Opinion: Was it a very critical function for President Marcos to watch the Formula 1 race in Singapore?

“Did President Marcos use a G280 Gulfstream Command and Control aircraft for his Singapore trip to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix? PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo: The PAF, through the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing is mandated to provide safe and secure air transport to the President for all his movements as directed by higher office. Castillo: It is the raison d’etre or reason for being of the 250th PAW, thus, all its air assets are dedicated for the use of the President and the First Family. Castillo: The G280 aircraft, being a command and control aircraft, allows the President to perform his very critical function as Commander in Chief, AFP, while airborne, wherever he is around the globe; whether on state functions or otherwise. The 250th PAW is one of the units of the nation’s air force that is attached and assigned with the Presidential Security Group” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 05.10.2022).

Apparently, Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Junior cannot catch a break. Not even when he takes a brief brake and watches a Formula One Grand Prix Race in Singapore. The President just left everything hanging and he knew there was even Palace intrigue. Nothing mattered more for the man than watching the Formula One Race.

It is questionable activity at best. That the President just takes off after the Super Typhoon “Karding” and didn’t even look into that. He still has the monies and the manpower to travel to Singapore. There was no scheduled meetings, partake in any sort of diplomatic enterprise or anything of that nature. He was just travelling for leisure and fun to another nation.

We cannot anticipate a joint communique from Singapore-Philippines in the near future about the future trading agreements, bilateral work or proof of diplomatic vision between the nations. It doesn’t make it any better that he used it for a leisure.

It doesn’t make the case better, when this is reported as well: “Gulfstream G280 was bought in 2019 as an “airborne command post” for senior leaders and commanders during emergencies, said Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. The purchase of a P2 billion jet earned flak as critics found it an extravagant purchase” (James Patrick Cruz – ‘Spotted: Philippine Air Force’s Gulfstream G280 flew to Singapore during F1 weekend’ 03.10.2022, Interaksyon – Philstar.com).

So, the Airborne Command Post bought for emergencies was used for a leisure trip to a Formula One race in Singapore. You cannot make these things up, but the President surely needs to address the emergency and why he needed the Airborne Command Post to watch a Formula One Race. That’s really amazing wastage of not only time, money and security agents surrounding the President.

I wonder, if the watching of Formula One was even a critical function, because it cannot be assessed to be an emergency. Everyone knows that this wasn’t a state function or anything in connection to the Office of the President. No, this was just a private trip and could be considered to be a vacation.

I have a hard time seeing the need or the necessity of Bong Bong Marcos Jr. to be in Singapore for the Formula One Race. He could have travelled on a chartered flight or paid with the massive wealth is family has to rent a private plane even. Alas, he chose to use a government aircraft, use his office to spend taxpayers money on a security detail as well. It is natural that he has this and needs it. However, it was still a public waste of funds on a totally unnecessary event, which the President could have avoid.

Nevertheless, Bong Bong Marcos Jr. prioritize it… and he didn’t care. Peace.

Malacañang Palace intrigue: Marcos Jr. cannot keep a stable crew

“Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles resigns. She tendered her resignation on Tuesday morning and will be effective by the end of business hours today. Angeles cited health reasons for leaving her position, based on a statement given to the media. Talks of Angeles leaving the Cabinet went around last week, before she was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments. She was not part of the ten officials issued a fresh nomination on Tuesday. A friend of Angeles told One News that the former press secretary may have been caught in the recent infighting in the Palace that saw former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez replaced by retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin. Asked whether Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted her resignation, Angeles told reporters, “I would just assume so” (ONE News PH, 04.10.2022).

It is really interesting to know that Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Junior has been in Office since June 30^th. It isn’t a long time to both changing the Executive Secretary and the Press Secretary. The Executive Secretary being his spokesperson during the campaign. So, we know that Vic Rodriguez was a loyal and hard-working ally.

In addition you have the Jose Calida, has also resigned from the Commission of Audit (COA). He is the former Solicitor General of the Marcos Family.

These are three major resignations in the Malacañang Palace and it hasn’t been a 100 days in office for the President. We know there was also resignations and pushback after the Sugar Order Volume 3 earlier in September too. So, this Presidency is hectic and Marcos Jr. struggles to contain loyal and good staff.

That the former DDS blogger is quitting. Following Rodriguez and Calida is telling. There is something bad going on. The ones following should be worried. It doesn’t help when even sources to ONE News says there are infighting in the Palace. That says the President and his team isn’t working cordially.

Marcos Jr. is surely not showing his skill of governing. When his trusted allies are resigning and quitting early in his reign. The likes of Rodriguez and Calida should have been close to him. While the DDS Blogger would show the modernity of the administration.

This is showing the public how unstable the Marcos Jr. government is. When it cannot keep the closest associates and regain trust among the public. Marcos Jr. have to show his magic and not just enjoy the perks of lavish life at the Formula One race in Singapore. Peace.

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: We Remember Falle Colleagues and our Vow to Assert Press Freedom (02.11.2021)

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: NUJP to Roque – Don’t deny Cencorship on PH Press (12.10.2021)

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUPJ): 33 Years Later, Solidarity for Press Freedom and for Media Still Needed (30.07.2021)

Opinion: Rodrigo be consistent

The Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte have today been inconsistent. He has released a “Message” supporting the press and being a genuine part of the World Press Freedom Day of 2021. He has come out with a positive statement, which seems like what you should say. However, on the same day he retaliates against the ABS-CBN. Which he has had an issue with for years. Just like his government have gone after Rappler too. Not like he values them or their freedom of the press.

These two companies have gotten into trouble for their reporting. Their actions and their issues with Rodrigo. Yes, ABS-CBN had really vicious adverts during the Presidential Campaign before Duterte was elected. Still, the state have retaliated against the media network and media house of ABS-CBN.

He is the Head of State but can never overcome the shortcomings of others in the past. The President never have the ability to let bygones be bygones. That is a sign of weakness and not strength. If he wants to seem like a big-man and a powerful individual. This is not it. He is like a whiny teen who is still mad at the crush who never returned the feelings or the appreciation of the other one. Duterte is furious that someone did him dirty and cannot overcome it. That is just tragic. Knowing the power of his office and all his allies across the Republic.

If he believes in freedom of the press. Prove it. Not just challenge the franchise of ABS-CBN again. Not go after the Rappler like you have done. If you believes in these things. Not only praise and behind the “yes-man” but let “nay-sayers” get a voice. Still, that is apparently a lot to ask for. Since you are just brutal and doesn’t have a heart to act otherwise.

As the President he can be responsible and wise, but this is just foolish. This man could be so much better and his advisors could have given him a heads-up. Seems like they fear challenging him or question his actions. The President is praising the press, but at the same day saying one of the biggest media network shouldn’t get licence to operate. That shows how ruthless he is and not caring about these values. These values cannot matter to him… when he wants to suffocate and silence the ABS-CBN.

Duterte could show some humility and be the better man, but that is apparently to much to ask. The ABS-CBN know what they triggered and did, but the President should know the dirty game of politics. As he has been involved in that for so many years in Davao and later in Manilla. He should know this perfectly well. Instead of going after them, but he should undress them and show them where they were wrong. To take away their ability to report, have licences and go after their heads. His just showing why people is questing his paths in the first place.

Rodrigo needs to chill, eat some adobo and drink a red horse beer. That would be healthy for him. I doubt he would do so, but in this instance. He should be the bigger man, but when it comes to him. That’s too much to ask apparently. Peace.

Opinion: The Duterte Administration doesn’t want a free-media, but a gang of YES-MEN!

Today its official the House of Representative has put the nail in the coffin for the renewal of the media house and franchise ABS-CBN. This has been an on-going battle for the media company and its associates. What this does is close radio stations across the Republic and also TV stations. They are deliberately closing one of the strong independent media houses.

ABS-CBN have had the ability to actually bring content of facts. Yes, it has its wrong like everyone does. Everyone who publish, distribute and address news will sooner or later do blunders. What this Presidency is doing is to silence and muffle media houses that dares to question them. Just like Ressa of Rappler, the ABS-CBN is in the same regard. They dared to have provocative ads and such in the campaign ahead of this administration. That’s why this sort of thing is a retaliation, as the Congress is filled with YES-MEN and people blindly loyal to the President. He won the recent mid-term election and has less of opposition to ever stop him. Everyone that oppose get into dire waters and awaiting sharks.

ABS-CBN now is in the same waters. Rappler, which is a small digital operation has survived. Even when the authorities and the state has challenged it at every possible way. Now the media house of ABS-CBN is getting detained and possibly closed because it offended the Don in the previous Presidential Elections.

There is no other way to see this. It is a political retaliation. They can use legal means and spin-it, but that is the end-game. If ABS-CBN had been positive and been less objective, if it had been as friendly as GMA and 24 Oras. They wouldn’t come in this situation. The ABS-CBN is here, because it dares to question the powers to be. It dares to challenge and also go nuts about it. If it didn’t do that and was a only broadcasting what Malacanang and the PCOO wants spread. They are just to copy verbatim and memos without questioning it.

If you do that? Then, your in trouble. Big trouble, possibly either losing your job or getting court-side. The government will figure one way or another to bring you down.

With this in mind. If anyone in the House of Representatives that voted for the closure of ABS-CBN ever speaks of freedom of speech and liberty to express themselves. Than, they got to look in the mirror and remember what they did today. The 70 members should be remember, because they clearly don’t give an rats ass about freedom of expression. They are just loyal lackey’s of Duterte.

This here shows that this administration again doesn’t trust the media to cover their actions. Neither, does it accept them pressing on issues. They are just supposed to dance along with the President and his team. Not supposed to question or speak up. If you do?

You gone go missing and be denied. Just like the ABS-CBN or Rappler who both been under fire. The ones loosing out is the public, the employees and in the end, also the men who stopped ABS-CBN. Unless they want to clap in the same echo-chamber and wants the same psalms to sing from Manila to Davao. They just wants empty-headed tabloids and scripted songs in favour of the administration. These representative don’t want to be questioned or investigated by reports. They want to have empty love like celebrities.

These people want the red-carpet treatment, they want to be kissed and get the love. That’s why they are closing ABS-CBN. To prove a point, but its a flawed point. Only undressing their motives and the message is clear.

If you don’t show us love, we will close you down. Peace.

Philippines: The Animo’s Official Statement on ABS-CBN Shutdown (05.05.2020)

Philippines: Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) – “This Is How Liberty Dies…” (05.05.2020)

Opinion: The ABS-CBN closure is political retribution and nothing else

The ABS-CBN sent a few questionable and harsh ads towards the President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 campaign for his election. This is certainly the reason why the termination of license of the franchise and the gag-order earlier in the year was put on the media company. As this company has the ability to put pressure on the hard-headed Presidents of its time. That is why the last time it happen it was in 1972. A record Duterte should compete with, but clearly he wants too.

This is a battle and method of retaliation of the President and his team. As this is silencing a open critic. Just like they did with Leila De Lima and Antonio Trilanes. The state has also been fierce against the independent media house Rappler too. So, its not like ABS-CBN is getting a new treatment.

It might be a temporary set-back as a way of the President to prove that you don’t mess with him. That is why I call it a retaliation, because the Senate is the final place for consideration of the license of the Franchise. Even if the National Telecommunication Commission put the cease and desist order on the media house.

What we do know, is for the ones claiming that the owners are not paying taxes. The government as late as February 2020 said they were no liabilities and no arrears. The company has paid its taxes and paid its employees. Therefore, the thought of using as an argument for the closure is futile. Unless, your docile and believe anything.

ABS-CBN only gets this, because it dared to challenge Duterte and aired certain ads. This is his way of firing back and showing flex. Not that its any good. It only shows that he doesn’t have the heart or the ability to strike back with sense. The President doesn’t have the arguments or the ads to address his opposition. Instead, he uses his office and his power together with comrades to close it for a while. Just to show the owners, the journalists, that they should all be like 24 Oras on the GMA Network, because they will never sound the whistle at any government.

That’s why we are here today. We are in our 1972 moment. Where a President and his team uses their office to silence critics and by all means. Rappler was the owner structure and ABS-CBN its the franchise and its license. I am sure the government friendly press will never get into these issues. The ones who doesn’t air critical ads and content, which challenge the President in any form. But if you do, you better lawyer up and have your tools ready. Because, its going to get rocky and the road to redemption is long.

ABS-CBN is getting the full Duterte treatment. The full fury and furious intervention, maybe he will beg for forgiveness later. If he cares about the 11,000 people in limbo. However, that is not so important, as long as the President can signal that he doesn’t accept critical ads. ABS-CBN better follow the Duterte line, if not they will walk the plank. Peace.