Gov. Toto to Pres. Marcos Jr.: How can I tell her about you?

 

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”

— J. R. R. Tolkien

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHEN Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. abandoned the National Unity Party (NUP) and recently took an oath as new member of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Malacanang, he must have been given the opportunity to engage the President in a tete-a-tete.

President Marcos Jr. is, of course, aware that Defensor Jr is the chief ally and Iloilo campaigner of former Vice President Leni Robredo, Mr. Marcos’ rival in the May 2022 presidential election.

But because politics is addition and not wanting to miss the opportunity to exhibit humility and leadership, Mr. Marcos Jr. embraced Defensor Jr. and meekly welcomed the Iloilo leader to the fold of the administration.

Amid the uncanny situation, was Defensor Jr. tempted to ask Mr. Marcos Jr “how can I tell her about you?”

The singular pronoun is no other than Robredo, who was in Iloilo as guest of honor in the 50^th anniversary of of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Iloilo chapter, where she had a lunch meeting with Defensor and Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas on August 11.

It was not known whether Defensor Jr. had “alerted” Robredo during the lunch meeting that several days later, he would officially jump ship from NUP to PFP.

 

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Did the Iloilo governor also think of telling Robredo “how can I tell you about him (Mr. Marcos Jr. and my plan to switch party allegiance)?

Better still, was it the right moment for Defensor Jr. to tell her about the awful truth?

If she was informed about the impending “party sweetheart shift”, Robredo must have been dismayed but only tried to hide it.

With little influence and no more bargaining chips, she couldn’t stop former partymates from walking to the doors in exodus.

She must have thought there was no more reason for Defensor Jr.—and even Treñas and other NUP Iloilo stalwarts—to remain in the old party and ignore the President’s alluring call for “unity and cooperation” if it would be for the good and benefit the city and province in terms of projects and other favors.

Also, accepting the “invitation” of the Marcos Jr. administration to join the PFP is tantamount to accepting the legitimacy of Mr. Marcos Jr’s win in the 2022 presidential election for Defensor Jr., et al.

 

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As of the lunch meeting in Iloilo and the oath taking in Malacanang more than a week later, there was no official protest lodged by the Robredo camp in relation to the May 2022 presidential election.

Robredo has never issued an official concession to Mr. Marcos Jr.

Other than speculations that the presidential election was rigged, no one—including Robredo herself—has publicly decried the results of the election and showed aggressive interest to file a formal protest in the Commission on Election (Comelec).

In her many public appearances and speeches in the universities and other organizations where she was the guest speaker, Robredo has never claimed she was a victim of election fraud.

Some of her allies and supporters think she has already decided to move on and was no longer interested to dabble in politics—unless she decides to stage a comeback in the future.

Thus, the likes of Defensor Jr. and Treñas can’t stay in the old party forever and watch other chief executives of the provinces and cities that have decided to join forces with the Marcos Jr. administration partake large slices of the Malacanang cake.

Richard Bach once said, “Don’t be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom shortage but abundance in ‘intel’ funds?

 

“As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

—Nelson Mandela

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHAT greeted the school children and those involved in public elementary and high school education this year was an outrageous and calamitous shortage of classrooms all over the Philippines.

Not hundreds, but thousands of classrooms in the provinces, cities, and municipalities from Aparri to Jolo.

This is shocking and unacceptable because we actually have sufficient funds to build not just classrooms but also school buildings.

If we have funds for the ambitious multi-billion bridges and highways, we surely have more than enough for the classrooms and school buildings.

Where did the funds that would have long ago solved this lingering and exasperating problem in our public education go?

Either they were not used efficiently, diverted to other non-essential things, wasted in inconsequential matters, or siphoned off to the pockets of rapacious and dishonest Department of Education (DepEd) officials past and present?

We are a rich country pretending to be poor.

We have a quality system but one that is managed by incredible and incompetent public officials in a lousy and decrepit bureaucratic apparatus.

 

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We have abundance of money but is channeled somewhere else—in the pathetic and appalling “intelligence fund” which is at the beck and call of the DepEd secretary.

They may remove all the classroom decorations—including the chalks and blackboards if they so desire—but, please, leave the funds needed to build more classrooms and other school materials alone.

In just two years, that “intelligence fund” has reportedly ballooned to more or less P1 billion or P500 million each year as per the request by the DepEd boss.

This is unprecedented, scandalous, unwise, and sickening. In the movies, we frown upon this gross display of splendor. In real life, we puke at the magnitude of its lavishness.

It could reach to P5 billion if the spineless Congress (the solons, not the institution) will continue to slumber excessively and act like monkeys who see, hear, and say nothing (for fear of political reprisal?).

The disparity in the spending preference and priority is itself a big injustice; and it betrays the lack of delicadeza and accountability on the part of those wanting to have access on the controversial funds, the coveted cookie jars not covered by any audit report.

 

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Raking in P500 million to P1 billion in “intelligence fund” which, in truth and in reality, not really necessary for a department that handles and promotes learning of the students in the formative years, is tantamount to abuse of authority and being insensitive to the plight of the poor.

It becomes cruel and despicable when we see the students suffer from neglect and mismanagement, while the DepEd official or officials live like queens and wealthy nobles.

Allowing the public pupils to suffer from the apathy, laziness, cowardice, feebleness, incompetence, negligence, and corruption of the public officials who have sworn to protect the welfare and interest of the taxpayers—including the public elementary and high schools students now absorbing the brunt of this skullduggery—is tantamount to tolerating educational, mental, and emotional genocide.

 

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August 21 in the United States marked the 6th Commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

The United States Department of State said the US stood with the global community of victims, families, survivors, and communities who have been impacted by the scourge of terrorism.

“The effects of terrorism are long-lasting and tragic. Victims of terrorism must remain at the forefront of efforts to provide them with the justice and support they deserve,” it declared in a statement.

“The United States and its international partners have made great strides in detecting and disrupting terrorist attacks, diminishing terrorist recruitment, and denying terrorists support. We are committed to preventing future attacks and to hold terrorists to account for their crimes. We pay solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks, and we will never forget the victims of terrorism or stop our pursuit of justice and peace.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

‘First blood’ in P680-M Iloilo flyover House probe

 

“Do I provoke as a method of investigation? Of course. That’s the essence of architecture. Do I do it with gusto? I do.”

—Thom Mayne

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHAT happened during the first hearing on the defective P680-million Ungka flyover or the Iloilo flyover project by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Works and Highways in the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on August 15 can be considered as “appetizer”.

It can be likened to a first quarter in basketball, or the first 10 kilometers in the 42.195-kilometer full marathon.

In any acquaintance party, there are no fireworks and flaks. In any warm up, the intensity of action is lesser, slower, and serene.  

Since the main character, the International Builders Corporation (IBC), the contractor tasked by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to build the controversial flyover was missing, there was more reason for the inquisitors, led by committee chair, Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo, to hold their chariots.

Since it was only DPWH Region 6 assistant director, Engr. Jose Al Fruto, who became the main aperitif in the hearing, there was no way for some committee members to extract pieces of coppers from the wood.

 

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They will have to wait until the next hearing, the second quarter in basketball, or the first 20 kilometers in the full marathon, will unwrap in Iloilo City as proposed by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, before a full-blown catechism is expected to unleash.

Thus, all the reports that came from the inaugural House inquiry centered heavily on the production of the copy of geotech investigation report by Metro Manila-based Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants, which conducted the geotechnical investigation for a fee of P13,480,880.

It will be very interesting when the inquiry touches on the project’s needs identification, policies and plans, prioritization, planning, feasibility and preparation, funding and financing, delivery, design, procurement.

Also, in construction and management, operation and maintenance, and end of life.

The qualifications and background of the contractor or contractors; the qualities and specific budget set aside for materials used during the actual implementation of the expensive project; and how the project was awarded to the contractor or contractors.

Let’s wait with bated breath for the highlights of the House inquiry on this scandal-ridden project that has put a blot on the image of the city and province of Iloilo in terms of quality and efficiency in the implementation of state-budgeted highway projects.

 

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DAMAYAN MIGRANT WORKERS ASSOCIATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Damayan members and supporters gathered at The People’s Forum in Manhattan, NYC for the Damayan Annual General Assembly and Board Election on July 29.

It was the epitome of Damayan’s democratic principle of giving and upholding the power of the eligible members to vote for their board members by a confidential ballot.

The momentous occasion with Damayan’s highest decision-making body involved: The Executive Director’s report on Damayan’s 2022 Annual Accomplishment Report and discussion of the Damayan 2023 Program of Action.

The general membership was inspired by Damayan’s 20 years of impact and unanimously approved the 2023 Program of Action to continue servicing and empowering the Filipino migrant workers.

Election of three Damayan board members for 2023-2025: The Damayan General Assembly voted in three board members after listening to their platforms: 1. Riya Ortiz, Damayan’s new executive director; 2. Karina Garcia, current board chair and long-time Damayan ally and organizer; and 3. Raffy Garcia, a Filipino Certified Public Accountant with an extensive record of working and helping NYC nonprofits to strengthen their financial operations and a long time supporter of Damayan.

Previous board treasurer, Neal Stone, was not included in the three highest number of votes. The organization said it will be forever thankful for all his contributions in solidifying the board leadership and in building Damayan since 2006.

Reaffirming Damayan’s mission and quest to end labor trafficking and modern-day slavery through a sharp Damayan orientation: Damayan screened for the first time official video Damayan orientation, which reaffirmed and streamlined the mission, analysis, programs and services; and the members’ rights and responsibilities. Attendance in a Damayan orientation was one of the requirements to vote at the GA.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

Iloilo airport upgrade ‘snub’: Marcos Jr.’s way of showing who’s the boss?

“I reward loyalty with loyalty. I reward disloyalty with distance.”

—Anonymous

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IF President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “intentionally” missed out Iloilo Airport for upgrade in the 2024 budget for infrastructure development of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), he could be sending a curt message to Ilonggos, who preferred former Vice President Leni Robredo over him during the May 9, 2022 presidential election.

It must still be difficult for Mr. Marcos Jr. to move on and forgive the Ilonggos who gave Robredo 1,940,183 votes or 47.90 percent against Marcos Jr.’s 1,516,464 votes or 37.44 percent in Western Visayas.

Other than this election humiliation, we don’t see any other reason or reasons why the Marcos Jr. administration would continue to give the Ilonggos a cold shoulder treatment.

Other than politics, we don’t remember people in Iloilo, or Western Visayas for that matter, having offended Mr. Marcos Jr. that would make him “retaliate” via the non-sharing of a piece of major infrastructure pie to the Ilonggos.

While other lesser-known airports in the country stand to benefit from the Marcos Jr. administration’s repair and upgrade largesse in 2024, Iloilo Airport, the fifth busiest airport in the Philippines in 2022, will get zero.  

President Marcos Jr. mentioned the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island (PGN) Bridges Project in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be included in his administration’s P8.3 trillion “Build Better More” Program, but the bridges project had been conceptualized a long time ago—starting in the three previous administrations.

But the Iloilo Airport is already in existence and only needs upgrading as an international standard.

 

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To add insult, it was only in March 2023, as reported by the Daily Guardian, that Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas raised to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) the exclusion of the Iloilo airport from the list of key projects of the current administration.

Treñas reportedly asked NEDA to include the Iloilo airport in the list of priority projects because of its growing flight and passenger numbers.

According to the Daily Guardian, Treñas stressed the need to continue pushing for the upgrading and development of the airport, which is classified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as an international facility.

“We need to continue pushing for the development of our international airport since it is now overcrowded. If it is expanded, we can accommodate more flights and more visitors,” the city mayor was quoted as saying.

The Daily Guardian reported further: “Apart from the P2.8 billion in fresh funding for the upgrading of Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) aviation infrastructure, the following airports were included in the DOTr’s proposed budget for the construction of various airports and navigational facilities: Kalibo International Airport (P581 million); Laoag International Airport (P500 million); Tacloban Airport (P500 million); New Dumaguete Airport (P500 million); Busuanga Airport (P405 million); New Zamboanga International Airport (P300 million); New Manila International Airport (P200 million); Bukidnon Airport (P120 million); ands New Bohol Airport (P97 million).”

Did Treñas’ appeal fell on deaf ears—again, because of politics?

 

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AS we feared earlier, the death toll from the Maui wildfires has climbed to 93, as authorities work to identify victims of the deadliest US wildfire in more than 100 years. Hawaii has a robust emergency siren warning system, but it sat silent as people fled for their lives, CNN has reported.

How did the fires start? It’s still unclear exactly what triggered the wildfires across the islands, but the spread of flammable nonnative grasses combined with hurricane-stoked winds could have been factors.

Fires were burning across multiple Hawaiian islands. The town of Lahaina on the island of Maui has suffered widespread damage, and historic landmarks across the island are in danger.

Thousands of residents and visitors have been forced to evacuate. Many organizations were accepting donations to help those affected by the wildfires, while airlines have started offering fares as low as $19 to get people off the island.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘An eye for an eye’—send the firemen, not the fishermen

 

“Where I come from we believe in an eye for an eye. That’s what we do. That’s just the way it is.”

—Terence Crawford

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should leave alone our fishermen.

They go to the deep sea to catch fish to feed their families and provide for the civilian populace that buys fish in the wet markets. In other words, the fisherfolks are non-combatants.

They have nothing to do whatsoever with the military and diplomatic conflicts between the Philippines and China.

Deploying them as “naval reservists to match the Chinese maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea” as suggested by AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. won’t be a wise move on the part of the Philippine Government.

Brawner Jr. is fundamentally wrong here. Fishermen can never match the Chinese maritime militia anywhere or in any sea.

Chinese military—or the mighty coast guard deployed to harass ships from small countries like the Philippines and Vietnam—is one the most powerful and well-equipped in the world.

Pitting our fishermen versus the well-trained and highly armed and sophisticated adversary and emerging as dead heroes is only in the movies.

They will not only end up as a laughing stock, they will also be massacred in the most unlikely event.

 

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It will also expose our Armed Forces, especially the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as weakling and incompetent.

The enemies will think the AFP and the PCG are so desperate and undermanned that they need to be reinforced and “rescued” by civilians with fishing nets.

If Brawner Jr. wants to have an “eye for an eye” confrontation with the Chinese bullies, he can suggest from the government to deploy instead personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) instead of the fishermen.

If the Chinese bullies will once again use water cannons to interrupt or stop the peaceful voyage of our ships, it will be a tit for a tat if Filipino firemen are onboard the embattled Philippine ships.

The Chinese coast guard definitely will “be given a dose of their own medicine.”

Of course we are only kidding, but this is more logical than the non-sense deployment of fishermen, whose main purpose why they are risking their lives at sea day and night is to eke out a decent living, not to scare away the Chinese bullies.

 

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10 BIGGEST BRAIN DAMAGING HABITS

1. No breakfast

2. Overeating

3. Smoking

4. High sugar consumption

5. Air pollution 

6. Sleep deprivation

7. Head covered while sleeping

8. Working your brain during illness

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts

10. Talking rarely 

 

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MIRACLES ‘FOR SALE’. A 5-year-old boy went to the pharmacist and asked the pharmacist, “This is the only money I have. Can I buy miracles?

The pharmacist was confused with what the boy asked and said, “What do you need for the miracles?”The child replied with tears, “Because the doctors said that only miracles can save my mom’s life. Can I buy them here?”

EDUCATIONAL GOAL. Today our prime educational goal must be to form men and women for others: men and women who will live not for themselves but for his God and his Christ-for the God-human who lived and died for all the world; men and women who cannot even conceive of love Go which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; men and women completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce.– PEDRO ARRUPE, SJ

HAPPIEST PEOPLE DON’T HAVE EVERYTHING. The happiest people don’t have everything they want. They make the most out of what they already have. Misery starts when a person looks at the 10 percent missing and overlooks the 90 percent blessing. We all have our own share of blessings. Some get them fast. Some wait for a long time. What’s important is, it comes at a time we most need it. 

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

May I ‘have the right’ to disagree with the PCG spokesman?

 

“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

—George Washington

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IF I say democracy is bad; communism is good, it does not make me a communist and anti democracy per se.

Also, if I say Lucifer is good—my religion might be offended—but it doesn’t make me evil and anti God. It doesn’t make me a bad guy intrinsically.

Why? Because they’re only an opinion; and if I express them in a free world, I am entitled to it because expressing an opinion in a democratic country is part of freedom of expression.  

Freedom of speech and of the press, under Philippine and American judicial decisions, is the right to express and thereafter disseminate one’s opinions on matters of public concern without previous restraint and without fear of subsequent punishment.

Section 4 of Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution is clear: “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

 

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Thus, I beg to disagree with Cmdr. Jay Tarriela, spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who called as “unpatriotic” and “traitors” Filipinos who are allegedly defending China even if there’s ongoing tension between the Philippine and Chinese Governments over a spate of harassments by Chinese vessels against Philippine boats in the West Philippine Sea.

“Allegedly” because I have not monitored any Filipino “justifying” or “defending” China in the ongoing sea tumult as mentioned by Tarriela (in the first place, it’s common sense no Pinoy in his right mind will act this way).

Unless Tarriela was only imagining things.

Tarriela thundered in a tweet August 10: “If you are a Filipino, whether in government or private sector, regardless of your politics, defending and making excuses for China’s aggressive behavior should deem you unpatriotic, and a traitor to the Philippines and to our people. Given current developments in the West Philippine Sea, it is important to show loyalty to country.”

Although the PCG spokesman acknowledged that it is the Filipinos’ constitutional right to freely voice their opinions on the issue, “their freedom of speech should not be misused to act as Beijing’s mouthpiece.”

 

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We have a problem here, Mr. Spokesman.

Who “misused” his speech in the behest of Beijing? Who acted as Beijing’s “mouthpiece”? No names means Mr. Spokesman must really be imagining things here.

Granting for the sake of argument that somebody with a Filipino blood running in his veins did justify and defend China (for whatever reason), it doesn’t make him a traitor and unpatriotic per se according to Tarriela’s standards.

“Justifying” and “defending” in words are parts of freedom of speech and expression in democratic Philippines.

It’s another story if this Filipino will mount an armed rebellion to fight for China against the Philippines. That’s no longer covered by free speech; it’s plain and simple rebellion and treason and this Filipino must be shot in public.

The PCG official, meanwhile, further exhorted his countrymen: “All Filipinos should unite in calling out China’s aggressive and unlawful actions in the West Philippine Sea. Together, we should stand united in protecting our nation’s interests and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the issues. Dahil sa West Philippine Sea ang yaman nito ay para sa Pilipino.”

Yes, he is entitled to his opinion and he has the right to say it.

 

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MAUI INFERNO. As of this writing, death toll has risen from 36 to 53 and was expected to rise higher in catastrophic wildfires that raged across the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Reports said much of Lahaina, a tourist and economic hub of 9,000 people, has been destroyed and hundreds of families have been displaced. More than 270 structures have been impacted, including several historical sites that date back to the 1800s.

Locals and visitors struggled to leave as power and communication services have been knocked out in parts of the island. One resident described to CNN the scene as “apocalyptic” while another said it looks like “something out of a horror movie.” Most of the fires on Maui—fueled in part by violent winds from Hurricane Dora churning around 800 miles away—have not yet been contained as of August 10 evening.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.)

 

Boy Jaguar’s tragic end in Tanza Baybay

 

“You live by the gun and knife, and die by the gun and knife.”

—Joe Valachi

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IN the late 80’s, alyas Boy Jaguar was a known toughie in Iloilo City. His name had been implicated in a series of highway robbery incidents and illegal drug trafficking, among other crimes.

I first heard about him and his notoriety when I became a newsman.

Sometime at past five o’clock in the afternoon in July 1988, I spotted him standing outside our News Express (a newspaper) office in Immaculate Concepcion Building, Iznart Street, City Proper.

It was not by accident: Boy Jaguar was there waiting for me.

I actually knew why he was there: he wanted “to get even” after he learned I was the person who “rescued” Tonton Chu (not his real first name) from his dominion.

The term “rescue” was serendipity. Tonton, offspring of a prominent Filipino-Chinese family, is my classmate in elementary suffering from serious “manic” episodes.

Earlier that month (July 1988), Tonton sought my help saying he wanted to be “freed” from Boy Jaguar’s clutches.

Tonton had been staying in a rented room with Boy Jaguar in Brgy. Dulonan, Arevalo, Iloilo City for more than a year.

Tonton’s father, who belonged to a rich and famous Tsinoy clan in Iloilo City, died when he was a boy.

His mother, a former saleslady in Iloilo City, married an American citizen and has been living in Massachusetts, USA.

 

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Mother regularly sent financial support for son through Boy Jaguar.

According to Tonton, he and his mother one day discovered that Boy Jaguar had been bilking them of large amounts of cash.

“Sometimes, they (mother and Boy Jaguar) argued over the phone and it ended in Boy Jaguar blackmailing my mother,” Tonton narrated.

When the situation developed from bad to worse, mother and son agreed it was time for son to move apart from Boy Jaguar. But the exit must be done discreetly so as not to vex the “hot-tempered” Boy Jaguar.

To make the long story short, I became unceremoniously involved in the plot’s crucial stage by agreeing to help a distressed former classmate.

Like a scene in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick novel, I helped Tonton scoop his belongings surreptitiously from their Arevalo domicile.

Tonton fled straight to his mother’s hometown in Danao, Cebu.

It didn’t take long for Boy Jaguar to discover Tonton’s skiddoo; he didn’t find it hard to establish my identity and trace my office. Forlorn and dejected, a person with a criminal mind must be seething with vengeance.

 

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Because I spotted him first outside our office, Boy Jaguar failed in his first attempt to harass me or execute whatever diabolical plan he had in mind. I used the backdoor for exit going to the Mary Mart Mall.

What ensued next was a veritable “catch-me-if-you-can” diegesis until it was cut short by a tragic news one morning on August 11, 1988: Boy Jaguar, the drug dealer and villain, was found dead with 27 stab wounds all over his body.

His badly mangled cadaver sprawled near the basketball court in Brgy. Tanza-Baybay, City Proper, territory of would-be murdered drug lord Boyet Odicta alyas Dragon.

Police theorized he had ran afoul of the drug syndicate in the area.

In our last conversation via Messenger (only the second time after 35 years) on August 7, 2023, Tonton, who now lives in Malay, Aklan, said Boy Jaguar’s real name was “Romeo King.”

“If we did not do it (helping him in his great escape), God knows what would have happened to my future,” intoned Tonton. His mother, now 79, still lives in Massachusetts.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.)

 

 

 

The mayor’s reply appears weak and unconvincing

 

“Always remember that your calmness under fire is your best defense in any argument or discussion.”

—Robert Greene

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I HAVE no love lost for a suspected criminal and declared terrorist Arnie Teves, suspended congressman of the third district of Negros Oriental, but I noticed that, so far, he has the “upper hand” in his ongoing verbal joust against his “former boss” and colleague in the House of Representatives, Bacolod City mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.

Of course, Benitez is more credible than the thrash-talking toughie, who remains in hiding since he left the Philippines in February 2023.

By “upper hand” means it seems Teves has managed to convince the public he and Benitez once had a “special” partnership politically and otherwise (including illegal gambling operations, etcetera?).

Illegal gambling may not be shocking for those familiar with Negros politics. It’s the “etcetera” that’s scary. Let’s hope it’s only a mirage.

And when the goings got tough or when push came to shove, Benitez had supposedly ditched him; but (the “problem” is) Teves knew where the bodies were buried, so to speak.

“Ayoko sana na pangalanan kita, pero masyado na akong iniipit… pero boss pakibayaran mo naman ‘yung utang mo sa akin. Maawa ka naman sa pamilya ko (It wasn’t my intention to name you, but I’m already in dire straits. Kindly pay the debt you owe me, boss; have pity on my family.),” Teves appealed to Benitez in a social media video recently.

 

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Instead of answering Teves’ intriguing accusations squarely, all Benitez could say was, “Go home and face your cases.”

Going back to the Philippines is Teves’ “best option,” Benitez said in a press conference.

The mayor lamented: “It’s heartbreaking to be in his situation but that’s the law. There are things that we must abide by, and we cannot bend the law for anyone. If there’s anything that needs to be confiscated, then by all means, it should be done.”

I saw Benitez’s repartee on video and was concerned by his crisp simpers and unnecessary body and hand movements while elucidating something.

It appeared Benitez got rattled and was grappling for words to parry Teves’ loaded assault.

I told myself, “Oh my, can Benitez just explain his point in simple vernacular words or without the highfalutin English?”

I thought the city mayor would be more convincing and devastating if he spoke in Hiligaynon (the dialect both in Negros Occidental and Oriental) instead of delivering it in halted English—unlike Teves who sharply and voluminously pinged him in local vernacular.

 

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Teves, suspected mastermind in the gruesome massacre in Pamplona, Negros Oriental that killed nine people, including Governor Roel Degamo on March 4, claimed he used to act as Benitez’s “bodyguard” saying he was the one who provided for the now city mayor’s helicopter services when the latter was traveling to Mindanao, among other destinations in the countryside.   

Teves’ wrath versus Benitez came days after the Anti-Terrorism Council ATC) released a 10-page resolution stating the “Teves Terrorist Group,” supposedly headed by Teves, allegedly created an atmosphere of fear among residents of Negros Oriental, through a series of killings.

 

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NATIONAL CATASTROPHE. When the Philippine Football Team was ousted by powerhouse Norway, 0-6 in its second match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand on July 30, it was accepted by Pinoy fans since it was a World Cup and it was the Philippines’ first participation where the country notched a major win vs host New Zealand, 1-0. But when the US Football Team, a many time World Cup champion, was eliminated by Sweden in the penalty shootout, 4-5, it was like a national catastrophe for the Americans. 

BOX OFFICE MOVIE. “Barbie” has raked in $1 billion at the global box office barely three weeks into its run. This makes Greta Gerwig the first solo female director with a billion-dollar movie. Meanwhile, “Oppenheimer” surpassed $500 million over the weekend, setting a new box office record for highest grossing film set during World War II.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

2

 

Ilonggo journalists don’t run away from a good cause

 

“Never run from the enemy, tackle them.”

― Victoria Addino

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

A YEAR ago, I stood toe to toe against several pseudo community leaders and phony moral guardians in the Filipino community in New York City who tried to stop me from dispensing my job and obligation as a critical journalist based in this part of the world.

This was when I criticized then Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato for posting on Twitter at least two dubious “Asian Hate” crime stories involving Filipinos in two separate “incidents.”

After conducting my own investigations and fact-checking, I found several loopholes in the tweets that were nonetheless picked and reported by several Philippine media networks.

It caused untold worries and panic among Philippine-based parents who had children or relatives in New York.

I felt it was a moral obligation to correct the wrong; a clarion call to give justice to truth.

I insisted Cato’s twin tweets lacked merits and authenticity and may have been fed to him by eager-beaver gossipers who tried to ingratiate themselves to the good consul general to curry whatever favors.

 

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Instead of answering the valid issue, Cato refused to grab the bull by its horns and “relied” on a group of sips-sips and grutnols who called themselves “community leaders” to neutralize or silence me. They picked the wrong prey.

I stood my ground and refused to be intimidated.

Ilonggo journalists, wherever we are around the globe, never ran away from good causes or crusades.

I fought them tongs and hammer and, through a video, dared them to a debate in the Philippine Consulate to resolve that Cato’s twin tweets weren’t shady.

None of these heavyweights answered my call; they chickened out. An overbearing physician, a nurse manager, a retired social worker (mostly socialites who frequented the consulate office doing beso-beso with the consulate bigwigs and engaging them in ballroom dancing at night).

In the first place, they had nothing to do whatsoever with my articles about Cato, but wanted to play false heroes for the embattled consul general.

I also exposed the missing $600,000 funds those impostors and hypocrites solicited from private persons and companies made possible through the support of past (I didn’t say Cato was involved) consulate big guns (a case for the missing funds was filed against this group in New Jersey).   

The articles I wrote reached the attention of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo in the Philippines (thanks to the power of the internet).

After several weeks, Cato, a good man, was removed from New York (I didn’t say because of my expose).

And the rest is history.

     

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Everywhere in the world today people experience moral, political, financial, and spiritual crisis.

Political crisis if we make a mistake of electing clowns and magicians as leaders (Bad Boy Padilla, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, atbp.).

Spiritual crisis if we are smitten by false messiahs and businessmen masquerading as Bible preachers.

Financial crisis caused by global recession abetted by manipulative technocrats and oligarchs, unethical executives that stonewall economic growth.

Moral crisis due to our weak values and lack of self-discipline; our predilection for escapism and heavy reliance on cyber technology as custodian of virtues and righteousness (watch how monster AI will destroy humanity, God forbid).

No matter what happens we should keep our chin up. When we indulge in gloom we are hurting ourselves most of all.

 

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We know there are some feelings that poison us just as certainly as arsenic. They have a direct effect upon the body.

Anger reddens the face, fright makes the hair stand on end, grief destroys the appetite and embarrassment makes the mouth dry.

One of the surest mental poisons is despair. It dulls the brain and confuses the hands.

Why give up? As long as we live we will have some sort of a chance. Nine-tenths of success, after all, is pep.

The man that faces misfortune with a smile and a stout heart cannot be beaten.

There is always tomorrow, and what tomorrow has in store for us no man knows.

At least we make up our mind to this one thing, no matter what fate may do to us it shall not make us afraid. Amen.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

‘No to Marites’ is Pope’s No. 1 message to Filipinos

 

“Today’s gossip is tomorrow’s headline.”

—Walter Winchell

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

BEFORE Pope Francis flew back to Rome during his January 2015 visit in the Philippines, his No. 1 message to the Filipino people—Catholics or non-Catholics—was: “Don’t gossip.”

At that time, the slang word “Marites” wasn’t yet coined.

Marites refers to individuals or group of individuals who love to gossip in real life and in the social media, where it originated.

Not all Filipinos may have remembered this important message by the Pope, who is in the news again after he attended the vigil in the XXXVII World Youth Day in Lisbon Portugal on August 5.  

Eight years after Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines, many Filipinos continued to gossip or make gossiping as their past time or even way of life.

Until now many lives have been shattered and families destroyed by those who dabbled or encouraged and tolerated Marites.

In real talk, some Filipinos have lost not only their reputation and relationship, but also their lives in suicides and murders while others lost their loved ones and livelihood all because of Marites.

Faithful fully aware of Pope Francis’ No. 1 message and continued to indulge in gossiping probably didn’t take him seriously, or they forgot it was a very important reminder from the leader of the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

Pope Francis had implored the Filipinos not to gossip about one another’s faults, but instead to follow Jesus’ directive on fraternal correction in the Gospel of Matthew.

 

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Seven years after his Manila visit in his Angelus address on September 6, 2022, Pope Francis declared: “When we see a mistake, a defect, a slip of a brother or sister, usually the first thing we do is go and tell others about it, to gossip. And gossip closes the heart of the community, disrupts the unity of the Church.”

“The great talker is the devil, who always goes about saying the bad things of others, because he is the liar who tries to disunite the Church, alienating brothers and sisters and unmaking community. Please, brothers and sisters, let’s make an effort not to gossip. Gossiping is a plague worse than COVID,” he told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis said that Catholics need to live out Jesus’ “pedagogy of rehabilitation” — described in chapter 18 of the Gospel of Matthew — “if your brother sins against you”.

He explained: “To correct a brother who has done wrong, Jesus suggests a pedagogy for rehabilitation … articulated in three steps. In the first place he says: ‘point out the fault when the two of you are alone’, that is, do not air his sin in public. It is about going to your brother with discretion, not to judge him but to help him realize what he has done.”

“How many times have we had this experience: someone comes and tells us: ‘But, listen, you are wrong in this. You should change a little in this.’ Perhaps at first we get angry, but then we are grateful because it is a gesture of brotherhood, of communion, of help, of recovery,” the pope said.

 

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Acknowledging that at times this private disclosure of another’s fault may not be received well, Pope Francis pointed out that the Gospel says not to give up but to seek the support of another person.

“Jesus says: ‘If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses,’” the pope said.

 

Meanwhile, France24 reported that temperatures soared to 38 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) on August 5 (Saturday) in Lisbon and were forecast to top 40 C (104 F) on Sunday.

The heat forced pilgrims to shelter under umbrellas and makeshift shades of plastic canvas sheets tied between trash bins in the otherwise exposed field on the edge of the River Tagus.

Crews blew misters at the pilgrims to try to cool them down as they made their way into the venue, many flying their national flags. They formed long lines in the heat of the day to fill water bottles from what organizers said were more than 400 faucets around the field.

 

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France24 said smoke from a spate of wildfire that broke out around Portugal during a weekend spike in temperatures cast a haze over the sky as they arrived on foot from all around the city for one of the liturgical highlights of the Catholic youth festival.

Citing local organizers, the Vatican said an estimated 1.5 million people were on hand.

Francis was presiding over the evening vigil after spending the morning at the Catholic shrine in Fatima.

There, he ditched his prepared speech and a prayer for peace, the third time he has opted to speak casually to the crowds in his native Spanish. The prayer had been expected to be a highlight of Francis’ visit to Fatima, given the shrine’s century-old affiliation with exhortations of peace and conversion in Russia and the ongoing war in Ukriane.

Francis instead “prayed silently for peace, with pain,” while meditating for a long period before a statue of the Virgin Mary, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. And the Vatican later posted the prayer on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

An estimated 200,000 turned out for Francis’ visit to Fatima, packing the central esplanade long before the red-tinted moon set and the sun rose. Nearby wildfires turned the sky smoky black and sent ash snowing down on the crowd.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)