Opinion: “BongBong” will bring back bad memories

I cannot comment on whether it still needs to be celebrated because I was on the other side of the barricade during EDSA. What I can say is that many projects set to be completed in 1986 were disrupted”BongBong” Marcos (2016)

The son of dynasty and dictator, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have been endorsed by several parties of late. These parties are Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL), Kalinga Party (KP), Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP) and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). KBL is the party of the father. So, it is fitting that the former Senator was endorsed there and elsewhere.

Yes, “BongBong” Marcos has been a “public servant” for years. He has been an elected official. However, his a relic from a plundering dynasty and a dictatorial part of the history of the Philippines. The BBM and his allies will sell the stories differently. They might even try to sell him as different than his father. Which is natural, since the ones who fought his father are now seen as heroes.

The Marcos haven’t delivered back the billions of pesos it stole. The Marcos has massive wealth and unaccounted profits on it. The plunder cases and what they have in Swiss bank-accounts are still not totally known. The family have fought to keep this and their ill-gotten gains. Still, as “public servants” the first thing they should do was to return this. However, the greed runs deep and they see it as their own.

The Marcos and the reign of the father created more poverty for the Republic. While his family have gotten more wealthy. That is why BBM owns several of businesses and has huge liabilities. That isn’t because of his business-savvy ways, but in the manner of which this family got their gains.

I don’t believe “BongBong” will do any good. He was born with a silver-spoon and is a self-serving individual. The ones believing in him is naive. Marcos will use this office for himself and his closest kin. I wouldn’t be shocked with more plunder and porkies. There would be a huge pay-off and securing the bank. While using force and neglecting what is needed.

I can’t believe these parties is willing to field the son of the dictator. A man who bashed in the wealth and haven’t done his due diligence to clean the closet of all the illegal gains earned by his father. That just shows the lack of moral ambiguity. That is the reality here.

Those parties clearly see a viable case with him. The BBM brand and his space is good enough. Nevertheless, this man will most likely not bring anything good. I have a hard time taking his candidacy seriously. By all means, if you want someone who plunders and keeps grinding for the dynasties. Than you have your man and your candidate.

BongBong” Marcos isn’t giving you friendly vibes. His the elite and a man of wealth, because of what his family did. This is why there should an easy way to stay away from these parties and his candidacy. Since there should be other prospects who are more sincere and real.

BBM have participated and written legislation in all his time in office. That should reflect his character and will. However, it has been more for display and cheap politicking, which is what some candidates do to look good. I don’t see anything that he shouldn’t have supported or not done in his time. He has supported several of resolutions and bills. While we can wonder about their affects to this day. Because, he never took accountability and being transparent with the legacy of his father. Except that he used his time in office to secure a state burial and grave for his father. That is noble as a son, but he was a dictator. Did you expect people to love him after all the years of martial law and plundering?

This is why BBM isn’t welcomed and ready for this. The parties might think it is “water under the bridge” and still endorses him. Heck, the KBL is bound by the legacy of his father. While “BongBong” should maybe save himself and it will reignite the stories of the past.

BBM clearly needs to defend the plunder and the legacy of his father. That’s because he is the son and lived lavishly because of that. This is why he will not have this easy and it will be in-disregard of many more.

I cannot see him as viable man. I rather support Duterte’s side-kick than whatever BBM will promise. It will at least be honest and truthful in the manner, which they are governing. Instead of promising change, but never acting up what they did in the past. That’s what the Marcos family seems to have forgotten and they are not taking into account the sentiment, which the popular uprising brought his reign down.

That’s why EDSA matters still and will not be forgotten. Peace.

Opinion: I don’t get the hype surrounding Isko Moreno

I am not governor of China. I am mayor of Manila, Philippines”Isko Moreno

It is just mere days or not even that since Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, the one-term (since 2019) mayor of Manila have put forward his candidacy for President in the 2022 elections. Yes, Isko Morena have worked for a long time as a councillor and held the helm as the Vice-Mayor of Manila as well. So, he has had long time in office and is experienced in the capital. That is without a doubt and needed skill for anyone aiming for the highest office.

However, the former actor and celebrity have to show of more than finesse, one-minute ads and possible gig-songs. He might say the right things, but he still has to carry a lot of weight. We know Isko Morena was participating and has been a proud support of the Duterte presidency. He has even proclaimed greatness of government programs within the metropolis. So, it is not like his a staunch opposition or a sound of new reform. No, his just another pretty face to aim for the highest office.

Isko Morena will be mocked and ridiculed for his career as an actor. There will be smug puff-pieces and questions about his morality. Just like there has been polls about his sexuality. If his gay, bi or straight. That is happening to a family man of 5 and says a lot about his character. When people question that, even when he has a wholesome family.

Back in the day he was even arrested together with other colleagues playing illegal bingo. This was while he was in Tambunting street in Sta Cruz, Manila back in 2013. So, it is not like he has been in trouble before and that would clearly return to his front-pages. Unless, the elites of Manila is eating his “achievements” up.

Because him as a councillor has bought computers and bought a fire-truck, but that is good governance and delivery at the time. However, by the time he became mayor and such. There is little other than working on the slogans and programs of the President. That is why he wants to promote and continue “Build Build Build”. So how will that be different from the previous President? How is that unique or special?

Is it a viable case that he has flair and an acting career before politics? Is it enough to sell himself from rags to riches?

Well, Isko Moreno seems like another candidate to ambush and take away the fire of the opposition. Just to weaken their ticket and steal the possible moderates this way. This is just made for that and don’t be shocked.

The same guy was a troublesome character and candidate in concern to Grace Poe ahead of elections in 2016. So, God knows what’s Isko Moreno’s game plan now. They estimated it was to early back then, but now his ready after one term as Mayor of Manila.

Well, this man isn’t ready and isn’t it. He might strike himself as a King and wants to be a Don. I hate to break it to him, but he doesn’t have it. That is not because he was an actor or a celebrity. No, it is because … he just says the endearing things like appoint Duterte, continuing “build build build” and whatnot. What will you do? What is your significant policy or plan?

Healing President” sounds like someone wanting to visit the doctor or therapist to get relief. Not someone to strengthen and secure the Republic. No, that would fit in war-time and post-war, but the Philippines isn’t in that. So, this man better try to become the incumbent Mayor of Manila and not waste his time to seek the highest office.

The scandals and the bad judgement of the time as an actor will be aired out. Not just some risky pictures, but all the juice will be public. The man will be under fire and I lack he will be able to succeed Duterte.

This man should maybe play tong-its and chill. Not do this…. It will only get ugly from here and this man will regret it all. Peace.

Ateno de Manila University: University statement on the 49th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law (21.09.2021)

Phillippines: National Security Council (NSC) – The Barangay Development Program liberates communities from the shackles of fear, hopelessness and desperation (20.09.2021)

Opinion: Pacquiao will be a lightweight challenging the Duterte-ticket

I boldly accept the challenge of running as PRESIDENT of the Philippines. We need progress. We need to win against poverty. We need government to serve our people with integrity, compassion and transparency. The time is now. I am ready to rise to the challenge of leadership” – Senator Manny Pacquiao” (19.09.2021)

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas Ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has already a resolution where the incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte is the Vice-Presidential Candidate and with Christopher Lawerence “Bong Go” Tesoro as the Presidential Candidate in the up-coming election. That was official like 10 days ago.

Now today, the other PDP-Laban fraction of Senator Pimentel have announced Pacquiao as the Presidential Candidate and with Senator Koko Pimentel as the Vice-Presidential candidate. This is happening a day after Pacquiao signed a coalition agreement led by MP3 alliance, which is between PDP-Laban – People’s Champ, PROMDI President Mimo Osmeña and PCM legal counsel Atty. Gacal.

So, the Pimentel fraction is giving Pacquiao a boost for his campaign now. They are willing to risk the newbie in the Senate who was only elected into it in 2016. He held a legislative seat in Mindanao since 2010, but haven’t been long in the Congress or a high ranking office. For some this will mean little, but the dismissal of “Bong Go” is for the same reasons as well.

While Pacquiao have been for a full term, as “Bong Go” only was elected in the midterms. These two will challenge each other and the PDP-Laban – People’s Champ have to prove this. This shows that both PDP-Laban tickets isn’t foolproof.

While the other ticket has the incumbent President on it. The main ticket is weak with the aide and a short term senator. These are both not winning or sincere ones. Yes, PacMan is a favoured man and a popular one. However, he is not a seasoned politician in the conning landscape of Filipino lawmakers.

Pacquiao has to show power towards the dynasties, the powerful families and the incumbent President. He is not only challenging “Bong Go”. He is going after Duterte who still has a huge following. It is not like Pacquiao is fighting against random candidates. That he has Sen. Pimentel on the ticket is helping, but is it enough?

I cannot see how Pacquiao or Pimentel will get this through the PDP-Laban at this stage. As they are working directly for Duterte and his causes. The fraction will have to challenge outside the party. Even if that meaning Pimentel have to leave the party of his father. “Nene” Pimentel Jr. founded the party in 1982 and this would be an end of an era with the possible break from the party. Because “Koko” does not have enough strength to compete with Duterte at this point of time. That seems impossible.

This is why with the challenge and dispute between these two tickets. Expect the “Bong Go” ticket to go ahead. While Pacquiao will have to do this on the outside. They have to make the People’s Champ Movement as a national party and run with that. Since, the PDP-Laban will be Duterte domain for now. Until proven otherwise, I will stand by that statement and Pimentel will not change this. He will be vital for the ticket of Pacquiao, but not enough to beat Duterte internally.

Pacquiao needs a K.O. but he will struggle on this one. He is not in the ring, but outside his comfort zone. This will be hectic, unfriendly and he will battle every step ahead. Pacquiao has been beaten and gotten punched before, but this will be humiliating and he deserves better. As the hero and champion he is. It is too early and he challenges someone who does whatever to get his way. This is why he going into a ring where he will be outplayed and outmanoeuvred. One wrong step and he will be an easy target to fall. Peace.

Phillippines: National Security Council (NSC) – The NTF-ELCAC’s Initiative to develop Barangay’s shold not be held in Abeyance in favour of Politicking (12.09.2021)

Opinion: Duterte’s sidekick for President now?

The Personal Aide to Duterte since 1998, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go is now nominated by Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas Ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to be Presidential Candidate, as the current President Rodrigo Duterte is launching his Vice Presidential campaign as well.

The PDP-Laban might think this is a good idea to have the Bong-Go/Duterte ticket. However, to have the personal aide of Duterte as the next President sound weird at best. That shows the PDP-Laban is all captured by Duterte. Not only is Duterte running as the Vice President in the up-coming election, but his “utility” man is his succession.

Bong Go is also the “selfie-king” or the “photo-bomber” who happened to be elected Senator in the midterms in 2019. Before this he was appointed directly by Duterte. Just like he was all through the years in Davao when Duterte was mayor there.

It is hard to take Bong Go seriously as a Presidential Contender when all his known for is carrying the water for Rodrigo. This man hasn’t been independent or a proven record. His a clean slate and only has a personal belief in Duterte. This man would praise and pledge allegiance to Duterte before anything else. That’s why Bong Go was willing to forfeit the candidature for the daughter of the President Sara and her possible race for President. Therefore, it is hard to believe that this man is eligible and only there out of loyalty.

His the well-known Executive Assistant and Personal Aide of Duterte, after this Personal Campaign Assistant and Special Assistant before elected Senator. It is not like he has long history or a well forged political life himself. It is all mirrored from Duterte. Bong Go would be a nobody, if he didn’t have the close working relationship with the President. That’s why it’s striking that his the successor in 2022.

We can wonder if he plans to secure more contracts to his kin in CLTG Builders or Alfrego Builders and Supply. However, we cannot know, but what we do know is that these two companies has gotten several of major contracts during the Presidential term of Duterte. Which just happens to be relations of Bong Go. It wouldn’t be shocking if he continued to favour his own after the “promotion” to Presidency.

You know that the PDP-Laban isn’t looking for the most experience or ready person for the Presidency. Everyone is just supposed to follow one man and his ideas. Why else would you nominate the personal aide for the grandest office in the Republic?

There should be someone with more flair, finesse and even more qualifications within the party. Not just a “yes-man” and a token toy soldier of Duterte. Bong Go will only follow orders and be a continuation of the Duterte term. He is seemingly just a pawn and a useful idiot to put in his place.

Expect Bong Go to splash the cash and have “unknown” sources for it ahead of the elections. He will suddenly have fountains of it and he will go after every allegations of where it comes from. This man will get help from Duterte and his schemes. They will campaign steadily together and it will practically be a second term for the incumbent. Especially, if they are both elected.

Bong Go will not challenge or question Duterte like Duterte have done with Robredo. They will be a “dream-team” of one alpha and his “bitch”. Bong Go might be the President, but as long as Duterte is the VP. We know where the power lays, because it is not like Bong Go has ever sounded out of term with him.

This is just what the PDP-Laban is willing to do and how the wheels are running. The party should have sought for someone else to be sincere. However, Bong Go is only there because of Duterte and nothing else. Peace.

Opinion: Is this the war-chest for Duterte’s campaign?

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) — The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives on Friday terminated the briefing for the proposed ₱8.2-billion budget of President Rodrigo Duterte’s office for 2022. ₱4.5 billion of the Office of the President’s budget request is for intelligence and confidential funds” (CNN Philippines – ‘House terminates briefing for ₱8.2-billion 2022 budget for Duterte’s office’ 03.09.2021).

In December 2020 President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the Congress to look into the usage of the confidential funds in the 2021. Now, there is yet another questionable move, as the Office of the President has another budget post on the National Budget, which is for intelligence and confidential funds.

When the President haven’t allowed the committee and inquiries into the previous spending of these billions of pesos. You can wonder…. What is he spending this money on? Is this spend on his side-dishes? Is this the porkies of the budget and the ones used for “private projects”?

It is also striking that he gets these funds in his final year as President and as his the Vice Presidential candidate for PDP-Laban. In my mind… these funds could easily go to campaigning and greasing the wheels. This would be a nice war-chest for a campaign and paying a team to secure another office.

What is also striking for a man that is speaking so publicly about anti-corruption and red-tape. A man who is supposed to be against greed and misuse of office. The President usually use these methods to strike at his enemies. However, here is a budget post made for open corruption with no accountability or transparency. That’s why this can go to his baby-mama’s, side-dishes and build another story on his private resident in Mindanao.

Let’s be clear, if the President wanted to be honest and sincere. He wouldn’t have vetoed the same funds last year. Now, the committee isn’t allowed to look into similar funds of next year. Meaning, he could spend these billions of pesos recklessly and whatever he deems fit. It is confidential and the Congress isn’t allowed to get the audits of it either.

Duterte could easily use this to boost his campaign or secure the VP seat. That’s how it looks to me… as he has a fountain of money and nobody can look into it. It is confidential and at bay for whatever things he see fit.

It is naturally to question this and the need for it in this manner. Why can’t the AFP or any agency need these funds more? Can’t the military intelligence or agencies allocate or appropriate the funds for this without the privy of the President before the possible usage of it. That just seems like a wasted hurdle and a way of disbursing funds to complicate the end-game.

President Duterte should be open about it, if his not … I will claim it is for his “war-chest” and preparation for the up-coming elections. If not it is for his side-dishes or secret affairs, which he doesn’t want the general public to know about. Because, why should he need to veto it and now they are not allowed to discuss it.

That just shows to me that something is up and these funds are not spent in the interest of the Filipino people. If they were than there would be nothing to hide or shield the public from. The President acts like there is hidden skeletons in the closet and he doesn’t want anyone to see them. Peace.

Opinion: Are Duterte prepared to be as relevant as Robredo?

On the 24th August 2021 the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas Ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) released a Press Release stating that the current day President Rodrigo Duterte will be the parties candidate for Vice President. This is clearly in the vision of being granted a further role in government, because he cannot stand again as the President.

In the most recent election in 2016 Leni Robredo won the Vice-Presidency on the Partido Liberal or Liberal Party (LP) ticket on the Roxa-Robredo, where she won but the Presidential candidate lost. That’s the one that Duterte won in the last election.

Now, it’s steaming ahead of the next. The PDP-Laban has lots of infighting lately and the roles are changing ahead of the elections. Clearly, the VP position isn’t enough to fight for. The other politicians and high ranking officials wants more. That’s why they are all out to get their gains and possible benefits ahead of costly campaign.

The only way Duterte can be relevant or have any sort of significance if the President is an ally or he has a favourable character there. That’s why there is talks of a possible Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go or “Bong Go” as the PDP-Laban Presidential Candidate. At this very moment that is hard to know, but that would seal the control of PDP-Laban by Duterte and him alone. At this very moment that wouldn’t be shocking, but a very clear signal.

If there is suddenly a swift change and another party gets the Presidency. A party which haven’t been allied or working indirectly with PDP-Laban at the Presidency. At that very moment Duterte will be as vital and as important as Lobredo. Yes, Lobredo have used her time to challenge the President and his reforms. The OVP have questions the means to an end. That has been needed and shown character, but not gained her any well deserved credit.

Still, that role will not beneficial for Duterte. With has erratic and hectic rants. His change of moods and sudden irrational behaviour will not be helping him. Especially, when his Presidency has made the OVP seemed like a godforsaken to office to seek. Where has mocked and ridiculed her on a regular basis. Is he prepared that might happen to him? That someone above him will take away his authority and kick him of the pedestal?

Because, if he becomes the OVP with his popularity today. He might as well possibly not only seek safe-haven from prosecution. However, his also seeking a term of misfortune and possibly hit-pieces. Especially, if others than his “Yes-Men” and token allies takes power after him. Since, a new breed might show-up and make a mockery out of him.

Duterte might think of this as a safeguard for himself. However, he should be prepared for a possible role of damnation. Where he will be under the same toils and peril as Robredo. Not like his going for a office without perks and benefits. Yes, he will have that, but he only has as much power as the President bestows upon him. That means that he will be at mercy of the one winning the next election. That is huge bargain and a risk.

If he stands as the VP he should make himself ready for days of bad press and possible scandals leaking from his term. Plus he should be secured of more headlines speaking of his temperament and erratic behaviour. Which will not be backtracked as easy or have enough spin-control to avoid humiliation. Maybe Duterte should consider this… but don’t expect it.

President Duterte and his handlers seems like everything will go as smooth as in 2016. However, times are changing. He has shown what he does and we don’t know what sort of poll he will have now. There might be more questions than answers. Therefore, PDP-Laban should question themselves, if they are willing to risk this. It will be a circus and wonder if the people will be joining them for the ride.

Duterte as the VP will be entertaining, but is that the value of governance at this very moment? The value of headlines and gossip. No, it shouldn’t be. Nevertheless, I don’t doubt the will of having another pointless figurine as the VP in yet another term. Peace.

Philippines: Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas Ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) – Press Release (24.08.2021)