Philippine Politics - Marcial's Law

Leni or Bongbong?

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 09 May 2022 08:37:58 +0000

My friends and countrymen, for your convenience, I have compiled some information in order for you to vote wisely within the last few hours of the 2022 presidential election. They will show contrasts between Leonora Robredo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Robredo does not come from a political dynasty
or privileged nepotism. Marcos Jr. does.
Robredo’s last name plays minimal, if any, role in
her success. Marcos Jr.’s last name
plays a significant role in his success.
Robredo has no relatives in government which
could potentially pose conflicts of interest.
Marcos Jr. has relatives in the Senate, House, province, and city.
Robredo has no tax liabilities. Marcos Jr. has a pending estate tax of P203
billion, which even President Rodrigo Duterte acknowledges.
Robredo’s relevant educational achievements
include Doctor of Laws from the University of the Cordilleras, Juris Doctor
from the University of Nueva Caceres, Doctor in Public Administration from PUP,
and B.A. in Economics from UP Diliman. Since
Marcos Jr. did not complete his preliminary examinations, he was unable to
attain a B.A. in politics, philosophy, and economics. Instead, he obtained a Special Diploma (not
equivalent to a degree) in Social Studies.
Likewise, Marcos Jr. did not acquire a master’s degree from Wharton
School of Business, since he could not finish his studies (due to his election
as vice governor of Ilocos Norte in 1980).
Robredo has the endorsements of 162 economists.
Marcos Jr. does not, and many predict the peso as well as the economy will
decline under his tenure as president.
Robredo will defend the West Philippine Sea at
all costs, including invoking the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, and will
leverage the arbitral award before making any oil exploratory agreement with
China. Marcos Jr. opposes US involvement
in the WPS dispute and will unconditionally enter an oil exploratory agreement
with China.
Robredo is poised to govern for all Filipinos,
which is why she has attended all major presidential forums in order to
maximize her exposure. Marcos Jr. is
likely to govern only for his political base, which is why he has foregone all
major presidential forums in spite of the clamor of Filipinos to face them and
other presidentiables---in a word---accountability.

Remember, my friends and countrymen, there is no shame in changing your vote even at the last hour. However, it is shameful to vote blindly, so vote wisely.

Long live the Philippines!

The post Leni or Bongbong? first appeared on Marcial's Law.

3 Reasons I Will Not Vote For “Bongbong” For President & Neither Should You

Marcial Bonifacio — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 04:20:25 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

4/12/2022

My friends and countrymen, UP political science professor Clarita Carlos said voters have different criteria for choosing a presidentiable, based on what is important to each one (e.g., climate change, health, education). Hence, if your criteria are identical to mine, then it is only logical that you will not vote for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for president of the Republic of the Philippines. Unlike many of his critics who hold him accountable for the “sins of his father” (e.g., ill-gotten wealth, injustice to martial law victims) and evasion of taxes and tax penalties, my concerns are of a more fundamental nature. That means such concerns, as important as they may be, are only secondary to the three specific ones I’m about to present.

First and foremost, it is important to me that the commander-in-chief, the head of state, and the head of government (all embodied in the president) know and understand the Constitution and the context upon which it was framed. In that case, Marcos Jr. should have known before choosing President Rodrigo Duterte as his running mate for vice president, that it is unconstitutional. Some may contend that, upon realizing this, he settled for the President’s daughter, Sara Duterte, instead. Hence since Marcos Jr. averted a potential violation of the supreme law of the land, why should Filipinos be so concerned or even critical of him? My answer is that his initial ignorance of such a fundamental issue raises the question of his grasp of the Constitution, which makes a mockery of his tenure as a law maker in both the House and Senate.

Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution reads: “The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any reelection.”

According to Far Eastern University Law Dean Mel Sta Maria, the word “any” in the last sentence refers to reelection as president as well as vice president, since both posts were cited in the preceding sentence. Hence, “the President shall not be eligible to run for reelection for ‘any’ of the positions,” concludes Sta Maria, “either the Office of the President or the Office of the Vice President.”

If that’s insufficiently comprehensible to Marcos Jr., how about the fact that the 1987 Constitution was the direct byproduct of the dictatorial presidency of his father? Indeed, its framers designed it precisely for the purpose of preventing such a tyrant from remaining in power for a prolonged period of time via a single term presidency and vice presidency. Thus, Duterte’s attempt to run for vice president, states Christian Monsod (one of the constitutional framers), “is an ingenious and insidious move to circumvent the constitutional provision on reelection.” If Marcos Jr. doesn’t understand such a fundamental concept, then he is utterly unfit to be president. Although he ultimately chose Sara Duterte, he should have at least been prudent so as to not publicly disclose his initial intention of selecting the President at the time when its constitutionality was questioned.

Second, if you’re in the market to hire a professional to complete a specific job for you, and he didn’t appear in the job interview, what would you make of that? Perhaps something beyond his control occurred. Would you give him another chance? What if you offered him a second chance for another interview, and he failed to appear again? What if you discovered that he intentionally missed both interviews? Would you persistently pursue him, or would you seek another professional, who’s eagerly ready to meet you?

In fact, Marcos Jr. deliberately missed several forums (the Jessica Soho and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas interviews, CNN presidential debate, etc.) in which all presidentiables generally appeared to present their positions and plans to our voting countrymen. He and his camp cited several reasons for his absences and others yet to come: conflict of schedule, unfavorable format (interview preferable to debate), media bias, lack of desire to be combative to other presidentiables due to his unity platform.

As a concerned Filipino citizen, I present some points and simple suggestions to address those reasons:

Conflict of Schedule: Marcos Jr. should prioritize presidential forums. He should make time for the most important things, and schedule everything else accordingly.

Unfavorable Format: Marcos Jr. should mentally prepare for all potential formats, whether they be interviews or debates. He should take notes and memorize them. He should perform mock interviews and debates for practice.

Media Bias: Marcos Jr. should participate in allegedly biased forums and point out the bias whenever it is presented by the interviewer or interpolator. Additionally, he should use social media to clarify points or rebut the forum’s alleged bias.

Lack of Desire to Be Combative to Other Presidentiables Due to “Unity” Platform: Marcos Jr. need only present his plans, programs, and track record. He should stress his core competency without resorting to ad hominem remarks or personal attacks, while ignoring them from his competitors. The debate format need not be a forum for verbal combat but for statesmanship, which may foster unity---true unity because his ideas will stand out if they appeal to Filipinos.

Job Interview not for Debating Future Bosses or Other Fellow Applicants: That presupposes that all job interviews uniformly entail verbally asking and answering questions; they don’t. Some entail demonstrating one’s knowledge or skill set, which may also display subtleties in temperament or character. For example, an aspiring phone salesman may

As a concerned Filipino citizen, I present some points and simple suggestions to address those reasons:

Conflict of Schedule: Marcos Jr. should prioritize presidential forums. He should make time for the most important things, and schedule everything else accordingly.

Unfavorable Format: Marcos Jr. should mentally prepare for all potential formats, whether they be interviews or debates. He should take notes and memorize them. He should perform mock interviews and debates for practice.

Media Bias: Marcos Jr. should participate in allegedly biased forums and point out the bias whenever it is presented by the interviewer or interpolator. Additionally, he should use social media to clarify points or rebut the forum’s alleged bias.

Lack of Desire to Be Combative to Other Presidentiables Due to “Unity” Platform: Marcos Jr. need only present his plans, programs, and track record. He should stress his core competency without resorting to ad hominem remarks or personal attacks, while ignoring them from his competitors. The debate format need not be a forum for verbal combat but for statesmanship, which may foster unity---true unity because his ideas will stand out if they appeal to Filipinos.

Job Interview not for Debating Future Bosses or Other Fellow Applicants: That presupposes that all job interviews uniformly entail verbally asking and answering questions; they don’t. Some entail demonstrating one’s knowledge or skill set, which may also display subtleties in temperament or character. For example, an aspiring phone salesman may display his social interaction skills and mastery of the art of persuasion, which may take patience, grace, and empathy. The same holds true for a politician, since he or she is basically a salesman, pitching ideas and promises for votes. One of the presidentiables has stressed the importance of debates as a leveler of the playing field, since there’s “no tutor, no script, no phones, so we cannot search on Google.” That means “not only your wisdom but also the grasp on issues — current issues, past issues — would be tested and unearthed here. Not only wisdom and knowledge, but also the character is being revealed in these debates.”

display his social interaction skills and mastery of the art of persuasion, which may take patience, grace, and empathy. The same holds true for a politician, since he or she is basically a salesman, pitching ideas and promises for votes. One of the presidentiables has stressed the importance of debates as a leveler of the playing field, since there’s “no tutor, no script, no phones, so we cannot search on Google.” That means “not only your wisdom but also the grasp on issues — current issues, past issues — would be tested and unearthed here. Not only wisdom and knowledge, but also the character is being revealed in these debates.”

I would add that in a debate forum, politicians are under pressure from their competitors, as well as their interpolators, which gives voters a glimpse of their agility and decisiveness or lack thereof when dealing with government officials, foreign diplomats, or heads of state---in a word---statecraft. After all, if Marcos Jr. finds the debate forums with his colleagues and our voting countrymen overly challenging or burdensome, then how will he be able to face Chinese President Xi Jinpin or Russian President Vladimir Putin?

Surely a seasoned politician like Marcos Jr. would already know everything I’ve pointed out and suggested. Anyway, the presence and participation of all presidentiables make it convenient for us to compare, contrast, and evaluate their presentations in order to make an informed vote. More than Marcos Jr. not showing the best face of his campaign, candidacy, and character, stated political analyst Tony La Vina, “he did a very big disservice to the country.” For me, that would be a display of his misplaced priorities and lack of concern for the Filipino electorate, not to mention the farce of his “unity” platform. After all, shouldn’t Marcos Jr. maximize his exposure in order to court the voters of the other presidentiables? Indeed, that would display his initiative to be a team player and a president for all Filipinos, not just for his political base, hence unifying the country.

Third, just as the man of the house must defend his family and property from intruders and thieves, so too, must the president defend the Filipino people and their country from foreign invaders and land grabbers. Unfortunately, Marcos Jr. plans to simply resume Duterte’s policy of appeasement to China with regard to the West Philippine Sea, since China neither consents to the arbitral award, nor was it a signatory to the proceedings. In an interview with Boy Abunda, Marcos Jr. stated, “Ang problema diyan saChinaay sinabi na nila: 'Hindi kami signatory diyan, hindi kami makikinig kung anuman ang maging findings ng court.'” (The problem with China, they said: We’re not a signatory, we won’t listen to whatever the court’s findings are.) Hence, “it’s no longer an arbitration if there’s only one party. It is no longer available to us.” That is factually incorrect, since China ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1994, hence legally binding it to international law according to maritime expert Jay Batongbacal. UP Political Science Head Herman Kraft said Marcos Jr. needs a “deeper understanding” of the proceedings leading to the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Marcos Jr. even reiterates the same straw man of President Duterte that “if we get in a fight [with China], . . . we will lose” within one week. For the record, I know of no single government official or foreign policy expert who thinks that the Philippines should wage war against China, much less be victorious. Perhaps this false premise gives justification to Marcos Jr. to pursue “diplomacy” and “bilateral agreement” with China. “His true position, I think, is really pro-China,” states Batongbacal. “It’s like Duterte’s old position that he needs China, and the Philippines can’t do anything about it…. It’s all very shallow, outdated, and simply uninformed.” Indeed there are practicable and non-combative options for defending WPS suggested by Batongbacal, legal luminary behind the arbitral award and former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, and maritime expert and former national security advisor Roilo Golez, which I’ve listed in How the Philippines Can Enforce Its Arbitral Award without Going to War with China.

Speaking of being uninformed, Marcos Jr. stated in the SMNI forum, “Marami talaga tayong issue, hindi lamang sa conflicting claims sa gitna ng Pilipinas at saka China kaya’t ngayon lang ang nakita kong national election na naging issue ang West Philippine Sea or ang foreign policy.” (We really have lots of issues, not only the conflicting claims between the Philippines and China, that’s why I see only in this national election that the West Philippine Sea or foreign policy has become an issue.) Such a statement could be misconstrued as sarcasm if one just tuned in and heard it on television. Unfortunately, Marcos Jr. seems oblivious to the 2016 presidential debates in which then presidentiable Rodrigo Duterte promised to jet ski to Panatag Shoal and plant the Philippine flag in defiance to China’s incursion. Indeed, it was one of the most memorable highlights.

How could Marcos Jr. have been unaware of it? Could he have known and simply forgotten about it? Could this be the first sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease taking effect? Perhaps he simply turned a deaf ear or a blind eye to the WPS issue because it’s just not a priority for him. If the last possibility is the case, then it would account for his position, or rather uninformed position on different aspects of the matter, on which I will now expound.

In the SMNI forum, Marcos Jr. constantly expressed his concern over the disputed “territorial waters.” He said, “It is about territorial waters, and when we have these 200 Chinese boats coming and blocking our fishermen, it is to assert their claim that this is part of their territorial water.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who has studied this matter would know that the vicinity of the territorial waters of the Philippines is within 12 nautical miles along the coast of Palawan and Mindoro, in Luzon (which is the area that China does not claim). However, the area within 200 nautical miles is known as the “exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters.” Contrary to what Marcos Jr. said, Carpio retorted, “Our dispute with China in the WPS, outside of the territorial dispute in the Spratly Islands, is a dispute over EEZ waters, not territorial waters. A dispute over EEZ waters is a dispute over the resources in that EEZ – the fish, oil, gas and other mineral resources.”

Aside from Marcos Jr.’s apparent lack of understanding of the Philippines’ territorial waters and EEZ waters, his grasp of the arbitration court seems equally deficient. On one occasion, he stated, "Ang pagsolusyon sa mga territorial conflict… naaayos lang ‘yan sa ICC (International Criminal Court). Pero kailangan sumang-ayon ang parehong bansa, magsasabi, ‘Okay sa akin sa Pilipinas, susundan ko ‘yong decision ng ICC.” (The resolution of territorial conflicts, these are only fixed at the ICC. But both countries have to agree, say for instance, 'It is okay with me in the Philippines, I will obey the ICC.) Marcos Jr. further said, "Pero ‘yong China, hindi naman signatory sa pagtaguyod ng ICC. Pangalawa, sinabi na nila mula umpisa pa sa hindi namin susundan, hindi namin kinikilala ‘yang mga decision sa ICC. (But China is not a signatory in the establishment of the ICC. Second, from the start, they said we will not follow, we do not recognize those decisions of the ICC.) Again, anyone who has studied the Philippine arbitration case against China would know that the Permanent Court of Arbitration was the tribunal in which the case was filed and the Philippines awarded. The ICC is the tribunal in which crimes against humanity are filed.

Hence, Marcos Jr. was factually incorrect about China being legally bound to comply with international law, about the Philippine waters of which China claims, and about the tribunal which awarded the arbitral ruling to the Philippines. How can such a misinformed presidentiable be trusted to assert the Philippines’ arbitral award when he displayed his sheer ignorance on three fundamental maritime issues?

Furthermore, my friends and countrymen, I have only three questions to ask with regard to whether or not you should vote for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. First, do you want a president who fully grasps the fundamental principles of the Constitution, on which he or she will solemnly swear an oath to protect and defend? Second, do you want a president who will be a president for all Filipinos and not just for his own voters and supporters? Third, do you want a president who fully knows and understands the maritime fundamentals in order to defend the whole Philippines, including its EEZ waters in which fish, minerals, and oil are present in the West Philippine Sea?

If you answered “yes” to all of the above questions, then perhaps we share the same criteria or standard for our president after all. That would logically mean that, like me, you will not cast your vote for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. However, if you answered “no” to the above questions, then our criteria or standard differs. Perhaps such mass neglect for fundamentals is why the Philippines has remained stagnant for so long. Therefore, my friends and countrymen, let’s focus on fundamentals first, raise our standards, and choose our leaders accordingly. Only then can we be competitive in the marketplace of governance, and always remember this: There’s no shame in changing your vote. There’s only shame in voting blindly, so vote wisely.

Aim High Pilipinas!

The post 3 Reasons I Will Not Vote For “Bongbong” For President & Neither Should You first appeared on Marcial's Law.

10 Reasons Filipinos Need a Taste of More Dick . . . for the Senate, that is

Marcial Bonifacio — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:58:42 +0000

(Sumusunod ang Tagalog version)

My friends and countrymen, as we commemorate the 125^th anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom today, it is incumbent upon us to create a better future for our youth and improve our country. That includes electing good public servants to the Senate. The purpose of this article is not to persuade you all to vote for Senator Richard Gordon against or over another senatoriable, although perhaps, that debate can be made. On the contrary, I wish to persuade you all to simply add an indispensable man of great learning and historical achievements to your current list of senatoriables. Please allow me to present my case.

1. He is a crusader against corruption.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), Gordon has been the nemesis of malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance. Presiding over the ongoing Pharmally probe, he has exposed corruption in the collusion of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. directors and officers, former DBM (Department of Budget and Management) officials, a former advisor to President Duterte, and potentially even President Duterte himself. Some of the recommended charges by the Blue Ribbon Committee include violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, fraud against the public treasury, perjury, falsification of public documents, and disobedience to summons issued by Congress.

Other high-profile probes over which Gordon presided as chairman include the Dengvaxia scandal, the P728 million fertilizer fund scam, and the $329 million ZTE National Broadband scandal. Furthermore, a man, such as Gordon, who will impartially uphold justice and follow the rule of law as senator is invaluable for our country which was ranked 115^th place according to the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International.

2. He has political will.

Gordon has been perceived to be allies with Duterte since the beginning of his presidency, which would be politically expedient, since Duterte remains popular to this day. However on several fronts (as I have elucidated in “Digong is no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is”), he has courageously opposed Duterte’s questionable or unconstitutional proposals and policies, such as acquiescing to China on Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, running for the vice-presidency, and appointing former military officials to civilian posts in his Cabinet (which I addressed in “Is Dick Hindering Digong or Is Digong Suffering from Dick Envy?”). When Duterte responded with sophomoric ad hominem comments, Gordon never responded in like fashion with personal insults. On the contrary, he has challenged Duterte’s proposals and policies exclusively on their merits, even providing historical and constitutional context to support his positions. However, in spite of his civility, Gordon has not been bashful in condemning Duterte as a “bully” and a “cheap politician,” whose acts could be construed as a “betrayal of public trust” and a “culpable violation of the Constitution.”

When President Gloria Arroyo declared martial law in Maguindanao, Gordon opposed it challenging its constitutional validity. In the fertilizer scam, Gordon recommended charges be filed against Arroyo appointee Jocelyn Bolante (Undersecretary of Agriculture for Finance and Administration), in spite of Gordon’s own appointment by Arroyo (as Secretary of Tourism); such a maverick tendency indicates he is not a trapo (traditional politician).

3. He is a pious public servant.

In 2016, Gordon could easily have filed a lawsuit against Sen. Grace Poe to disqualify her from running for the presidency on the grounds of her citizenship and residence. That was precisely what his UP college mates (also members of UNA and LP) urged him to do. However, rather than pursue the matter to advance his political ambitions, he exercised restraint. He stated:

I believe that the matter of Sen. Poe’s qualifications for national office has already been referred to the proper legal venues, and I deem it counter-productive to say anything more about this issue, aside from the statements I have already made.

In spite of Gordon’s preoccupation with public office duties, he has been a Red Cross volunteer since he was 17 years old. With time and dedication, he became chairman and CEO of the Red Cross, serving even to this day. The fact that Gordon holds a responsibility-laden post without receiving a salary, is a display of his altruistic and charitable nature.

4. He strongly opposes China’s illegal incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Gordon has been tenaciously vocal in condemning China’s violation of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the ruling of the PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) in favor of the Philippines. His foresight into China’s intrusive potential (while presiding as Olongapo mayor) led him to defend the renewal of the U.S. Bases Treaty in 1991. He advocates for the implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which make Philippine military bases accessible to American troops, while providing for training and intelligence to Philippine troops. They also regulate joint military exercises and patrolling of the WPS and give “teeth” to the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, which Gordon reiterated could be triggered in “an armed attack against the Philippines’ armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.”

In addition to collaborating with our oldest and most loyal ally, Gordon also encourages forging alliances with other countries, which are wary of China’s encroaching inclination, while the Philippines build its own military strength. In order to protect our fishermen in the WPS, he proposes the stationing of coast guard assets therein. Incidentally, he and 10 other senators recently filed a resolution to “condemn in the strongest possible terms the illegal activities” of China.

5. He has a practicable vision for a prosperous Philippines.

Gordon supports measures which would create domestic jobs and render the Philippine economy less dependent on remittances of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). He favors competition to lower energy costs; this would lower production costs and prices for consumer goods. In turn, living standards of all our countrymen would be raised and the destitute would be lifted out of poverty, rendering the culture of government handout dependency obsolete.

Gordon’s transformational vision of a prosperous Philippines is not one of mere wishful thinking or political rhetoric. On the contrary, it is a goal, which has already been partially implemented in Subic Bay with outstanding success. As its first Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, Gordon directed a successful effort to convert a desolate, abandoned American naval base (Subic Bay) into a prosperous economic trade zone. Before the conversion, Subic Bay was reduced to a heap of ash caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. After Gordon inspired thousands of volunteers to clean and renovate the area, hundreds of companies (including Acer and FedEx) created approximately 40,000 jobs with their US $1billion of foreign investments. The success was such that several world leaders (including Pres. Clinton) lauded it as a model for economic development.

President Fidel Ramos considered Subic Bay such a success, he designated it (instead of Manila) as the location for the 1996 APEC summit, in which 18 heads of state met. Among them were Chinese president Jiang Zemin, Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and US President Bill Clinton (at the far right).

Aside from stimulating the economy on a local level in Subic Bay, Gordon has done no less on a national level as secretary of the Department of Tourism. At a time of declining tourism, he managed to increase the number of tourists from one million to two million within a single year, thereby creating numerous jobs. Against overwhelming odds, all this occurred in the midst of terrorist threats, civil war in Mindanao, coup attempts, and SARS. Indeed, with successful experience in reviving the economy on a local and national level, Gordon envisions a Third World Philippines ascending into First World status.

Department of Tourism Sec. Gordon’s signature logo for boosting the economy.

6. He is a learned law maker.

As senator, he authored several important laws (e.g., New Automated Elections System Law, Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, Filipino World War II Veterans Pensions and Benefits Act of 2008) and was a member of more than twenty committees (most notably the Blue Ribbon, Economic Affairs, Trade and Commerce, Education, Energy, Foreign Relations, National Defense and Security, and Ways and Means). He also served as a member of the JBC (Judicial and Bar Council), chairman of the Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Laws Committee, and was the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. That makes him an exceptional lawyer and senator, since he took part in framing the supreme law of the land, namely the Constitution.

As the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, Gordon swears in.

7. He has diverse executive experience.

In my article entitled “Of Scooters, Jeepneys, Buses, and Airplanes,” I make the case that Gordon’s executive experience of private and public policy implementation would serve him well as president of the Republic of the Philippines in 2010. However, I contend here that such experience gives him the hindsight of working with other policy makers as chief executive himself, which subjected him to conflicts of interest, compromise, resolutions, and collaboration with them. For example, as mayor (an executive position) of Olongapo City, he worked with the sangguniang panglungsod (local legislature) in ratifying or vetoing bills as a local public executive. This gave Gordon the perspective and savvy to craft good laws and pass them effectively through the often long drawn out legislative process and conflicts of interest between the national executive (the president) and the national legislature (Congress). Being mayor has also given him a stricter sense of public accountability, since the small bureaucratic structure of local officials tends to be more transparent (as opposed to the national level), thus making it more difficult for them to conceal their potential violation of the law.

8. He is a crisis manager.

As chairman and CEO (an executive position) of the Philippine Red Cross, Gordon traveled all over the Philippines, undertaking numerous drastic measures. As a crisis manager, he directed many disaster/rescue operations involving aid in man-made and natural catastrophe victims. In the Covid-19 pandemic, the Red Cross has been the leading agency for testing. According to Gordon, 5 million Filipinos have been tested as of early December, 2021.

In Gordon’s nearly 60 years of charitable service, his intervention has saved millions of lives and restored over 133,000 homes of Typhoon Yolanda victims and other calamities. (View this video for firsthand accounts, including a successful hostage rescue operation from Abu Sayyaf without ransom.) He has also directed operations that involve prevention and safety in order to better prepare our countrymen for any disaster. Only a crisis manager or executive (not just a legislator) would know precisely what resources and in what quantity need to be allocated to each disaster area, knowledge which is indispensable for a country prone to such disasters.

Red Cross Chairman Gordon provides aid during a rescue operation.

9. He was a radio show host.

As a radio show host on Radyo5 92.3 News FM on a program called “Aksyon Solusyon”, Gordon was exposed to people of diverse economic, provincial backgrounds. Such a constant daily inflow of various feedback directly from the people kept Gordon informed on the state of the nation and provided him with fresh ideas on what can and must be done. As senator, he will be in a better position to accommodate such ideas via legislation.

10. He is an ordinary Filipino.

Apart from Gordon’s apparent devotion and service to our country, on the lighter side, he is an ordinary Filipino, which makes him a likable politician with a human face. For example, here is a clip in which he performs a song and dance routine with the renowned entertainers Moymoy Palaboy.

In another video, he dances the Harlem Shake with his grandchildren. Apparently, Gordon is not the typical “out of touch” career politician without a good sense of humor.

In summary, my friends and countrymen, you should all vote for Gordon because he is an accomplished public servant with political will, who has opposed corruption, created thousands of jobs, and saved lives. Aside from serving our country for nearly 60 years, he also knows how to do the Harlem Shake. Who would not want all those qualities in a senator? That is precisely why Filipinos need a taste of more Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is.

Long live Sen. Dick Gordon! Long live the Philippines!

Tagalog Version:

10 Dahilan Kung Bakit Mas Kailangan ng Pinoy ang Isang Dick . . . sa Senado

Mga kaibigan at kababayan ko, sa paggunita natin sa ika-125 anibersaryo ng pagiging martir ni Dr. Jose Rizal ngayon, tungkulin nating lumikha ng magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga kabataan at mapabuti ang ating bansa. Kabilang doon ay ang mahusay na pagpili ng mabubuting lingkod-bayan sa Senado. Ang layunin ng artikulong ito ay hindi para hikayatin kayong lahat na iboto si Senador Richard Gordon laban o
kapalit ng iba pang senatoriable, bagaman marahil, ang debateng iyon maaaring gawin. Sa kabilang banda, nais kong hikayatin kayong lahat na magdagdag lamang ng isa pang kandidato. Iminumungkahi kong isama ninyo sa inyong talaan ng mga senador ang isang taong kailangan ng ating bayan dahil sa kanyang angking kaalaman at makasaysayang tagumpay. Hayaan ninyong ilahad ko kung bakit:

1. Siya ay matapang na lumalaban sa katiwalian.

Bilang isang tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon), si Gordon ay isang mabagsik na kaaway ng kabuktutan sa pamamahala, ng pangaaabuso sa apangyarihan, at sadyang di pagganap sa tungkulin. Sa pamumuno sa kasalukuyang imbestigasyon sa kaso ng Pharmally, ibinunyag niya ang lantaran at malawakang katiwalian sa sabwatan ng director at ilang opisyales ng Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., ng dating pamunuan ng DBM
(Department of Budget and Management), ng dating tagapagpayo ng Pangulong Duterte, at malamang, kahit ang Pangulong Duterte mismo. Ilan sa mga inihaing kaso ng Blue Ribbon Committee ay ang paglabag sa Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, panloloko laban sa kaban ng bayan, pagsisinungaling, palsipikasyon ng mga pampublikong dokumento, at pagsuway sa patawag na inisyu ng Kongreso.

Ang ilan pang bantog at malawakang pagsisiyasat na pinangunahan ni Gordon bilang chairman ay ang Dengvaxia scandal, ang P728 million fertilizer fund scam, at ang $329 million ZTE National Broadband scandal. Higit pa rito, ang isang taong katulad ni Gordon, na patas manindigan sa katarungan at sumusunod at nagpapasakop sa kapangyarihan ng batas, ay napaka halaga para sa ating bayan lalo pa’t tayo ay nasa pang 115 pwesto sa Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International
2020.

2. Siya ay may political will.

Marami ang naniwalang si Gordon ay masugid na kaalyado ni Duterte mula pa noong umpisa ng kanyang pagkapangulo, na siya namang kapakipakinabang dahil si Duterte ay nanatiling bantog hanggang ngayon. Subalit sa ilang pagkakataon, (gaya ng sinabi ko sa “Digong is no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is”), may lakas ng loob syang salungatin si Duterte at ang mga kahinahinala at labag sa Saligang Batas nitong panukala at pamamalakad, halimbawa ay ang lantaran nitong pagpapahintulot sa China sa Panatag Shoal ng West Philippine Sea, ang pagtakbo sa pagka pangalawang pangulo, at ang pagtatalaga sa mga dating opisyales ng militar sa mga puwestong pang sibilyan sa kanyang gabiniete, (na siya ko namang tinukoy sa “Is Dick Hindering Digong or Is Digong Suffering from Dick Envy?”). Nang nagbigay ng pahayag si Duterte puno ng pangungutya at atakeng personal, hindi sumagot si Gordon sa ganoong pamamaraan, bagkus ay hinamon nya kabutihang dulot, kung mayroon man, ang mga panukala at pamamalakad ni Duterte. Naglatag pa nga siya ng mga halimbawang hango sa kasaysayan at nilalaman ng konstitusyon para itaguyod ang kanyang posisyon. Subalit,sa kabila ng kanyang pagiging magalang ay hindi nahiyang ikondena ni Gordon si Duterte bilang isang “bully” at isang “cheap politician,” na isang asal na pwedeng ipakahulugang pagtataksil sa tiwala ng taong bayan at lantarang paglabag sa Saligang Batas.

Noong mag deklara ng batas militar si Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa Maguindanao, tinutulan ito ni Gordon at hinamon kung alinsunod ito sa Saligang Batas. Sa fertilizer scam, iminungkahi ni Gordon na magsampa ng kaso laban sa itinalaga ni Arroyo na si Jocelyn Bolante (Undersecretary of Agriculture for Finance and Administration), sa kabila ng pag hirang ni Arroyo kay Gordon (bilang Kalihim ng Turismo); patunay na siya ay isang maverick, at lalong hindi trapo (traditional politician).

3. Siya ay tapat na public servant.

Noong 2016, napakadali kay Gordon na magsampa ng kaso laban kay Sen. Grace Poe para ma diskuwalipika sya pagtakbo sa pagka pangulo sa usapin ng kanyang pagkamamamayan at paninirahan. Na siya ring iminumungkahi ng mga UP college mates (also members of UNA and LP) ni Gordon na gawin niya. Subalit, sa halip na isipin niya nag pagsulong ng kanyang political ambitions, minabuti niyang huwag makinig sa udyok ng iba. Sinabi niya:

“I believe that the matter of Sen. Poe’s qualifications for national office has already been referred to the proper legal venues, and I deem it counter-productive to say anything more about this issue, aside from the statements I have already made.”

Sa kabila ng pagiging abala ni Gordon sa kanyang pampublikong tungkulin, nanatili siyang Red Cross volunteer mula pa noong siya ay 17 taong gulang pa lamang. At sa tamang panahon at dedikasyon, hinirang siyang chairman at CEO ng Red Cross, at nagsisilbi hanggang sa ngayon. Sa totoo lang, si Gordon ay hindi tumatanggap ng sweldo sa mga posisyong ginagampanan niya, ito ay patunay ng kanyang katapatan at pagiging bukas palad.

4. Mariin niyang tinutulan ang ilegal na pagkamkam at pananatili ng China sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Mariing nagpapahayag si Gordon ng kanyang pagkondena sa China’s violation of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) at ang ruling ng PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration) na pumabor sa Pilipinas. Noon pa man ay nakita na ni Gordon ang panghihimasok ng China (habang siya ay namumuno bilang Olongapo mayor) na siyang nag udyok sa kanyang ipagtanggol ang renewal ng U.S. Bases Treaty noong 1991. Pinangunahan nya ang pagpapatupad ng Visiting Forces Agreement at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, na magbibigay daan sa mga American troops na ma access ang Philippine military bases, habang nagbibigay ng kasnayan at kaalaman sa Philippine troops. Ang mga kasunduang ito rin ang mag reregulate ng joint military exercises and pagpapatrol ng WPS and siyang magbibigay “ngipin” sa U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, ni reiterate ni Gordon kung sakaling may mag umpisa ng “an armed attack against the Philippines’ armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.”

Bukod sa pakikipagtulungan sa ating pinakamatagal at pinaka mabuting kakampi, hinihimok din ni Gordon ang pakikipagkasundo sa ibang bansa, upang magsilbing babala sa China’s encroaching inclination, habang pinagtitibay ng Pilipinas ang sarili nitong pwersang militar. Para protektahan ang ating mga mangingisda sa WPS, iminungkahi ni Gordon na mag istasyon ng coast guard dito. Kaugnay dito, siya ta nag 10 pang senador ay kamakailan lamang nag filed ng resolusyon para “ikondena ang malawakang illegal activities” ng China.

5. Siya ay may makatotohanang pananaw sa isang maunlad na Pilipinas.

Sinusuportahan ni Gordon ang lahat ng gawaing makakalikha ng domestic jobs na siyang makapagbibigay sa Pilipinas ng isang ekonomiyang hindi umaasa sa remittances ng mga OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). Hinihikayat niya nag kompetisyon na makapgapapababa ng energy costs; na siyang magdudulot ng mas mababang production costs at presyo ng consumer goods. Sa kabilang banda, tataas ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan at ang mga mahihirap ay maiaangat mula sa kahirapan, na siyang nagtatapos sa kulturang ayuda o lubusang umaasa sa tulong ng pamahalaan.

Ang makapagpapabagong pananaw ni Gordon ng isang maunlad na Pilipinas ay hindi isang pangarap lamang o isang gasgas na political rhetoric. Ito ay isang adhikain na matagumpay na naipatupad sa Subic Bay Bilang kauna-unahang Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, pinamunuan ni Gordon matagumpay at mahusay na na-convert ang dating abandonadong base military ng America (Subic Bay) para maging isang maunlad na economic trade zone. Bago ang conversion, ang Subic Bay nag mistulang tambak ng abo mula sa pagputok ng Mt. Pinatubo. Matapos hikayatin at pasiglahin ni Gordon ang libo-libong volunteers na maglinis at ayusin ang lugar, daan-daang kumpanya (katulad ng Acer and FedEx) ang lumikha ng humigit kumulang na 40,000 hanapbuhay na may katumbas na US $1 bilyong foreign investments. Hindi maikakaila ang tagumpay na ito kung kaya nga at may ilang world leaders (kasama na ditto si Pres. Clinton) ang humanga sa modelong ito ng economic development.

Itinuring ni Pangulong Fidel Ramos na isang tagumpay ang Subic Bay, itinalaga niya ito (sa halip na Maynila) bilang lokasyon para sa 1996 APEC summit, kung saan nagpulong ang 18 pinuno ng estado. Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang pangulo ng Tsina na si Jiang Zemin, ang punong ministro ng Malaysia na si Mahathir Mohamad, ang Sultan ng Brunei, si Hassanal Bolkiah, at ang Pangulo ng Estados Unidos na si Bill Clinton (sa dulong kanan).

Maliban sa muling pagpapasigla ng lokal na ekonomiya ng Subic Bay, Hindi biro ang nagawa ni Gordon sa pambansang antas bilang kalihim ng Department of Tourism. Sa panahon nang panghihina ng turismo, nagawa niyang pataasin ang bilang ng mga turista mula sa isang milyon hanggang dalawang milyon sa loob lamang ng isang taon. Nang sa gayon ay makalikha ng maraming trabaho. Laban sa napakaraming pagsubok, ang lahat ng ito ay nangyari sa gitna ng mga banta ng terorista, digmaang sibil sa Mindanao, mga pagtatangka ng kudeta, at SARS. Sa katunayan, sa matagumpay na karanasan sa pagpapasigla ng ekonomiya sa lokal at pambansang antas, naiisip ni Gordon ang isang Third World Philippines na umakyat sa First World status.

Department of Tourism Sec. Gordon’s signature logo for boosting the economy.

6. Siya ay maalam na mambabatas.

Bilang senador, gumawa siya ng ilang mahahalagang batas (halimbawa, New Automated Elections System Law, Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, Filipino World War II Veterans Pensions and Benefits Act of 2008) at naging miyembro ng mahigit dalawampung komite (lalo na ang Blue Ribbon, Economic Affairs, Trade and Commerce, Education, Energy, Foreign Relations, National Defense and Security, at Ways and Means). Nagsilbi rin siyang miyembro ng JBC (Judicial and Bar Council), chairman ng Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Laws Committee, at siya ang pinakabatang delegado sa 1971 Constitutional Convention. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit siya ay isang natatanging abogado at senador, dahil sa Karanasan niyang makibahagi sa pagbalangkas ng pinakamataas na batas ng lupain, ang Saligang Batas.

As the youngest delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, Gordon swears in.

7. Siya ay may iba't-ibang karanasan sa ehekutibo.

Sa aking artikulong pinamagatang “Of Scooter, Jeepneys, Buses, and Airplanes,” ginawa kong kaso ang karanasang pang ehekutibo ni Gordon sa pribado at pampublikong pagpapatupad ng patakaran upang patunayan na siya ay magiging mahusay na presidente ng Republika ng Pilipinas noong 2010. Gayunpaman, ipinaglaban ko dito na ang karanasan iyon ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng hindsight sa pakikipagtulungan sa iba pang mambabatas bilang punong ehekutibo mismo, at naranasan niyang magkaroon nga magkatungggaling interes, kompromiso, mga resolusyon, at pakikipagtulungan sa kanila. Halimbawa, bilang alkalde (isang ehekutibong posisyon) ng Lungsod ng Olongapo, nakipagtulungan siya sa sangguniang panglungsod (lokal na lehislatura) sa pagratipika o pag-veto ng mga panukalang batas bilang isang lokal na pampublikong ehekutibo. Nagbigay ito kay Gordon ng pananaw at kasanayan sa paggawa ng mabubuting batas at epektibong maipasa ang mga ito sa kabila nang madalas ay mahabang proseso ng pambatasan at mga salungatan ng interes sa pagitan ng pambansang tagapagpaganap (ang pangulo) at ng pambansang lehislatura (Kongreso). Ang pagiging alkalde ay nagbigay din sa kanya ng mas mahigpit na angking pampublikong pananagutan, dahil ang small bureaucratic structure ng mga lokal na opisyal ay may posibilidad na maging mas transparent (kumpara sa pambansang antas), kaya nagiging mas mahirap para sa kanila na itago ang kanilang potensyal na paglabag sa batas.

8. Siya ay isang crisis manager.

Bilang chairman at CEO (isang executive position) ng Philippine Red Cross, naglakbay si Gordon sa buong Pilipinas, na nagsagawa ng maraming mabilisang hakbang tugon sa krisis. Bilang isang tagapamahala ng krisis, pinamunuan niya ang maraming operasyon ng sakuna/pagsagip sa mga biktima ng sakunang gawa ng tao at natural na kalamidad. Sa pandemyang Covid-19, ang Red Cross ang nangungunang ahensya para sa testing. Ayon kay Gordon, 5 milyong Pilipino na ang nasuri noong unang bahagi pa lamang ng Disyembre, 2021.

Sa loob halos ng 60 taong serbisyong pangkawanggawa ni Gordon, ang kanyang interbensyon ay nagligtas ng milyun-milyong buhay at naibalik ang mahigit 133,000 tahanan ng mga biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda at iba pang kalamidad. (Panoorin ang video na ito para sa mga personal na account, kabilang ang isang matagumpay na hostage rescue operation mula sa Abu Sayyaf nang walang ransom.) Siya rin ay nagdirekta ng mga operasyon na may kinalaman sa pag-iwas at kaligtasan upang mas maihanda ang ating mga kababayan sa anumang sakuna. Tanging ang isang tagapamahala ng krisis o ehekutibo (hindi lamang isang mambabatas) ang tiyak na makakaalam kung anong mga mapagkukunan at kung anong dami ang kailangang ilaan sa bawat lugar ng sakuna, kaalaman na kailangang-kailangan para sa isang bansang laging dumaranas ng mga sakuna.

Red Cross Chairman Gordon provides aid during a rescue operation.

9. Siya ay isang radio show host.

Bilang isang host ng radio show na Radyo5 92.3 News FM sa isang programang tinatawag na “Aksyon Solusyon”, na-expose si Gordon sa mga taong may iba't ibang economic at provincial background. Ang araw araw na pagpasok nang iba’t ibang feedback na nagmumula mismo sa mga tao ang nagpapanatili kay Gordon na mulat sa totoong estado ng bansa at nagbibigay sa kanya ng mga sariwang ideya kung ano ang dapat gawin. Bilang senador, siya ay nasa isang mas mahusay na posisyon upang ma-accommodate ang mga naturang ideya sa pamamagitan ng batas.

10. Siya ay isang ordinaryong Pilipino.

Bukod sa maliwanag na debosyon at paglilingkod ni Gordon sa ating bansa, on the lighter side, siya ay isang ordinaryong Pilipino, at isang kagiliw-giliw na pulitiko at tao. Halimbawa, narito ang isang clip kung saan nagpe-perform siya ng song and dance routine kasama ang mga kilalang entertainers na si Moymoy Palaboy.

Sa isa pang video, sinasayaw niya ang Harlem Shake kasama ang kanyang mga apo. Si Gordon ay hindi isang tipikal na "out of touch" politician na walang magandang sense of humor.

Sa pagwawakas, mga kaibigan at kababayan ko, iboto ninyong lahat si Gordon dahil isa siyang accomplished public servant na may political will, na lumaban sa katiwalian, lumikha ng libu-libong trabaho, at nagligtas ng maraming buhay. Bukod sa halos 60 taon niyang paglilingkod sa ating bansa, alam din niya kung paano gawin ang Harlem Shake. Sino ba naman ang hindi maghahangad ng lahat ng katangiang iyon sa isang senador? Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan ng mga Pilipino ang mas maraming Dick. . . Dick Gordon.

Mabuhay si Sen. Dick Gordon! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

The post 10 Reasons Filipinos Need a Taste of More Dick . . . for the Senate, that is first appeared on Marcial's Law.

How the Philippines Can Enforce Its Arbitral Award without Going to War with China

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:06:02 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

August 31, 2020

My friends and countrymen, as we observe National Heroes' Day on August 31, 2020, it is most appropriate to contemplate our country’s sovereignty, which includes maritime rights. Throughout his term, President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly expressed the false notion that China is “in possession” of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and that the Philippines is powerless to assert its sovereign rights therein, short of waging war with China, the latest declaration having been made in his last State of the Nation Address on July 27. Consequently, every time he does so, his critics persistently rebut him, particularly the astute Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who was instrumental in the favorable 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on the WPS.

In my “Open Letter to President Duterte” and “Why Filipinos Should Give a Damn about Panatag Shoal,” I have presented some of Carpio’s advice on how the Philippines can, indeed, enforce its arbitral award without waging war with China, some of which I have likewise enumerated below. Some of them are Carpio’s direct response to Duterte upon publicly asking him what action to undertake, as in the following dialogue:

“Xi Jinping [said] there will be trouble,” stated Duterte, “so answer me, Justice, give me the formula and I’ll do it.”

“My response is yes, Mr. President, there is a formula,” replied Carpio, “and not only one but many ways of enforcing the arbitral award without going to war with China, using only the rule of law.”

Without further ado, I present those options which Carpio stated should be implemented “together to fortify the award part by part, brick by brick, until the award is fully enforced.”

The Philippines can join a convention with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei regarding the South China Sea. The convention can declare that no geologic feature in the Spratly Islands generates an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and that there are only territorial seas from the geologic features that are above water at high tide, as ruled by the PCA. According to Carpio, China will be "isolated" as the only country claiming EEZs from the Spratly Islands. Countries that assert freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea are also expected to follow such a convention, he added.
The Philippines can invite Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei to conduct joint FONOPs in respective EEZs facing the West Philippine Sea. "This will be a common assertion by 5 coastal states that each of them have their own respective EEZs in South China Sea thereby enforcing the arbitral award that China's 9-dash line has no legal effect and cannot serve as basis to claim the waters of the South China Sea," Carpio said. By conducting joint FONOPs, it will also affirm the EEZ of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Carpio said that while the Philippines should welcome and join these operations, it has instead distanced the country from them, saying the Philippines "does not take sides" in disputes between China and other countries in the area, a seemingly treacherous gesture vis-à-vis the oldest and most loyal ally, the U.S.
The Philippines can welcome and encourage the freedom of navigation and overflight operations (FONOPs) of the U.S., U.K., France, Australia, Japan, India and Canada in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. The naval and aerial operations of these naval powers, which are in conformity with UNCLOS and customary international law, have increased in frequency since the 2016 PCA award, and are what Carpio describes as the “most robust enforcement” of the arbitral award, bridging the gap between the rule of law and the rule of justice.
The Philippines can persuade the U.S. to declare Panatag Shoal as part of Philippine territory, which would protect it under the 1951 Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). Such action would add clarity for legal ramifications, since the shoal was known to be under Philippine jurisdiction as early as the American colonial period and even under Spanish rule. The Japanese did precisely that with their Senkaku islands, which the U.S. declared as part of Japan’s territory for purposes of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty.
The Philippines could send the Philippine Navy to patrol Panatag Shoal. “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific,” stated U.S. State Sec. Mike Pompeo, “any armed attack on any Philippine forces, aircraft, or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense treaty obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defense Treaty.” Of course, that would prompt the U.S. Navy to intervene.
The Philippines can resume joint naval patrols with the U.S. in the West Philippine Sea in order to project military might, which could deter China from continuing its island-building activity on Panatag Shoal.
The Philippine Coast Guard can send its ten 44-meter multi-role response vessels that were donated by Japan to patrol the West Philippine Sea. These vessels, Carpio said, are ideal for patrolling and catching poachers in the Philippines' EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. Doing so will also assert the country's sovereign rights in the maritime area.
Congress can enact legislation to make permanent the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). Indeed, the MDT would be rendered obsolete without either of them as elucidated by Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin:

The Mutual Defense Treaty without the VFA and EDCA may be compared to a deflated balloon. For all practical purposes, it becomes an extra large rubber for an Asian. Far more elastic than he can ever need for its purpose and far more suitable as a shower cap than a prophylactic against foreign aggression.

Aside from the two treaties giving teeth to the MDT, making them permanent would revitalize and fortify America’s alliance with the Philippines while deterring China and other potential aggressors, as well as quelling terrorist threats.

The Philippines can emulate America’s foreign policy of imposing visa restrictions on all persons and business entities which Pompeo characterizes as “responsible for, or complicit in, either the large-scale reclamation, construction, or militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea, or [the People’s Republic of China’s] use of coercion against Southeast Asian claimants to inhibit their access to offshore resources.”
The Philippines can terminate contracts with Chinese firms which are, in any way, involved in reclamation and militarization activities in the WPS. In fact, Locsin has already publicly said he would make such a recommendation to the appropriate agencies.
The Philippines can file an extended continental shelf claim in the West Philippine Sea beyond the 200-nautical mile EEZ off the coast of Luzon, where China is the only opposite coastal state. The Philippines can file this unilaterally with the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. China cannot invoke historic rights under its nine-dash line claim which has already been ruled without legal effect by the PCA. China’s own extended continental shelf does not overlap with the extended continental shelf of the Philippines in this maritime area.
The Philippines can “bring China’s threat of war to another United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) arbitral tribunal, to secure an order directing China to comply with the ruling of the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal that declared the Reed Bank part of Philippine EEZ.” He added that the “Philippines can also ask for damages for every day of delay that the Philippines is prevented by China from exploiting Philippine EEZ.”
The Philippines can facilitate efforts of active citizens to enforce the arbitral award. Carpio referred to the case filed by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court. The complaint accused Xi of crimes against humanity over environmental damage in the South China Sea.
According to Senator Richard Gordon, the National Security Council can regularly convene and collaborate with a think tank paneled by foreign policy and defense experts. Such regular meetings could keep the Philippines prepared for various contingencies. “Alam naman natin na there is always contention in that area,” stated Gordon, “kaya dapat nakahanda tayo kung ano ang mangyayari diyan.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can and should immediately issue a clarification that China is in fact not in possession, and legally can never be in possession, of the WPS. According to Carpio, the international law doctrine of unilateral declarations can bind the Philippines to Duterte’s statement about China’s alleged possession of the WPS, whereby China can claim the Philippines has forfeited its sovereign rights. Hence, clarification from the DFA is essential.
The Senate and the House of Representatives can pass resolutions declaring that China is not in possession of the WPS.
All professional, civic, social, political, student, and alumni organizations, and all Filipino citizens, can and should overwhelm Malacañang with statements and text messages: China is not, and will never be, in possession of the WPS.

In conclusion, my friends and countrymen, lest the Philippines becomes “a province of China,” we can and must assert our sovereign rights in the WPS, regardless of Duterte’s rhetoric. In the authoritative words of Carpio, “The Filipino people should not be intimidated by national leaders who peddle a false option that either we go to war with China or submit to China. This false option should be discredited once and for all. . . We cannot adopt a defeatist attitude and just sit idly by and let China seize what international law has declared to be our own Exclusive Economic Zone. . . This is the moment for all Filipinos to unite in defense of Philippine sovereign rights in the WPS.”

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

The post How the Philippines Can Enforce Its Arbitral Award without Going to War with China first appeared on Marcial's Law.

Is Dick Hindering Digong or Is Digong Suffering from Dick Envy?

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:42:10 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

Updated: 9/8/19

My friends and countrymen, I realize this commentary comes late but is most appropriate as we observe National Heroes Day. Indeed, I wish to shed some light on the current issue by providing some historical context, which would otherwise perpetuate misapprehensions and misperceptions about the intentions of a public servant, worthy of the same respect, honor, and adoration as Dr. Jose Rizal. Therefore, I’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Without further ado, I’ll begin now.

I’m greatly appalled by the spectacle of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s behavior on August 1, 2019 wherein he went on a tirade against Senator Richard Gordon. When the former disclosed his decision to appoint former military officials to top government posts, the latter simply commented that having such numerous appointees could potentially be “dangerous because civilian authority must remain supreme over the military. Dapat three years muna bago ka i-appoint… para mawala muna ‘yung ties mo, the ties that bind.” (There must be three years after relief from active duty before you get appointed...to let go of your ties, the ties that bind.)

Gordon explained, “Ang problema lang kay Presidente, mababaw ang bench niya. He comes from the province, hindi niya nakilala. So, mas nagre-rely siya sa military.” (The problem with the President is that he has a shallow bench. He comes from the province and scarcely knows anyone. So, he relies mostly on the military.) As a result, during his speech at the 28^th founding anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) commemoration, Duterte made some repugnant and bizarre remarks, which I will list below and consequently address:

"Pero kung ako ang presidente at pupunta ako ng Maynila magtrabaho dito, maghanap ako ng tao. Kung si Gordon lang naman ang makita ko, mag-resign na lang ako [sa] pagkapresidente." (If I'm the President and I go to Manila to work and look for people, if Gordon is all I'd see here, I'd rather resign as president.)

"Ang tanong niya sa akin, ano daw ang nakita ko sa military. Well, one, sabihin ko sa 'yo, I can move faster with honesty. Mahirap maghanap ng tao na honest ngayon." (His question for me is, what do I see in the military? Well, one, I'll tell you, I can move faster with honesty. It's hard to find honest people nowadays.)

"Do not be too presumptuous about your talent. Why do you criticize me? It's my prerogative. It is not prohibited by law. And the law says that the president shall be, kung may tulong siya sa mga taong Cabinet member (if he gets help from Cabinet members), it doesn't say except those who are ex-military men because they are not qualified."

“I am challenging him, give me one specific instance that the military, the police or the DILG membership disobeys a single order from me.”

“You won’t ever become vice president. I will make sure of that. You really won’t become vice president. Now if you want that title badly, what you should do is you create a private corporation, make your family the incorporators of that corporation, then appoint a president, a member of your family as president of the corporation, then find a way that you will be seated as the vice president of that corporation.”

“Kung ikaw mag-presidente, sigurado ‘yan wala talagang maniwala sa ‘yo. ‘Yang sinabi mo na ‘yan? ‘Wag ka na tumakbo ng presidente, wala kang makuha sa Armed Forces. Pag manalo ka, kargahin ka diyan galing sa Luneta diretso ka doon sa Bilibid (If you run for president, for sure, no one will believe you. Considering what you said about the military? Don't ever run for presidency, you won't get a single vote from the Armed Forces. If you win, you will be carried straight from Luneta to jail),” he added.

“Mabuti kung may away diyan sa Negros, matawag ko ba si Senator Dick Gordon magpunta doon? Magturo-turo, mag-English… Siya lang makaintindi, kinakain niya salita niya, eh (There’s conflict in Negros, it would be good if I could call on Senator Gordon to go there. But what would he do? Teach English? It’s only he who understands himself because he eats his words),” Duterte said.

“Hindi ka naman talaga Filipino, tisoy ka lang. Kami dito mga probinsyano.” (You are not pure Filipino, you are of mixed race. We, from the province, are.)

"You know, I think 'yung sabi niyang probinsyano ako, sa bagay totoo 'yan. Pero, at least, probinsiyano ako, my brain stays in my head. 'Yung utak mo, Dick, natutunaw, napupunta diyan sa tiyan mo. You are a fart away from disaster. Intindihin mo muna 'yung tiyan mo bago ka makialam sa trabaho ko." (You know, I think his remark about me being from the province, to be fair, that's true. But at least I'm from the province, my brain stays in my head. Your brain, Dick, dissolves and goes to your belly instead. You are a fart away from disaster. Mind your belly first before interfering with my job.)

“Take care of your stomach. It’s ugly. You’re just a fart, a heartbeat away from… ‘Yang laki mong ‘yan? ‘Yan ang katawan na mahirap, hindi pwede ambulansya. Karga ninyo sa truck ninyo.” (With your size? You won’t fit in an ambulance. They will carry you at the back of a truck.)

“Sabi ko nga, ikaw, para kang penguin maglakad. Totoo man sabihin mo sa kanya. Makita kami. Sabihin niya sa akin uli ‘yan. Sabihin niya in front of me.” (Like I said, he walks like a penguin. It’s true, you can tell him that. When we see each other, he should tell me what he said to my face.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWpE_3ALIY4&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1lCEaiID28ttVZd3Xy3dLCznogs8PkSxtODXU3tFDll3kVsTPYa9b_GWE

To all these insults, Gordon graciously responded, "I take no offense at the President’s comments. As I have said, everyone is entitled to an opinion, and we cannot be onion-skinned about such things. . . I am happy that the President is concerned about my waistline, but he need not worry about that. My wife has seen to it that I have reduced it significantly of late. But I appreciate that he is concerned about my health as I am about his.”

Now that I have presented the relevant parts of the dialogue between Duterte and Gordon, I will henceforth address each of Duterte’s points. First, Duterte detests Gordon so much that he would resign as President if he was the only prospective appointee. However, in a speech at a Philippine Red Cross event in 2017, Duterte praisefully referred to him as “President Gordon,” which would be “only about a few more years.” Whence came such clear inconsistency in Duterte’s view of Gordon?

Second, Duterte says he prefers military officials because they are trustworthy, and honest non-military prospects are difficult to find. Generally speaking, in this seemingly cruel, dog-eat-dog world, it is difficult to find trustworthy friends and spouses, much less good, upstanding public servants impervious to corruption. However, that is precisely why anyone running for the office of president should have an entrenched political machinery. That is simply the nature of politics.

Surely Duterte’s close friendships with potential appointees are not limited to current military and retired military officials. Even if so, can he not find prospects among the network of his own children in public office? Mayor Sara Duterte or Congressman Paolo Duterte? What about his college mates or colleagues when he was a prosecutor? By the way, if military officials are trustworthy, what of the retired generals who are accused of plunder at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)?

Third, Duterte questions Gordon’s criticism, defensively stating that his intended appointments are at his discretion and lawful. Article XVI, Section 5(4) of the 1987 Constitution reads: “No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries.” Therefore, Duterte is correct with regard to legality and constitutionality.

However, this is not an issue of legality or constitutionality, but of national security and following the spirit of the law, rather than just the letter of the law. Apparently, Gordon understood the principle of civilian control of the military, since the latter is not an institution “wired for democratic policymaking, governing, or statecraft.” Rather, its nature is authoritarian and generally functions for defense, deterrence, and killing.

In order to understand Gordon’s concern germane to Duterte’s potential militarization of the government, historical context is instructive. This concept of civilian supremacy is the trademark of American government, which distinguishes the U.S. as well as other republics (including the Philippines) from authoritarian nations, whose attempts to overturn their governments via military coups, are banal. In order to institute such a state of affairs, America’s founders delegated some military functions to civilians.

According to Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress shall have the power "To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water; To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; To provide and maintain a Navy." Article II, Section 2 reads, "The President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States . . .” Such a dispersal of power with a civilian check on the military was similarly adopted and assimilated into the Philippine Constitution.

During a time when the world was less interconnected in terms of trade and national defense, a standing army or permanent military force was obsolete, even abhorred by America’s founders. They knew from their experience under King George III, that on just a whim of a tyrannical government, their rights could easily be violated. However, this situation changed after World War II and the specter of Communism, whereby a more dangerous world necessitated the banality of a permanent American military force and interventionist foreign policy, even more so today with the rapid spread of Islamic terrorism and the emergence of rogue states, developing nuclear weapons.

Consequently, the U.S. Congress passed the National Security Act of 1947 which mandated a 10-year minimum (currently amended to a 7-year minimum) of inactive military service prior to appointment as Defense Secretary. Such a law, according to Kathleen Hicks of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “is a prudent contribution to maintaining the constitutionally-grounded principle of civilian control, both symbolically and in practice, in the presence of a sizable and highly capable 21st century military.” Gordon is fully aware of this American law and proposes it be applied to retired military appointees in the Philippines as well. However, he suggests a mandatory 3-year (instead of 7-year) hiatus and proposes it for all top civilian posts, aside from that of Defense Secretary. Such an interval would weaken the “ties that bind” and hence thwart coup attempts by rebels.

From our own history, Gordon has pointed out two coup d’etat attempts by the Magdalo group, which is composed of three Philippine Military Academy graduates, who served in the Bureau of Customs, namely, former Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, Customs Deputy Commissioner Gerardo Gambala, and former Import Assessment Services (IAS) director Milo Maestrecampo. “First of all,” Gordon asks, “is there any danger, for example, that they could be raising money for a political party like Magdalo? Is there any danger, for example, that they could be raising money to buy arms for another coup?”

V: Gordon’s interpolation

Cognizant of our countrymen’s tendency to be complacent, even in so far as to be acquiescent, Gordon is simply cautioning us, including Duterte, about the risks of appointing newly retired military officials to top civilian posts of government. The purpose, according to Gordon, is “meant not only to protect the country but his administration." That is his mandate as a representative of the people, and if Duterte feels hindered or threatened, perhaps he does not possess an equivalent historical acumen or erudition. Otherwise, his despotic tendencies may be preventing him from tolerating peaceful dissent or differing public policies, qualities that comprise a thriving republic.

Aside from the ostensible domestic concerns of militarized government, negative global optics can adversely affect international relations in security and business dealings. Among Duterte’s former military appointees thus far are: Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council of the Philippines (HUDCC) Chair Eduardo del Rosario, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, and MMDA Chair Danilo Lim. Couple such appointments with his numerous visits to military camps throughout the Philippines, his rhetoric on the prospect of establishing a revolutionary government, his demand for authorization to use emergency powers and imposition of martial law, and his censuring of journalists.

Would such optics bode well with the international community? Would foreign investors feel confident about infusing funds to boost our economy? Would our allies trust us and continue to provide foreign aid in the form of humanitarian goods and services and military goods and training? How would potential tourists feel about vacationing in the Philippines?

Fourth, on Duterte’s challenge to Gordon to cite one specific instance wherein a military official disobeyed an order from him, August 20th the day of such an instance. It was the day Bureau of Corrections Chief Nicanor Faeldon ordered the release of rapist/murderer Antonio Sanchez against Duterte’s order. According to Duterte, “he violated my instructions.” That is why on September 4, 2019, the President terminated his public service. “Faeldon has to go,” he said, “because Faeldon disobeyed my order.” Hence, Gordon won the challenge without ever uttering a word, since Duterte essentially outchallenged himself.

Fifth, it seems that Duterte has given advice to Gordon on how to become Vice-President. I must say that I am a bit perplexed. I was not aware that Gordon has sought or currently seeks such a post. Therefore, I cannot comment on that, but I will ask: How is that pertinent to the BFP commemoration?

Sixth, Duterte states that should Gordon run for the presidency, nobody would believe him, and the military would not vote for him, due to insulting them. Why wouldn’t anyone believe Gordon? He has been consistent in his principles and is even known as “Aksyon Gordon” because he “walks the walk” and doesn’t just “talk the talk.” What precisely was Gordon’s insult to the military? That the government may become militarized?

Perhaps he shares the same sentiment as one of America’s founders, Samuel Adams, who warned that, “Even when there is a necessity of military power, within the land… a wise and prudent people will always have a watchful & jealous eye over it.” Why wouldn’t the military vote for Gordon? I’ll let him defend himself in his own words:

During my first term as Senator, we authored and passed RA 6948 or the Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits for Military Veterans and their Dependents. We even pushed for a higher budget for the military and defense. In fact, during the deliberations of the TRAIN Law, we proposed that 15% of the collections from it be earmarked for military modernization and it passed the Senate. When it was later removed, I threatened to filibuster until the President called and assured me that the executive would ensure that it would be implemented.

Seventh, Duterte expressed his desire for Gordon to accompany him in Negros with regard to the recent killings allegedly committed by the New People’s Army, the military arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines. However, he questioned what he would do there. Teach English? What an excellent idea, since English is a most essential language! According to the British Council:

English is the main language of books, newspapers, airports and air-traffic control, international business and academic conferences, science, technology, diplomacy, sport, international competitions, pop music and advertising. Over two-thirds of the world’s scientists read in English. Three quarters of the world’s mail is written in English. Eighty percent of the world’s electronically stored information is in English. Of the estimated forty million users of the Internet, some eighty percent communicate in English. . .

Gordon speaks both fluent English and Tagalog. He is even adept in utilizing English colloquialisms, clichés, and idioms. Therefore, Gordon would be the ideal English instructor for the people of Negros, unlike Duterte who is fluent in neither.

Of course, a well learned and accomplished man as Gordon can contribute in other ways as well. As a crisis manager for the Red Cross, he could provide emotional and inspirational support, as well as disaster logistics and rescue aid to the victims. As a legal luminary, Gordon could advise Duterte on any proposals with regard to military and counter-terrorist action and the legality or constitutionality thereof. After all, he was a lawyer and delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, and is currently an effective lawmaker in the Senate.

Eighth, on the issue of Gordon not being a real Filipino, If Duterte is referring exclusively to ethnicity, then he is incontrovertibly correct. He is only 50% Filipino due to his Caucasian father, who chose to renounce his American citizenship, become a Filipino citizen, betroth and live with a Filipina in the Philippines, serve Filipinos as their mayor, and eventually die and be buried in the Philippines. Gordon followed suit, notwithstanding his birth and rearing in the Philippines and is yet to be deceased.

If, on the other hand, the definition of a Filipino is expanded to include a Philippine citizen who religiously performs his civic duty, then Gordon is 100% Filipino. If the definition includes a citizen who contemplates and honors Filipino heroes and martyrs, then Gordon is 100% Filipino. If the definition includes a public servant who defends and upholds Filipino institutions and the Philippine Constitution, then Gordon is 100% Filipino. In a word, if the definition of being a Filipino is simply one who embraces Filipino culture and supporting causes and policies which will advance or uplift the Filipino people, then Gordon is 100% Filipino. Is that not all that should matter? Duterte will not even fulfill his constitutional mandate of protecting the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty in Panatag Shoal. Perhaps we should rightfully say that he is 50% Filipino and 50% Chinese for acquiescing this fundamental right to China.

Ninth, from where did all Duterte’s derogatory and puerile comments about Gordon’s intelligence (or lack thereof) and excess weight emanate? One can only speculate. Perhaps this was a display of the former’s own intelligence (or lack thereof). Perhaps it was another typical demonstration of his character (or lack thereof). Perhaps such histrionics was simply an indicator of his own inadequacies or insecurities projected deeply from his own subconscious. Perhaps it is due to his upbringing in the province. de0a Whatever it may be, one thing is certain: Digong’s obsession with Dick finally overwhelmed him. Indeed, ranting about Dick for approximately twenty minutes in a speech, which was supposed to commemorate the BFP, made this clearly transparent.

In conclusion, I wish to inculcate our countrymen with some important points. First, we must always remember that a popular president does not equate to a good president. That is why Gordon’s grasp of history, his foresight, and his persistent vigilance are qualities we should come to appreciate and cultivate within ourselves.

Second, we must understand that Gordon’s civility and humility in handling Duterte’s excoriation exalts him and makes him the better man, as well as the better public servant. Indeed, his restraint in personal attacks against Duterte is a display of good character, diplomacy, and cognizance of domestic, as well as global optics, which could impact international relations.

Third, we must appreciate the founders and their concept of civilian supremacy over the military in order to preserve our government’s peaceful transfer of power.

Finally, my friends and countrymen, we must never, under any circumstances, underestimate or take for granted, the value and impact of Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is.

The post Is Dick Hindering Digong or Is Digong Suffering from Dick Envy? first appeared on Marcial's Law.

A Federal Philippines: A Modest Proposal

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:47:01 +0000

Fourth of 4 parts

Now that I have presented my reasons for supporting the American paradigm on which the Philippines can model, in full or in part, its federal form (namely, a limited, federal, presidential government), I will henceforth present a few key features and safeguards of the U.S. government which I propose be assimilated into the new Philippine constitution. However, it must be noted that, albeit the Philippine government was partially modeled after the American government, these key features were excluded from being incorporated into the Philippine constitution.

Such safeguards are not only what starkly differentiate the U.S. government from the Philippine government, but they are precisely what account for the general effectiveness of the former’s system of checks and balances---namely, a federalist system by which power is equally divided by a central government and the states, an electoral college to elect the president, a Senate with its members elected by their districts rather than at large, and recourse for the states whenever their sovereignty is threatened by a tyrannical federal government. Due to much of the public’s oblivion to these distinctions, I have elucidated them in my commentary entitled “Is the Philippine Government an American Replica?”

Senate

First, I propose the restructuring of the Philippine Senate pursuant to the American model of equal regional representation, whereby each region or state will elect two senators. Indeed, this is a drastic deviation of the current method of the populace voting for twenty-four senators nationwide or at large. Not only would this arrangement be congenial to the unique situation of each region or state, it would empower the small states as well. Indeed, as American founder William Davie stated, “The protection of the small states against the ambition and influence of the larger members, could only be effected by arming them with an equal power in one branch of the legislature.” Hence, equal representation in the Senate is a safeguard against what American founder James Madison called “the tyranny of the majority.”

Since the lower chamber of Congress known as the House of Representatives is composed of members elected directly by the people, it has been characterized as embodying the unfettered “passions” of the people. By contrast, members of the upper house known as the Senate shall be elected or appointed by the regional or state legislatures, whose members are inclined to be refined and informed. That is why Madison wrote, “The use of the Senate is to consist in its proceedings with more coolness, with more system and with more wisdom, than the popular branch.” Put more simply by American founder George Washington, the scalding heat of the “tea” of the House is placed into the “senatorial saucer to cool it.”

Additionally, the election or appointment of senators by regional or state legislatures will decrease the influence of special interest groups on senatoriables, since they often fund costly state-wide races. Political commentator John DeMaggio elaborates:

Senators would no longer be bound by allegiances to these special interests. Candidates would not be obliged to receive funding from political parties for their nonexistent campaign limiting a Senator’s obligation to the national political party. Senators would be more obligated to serve the interests of their State . . . rather than a national political party or special interests.

Hence, the republican nature of the Senate serves as a check and balance on the democratic nature of the House, a distinct feature of American federalism, which ultimately keeps an overreaching federal government at bay.

Electoral College

Second, I propose the establishment of an electoral college (EC) to elect the president as opposed to the current form of direct or popular election. Being comprised of what American founder John Jay characterizes as “the most enlightened and respectable citizens. . . their votes will be directed to those men only who have become the most distinguished by their abilities and virtue. . . As an assembly of select electors possess. . . the means of extensive and accurate information relative to men and characters, so will their appointments bear at least equal marks of discretion and discernment . . .”

By contrast, the current presidential electoral system via popular vote is often dominated by man’s raw passion and impulse (as in the House) because as American founder Elbridge Gerry stressed, the “people are uninformed, and would be misled by a few designing men.” Perhaps that accounts for the banal election of incompetent politicians, unfavorable dynasties, and inexperienced celebrities in the Philippines. Hence, the EC, much as the Senate, serves as a check and safeguard against the populace’s unfettered passion and impulsive drive.

The EC also serves to ensure fair representation for the small and least populated regions or states just as it does in the U.S. Senate. Consider that of the seventeen regions, the two most populous ones are Southern Tagalog (Region IV) at 14,414,774 and the National Capital Region (Region XIII) at 12,877,253. Naturally, a direct election of the president would be largely in their favor to the detriment of the less populous regions, such as the Cordillera (Region XIV) at 1,722,006 or Caraga (Region XVI) at 2,596,709.

That is why I propose, in addition to the equivalent number of House members, two representatives be elected or appointed by each region or state in order to constitute a Philippine electoral college (EC) similar to the U.S., whereby each region will be equally represented, regardless of its size. In so doing, the president will be the president of the whole Philippines, not just of the largest regions or metropolitan areas.

The final purpose of the EC is to facilitate the preclusion of voter fraud. However, in order for this to be effective, the presidential electoral system must become decentralized. Just as in the U.S., each individual state legislates its own election laws, each Philippine region or state must do likewise. In so doing, corrupt federal election officials would find it virtually impossible to fix or “rig” the presidential election due to the electoral autonomy of every region or state and the functioning of local election judges, tasked with multiple responsibilities.

Even when anomalies are discovered after the voting results, they can easily be isolated to one or only a few regions or states, which would make for speedy recounts, as was the case in the 2000 U.S. presidential election wherein a voting dispute occurred between George W. Bush and Al Gore in Florida for only a few weeks. Contrast that with the dispute between Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and Leni Robredo which has persisted for over two years. Consider also how cost-effective the electoral process would be due to decentralization and curtailing of lawsuits.

The electors shall not hold public office in any branch of the federal government, be given a salary, or have tenure, and whereupon its sole function of electing the president and vice-president is executed, the EC shall immediately be dissolved. Hence, they will be insulated from national political pressure. Such a temporary function certainly addresses American founder Alexander Hamilton’s concern that presidential selection should not “depend on any preexisting bodies of men who might be tampered with beforehand to prostitute their votes.” The manner by which electors are selected shall be at the sole discretion of each individual state or region---e.g., via a state or region’s legislature, via a state or region’s governor on the authority of that state or region’s legislature.

It is ostensible that the EC has a positive impact and wide implications on governance. Such a significant feature, with all its safeguards, is the cornerstone of American federalism, of which the Philippine government is bereft. Indeed, the EC is also an alternative to a direct democracy (as is currently the case), authoritarianism, and parliamentary government.

Nullification

Third, America’s founders brilliantly concocted two checks as a remedy for the states to counter an overreaching or tyrannical national government. The remedies are state nullification of unconstitutional federal laws and an Article V Convention of States (COS). The former is, according to Jefferson, “the rightful remedy” against “all unauthorized acts done” by the national government and was executed effectively in defiance of a federal embargo, the Alien and Sedition Acts, and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. In my commentary entitled The Peak of Tyranny and End of Its Destruction, I cited two more recent examples in which Montana, Alabama, and Wyoming amended their state constitutions, nullifying Obamacare.

In defiance to President Barack Obama’s executive orders to banning certain types of firearms, several governors, state legislators, and sheriffs have taken measures to quell or nullify any presidential decree, which did not conform to their own state’s gun regulations. Some legislators have gone so far as to prepare legislation which would criminalize any attempt of federal agents to enforce the new federal gun ownership restrictions. One sheriff in Oregon (Tim Mueller) even wrote a letter to Vice President Joe Biden in which he declared that neither he nor his deputies would enforce any federal gun law, which he deems unconstitutional. Among the states which exercised such recalcitrant acts were Mississippi, Kentucky, Oregon, Minnesota, Alabama, Tennessee, Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, Florida, and Texas.

Convention of States

In Federalist 85, Hamilton alludes to the second remedy when he says, “. . . we may safely rely on the disposition of the state legislatures to erect barriers against the encroachments of the national authority.” He is referring to assembling a Convention of States (COS), which is actually embodied in Article V of the U.S. Constitution:

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress ….

Put plainly and simply, thirty-four states of the U.S. must consent to deliberation in a convention of states (not a constitutional convention, which would be a formidable option) to propose constitutional amendments. Thirty-eight states must ratify the amendments in order for them to become binding and effective. In this way, the states can put the national government in check regardless of who occupies the presidency, Congress, or the Supreme Court. As of this writing, twelve states have passed a COS resolution. Furthermore, the aforementioned remedies as state nullification and an Article V COS are essential in lawfully preserving federalism, while precluding “mob rule.”

Article 5: The Amendment Process in the U.S.

In the Philippine context, a clause pertinent to regional or state nullification of intrusive federal laws can and should be annexed to the draft constitution in order to preclude jurisdictional discrepancies, wherein both the regions and national government purport to defend and uphold the Constitution. Unfortunately, such a clause is nonexistent in the U.S. Constitution, which has been the cause for the aforementioned discrepancies and can thus serve as an example of unintended consequences from which the Philippines can learn. In terms of annexing a COS clause to the draft constitution, the number of regions needed for deliberation and ratification will be smaller than our U.S. counterpart, since the number of regions created and established via federalism will be significantly smaller than the fifty states of the U.S. (e.g., eleven pursuant to LDP Institute’s model and eighteen pursuant to RBH 8).

Furthermore, a Senate elected by the regions or states, an electoral college to elect the President, and recourse for the regions or states against an overreaching federal government are checks and balances safeguarding the sovereignty of the regions or states and the people. They are elements, which, in spite of their historical significance to American federalism, have never been assimilated into Philippine government. Perhaps now is the time in the clamor for federalism and as an alternative to a costly and more drastic shift to a federal parliamentary system.

However, in spite of the ostensible advantages of my federalist proposal, it must be noted that it is not a “magic bullet” or the single, perfect solution to everything ailing the Philippines. Rather it is a remedy to address certain issues, which, in order to have maximum positive impact, must be executed in concert with other measures, e.g., the enforcement of current laws, economic liberalization to curb protectionist policies and attract direct foreign investments, and cultural changes in order to cultivate an informed, disciplined, industrious, and active citizenry which will strengthen preexisting, fundamental, social institutions. The latter is imperative, lest the electorate continues to elect incompetent or corrupt politicians, and that will occur under any system of governance—unitary or federal, presidential or parliamentary.

This is excerpted from “The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards” by Marcial Bonifacio. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are accessible by clicking on their links.

The post A Federal Philippines: A Modest Proposal first appeared on Marcial's Law.

A Federal Philippines: The Time-Tested Model

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:37:05 +0000

Third of 4 parts

Having presented my reasons for the federalist shift while also addressing contrarian views, I also propose that the Constitutional Commission scrutinizes, adapts, and includes the American government’s model---in full or, at least, in part. If only in part, I propose a few particular safeguards be assimilated into the new Philippine constitution. In the meantime, it seems appropriate to scrutinize my reasons for including the U.S. model in making the transition to federalism.

Best Ideas

First and foremost, America’s republic is comprised of the best historical ideas. Indeed, the founders scrutinized the governing systems of the predominant Western civilizations---ancient and contemporary. These include Greece, Rome, France, and England from which the founders derived the concepts of liberty, justice, trial by jury, separation of powers, democracy, republicanism, and self-government. The founders meticulously studied the rise and fall of tyrannical governments in those nations, as well as their own experience with King George III in framing a constitution which would preclude such occurrences in the U.S.

Preexisting Government Infrastructure

Second, since the Philippine government was largely framed after the U.S. government, the familiar preexisting federal infrastructure or apparatus of the separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches facilitates a more congenial transition to federalism much more so than abolishing it as parliamentary government advocates and proponents of PDP-Laban Federalism Institute’s model seek to do. Even the anti-colonialist Delegate Manuel Roxas defended the ratification of the 1935 Constitution (although it is a gross variation of America’s original constitution):

Why have we preferred the Government established under this draft? Because it is the Government with which we are familiar. It is the form of government fundamentally such as it exists today; it is the only kind of government we have found to be in consonance with our experience, and with the necessary modification capable of permitting a fair play of social forces and allowing the people to conduct the presidential system.

It must be noted that I do not oppose a parliamentary form of government per se. I simply would support it only as a last resort, i.e., when all reforms under a presidential federal system (e.g., the establishment of an electoral college to elect the president and a Senate elected by regional legislatures instead of at large) fail, but I digress.

Resiliency

Third, America’s system has proven to be the most resilient. Constitutional law Professor Hugh Hewitt points out:

The work of collective genius that is the Constitution has been tested by everything from an actual civil war that claimed 600,000 lives to various panics, two world wars, the Great Depression, and the Great Recession, not to mention impeachments and assassinations, political-judicial meltdowns like Florida in 2000, and dozens of scandals---and it does not break. It is more resilient than any other modern constitution, a remarkable, nearly perfect balance of competing powers and separated authorities that has endured and will endure. Those who fear it is off the road and in the ditch have to ignore history’s many examples of America righting itself after trauma and setback.

Consider America’s progress in the abolition of slavery, suffrage for women, and civil rights for blacks, all of which happened within 229 years of the establishment of the U.S. government. In spite of such turbulent occasions, the world’s oldest written supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution, remains largely intact. Contrast that with our three Philippine constitutions---of 1935, 1973, and 1987---all promulgated and implemented within a single century. Additionally, President Rodrigo Duterte has raised the specter of a revolutionary government, which all betokens the instability of the Philippine government.

Unequivocal Language

Fourth, the language of the U.S. Constitution is very clear in distinguishing the powers of the federal government from that of the states. Article 1, Section 8 enumerates the federal powers:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States…To borrow Money on the credit of the United States…To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes…To coin money…To establish Post Offices and post Roads…To raise and support Armies.

The Tenth Amendment, the last of the Bill of Rights, betokens the threshold at which the states (or the people) are sovereign, which is the cornerstone of federalism. It states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People.” The American founder and principal author of the Constitution, James Madison, elaborates on the nature of these powers in Federalist 45:

The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace negotiation, and foreign commerce . . . The powers reserved to the several states will extend to all the objects, which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the state.

Indeed, it is those “few and defined” powers of the federal government which accounts for a simple, comprehensible, and short constitution. Contrast that with our lengthy constitution of 1987, which manifests a government exceeding the size and scope imposed by America’s founders.

At the left is a printout of a 53-page copy of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, whereas to the right is a single replicated page of the U.S. Constitution.

Based on Natural Rights

Fifth, it is the first written constitution based on our timeless, ubiquitous, natural rights, which intrinsically circumscribe the national government and betoken the vast range of our individual liberty. Indeed, the U.S. Declaration of Independence (upon which America’s constitution is based) betokens man’s universal and intrinsic equality and endowment of “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Even the Philippine revolutionary and anti-colonialist Apolinario Mabini acknowledged such rights, stemming from “natural law,” when attributing the success of the U.S. government to the major work of two of its founders, Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine:

The ruler’s success is always to be found in the adjustment of his practical measures to the natural and immutable order of things and to the special needs of the locality, an adjustment that can be made with the help of theoretical knowledge and experience. The source of all failures in government can therefore be found, not in (mistaken) theories but in unprincipled practices arising from base passions or ignorance. If the Government of the United States has been able to lead the Union along the paths of prosperity and greatness, it is because its practices have not diverged from the theories contained in the Declaration of Independence and of the Rights of Man, which constitute an exposition of the principles of natural law implanted by the scientific revolutions in the political field.

This is excerpted from “The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards” by Marcial Bonifacio. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are accessible by clicking on their links.

The post A Federal Philippines: The Time-Tested Model first appeared on Marcial's Law.

A Federal Philippines: Naysayers Debunked

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:26:45 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

Second of 4 parts

Apart from the ostensible advantages of federalism, critics persist in their tenacity. Their recalcitrance dissuades others from supporting or even learning more about federalism, hence perpetuating the status quo. That is why I have addressed some of their criticisms below.

Economy May ‘Go to Hell’

Critics commonly point to the findings of DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III who stated that the national government may incur a 6.7% deficit, interest rates would rise by up to 6%, 95% of national government employees may be laid off, and the country’s investment-grade credit ratings may “go to hell.” ConCom technical working head Wendell Tamayo estimates the cost of establishing 16 federated regions, Bangsamoro and Cordillera regions, four federal courts, and six constitutional commissions at P2.2 trillion, while Rosario Manasan of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies estimates that approximately P55 billion per year will need to be appropriated for the salaries of new federal state elected officials.

Some economists like Victor Abola (professor of the University of Asia and the Pacific) point to a few federal countries which are imperiled by hyperinflation and fear that a federal Philippines may be subjected to the same aftermath. Due to Venezuela’s current inflation rate of 25%, things cost 250 times more today than a year ago. Other federal countries like Mexico and Brazil have a similar result due to their localities’ reckless spending on elections, which Abola states is “the primary reason for their hyperinflation episodes . . . which exceeded 4,000% inflation.”

In spite of such negative financial analysis, there are potential measures which could preclude or mitigate some of the aforementioned effects. For example, ConCom spokesman Ding Generoso has proposed the appropriations for implementing federalism emanate from one of several sources: regional taxes/fees, share of top revenue sources, share of equalization fund, the General Appropriations Act, or natural resources income. Political scientist Antonio Contreras suggests that some of federalism’s additional costs can be compensated for by the lower costs of transactions, travel, and communication due to decentralization.

Another source would emanate from an expanded tax base due to increased domestic and foreign investments. In order to be competitive, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) suggests the corporate income tax (CIT) be lowered from 30% to 20%. Although the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion 2 (TRAIN 2) law will lower the CIT to 25%, the average rate of the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbors is 22.7%. Hence, a more competitive CIT would attract more investors and create more jobs which, in turn, would translate into more tax revenue.

Also, fiscal incentives for foreign investors in economic zones should be maintained. For example, the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 grants free port locators a 5% tax on gross income earned. Unfortunately, TRAIN 2 will repeal such incentives, which the AmCham claimed would “lead to an end to expansions by many foreign investors and a reversal of the success in recent decades in attracting thousands of foreign firms to invest in the country.”

Indeed, this concern is shared by Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Danny Piano who fears the prospect of “capital flight” and Charito Plaza, director general of the Philippine Export Zone Authority, who will continue to defend the fiscal incentives. Aside from retaining the 5% tax, the financial giant HSBC suggests loosening foreign ownership restrictions via charter change, which would increase the Philippines’ share (currently the lowest) in ASEAN’s “FDI windfall.”

Additionally, all business tax cuts and fiscal incentives should be made permanent, as well as repealing the protectionist clause of the 1987 Constitution in order to boost long-term commitments by investors. Indeed, such “productive investment,” stated UP professor Maria Bautista, “will generate future streams of income that will not only increase domestic output and income, but also allow the country to service its debt.” Perhaps the anticipated 95% of laid off national government employees can be reabsorbed into the revitalized private economy or continue their public service on a local level. Either way, different economic opportunities will abound due to the reallocation of capital precipitated by tax reform and economic liberalization.

ConCom Atty. Rodolfo Robles points out that the national budget is approximately P3.75 trillion and that 40% of it is illegally misdirected. “Sa simple arithmetic po,” stated Robles, “ayan ay 1.5 trillion, ang napupunta sa graft and corruption.” He continued to say that at least half of it can be retrieved with a sufficient supply of attorneys.

Recently, in the U.S., Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Mark Sanford introduced the “Penny Plan” or the “One Percent Solution.” It mandates Congress to reduce federal spending in all departments by one cent on the dollar. This would drastically curtail inefficiencies from wasteful spending and balance the budget over a period of five years. Surely, the Philippines can adapt such a plan in order to cap or mitigate the anticipated deficit as a result of instituting federalism. Call it the “Centabo Plan.”

I would add that with the regions assuming more fiduciary responsibility, the people will be able to retain more of their hard-earned income, while their region more effectively delivers services otherwise performed by the national government. Such an arrangement would also allocate resources more efficiently and fairly, since taxpayers residing in Manila would no longer have to fund the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or condoms for lazy, mendicant perverts residing in Zamboanga City (presuming 4Ps and the RH Law get repealed, or the regions have the option to nullify them by virtue of federalism, just as the U.S. is currently in the process of repealing the unconstitutional Affordable Care Act, putatively “Obamacare”). Indeed, such decentralization echoes ConCom member Dr. Julio Teehankee’s sentiment that “the proposed draft federal constitution encourages the national government to go on a diet and the regions to go on a muscle-building regimen.”

In terms of hyperinflation, it is highly misleading and even disingenuous to attribute it to federalism per se. Indeed, Venezuela’s centralized federalism (an oxymoron) is simply a euphemism for its federalized socialism, whose perpetual budget deficits and inability to borrow money, has resorted to excessive printing of increasingly devalued money. Consequently, hyperinflation has become pervasive. In the case of Brazil and Mexico, it is ostensibly due to poor management and or flawed public policy in election campaign financing which has led to such high inflation rates. That could be remedied by transparency legislation or strict penalties for exceeding a fixed limit on campaign financing or outright privatization of campaign financing. Ergo, hyperinflation need not be attributable to federalism.

Comparing the Philippines to the U.S. and Germany an Apples to Oranges Comparison

Some opponents assert that presenting the economic success of advanced, western, federal countries like the U.S. and Germany is disingenuous, since the Philippines is generally still a developing, Asian country---an apples to oranges comparison. However, the eastern, federal states of India and Malaysia more closely resemble the Philippines and have a relatively stable government and growing economy. Malaysia’s economic growth is at 5% with a GDP of $863.3 billion and foreign direct investment (FDI) at $9.9 billion. India, whose history is also influenced by colonialism and the English language, has a growth rate of 7.3% with a GDP of $8.7 trillion and FDI at $4.5 billion. Compare those economic indicators to that of the Philippines with a 5.8% growth rate, a GDP of $805.2 billion, and FDI at $7.9 billion.

Increased Power to Local Dynasties and Oligarchs

Apart from the ostensible advantages, some are fearful that federalism will enable political dynasties to dominate the regions. However, a vigilant and informed citizenry can prevent such occurrences or take counter measures after the fact, such as passing and enforcing anti-dynasty and transparency laws as Senator Nene Pimentel suggests. However, as I wrote in my commentary entitled Why Manny Pacquiao’s Defeat Could Be a Win for the Country, “I do not oppose dynasties, insofar as their members are fairly and democratically elected and serve the interests of their constituents. However, when they are self-serving or hold power only for namesake, I oppose them and any office holder—dynasty clan or not.”

Anyway, should all remedies fail, citizens and businesses can simply migrate to another region, which is more congenial to their own interests, values, economic preferences, or lifestyle. Over whom would the dynastic oligarchs rule and depend on for tax revenue, if everyone migrated elsewhere? Would they then not be compelled to compete with other regions by providing quality government services, e.g., infrastructure, public safety, property rights protection, and contract enforcement?

Federalism Too New and Foreign to the Philippines

Some opponents stress that since federalism is a foreign concept or that the Philippines lacks historical experience in regional autonomy (in contrast to the U.S., Malaysia, and Germany), such a system would be inappropriate or not viable. However, I contend that El Filibusterismo, a sewer system, jeepneys, smart phones, and a Red Cross did not always exist, and, indeed, did change Philippine life for the better. Hence, should we have opted to never have introduced them as well? A prosperous nation demands openness to positive change, and education can accommodate any kind of change, despite its drastic implications.

Anyway, as Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban points out, “The idea of federalism is not really new to us. Salvador Araneta, a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention (ConCon), proposed it in his ‘Bayanikasan Constitution.’ Jose Abueva, the secretary of the same ConCon, has written several papers detailing his version of federalism.” Even as early as 1900, an Ilocano intellectual named Isabelo de los Reyes, envisioned a federal constitution with seven states comprising the Philippines.

A Sufficient Government Local Code

In terms of regional autonomy, critics point out that the Government Local Code renders federalism obsolete, since the Code is intended to devolve power and disburse internal revenue allotments (IRAs) to localities. “And yet,” stated Panganiban, “these do not seem to be enough because our Constitution mandates one national police to which the local police are legally beholden, and the Department of Budget and Management which could withhold IRAs.” Such local autonomy “with strings attached” makes them prone to corruption, or, at least, apathetically unresponsive to the demands of their populace. Federalism will cut those strings and enable the regions or states to determine their own future.

Neglected Poor Regions

Naysayers of federalism also raise the issue of impoverished regions worsening due to reduced national support. However, I contend that such dependency or mendicancy is precisely what has retarded their capacity to cultivate their own resources in order to produce prosperity. It is conventional economic wisdom that prosperous economies consist of most, if not all, of the following key variables: few or no entry barriers to trade, an educated labor force, natural resources, adherence to the rule of law, sustainable infrastructure, and high-scale technology. Those variables can be cultivated by an efficient, corrupt-free government, quality educational institutions, economic liberalization, and pro-growth tax policy.

Recent history is certainly instructive in providing the proper perspective. Consider the economic development and growth in post-World War II Japan after the atomic bomb converted its cities into ruins, yet the nation is currently the world’s third largest economy. Within our own borders, after the recall of American naval bases in Subic Bay and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 (wherein the territory was reduced to an ash heap), it was shortly transformed and lauded by various world leaders as a successful trade port and a paragon for economic growth. I elaborate on Subic in my commentary entitled Why the Senate Needs More Dick. If Japan and Subic can prosper, under such overwhelming odds, why not any other region or state in the Philippines?

President Fidel Ramos considered Subic Bay such an economic success, he designated it (instead of Manila) as the location for the 1996 APEC summit, in which 18 heads of state met. Among them were Chinese President Jiang Zemin, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and US President Bill Clinton (at the far right).

Perhaps special concessions can be made to the more disadvantaged regions like Mindanao, which should be targeted and temporary as an incentive to be self-sufficient. Indeed, I would not be averse to Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s concept of “evolving federalism” by which the lesser developed regions remain in the status of “autonomous regions” until they are capable of graduating to the status of “full states.” In that case, benchmarks should be established instead of a timeline.

This is excerpted from “The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards” by Marcial Bonifacio. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are accessible by clicking on their links.

The post A Federal Philippines: Naysayers Debunked first appeared on Marcial's Law.

A Federal Philippines: Its Defense

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:06:26 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

First of 4 parts

In this proposal, I have frequently cited America’s founders, since federalism (as a systematic study of governance wherein power is shared between a central government and state governments) is often attributable to them, and their intent is made manifest in a collection of their 1787 constitutional convention debates published in The Federalist. “On every question of construction,” states the American founder Thomas Jefferson, “carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.”

Vertical Balance of Power

First and foremost, a federalist system would divide power between the national government and state or regional governments wherein such a dispersal of power would create a vertical, as well as horizontal balance of power. The American founding father Alexander Hamilton elaborates:

This balance between the National and State governments ought to be dwelt on with peculiar attention, as it is of the utmost importance. It forms a double security to the people. If one encroaches on their rights they will find a powerful protection in the other. Indeed, they will both be prevented from overpassing their constitutional limits by a certain rivalship, which will ever subsist between them.

Close Proximity of States to the People

Second, state autonomy enables each state to govern more effectively due to their close proximity to the people residing in those states. Jefferson wrote about the U.S., “Were not this great country already divided into states, that division must be made, that each might do for itself what concerns itself directly, and what it can so much better do than a distant authority.” After all, do not our local public servants have a more accurate perspective of affairs within their own jurisdiction than those governing from Malacanang Palace?

Even President Rodrigo Duterte miscalculated the duration of his war on drugs, originally insisting on a 6-month purging operation, which he now says will require one more full year. Such a reassessment is apparently due to his newly acquired national perspective and experience, as opposed to his provincial perspective and experience from being Davao City mayor for 22 years. Although federalism will benefit the people in general, according to Consultative Committee (ConCom) member Eddie Alih, it will be especially expedient to “the lost and the least because shifting to a federal setup will bring government social services closer to the poor.”

The Fifty United States of America

Accommodation for a Vastly Diverse Populace

Third, state autonomy more easily accommodates governance of a nation comprised of more than 7,000 islands, several religious groups, and more than a hundred ethno-linguistic groups. The conquests of Spain and Japan and the American occupation have also had a cultural influence on the indigenous people, as well as trade with the Chinese, Arabs, and Malays. Naturally such diversity entails differing interests, modes of production, and social-ethnic concerns, all of which may require differing regulations or laws designed for the unique circumstances of each state or region.

Now consider some actual examples of federalism taking effect in America, which betoken unique variations in law, taxation, economics, religion, individual liberty, and culture. The state of Utah is heavily populated by Mormons, while the mountainous state of Tennessee and Alabama are pervaded by evangelical Christians. Recreational marijuana is legal in California wherein same-sex marriage and a large Filipino populace co-exist.

Massachusetts has mandatory health insurance and permits open carry of a firearm. New York has the highest taxes, the most stringent gun control laws, business regulations, and the highest rate of fetal abortions. (Perhaps those are the “New York values” to which Senator Ted Cruz was referring in his 2016 presidential primary run against Donald Trump.)

Florida and Texas have the lowest income tax rates, no mandatory state income tax, and they happen to be the most favorable states for bass fishermen due to their numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. Philadelphia, the birthplace of America’s constitution, levies a sugary drink or “soda tax.” For advocates of capital punishment, the options are varied---electrocution in Kentucky, gas inhalation in Arizona, firing squad in Utah, and hanging or lethal injection in Washington.

Cannot our countrymen relate to such varying factors? Consider similar issues of which some are controversial as well as divisive but could easily be addressed by the states or regions---the drug war, the Mindanao conflict, RH Law, the death penalty, marriage dissolution, same-sex marriage recognition and benefits, jeepney fare hikes, VAT, etc. In terms of core competencies or comparative advantages, Cebu is the exclusive producer of dolomite and graywacke, while Capiz and Ilocos Norte exclusively produce cotton. Palawan and Boracay are the top tourist destinations of the Philippines, due to their beaches and the latter’s party ambience.

Furthermore, possessing regional or state sovereignty under federalism, allows each state or region to address such issues pursuant to their unique geographical or demographical situation. “It is one of the happy incidents of the federal system,” contends American Chief Justice Louis Brandeis, “that a single courageous State may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country.” Indeed, impoverished regions can learn from and mimic affluent regions by scrutinizing their economy, tax system, business regulations, and commerce practices, while education administrators in one region can do likewise with successful schools in other regions. In turn, such competitive regions could eventually decongest Manila.

Such a diversity would naturally appeal to the marginalized or disaffected members of society (e.g., the New People’s Army, Abu Sayyaf, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, the Lumads, and Cordillera). While there is much controversy over the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the establishment of a Bangsamoro state or region (to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) via federalism would render the BBL and Bangsamoro Organic Law obsolete, since all states or regions would be equally autonomous simultaneously, at least eventually.

This is excerpted from “The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards” by Marcial Bonifacio. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are accessible by clicking on their links.

The post A Federal Philippines: Its Defense first appeared on Marcial's Law.

The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards

Marcial Bonifacio — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 06:24:34 +0000

My friends and countrymen, at the behest of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a constituent assembly (Con-Ass) may convene this month in order to form a Constitutional Commission. The focal point will be amending the Constitution to federalize the Philippines. Such a rare and significant event necessitates meticulous deliberation, which is why I propose that the members consider the reasons I have presented for the shift from the current Manila-centric, unitary form of government to a decentralized system of federalism. I have also addressed some of the major concerns of federalism’s critics and included a few pithy proposals on which the new government may be structured.

Vertical Balance of Power

This balance between the National and State governments ought to be dwelt on with peculiar attention, as it is of the utmost importance. It forms a double security to the people. If one encroaches on their rights they will find a powerful protection in the other. Indeed, they will both be prevented from overpassing their constitutional limits by a certain rivalship, which will ever subsist between them.

Close Proximity of States to the People

The Fifty United States of America

Accommodation for a Vastly Diverse Populace

Economy May 'Go to Hell'

Comparing the Philippines to the U.S. and Germany an Apples to Oranges Comparison

Increased Power to Local Dynasties and Oligarchs

Federalism Too New and Foreign to the Philippines

A Sufficient Government Local Code

Neglected Poor Regions

Naysayers of federalism also raise the issue of impoverished regions worsening due to reduced national support. However, I contend that such dependency or mendicancy is precisely what has retarded their capacity to cultivate their own resources in order to produce prosperity. It is conventional economic wisdom that prosperous economies consist of most, if not all, of the following key variables: few or no entry barriers to trade, an educated labor force, access to natural resources, adherence to the rule of law, sustainable infrastructure, and high-scale technology. Those variables can be cultivated by an efficient, corrupt-free government, quality educational institutions, economic liberalization, and pro-growth tax policy.

Best Ideas

Preexisting Government Infrastructure

Why have we preferred the Government established under this draft? Because it is the Government with which we are familiar. It is the form of government fundamentally such as it exists today; it is the only kind of government we have found to be in consonance with our experience, and with the necessary modification capable of permitting a fair play of social forces and allowing the people to conduct the presidential system.

Resiliency

Third, America’s system has proven to be the most resilient. Constitutional law Professor Hugh Hewitt points out:

The work of collective genius that is the Constitution has been tested by everything from an actual civil war that claimed 600,000 lives to various panics, two world wars, the Great Depression, and the Great Recession, not to mention impeachments and assassinations, political-judicial meltdowns like Florida in 2000, and dozens of scandals---and it does not break. It is more resilient than any other modern constitution, a remarkable, nearly perfect balance of competing powers and separated authorities that has endured and will endure. Those who fear it is off the road and in the ditch have to ignore history’s many examples of America righting itself after trauma and setback.

Unequivocal Language

Fourth, the language of the U.S. Constitution is very clear in distinguishing the powers of the federal government from that of the states. Article 1, Section 8 enumerates the federal powers:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States…To borrow Money on the credit of the United States…To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes…To coin money…To establish Post Offices and post Roads…To raise and support Armies.

The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State Governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace negotiation, and foreign commerce . . . The powers reserved to the several states will extend to all the objects, which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the state.

At the left is a printout of a 53-page copy of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, whereas to the right is a single replicated page of the U.S. Constitution.

Based on Natural Rights

The ruler’s success is always to be found in the adjustment of his practical measures to the natural and immutable order of things and to the special needs of the locality, an adjustment that can be made with the help of theoretical knowledge and experience. The source of all failures in government can therefore be found, not in (mistaken) theories but in unprincipled practices arising from base passions or ignorance. If the Government of the United States has been able to lead the Union along the paths of prosperity and greatness, it is because its practices have not diverged from the theories contained in the Declaration of Independence and of the Rights of Man, which constitute an exposition of the principles of natural law implanted by the scientific revolutions in the political field.

Senate

Senators would no longer be bound by allegiances to these special interests. Candidates would not be obliged to receive funding from political parties for their nonexistent campaign limiting a Senator’s obligation to the national political party. Senators would be more obligated to serve the interests of their State . . . rather than a national political party or special interests.

Electoral College

Nullification

Convention of States

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress ….

Article 5: The Amendment Process in the U.S.

In conclusion, my friends and countrymen, I have herein presented my reasons for supporting a shift to an American form of federalism or, at least, an adaptation therefrom. I have also presented the safeguards to preserve such a system of governance to be included in the draft constitution. With such clamor for positive change—namely, the rapid creation of new jobs, the alleviation of poverty and poverty-related crime, the curtailment of corruption, the end to secession of Mindanao, a new sense of pride and civic responsibility to a responsive government, and the liberty to choose one’s life with one’s feet—coupled with a president with an iron political will and desire for federalism, a constituent assembly can take the essential measures. I now defer to the aforementioned Constitutional Commission to deliberate on behalf of We the People of the Republic of the Philippines.

Mabuhay ang Pederalismo! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Bibliographical References

Anastacio, Leia. (2016). The Foundations of the Modern Philippine State. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press.
Majul, Cesar. (1996). The Political and Constitutional Ideas of the Philippine Revolution. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.

Featured Photo Credit: philstar.com

Facebook Comments:

Pastordonation Apolinarionianz as mindanaoans i support federalism....

Like Reply· Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 12:00 PM (33w)

Don Manuel LopezGo federal

Like ReplyThursday, February 8, 2018 at 12:31 PM (33w)

Alwyn Balingit Phil Solfed

LikeReplyThursday, February 8, 2018 at 12:51 PM (33w)

Jose A. Acelajado Isa lang ang tanong: pwede ba nating pagtiwalaan ang ating

kasalukuyang senate super majority at house super majority na ang kanilang gagawin ay ayon sa kabutihan ng ating bansa? Malinaw ngayon na meron tayong super majority sa Senate at sa house na subservient sa mga kagustuhan ni duterte. Sabihin na natin, na magandang ang paliwanag mo, ikaw ba ang susundin ng mga senador at congressmen? Hindi ba malinaw na si duterte at ang kanyang mga aso sa senado at kongreso ang susundin ng Senate at House supermajority na mga tuta ni duterte? Ngayon, hindi mo ba narinig ang sinabi ni duterte? Na kung hindi magkakaroon ng pederalismo ay magkakagulo sa ating bansa ? Si duterte mismo na pangulo ng ating bansa ang nagsasabi. Malinaw ang pambabraso ni duterte para masunod lamang ang kanyang sariling kagustuhan. Hindi ang kagustuhan ng mga mamamayan. Yes magaling kang magpaliwanag, pero may saysay ba ang iyong paliwanag? Pakikinggan ka ba ng mga tuta ni duterte sa senado at sa kongreso? Sino ka at sino si duterte?

Like Reply Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 1:35 PM (33w)Edited

Marcial Bonifacio I cannot dispute the validity of your points, kaibigang Jose. I can only say

that just as we both are cognizant of the prospects you raise, surely there must be other public servants in Congress, who would sympathize with us and keep Duterte in check like Sen. Gordon.

However, I'm inclined to think that Duterte's ostensible threats are just uttered to persuade the electorate to support the shift to federalism. Sa totoo lang, it is a situation in which there is no perfect solution, ngunit naisip ko Duterte would willingly step down if federalism is implemented during his term, kahit it may be forced. Surely even his own supporters would demand it, if he refuses.

Like Reply Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 6:13 PM (33w ) Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Hindi ako sang-ayon sa parliamentary na gobyerno, kaibigang Orion,

ngunit at least we can unite sa pagtatanggol ng federalismo. Ito ang aking huling paliwanag:

https://www.marcialslaw.com/the-philippine-case-for.../

MARCIALSLAW.COM

The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards |…

LikeReplyThursday, February 8, 2018 at 5:29 PM (33w)

Orion Perez D Well, whether we like it or not, Parliamentary is better than Presidential.

No ifs, no buts.

Yan ang resulta ng research ng mga experto. Kahit paano bali-baliktarin, palpak ang Presidential eh. Ba't pipilitin ang palpak, diba?Hindi yan kagustuhan. Katotohanan lang po.Eh tayong lahat gusto nating kumain ng masarap na pagkain na mamantika at maraming cholesterol... Eh ayon sa ciencia, hindi nakakabuti yung bad cholesterol na madalas naandoon sa mga masasarap na pagkain.Kasalanan ba yan ng mga nutritional scientists na yan ang nadiskubrihan nila?No choice, dude.If you want Federalism to work in the Philippines, it has to be Federal-Parliamentary.

1LikeReplyThursday, February 8, 2018 at 6:01 PM (33w)Edited

Marcial Bonifacio I appreciate your tenacity for pushing for a parliamentary system as

well as concocting the food analogy. Gayunman, sa totoo lang, not all delicious foods are laden with cholesterol. There are many fruits and vegetables, which are healthful and just as delicious. Even healthful bland foods (like tofu) can be prepared, seasoned, or cooked in a way to be pleasing to the taste buds. Tungkol sa unhealthful foods, paminsan-minsan, only certain ingredients need to be discontinued or replaced, such as the cooking oil or dressing in order to make it healthful. One need only taste the food upon each modification in order to know if it is still delicious.

I am not completely averse to a parliamentary system, kaibigang Orion. Sa kabilang banda, as I stated sa paliwanag ko,I am open to it, only if all other reforms fail, such as economic liberalization, adopting an electoral college to elect the president, federalizing the government, etc. Only by making such adjustments (as with the unhealthful food combination) can we know with absolute certainty that a presidential system is truly flawed or insufficient. Until then, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater dahil meron maraming sanhi ng pagkapagtagumpay ng bayan.

Also, you mentioned the studies from "experts" who have scrutinized the subject of presidential and parliamentary systems. Gayunman, as I pointed out sa paliwanag ko, "the founders scrutinized the governing systems of the predominant Western civilizations—ancient and contemporary. These include Greece, Rome, France, and England from which the founders derived the concepts of liberty, justice, trial by jury, separation of powers, democracy, republicanism, and self-government. The founders meticulously studied the rise and fall of tyrannical governments in those nations, as well as their own experience with King George III in framing a constitution which would preclude such occurrences in the U.S." I also listed their remedies, should their checks and balances be surpassed.

Gayunpaman, as I said earlier, let's unite and focus on getting our kababayans to support federalism (whatever the form), and urge them to express it to our public servants sa Kongreso. We can focus on the form later, just as the House and Senate have postponed debate on voting jointly or separately in order to focus on the actual constitutional amendments.

Like Reply Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1:45 PM (33w)Edited

Edwin Morales Hindi ka dapat basta basta lang maging anti-parliamentary, try mo

kayang ipag-kumpara yung Presidential sa Parliamentary system, sabihin mo samin kung ano ang mas maganda base sa naresearch mo. Dapat bago maging anti ganitong usapin dapat matuto munang mag-compare ehhhh

Like ReplyThursday, February 8, 2018 at 10:44 PM (33w)

Orion Perez D https://correctphilippines.org/parliamentary_info

CORRECTPHILIPPINES.ORG

Useful Information Resources on the Parliamentary System

LikeReplySunday, February 11, 2018 at 3:27 AM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente I'm an anarchist, I don't believe in governments. I don't need to

pay anybody to tell me what I can and can't do with my life.

1 Like Reply Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:03 PM (33w)

Marcial Bonifacio Anong nangyari, kaibigang Warlito? You used to support great thinkers

like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who supported a limited government in order to maximize our liberty.

1 Like ReplyFriday, February 9, 2018 at 11:09 PM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente Marcial Bonifacio Those "great thinkers" were slave owners. I

woke up. Limited government does not stay limited, look at the US now, after 300 years, the limited government has become a leviathan.

2 LikeReplySaturday, February 10, 2018 at 6:42 AM (33w)

Alvin M Diesta Welcome back Bong! Looking forward to more radical views!

1 LikeReplySaturday, February 10, 2018 at 8:49 AM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente Alvin M Diesta The faster government can act, the faster they

can raise taxes, pass regulations against you - governments in whatever shape, size, form are bullshit.

Last thing I need is someone to tell me, I have to give up x% of my income for the greater good - fuck it

1 Like Reply Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:09 AM (33w)

Alvin M Diesta I hear you. Every year what I pay in taxes could buy fully loaded BMWs.

Maybe it is time for me to work for the government. Get paid for doing nothing.

1 Like Reply Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:06 AM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente kaya ako, screw it. I stopped working my day job pata walang

makuhang tax sa akin. lahat ng transaksyon ko, in cash, para walang money trail, nothing to tax. meron naman kaming properties na nasa tabing dagat - we built the house fully paid in cash - walang mortgage, walang interest - di kikita ang bangko sa akin I grow my own food - or buy from the farmer direct - tax-free!!!

e di beachfront resort living ako for the rest of my life though meron pa mang di maiwasan na tax - that's on the business not on me - and we take measures to minimize the amounts paid i've eliminated a lot of avenues for the state to tax me - mafederal man yan, ma LGU man yan, ma unitary man yan, ma parliamentary man yan - I don't give a fuck, they can kiss my ass

1 Like

Alvin M Diesta Nice! I hope to follow soon in your lifestyle once I retire from this. How

about those Filipino Vixens that are half our age?

Warlito Nobleza Vicente dami dito bro kung gustuhin lang talaga.

hook up sa Tinder

1 Like Reply Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:29 AM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente am learning a lot with this new lifestyle - graudally move

towards off-grid living... lots to look forward to - tesla style free energy using magnets para ma eliminate ang bayad sa electricity

why be a bank slave paying car loans, my crib and my office is so close to each other - ala namang interesting to see downtown in the first place, am too tied up sprucing up the beach, feeling ko parang nasa Sarasota pa rin ako

1 Like

Alvin M Diesta Maganda yan bro. You are living the dream! Oceanfront property, no

taxman, no oligarchs, just nature at its finest. Parang Sarasota. Haha. Name the place Bangsarasota.

1 Like Reply Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1:33 PM (33w)

Marcial Bonifacio I cannot dispute that those great thinkers and founders

of America were slaveholders, kaibigang Warlito. However, the institution of slavery was passed on to them by the British. Anyway, most of the founders opposed slavery and banning the importation of slaves was the first step in the institution's abolition. Circumstances were such that it could not be abolished immediately, but Jefferson himself called for the abolition of it in his first draft of America's Declaration of Independence, which pro-slavery representatives rescinded.

http://www.vindicatingthefounders.com/.../jeffersons...

I understand your position on America's overreaching government, my friend, but that is only due to an apathetic, uninformed populace, which enabled such a "Leviathan." The founders understood and expected the populace to be informed, vigilant, and always suspicious of government. I believe the American people have finally awakened, with the peak of tyranny during the Obama administration. One need only observe the resurgence of constitutional conservatism manifested at the state and federal level. Even Trump has scaled back on regulations and has been successful in repealing the individual Obamacare mandate. Therefore, be not disheartened, my friend, limited government is returning with a vengeance.

On your lifestyle, I admire you for your self-sufficient aspirations. Perhaps you have tremendous patience in having to renounce many conveniences and live like Jack Bauer from "24." I'm reading some survivalist material myself, since such knowledge is useful as you yourself are discovering.

Vindicating the Founders: Document Library: Thomas Jeffersons Draft of…

VINDICATINGTHEFOUNDERS.COM

Warlito Nobleza Vicente It don't matter if it was passed on to them.

In plain terms, America's founding fathers are hypocrites - you can't be talking about freedom - and yet have slaves.

1Like Reply 33w)

Alvin M Diesta Remember the movie 300 na ang mga Spartan daw for freedom at ang

Persia for tyranny? Sino sa dalawa ang may slaves? Ang mga gagong Greek! Mga Spartan pinagpapatay ang mga helot. Persia had no slaves. May human rights dahil kay Cyrus. They freed slaves from their conquered lands most notable the jews in Babylon. Pero sa pelikula ng Hollywood ang mga puti (Greek at Roman) daw ang for freedom. Mga gago pala sila eh.

1Like Reply Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 2:49 PM (33w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente That's Hollyweird for you, a stinking den of war mongering,

state worshipping pedophiles and sexual predators. It's nothing but a propaganda mouthpiece for the military industrial complex, a vehicle for hypnotizing the masses to become submissive braindead sheep.

1Like Reply Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 8:14 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio Kaibigang Warlito, I concede your point about the hypocrisy of

Jefferson and Madison owning slaves. However, surely you will concede that they should not be exclusively judged by their personal life of owning slaves, but to a larger extent, in what they strategically did in order to liberate them. In the grand scheme of things, America's Constitution was the incubator of slave liberation, and the founders should be rightfully acknowledged for that, hindi ba?

Like Reply Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:39 PM (32w)Edited

Warlito Nobleza Vicente In the grand scheme of things they are still full of shit.

The constitution they came up with ended up with a leviathan state.Moreover, the US still remains a colony of the Brit.

Like Reply Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:37 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio That may very well be so about America's "Leviathan" state, but

that is due to the ignorance of the American populace, not to the founders. Anyway as I said earlier, my friend, the sleeping giant has awakened, and that Leviathan will have to die inevitably but gradually. Trump and conservatives are finally starting the process.

Like Reply Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:49 PM (32w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente Unfortunately for Americans, Trump is still a stooge for the military industrial complex. Left wing and right wing belong to the same turkey

Like Reply Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:50 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio Actually, it is quite fortunate for Americans, kaibigang Warlito, because a sufficient, well-equipped military is what has kept America safe from foreign invaders. It is also fortunate for our kababayans on the West Philippine Sea vis-a-vis China and the world in general.

1Like Reply Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 3:17 PM (32w)

Warlito Nobleza Vicente Artificial lines drawn by racists to divide humanity have no appeal to me

Like Reply Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 6:01 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio Do you really believe Trump is racist as many leftists do, kaibigan ko?

Like Reply Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 1:20 PM (32w)

Nivri Aguisanda IT WILL DISMANTLE THE POWER OF THE PHILIPPINE FILTHY FEW

OLIGARCHS.

2 LikeReplySaturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:11 PM (33w)

Marcial Bonifacio More important, it will relinquish power back to the people.

LikeReplyMonday, February 12, 2018 at 2:32 PM (32w)

Joseph Solís Alcayde Alberici We should not be hasty about federalism under American style. We have to gradually devolve national government responsibilities to local one instead of copying any federal governments in the world without considering Philippine context.

LikeReplyTuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:42 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio Perhaps not, kaibigang Joseph, but we should certainly not hasten the

shift to a parliamentary system, although I do not completely oppose such a system when all else has failed. I did mention in my commentary that the American system of federalism should be adapted to the Philippine situation in order to be more congenial to the people. I'm also not opposed to gradually doing so, as I did mention my openness to Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban's "evolving federalism. "

Like Reply 8:09PM (32w)

Joseph Solís Alcayde Alberici Mas feasible pa nga eh ang shift to parliamentary form o

government keysa sa federal form kasi sa parliamentary, ang kailangan lang gawin ay gawing lamang ceremonial position ang pagka Pangulo samantala ang shift to federalism, taon pa ang dapat gugulin upang ang mga mahihirap na rehiyon ay hindi mapagiwanan. Kung mag federalismo tayo ngayon, baka ang Bangsamoro ay hihiwalay nang tuluyan sa bansa natin tulad nangyari sa Singapore noon sa Malaysia.

Like Reply Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 8:16 PM (32w)Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Marahil tama ka tungkol sa feasibility ng parliamentarism,

kaibigang Joseph, ngunit that would require a drastic change sa infrastructure ng gobyerno, which could be problematic sa assimilation ng mga voters dahil sa confusion. It would also be more costly. Sa katotohanan, implementing an adapted U.S.-style federal-presidential system is more feasible and cheaper dahil sa preexisting infrastructure ng gobyerno.

Like Reply Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 3:31 PM (32w)

Alexander Yalung Agree..i prefer that we msintain president position with federal form..

1Like Reply Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 3:41 PM (32w)

Alejandro C. Patagnan Before we could commit ourselves to the change in our

government, we have to understand in the FIRST PLACE to ask WHAT IS THE NATURE OF GOVERNMENT? WHAT IS THE PROPER AND ONLY FUNCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT? WHY DO WE NEED A GOVERNMENT? iS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A GOVERNMENT? Those are the basic fundamental question we must deal with first..

Like Reply Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 1:58 PM (32w)

Marcial Bonifacio My answer to that, kaibigang Alejandro, is that the government's only

function is to protect our unalienable rights and territorial sovereignty, which is why I advocate for federalism. Prosperity and other advantages should follow. What say you?

Like Reply Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 4:24 PM (32w)Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Magandang presentation sa video mo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Atwzud6n15I&feature=share), kaibigang Bernardo. Sa panlahat, we are in agreement. I appreciate your desire to limit the number of states to eight in order to retain the symbolic relevancy ng ating bandila, ngunit naisip ko it is more practical to have as many states as possible ganito ng balak ng LPP (League of Provinces of the Philippines), whose members seek 81 states. Sa totoo lang, that would be more congenial for such a diverse populace. We could convert the number of stars to 81 in order to accommodate the change sa bandila.

Tungkol sa Kongreso, mas gusto ko ng bicameral house in order for one to keep the other in check as it is supposed to currently work. My primary concern is on the election of senators. In order for them to represent their constituents in each state, they should be elected exclusively by the voter residing in their respective states, sa halip ng at large. That would ensure that all states are represented equally and that the larger states would not dominate over the smaller ones. That assumes that an electoral college will be established on that basis, which will ultimately elect the president.

In spite of those differences, nagagalak ako we agree on a presidential system. Syempre my proposal is based on the American model, which is discussed sa paliwanag ko.

1LikeReplyThursday, March 1, 2018 at 3:40 PM (30w)Edited

Marcial Bonifacio I appreciate your passion para sa ating bayan, kaibigang Lingling, ngunit

hindi ako sang-ayon sa iyong punto na the American presidential system has failed the Philippines. Sa kabilang banda, it has not been implemented fully dahil sa malaking variations. As I pointed out sa lathala ko, we currently have no federalist system (which in itself would drastically improve our presidential system by decentralizing it), an electoral college which elects the president, or a Senate whose representatives are elected by the voters residing in their corresponding states or regions sa halip ng at large. Our country has never had those aspects essential to a successful democratic republic as in America. Samakatuwid, it is premature or even erroneous to conclude that America’s presidential system has failed us as you have done, kaibigan ko. It is comparing apples to oranges.

Tungkol sa iyong punto na the presidential system has caused gridlock, that is precisely the function of a system in which the voters are divided. Even America’s founders intended that bills do not so easily pass through Congress, which forces the people to thoroughly scrutinize all proposals before they become law dahil once a bad proposal is legislated, mahirap na iyan to repeal it. The same holds true with impeaching the president. If it were so easy, then I dare say that every presidential election cycle would precipitate an impeachment, which would simply destabilize the government. If an informed electorate chooses the president, impeachment would not be such a pressing issue.

In terms of an authoritarian presidency, that can be remedied by amending the Constitution limiting his power. I would even go so far as to say that the power of the federal government sa panlahat needs to be limited in order to maximize the liberty of our kababayans. Sa lathala ko, I hold a copy of our voluminous 1987 Constitution next to a single page of the U.S. Constitution. Maliwanag na iyan meron malaking pagkaiba, hindi ba?

Tungkol sa punto mo ng 1973 Constitution, how well did that turn out? Unang-una, it was a very short-lived form of government. It did not even endure for half a generation for our kababayans to assimilate. Pangalawa, such a government was simply the extension of Marcos’s own power. Samakatuwid, it is a moot point to say that our kababayans our sufficiently familiar with a parliamentary system.

Nga pala, kaibigang Lingling, as I stated sa paliwanag ko, I am not completely averse to a parliamentary system. Gayunman, I will favor it only when all reforms to our presidential system fail. In that case, I will even write a paper in support of a parliamentary system and actively campaign for it.

Tama ka tungkol sa position ng PDP Laban. Kaya nga mas gusto ko ng balak ng RBH No. 8 (Resolution of Both Houses No. 8).

1Like Reply· Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 2:35 PM (28w)

Lingling Gandong Nahinto ang 1973 Constitution which is Semi-Presidential

System ng dahil kay Korikong Aquino. Ayaw kasi ni Korikong Cory Aquino aka Mother of Philippine Oligarchy ng accountable government. I gonna tell you again I AM NOT SUPPORTING PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM NOR PRESIDENTIAL SYSYEM. I am in favor of SEMI-PRESIDENTIAL SYSYEM again SEMI-PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM like France and Russia. It's absolutely wrong to treat Semi-Presidential System as Parliamentary System for your information France under French 3rd Republic and French 4th Republic are under by Parliamentary system and the French citizens are not satisfied with Parliamentary system because of political instability.

Like Reply· Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 8:53 PM (28w)

Lingling Gandong The Presidential system cause too much gridlock because the

President can block any legislation whether the bill is constitutional or unconstitutional. Even the US leads to government shutdown even though a lots of money still flow in the government.

In France the Semi-Presidential System avoids gridlock. Do you know why? The French President have limited suspensive veto power at all once the Constitutional Council declare the bill is constitutional the President will sign the bill into law. Do you know? France Semi-Presidential System avoid the "loss of supply" or "lost of budget" like what happen in Parliamentary regime countries which trigger to snap election and France Semi-Presidential also avoid the "government shutdown" like what happen in Presidential regime countries. Because in French 5th Republic Constitution they have Article 49.3 which means if there's an disagreement of budget bill, the bill is automatically pass without reaching absolute majority vote and ONLY motion of no confidence can block the bill.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:16 PM (28w)Edited

Lingling Gandong Cory Aquino aka Mother of Philippine Oligarchy have no intention to

reform the 1973 Constitution. I won't deny this at all, the 1973 Constitution which is Semi-Presidential System but the President is extremely powerful because the President have decisive power to remove the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers without Parliament approval. Korikong Aquino aka Mother of Philippine Oligarchy have no intention to reduce the powers of presidency but she want to boost the power of presidency, kaya nga langaw tingin niya kay the last Prime Minister Salvador Laurel.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:22 PM (28w)

Marcial Bonifacio Lingling, kaibigan ko, I appreciate your perspective, and perhaps, I

stand corrected tungkol sa parliamentary system. I was broadly referring to any system with a prime minister and a group of lawmakers whose relationship to the executive is such that the separation of powers is not so vast unlike our American counterpart, although I am inclined to support a semi-presidential over a full parliamentary system. Gayunman, para sa akin, even a semi-presidential system sounds too complicated compared to the simple American system of three separate branches of government. Besides, France's Fifth Republic is still relatively new compared to our American counterpart, which has been extant since 1789, still using the same constitution.

Tungkol sa paksang government shutdowns sa America, they are not as severe as you might think. Unang-una, America's government is constitutionally limited to protecting the unalienable rights of its citizens and maintaining national security, nothing more. The only thing the shutdowns have prompted are the closing of offices in which federal bureaucrats work and the closing of national parks---elements which are hardly essential to the regular functioning of the federal government. Police and military operations continued. Pangalawa, most of the shutdowns have only endured for a few days or weeks, being virtually inconsequential to the lives of Americans. Pangatlo, elections will ultimately settle unfavorable policies of lawmakers. Samakatuwid, kaibigan ko, gridlock ay necessary evil sa republican government. It is a check and is preferable to the option of an overly active legislature which continually passes bad bills and precisely what America's founders understood. Kaya nga I remain firm on supporting an adaptation of RBH-8 sa ating bayan.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 2:50 PM (26w)

Lingling Gandong Marcial Bonifacio Semi-Presidential System is not not complicated at

all. In Semi-Presidential System it does have a partial separation of powers not strict separation of powers same as Presidential system.

1. The executive is divided into two the President is independent from legislature whereas the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers are subjugated to confidence of Parliament.

2. The legislative powers are vested to the Parliament and limited legislative powers to the Government Ministers.

3. Judiciary are strictly separated to the executive and legislative branches of government.

Government Shutdown brings political gridlock, the government shutdown even there's still plenty of money flow in the government kung saan malaking kagagohan, in Semi-Presidential System of Government they can avoid that phenomenon what's why in France they have a constitutional provision that a budget bill is considered pass without Parliament vote and only the motion of no confidence can block it. And also it avoid the parliamentary system lost of supply when France was under by Parliamentary system they face instability when there's a disagreement on budget they dissolve the Parliament and call for snap election. In Semi-Presidential System the constitutionality of the bill is very important in order the Parliament will prevent passing bad bills. Presidential system of democracy failed us! Giving a President a too much excessive executive powers has no future to the republic. I rather say checks of the bank account of the Tongressmen I mean Congressmen for lack of political disciplinary, that's why Philippines needs to switch at Federal Semi-Presidential so that political party turncoastism will be stop and political party disciplinary should be promoted!

Like Reply· Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 9:39 PM (24w)Edited

Lingling Gandong We need a system of government where the Government Ministers

are responsible to the legislature we need an accountable government. The Presidential system has no government accountability, look if we are Federal Semi-Presidential System of Government maybe former Minister of Justice Leila Delimaw, former Minister of Social Welfare and Development Stinky Dinky Soliman and former Minister of Interior of Local Government Mar Epal Roxas, are roasted alive and humiliated to the max to the Parliament or else beat up by an Members of Parliament like in Taiwan. Since we are Presidential system they are shameless to the max!

We need to stop the celebrity oriented presidency and cult of personality ! In Presidential system the celebrity oriented presidency and cult of personality cannot be avoided! If there's a separation of religion and Government, there must be a separation of politics and celebrity! We need to have a President who will rule and have political experience not base on cult of personality and celebrity oriented presidency! That's why in PDP Laban propose constitution it provisionize a Indirect Presidential Primary Elections, where Members of Parliament will elect who will represent a party to run for direct Presidential election in order to avoid the cult of personality and celebrity oriented presidency.In Semi-Presidential System the celebrity oriented presidency and cult of personality can be avoided if choose to, do you know why? The President of France (President of French 5th Republic) are former Prime Minister, former Cabinet Ministers, former Members of National Assembly, former Senators and former Members of European Parliament.And I am incline to support the Presidential system of government because it gives a President a excessive executive powers it sounds like an elected temporary dictator sit at the Presidential palace doing not much and less accountability. That's why President Duterte wants Semi-Presidential and Federalism to reduce more Presidential powers..I forgot to tell you this, in Semi-Presidential System the President have decisive powers such as he/she have a power to declare state of emergency or martial law in order to protect the territorial integrity, to repeal rebellion and to repeal invasion and the pattern of declaring martial law or declaring of state of emergency still pattern to our 1987 Philippine Constitution, just read the PDP Laban propose constitution, the powers of presidency are quite similar to the 1987 Constitution.

Like Reply Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 12:23 AM (26w)Edited

Lingling Gandong And btw fuck that Two Party System! Multiparty system doesn't

work in Presidential system because every lawmaker have no party disciplinary tawag diyan may kanya kanyang trip. Hindi kagaya sa Semi Presidential system kailangan talaga ng multiparty system kasi ang mga mambabatas ay disiplinado ng isang partido. 1 political party group 1 goal. Hindi yung 1 political party group but every member have different trip.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 5:50 PM (26w)

Marcial Bonifacio A semi-presidential system may not be complicated to you or

parliamentarians, Lingling, but perhaps to the masses. Currently, many citizens voluntarily waive their right to vote. How much more so if we adopt such a new system to which many of our kababayans are oblivious.

America's founders established a fairly strict separation of powers in order to preclude any one branch from amassing too much power. James Madison, known as the father of the U.S. Constitution, wrote that each branch has its own ambition and that "ambition must be made to counteract ambition" which is "necessary to control the abuses of government." A close connection of the legislature and the executive is the antithesis of their independence and separation.Like you, I also oppose celebrity and personality-oriented executives. Kaya nga mahalaga ang electoral college at sufficiently informed voters.The Fifth French Republic is still young. I'll give it another 200 years before considering it as a model for RP. Nga pala, what is excessively powerful about the presidency that you oppose a presidential system, Lingling?

Like Reply Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 7:32 PM (24w)

Lingling Gandong Marcial Bonifacio how does Semi-Presidential System view as

complicated towards Filipinos? I don't think so because there's a direct election of the President in Semi-Presidential System the President have a mandate. I told you many times if the Philippines becomes Semi-Presidential System, THE RIGHT OF VOTING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC WILL NEVER LOSE TO THE FILIPINO CITIZEN, hindi mawawalan ng karapatan bumuto ng Pangulo ang sambayanang Pilipino kapag maging Semi-Presidential System tayo. Excessively powerful presidency leads to cult of personality and creeping to autboritarianism. In Semi-Presidential System since there's a partial separation of powers, THE PRESIDENCY IS INDEPENDENT FROM LEGISLATURE so it's not antithesis to the legislative, only the President's Government Ministers or Cabinet Ministers are subjugated to confidence of Parliament in general they are part of Parliament whereas the President is not. Yeah French 5th Republic still young but many countries that used Parliamentary system that suffer from Parliamentary paralysis due to political instability they switch to Semi-Presidential System, most former Soviet Union and Former communist countries of Eastern Europe are switching to Semi-Presidential System and also some Presidential system countries switch to Semi-Presidential System so that they can get a benefits from Parliamentary system and Presidential system because they want a system of government where the Government is accountable to the legislature.

Like Reply Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 9:29 PM (24w)

Lingling Gandong Marcial Bonifacio do you think using electoral college can avoid the

celebrity and personality oriented presidency? I don't think so, look at Donald Trump he didn't have any political experience Donald Trump is a celebrity he don't have a political experience at all, then some people in US they want Oprah Winfrey to become a US President to compete with Donald Trump in next Presidential election. That's why we need Semi-Presidential System of Government to avoid celebrity oriented presidency and cult of personality presidency. Since the President must be former Prime Minister, former Members of Parliament and former Cabinet Ministers.

Like Reply Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 9:43 PM (24w)Edited

Jose Grecia Federal form of government

Magiging autonomous ang mga states na kasapi nito.
How will you divide the coubtry into states?
Only a few areas na magiging self sufficient In Terms of money and resources.
Hindi basta basta ang federalism.
Dynasties rin issue dyan dahil what will prevent political elites from controlling the state they are in?

Like Reply Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 3:03 PM (26w)

Lingling Gandong Iba ang political dynasty ng Pilipinas at iba ang political dynasty ng

US, Canada, Singapore at France. Sa atin kapag ang pangalan popular na popular sa lahat, marami kang mauuto, maraming kang pera na kaya mo bayaran ang mga electorate at kahit walang political platform or political mandate magkakaroon talaga ng horrible political dynasty.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 5:40 PM (26w)

Jose Grecia Kaya nga think twice sa federalism na yan

Like Reply· Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 6:19 PM (26w)

Lingling Gandong Sa PDP Laban propose constitution meron provision to strict

political dynasty.

Like Reply Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 11:21 PM (26w)

Marcial Bonifacio Tama si Lingling tungkol sa proposed anti-dynasty bill, ngunit naisip

ko that should be a decision left to each individual state or region. Personally, I think some dynasties are beneficial. Halimbawa, the Gordons have positively impacted Olongapo, hindi ba, Jose?

Like Reply Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 7:37 PM (24w)

Jeronimo Constantina "Third, state autonomy more easily accommodates governance of a

nation comprised of more than 7,000 islands, several religious groups, and more than a hundred ethno-linguistic groups." But then, Tagalog "Central Luzon" state shares the language, culture and attitudes towards non-Tagalog languages of Manila and suburbs. Clearly, Central Luzon Tagalogs should absorbed by Mega Manila.Indung Kapampangan Federal State

https://youtu.be/6phfN0Bpj-0

YOUTUBE.COM

Indung Kapampangan Federal State

1Like ReplyMonday, February 12, 2018 at 9:49 AM (32w)Edited

Twitter Comments:

‏ @MBonifacio2

¡CLBermejoIII! @BermejoCL

Boom! #NoToFederalism (hilaw) (c) owner

2 replies 1 like

‏ @BermejoCL

Why the americans didn't practice federal system during their occupation in the Phils?(since,US is the most powerful fed state on that time)

1 reply

‏ @BermejoCL

For enlightenment and learning process. Thanks. 🙂

1 reply 1 like

‏ @EspyOil

appreciate this discussion. pero bukas na ako uli sasali. busy pa kami sa assistance sa mga kasama namin sa company na kailangan ng assistance gawa ng sobrang ulan at baha. stay safe and dry sa lahat. g mga pros and cons, pati sa mga undecided sa pederalismo.

reply 11 like

‏ @EspyOil

venezuela, fed, poor = federal not good for ph. US, fed, rich = federal good for ph. Both, Non sequitur. Federal shift will cost tax payer money= guaranteed to happen. 72B; 130B. Puno draft silent on this. like many other laws, no regard where money will come from.

1 reply 1 like

‏ @EspyOil

likely funds will come from TRAINs 3,4 and so forth (are you ready for addtl tax) or thru debts (utang hanggang apo sa tuhod) the latter is ok if invested in federalism and will bring in +return (cash flow). up to now, proponents recites only anecdotal benefits. wala numbers

1 reply 1 like

‏ @MBonifacio2

@BermejoCL The US did not consider PH ready for federalism or independence yet, since the people were accustomed to unitary rule galing sa Espana.

1 reply1 retweet1 like

The post The Philippine Case for Federalism, Its Form, and Its Safeguards first appeared on Marcial's Law.

Why Filipinos Should Give a Damn about Panatag Shoal

Marcial Bonifacio — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 06:53:37 +0000

By Marcial Bonifacio

My friends and countrymen, within 200 nautical miles of the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines (RP) is a small cluster of rocks, encompassed by a body of water, known as Panatag Shoal to Filipinos and Scarborough Shoal internationally. It was the subject of dispute between RP and China. In 2013, President Benigno Aquino III filed a case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) for which it ruled in RP’s favor in 2016. Predictably, imperial China does not acknowledge the ruling and insists on claiming 90% of the international waters via its own “nine-dash line” metric, which the PCA has invalidated pursuant to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The PCA also declared Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Recto (Reed) Bank, and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal as “part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, and are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China.”

Perhaps you all are pondering why we Filipinos should care about some cluster of rocks surrounded by water. If President Rodrigo Duterte defends it, will that put food on our tables, educate our kids, or improve the quality of our lives? If not, then why should any of us be concerned, especially since it risks provoking a war with China---a state of affairs which appears to be nothing short of a suicide mission? Indeed, these are all legitimate and ubiquitously relevant questions worthy of addressing.

First and foremost is the legal issue of sovereignty and constitutional mandate of the President. Since the PCA upheld RP’s sovereignty over Panatag Shoal, it is the government’s duty to defend it. Pursuant to Art. XII, Sect. 2 of the 1987 Constitution, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone. . .”

Dereliction of this duty could be construed as betrayal of public trust, which is an impeachable offense according to Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and Sen. Richard Gordon. Aside from that, forfeiting our sovereign territory will only serve as a dangerous precedent for other potential encroachments by China. What if China claims it recently unearthed a map indicating their sovereignty over Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) or even the entire province of Palawan? Not only is ceding Panatag Shoal a slippery slope towards imperial tyranny, it calls into question RP’s adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law---international law---in this case.

Second, Panatag Shoal is abundant in fish and natural resources, including minerals and gas. Such resources can be utilized by consumers and businesses, while driving energy costs down, creating more jobs, raising living standards, and generating more tax revenue. Indeed, it would stimulate the economy and contribute to a prosperous future for our country’s youth. If, on the other hand, China is given free reign, there is a risk of irresponsible food shortages. As former assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Wallace Gregson pointed out, “China stands harshly criticized in the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration judgment for ‘permanent and irreparable harm to the coral reef ecosystem.’”

Third, should China seize Panatag Shoal, freedom of navigation and overflight would be compromised. Indeed, one third of world shipping (valued at over $5 trillion) passes through this route annually. Hence, China has militarized seven reefs with runways, surface navy ship and submarine posts, hangars, radars, and surface-to-air missiles. “The fear,” states Asia-Pacific security expert William Choong, “is that China will start dredging, followed by militarization, thus creating a strategic triangle connecting Woody Island, the Spratlys chain and Scarborough Shoal that would dominate most of the South China Sea.” In order to prevent this, RP can and must assert its sovereignty.

Fourth, should RP decide to publicly acknowledge and enforce the PCA’s ruling, it would project fearless and determined leadership. Not only would ASEAN consider RP an economic partner, it would be respected for defending its sovereignty, vis-a-vis an imperialistic juggernaut. Indeed, it would be a successful model for Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan to emulate, since those ASEAN members also have maritime disputes with China. Incidentally, RP happens to be one of ASEAN’s founders and is the first country to defend its sovereign territory against China via the PCA (and won), which puts it in a historically unique position. Unfortunately, Duterte squandered a perfectly good opportunity to invoke the favorable PCA ruling at the ASEAN summit in which he himself presided as its chairman.

Perhaps you may understand and concur with my factually based points. However, skeptics may reiterate Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping’s war threat and Duterte’s rationale that RP cannot win a war against China, due to its inadequate military capability. In that case, I must defer to the authority of Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, some of whose practical advice I conveyed in my letter to Duterte on May 2017:

The Philippines should “bring China’s threat of war to another UNCLOS arbitral tribunal, to secure an order directing China to comply with the ruling of the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal that declared the Reed Bank part of Philippine EEZ.” He added that the “Philippines can also ask for damages for every day of delay that the Philippines is prevented by China from exploiting Philippine EEZ.”

The Philippines should persuade the U.S. to declare Panatag Shoal as part of Philippine territory, which would protect it under the 1951 Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. Such action would add clarity for legal ramifications, since the shoal was known to be under Philippine jurisdiction as early as the American colonial period and even under Spanish rule.

This map was composed in 1734 showing Panatag Shoal within Philippine jurisdiction under Spanish rule. It is highlighted as "Panacot."

The Philippines should send the Philippine Navy to patrol Panatag Shoal. Should China stage an attack on any Philippine navy vessels, the Philippines can invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty, since it covers armed attacks on such vessels, pursuant to Article IV. Of course, that would prompt the U.S. Navy to intervene.

The Philippines should resume joint naval patrols with the U.S. in the West Philippine Sea in order to project military might, which could deter China from continuing its island-building activity on Panatag Shoal.

In spite of such recourse against China’s war threat, some contend that China would renege on its commitment to financing a $180 billion infrastructure program in RP (including two railways, a hydroelectric dam, and an irrigation system). It must be noted that its impact is not confined to transportation exclusively. Indeed, it adversely affects commerce, the rate of employment, and the price and quality of goods and services.

However, this is a maritime dispute which need not alter trade or financial relations. “I would take the approach of Vietnam as the model,” stated Carpio, “because Vietnam is very strong in resisting China’s encroachment but they continue to have very strong trade relations with China.” Former national security advisor Roilo Golez even raises a 2014 incident in which Vietnam asserted its maritime sovereignty against China, leading to battle. Ultimately, “after two months of that kind of encounter, watched by the entire world, China backed out. That is something that we can study, how they do it.

Even if China’s financial commitment is fully dependent on RP’s forfeiture of Panatag Shoal, China does not possess a monopoly on capital. Alternative financing could be secured from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Sweden, EU, UK, or the U.S. Otherwise, some of the funding can come from tax reform or liquidation of confiscated assets of prosecuted drug lords. In the U.S., Sen. Ted Cruz proposes the Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order (EL CHAPO) Act which would allocate seized assets of drug dealers (like “El Chapo”) towards funding President Donald Trump’s border “wall.”

Furthermore, the significance of Panatag Shoal should not be underestimated, nor should our country’s capability of defending it against China, in spite of President Xi Jinping’s war threat. In fact, defending the shoal would display our country’s resolve to effectively enforce its constitutional mandate and would serve as a model for other ASEAN maritime claimants to follow. Additionally, the shoal’s bounty can provide food and jobs for citizens and be a reserve for our country’s energy needs---now and for our youth’s future.

Finally, should the aforementioned reasons be insufficient, ponder this. Last month marked the 119^th anniversary of our independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. Today is our 61st anniversary of independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946 and this year, the 75^th anniversary of the Bataan Death March in 1942. Indeed, they are all appropriate occasions in which to contemplate the sacrifices of our soldiers. After all, did they not shed their own blood for the entire Philippines, including Panatag Shoal? Ergo, is it not incumbent on us to cherish and protect what they fought for, so that their deaths shall not have been be in vain? Surely, my friends and countrymen, for this reason alone, I submit we Filipinos should give a damn about Panatag Shoal and implore, nay, demand that the President defend it!

The Bataan Death March was a 65-mile trek into which over 76,000 Filipinos and Americans were coerced by Japanese captors during World War II in 1942. Many died of starvation, sickness, and bayoneting by the Japanese. Their death in serving and defending the Philippines gives them the highest honor.

Comments

From Freedom Wall:

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado we care a lot! but we understand we cannot fight it right now!

LikeShow more reactions July 4 at 4:02pmEdited Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado we just need to be vigilant to guard our remaining shoul that was not been occupied yet.

LikeShow more reactions July 4 at 4:04pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Time is of the essence, Jaime. Had Duterte sought assistance from the U.S. from the beginning of his presidency, rather than excoriating it, the situation may not be so unfavorable. Still, Duterte need only follow Carpio's advice, and the U.S. will be obliged to provide support.

LikeShow more reactions July 4 at 7:23pm Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado Hindi mo ba narinig ang sinabi ni digong noon? kinausap nya ang US kung ready ba sila na tulungan ang pilipinas oras na e pursue ni digong ang wps ruling. pero ano ang sagot ng US? hindi sila nag commit ng tamang commentment. Ganito lang kasi yon. Talaga naman tutulong sng US sa atin sa Gyera kontra China. pero mag ka Gyera muna at marami munang mamatay na pilipino bago mag react ang us. gawin munang BATTLE GROUNDang Palawan bago tutukong amg US.at yan ang paboritong SCENARIO NG US AT CIA. ang gyera para magkaroon sila ng PROMOTION LIVE ng mga armas pang Digma nila. Nag sasalita lanf si carpio dahil hindi siya apektado o ang partido na kinabibilangan niya. Noong panahon ni Pnoy ang tamang panahon na ginawa nila ang lahat ng effort para matigil ang naguumpisa palang pag reclaim ng area. sana ng panahon na yon kung nagpadala kaagad ng battlrship at submarine ang US sa lugar ay mag dalawang isip ang china na ituloy yan. GYETA ANG MANGYARI ORAS NA MAKIPAGBUNO KA SA CHINA sa usapin na yan. dahil tapos na nagawa ang manmade island. marami tayong isla na contested. pero yong iba ay vietnamese na ang omuukopa. ano ang kaibahan niyan sa wps? PUEDE naman pagbigyan ni digong ang kahilingan ni carpio at mga nagtapangtapangan diyan eh. sa isang kondisyon. sila lHat ay doon manirahan sa Palawan in duration ng sigalot. at ready si digong mag Jetski papunta wps. ikaw ba willing na doon manirahan sa palawan just to prove your point?

LikeShow more reactionsJuly 5 at 6:50am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Tama ka tungkol sa terms ng U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, Jaime, that RP has to be under attack before the U.S. could engage in war. Had Duterte not spoken ill of Obama or the U.S., Trump may be more inclined to favorably answer Duterte's request for assistance.

Tungkol sa aksyon ni Aquino, he sought the support of the international community. After all, engaging in war with such consent establishes the moral authority to do so, sa halip ng unilateral na aksyon. Kaya nga mahalaga ang ruling ng Permanent Court of Arbitration, at dahil it was established pagkatapos ng eleksyon ng 2016, it was incumbent on Duterte to take the next step. That step would be to discuss the matter with the U.S. and follow Carpio's suggestions.

Sa wakas, if Duterte never intended to jet ski to Panatag Shoal on which to plant our flag, then he should never have made such a pronouncement in the first place. Reneging on such a position not only projects an image of weakness, it likens him to a TRAPO, who will say anything dahil sa eleksyon.

LikeShow more reactions July 9 at 9:44pm Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado nope! kaya nya sinabi na msg jetski siya ay dahil akala niya rin ay tutulong sng US da kanya. and you really believe na basta aalisin ng china ang natapis ng man made island na hindi dadanak ang dugo? at ang armas ay PCA ruling? 😅 hondi ako pinanganak kahapon mr. bonifacio.

LikeShow more reactionsJuly 9 at 9:52pm Remove

LikeShow more reactions July 9 at 9:52pm Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado at ang trapo ay si Carpio! ang hindi nila magawa ay ang presidente ang gusto nilang gumawa sa kapabayaan nila.

LikeShow more reactions July 9 at 9:54pmEdited Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Even if Duterte thought the U.S. would support him (which I do not believe he really thought), he should have confirmed it before making such a bold proclamation, Jaime. That displays his lack of foresight or poor judgement. Even then, Duterte could have proceeded with his plan to plant the flag on Panatag Shoal. At least he would be credible as a martyr.

I do not know if Carpio is a TRAPO, but I do know he seeks to adhere to the Constitution and international law in this case. I wish I could say the same about Duterte, who seeks only to scapegoat Aquino in order to draw away attention from his own negligence. Aquino set the legal stage for Duterte to take further action. If the latter does nothing, where does the fault lie?

Like July 15 at 5:13pm Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado it is just easy for us to judge by the way we seen it. but the truth is we are just making a scenario what we want to think. mas alam ni digong ang kanyang mga ginagawa kisa sa atin mga speculation. may access siya sa lahat na intel at ang atin access ay sa mga sekf proclaim expert at bayarang media man.very sad...

LikeShow more reactions July 15 at 7:28pm Remove

Jaime Fortuna Alvarado at si duterte pa ang gagawa na gawing scapegost si Aquino??? 😅 oh dear!!! si aquino ang ginawang scapegoat ang PCA ruling para maikubli na sa anim na taon na nakaupo siya ay ang panghabol sa pplitical enemies niya ang kanyang pinagkaabalahan.noong sila ang doctor ng pilipinas ay hindi nila ginamot ng maayos ang pasyente.kung kailan na naghihingalo na ay tsaka nila ibigay sa bagong doktor at gusto nila ang bagong doktor amg gagawa ng milagro nva mabuhay at kung hindi mabuhay ay sa bgong doktor nila ibagsak ang sisi. ganyan hang yan ka simpleng intindihin ang mga pangyayari na kahit ipalikoliko pa ni aquino at morales ang dahilan ay hindi na sila pinaniniwalaan ng mamamayan.

LikeShow more reactions July 15 at 7:38pmEdited Remove

Marcial Bonifacio As a concerned citizen, I criticize any public official who fails to defend and uphold the Constitution, including Aquino and Duterte. Gayunman, I will also give them credit in so far as it is due. Marahil tama ka tungkol sa mga shortcomings ni Aquino, nguni't ang kanyang foresight sa bounty ng Panatag Shoal at adherence sa pananaig ng batas sa arbitration case ay tama.

Sa totoo lang, one doctor may be proficient in one area, while another doctor may excel in a different area. Another doctor may even kill the patient in order to quell the disease.

Gayunpaman, do you really disapprove of Aquino's action sa PCA, Jaime?

LikeShow more reactions July 20 at 9:20pm Remove

From Asian Alliance Against RED CHINA :

Lawrence Mark Pinoys do care about Panatag.... Unless youre a dutertard... 😂

LikeShow more reactions Reply July 4 at 5:32pm Remove

Ronald David haha

LikeShow more reactions ReplyJuly 4 at 7:35pm Remove

Jennifer Bichara I did not know you posted this already

LikeShow more reactions Reply1July 4 at 5:35pm Remove

Jennifer Bichara Anyway, yes this is our soveignty

LikeShow more reactions Reply1July 4 at 5:39pm Remove

Ave Rex Andrada Wow! Excellent article about the disputed Panatag/Scarborough shoal.

LikeShow more reactions Reply3 July 4 at 6:54pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Clearly, Duterte does not value Panatag Shoal, Jennifer. Do you think his supporters do?

LikeShow more reactions Reply2 July 4 at 8:21pm Remove

Jennifer Bichara They don't see the value. They are utterly clueless about the consequences of his policies to the future of our country

Like Reply4 July 4 at 8:26pm Remove

Lawrence Mark do his supporters not value Panatag?.. u know whatever duterte says.. like that china is our friend crap.. ofcourse they will absolutely agree... like mindless zombies 😂

Like ReplyJuly 5 at 10:13pmEdited

Marcial Bonifacio I appreciate the positive feedback, Ave.

LikeShow more reactions Reply1 July 4 at 8:24pm Remove

Ave Rex Andrada I think Duterte will give the Shoals to China in exchange for the projects that we may not need and for the commissions that he's going to gain. Hopefully, it won't be too late for the next administration to reclaim what ever is left of our EEZ... It would be pointless to expect as of now, anything from the Duterte administration.

Like Reply4 July 4 at 8:58pm Remove

Jennifer Bichara Ave Rex Andrada tragic

LikeReply1July 5 at 1:31am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Well that's the trouble with Duterte's short-sighted, provincial perspective, impulsiveness, and anti-American attitude.

Like Reply1 July 5 at 1:08pm Remove

Ave Rex Andrada Another alternative is to take the old navy ship, ready to be decommissioned to the Panatag shoal, and anchor or aground it, (ala, BRP Sierra Madre) somewhere near the mouth of the shoal. It would become the new permanent base of marines and Filipino fisherman.

Like Reply1July 5 at 1:38pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Isn't Sierra Madre currently stationed in the Spratly Islands, Ave?

Like Reply1 July 9 at 8:19pm Remove

Ave Rex Andrada right sir... the old warship was purposely aground in the Ayungin Shoal...

LikeReply1 July 10 at 6:08am

Roger Pepito Of korz! we Pinoys shud & must, its well within our EEZ & only about 200kms from Luzon..

LikeShow more reactions ReplyJuly 5 at 9:58pm

From Opinyong Tunay:

Eddie Macasinag HO HO HO HO, bakit pala ano? Doon kaya Mr Duterte ka mag declare ng Martial Law,

LikeReply1July 4 at 10:42pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Are you suggesting I tell Duterte to engage in war with China, Eddie?

LikeReplyJuly 10 at 5:01pm Remove

Eddie Macasinag Sira ba ulo mo Marcial Bonifacio? Matuturoan ko ba yan c Duterte ?

LikeReplyJuly 10 at 5:17pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Dinaramdam ko, Eddie. Marahil meron misunderstanding. I was just trying to clarify your point.

LikeReplyJuly 11 at 3:53am

From For the Love of the Philippines:

Kenneth Villar Who cares? Duterte and his Dutertards doesn't even care at all! 😜😜😂😂😂

Like ReplyJuly 5 at 12:52am

Kenneth Villar Who gives a damn! Even Duterte doesn't gives a shit!

LikeReplyJuly 5 at 12:49am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio If Duterte respects the Constitution, then he should give a damn because defending our sovereign territory is his constitutional mandate.

LikeReplyJuly 9 at 6:40pm Remove

Roy Samontina char!nagsalita ang mga experto!😆😆😆😆

LikeReplyJuly 11 at 12:30am

From Get Real Philippines:

Al Giorgio Sy Why just now? because US mongrels aka liberal party said so? if they really did care about the place, they would have set infrastructure there way before china did. pinoys need to suck up their pride and whining when they get outmaneuvered because of their incompetency.

LikeReplyJuly 4 at 9:55pm

From Balitang Global o Local:

Jeffrey Claros . Too late to fight it if the UN officials and counsel has no teeth for the action in arbitruary case which won before duterte's presidency.

Like July 4 at 3:51pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Duterte is the one who needed teeth. He simply could have raised this issue with American President Donald Trump. Surely, he would have given full support, Jeffrey.

Like July 4 at 4:01pm

From Gising na Pilipinas :

Mario Guillen Giyerahin sila? With what ? Marawi nga hirap na jan pa

Like Show more reactionsJuly 5 at 1:31am Remove

Peachie Carrasco Delprado Kung gusto mo gumera mauna kana! Maute nga lang hirap na tayo ungas ka.

LikeShow more reactions July 5 at 2:02am Remove

Dondon Abadies #FAKENEWS

LikeShow more reactions July 5 at 4:21am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Syempre the U.S. would have to assist RP militarily sang-ayon sa Mutual Defense Treaty, Mario.

Like Show more reactions July 9 at 9:58pm Remove

Mario Guillen Di sasali us kong rp uuna

LikeShow more reactions July 10 at 2:24am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Sang-ayon sa Mutual Defense Treaty, the U.S. must defend RP, if under armed attack, Mario.

LikeShow more reactions July 10 at 4:28pm Remove

Allan Echavia Registos Warmongers, the U.S. do not want to activate MDT as MDT was designed to deter threats during the cold war era and to bolster U.S. presence here. The U.S. will just talk to China if ever PH will engage, or involve only a few skirmishes at sea. Both China and US knew they can never afford a full conflict. Only idiots like Justice Carpio believe MDT is relevant.

LikeShow more reactions July 11 at 8:54amEdited Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Do you not think that the resumption of joint maritime patrols with the U.S. would deter China from continuing its island-building activities, Allan? If so, that would even preclude the necessity for war, hindi ba? That is one of Carpio's points. Besides, a treaty is still effective regardless of the era in which it is forged in so far as the relevant parties consent to its effectiveness. Hence the Mutual Defense Treaty is still applicable.

Like July 20 at 7:33pm

Allan Echavia Registos Marcial Bonifacio I have a different opinion. MDT is relevant only in the context of Marawi City and other few skirmishes that PH may seek to get help from its partner. But in the context of powers between two nuclear states, MDT is irrelevant. What I mean is that China and US can't and will not involve in a full conflict just because a PH vessel in WPS was sunk by the Chinese Navy. The US will go on a diplomacy route while at the same time will try to prevent another PH-China conflict. MDT was designed in the 1950s in an era with different security requirements.

LikeJuly 21 at 1:02pm Remove

Mario Guillen Marcial Bonifacio if rp attack first iba usapan hinde covered ng treaty

LikeShow more reactions July 21 at 1:03pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Kung tama ka, Allan, that the MDT is ineffective against China, then why doesn't Duterte ever mention that for clarification sa kanyang mga critics? Even prominent American experts in constitutional law and maritime affairs such as Julian Ku, Gregory Poling, and Zachary Cooper indicate the treaty applies in this case.

LikeShow more reactions July 29 at 5:16pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio I clarified that, Mario, ngunit there are "grey zone" tactics, which RP can employ, such as blocking Panatag Shoal's entrance to Chinese vessels. Ito ang alternative to actual war.

LikeShow more reactions July 29 at 5:24pm Remove

Mario Guillen Paano nila ma block e andoon na intsik sitting pretty

LikeShow more reactions July 29 at 9:43pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Political commentator ako, Dondon. Hindi ako ang diyornalista. Samakatuwid, mali ang iyong punto.

LikeShow more reactions July 9 at 10:53pm Remove

Dondon Abadies Paano magingTama ang punto mo kung may comment ka sa isang #fakenews Marcial Bonifacio dahil political commentator ka...tama lang din na sasabihin mo na wala kang sinasabi na "tama ang punto mo"

LikeShow more reactions July 10 at 2:15am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Maliwanag na iyan "fake news" ay bagong cliché which is used to diminish the credibility of honest journalists or news reporters. It is a relevant term, if commentators pose as journalists and present their opinions as news. Gayunman, I do not profess to be a journalist or a news reporter or present my commentaries as news sa panlahat. Samakatuwid the term "fake news" is invalid sa paliwanag ko, Dondon.

LikeShow more reactions July 11 at 4:07am Remove

The post Why Filipinos Should Give a Damn about Panatag Shoal first appeared on Marcial's Law.

An Open Letter to Pres. Duterte on Maute Terrorists & China's War Threat

Marcial Bonifacio — Sun, 28 May 2017 07:30:21 +0000

May 29, 2017

Dear President Rodrigo Roa Duterte:

I am writing you with the utmost respect and as a concerned citizen of the Philippines. Like you, Mr. President, I only seek to serve the interests of our countrymen as well as protect the sovereignty of our country pursuant to the Constitution. Therefore, I appeal that you keep an open mind and take no offense to my grievances and unsolicited recommendations.

Mr. President, many Marawi City residents have had their lives drastically disrupted and have been displaced as they have evacuated their homes, due to your declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Meanwhile, some foreign investors are losing confidence in the economy and the stability of the Philippine government as a result. This may deter other potential investors and cost our country many current and potential jobs. In fact, Philippine Airlines has already offered refunds to travelers fearful of flying to Mindanao.

For that reason, it is in the best interest of the Philippines to swiftly quell the terrorist threat, restore the rule of law, and draw an end to this period of martial law as soon as possible. That is precisely why I suggest you request Pres. Donald Trump increase American troop presence in Mindanao. Such a move would allow the police and military to continue fighting Islamic terrorists without compromising their focus on other priorities, such as the NPA (who have already announced they would utilize the current crisis to their advantage). Since both the Philippines and the U.S. share a similar problem of having porous borders, thus enabling foreign Islamic terrorists to enter both countries (some of the killed Maute terrorists were from Indonesia and Malaysia), perhaps you can collaborate to find solutions.

Indeed, the U.S. would relentlessly curtail the escalation of Islamic terrorism. In conformity with your desire to be “harsh,” Pres. Trump is willing to use practical, effective methods to counter the insurgents, such as enhanced interrogation techniques. He is also willing to adopt Gen. Pershing’s method of using bullets dipped in pig’s blood, which quickly ended the war between the Americans and Moros during the early 20^th century.

In light of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s threat on your desire for the Philippines to extract natural resources from the disputed West Philippine Sea, that “if you force the issue, we will go to war,” I must invoke the authority of Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio. He states that “the threat of China to go to war against the Philippines if the Philippines extracts oil and gas in the Reed Bank, or in any area within Philippine EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, is a gross violation of the United Nations Charter, UNCLOS, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia to which China and the Philippines are parties.”

That is why, Mr. President, I implore you to discuss this issue with Pres. Trump. After all, the U.S. also has a strategic interest in maritime security and maintaining freedom of navigation along the West Philippine Sea, which is one of the reasons Pres. Trump seeks to scale up the American navy.

Mr. President, it is indisputable that America’s military is the most powerful in the world, and wherein the U.S. refrained from full scale war, it has maintained a fairly stabilizing counter balance against hegemons like Russia and China. In fact, just a few days ago, a U.S. warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef unimpeded by China---a deliberate attempt to demonstrate that "Mischief Reef is not entitled to its own territorial sea regardless of whether an artificial island has been built on top of it." Indeed, according to Justice Carpio, “the Philippines must strengthen its alliance with the United States, the only country with whom the Philippines has a mutual defense treaty.” Even the astute patriot whom you called “President Gordon” concurs on utilizing the presence of American troops in order to develop a “strong and credible defense capability.”

However, as we await the fortification of that alliance, Justice Carpio advises that the Philippines “bring China’s threat of war to another UNCLOS arbitral tribunal, to secure an order directing China to comply with the ruling of the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal that declared the Reed Bank part of Philippine EEZ.” He added that the “Philippines can also ask for damages for every day of delay that the Philippines is prevented by China from exploiting Philippine EEZ.”

In following Justice Carpio’s lead, I also recommend that you persuade the U.S. to declare Panatag Shoal (universally known as Scarborough Shoal) as part of Philippine territory, which would protect it under the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. Such action would add clarity for legal ramifications, since the shoal was known to be under Philippine jurisdiction as early as the American colonial period. The Japanese did precisely that with their Senkaku islands , which the U.S. declared as part of Japan's territory for purposes of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty.

Meanwhile, Mr. President, you can send the Philippine Navy to patrol Panatag Shoal. Should China stage an attack on any of our vessels, you can invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty, since it covers armed attacks on such vessels. Of course, that would prompt the U.S. Navy to intervene.

I also recommend, Mr. President, that you express to Pres. Trump your gratitude for America’s contributions to our country’s welfare, including being an old, reliable ally whose troops fought alongside our troops against the Japanese invaders during World War II, providing foreign aid (in the form of funding, disaster relief supplies and manpower, and military assets and training), and U.S. legislation that currently supplements the income of our World War II veterans (in addition to their compensation by our own government).

The Oldest Philippine Alliance

Mr. President, Gen. Douglas MacArthur is one of Pres. Trump’s favorite commanders. That is why I also urge you to give him a tour of the Leyte Landing Memorial Park, which is adorned by the American icon’s statue next to Pres. Sergio Osmena’s. Perhaps such a setting would be appropriate to even hold a press conference wherein you can announce the fortification of Philippine-U.S. relations.

MacArthur Landing Memorial Park

I recommend the announcement be made on June 12, which is shortly upcoming and a historical date. Indeed, it is the day Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared our country's independence from Spain in 1898, for which a war by both Americans and Filipinos was fought. Such a chosen time for the announcement would certainly send a chilling message to imperial China on their limits vis-á-vis a powerful, ironclad ally.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I welcome you forging new alliances with other countries. However, new and dubious allies are no substitute for a single, loyal ally, especially since that ally according to Justice Carpio, is the “only one power on earth that can stop the Chinese and that’s the U.S.” With that said, America is our greatest ally and an invaluable asset in combating Islamic terrorism and keeping China restrained. Moreover, the world will respect us, and our enemies will fear us. Thus, it would serve our country’s best interest to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Mr. President, I appreciate your service to our country and to our countrymen and look forward to the day when peace and order will be restored, federalism will take effect, our economy will grow at record levels, and our country will reach first world status. May you have a successful presidency.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Marcial Bonifacio

Facebook Comments :

Evangeline Mejia I definitely agree with this Marcial, this is better than criticizing duterte
LikeShow more reactions · Reply · 2 · May 29 at 9:29pm Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Nagagalak akong malaman iyan, kaibigan ko. I must admit I was pretty restrained dahil sa directly addressing Duterte. 🙂 Marahil his surrogates may read it and bring it to his attention.
LikeShow more reactions · Reply · 1 · May 30 at 1:28am

Marlene Damolo Howe I agree with Pres. Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao in order to bring back law and order for the safety of the residents. The president has been fighting enemies from all fronts, both foreign and domestic. So Martial Law is sometimes necessary. Your suggestions are sensible and doable. But I can also understand where Pres. Duterte is coming from as far as working diplomatically with China and Russia, the two other superpowers adversarial to the United Sates. It doesn't mean that he abandons the country's alliance with the U.S., but only to explore diplomatic relationships with the other two since the Philippines is in a precarious situation and having very little resources for defense. The U.S. has a vested interests in the Philippines geographical location to keep navigation passage free in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, and China's interest in the Philippines is for its agressive "expansionism" agenda. China claims that ALL of South China Seas is hers, regardless of the UNCLOS provision of 200 nautical miles EEZ.

So what does a Philippine president has to do? Pres. Duterte is a smart strategist. He has a history of outsmarting his detractors being street smart and pragmatic. After previous American president (Barack Obama) tried to undermine his presidency, Pres. Duterte moved to seek "diplomatic" alliance elsewhere. Hence, the two other superpowers, Russia and China. It puts America on notice! But Pres. Trump is NOT Barack Obama. He is not an ideologue but a PRAGMATIST that only wants to do what's best for America. And that means, WORKING WITH ALLIES and gain their trust. Under Barack Obama, OUR ALLIES NO LONGER TRUSTED US AND OUR ENEMIES DIDN'T FEAR US. Presidents Trump and Duterte have the same goal for their respective countries, to make it a better place where people are free to live their lives as they see fit and in peace. They had a good rapport when they talked while the opposite is true with Barack Obama.

So I hope that President Duterte will get your message and take your suggestions in consideration. We all want peace and better Philippines. So I hope that the self-serving obstructionists and disruptors will cease in their undermining the Duterte presidency and instead, help the president succeed in his efforts to combat the BAD ELEMENTS befalling our country; corruption, war on drugs and terrorism.

Like Show more reactions · Reply · 3 · May 30 at 11:00pm Remove

LenDante Clarino Hey Marlene...long time... looks like your age is just like that of pretty Adaline. What's the secret? Btw, i agree that u agree with #PDu30 here. ????
LikeShow more reactions · Reply · 1 · May 31 at 12:05am Remove

Marlene Damolo Howe

LikeShow more reactions · Reply · 1 · June 1 at 4:43am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Magandang punto, kaibigang Marlene! Notwithstanding your points that Duterte is a smart strategist, I concur with everything else. Naisip ko impulsive at short-sighted si Duterte dahil he forged ties with Russia and China before consulting with Trump or Clinton tungkol sa paksang Panatag Shoal and their economic policy. Even before the U.S. presidential election was over in November of 2016, he could have ascertained both candidate's proposals. If Obama were serving longer, then I might have some sympathy for Duterte's decision. Gayunman, even then, it seems that Duterte may have been bent on forging new alliances just to spite the U.S. I have pointed out his anti- American inclination sa huling paliwanag ko titled "Digong is no Dick":

Although Duterte has given mixed signals about his position on America and so-called “independent foreign policy” with other countries, his numerous rants and actions indicate he is, indeed, anti-American. For example, Duterte prompted the Supreme Court to deliberate on the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), in spite of its benefit to RP. He said that 2016 would be the last year the Philippines would participate in joint military patrols and exercises with the U.S., although he recently requested China’s assistance in sea patrolling as a pre-emptive measure against piracy. Duterte has constantly condemned the U.S. for the atrocities of the Bud Dajo Massacre in 1906, prompting former Pres. Fidel Ramos to characterize such anti-colonial thinking as “20th-century thinking” from which we must detach ourselves.Furthermore, Duterte has shifted RP’s arms supply source from the U.S. to Russia and China, in spite of what political scientist Richard Heydarian addresses as “problems with configuration” in which it could take “years for the Philippines’ army to reorient itself with new technology. ”https://www.marcialslaw.com/digong-is-no-dick-dick-gordon.../

Gayunpaman, sana Duterte will heed Carpio's advice. Gayunman in so doing, he will have to strain ties with China to some extent, but he will regain some credibility for finally defending Panatag Shoal.

Digong is no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is
Updated 3/26/2017 By Marcial Bonifacio My…
MARCIALSLAW.COM

LikeShow more reactions · Reply · June 3 at 2:03pm Remove

Jocel Mendoza I am one with the President. If the people who actually live in Mindanao support the declaration of Martial Law, why complain when we are not the one caught in war? Peace talks didn’t work and the enemies here are terrorists, we cannot talk sense to these people. Those who are against ML fear of power getting abused, but that is why the 1987 Constitution imposes limits to prevent it from happening. Martial Law then is different from Martial Law now.

Turning to Russia and China I think is the President’s way of bringing balance to Asia and neutralizing the tension in the region. We are not in the best position to declare war. Why would we fight China when even the US won’t. The most viable solution in the sea conflict - joint exploration.
LikeShow more reactions · Reply · 2 · May 31 at 2:00am Remove

Marcial Bonifacio Kaibigang Jocel, sang-ayon ako sa punto mo ng martial law---that the 1987 Constitution has safeguards which differentiate it from the previous one. Gayunman, Duterte did not make such a distinction. Sa kabilang banda, sabi niya, "Martial law is martial law. So to my countrymen, you have experienced martial law. Ito, it would not be any different from what the President Marcos did. I’d be harsh.” Fortunately, Duterte's surrogates have attempted to walk such statements back and make the distinctions which you made. Aside from using martial law for quelling Islamic terrorism, he should do so to neutralize the NPA as well, since peace talks with them have also failed.

Tungkol sa paksang bagong alliances, Duterte is not helpless in defending Panatag Shoal. The Mutual Defense Treaty obligates the U.S. to engage in war should RP's navy vessels get attacked by China. SC Justice Antonio Carpio has even stressed that sa sulat ko. Gayunpaman, Duterte would set a good example for the other ASEAN members with similar disputes dahil RP's sovereignty is legal sa pamamagitan ng ruling ng Permanent Arbitration Court.

LikeShow more reactions · Reply · June 3 at 2:46pm

Seni Batong Etcudo · University of Baguio, Baguio City, Philippines

I just hope that president Duterte will accept the advice as written in this message. We don't want to cut off our friendship with the USA.

LikeReply1May 30, 2017 6:09am

Marcial Bonifacio I have tweeted this letter to Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Cayetano, the DOJ,the Philippine Coast Guard, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Sen. Richard Gordon, and even Mocha Uson. Hopefully, Ines, they all will understand the significance of America's alliance and will try to persuade the President.

LikeReplyJun 1, 2017 7:47pmEdited

Thor Corpuz · STI College Philippines

USA is our true ally - from World War II to present. There are thousands of Fil-Ams in the US Armed forces- from the lower ranks to the highest ranks. Thousands of Fil-Am families in US. How many Filipinos in PLA? Probably none. Free speech in USA allows Fil-Ams to lobby and represent the Philippines in economic, political and social issues. If only Filipinos think like the Japanese, Japan was nuked twice, was an enemy of both US and CHINA, but the WISE Japanese chose USA. USA will help protect RP than Red CHINA. Red China is making RP their FRONTLINE BATTLEGROUND. We will be like Tibet and N. Korea. Red CHina is bringing the war to the Philippines WHETHER FILIPINOS will fight or not fight. Filipinos might as well fight with a strong ally and closer ally - USA. Filipinos have NO VOICE in RED CHINA!

LikeReply1May 31, 2017 11:24amEdited

Marcial BonifacioExcellent points, Thor! What's ironic is that, as I pointed out in my last commentary, Duterte "has defied all conventional logic by shifting loyalty from an old, reliable ally---sharing similar ideals and aspects of civil liberties, human rights, democracy, and military culture--- to a hegemonic, dubious foe---sharing no such ideals or cultural facets."

https://www.marcialslaw.com/digong-is-no-dick-dick-gordon.../

It seems that the only way out of this situation is either for Duterte to betray China and rejoin America, or for Duterte's successor to reverse course.

LikeReply1Jun 1, 2017 6:33pm

The post An Open Letter to Pres. Duterte on Maute Terrorists & China's War Threat first appeared on Marcial's Law.

Digong is no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is

Marcial Bonifacio — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 23:29:46 +0000

Updated 3/26/2017

By Marcial Bonifacio

My friends and countrymen, ever since Rodrigo Duterte entered the presidential race in 2016, some of his most fervent supporters, including some of my esteemed colleagues, have held him with such high regard tantamount even to their high regard for Sen. Richard Gordon. In fact, many voted for both public servants believing they would be an ideal tandem, one for president and the other for senator. Many of our citizens who voted for Duterte in the 2016 presidential election are the same ones who voted for Gordon in his 2010 presidential race.

Perhaps such electoral behavior is due to the perception that they both are “no-nonsense,” maverick leaders, who “think outside the box.” Hence, it is indubitable that they would govern similarly, if not identically. However, such a conclusion has little basis in fact, considering their views, policies, and overall knowledge differ drastically. Please allow me to illustrate.

Anti-Drug Policy

On the issue of the drug epidemic, Duterte seems content in executing his plans by literally executing people---drug lords and addicts---just as he did as mayor of Davao City. He has even encouraged civilians to follow his lead, whereby he would give them a medal or cash in return. “If you know of any addict,” stated Duterte, “go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful.” Duterte has reiterated to the PNP (Philippine National Police) that he would take the fall for any policeman prosecuted for “doing his duty,” even to the point of incarceration.

Gordon, on the other hand, has a comprehensive approach to the drug problem. For instance, since China has failed to effectively enforce its anti-drug smuggling laws, he suggests they be condemned. “We should shame China,” advises Gordon, “They’re not only taking our land. They’re also bringing in drugs to our country.” He urges the Foreign Affairs Department to “launch a strong protest” against the imperial power.

Additionally, Gordon proposes that schools provide highly trained guidance counselors and facilitate active Parents-Teachers Associations in order to detect and prevent potential drug addicts. He supports the establishment of village watch groups that would coordinate with the police and has been proven to be effective in Olongapo City under his mayorship. Gordon also proposes establishing police courts for handling drug-related crime and extrajudicial killing cases and body cameras for the police to promote transparency.

Upon the event of extrajudicial killings, he proposes the immediate suspension or dismissal of all policemen involved, just as he initiated as mayor. I might add that as an infrastructure project and extra border security, the Philippines can emulate American Pres. Donald Trump’s proposal of erecting a “wall” for which China will pay, but I digress. 🙂

American Foreign Policy

Although Duterte has given mixed signals about his position on America and so-called “independent foreign policy” with other countries, his numerous rants and actions indicate he is, indeed, anti-American. For example, Duterte prompted the Supreme Court to deliberate on the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), in spite of its benefit to RP. He said that 2016 would be the last year the Philippines would participate in joint military patrols and exercises with the U.S., although he recently requested China’s assistance in sea patrolling as a pre-emptive measure against piracy. Duterte has constantly condemned the U.S. for the atrocities of the Bud Dajo Massacre in 1906, prompting former Pres. Fidel Ramos to characterize such anti-colonial thinking as “20^th-century thinking” from which we must detach ourselves.

Furthermore, Duterte has shifted RP’s arms supply source from the U.S. to Russia and China, in spite of what political scientist Richard Heydarian addresses as “problems with configuration” in which it could take “years for the Philippines’ army to reorient itself with new technology.”

He did all this in spite of the 70-year alliance in which the Americans fought alongside our countrymen against the Japanese imperialists during World War II, invested billions of dollars in private capital (much of it accounting for a booming BPO industry), defended RP’s right to use arbitration for maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, and has provided foreign aid in the form of disaster relief goods and services and military equipment and training against Islamic terrorists.

I have yet to mention the billions of dollars of remittances from American OFWs (which comprise approximately 43% of total remittances). Does this sound like Duterte merely seeks an independent foreign policy, or does this manifest his entrenched animosity towards the U.S.?

Gordon, on the other hand, has consistently supported the U.S. as early as his Olongapo mayorship. He vehemently defended the U.S. Bases Treaty in 1991 as well as EDCA. In an interview during his 2013 senatorial run, when asked if he supported EDCA, he responded, “EDCA, yeah. Our air force is all air and no force.” More recently, Gordon pointed out that “Japan and South Korea have used the US military bases there as their defense umbrella, while they funneled resources to rebuild their ravaged economy to build up their society to first world status” and that RP “must do the same.”

Panatag Shoal

On the issue of Panatag Shoal, a Pulse Asia survey (taken Dec. 6-11, 2016) shows that 84% of its participants want the government to uphold the ruling of the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), favoring RP’s claim and invalidating China’s nine-dash line as contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Perhaps that is why many cheered at Duterte’s proclamation that he would jet ski all the way to the disputed territory on which he would plant the Philippine flag. However, since he has forged an alliance with imperial China, he has refrained from discussing the matter with them. Instead they discussed trade deals, financial aid, and arms supplies.

Though Philippine fishermen are now able to return due to China’s permission---not its acknowledgement of the PCA ruling, which Rep. Tomasito Villarin says will “subject us to international ridicule”---RP appears to be China’s lapdog. How ironic considering Duterte, in condemnation of America, clearly stated, “I am not a tuta (lapdog) of any country!” Even more perplexing is that about 55% of our countrymen have “little trust” in China, according to an SWS poll. Indeed, Duterte has not only contradicted himself and thwarted the will of the people, he has defied all conventional logic by shifting loyalty from an old, reliable ally---sharing similar ideals and aspects of civil liberties, human rights, democracy, and military culture--- to a hegemonic, dubious foe---sharing no such ideals or cultural facets.

The U.S. has already hinted that it will make preparations to block China, if it continues militarizing Panatag Shoal. However, Duterte still refuses to collaborate in defending RP’s legal claim. Gordon called such neglect of the PCA’s ruling “dangerous because anytime you have a claim, you must assert it,” and “if China steps on Scarborough Shoals, that is a red line and we’ll have to fight.” He also agrees with Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that, “if Duterte concedes sovereignty, it is a culpable violation of the Constitution, a ground for impeachment.”

With such a serious charge pending, what could be the rationale for such illogical behavior? Is Duterte simply focused on the economic bounty RP will derive from China in exchange for Panatag Shoal? Perhaps I can appropriately adapt Mark 8:36 as “For what shall it profit a nation to gain the whole spectrum of prosperity (in banana exportation, increased tourism, financial aid for infrastructure, and foreign direct investments) but lose its own sovereignty?”

Death Penalty

On the death penalty, Duterte seeks to reimpose it. Gordon opposes it on the grounds that it violates international conventions to which RP has agreed and the risk of mistaken identity. In fact, the Free Legal Assistance Group conducted a research study in 2004, which revealed that “71 percent of death sentences handed down by trial courts were wrongfully imposed.” The same study also showed that “70 percent of the 1,021 inmates on death row earned less than P10,000,” essentially indicating the death penalty to be anti-poor.

Political Economy

On the economy, Duterte styles himself a “socialist” and the “first left president of the Philippines.” As I pointed out in my commentary titled “My Concerns about a Duterte Presidency,” Duterte has been sympathetic to the communists and has offered them Cabinet positions in his administration. While it is uncertain whether or not he himself is a communist---especially since he recently rebranded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as a “terrorist group” and declared an “all out war” against them after breaking a ceasefire---he has not replaced his appointees, three of whom are from the National Democratic Front (NDF) and one (Leonicio Evasco Jr) of whom is from the New People’s Army (NPA) and currently supervises 18 Cabinet agencies.

There are various theories from renowned commentators on the matter, and I am open to any and all of them without a firm conviction as of yet. For example, many people think that Duterte has appointed communists to his Cabinet in an effort to make peace after 50 years of enmity. Perhaps, but following that logic, should he not also include members of the Abu Sayyaf, ISIS, and Maute terrorist groups, since they are equal adversaries of the state?

Some think that since the founding chairman of the CPP, Jose Sison, was Duterte’s close friend and political science professor at the Lyceum of the Philippines, they are simpatico in their vision of a communist RP. Others, like political columnist Francisco Tatad, speculate a grand scheme is at play in which Evasco is behind the peace talks of the CPP, NPA, and NDF for the “eventual communization of the Philippine government.”

However, some even believe that the current war on the NPA establishes a predicate for Duterte to declare martial law, since the communist movement can be construed as a rebellion, especially since they recently broke the ceasefire by killing some AFP members. That may explain why he has visited various military camps throughout RP in order to garner support for such a drastic measure.

In spite of Duterte’s dubious intentions and association with communists, Gordon’s economic platform is pro-growth and pro-free trade. His legislation proposals include lowering taxes, increasing savings and investments, and enabling entrepreneurs to be more competitive with big corporations for government contracts. Gordon has frequently condemned government handouts as merely a Band-Aid solution to a deeper problem, which he says will only perpetuate “the attitude of mendicancy among our people” as has been the case “over the last four centuries or so.”

Speech

In speech, Duterte is impulsively forthright, vulgar, and excessively foul-mouthed. Indeed, such ostensibly undiplomatic verbiage has had national and international repercussions that have been adverse and the subject of universal media scrutiny. Although a few of his spokesmen have publicly dismissed Duterte’s crude remarks as mere hyperbole or public misperception, “perception can be more damaging than reality” as Gordon pointed out.

On Duterte’s offensive remarks, Gordon insists “we have to protect the country from bad statements, and the President has the duty to be a statesman.” As for his most frequently used expletive, Gordon suggests Duterte “not be heard saying all bad words” lest RP’s new tourism slogan be “Welcome to the PI” or “Wow PI.” Even Donald Trump has displayed more oratorical discipline, since his election as president to the astonishment of many, including myself.

In contrast to Duterte’s unrefined oratory, Gordon’s is forthright but professional, eloquent, and with scholarship---in a word, most presidential. View the following speech in which he presents his perspective on reopening the senatorial probe into the alleged Davao Death Squad with new testimony from Senior Police Officer 3 Arthur Lascañas. Observe his diplomacy in articulating his disagreement with some of his senatorial colleagues. Was he effective in conveying his points without using expletives?

Public Service

Although Duterte’s public service and patriotic achievements (as prosecutor and 22-year mayor) cannot be denied due credit, they were largely confined to Davao City and its residents. However, as president, I must at least credit him for persuading more than 700,000 drug-related criminals to surrender themselves to the proper authorities. However, it can be disputed that the drug epidemic is simply the symptom or consequence of the more profound problems of psychological instability, poverty, and corruption, and should thus not be considered such an impactful achievement for the country as a whole.

After all, a liberal measure of the number of drug users is calculated to be a mere 4.74%, which is below the global average of 5.2%. Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank rates the poverty level at a whopping 25%. Should not the “war on poverty” be prioritized over the “war on drugs”? Would it not be more laudable, if Duterte contributed more to job creation, expanding the tax base, and creating prosperity---which could decrease drug abuse---not to mention would have preserved the lives of the 7,000 killed suspects in the drug war?

Gordon’s public service is far more diverse and has profoundly impacted the entire country. For example, he was a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, authored the Automated Elections Law as a senator, and has helped save the countless lives of natural disaster victims as a Red Cross volunteer for nearly 50 years. Hence, while Duterte may have contributed to the safety and prosperity of Davao City, Gordon was instrumental in framing the supreme law of our country, modernizing and automating the electoral process in order to curb voter fraud, and helping create prosperity for the whole Philippines in the tourism industry.

By now, it should be ostensible that Duterte and Gordon would govern very differently because they are very different public servants with different views on different issues, some of which are in direct contradiction. If the name, “Digong,” were partially covered in such a way that only the first two letters, “Di,” could be seen, it may be innocently misconstrued as “Dick.” However, such an error could easily be prevented by simply viewing all the alphabetical letters as a whole, just as we should examine all our public servants in their totality before electing them into office.

In conclusion, friends and countrymen, I submit that Rodrigo Duterte may be the first Mindanaon president of the Philippines, a former prosecutor and 22-year Davao City mayor, whose voice mesmerizes his admirers and strikes fear into the hearts of drug lords. He may even be a maverick with drastic policy proposals and changes, which contradict conventional norms and even tradition. Perhaps Duterte has a genuinely pure heart, good intentions, and is very passionate about our country as well as our countrymen. Indeed, Digong may be a hero to many people, but he is certainly no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is.

Comments from the group: Asian Alliance against China.

Rohellio Zoryaga They are not the same in terms of foreign relation.
Like · Reply · March 7 at 9:42pm
Marcial Bonifacio They are scarcely the same in domestic or foreign policy. As I pointed out sa paliwanag ko, they differ on key issues, halimbawa, the drug war, death penalty, American foreign policy, Panatag Shoal, etc.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 6:15pm

Ashz Ashzl Yes both of them are a sissy dick
Like· Reply · March 8 at 12:23am
Marcial Bonifacio How is Gordon, Ashz?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 6:23pm · Edited

Ashz Ashzl Just ch3ck ur balls and compare it to gordon you'll get what i mean. ????
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:36pm · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Please give me facts, Ashz.
Like· Reply · March 10 at 3:42pm · Edited

Josephus Ramos What's the comparison for? i can only see the two side of the two china and the US...
Like· Reply · March 8 at 7:17pm

Marcial Bonifacio The comparison shows the difference between Gordon and Duterte in general and in their approach to China in particular. While the former would stand up to them, the latter has sacrificed our sovereignty to them, Josephus, which is an impeachable offense.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 8:58pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Our people...deserve better leaders. May the Good Lord give us leaders that truly care for the welfare of the people, instead of their own..families, clans...and bank accounts. Tsk tsk tsk 🙁
Like· Reply · March 8 at 7:59pm · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio That leader would be Sen. Dick Gordon. He may very well be our next president.

Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:00pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Perhaps, that remains to be seen.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:03pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna We will see ...
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:03pm

Marcial Bonifacio Even if he doesn't become president, what Gordon has done for the country until now far exceeds what Duterte has done or is likely to do before his term expires.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:08pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Ok.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:09pm

Joe Bacero Marcial Bonifacio really?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:19pm

Joe Bacero Look DICK Look - look at Durts -
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:25pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Joe Bacero
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:28pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Mas magaling naman si Gordon kaysa kay Digz Joe ..that's TRUE
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:29pm

Joe Bacero yes - its true...
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:30pm

Joe Bacero no snatchers no pickpocketers in subic when he was a mayor...
Like · Reply · March 8 at 10:31pm

Joe Bacero and most of all NO death squad
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:32pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna 🙂
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:32pm

Joe Bacero ano tawag dun kung meron... SDS naman
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:32pm

Joe Bacero if he run for president on 2022 - i will not vote for him...
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:33pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Who??? Gordon? Why?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:39pm

Joe Bacero i mean if gordon run for president.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:40pm

Sandra Joson-Acuna Ok Why not Joe?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:57pm

Marcial Bonifacio I'm also interested in knowing Joe Bacero's reason for not voting for Gordon after he just praised him.
Like· Reply · March 10 at 3:22am

Marcial Bonifacio Nga pala, magandang punto tungkol sa Olongapo and Subic Bay having low crime rates without a death squad under Mayor Gordon.
Like· Reply · March 10 at 3:27am

Comments from the group: WHAT THE FILIPINOS NEED TO KNOW - Politics, News & other Relevant Issues.

March 7

Alwyn Balingit They are on the same page on many things, and they are both excellent administrators who can bring their experience of running a city onto running a country

Like· Reply · March 7 at 9:51pm

Marcial Bonifacio Talaga, Alwyn? Name one policy in which they agree. I have pointed out several in which they are in direct opposition. Tungkol sa gobyerno ng ating bayan, alam mo ng mga accomplishments ni Gordon. Gayunman, Duterte's only national impact has been in the drug war. Even then, as I pointed out sa paliwanag ko, that has little effect on poverty, unemployment, or development.

Also, the future of our country seems bleak when the President cannot even protect our sovereignty sa Panatag Shoal. Sa kabilang banda, he has sold it for China's money. That was one of the key issues I pointed out, wherein Gordon and Duterte disagree.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 7:50pm · Edited

Alwyn Balingit I cannot list and paste everything here, but you can scour the Richard Gordon FB Page, all posts that are supportive of Duterte. And yeah, while they have things that they agree on, there are also things they disagree about, for example, yung pag-away noon ni Duterte kay Obama.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 8:44pm

Marcial Bonifacio Please post the link sa Gordon's FB page here, para I can check it. Tungkol kay Obama, that is probably the one thing wherein I disagree with Gordon sa kasamaang-palad. Are you referring to Chicago, Alwyn?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:52pm

Alwyn Balingit https://www.facebook.com/senatorgordon/
Dick Gordon
Government Official · 600,634 Likes

Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:10pm

Alwyn Balingit Too many to paste here, click on their photos section na lang ang check the ones with paragraphs like the one below. Again, most of the time in favor of PRRD, and at times disagreeing.

https://www.facebook.com/senatorgordon/photos/a.261832317830.144280.225987507830/10154336217617831/?type=3&theater
Like

· Reply · March 8 at 10:15pm · Edited

AlwynBalingit https://www.facebook.com/senatorgordon/photos/a.261832317830.144280.225987507830/10154263316767831/?type=3&theater

Dick Gordon with Rodrigo Duterte 16th President and 28 others.

December 16, 2016 ·

WE ALL NEED TO DO OUR PART.

To those who wish to bring the President down, a word of caution, just because you say it, it doesnt mean it's the truth.

You need evidence. It must be proven. Proof is not spoken, it is shown.

To the President, I say once again, loose lips sink ships. Make your actions speak louder than your words.

Like· Reply · March 8 at 10:15pm
Marcial Bonifacio Salamat, kaibigan ko, para sa mga links. While Gordon may appear supportive of Duterte, meron mga ambiguities. Halimbawa, when Gordon says, "If we want our country to succeed, we need our president to succeed," he is making a general statement that the president and the other branches of government need to work coherently. It is Gordon's way of trying to unify the people behind Duterte in so far as everything he does is lawful and constitutional.
Like· Reply · March 11 at 2:51pm

Marcial Bonifacio Gayunman, sa specific, major policies, I have listed several quotes from Gordon indicating clear opposition to Duterte. Halimbawa, sa China, Duterte coddles them, nguni't sabi ni Gordon RP should fight them.

Sa Amerika, Duterte constantly reiterates the Bud Dajo Massacre, which happened more than a century ago, before Obama was born. That means anti-Amerika siya. Gordon has only blamed Obama specifically, but he has openly embraced America's alliance, even since he was Olongapo mayor.Sa Panatag Shoal, Duterte appears disinterested. Gordon wants RP to assert its legal claim ayon sa ruling ng international tribunal. He even goes as far as stating that not asserting RP's claim could be an impeachable offense.Anong palagay mo, kaibigang Alwyn?
Like· Reply · March 11 at 4:07pm · Edited

Alwyn Balingit Yup, basically Gordon is supportive of Duterte while at the same time maintain his stand with the usual objective Gordon stance. It's healthy.
Like· Reply · March 11 at 6:54pm

More Comments :

Emma Morgan I rather to see Gordon as a president, he is true to his job, never get involved with any corruption, killing etc. This is the person should lead the country not someone who's been involved with massacre.
Like· Reply · March 7 at 11:57pm
Gilbert Menchu Its much better if Gordon is President.He knows better what our peoples need.They need descent job and money if we want our people lives a better life they need a better job.Other things changed automatically.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 6:45pm · Edited

Perci Lozano Piña No. Gordon is the only Dick that WE LOVE.

Like· Reply · March 7 at 6:49pm
Jeffry Dy Very long analysis and well yeah different styles,different leaderships and oh boy at times pres.is pro China which is something Both us and phl leaders need to talk bout since they support one another although i disagree w the vulgar rant there. Sometimes it has to and he understands the frustrations of everyone around us thristy for a real Change something no ordinary leader has done.So yeah great points and excellent view
Like· Reply · March 7 at 7:24pm · Edited

Jeffry Dy Also on the ejk part on digong its all pure exagerration and all bs when did the media ever find any figures on 7,000 plus when in our normal lives everybody does the crime everyday and that's a fact.

My estimates on the so called ejk is massively lower than that and this whole sherade on him a dictator and all that is plain wooey.If hes ever like that would u think for once social media or all the modern things u need are still exist??Think bout that even hypocrites are ranting it out on digong too I call it smarks for all i care.

I can smell the party of digong resign right bout now hypocrites want him that.

Like· Reply · March 7 at 7:40pm · Edited

Dodong Aberca He used his DICK wisely by the way.
Like· Reply · March 7 at 8:18pm

Doray Ramon Inayinay Di nagpapagamit si Dick! Tatayo yan pG kailangan 😉

Like· · Reply · March 7 at 8:55pm

Marcial Bonifacio Salamat, Jeffry. Actually, I did not plan for my commentary to be this long. However, as new developments occurred, I had to update it. Anyway, I do appreciate Duterte's aggressiveness and political will, but I think he should direct them against China and the NPA. Those are the real threats to RP, since they undermine our sovereignty and ability to govern pursuant to democratic ideals.

Of course 7,000 killings is only an approximation of the total number of victims of the drug war. The conventional estimate of police killings is about half, while the other half is likely due to vigilantes and other drug-related criminals. However, don't you think that if Gordon were president, that number would be drastically reduced?

Like· Reply · March 7 at 9:23pm

Jeffry DyOkay lang po iyan mqrcial as long as you have the say may kalayaan naman tayo diba?
Like· Reply · March 7 at 10:23pm

Hill de RobertsThe real threat to the nation is the LP and its dangerous members from top to bottom
Like· Reply · March 8 at 12:45am · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Perhaps, Hill, but there is a political remedy to deal with LP. The violent nature of the NPA and imperialism of China can only be remedied by force, not appeasement as is Duterte's way. Indeed, If he used the same fervor as he does with the drug lords, China would think twice before infringing on our sovereignty. Recall that even you started an FB group promoting the boycott of Chinese products kanina, hindi ba?
Like· Reply · March 8 at 2:27pm · Edited

Carlos Jalijali Guanlao Si Dick kusa yang tumatayo kapag kailangan!
Like· Reply · March 7 at 11:38pm
Oscar Saddul NEVER.... IDICK IS A DICK IS A DICK & NO ONE ELSE, I believe so !
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:30am

Melchor Salonga Well he is a Dick but with cursing ????

Dick and Duterte are similar in the sense they have a no-nonsense approach in getting things done, abrasive and tell it like it is attitude and can back up their bravado (i.e. Davao, Subic).

Dick is just more articulate in the manner he answers IMO since he can get his message through without necessarily blurting out curse words.

Like· Reply · March 8 at 2:48pm

Marcial Bonifacio I definitely agree that both are forthright, abrasive, and perhaps, no-nonsense in their approach. However, their differences are not confined exclusively to their oratory, but extends to their policies as well. For example, they are in direct opposition on American foreign policy, death penalty, and Panatag Shoal, Melchor.
Like· Reply · March 8 at 9:22pm

Dodong Aberca MY DICK IS GOOD TOO
Like· Reply · March 8 at 8:14pm

Sari Aya Malaya Certainly, Digong is no Dick and will never be. Sen. Dick Gordon is Pro-Life, Pro-Peace and Pro-Constitution. Digong is the exact opposite. Kudos to the PR and marketing geniuses who made and repackaged him during the time when Davao was an experimental area of the left. They made him look and sound "cool" especially to the business sector and from then on he made history. But they should had known any better. They may had put Davao on the business map but on one end, created a Frankenstein called Duterte. Frankenstein in contemporary debates on bioethics provided lessons which are seemingly clear: don’t play God, don’t over-reach, don’t unleash uncontrollable forces, don’t treat humans as material, don’t act alone. Such a fitting metaphor for an empowered, unfeeling man who decides on the life and death of his so called "masters", the ordinary citizenry over allegations of illegal drug use. He put too much attention to the war on drugs and criminality, but where are the big fishes? What about our war on poverty? Our security from external threats? We need real and tangible government policies that will help us in our day to day struggle for survival.
Like· Reply · March 15 at 3:02am · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Frankenstein, indeed? Hahaha! That's the first time I've heard anyone refer to Duterte as such, Sari. However, using your analogy, I don't think his supporters see him as a monster. On the contrary, they see him as ridding RP of monsters (drug lords and drug addicts), although there are mass casualties as well, which Duterte's undiplomatic rhetoric masks.

I don't think he expended much effort or money in his presidential campaign. Instead, I think he acted naturally, which is what caused much of what Gordon called "noise" and gained him so much media coverage. He basically capitalized on the people's frustration with traditional politicians, spoke his mind unencumbered, and many of our kababayans took solace in him as a "different" type of public servant, much like Donald Trump in America.

I infer that Duterte's assertiveness on the drug-related criminals, his unrefined oratory, and his perception as a non-traditional politician are what mesmerize his supporters, even to the point that they are so distracted from other issues of significance as you pointed out. Unfortunately, many of the people who voted for Gordon in the 2010 presidential election paradoxically voted for Duterte last year. I view that as our country transitioning from progress to regression.

Like· Reply · March 14 at 3:10pm · Edited

Sari Aya MalayaHis supporters are bunch of hypocrites. They see the truth, know the truth but still choose to believe the lies his strategies have deeply embedded in their systems. Duterte is a masterful tactician and strategist. His Opening Strategy. Remember how everyone was in suspense until he delivered his coup de grace? His middlegame Strategy. How he uses his weakness as his strength, his cursing and the deliberate showcase of his rough edges. And his Endgame Strategy, the very popular "you can oust me if I abuse power".

Two things though, first, our nation is teeming with patsies, he capitalizes on their vulnerabilities, thirst for change and ignorance. Second, our nation losts its moral ascendancy. He is destroying the moral fabric of this nation and making us rise against each other. He broadened the gap of division and misunderstanding among Filipinos than bridging it. Worse is, most Filipinos consented on it, in fact, applauded it.

They have not realized that this is all about "brand-is-crisis’ strategy, the political landscape are made to keep shifting, ever changing. The powers of the State apparatus are made to be trained at moving, unstable targets, for the President to be the first to call it a crisis, then he becomes a hero, instantly seen to be part of the solution itself. This strategy is traditionally effective in keeping leaders in power. Crisis branding is supply-driven rhetoric. Now, for instance, it's focused on illegal drugs then illegal gambling - then his political imagination would be limitless.

They keep on saying they are the majority but the truth is that they are just loud. Noise is essential and is used for the purpose of deflecting attention to an imagined hot button issue while the proponent quietly works upon another.

Crisis branding can be an effective political campaign strategy because it draws power from frightening people, but it has no place in day-to-day governance. What we need today is to maintain respect, implement policies that ooze with common sense, and take a long-term orientation in regional stability and cooperation.

Like· Reply ·March 17 at 5:03pm · Edited

Marcial BonifacioExcellent points, Sari! Another name for what you described is the "politics of fear." I just watched Duterte speak at the First General Assembly of League of Municipalities. He had a 2-minute speech already prepared, but discarded it and decided to speak for more than an hour about killing drug lords again. He even displayed another list of drug-related criminals.

I noticed a few people in his audience were dozing off. Perhaps they were bored or intoxicated themselves in preparation for Duterte's usual speech.

When he said he does not think of himself as a president, but as a mayor, I thought that is precisely his problem. He is using his limited, parochial perspective for a post that requires a broader, national perspective. For a city and a mayor, perhaps the drug epidemic was a necessary focal point, but the country as a whole has other, more urgent concerns as poverty, unemployment, and the specter of China's intrusion on our sovereignty.

Like· Reply ·March 14 at 6:27pm

Doray Ramon Inayinay Simple lang yan. Ang mga Hindi adik nakakatulog Na ng mahimbjng sa Gabi. Sorry Na lang sa mga kapitalistang di nakakapang gago ng ordinaryong pinoy.
Like· Reply · March 14 at 6:33pm
Evangeline Mejia sa lahat ng analysis nyo kay duterte at sa problema ng kung ano anong salot na nangyayari sa bansang Pilipinas, mayroon bang pangulo o kung sino man sa taga panguna natin na nagbigay ng kalutasan ? WALA PA, at ngayon na merong pangulo na kahit papaano may ginagawa pra kahit papaano ay malutas o papunta sa kalutasan ay kung ano anong analogy o katawagan ang ibinabansag sa kanya, pati mga supporters nya ay kung ano anong masasamang tawag ang inila-label nyo sa kanila, magaling lang kayong mag-analysis at magsalita ng English pero wala din naman kayong ginagawa pra sa bansa, for all you know itong Sari na ito ay hindi naman Pilipino pero parang alam na alam ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas pero hindi naman, baka naman in your perspective lang Sari ang tingin mo sa lahat...baka ikaw ang hypocrite kasi ang galing mong magbigay ng pagsusuri sa iisang side, hay naku, panay na lang kayo analysis ...ano kaya ang maitutulong nyo sa PILIPINAS?
Like· Reply · March 14 at 7:40pm · Edited
Sari Aya Malaya Mawalang galang na po, Ginang Mejia, pinoy na pinoy po ako. Wala po akong ni isang patak na dugong banyaga. Tubong Batangas at Bulacan po ako. Nakapangibambansa man po ako ng ilang beses, di ko iwinaglit ni minsan ang pagka Pilipino ko. Magaling lang po talaga siguro akong magmasid at kumilatis ng kabalintunaan at kasinungalingan. Gising po ang diwa at mulat ang mga mata ko sa bawat hinaing, paglibak at pagkabigo ng ating mga kababayan. Araw araw po akong nakikipagsiksikan sa MRT, lumalanghap ng maitim na usok ng EDSA at nagpapakasaya sa isang tuhog ng kwek kwek sa paanan ng tulay ng Boni. Isa po akong buhay na saksi sa bawat pagbabagong nagaganap sa bayan natin. Isa po akong payak na manggagawa, na halos kalahati ng kita ko ay kinaltas para sa buwis. Aba, malaking halaga na rin po yun dahil labingwalong taong gulang pa lang ako nang maging kapakipakinabang na akong mamamayan. Lumalaban po ako nang parehas at hindi po ako nanlalamang ng kapwa. Hindi man po ako nabigyan ng pagkakataong maglingkod sa bayan gaya ni Duterte, ang maliliit na ambag kong tulong sa sambayanan ay malayo-layo na rin ang narating. Hangad ko lang pong gisingin ang diwa ng mga kababayan kong tila himbing pa sa uyayi ng mga mapagbalatkayong ugoy ng pagsasamantala. Turuan silang maging mapanuri. Kilalanin ang totoong naglilingkod sa bayan, gawing huwaran si Sen. Gordon at magsilbing pamantayan ng isang magaling na namumuno.
Like· Reply · March 14 at 9:55pm

Marcial Bonifacio I appreciate and understand your perspective, Evangeline, kaibigan ko, and I have been observing Duterte for eight months now. If, as you say, Gordon is not perfect, then Duterte falls far below mediocrity.

Please understand that I am only being objective in comparing the two public servants based on their policy positions and even according to Gordon's own criticism of Duterte. Therefore, my premise that they would both govern very differently and even in opposition to each other, is factually based.

For example, I have pointed out numerously that Duterte's neglect of defending Panatag Shoal violates the sovereignty clause of the Constitution, and is an impeachable offense. Even Gordon acknowledges that as should my esteemed colleagues of law, Atty Taipan Millan, Jose Camano, Gretchen Mae Ortega, Alexander Yalung, and Lester Nazarene Ople. This is the most important issue for me, since one of the primary functions of government is to protect the sovereignty of its territory.

If the President fails to perform such a fundamental function, then anything else he does is in vain. It is analogous to having all the prosperity in the world, except you are someone's servant. It appears that is precisely the position that Duterte has put the Philippines in with China.

Gordon, on the other hand, would never let that happen as president. He has even said that RP would have to engage in war over Panatag Shoal in order to assert its rights. Why would any of our kababayans support Duterte's position over Gordon's? This is a sincere question, kaibigan ko.

Like· Reply · March 18 at 5:36pm · Edited
Marcial Bonifacio Also, I did give Duterte credit for "persuading" more than 700,000 drug-related criminals to surrender. However, I also mentioned that drug abuse is about 4.74%, which is below the global average of 5%, while the poverty rate is about 25%. As a simple man, I can't help but wonder why Duterte has prioritized drug addiction over job creation. Does that seem logical to you? Do you really think Gordon would do the same as president? This is another sincere question, kaibigang Evangeline.
Like· Reply · March 16 at 5:56pm
Philip Basilio Marcial Bonifacio Senator Gordon is much deferent I work with him when he is the mayor of olongapo
Like· Reply · March 16 at 6:06pm
Evangeline Mejia kaibigang marcial,I agree and I must say that Gordon would indeed govern differently if not better, pero kasi hindi siya ang presidente ngayon kya sana tumakbo siya sa susunod at alam ko na ang mga pinoy, including me ,ay susuportahan siya...
Like· Reply · March 16 at 7:22pm
Evangeline Mejia Sari Aya Malaya , ganun din naman ako SAri , pero nga kasi, walang maitutulong sa bansa natin ang mga negatibong batikos, lalo na pag ang mga supporters nya ang pinagsabihan mo ng masakit na salita, it would only create division,katulad mo din sila na umaasa ng pagbabago, sabihin mo man na nagbubulagbulagan which I think not (,hindi ako supporter nya, I didn't vote for him), pero I think with all the crime and corruption in the country, we become an evil nation, so to speak kaya we deserve such president, we can only give him the chance to do whatever it takes to propel the country in a better state ...
Like· Reply · March 16 at 7:31pm
Sari Aya Malaya I admire your patriotism, Evangeline. We may not see eye to eye with Duterte but we, undeniably, agree to support Sen. Gordon as he endeavors to take the country back to every Filipino, from the system or economy that has been rigged to the advantage of the rich and powerful. We need his strong leadership to unify the country, to take the country to where it's supposed to be.

Filipino people, per se, are not divided. Diversity in religion, political beliefs and other practices are the freedoms we enjoy under a vibrant democracy. It is our leaders and policy makers who are divided and can't put their acts together for selfish reasons at the expense of the people they had promised to serve. And Sen. Gordon will change such political landscape and behavior.
Like· Reply ·March 16 at 10:25pm
Rabulan Corpuz Well said and factual kaibigan. Saludo ako sayo. Dios Mabalos and Mabuhay!
Like· Reply · March 14 at 3:50pm

Marcial Bonifacio Salamat po, kaibigang Jocelle! I spent a great deal of time with research and fact-finding for this commentary. I even wrote it in English for my Bisayan friends and colleagues. My goal is to unify the Gordon supporters, some of which oppose Duterte and the others which ironically support Duterte. After all, if we can't unite just the Gordon supporters, how can we unite the entire country?
Like· Reply · March 14 at 6:46pm · Edited

Jocelle Rabulan Corpuz Thank you. As for me my respect is always for Gordon.
Like· Reply · March 14 at 7:31pm

M arcial Bonifacio This was all my research and fact-finding material.

Like· Reply · March 14 at 6:52pm

Jocelle Rabulan Corpuz Wow
Like· Reply · March 14 at 7:34pm

Evangeline Mejia kaibigang marcial, hindi ka nakatira sa Pilipinas at laong hindi sa Olongapo, ibang iba angnlarawan ng Pilipinas pagdating sa ibang bansa kaya mahirap mag analysis ...ang tanong, ano ba ang nagagawa ng mga katulad nyo para malutas ang problema sa bansa...

.both Gordon and Duterte are good leaders in their own right, taga gapo ako at alam ko ang pamamalakad ng mga Gordon doon,, maganda rin pero hiondi rin perfecto...si Duterte ngsisiskap lutasin ang mga problema sa bansa...I know, Gordon will be a good president and if he will run, uuwi ako pra bomoto at iboboto ko siya, but for now, l just want to give Duterte the benefit of the doubt...wala naman maitutulong ang mga batikos sa kanya at sa mga supporters nya...di makikinabang ang bansa kung tawagin siyang monster at tawagin din hypocrite ang mga supporters nya....
Like· Reply · March 14 at 7:49pm
Marcial Bonifacio I wonder if Alejano and Trillanes got their idea of impeaching Duterte from my commentary. 😀

https://www.msn.com/.../alejano-says.../ar-BByxrA4...

Alejano says impeach complaint vs. Duterte stays
Magdalo Party list Rep. Gary Alejano said Vice President…
MSN.COM
Like· Reply · March 26 at 1:27pm

Evangeline Mejia kaibigang marcial,alejano is just a "kaning sundalo" like trillanes, he doesn't love the country, pretends for his own sake....
Like· Reply · April 10 at 7:06pm · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Marahil tama ka, kaibigang Evangeline, nguni't hindi ko alam what is in his heart. I only know that his impeachment complaint has merit. Even Justice Carpio has warned that Duterte may be in violation of the sovereignty clause of the Constitution.
Like· Reply · April 16 at 4:39pm

Marcial Bonifacio I've decided to insert the following quote into my commentary, Alwyn, directly after Duterte's single remedy of killing drug-related criminals and Gordon's numerous remedies.

Like· Reply · March 26 at 1:51pm · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio My friends, here is another contrast between Duterte and Gordon---the issue of giving away the housing units to the squatters. Gordon has expressed his disapproval thus:

“My God. Kinukuha yung bahay na ginawa ng NHA [National Housing Authority]. Ibibigay mo dun sa mga nanggugulo. Bad signal, Mr. President. Again you are falling on your own sword. Nadadapa ka sa sarili mong espada because pagka-ganyan, that’s a ticket to what you call anarchy."

http://www.philstar.com/.../gordon-letting-kadamay-keep...

What say you, Jeffry and Alwyn?

Gordon: Letting Kadamay keep houses 'ticket to anarchy'
Sen. Richard Gordon disagreed on Wednesday with…
PHILSTAR.COM
Like· Reply ·April 9 at 1:53pm

Alwyn Balingit Already posted my comment about this on my wall days ago... Granted dapat talagang paalisin ang mga squatters, moving forward, wala na kasing red tape sa pagbigay ng mga bahay para di sila maunahan ng mga squatters; dapat preventive, may bantay.

Expect Digong to always err on the side of letting squatters live there; or at least, transfer them first to another place before removing them there. Yan ang stance nya kasi even sa mga Pre-Election interviews.
Like· Reply · April 9 at 4:58pm
Jeffry Dy Nice argument Marcial,if what u say is the alternative to what kadamay been bitchin and monin about then it's all fare and equal no matter what the bias media says if Duterte or his cabinet have any brains on this matter then all is fare what not?
Like · Reply · April 9 at 10:52pm
Evangeline Mejia kasi naman laging ang mahihirap ang nahuhuli sa kahit ano mang social benefit mula sa gobyerno. maging dyan sa NHA kaya they resort to this, madala kasi yang mga nasa gobyerno ginagamit ang "legal" para apihin ang mahihirap...hay naku, you really have to be living in the Philippines to really know.....
Like· Reply · April 10 at 7:12pm
Marcial Bonifacio I have no problem with the process being swift, kaibigang Alwyn, nguni't the rule of law should not be compromised. Once that line is crossed, that slippery slope can and will be used as a justification for any lawless behavior by any president.

It would also encourage more people with illegitimate grievances to emulate the Kadamay in their pantawid mentality. At least, Duterte could have imposed mandatory community service for those squatters in order that their housing will actually be earned instead of stolen from those who risk their lives to keep us safe.Sa totoo lang, such measures have been implemented in the US before Obama and even in some European countries, which have experienced lower unemployment as a result.
Like· Reply · April 16 at 5:18pm · Edited
Marcial Bonifacio Marahil totoo ito, kaibigang Evangeline, nguni't abusing the legal system in one way should not justify abusing it in another way. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is still robbery, regardless of the good intentions. Even Gordon was critical of Duterte for this. Surely he knows better than Duterte.
Like · Reply · April 16 at 5:56pm
Axel Dholly mas matalino si Dick kay digong. ,,,,naging Pres. nga lang si Pdut.
Like· Reply · April 9 at 2:00pm

Carolina Baro Balmaceda Lol! Ikaw talaga, Marcial! 🙂
Like· Reply · April 10 at 1:37pm

Marcial Bonifacio Well since Gordon is among my top 10 role models, next to Dr. Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, and Thomas Jefferson, I'll gladly accept that as a compliment, kaibigang Carolina. 🙂
Like· Reply · April 16 at 6:01pm

The post Digong is no Dick . . . Dick Gordon, that is first appeared on Marcial's Law.

My Concerns about a Duterte Presidency

Marcial Bonifacio — Tue, 31 May 2016 13:11:35 +0000

Updated 6/05/16

By Marcial Bonifacio

My friends and countrymen, with Congress’ proclamation of Rodrigo Duterte as the 16^th president of the Philippines (clenching 16,601,997 votes), I wish to convey some of my concerns. I have posed them based on his proposals, actions, and what he has said publicly. Such issues should be sufficiently addressed before any of our kababayans give him our full support.

First and foremost, the president must protect and defend the Constitution and respect the rule of law. According to Article III, Sect. 1 of the Constitution, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” Duterte’s Davao Death Squad has executed over 1,000 alleged drug lords and murderers, all of whom were denied the fundamental right to due process. Duterte expresses no remorse and is even boastful he will continue that policy under his presidency.

He was even unapologetic for his daughter (Sara Duterte), who attacked and physically assaulted Davao City Sheriff Abe Andres a few years ago. Ironically, both Dutertes were attorneys, reinforcing the idiom that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Such uncivil acts are slippery slopes to more lawless behavior, are they not? How can we feel safe and certain that Duterte will not infringe on our own rights and liberty due to his thirst for criminal blood or impulsive temperament?

Second, several factors, including self-reliance and free enterprise, are essential to transforn the Philippines into a prosperous nation. Unfortunately, Duterte does not seem to promote any of those principles. On the contrary, he is a self-avowed socialist, who proposes to expand the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. That would only perpetuate what Sen. Dick Gordon said is “the attitude of mendicancy among our people, which we have had more than enough over the last four centuries or so." I would add that such handouts (derived from hardworking taxpayers) would also prolong unemployment and encourage the systematic development of a welfare state.

Even more alarming is Duterte’s sympathy towards communists. That is apparent in his proposals to designate cabinet posts to communists, grant amnesty to NPA prisoners, and end the exile of Jose Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte’s campaign manager, Leoncio Evasco Jr., was even a member of the NPA (New People’s Army).

Could Duterte himself be a communist? If not, then why is he negotiating with them and inviting them to join the national government? For someone known for his stringent form of justice (earning him the international reputation Time Magazine branded as "The Punisher”) even to the point of proposing the return of the death penalty by hanging, is it not inconsistent for him to be so lenient with terrorists who seek to overthrow our government?

My friends, I appreciate Duterte’s forthright oratory and maverick predisposition in opposing the oligarchy. Such can also be said of the American presidentiable Donald Trump, but I digress. Anyway, appealing rhetoric and opposition to the ruling class alone are insufficient in determining a suitable president. If they were sufficient, then it can be argued that Vladimir Lenin (Bolshevik leader of Russia), Fidel Castro (president of Cuba), and Robert Mugabe (president of Zimbabwe) should be heralded as great public servants. However, history indicates otherwise, and until my concerns are sufficiently addressed, I must deduce that Duterte will be no different.

Comments

Jocelle Rabulan Corpuz Let's just watch and wait for the outcome of his leadership as The President. Give him the benefit of the doubts and consider his achievements in Davao City. May God save our Country and people for whatever consequence we may face for his actions and laws he will implement. I know he is capable to lead but my fear is his inconsistency and the people he has chosen for the cabinet position. Remember the past history my friend ... the failures of great leaders lies on his men and the people whom they trusted. God have mercy.

Unlike · Reply · 3 · May 31 at 9:50am

Marcial Bonifacio Jocelle, my issue with Duterte is not that I don't trust him, but that he will continue with his extra-judicial executions, of which he is boastful.

Are you disappointed that he has denied Leni Robredo the National Anti-Poverty Commission post?

Like · Reply · June 5 at 7:15am

Jocelle Rabulan Corpuz I am disappointed of his inconsistency and giving way for BBM due to "utang na loob" now assigning him as being the president assistant. Proving that he recognize BBM as the VP.

Like · Reply · June 5 at 7:25am

Dodong Aberca CONCERN? NOT ME IDIOTS

Like · Reply · June 5 at 7:27am

Marcial Bonifacio Jocelle, are you referring to the alliance between Rodrigo Duterte's father and Pres. Marcos or the financial contributions BB Marcos made to the Duterte campaign for his presidential run?

Like · Reply · June 8 at 4:43pm

Dodong Aberca no.......it is true....so u must dbg shares

Like · Reply · June 8 at 4:46pm

Jocelle Rabulan Corpuz Kaibigan my apology ... I choose to just be silent but be vigilant in observing and watchful for the outcome of the leadership of our new elect President. Praying he will acknowldege God above all and put my people's welfare as well our Country first. God bless him and The Philippines.

Unlike · Reply · 1 · June 9 at 12:31am

Philip Basilio God help the Philippines

Unlike · Reply · 3 · May 31 at 10:13am

Hill de Roberts No comment--I'll wait after his first 100 days 🙂

Like · Reply · 1 · May 31 at 10:25am

Marcial Bonifacio Very well, my friend. Do you at least have anything to say about his insensitivity to the female missionary, who was raped and murdered, Hill?

Like · Reply · June 5 at 7:29am · Edited

Paul Farol My friend, I'll give him enough rope to hang himself with.

But here's the thing, on the other side of this thing are the yellowtards who have all but proven to be much, much worse than the people they replaced.

We hit Digong, the yellowtards get stronger. We are currently at an impasse.

As much as it pains me to say this, we have to make this presidency work.

If, despite our sincere efforts to help this presidency succeed and it fails, PDiggity will have no one to blame but himself.

Unlike · Reply · 5 · May 31 at 10:56am

Marcial Bonifacio Paul, I really don't know which is worse. On the one hand, we have a president surrounded by politicians, who seem either corrupt or inept in dealing with our country's age-old problems. On the other hand, we have another perfectly capable president-elect who may be able to finally resolve those issues. However, he would maintain peace and order by suppressing our people's most fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. At least, Pres. Marcos did so under martial law.

Like · Reply · 1 · June 5 at 7:57am · Edited

Dodong Aberca r u freak this man hasn't started yet!!!

Like · Reply · June 5 at 7:56am

Marcial Bonifacio Dodong, I can only judge someone according to his track record. Perhaps Duterte seeks to revive the death penalty in order to deter current criminals and potential criminals, making the extra judicial killings obsolete. That would be a compromise I am willing to concede.

Like · Reply · June 8 at 4:47pm

Biernes Atrece Very well said, kaibigan

Unlike · Reply · 1 · May 31 at 12:51pm

Joseph Hinds Marcial, I share some of your concerns, but it is far too soon to tell what President-elect Duterte is going to do. He seems to be something of a chess player and a gambler when it comes to politics, so his methodology may be a bit unorthodox. At least in his case, we can see the results he achieved in Davao City. He may very well have broken some eggs, but the omelet turned out well. The extra judicial killing presents something of a conundrum because the judicial system has become so corrupt that the syndicates, oligarchs and drug lords can buy their way out of trouble even in the face of damning proof of guilt. If the system of laws no longer works for justice, then is it really an injustice when other means are used? Likewise the acceptance of the communists at the cabinet level is a novel approach. The Philippines have had a running war with the CPP for almost 50 years and have still not succeeded in getting rid of them. Perhaps by including them in the political process at the cabinet level, their position as revolutionaries can be undermined and cause them to loose some of their appeal to their followers. They may also be more willing to disavow violence in order to retain their new found political relevance. Also, I not so sure that a little socialism in the Philippines would be a bad thing. I think it would be to the benefit of the average citizens to have the power company's monopolies either opened to foreign competition or simply nationalized. It is ridiculous that electric rates in the Philippines are three times what they are in the USA and they still get hit with regular brown-outs. Let's let DU30 have his chance. It's not as if his predecessors have set the benchmark very high.

Unlike · Reply · 6 · May 31 at 7:12pm

Evangeline Mejia very well said sir!!!exactly my thoughts...may I share your comment?

Like · Reply · 1 · June 4 at 1:33pm · Edited

Joseph Hinds Yes Evangeline, feel free to share if you wish

Like · Reply · June 5 at 9:33am

Evangeline Mejia thank u sir...

Like · Reply · June 5 at 9:35am

Marcial Bonifacio Joseph, your points are well taken. However, on the issue of dealing with the communists, I think that it would be better if Duterte implement his proposals to liberalize the economy and establish a Philippine federalist system. That would serve as the basis for a long-term plan to create jobs and promote competition, which would lower prices and provide better services.

Such a successful economy would crowd out the communists without appeasement or bloodshed. Offering them cabinet posts reminds me of Pres. Obama appointing Van Jones (member of the Communist Party) as "Green Czar."

In terms of a little socialism in RP, I think that at least on a subsistence level as food and medical services, it is reasonable for the destitute. I also appreciate Duterte's proposal to improve internet services:

http://news.abs-cbn.com/.../duterte-improve-internet...

Duterte: Improve internet services or face foreign players

news.abs-cbn.com|By ABS-CBN News

Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 1 · June 5 at 12:26pm

Joseph Hinds You might be right about the communists, but Van Jones and his friends weren't killing people on a regular basis so there is a considerable distinction between the two examples. An improving economy will help without a doubt, but it will take a while for that to reach fruition, so perhaps we can look at this as a stop-gap measure to quell the violence in the short term.

Like · Reply · June 5 at 5:32pm

Perci Lozano Piña Hindi ko po nagustuhan yung comment nya about sa Media.

Like · Reply · May 31 at 7:52pm

Hide 20 Replies

Dexter Neil Ramos Because you didnt make yourself to understand what the presidenr meant. media are always dont ynderstand the point what duterte mean. We davaoneos understand him what he said. not all media is generalize. Some media to those practicing unethical.

Like · Reply · June 1 at 6:11am

Jose Camano its duterte who is very unethical -- unfortunately he was elected President by people who want a change in the govt. without having to change themselves. vote buying was rampant from all sides..

Like · Reply · 1 · June 1 at 6:15am

Paul Farol

Like · Reply · 3 · June 1 at 6:16am

Paul Farol This was the quote by gma7

Like · Reply · 1 · June 1 at 6:16am

Jose Camano Paul Farol What's wrong with you Farol? Who says that a journalist was silenced because he was a crook, or because he was crusading? Everytime Duterte silences small time "violator" of the law, he would claim the victim was a drug pusher or snatcher. Obviously u just have to believe Duterte's word for it. Without a process, nobody knows that the victim was a real criminal or just someone whose face Duterte doesn't like.

Like · Reply · June 1 at 6:22am

Perci Lozano Piña Ito na naman tayo sa "We davaoneos" stop regionalism po.

Like · Reply · June 1 at 6:52am

Paul Farol Jose there's nothing wrong with me, i'm just citing what was said by PDiggity and what was said by another journalist who viewed the press conference.

Thing is, I've met a lot of hao shao/acdc journos and I know their MOs. I also know of at least two who were involved in shady deals that were later assassinated by people they double crossed.

We can't paint people angels and devils, it's a much more complex situation that someone, from the outside, can comprehend.

Like · Reply · June 1 at 7:04am

Paul Farol And yes, I am interested to know of the cases where Digong had a reporter killed based on false accusations of being a druggie or drug dealer. If there is any evidence, I would gladly confront him with it.

I never liked Duterte, btw. In fact I gave him a good bashing all through out the campaign period and even before that.

Like · Reply · June 1 at 7:06am

Marcial Bonifacio Perci, to be fair to Duterte, he clarified that he was referring to the corrupt journalists who accepted bribes, only to later oppose the ones who gave them money. He does not advocate the murders, but he says they are to be expected from basically double crossing the ones paying the bribes.

Like · Reply · 1 · June 8 at 6:35pm

Marcial Bonifacio However, his catcalling to the journalist Mariz Umali was certainly inappropriate and perhaps illegal. According to Davao City Ordinance No. 5004 (which he signed), whistling can be construed as sexual harassment.

http://www.rappler.com/.../135111-duterte-catcalling...

Catcalling: Duterte broke the law in own city

rappler.com|By Paterno Esmaquel II

Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 1 · June 8 at 6:40pm · Edited

Jeffry Dy Is catcalling again an issue jeez get real this bs had been there the whole time and in the Us i believe its legal whether this is legal or not this nonsense reporting has to move on and get on the real objectives at hand like whats in store for digong since many are still doubting him for being pro china and such and Can we be venezuela(again)on his federal form of gov as what bashers still installing in our minds???Well find out and also i may suggest to have all of transpo and public hubs free wifi to have convience of passengers and also for communication and I may say he had the guts to do so and i believe this has to end on this alleged pro commie since i voted for him and has the same accomplishments of what dick did in Subic.

Like · Reply · June 9 at 12:18am

Marcial Bonifacio Jeffry, I agree that the issues you raised are important, but if Duterte will not follow his own ordinance (which is fairly simple), how can we trust that he will respect and follow more serious laws? There is even talk of a potential Duterte dictatorship:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/.../most-powerful-ph-leader...

‘Most powerful PH leader since Marcos’

newsinfo.inquirer.net|By Gil C. Cabacungan

Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 1 · June 9 at 8:32pm

Marcial Bonifacio Gordon can address all of those issues within the restraints of the law. He can definitely be trusted.

Like · Reply · 1 · June 9 at 8:34pm

Jeffry Dy I don't think so plus he's Pro left therefore as such he may not be a patientlike dick does but he's definitely a pro poor and he addresses his laws at hand since many are still criticized him again on this bs bias on media freedom and a former prosecutor(not a radical left)

Like · Reply · June 10 at 6:15am · Edited

Jeffry Dy also he joined edsa 1 right?if he's pro makoy then he wouln't rallied this dictatorship had it for so long it had to be arrested for having allies w npa which aquinos are also sided on and I'm just balanced on this matter so far only some unknown politicians and a card leaning leftist are in the gov so we can no longer see them rallying in the streets anymore since every presidents have a sona every year

Like · Reply · June 10 at 4:05am · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio Jeffry, I'm willing to give Duterte a chance. However, his leftist background and apparent coddling of communists makes me very suspicious. Also, I don't consider policies which keep our kababayans dependent on government handouts "pro-poor", unless you mean keeping them permanently poor. On the other hand, Sen. Gordon stresses job opportunities, which will raise people out of poverty. What can be more "pro-poor" than that?

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 1:00am

Marcial Bonifacio On the issue of Duterte joining EDSA 1, perhaps he opposed the Marcos dictatorship because it did not conform to his own political ideology. After all, Pres. Marcos vehemently opposed the communists. Some even argue that he was the reason for the swelling of the NPA.

Also, many argue that the Marcos oligarchy was simply replaced with the Cory Aquino oligarchy. Therefore, Duterte's participation in the first People Power Revolution doesn't necessarily mean he opposes dictatorship; it only proves he opposed the Marcos dictatorship.

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 1:14am

Dale Gozar Marcial Bonifacio
Duterte admitted he's leftist but never been part of the Communist Party or rebel, and certainly don't belong to NPA, NDF, etc. even if he has befriended them (Singson)Duterte also think solution to our insurgency problems (Communist or Moro) is largely political and not military or use of arms - 47 years of conflict with gunbattles proved that.

Communist/Moro arms struggles occurs when there's a Very Big gap between RICH and POOR due to corruption and exploitation by the oligarch of the common Filipino - with only the rich getting richer while the poor gets poorer.

FYI
North Korea is the only remaining communist country.
Yes he values the lessons learned from former communist and socialist countries. But it doesn't mean he will adopt a communist government.

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 1:29am · Edited

Marcial Bonifacio On the issue of India's growing population, the country is becoming increasingly prosperous. According to Forbes:

India is the world’s 4th largest IT start-up hub with more than 3,100 tech startups in the past year alone. It ranks second in worldwide food production. Its auto industry churns outs 22 million cars a year, making it one of the world’s largest auto manufacturers. It boasts a $600 billion retail market and is one of the world’s fastest growing e-commerce markets.

http://www.forbes.com/.../india-asias-next-economic.../...

RP is abundant in natural resources and an educated, English-speaking workforce. What it lacks are job opportunities and sufficient foreign direct investment. If Gordon were in Duterte's presidential position, he would do precisely what he did in Subic Bay, which was all lawful and constitutional. He would also lift trade restrictions similar to India.

India: Asia's Next Economic Dynamo?

forbes.com|By Ed Fuller

Like · Reply · Remove Preview · Yesterday at 1:46am · Edited

Jeffry Dy so by contrast du30 hasn't have any clue on how to regulate trade restrictions and I had an Indian friend on fb who is critical of moodi because most of India's tech he said was defective and also his Us trips as well http://www.dailyo.in/.../bjp-modi.../story/1/7763.html What i said was pro-poor because the poor themselves getting opportunities to see how he can handle things when he accomplished in Davao and many voted on him because of that even the tulfo bros the respectable tough talking journalist in media believes on his accomplishments too.Well I respect your opinion on not giving him a chance on this and thanks for having exchange of ideas in regards to du30 leadership you have yours i have my side and as such you make things balanced and constructive.

5 ways Modi's critics are hurting India

dailyo.in

Like · Reply · Remove Preview · Yesterday at 4:34am

Perci Lozano Piña So yung namatay sa Maguindanao nabayaran din ba yun or kurakot din?

Like · Reply · June 1 at 7:09am

Cha Aguilar http://interaksyon.com/.../marie-yuvienco--first-things...

MARIE YUVIENCO | First things first

Whatever it is, I can only hope it is not grounded on settling scores or paying political debts. As he himself…

interaksyon.com

Unlike · Reply · Remove Preview · 2 · June 4 at 10:55am

Marcial Bonifacio That is an interesting article related to Gordon and Estrada, Cha. However, I disagree with the writer's last point. I hope Duterte does implement some of his proposals, just not all of them. 🙂

Like · Reply · June 5 at 12:33pm · Edited

Philip Basilio Sana unahin bitayin ang mga lumapastangan Sa bansa Sa malawakan pagnanakaw panloloko at pandaraya Sa halalan 2016

Like · Reply · June 5 at 1:03pm

Jeffry Dy Sana nga at etong si daldallima ay umeeksena naman hayy naku naman oh!

Like · Reply · June 10 at 3:55am

Oscar Saddul TRUTH & CONSEQUENCE !!! .......... INKLING IN 6 MONTHS !!!

Like · Reply · Yesterday at 12:27pm

Oscar Saddul

Like · Reply · Yesterday at 12:27pm

Hill de Roberts Quite frankly, I have NO concerns. What the corrupt Media say is either malicious news, innuendos and scare-mongering. I will wait and observe and give my ownobservation from July 1st, in the next 100 days of his term.

Like · Reply · 1 · 17 hrs · Edited

The post My Concerns about a Duterte Presidency first appeared on Marcial's Law.

A Toast to Our Independence and Alliance!

Marcial Bonifacio — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:23:19 +0000

Updated: July 4, 2017

Ni Marcial Bonifacio

Pagsasalinwika ni Sari Aya Malaya

Mga kaibigan at mga kababayan ko, isang tagay ng tagumpay para ating matagal ng kapanalig, ang Estados Unidos, sa pagdiriwang ng kanilang pampulitikang kasarinlan noong ika apat ng Hulyo, 1776 at ang pansarili nating kalayaan noong ika apat ng Hulyo, 1946. Ang ika apat ng Hulyo ay hindi lamang isang araw na tagumpay mula sa pagdanak ng dugo ng ating mga magigiting na kababayan na tumuligsa laban sa koloniyalismo at imperiyalismong pamamahala.

Ito rin ay araw nang hindi maipagkakait nating karapatan sa buhay, kalayaan at sa paghahanap ng kaligayahan na ipinagbubunyi ng kapwa nating pamahalaan. Sa pagdiriwang na ito, gunitain at bigyang pugay natin ang ating mga bayaning nagbuwis ng buhay para sa ating kalayaan at ang mga magigiting nating sundalong patuloy na nagtataguyod ng ating kaligtasan bago ang kanilang sarili.

Karagdagan, dalawa sa mga ama na nagtaguyod ng Amerika ay namatay limang oras bago ang ika-limampung anibersaryo ng Deklarasyon ng Kalayaan ng Amerika noong 1826. Ang isa ay ang may akda ng deklarasyon na siya ring pangatlong pangulo ng Amerika, si Thomas Jefferson. Ang isa naman ay kabilang sa mga lumagda sa US Konstitusyon at ang pangalawang pangulo na si John Adams. Sa mga pananalitang pabaon sa kanyang lamay, nabanggit ni Senador Daniel Webster ang nabiting panahon para sa dalawa. Dapat sana ay natapos nila and taon upang masaksihan ang ika-50 taon mula sa pagkakatatag ng kasarinlan. Ang araw na ito ang tanikalang nag-uugnay sa kanilang kagitingan kaakibat ang dangal ng bayan. Ang langit ay magbubukas at kagyat silang tatanggapin.

Sa ating pagdiriwang, magbigay pugay at parangalan natin sina Jefferson at Adams, at ang lahat ng mga bayaning nagbuwis ng buhay para sa ating kasarinlan. Gayundin ang ating mga kasundaluhang patuloy na nakikipaglaban para sa ating kaligtasan bago ang kanilang sarili.

Mabuhay ang ating matatapang na mga sundalo! Mabuhay ang ating kalayaan at alliance!

My friends and countrymen, I propose a toast to our oldest ally, the U.S., in celebration of its independence on July 4, 1776 and our own independence on July 4, 1946. July 4th is not only a day we both share in the bloodshed of our brave patriots, who opposed colonial or imperialist governance, it is also the day our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were announced on which both our governments are based.

Additionally, two of America's founding fathers died five hours apart on the 50th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence in 1826. One was the author of the Declaration and the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson. The other was a signatory to the U.S. Constitution and the second U.S. president, John Adams. In his eulogy about the timing, Senator Daniel Webster said, “It cannot but seem striking and extraordinary, that these two should live to see the fiftieth year from the date of that act, that they should complete that year, and that then, on the day which had fast linked forever their own fame with their country's glory, the heavens should open to receive them both at once.”

As we celebrate, let us also salute and pay tribute to Jefferson and Adams, and all those past heroes who have died for our liberty and the current soldiers who continue to put our safety before their own.

Long live our brave soldiers! Long live our independence and our alliance!

Comments

Miguel Punongbayan Yabut GOD BLESS AMERICA!~

July 4, 2011 at 7:33am

Figo Cantos no offense guys, but i'd rather have my flag on the top.. hehehe..

July 4, 2011 at 8:09am

Marcial Bonifacio Hahaha! Figo, iyong perception ng mga bandila did not occur to me. Datapwa, still, ang Constitution at gobyerno ng RP ay American-based, kahit hindi precisely. Also, naisip ko ang model ng U.S. (without Aquino's American twin brother, Obama) is still the best model for other democratic republics to emulate, due to the emphasis sa limited, separate, at balanced gobyerno. Talaga, America ay exceptional.

July 4, 2011 at 7:00pm

Lyn Cerdan Ka Marcial, pinapangalawahan ko ang sinabi ni Figo.. Mas higit kong nanaisin kung ang ating bandila ang nasa itaas ng Amerikano.

July 4, 2011 at 8:35pm

Alma Nemis tama ka Lyn.,,,,

July 5, 2011 at 8:03am

Pamee a bird's-eye view; two flags nicely arranged & positioned parallel to each other

July 7, 2011 at 1:51am

Gretchen Mae Ortega i don't celebrate it...haha

July 7, 2011 at 10:48pm

Marcial Bonifacio Angel, kaibigan ko, may ang pinakaobjective punto ka.

July 9, 2011 at 2:15am

Marcial Bonifacio Gretchen, it is not too late to start, especially considering your potential.

July 9, 2011 at 2:16am

Marcial Bonifacio Lyn, kaibigan ko, I have been seriously considering writing a blog tungkol sa ang importance ng American Founding Fathers, ang Declaration of Independence, at ang U.S. Constitution sa RP. An overview of the American Revolution and its context are vital, para our kababayans can truly understand America's importance not only sa ang independence at Constitution ng RP in particular, nguni't sa history ng world sa panlahat.

July 9, 2011 at 3:48am

Lyn Cerdan maganda yang pinaplano mong yan Ka Marcial. I will look forward to that.

July 11, 2011 at 9:39am

Gretchen Mae Ortega i can make some articles if i'd be vacant....i couldn't think anymore..so stressed...

July 13, 2011 at 2:37am

Gretchen Mae Ortega but i think U.S. is too condescending towards the Philippines...She's treating the Philippines like a first-grader as if it doesn't have mind on its own....

July 13, 2011 at 2:40am

Marcial Bonifacio Gretchen, you must simply know how to manage stress more effectively, when it cannot be prevented.

How is the U.S. being condescending towards RP? Kung totoo ito, is it not plausible? Does not the presidential election of 2010 sa RP reflect such a potential, negative view of the U.S.? Gayunpaman, the U.S. has much to deal with domestically and internationally. Samakatuwid, it must be cautious in its decisions which could have negative repercussions sa future, hindi ba?

July 17, 2011 at 11:08pm

Gretchen Mae Ortega too much work, it is...still finishing the final copy of my thesis and i have to read about 300+ pages just for this week..i wonder of you could teach me yoga just relieve my tired spirit..

July 18, 2011 at 5:41am

Gretchen Mae Ortega anyways, that's what i learned from my four-year stay in college being a political science student...that U.S. had some ill-meant reason why Phil. was under its tutelage for many years and still seemingly dependent towards the U.S. in its foreign policy...btw, am interested about the effects on the capture of bin laden because a classmate mentioned it it to me...can you send me some articles about it?:)

July 18, 2011 at 5:50am

Terry Villarubia · Friends with Gretchen Mae Ortega

wow mura man kag si________________

July 20, 2011 at 2:33am

Marcial Bonifacio Gretchen, kaibigan ko, that sounds like more than a handful of things for me to study. Marahil it would've been ideal had I attended school and finished with you, sapaka't we could've coached each other and I would've advanced in my studies sooner, hindi ba?

Tungkol sa paksang yoga, I would be honored to teach you some basic techniques para sa stress relief, halimbawa, meditation at malalim na breathing. It would also improve your concentration with consistent practice. Just buzz me sa YM.

Tungkol sa paksang U.S. colonialism, it was only a temporary condition just as sa Afghanistan at sa Iraq ngayon. Once political stability is reached, the Americans will give complete autonomy to them just as it did with RP.

Tungkol sa paksang capture ni Bin Laden, I will find a few good articles para sa iyo and E-mail them, marahil bukas. It is notable that Bush was largely responsible for finding and killing Bin Laden, dili si Obama.

July 28, 2011 at 3:14am

Gretchen Mae Ortega tnx in advance...i'm still cramming here because i have two hundred pages more to read...

July 28, 2011 at 6:45am

Oscar Saddul

July 4, 2016 at 2:12pm

Oscar Saddul

July 4, 2016 at 2:12pm

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Hill de Roberts Cheers !

July 4, 2016 at 3:25pm

Remove

Marlene Damolo Howe

July 4, 2016 at 4:05pm

Remove

Lynne Adam Happy 4th of July!

July 5, 2016 at 12:57am

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Jeffry Dy Great read Marcial and i wasnt online last july 4.The change of the date started when Macapagal signed the proclamation no.To say that it was been celebrated the same day in the us and there r a lot of nationalist bleeding hearts crying and begging to make this as a change of date and month

July 5, 2016 at 9:57pm

Remove

Marcial Bonifacio You are correct about Pres. Diosdado Macapagal changing the date under a false premise. Intriguingly, July 4th was also the day American Pres. Teddy Roosevelt considered a victory over the Philippines in 1902. However, independence was fixed for July 4th, 1945, which was delayed one year later due to WWII. Therefore July 4th is a significant day in our history.

On the same subject, the historian Felizado Pagsanhan, considers anyone a liar, who observes our independence day on June 12th.

http://www.philstar.com/.../phl-independence-july-4-not...

Therefore those "bleeding heart nationalists" need to start being rational.

‘Phl independence is July 4, not June 12’

An 83-year-old student of history believes…

philstar.com

Reply Remove Preview

July 8, 2016 at 5:24am Edited

Edit

Rudy Mercado IN NEW YORK, JUNE 12 IS CELEBRATED BY PUERTO RICANS AND FILIPINOS BECAUSE THAT IS THE DAY AMERICA BOUGHT THE TWO COUNTRIES FROM SPAIN. JULY 4TH IS THE DAY AMERICA DECLARED INDEPENDENCE FROM EUROPE. JULY 4TH USED TO BE CALLED FRIENDSHIP DAY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

July 8, 2016 at 6:08am

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Marcial Bonifacio That is correct, Rudy. Which day do you think we should use to celebrate for our independence?

July 8, 2016 at 6:30am

Rudy Mercado Independence Day (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/.../Independence_Day_(United...
Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation,

Independence Day (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Independence Day of the United States, also referred to…

en.wikipedia.org

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July 8, 2016 at 6:15am

The post A Toast to Our Independence and Alliance! first appeared on Marcial's Law.

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My Concerns about a Duterte Presidency

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A Toast to Our Independence and Alliance!