?

Yes, I was sad for Raymond and his brother last Friday. But I ended my coverage with the same hope that he asked everyone who accompanied him that day: “Justice will be served as long as we don’t give up.” #

Learning from the young and brave

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By Nuel M. Bacarra

In the morning of September 19, a press conference organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was held to present two new trophies, young “surrenderers” to the public. But the presscon blew up in the face of NTF-ELCAC personnel when Jonila Castro bravely revealed that she and Jhed Reiyana Tamano were abducted by the military forces and were forced to surrender because of the threat to their lives.

The presscon was broadcast live on a local government unit public information office Facebook page as well as on SMNI, galvanized church, rights defenders and activist groups to troop to Plaridel, Bulacan to demand for their immediate release.

I joined them to cover the event. We arrived past lunchtime, finding several Bulacan State University students already protesting in front of the municipal hall, faced by a phalanx of police personnel. The students took off their footwear and placed these in between themselves and the police, symbolizing the two sandals left behind when Jonila and Jhed were abducted in Orion, Bataan on September 2.

Upstairs, in front of the mayor’s office, I waited with fellow journalists, waiting for further developments. Jhed and Jonila were being kept at the mayor’s office as the local chief executive was deciding on her next move as the military did not want to surrender the two victims to her custody. Jhed and Jonila are Plaridel residents.

Minutes before three in the afternoon, I heard loud voices at the ground floor. I rushed downstairs and saw the police personnel dispersing the protesters. A protester was shouting “Huwag kayong manulak!” (Don’t push us!). I saw a young girl got hit by a policeman randomly punching the protesters. The youth pleading with the officers not to push was also hurt.

The police failed to disperse the protesters. Soon, they reasserted their place in front of the building’s main door and resumed their protest. This time, they faced the onlookers, some of them approaching and explaining what is happening at the mayor’s office. By then, Jonila’s parents have arrived with their lawyers and Makabayan bloc Representatives Arlene Brosas and Raoul Manuel to negotiate with the mayor.

I tried going back to where Jonila and Jhed were being kept to get more direct information but was no longer allowed by the police. We soon received information that the two would be brought to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) where the turnover of Jhed and Jonila to their families and supporters would take place. I asked to myself, “Why not turn them over now as family and lawyers are already there?” Then I thought, the mayor must be covering her behind because of the military’s objection to the victim’s release.

Minutes later, we saw Jonila and Jhed coming out of the building with their lawyers and family. We ran to our vehicles to join the convoy to Quezon City. As we approached the CHR headquarters after a mad dash from Bulacan, we saw activists lined up along Commonwealth Avenue who rushed into the compound as soon as our vehicles arrived.

We were allowed to take photos inside the conference room where the victims and their supporters were ushered in. We were asked thereafter to leave as the meeting would be closed door.

I made my way out of the building to take photos of the protesters. It was past six in the evening and I was really hungry at the time. A protester offered me a snack which I wolfed down as we waited for further developments.

After a while, we were told that Jhed and Jonila would be addressing the crowd.

The two thanked their supporters, saying their freedom is also because of the clamor for them to be surfaced. They said they knew people were looking for them and reiterated the correctness of what they are fighting for: a stop to the reclamation projects at Manila Bay.

The saga of Jhed and Jonila are far from over, however. The military and the NTF-ELCAC are doubling down on their canard that the two voluntarily surrendered. I think, though, the sandals left behind when the victims struggled during their abduction could not have been staged. And between two young girls and the NTF-ELCAC, who do we immediately see as liars?

That Tuesday had been the longest and most tiring day of coverage that I have had so far since I joined Kodao. I am a senior citizen with many bodily aches and pains associated with my age. I did not know I could still do it. But the significance of the events made me forget all these.

Jonila Castro and Jhed Reiyana Tamano, young as they are, showed us how to deal with state terrorism. They spoke the truth and turned the table around on their captors. Their courage is a shining example, showing the world how people’s rights are violated in the Philippines and how these are asserted and won. #

THE CURIOUS CASE OF ROGIE SENDING: Investigation or bullying?

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Something wrong is happening in the bowels of the House of Representatives compound where a veteran broadcaster had been languishing in detention since August 17. Rogelio Sending, known to his listeners in Tuguegarao City and, until a few years back in Metro Manila, as Bombo Rogie had been ordered detained there for 30 days.

Sending’s plight had been largely unreported by the press, except in Cagayan province and on social media. Ordinarily, such an occurrence to a member of the working press would gather immediate and widespread condemnation, as it should. But there was hardly a peep because Sending is no longer an organic employee of the network that he served for years but is now Cagayan’s provincial information officer. While he still graced the airwaves until last August 8, he was in fact an anchor of his daily radio program in behalf of the provincial government. On many days, he shared the radio booth with his boss, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba. Technically, Sending has left the ranks of the working press since 2019 and is now a civil servant.

Sending’s troubles started when the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms jointly with the Committee on Public Accounts, following a privileged speech by Cagayan Third District Representative Joseph Lara, launched an investigation on alleged violations on the ban on public spending during an election campaign period. The meat of the allegation is that Mamba ordered his capitol employees to withdraw hundreds of millions and distribute these as financial aid to Cagayanos mere days before the May 9, 2022 local elections. Under the laws—even though the Commission on Audit said it appears the entire amount had been accounted for—that is prohibited.

Lara alleges that Mamba did not only commit graft but vote buying as well. And so the committees have summoned the governor and several other provincial government employees since March. Early on, Mamba submitted himself before his nemesis and the committees, several members of which were his colleagues when he was congressman himself. But the governor refused to answer their questions, citing a case of the same nature had been filed before a local court and providing answers may violate the sub-judice rule. The congresspersons had no choice but to excuse him but went after his subordinates in subsequent hearings.

Congress has the powers of the Constitution in conducting such investigations, and it should. That the government is very corrupt and graft-ridden is no longer a matter of debate. But there is much to be said on how congressional investigations and hearings are conducted. The investigation on Mamba is no different.

During the hearings, majority of the congresspersons went after Mamba’s subordinates with venom. The capitol employees were shouted at and could hardly get a word in even as they were simply trying to answer the congresspersons’ questions. They were reduced to stuttering most times, making them appear more guilty than Dismas and Gestas. Granting that it appeared the employees tried to cover up for their boss, the way the congresspersons treated them is plainly un-parliamentary.

Sending had been summoned to appear before the committees on August 7 and 9 but failed to do so on both dates. When he finally presented himself last August 12, he received even worse treatment than his colleagues. He tried to explain that contrary to allegations that he is not Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-accredited broadcaster, he, in fact, is. He proved that he did not go on air on August 9 when he was supposed to be present in the hearing. Sending tried to explain that the reason why he failed to appear in previous hearings was because Cagayan was at the time recovering from the effects of Typhoon Egay and he was ordered by the governor to document relief efforts being conducted. Moreover, Sending said, he was confused as to whether he is allowed to absent himself from his duties in the province and had to wait for clear instructions from the capitol’s legal office.

But in failing to appear, Sending offended the high and mighty. On top of the very public flagellation he received, he was meted the extraordinary punishment of 30 days of detention for contempt of Congress.

Let us not talk here of the Paduanos, the Marcoletas and the Acops who, as hearings in both houses of Congress go, are of the same mold as their upper chamber colleagues, the Batos, Tulfos, Villars and Padillas. Let us instead talk about their colleague who started all these.

Lara, instigator of the so-called investigations, is Mamba’s political nemesis in the province of Cagayan. Lara’s wife was Mamba’s rival in the last local elections who lost badly to the latter. It is therefore not hard to see one other very compelling motive in all these.

Those who closely follow the proceedings could see that Lara’s complaint has a point. Mamba could have ordered the distribution of aid way before or even after the May 9, 2022 polls. It is not farfetched that his candidacy benefited from the aid distribution. The fact that his subordinates scrambled to withdraw the funds even without the expressed permission of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan adds weight to the allegations.

[On a possibly related issue: Is Mamba’s flagellation also intended to force him to withdraw his opposition to the two new EDCA sites in his province?]

But there is hypocrisy here. Who believes that traditional politicians do not buy votes, in Cagayan and in the entire country? I heard that a party in these investigations even pioneered the use of QR (quick response) codes in vote buying.

Congressional investigations are important in giving representatives a chance to craft better laws and to expose shenanigans in government. But these noble purposes are in danger of being seen as nothing more than witch hunt and self-serving vendetta when the real targets are missed and only foot soldiers are bleeding in the field of battle, in a manner of speaking.

I think the investigations on the misspending of public funds during the last elections in Cagayan have already established that those should not have been distributed when they did. But the fact that an information officer—one who absolutely had no power over said funds and had no hand in distributing them—is now suffering for it, is wrong. Governor Mamba is as powerful as his enemies, Sending is not.

Making underlings suffer when the real target is still out there is not judicious exercise of power. That is simply bullying. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)

PAMPANGITI: How a new corruption euphemism contributed to the Laguna de Bay tragedy

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It is the usual corruption in government that contributed to the capsizing of a motor boat on Laguna de Bay last July 27 and killed 27 passengers, a Senate inquiry bared on Tuesday. Motor Boat (MB) Aya Express driver Donald Anain admitted he bribed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed in Binangonan, Rizal to be allowed to sail his overloaded boat without inspection.

Anain described their practice as “pampangiti”.

“You give them anything… I just bought P100 worth of bananas.  Some money was also involved.  Fifty pesos for snacks,” Anain testified.

Anain claimed it was not his intention to overload but had a hard time preventing passengers from boarding the boat, a tale refuted by John Marr Nino de los Reyes, one of the 47 survivors of the tragedy. “In fact,” he returned to the port to take in eight more passengers,” de los Reyes said.

The survivor also revealed that some passengers had complained that they were already overloaded but were ignored. Other survivors interviewed immediately after the incident said they were not required to don life vests.

Life for bananas

A Kodao source who frequently visited Talim Island said he has never seen a PCG personnel conduct an inspection of the boats before casting off. The source also said that not only are the boats frequently overloaded, they have never been asked to don life vests.

Petty Officer 2 Jay Rivera, on duty at the PCG station that day, admitted at the Senate inquiry that while he received Anain’s manifest listing 22 passengers, he did not perform a personal inspection of the boat. It turned out that the boat had 70 souls on board, only 43 of whom survived the tragedy. The passenger limit for MB Aya Express was only 42.

PCG Commander Admiral Artemio Abu said Rivera was indeed “negligent” and had ordered his relief from duties, along with PCG Rizal chief Lieutenant  (Junior Grade) Arjohn Elumba pending further investigations of the tragedy. The PCG however said it does not believe–in fact it is “absurd”–their personnel succumb to bananas.

Motor Boat Aya Express driver Donald Anain revealing “pampangiti” as another corruption euphemism at the Senate inquiry last August 8. (Photo from Sen. Grace Poe’s FB page)

Unsafe ferry boats nationwide

Aside from having no captain’s license to operate the vessel, the boat plying the Binangonan-Talim Island route itself is without a license from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Senate inquiry also revealed. The MARINA also told the senators that such wooden-hulled boats were already banned by the maritime agency since 2016. MB Aya Express’ blueprint was not approved by MARINA prior to its construction nor was it ever inspected by the agency, the inquiry further revealed.

Many of the motor boat ferries on Laguna de Bay, as well as in other parts of the country, are still wooden-hulled, such as the one that capsized off Romblon last week that also killed one passenger.

Committee chairperson Senator Grace Poe said she is proposing the creation of a National Transport Safety Board designed to oversee the operation of transport systems in the country. “In a country composed of thousands of islands, Philippines should have the highest safety standards in water transportation,” she added.

‘Pampangiti’

Tuesday’s Senate committee hearing might have also revealed a new euphemism that illustrates the rampant corruption in government.

A new addition to the country’s collection of corruption-related words, “pampangiti” may be loosely translated to English as “a bribe to make the taker smile.”

In 2008, think-tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance published the book “Corruptionary: A Unique Dictionary of Corruption Words”, a compilation of 450 words of corruption in the Philippines.

Other corruption-related words that have become bywords in political discussions are “tong-pats”, “bukol”, “padulas”, “for the boys” and others. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)