Demos Kratos

HELP TYPHOON SENDONG VICTIMS IN CDO & IlIGAN CITY

2011-12-24T01:43:00.004Z

For those who want to help victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan via the Philippine Red Cross, you can text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart).

You can donate the following denominations (In PHP):

GCASH (Globe): 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Smart & Globe subscribers can likewise send financial relief through Smart Money (Account No.: 5577-5130-6822-1104) at any Cebuana Lhuillier, BDO (Banco de Oro) & HaPinoy outlets.

The total cash donations received by the PRC as of 5pm, December 23, 2011 is at P75,218,505 + $12,230 + €50,000.

The Filipino community here in Dublin, Ireland have already donated at least P115,000 (€2,000+) for relief efforts in CDO & Iligan City.

You can also help by supporting the ONE FOR ILIGAN campaign --- a relief movement founded by the Iligan Bloggers Society. Log on to their official website (or simply click the link here for the Donation page: Donate | Iligan Bloggers Society) and donate via Paypal or their Union Bank Account--- details are on their site.

Drop-off points for relief goods and other donations for One for Iligan:

Quezon City:

Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. You can contact Jamie Steffani Mijares at 09157744244.

Manila/Taft Avenue:

Madison Square Condominium, Taft Avenue, Manila --- right in front of the De La Salle University (beside Kenny Rogers). You can contact Roden Lim at 09228446777.

Makati City:

3553 Durango St., Palanan, Makati City 1235. You can contact Migz at 09065777812 or 09227130006 or 6-D Cypress Gardens Condo 112 VA Rufino St. Makati City c/o Meikah Delid.

You can receive updates by liking their Facebook page and logging on to Twitter using the hashtag #oneforiligan.

Monetary donations can also be sent by depositing to any of the bank accounts listed below [List courtesy of @tonyocruz's post on AsianCorrespondent.com]:

National Union of Students of the Philippines: Chinabank (Quezon Avenue Branch) --- Account No. 107-248551-3
Rock Ed Philippines: BPI (Loyola Heights Branch) --- Account No. 3080-0073-44
Deaf Benildeans Multipurpose Cooperative: BPI (Vito Cruz Branch) --- Account No. 2771-0017-02
Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitation Center: RCBC (Velez CDO Branch) --- Account No. 1095029776
Citizens Disaster Response Center: Metrobank (Examiner Branch) --- Account No. 636-3-63600741-3
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: Metrobank --- Account No. 229-722-9507-458
Xavier University: BPI (CDO Divisoria Branch) --- Account No. 9331-0133-63
All 7-Eleven stores

Both Sagip Kapamilya of ABS-CBN and the GMA Kapuso Foundation accept monetary donations and relief goods:

MONETARY Donations:

Sagip Kapamilya:

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI):

(PHP) Account: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya --- Account No.: 3051-1127-7 | Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City --- Swift Code: BOPIPHMM
(USD): ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya --- Account Number: 3054-0270-35 | Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City --- Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

BDO:

(PHP) Account: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya --- Account Number: 39301-14199 --- Swift Code: BNORPHMM
(USD) Account: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya --- Account Number: 39300-81622 --- Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Philippine National Bank (PNB):

(PHP) Account: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya --- Account Number: 419-539-5000-13 --- Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

--- ---- ---

GMA Kapuso Foundation:

Metrobank:

(PHP) Account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. --- Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
(USD) Account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. --- Account Number:2-098-00244-2 | Code: MBTC PH MM

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB):

(PHP) Account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. ---Account Number: 115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
(USD) Account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. --- Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6

RELIEF GOODS & OTHER donations:

Sagip Kapamilya:

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St.,
Diliman, Quezon City

GMA Kapuso Foundation:

GMA Kapuso Foundation

2nd Floor, Kapuso Center, GMA 7

EDSA Diliman, Quezon City

TV5 Kapatid Foundation:

News5 Aksyon Center

TV5, San Bartolome,

Novaliches, Quezon City

You can also help by logging on to the official website of UNICEF Philippines and making an online donation or by depositing into their Metrobank account:

Local wire transfers: UNICEF C/A No.: 066-7-06631209-3
International wire transfers: UNICEF C/A No.: 066-7-00141392-5 | Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Do your part in bringing hope to those in despair - help in making their Christmas a joyful one again.

Thank you.

Cory badge featuring my artwork now in Malacanang Museum!

2011-08-29T22:17:00.000+01:00

Recently, I found out that my dilettante-style illustration of President Cory Aquino that I drew when I was just eleven was turned into a badge and sold by Manila vendors as souvenirs --- just days after her passing back in August 2009, memorabilia hunters were frantic as items ranging from key chains to t-shirts that featured the late president were everywhere. Sadly, I haven't found the original artwork.

According to Pinoy Kollektor, a blog dedicated to collecting rare historical items relating to the Philippines, most of the Cory memorabilia (below), which included the badge, have now been donated to the Malacanang Presidential Museum & Library as part of a permanent exhibit which focuses on the administration of the first President Aquino.

Portion of Pinoy Kollektor's extensive collection of Cory memorabilia (my artwork is encircled in red)
[Photo courtesy of pinoykollektor.blogspot.com]

WATCH: Luc Besson's "The Lady" Teaser Trailer Released

2011-08-25T02:08:00.000+01:00

A teaser trailer has finally been released for the upcoming film telling the story of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady.

French director Luc Besson is no stranger to making highly-acclaimed films - Leon, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, Nikita, you name it. But the one that truly tops the bill is The Lady. One could be mesmerized by simply watching the teaser trailer - a regime struggling to crush the voices of a people; a woman who stood up and became the voice of the people.

Maybe it my personal bias; as you can see, I have great admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi and intensely support the struggle for democracy in Burma - I'm even a volunteer for Burma Action Ireland, a non-profit organization based here in Dublin, Ireland committed to the cause of human rights and freedom for the Burmese people. Oh well.

The Lady focuses on how Aung San Suu Kyi decided to leave her husband, British academic Michael Aris and their two sons in England in 1988 to go back to her country to take care of her ailing mother - while being pulled into the centre of Burma's political storm as the daughter of Burmese independence hero, Aung San, eventually leading the pro-democracy movement that led the ruling military regime to place her under house arrest - even though two years later, she would be elected as Burma's prime minister as her party, the National League of Democracy, would win a landslide victory. It will also focus on how she made another, but a more heartbreaking choice - whether to continue her struggle for her country's freedom or to return to England to take care of her husband, who was dying of cancer.

Aung San Suu Kyi will be played by Michelle Yeoh, who actually met the real Lady last November during a visit to Suu Kyi's home in Rangoon, just weeks after she was released from seven years of house arrest. Yeoh was soon blacklisted by the military regime and banned from returning to Burma.

It's no surprise that Besson decided to shoot the film as quietly as possible, due to the intense scrutiny that Daw Suu is still enduring from the government; while she has successfully travelled to the countryside to meet with supporters (which was considered a real test of her freedom) and recently met with General Thein Sein, in Napyidaw for rare talks, many fear that the regime will still find a way to place once again under house arrest.

The Lady will premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, but the official release date is yet to be set.

A Nation Still Worth Dying For: NINOY & CORY In the Eyes of a Filipino Blogger Born Ten Years After the People Power Revolution

2011-08-22T01:04:00.001+01:00

"I am only one. If I die, then I die, and there's only one to suffer. But so long as each one of us will be willing to take on the struggle; even if I am in prison; even if I die in prison, so long as you will continue the struggle and carry the torch, then I think we'll have a better Philippines; rather than have one carrying the torch, we'll have many."

-Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr.

28 years ago, a man loved by so many Filipinos was mercilessly murdered even before he stepped on Philippine soil. But his death jolted a nation out of its usual timidity and brought a dictator to his knees.

Through his death, Ninoy showed us that sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice is indeed necessary for a nation to finally stand up and restore democracy through the ways of democracy - but it is quite disappointing to hear from a minuscule percentage of Filipinos who have the gall to assert that they have learned nor gained nothing from the death of Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.

It is simply disheartening that I still have to ask them to "maybe open a history book" to learn how the country was woken up from its apathetic slumber to rise up against a brutal regime and that without Ninoy, there are many things that we wouldn't be enjoying today - freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, a working constitution and the right to free and honest elections (which has sometimes sadly been broken --- but was adhered to in May 2010.)

It's hard to dispute the fact that if Ninoy did not return and gave up his life, we wouldn't even be able to use Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Tumblr, or even write a post on a blog (like what I'm doing right now) because we'd still be under a dictatorship today and they certainly would have censored the Internet to stifle dissent - one example is how the dictatorships in the Middle East did not hesitate to shut down the Internet to try to stop growing protests.

The flame of the Arab Spring was indeed lit by the millions of people who communicated with each other through social networking sites - organizing demonstrations through Facebook, voicing their opinions on online forums, posting updates on Twitter, writing blog posts and uploading videos on YouTube showing the cruelty of government security forces. As I'm writing this post, the Libyan rebels have already entered Tripoli after months of fighting and are now on their way to capturing the capital - as one CNN anchor described the scenes in Tripoli, this could actually be the final hours of the 42-year dictatorship of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. I certainly hope so.

I was born ten years after the People Power Revolution, twelve years after the assassination of Ninoy and twenty-three years after President Marcos placed the entire Philippines under martial rule. I never personally met President Cory when she was still alive - some of the few memories my parents could ever recall to me about life during the Makoy-Meldy years was how my maternal grandfather was arrested for having a drinking session with friends at night during curfew; my mother going to mass wearing a yellow dress after voting for President Cory in the snap elections of 1986 and my father receiving a crisp fifty-peso bill from government volunteers urging him to vote for Marcos (he did - so did the rest of my paternal family.) I actually saw a photo of my paternal grandfather meeting First Lady Imelda Marcos in Malacanang Palace.

My parents are from Leyte - a vote-rich province where President Marcos' wife, Imelda, came from - so it was never surprising to know that it strongly supported the regime. The San Juanico Bridge, built in 1969, which connects the twin islands of Leyte and Samar, was supposed to be a "sign of love" from Marcos to his flamboyant wife. But ever since I came of age, my admiration for Ninoy and Cory simply never diminished. I cried when news first broke of her death on that cold July night in our humble abode here in Ireland (my parents are OFWs).

I was one of the half-a-million Filipinos who attended the historic inauguration of Ninoy and Cory's only son, Benigno Aquino III, as the 15th President of the Philippines back in June 30, 2010 - twenty-five years since the revolution that catapulted his mother to the presidency. And if that doesn't prove that I am indeed a Ninoy-Cory fan, what will?

There are many lessons that can be drawn from their lives; they proved to us that we Filipinos are indeed a great people; they were exemplary public servants whose main priorities were to serve and be accountable to the people and how we can all unite together under a common purpose: To achieve Freedom, Justice, Democracy.

While we as a people have had our shortcomings since democratic institutions were restored in 1986, we Filipinos should still be thankful for Ninoy & Cory's determination to fight for us because it was their sacrifices that allowed us to have the wide democratic space that we enjoy today.

They say heroes are ordinary individuals simply caught up in quite extraordinary circumstances - but for Ninoy and Cory Aquino, yes, they are heroes - but they were extraordinary Filipinos from the start whose destiny was indeed to save the Filipino People from tyranny and oppression and change the course of Philippine history.

Forever. And it was for the better, of course.

Courage: The Filipino Way - Janela Lelis of Malinao, Albay

2011-08-08T17:13:00.001+01:00

Janela Lelis from Malinao, Albay.

It seems a bit late, but I still wanted to share with everyone this now well-known photograph taken during the height of Typhoon Juaning last month in the Bicol Region.

Janela Lelis, a 12-year old elementary student from Malinao, Albay braved the strong floodwaters caused by Typhoon Juaning to bring the Philippine flag to safety. When I first read her story, I learned that Janela only lives with her older brother as her parents are gone. She was originally instructed by her brother to look after the flag as it was property of the local school and was earlier borrowed for a fiesta celebration.

As Typhoon Juaning ravaged Albay Province, Janela's main priority was not her personal well-being, but to save the flag. Her courage was captured by a local Bicolano named Francisco Pena Lozalo (or Lozano) and it quickly spread on Facebook - the sad part is that her house was completely destroyed by the typhoon and has been forced to stay with her aunt. All her school materials were swept away by the ensuing flood but the flag that she chose to save was still intact when she returned it to the principal of Malinao National High School.

This reminds of that famous photo taken by Joe Rosenthal on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II, which featured five American soldiers raising Old Glory over the island's highest point, Mount Suribachi. The photograph entitled, "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," was one of the most iconic images of the war and is considered as the most widely reproduced photograph of all time.

Her devotion to protecting our country's most prominent symbol of national sovereignty and pride unmindful of the risks to her life is truly inspiring. Thank you Janela, for showing us that through good deeds, no matter how big or small, our generation is indeed capable in making our nation great again. MABUHAY!

President Benigno Aquino III's Second STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS | FULL TRANSCRIPT (Filipino)

2011-07-25T10:27:00.006+01:00

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III delivers his second State of the Nation Address | July 25, 2011

Here is the full transcript of President Benigno 'Noynoy' S. Aquino III's Second State of the Nation Address - IN FILIPINO.

[Courtesy of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines - www.gov.ph]

State of the Nation Address

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

To the Congress of the Philippines

[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 25, 2011]

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay; mga dating Pangulong Fidel Valdez Ramos at Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Chief Justice Renato Corona at ang ating mga kagalang-galang na mahistrado ng Korte Suprema; mga kagalang-galang na kasapi ng diplomatic corps; mga butihing miyembro ng Kamara de Representante at ng Senado; mga Local Government officials; mga miyembro ng ating Gabinete; mga unipormadong kasapi ng militar at kapulisan; mga kapwa ko nagseserbisyo sa taumbayan;
At sa mga minamahal kong kababayan, ang aking butihing mga boss:

Humarap po ako sa inyo noong aking inagurasyon at sinabing: Walang wang-wang sa ating administrasyon. At ngayon, patuloy nating itinitigil ito. Naging hudyat at sagisag po ito ng pagbabago, hindi lamang sa kalsada, kundi pati na rin sa kaisipan sa lipunan.

Sa matagal na panahon, naging simbolo ng pang-aabuso ang wang-wang. Dati, kung makapag-counterflow ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, para bang oras lang nila ang mahalaga. Imbes na maglingkod-bayan, para bang sila ang naging hari ng bayan. Kung maka-asta ang kanilang mga padrino’t alipores, akala mo’y kung sinong maharlika kung humawi ng kalsada; walang pakialam sa mga napipilitang tumabi at napag-iiwanan. Ang mga dapat naglilingkod ang siya pang nang-aapi. Ang panlalamang matapos mangakong maglingkod—iyan po ang utak wang-wang.

Wala silang karapatang gawin ito. Ayon sa batas, tanging ang Presidente, Bise Presidente, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice, at pulis, bumbero, at ambulansya lang ang awtorisadong gumamit ng wangwang para sa kanilang mga opisyal na lakad. Kung sa trapiko nga ay di masunod ang batas, paano pa kaya sa mga bagay na mas malaki ang makukuha, tulad ng sa mga proyektong pinopondohan ng kaban ng bayan?
Kayo po ba gusto ninyong makulong ang lahat ng tiwali? Ako rin. Gusto ba ninyong matanggal ang wang-wang, hindi lamang sa kalsada, kundi sa kaisipang nagdulot ng baluktot na sistema na pagkatagal-tagal na nating pinagtiisan? Ako rin. Gusto po ba ninyong mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang lahat na umasenso? Ako rin.
Narito po ang halimbawa ng resulta ng ating kampanya kontra wang-wang sa sistema. Nitong taong ito, taumbayan na mismo ang nagsabi, nabawasan ang nagugutom sa kanila. Mula 20.5% na self-rated hunger noong Marso, bumaba na ito sa 15.1% nitong Hunyo, katumbas ng isang milyong pamilyang Pilipinong nagugutom dati, pero ngayon ay nakakakain na nang tama kada araw.

Sa larangan po ng negosyo, sino ba ang nag-akalang pitong ulit nating malalampasan ang all-time-high ng stock market? Ang dating 4,000 index na inaakalang hindi maaabot, o kung maabot man ay pansamantala lang, ngayon, pangkaraniwan nang hinihigitan.

Kung dati napako na ang bansa sa mababang credit ratings, itinaas ng Moody’s, Standard and Poors, Fitch, at Japan Credit Ratings Agency ang ating ranking, bilang pagkilala sa ating tamang paggugol ng pondo at sa malikhain nating pananalapi. Ang mataas na credit rating, magpapababa ng interes sa perang inuutang natin. Kumpara sa unang apat na buwan ng nakaraang taon, mas malaki po ng 23 billion pesos ang natipid nating interest payments mula Enero hanggang Abril ng 2011. Maaari na po nitong sagutin ang dalawang milyon at tatlongdaan libong benepisyaryo ng CCT hanggang sa katapusan ng 2011.

Paalala ko lang po, sa siyam at kalahating taon bago tayo maitalaga sa puwesto, iisang beses lang tayong nakatikim ng ratings upgrade, at anim na beses pang na-downgrade ng iba’t ibang ratings agency. Sa isang taon pa lang po natin, apat na beses na tayong nabigyan ng upgrade. Alam naman po natin na hindi madaling ma-upgrade sa panahon ngayon. Itong mga ratings agency, nabatikos na mali raw ang payo bago magkakrisis sa Amerika, kaya ngayon ay mas makunat na sila sa pagbibigay ng magandang ratings, at nakikita nga natin ito sa sunud-sunod na pag-downgrade sa ibang bansa. Pero tayo po, inupgrade pa nila. Sang-ayon silang lahat: gumanda at lalo pang gaganda ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Isang hakbang na lang po, aabot na tayo sa investment grade, at wala pong tigil ang ating economic team upang tuluyan na tayong makaarangkada.

At may mabubuting balita pa pong parating. Dahil wala nang wang-wang sa DOE, muling nabuhay ang kumpiyansa ng mga namumuhunan sa ating energy sector. Patunay dito ang isandaan at apatnapung kumpanya na nakahandang tumaya sa eksplorasyon at pagpapalakas ng ating oil at natural gas resources. Sa huling energy contracting round noong 2006, tatlumpu’t lima lang po ang nakilahok. Nitong Biyernes lamang po, nilagdaan na ang panibagong kasunduan para sa isang bagong power plant sa Luzon grid upang pagdating ng 2014, may mas mura at mas maaasahang pagmumulan ng enerhiya ang bansa.

May kumpiyansa, may pag-asa, at tinutupad po natin ang ating mga pangako. Naaalala ko nga po ang babaeng nakausap ko nang ako’y unang nagha-house-to house campaign. Ang kaniyang hinaing: “Miski sino naman ang manalo, pare-pareho lang ang kahihinatnan. Mahirap ako noong sila ay nangangampanya; mahirap ako habang nakaupo sila, at mahirap pa rin ako pag nagretiro na sila.” Sa madaling salita, ang hinaing po ng marami, “Walang pakialam ang mga pinuno namin kahapon, wala silang pakialam ngayon. Bukas, wala pa rin silang pakialam.”
Di po ba’t may katuwiran naman siya sa pagsasabi nito, dahil sa pagwawang-wang sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno? Wang-wang po ang pagbili ng helicopter sa presyong brand new, pero iyon pala ay gamit na gamit na. Wang-wang ang milyun-milyong pabuya na tinanggap ng mga opisyal ng GOCC, tulad ng sa Philippine National Construction Corporation, gayong hindi naman sila nakapaghandog ng disenteng serbisyo, at ibinaon pa sa utang ang kanilang mga ahensya. Bago sila bumaba sa puwesto, dalawandaan, tatlumpu’t dalawang milyong piso po ang inomento ng dating pamunuan ng PNCC sa kanilang sarili. 2007 pa lang po, wala na silang prangkisa; lahat ng kikitain, dapat diretso na sa pambansang gobyerno. Hindi na nga nag-abot ng kita, sinamantala pa ang puwesto. Ang bonus nila mula 2005 hanggang 2009, dinoble pa nila sa unang anim na buwan ng 2010. Ibinaon na nga po nila sa bilyun-bilyong pisong utang ang kanilang tanggapan, nasikmura pa nilang magbigay ng midnight bonus sa sarili.

Para po pigilan ang pagwang-wang sa kaban ng bayan, sinuyod at sinuri natin ang mga programa. Dalawang magkasunod na taon na po nating ipinatutupad ang zero-based budgeting, na nagsisilbing kalasag sa walang-saysay na paggastos.

Sa Laguna Lake po, magtatanggal nga ng 12 million cubic meters sa dredging, pero pagkatapos ng tatlong taon, garantisado naman itong babalik. 18.7 billion pesos ang magiging utang natin para lang maglaro ng putik. Hindi pa bayad ang utang, nag-expire na ang pakinabang. Pinigilan po natin iyan. Ang food-for-school program na bara-bara lang ang paghahanap ng benepisyaryo, at iba pang inisyatibang pinondohan ngunit walang pinatunguhan—binura na natin sa budget upang ang pera namang nalibre, ay mailaan sa mga proyektong totoong may silbi.
Ang budget po ang pinakamalinaw na pagsasabuhay ng ating tuwid na landas. Ang aking pahiwatig sa lahat ng gusto pang ilihis tayo rito: Kung mang-aagrabyado ka lang ng mahirap, huwag ka nang magtangka. Kung sarili mo lang ang papayamanin mo, huwag ka nang magtangka. Kung hindi iyan para sa Pilipino, huwag ka nang magtangka.

Sana masabi na natin na tapos na ang utak wang-wang, pero nakikita po natin ang latak ng ganitong kaisipan na pilit bumubulahaw sa aliwalas ng ating biyahe sa tuwid na landas.

Mukhang marami rin po kasi ang nagwawang-wang sa pribadong sektor. Ayon sa BIR, mayroon tayong halos 1.7 million na self-employed at professional tax payers gaya ng mga abogado, doktor, negosyante na nagbayad lamang, sa suma total, ng 9.8 billion pesos noong 2010. 5,783 pesos lang ang ibinayad na income tax ng bawat isa sa kanila—ang ibig sabihin, kung totoo po ito, ang kabuuang kita nila ay umaabot lang ng 8,500 pesos lamang kada buwan. Mababa pa sa minimum wage. Naman.

Nakikita naman po ninyong napupunta na sa tama ang buwis ninyo, kaya wala na pong dahilan upang iwasan natin ang pagbabayad. Nananawagan po ako sa inyo: Hindi lang po gobyerno, kundi kapwa natin Pilipino ang pinagkakaitan sa hindi pagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Pinananagot at pananagutin po natin ang wang-wang saanmang sulok ng gobyerno. Ang masakit, hanggang sa mga araw pong ito, may sumusubok pa ring makalusot. Mayroon nga pong isang distrito sa Region 4B, may proyektong gagastusan ng 300 million pesos. Kaso hanggang 50 million pesos lang ang puwedeng aprubahan ng district engineer.

Kaya naisip nilang ichop-chop ang proyekto para di lumampas sa 50 million pesos ang halaga, at di na umabot sa regional at central office ang mga papeles. Kani-kaniyang diskarte, kani-kaniyang kaharian ang nadatnan nating situwasyon sa DPWH. Sinubukan nilang ipagpatuloy ang nakasanayan na nila. Kadalasan, dahil sa lump-sum na pagbibigay ng pondo, wala nang tanung-tanong kung ano ang plano at detalye ng proyekto. Miski yata bahay ng gagamba ang ipapatayo, bibigyan ng pondo, basta may padrino.

Hindi ito pinalusot ni Secretary Babes Singson. Tinanggal na niya sa puwesto ang district engineer. Pinigilan din po ang pag-award ng proyektong ito para busisiin kung ano pang magic ang nangyari. Masusi na ring iniimbestigahan lahat ng nagkuntsabahan. Ang mga kontratistang mapatunayang nakipagsabwatan para mag-tongpats sa mga proyekto, ibablack-list natin.

Tingnan nga po ninyo ang idinulot na perhuwisyo ng pagwawang-wang sa sistema: Tuloy ang pagdusa ng mamamayang dapat nakikinabang na sa proyekto ng bayan.

Hindi lang po iyan sa region 4B nadiskubre. Ngunit natigil na po ito dahil hindi na padrino kundi tamang proseso ang naghahari sa DPWH. Hindi na puwedeng walang work program; kailangang magpakita ng pinag-isipang plano para hindi magkasalungat ang pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto. Malinis at hayag na ang bidding, at pantay na ang pagkakataon sa pagpasok ng mga kontratista.

Sa sistemang pinaiiral ngayon sa DPWH, nakatipid na tayo ng dalawa’t kalahating bilyong piso, at umaasa tayo na aabot pa sa anim hanggang pitong bilyong piso ang matitipid sa taon na ito. Ang pinakamahalaga po, nakakaasa na tayo sa mga kalsadang matino, hindi ‘yung maambunan lang ay lulundo o mabibiyak agad. Paniwala natin dati, imposibleng maitama ng DPWH ang sistema nila. Hindi lang po ito posible; sa unang taon pa lamang, ginagawa na natin ito.

Kahit po sa mga bukirin, may mga nagwawang-wang din. Bago tayo maupo noong 2010, nag-angkat ang bansa ng 2.3 million metric tons ng bigas. 1.3 million metric tons lamang ang kailangan nating angkatin, ngunit pinasobrahan pa nila ito ng isang milyon. Dahil nga sobra-sobra ang inangkat, kinailangan pa nating gumastos muli sa mga bodegang pagtatambakan lang naman ng barko-barkong bigas.

Ilang taon bang walang saysay na pinasobrahan ang bigas na inaangkat? Dahil dito, umiral ang pag-iisip na habambuhay na tayong aangkat ng bigas. Ang akala ng marami, wala na talaga tayong magagawa.
Ngunit sa loob lamang ng isang taon, pinatunayan nating mali sila. Ngayon, ang dating 1.3 million metric tons na kakulangan natin sa bigas, halos nangalahati na; 660,000 metric tons na lang po ang kailangan nating angkatin. Kahit dagdagan pa natin iyan ng panangga laban sa sakuna at gawing 860,000 metric tons—na ginagawa na nga po natin—mas mababa pa rin ito sa tinatayang taunang kakulangan na 1.3 million metric tons.

At hindi po buwenas lang ang nangyaring pag-angat ng ating rice productivity. Bunga po ito ng matinong pamamalakad: ng paggamit ng maiinam na klase ng binhi, at masusi at epektibong paggastos para sa irigasyon. Nito nga pong nakaraang taon, labing-isang libo, animnaraan at labing-isang bagong ektarya ng bukirin ang napatubigan natin. Dagdag pa iyan sa halos dalawandaan at labindalawang libong ektarya na nakumpuni o nabigyang muli ng irigasyon matapos ang panahon ng pagkakatiwangwang. Ang resulta: umangat ng 15.6% ang inani nating palay noong nakaraang taon.

Ang gusto nating mangyari: Una, hindi tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan, para lang punan ang bulsa ng mga gustong magsariling-diskarte ng kita sa agrikultura. Ikalawa: Ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-angkat; ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin.

Balikan din po natin ang dinatnang kalagayan ng ating mga kawal at kapulisan. Labingtatlong libong piso po ang karaniwang suweldo ng isang PO1 sa Metro Manila. Apat na libong piso daw rito ang napupunta sa upa ng bahay. Tila tama nga po na isang-katlo ng kanilang sahod diretso na sa upa. Isang-katlo pa nito, para naman sa pagkain. At ang natitirang isang-katlo, para sa kuryente, tubig, pamasahe, pampaaral sa anak, gamot sakaling may magkasakit, at iba pa. Maganda na nga po kung tumabla ang kita niya sa gastusin. Kapag naman kinapos, malamang sa five-six po sila lalapit. At kapag nagpatung-patong ang interes ng utang nila, makatanggi kaya sila sa tuksong dumelihensya?

Kaya ang ipinangako nating pabahay nitong Pebrero, ngayong Hulyo ay tinutupad na. Nakapag-abot na po tayo ng apat na libong Certificate of Entitlement to Lot Allocation sa magigiting nating kawal at pulis. Bahagi pa lang po ito ng target nating kabuuang dalawampu’t isang libo at walong daang bahay sa pagtatapos ng taong ito. Ang dating apatnalibong ibinabayad para sa upa kada buwan, ngayon, dalawandaang piso na lang, para pa sa bahay na pagmamay-ari talaga nila. Ang dating nalalagas na halaga na pambayad sa buwanang renta, maaari nang igugol para sa ibang gastusin.

Mayroon pa raw pong mahigit isang libong bahay na natitira, kaya po sa mga pulis at sundalo nating di pa nakakapagpasa ng papeles, last call na po para sa batch na ito. Pero huwag po kayong mag-alala, sa susunod na taon, lalawak pa ang ating pabahay, at hindi lang pulis at kawal sa Luzon ang makikinabang. Inihahanda na ng NHA ang lupang patatayuan sa Visayas at Mindanao, para sa susunod na taon, makapagpatayo na tayo ng mga bahay doon. Sa ating mga kawani ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology at Bureau of Fire Protection, may good news po ako: kasama na po kayo rito.

Kung seguridad na rin lang po ang ating pag-uusapan, di ba’t karugtong din nito ang ating pambansang dangal? Dati, hindi man lang natin makuhang pumalag tuwing may sisindak sa atin sa loob mismo ng ating bakuran. Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas; kapag tumapak ka sa Recto Bank, para ka na ring tumapak sa Recto Avenue.

Tama nga po kaya ang kuwento tungkol sa isang stand-off noong araw? Tinapatan daw ang mga marino natin ng kanyon. Ang ginawa nila, pumutol ng puno ng niyog, pininturahan ito ng itim, saka itinutok sa kalaban. Tapos na po ang panahong iyan. Parating na ang mga capability upgrade at modernization ng mga kagamitan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Literal na pong naglalakbay sa karagatan papunta rito ang kauna-unahan nating Hamilton Class Cutter, isang mas modernong barko na magagamit natin para mabantayan ang ating mga baybayin. Maaari pa po tayong makakuha ng mga barkong tulad nito. Idadagdag iyan sa kukunin na nating mga helicopter, patrol craft, at sandata na bultong bibilhin ng AFP, PNP, at DOJ upang makakuha ng malaking diskuwento. Lahat po ito, makakamtan sa matinong pamamahala; mabibili sa tamang presyo, nang walang kailangang ipadulas kung kani-kanino.

Wala tayong balak mang-away, pero kailangan ding mabatid ng mundo na handa tayong ipagtanggol ang atin. Pinag-aaralan na rin po natin ang pag-angat ng kaso sa West Philippine Sea sa International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, upang masigurong sa mga susunod na pagkakataon ay hinahon at pagtitimpi ang maghahari tuwing may alitan sa teritoryo.

Alam ko pong magbubunga ang pag-aarugang ipinapamalas natin sa mga lingkod-bayan na nakatutok sa ating seguridad. Mantakin po ninyo: sa unang anim na buwan ng 2010, umabot sa isanlibo at sampung (1,010) kotse at motorsiklo ang nanakaw. Ikumpara po natin iyan sa apatnaraan at animnapung (460) kotse at motorsiklong nanakaw mula Enero hanggang Hunyo ng taong ito. Ang laki po ng naibawas. Malas ko lang po siguro na ‘yung isa o dalawang kaso ng carnapping ang nai-heheadline, at hindi ang pagbawas sa mga insidente nito o ang mas mataas na porsyento ng mga nanakaw na kotse na naibalik sa may-ari.

Isa pa pong halimbawa ng pagbabagong tinatamasa natin: Mayo ng 2003 nang lagdaan ang Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, pero dahil hindi sineryoso ng estado ang pagpapatupad nito, dalawampu’t siyam na indibiduwal lamang ang nahatulan sa loob ng pitong taon. Nalagpasan na po natin iyan, dahil umabot na sa tatlumpu’t isang human traffickers ang nahatulan sa ating administrasyon. Ito na po siguro ang sinasabing “sea change” ni Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ng Amerika. Dahil dito, natanggal na tayo sa Tier 2 Watchlist ng Trafficking in Persons Report nila. Kung hindi tayo natanggal sa watchlist na ito, siguradong napurnada pa ang mga grant na maaari nating makuha mula sa Millenium Challenge Corporation at iba pa.

Dumako po tayo sa trabaho. Dagdag-trabaho ang unang panata natin sa Pilipino. Ang 8% na unemployment rate noong Abril ng nakaraang taon, naibaba na sa 7.2% nitong Abril ng 2011. Tandaan po natin: moving target ang nasa hanay ng ating unemployed, dahil taun-taon ay may mga bagong graduate na naghahanap ng trabaho. Nito nga pong huling taon, nadagdag pa sa bilang nila ang libu-libong hawi boys, tagasabit ng banderitas, at iba pang mga Pilipinong kumuha ng pansamantalang kabuhayan mula sa eleksyon. Ang resulta po natin: Isang milyon at apatnaraang libong trabahong nalikha nitong nakaraang taon.

Dati, nakapako sa pangingibang-bansa ang ambisyon ng mga Pilipino. Ngayon, may pagpipilian na siyang trabaho, at hangga’t tinatapatan niya ng sipag at determinasyon ang kanyang pangangarap, tiyak na maaabot niya ito.
Malaki pa po ang puwedeng madagdag sa trabahong nalilikha sa ating bansa. Ayon pa lang po sa website nating Philjobnet, may limampung libong trabahong hindi napupunan kada buwan dahil hindi tugma ang kailangan ng mga kumpanya sa kakayahan at kaalaman ng mga naghahanap ng trabaho. Hindi po natin hahayaang masayang ang pagkakataong ito; ngayon pa lang, nagtatagpo na ang kaisipan ng DOLE, CHED, TESDA, at DEPED upang tugunan ang isyu ng job mismatch. Susuriin ang mga curriculum para maituon sa mga industriyang naghahanap ng empleyado, at gagabayan ang mga estudyante sa pagpili ng mga kursong hitik sa bakanteng trabaho.
Ngunit aanhin naman po natin ang mga numerong naghuhudyat ng pag-asenso ng iilan, kung marami pa rin ang napag-iiwanan? Ang unang hakbang: tinukoy natin ang totoong nangangailangan; namuhunan tayo sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman: ang taumbayan. Sa dalawang milyong pamilyang rehistrado sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, isang milyon at animnaraang libo na ang nakakatanggap ng benepisyo nito. Sa pagpapakitang-gilas ni Secretary Dinky Soliman, tinatayang may mahigit isandaang libong pamilya ang naiaahon natin mula sa kahirapan kada buwan. Kaya naman mataas ang aking kumpiyansang makukumpleto ang 1.3 million na dagdag na pamilya, mula sa kabuuang 2.3 milyong pamilyang target na benepisyaryo ng CCT bago matapos ang taong ito. At sa compliance rate nito na hindi bababa sa 92%, milyun-milyon na rin po ang inang regular na nagpapacheck-up sa mga health center, ang mga sanggol na napabakunahan, at ang mga batang hindi hinahayaan sa labas ng paaralan.

Simula pa lang po ito, at sa ganitong kalinaw na mga resulta, umaasa ako sa suporta ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng lehislatura, sa mungkahi nating salinan pa ng pondo ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Inaasam po natin na bago matapos ang 2012, tatlong milyong pamilya na ang mabibigyan ng puhunan para sa kanilang kinabukasan.
Binibigyan natin ang mga maralitang pamilyang ito ng pagkakataong makaahon sa buhay, dahil ang pag-asenso nila ay pag-angat rin ng buong bansa. Sino ang tatangkilik sa mga produkto at serbisyo ng mga negosyante, kung isang kahig, isang tuka naman ang mamimili? Kapag may amang kumakapit sa patalim para may kainin ang kanyang pamilya, at siya ay nagnakaw o nangholdap, sino ba ang puwedeng mabiktima ng krimen kundi tayo rin? Kung ang mga kababayan natin ay walang maayos na pagkain o tahanan, mahina ang kalusugan at may malubhang karamdaman, hindi ba’t tayo rin ang nasa peligrong mahawa sa kanilang kapansanan?

Naglalatag po tayo ng pagbabago upang mas mapatibay ang pundasyon ng maaliwalas na bukas para sa lahat. Halimbawa, sa kalusugan: Di ba’t kapansin-pansin ang pagtaas ng bilang ng mga benepisyaryo ng PhilHealth tuwing maghahalalan? Ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), tiniyak natin na ang limang milyon at dalawandaang libong pamilyang Pilipino na nakikinabang sa PhilHealth ay ang talagang mga nangangailangan nito. Malawakang pag-unlad at pag-asenso ng lahat: Iyan po ang panata natin. Walang maiiwan sa tuwid na landas.

Tumungo naman po tayo sa ARMM. Ang dating sistema: Nagbabatuhan lang ng huwad na utang ng loob ang mga baluktot na kandidato. Kapag pambansang halalan, malaya ang nakaupo sa ARMM na imane-obra ang makinarya sa kaniyang rehiyon para matiyak na bokya ang boto ng mga hindi kaalyado. Kapag naman eleksyon sa ARMM at maniningil na ng utang si Mayor o Governor, ang administrasyon naman ang magpapatakbo ng makinarya para manalo ang kanilang kandidato.

Ayon nga po sa naungkat ng COA, sa opisina ng regional governor ng ARMM, mula Enero 2008 hanggang Setyembre 2009, walumpung porsyento ng mga disbursement ang napunta sa mga cash advance na wala namang maayos na paliwanag. Kung hindi nawala ang pondong ito, nakatapos na sana ang isang batang tumawid sa ghost bridge, para pumasok sa ghost school, kung saan tuturuan siya ng ghost teacher. Walang humpay na paghihirap, at walang pag-asa ng pag-asenso.

Gusto nating maranasan ng ARMM ang benepisyo ng tamang pamamahala. Kaya ang solusyon: synchronization. Dahil dito, kailangan nilang tumutok sa kani-kanilang mga kampanya; magiging mas patas ang labanan, at lalabnaw ang command votes. Salamat sa Kongreso at naipasa na ang batas na magsasabay ng halalan sa ARMM sa halalang pambansa.

At bakit po postponement ang kailangan? Sa kagustuhang makabalik sa puwesto, nakahanda ang ilan na ulitin ang nakagawian para manalo. Isipin na lang po ninyo kung pumayag tayo sa kagustuhan ng mga kontra, at itinuloy natin ang eleksyon. Wala po silang ibang gagawin sa loob ng dalawang taon kundi paghandaan ang susunod na halalan at isiksik ang kalokohan nila sa mas maigsing panahon. Habang nananatili sa pwesto ang mga utak wang-wang na opisyal, naiiwan namang nakalubog sa kumunoy ng kawalang-pagasa ang taumbayan.
Wala akong duda sa kahihinatnan ng mga repormang inilatag natin. Hindi po tayo nagbubukambibig lang; may kongkretong resulta ang ating mga paninindigan. Kapag sinabi nating tuwid na daan, may katapat itong kalsada sa Barangay Bagumbayan sa Sta. Maria, Laguna. Kapag sinabi nating malinis na pamamahala, may dadaloy na malinis na tubig sa mga liblib na lugar gaya ng nasa Barangay Poblacion, sa Ferrol, Romblon. Kapag sinabi nating liwanag ng pagbabago, titiyakin nating may liwanag na tatanglaw sa mga pamayanang dati ay nangangapa sa aandap-andap na gasera, gaya ng ginawa natin sa Barangay San Marcos, sa Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Ganito na ang nangyayari sa marami pang ibang lugar; pinipilit nating ito rin ang mangyari sa kabuuan ng Pilipinas.
Nakatutok na po ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno; nag-uugnayan at nagtutulungan sila upang maabot at mapabilis ang mga solusyon sa mga problemang kaytagal nang pinapasan ng bayan.

Di po ba’t may problema tayo sa baha, na alam naman nating dulot ng walang humpay at ilegal na pagputol ng mga puno? Ang dating solusyon: photo-op ng pagtatanim na ang tanging benepisyaryo ay nagpapapoging pulitiko. Nagtanim nga ng puno kontra-baha, pero hindi naman siniguro na mananatiling nakatayo ang mga ito pag-alis nila.
Isa sa mga solusyong pinag-aaralan ay ang gawing kapaki-pakinabang sa mga pamayanan ang pagbabantay ng puno. Bibigyan sila ng binhi ng kape at cacao para itanim at mamunga ng kabuhayan. Habang hinihintay ang ani, makakakuha sila ng stipend upang bantayan naman ang mga punong itinanim laban sa baha. Puwedeng maging benepisyaryo ng programang ito ang mga informal settlers, na ngayon ay nagkukumpulan sa siyudad.

Mamumuhunan tayo sa taumbayan, habang namumuhunan din sa kalikasan.
Noon bang isang taon, inisip ninyo na kaya nating gawin ito? Sa ngayon, tinutupad na natin ang ating mga pangako. Bukas makalawa, katotohanan na ang lahat ng ito.

Marami pa pong malikhaing konsepto na inilalapit sa atin. May mosquito trap na pinapatay ang mga kiti-kiti ng lamok, na siguro naman po ay may kinalaman sa halos labing-apat na porsiyentong pagbaba ng insidente ng dengue; may hibla ng niyog na itatapon na sana, pero puwede palang murang solusyon sa mga daanang madaling mabitak; may landslide sensor na magbababala kung tumaas na ang panganib na gumuho ang lupa; may mga kagamitang magbibigay ng senyales kung malapit nang umapaw ang tubig sa mga ilog. Lahat po ito, gawa ng Pilipino.

Pinag-aaralan na rin po ng DOST at UP ang pagkakaroon ng monorail system, para tugunan ang problema sa pangmalawakang transportasyon. Sa malikhaing pag-iisip ng kapwa Pilipino, may pag-asa palang magtayo ng light rail system nang hindi hihigit sa 100 million pesos ang gagastusin kada kilometro. Sa matitipid na pondo, mas mahabang kilometro ng riles ang mailalatag at makaka-abot sa mga lugar na malayo sa sentro ng komersyo. Ang mga dating sumisiksik sa siyudad para maghanap ng trabaho, maaari nang tumira sa malayo, nang hindi pahirapan ang biyahe.

Uulitin ko po: ang mungkahing ito ay galing sa kapwa natin Pilipino, para sa Pilipinas. Naaalala po ba ninyo ang panahon kung kailan ni hindi man lang maabot ng mga pangarap natin ang ganitong mga proyekto? Ngayon, sinasabi ko sa inyo: pinapangarap natin ito, kaya natin ito, gagawin natin ito. Hindi ba tayo nagagalak, Pilipino tayong nabubuhay sa ganitong panahon?

Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, huwag po sana nating lilimutin: masasayang lang ang lahat ng ating narating kung hindi tuluyang maiwawaksi ang kultura ng korupsyon na dinatnan natin.

Sa mga kapwa ko empleyado ng sambayanan, mula sa tuktok hanggang sa bawat sulok ng burukrasya: Di po ba’t napakarangal na ngayon ang magtrabaho sa gobyerno? Di po ba’t ngayon, sa halip na ikahiya, gusto mo pang isuot ang iyong ID kung sumasakay ka ng bus o jeep papasok sa iyong ahensya? Sasayangin po ba natin ang karangalang kaloob sa atin ng sambayanan?

Iyan din po ang aking panawagan sa ating Local Government Units. Kabilang po ako sa mga sumasang-ayon na kayo ang pinaka-nakakaalam sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan sa inyong mga lungsod at munisipyo. Makakaasa po ang ating mga LGU sa higit na kalayaan at kakayahan, kung makakaasa rin tayong gagamitin ito sa tuwid na paraan, at isasaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng buong sambayanan.

Halimbawa po, may ilang munisipyo na naisipang magbuwis sa mga transmission lines ng kuryente na dadaan sa kanilang mga pook. Magpapasok nga po ng kita sa kanilang lokal na kaban, pero kapalit nito, tataas din ang gastusin ng mas nakararaming Pilipino sa kuryente. Tiwala po akong kaya nating balansehin ang interes ng inyong mga nasasakupan sa interes ng sambayanan.

Kailangan pong manatiling magkatugma ang ating mga programa, dahil ang ikauunlad ng buong bansa ay manganganak din ng resulta sa inyong mga pook. Wakasan na po sana natin ang agendang nakatuon sa susunod na eleksyon lamang, at ang kaisipang isla-isla tayong maihihiwalay ang sariling pagsulong sa pag-unlad ng bansa.
Tayo-tayo rin po ang dapat magtulungan tungo sa kaunlaran. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa Kongreso sa pagpapasa ng mga batas ukol sa GOCC Governance, ARMM Synchronization, Lifeline Electricity Rates Extension, Joint Congressional Power Commission Extension, Children and Infants’ Mandatory Immunization, at Women Night Workers.

Noong isang taon nga po, nagpakitang-gilas ang Kongreso sa pagpasa ng budget bago matapos ang taon. Dahil dito, nasimulan agad ang mga proyekto at hindi na inabot ng tag-ulan. Bukas na bukas po, ihahain na namin sa lehislatura ang budget para sa susunod na taon. Umaasa po ako na muli kayong magpapakitang-gilas, upang tuluyan na nating mapitas ang bunga ng mga naitanim nating pagbabago.

Maganda na po ang ating nasimulan. Pero mahalaga pong maalala natin: simula pa lang ito. Marami pa tayong gagawin. Hayaan po ninyong ilatag ko sa Kongreso ang ilan sa mga batas na magpapaigting sa pagtupad ng ating panata sa bayan.

Layon nating bigyan ng kaukulang kompensasyon ang mga biktima ng Martial Law; ang pagkakaloob ng makatarungang pasahod at benepisyo para sa mga kasambahay; at ang pagpapatupad ng isang mas maayos na sistema ng pensyon para sa mga kawal. Sinusuportahan din natin ang pagpapalawak ng sakop ng scholarship na ipinagkakaloob ng DOST sa mahuhusay ngunit kapuspalad na mag-aaral; ang pagtataguyod ng pinaigting na pangkalahatang kalusugan; at ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan at sa mga pasilidad na titiyak sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan sa oras ng sakuna.

Kabilang din po sa ating agenda ang pagpapalakas ng BuCor, ng NBI, ng NEA, at ng PTV 4, upang sa halip na mapag-iwanan ng kaalaman at panahon, mas maayos nilang magagampanan ang kanilang pagbibigay-serbisyo sa publiko.

Hindi ko po nailagay ang lahat ng gustong magpasali ng kanilang adbokasiya dito sa SONA. Pero kumpleto po ang detalye sa budget at budget message. Sa mga interesado po, pakibasa na lang.

May mga nagsasabing pinepersonal ko raw ang paghahabol sa mga tiwali. Totoo po: Personal talaga sa akin ang paggawa ng tama, at ang pagpapanagot sa mga gumagawa ng mali—sino man sila. At hindi lamang dapat ako ang namemersonal sa usaping ito. Personal dapat ito sa ating lahat, dahil bawat Pilipino ay biktima nito.

Ang mali—gaano katagal man ito nanatili—ay mali pa rin. Hindi puwedeng “Oks lang, wala lang iyan.” Kapag kinalimutan natin ang mga ito, mangyayari lang ulit ang mga kamalian ng nakaraan. Kung hindi magbabayad ang mga nagkasala, parang tayo na rin mismo ang nag-imbita sa mga nagbabalak gumawa ng masama na umulit muli.
Ang totoo nga po, marami pang kalokohan ang nahalungkat natin. Halimbawa, sa PAGCOR: kape. Isang bilyong piso po ang ginastos ng dating pamunuan ng ahensya para sa kape; sa isandaang piso na lang po kada tasa, lalabas na nakakonsumo sila ng sampung milyong tasa. Baka po kahit ngayong iba na ang pamunuan ng PAGCOR ay dilat na dilat pa rin ang mata ng mga uminom ng kapeng ito. Hanapin nga po natin sila, at matanong: nakakatulog pa po ba kayo?

Pagpasok ng bagong Ombudsman na si dating Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, magkakaroon tayo ng tanod-bayan na hindi magiging tanod-bayad ng mga nagwawang-wang sa pamahalaan. Inaasahan ko nga po na sa taon na ito, masasampahan na ng kaso ang lahat ng nagkuntsabahan sa katiwalian, at naging sanhi ng situwasyong ating inabutan. Tapos na rin po ang panahon kung kailan nagsasampa ang gobyerno ng malalabnaw na kaso. Kapag tayo ang nagsampa, matibay ang ebidensya, malinaw ang testimonya, at siguradong walang lusot ang salarin.

Tutok tayo na ang pagkakamit ng ganap na katarungan ay hindi natatapos sa pagsasakdal kundi sa pagkukulong ng maysala. Buo ang kumpiyansa ko na tinutupad ng DOJ ang malaki nilang bahagi upang maipiit ang mga salarin, lalo na sa mga kaso ukol sa tax evasion, drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, graft and corruption, at extrajudicial killings.

Wala pong tsamba: ang tapat at mabuting pamamahala ay nanganganak ng mabuti ring resulta. Isipin po ninyo: naipatupad natin ang mga ipinangakong serbisyo ng gobyerno, at nakapaglaan pa ng sapat na pondo para sa mga proyekto nang hindi kinailangang magtaas ng buwis.

Iyan naman po talaga ang plano: siguruhin na patas ang laban; itigil ang panlalamang ng mga makapangyarihan; at tiyakin na ang dating sistema kung saan nakikinabang ang iilan ay magiging bukal ng oportunidad para sa lahat.
Tinutuldukan na po natin ang wang-wang: sa kalsada, sa gobyerno, sa kalakhang lipunan. Ito po ang manganganak ng kumpiyansa na magdadala ng negosyo; ito rin ang sisiguro na ang pondo ng taumbayan ay mapupunta sa dapat nitong kalagyan: Imprastruktura na titiyak sa tuluyang pag-angat ng ekonomiya at pagmumulan ng trabaho, at serbisyong panlipunan na sisigurong walang mapag-iiwanan. Bubukas ang marami pang pintuang pangkabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng turismo; sisiguruhing hindi magugutom ang Pilipino sa pagpapalakas ng agrikultura. Ang mga dating kinakaligtaan, bibigyang-puhunan ang kinabukasan.
Magbubunsod ito ng siklo kung saan tiyak na may pupuno sa mga nalilikhang trabaho, at may mga konsumer na lalong magpapalago sa mga negosyo.

Batid ko po na hanggang ngayon ay may kakaunti pang nagrereklamo sa ating estilo ng pamamahala. Nakita po ninyo ang aming estilo, at ang kaakibat nitong resulta. Nakita po ninyo ang estilo nila, at kung saan tayo nito dinala. Sa mga taong bukas ang mata, maliwanag kung saan ang tama.

Ngayong tayo na ang nagtitimon sa gobyerno, malinaw ang direksyong tinatahak ng ating bayan. Isang bansa kung saan ang pagkakataon ay abot-kamay; kung saan ang mga nangangailangan ay sinasaklolohan; kung saan may saysay ang bawat patak ng pawis, bawat sandali ng pagtitiis, at bawat butil ng hinagpis na dinaanan natin. Kung may gawin kang mabuti, may babalik sa iyong mabuti. At kung may gawin kang masama, tiyak na mananagot ka.
Naaalala ko nga po ang isang ginang na lumapit sa akin noong kampanya; ang babala niya, “Noy, mag-iingat ka, marami kang kinakabangga.”

Tama po ang sabi niya: Tao po akong may agam-agam din. Pero wala po akong alinlangang tumahak sa tuwid na daan: Buo ang loob ko dahil alam kong nasa likod ko kayo.

Salamat po sa mga pari at obispo na masinsinang nakikipagdiyalogo sa atin, katulad nina Cardinal Rosales at Vidal. Di naman po kami ganoong kalapit ni Cardinal Rosales, pero naniniwala akong ibinuhos niya ang lahat para mabawasan ang hindi pinagkakaunawaan ng gobyerno at simbahan. Sa paghahalal kay Archbishop Palma, tagapagtanggol ng karapatang pantao at kalikasan, lalo pong tumibay ang aking kumpiyansang ugnayan, at hindi bangayan, ang mabubuo sa pagitan ng estado at simbahan.

Salamat din po sa ating Gabinete, na walang kinikilalang panahon ng tulog o pahinga, maipatupad lang ang pambansang agenda. Special mention po ang PAGASA, na tunay na ngayong nagbibigay ng maaasahang babala.
At sa mga nasasagasaan po natin sa landas ng katapatan at integridad sa pamamahala, ito naman po ang aking masasabi: Pinili ninyo ang landas kung saan naaapi ang sambayanan. Pinili naman namin ang landas na ipagtanggol ang taumbayan. Nasa tama po kami; nasa mali kayo. Sa inyong magbabalik ng pang-aapi sa sambayan, hindi kayo magtatagumpay.

Sa lahat ng mga kasama natin sa tuwid na daan: Kayo ang lumikha ng pagkakataong baguhin ang dinatnan, at gawing mas maganda ang ipapamana natin sa susunod na salinlahi ng mga Pilipino. Kayo pong mga tsuper na pumapasada pa rin; kayong mga guro at estudyanteng pauwi pa lang mula sa klase; kayong patuloy ang paglikha ng mga obrang nagpapaalab sa apoy ng ating pagka-Pilipino; kayong mga pulis, sundalo, kaminero at bumbero; kayong mga marangal na nagtatrabaho, sa Pilipinas man, sa gitnang dagat, o sa ibang bansa; kayong mga tapat na kasama natin sa gobyerno, anumang probinsya o partido; kayong mga Pilipinong nakikinig sa akin ngayon—kayo po ang lumikha ng pagkakataong ito.

Lumikha po kayo ng gobyernong tunay na nagtatrabaho para sa inyo. May limang taon pa tayo para siguruhing hindi na tayo babalik sa dating kalagayan. Hindi tayo magpapadiskaril ngayong napakaganda na ng resulta ng ating sinimulan.

Kapag may nakita tayong butas sa sistema, huwag na po tayo magtangkang lumusot. Huwag na nating daanin sa pakiusap ang madadaan sa pagsisikap. Tama na ang unahan, tama na ang tulakan, tama na ang lamangan, dahil lahat naman po tayo ay makakarating sa minimithi nating kinabukasan.

Tapusin na po natin ang kultura ng negatibismo; iangat natin ang kapwa-Pilipino sa bawat pagkakataon. Bakit po ang iba, ang hilig maghanap ng kung anu-anong pangit sa ating bayan? At napakahirap—parang kasalanan—na magsabi ng maganda? Naalala pa po ba natin noong huling beses tayong pumuri sa kapwa Pilipino?
Itigil na po natin ang paghihilahan pababa. Ang dating industriya ng pintasan na hindi natin maitakwil, iwaksi na po natin. Tuldukan na po natin ang pagiging utak-alimango; puwede bang iangat naman natin ang magaganda nating nagawa?

Kung may nakita kang mabuti, huwag kang magdalawang-isip na purihin ito. Kapag nakita mo ang pulis sa kanto, nagtatrapik nang walang kapote sa ilalim ng ulan, lapitan mo siya at sabihing, “Salamat po.”
Kung magkasakit ka at makita mo ang nars na nag-aruga sa iyo, sa halip na magserbisyo sa dayuhan kapalit ng mas malaking suweldo, sabihin mo, “Salamat po.”

Bago ka umuwi galing eskuwela, lapitan mo ang guro mong piniling mamuhunan sa iyong kinabukasan kaysa unahin ang sariling ginhawa; sabihin mo, “Salamat po.” Sa aking guro, Salamat po Ginang Escasa.
Kung makasalubong mo ang iyong kinatawan sa kalsadang dati ay lubak-lubak, at ngayon ay puwede nang daanan nang maaliwalas, lapitan mo siya at sabihing: “Salamat po.”

Kaya po, sa sambayanang Pilipino, ang aking Boss na nagtimon sa atin tungo sa araw na ito: maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon.

Buhay na buhay na ang Pilipinas at ang Pilipino.

LIVE: President Benigno Aquino III's 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

2011-07-24T23:02:00.008+01:00

LIVE STREAMING: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25, 2011, in front of a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.

A Facebook chat box has also been enabled, where you can interact with fellow Pinoys, share your opinions and what the state of the nation is in your perspective. The speech itself will be delivered at 4:00 pm PST.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ON THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS:

[Courtesy of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: www.gov.ph]

July 25, 2011 marks the second State of the Nation Address of President Benigno S. Aquino III. He will be addressing the 15th Congress as it embarks on its Second Regular Session.

The delivery by the President of the Philippines of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a yearly tradition wherein the President reports on the status of the country, and may also propose to Congress, before which the address is delivered, certain proposals for legislation that are believed to be necessary. Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution mandates that “[t]he President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session.”

President Benigno S. Aquino III

The SONA as an annual practice began during the Commonwealth of the Philippines. The 1935 Constitution, as amended, states in Article VII, Section 5 that “[t]he President shall from time to time give to the Congress information on the state of the Nation, and recommend to its consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Thus, the annual address to the legislature became known as the State of the Nation Address.

The opening of the sessions of the National Assembly was fixed, pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 17, at June 16 of every year. The first SONA was delivered by President Manuel L. Quezon at the Legislative Building on June 16, 1936.

Commonwealth Act No. 49, on the other hand, amended CA No. 17 and designated the 16th of October as the date of the opening of the regular sessions of the National Assembly. Since this fell on a Saturday in 1937, the second SONA was delivered by President Quezon on October 18, 1937.

With the approval of Commonwealth Act No. 244 on December 10, 1937, the date of the opening of the regular sessions of the National Assembly was again moved to the fourth Monday of every year, starting in 1938. President Quezon delivered his last State of the Nation Address on January 31, 1941, as he would already be in exile the following year due to the Japanese occupation of the country.

President Jose P. Laurel of the Second Philippine Republic was able to deliver his first and only message before the special session of the National Assembly, led by Speaker Benigno Aquino, Sr., on October 18, 1943, four days after the Republic was established. This also took place in the Legislative Building, Manila. However, Laurel, who was one of the delegates who drafted the 1935 Constitution, pointed out in his Address that the 1943 Constitution did not provide for a report to the legislature on the state of the nation. His message before the assembly therefore, is not included in the roster of SONAs.

With the defeat of the Japanese and the re-establishment of the Commonwealth Government in the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines, now a bicameral body, convened on June 9, 1945—the first time since their election in 1941. During this special session, President Sergio Osmeña addressed the lawmakers at their provisional quarters at Lepanto Street in Manila, and gave a comprehensive report on the work carried out by the Commonwealth Government during its three-year stay in Washington, D.C. Furthermore, he described the conditions prevailing in the Philippines during the period of enemy occupation and an acknowledgment of the invaluable assistance rendered by the guerrillas to the American forces in the liberation of the Philippines.
The last State of the Nation Address under the Commonwealth of the Philippines was delivered by President Manuel Roxas on June 3, 1946.

After the establishment of the independent Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, the State of the Nation Address was to be delivered on the fourth Monday of January, pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 244, starting with President Roxas’ address to the First Congress on January 27, 1947.

Starting in 1949 the address was held at the reconstructed Legislative Building. Only once did a president not appear personally before Congress: on January 23, 1950, President Elpidio Quirino, who was recuperating at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, delivered his State of the Nation Address to the joint session of Congress, beamed through RCS in the United States and picked up by the local radio network at 10:00 a.m. in the morning just in time for the opening of the regular congressional session.

The January tradition was continued until 1972. From 1973 to 1977, the State of the Nation Address was delivered on the official anniversary of the imposition of martial law on September 21 of each year (official, because martial law was actually imposed on September 23, 1972), and since Congress was abolished with the promulgation of the 1973 Constitution, these addresses were delivered before an assembly either in Malacañan Palace or at the Luneta, except in 1976 when the address was given during the opening of the Batasang Bayan at the Philippine International Convention Center.

President Marcos began delivering the SONA at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on June 12, 1978 during the opening session of the Interim Batasan Pambansa (IMB).

From 1979 onwards, the SONA was delivered on the fourth Monday of July, following the provisions of the 1973, and later, the 1987 Constitutions. The only exceptions have been in 1983, when the SONA was delivered on January 17 to commemorate the anniversary of the ratification of the 1973 Constitution and the second anniversary of the lifting of martial law, and in 1986 when President Corazon C. Aquino did not deliver any State of the Nation Address.

With the restoration of Congress in 1987, President Corazon Aquino was able to deliver her State of the Nation Address at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives in the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. Presidents Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo all delivered their State of the Nation Addresses in the same venue.

On July 26, 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered his first State of the Nation Address. It was the first SONA in history delivered entirely in Filipino.

The President of the Philippines appears before Congress upon its invitation, for which purpose a Joint Session is held in the Session Hall of the House of Representatives. Congress issues tickets and all preparations are undertaken with Congress as the official host.

Both houses convene in Joint Session assembled, and then direct a committee composed of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, to escort the President of the Philippines to the Session Hall to deliver his message.

The lifespan of each Congress begins and ends with the election of members of the House of Representatives, i.e., three years. The lifespan of a Congress is subdivided, in turn, into three Regular Sessions, each corresponding to a calendar year. The SONA, then, also marks the opening of each Regular Session of Congress.

The number of each Congress—for example, the present 15th Congress—is based on how many Congresses were held since independence was achieved on July 4, 1946. Thus the last (Second) Congress of the Commonwealth of the Philippines became the First Congress of the Republic of the Philippines. This count was maintained up to martial law. With the restoration of the bicameral legislature in 1987, it was decided to maintain the count, taking up where the last premartial law Congress left off. Thus, the last Congress under the 1935 Constitution was the Seventh Congress, and the first Congress under the 1987 Constitution became the Eighth Congress. The 15th Congress will last until June 30, 2013.

Zaldy Ampatuan as State Witness: Is it worth considering?

2011-07-13T00:34:00.004+01:00

Zaldy Ampatuan, Former ARMM Governor

Yesterday, in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News' Anthony Taberna, Former ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan made an offer that shocked the nation: he is willing to be a state witness in the Maguindanao Massacre trial, turning against his own father and brother, Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Andal Ampatuan Jr., the main suspects in the murders that brought the country to a standstill.

Considering the fact that Zaldy has been imprisoned since December 2009, no one expected that he would suddenly cut his ties with his family by holding his father and younger brother responsible for the massacre that killed 58 people, which included members of the rival Mangudadatu Family and thirty-two journalists.

When the families of the massacre victims got wind of this, they immediately shunned Ampatuan's decision, asserting that this is merely part of a plan that will somehow acquit the former governor of the charges against him concerning the Maguindanao Massacre and that they would prefer seeing him behind bars.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Commission on Human Rights Chairman Etta Rosales have likewise rejected his offer.

Zaldy said that the lives of his family have been heavily affected by simply carrying the surname "Ampatuan" --- his children have even filed papers to change their surname from "Ampatuan" to their middle name.

Furthermore, he has linked Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to alleged manipulation of ballots in the 2007 Senatorial elections, leading to the administration candidates garnering nearly 100% of the votes in Maguindanao province.

While De Lima and Rosales aren't keen on having Zaldy as a state witness, President Aquino has ordered an assessment on whether this would help in finally resolving the case and bring justice to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre.

As for myself, I did a little research on how an individual becomes a state witness.

According to Section 10 of Republic Act No. 6981, the 'Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act' approved on April 24, 1991, a state witness is defined as:

"Any person who has participated in the commission of a crime and desires to be a witness for the State, can apply and, if qualified as determined in this Act and by the Department, shall be admitted into the Program whenever the following circumstances are present:

(a) the offence in which his testimony will be used is a grave felony as defined under the Revised Penal Code or its equivalent under special laws;
(b) there is absolute necessity for his testimony;
(c) there is no other direct evidence available for the proper prosecution of the offence committed;
(d) his testimony can be substantially corroborated on its material points;
(e) he does not appear to be guilty;
(f) he has not at any time been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

An accused discharged from an information or criminal complaint by the court in order that he may be a State Witness pursuant to Section 9 and 10 of Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of Court may upon his petition be admitted to the Program if he complies with the other requirements of this Act. Nothing in this Act shall prevent the discharge of an accused, so that he can be used as a State Witness under Rule 119 of the Revised Rules of the Court."

Like most Filipinos, I'm eager for our justice system to reaffirm its mission as a beacon of decency and fairness, but I'm still quite unsure whether Zaldy Ampatuan's decision to pin his own father and brother and shun the Ampatuan surname will further hasten the process of bringing justice or will it simply make the case against the Ampatuans weaker.

But what I do know is that the Maguindanao Massacre and the trial that is still ongoing has once again brought forth the dirty politics that has dominated local democratic processes into the fore---and a choice that every Filipino has to make: whether you stand by and field never-ending complaints about government and its many flaws, or stand up for what you believe in, do something about it and bring the Philippines to a better direction.

LIVE STREAMING: Come July 25, 2011---President Aquino's Second State of the Nation Address (SONA)!

2011-07-06T20:29:00.001+01:00

Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines

On Monday, July 25, 2011, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). The President will deliver his speech before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Demos Kratos will be streaming President Aquino's SONA via Hayag.com --- from the commencement of the coverage, to the speech itself and the reports and comments by seasoned political pundits afterwards. Feel free to voice your opinions as I'll be activating a live chat and an online poll right beside the live stream.

Come July 25th, together we'll watch history unfold!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

BAGYO ALERT: Tropical Storm Falcon | DONATE TO THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

2011-06-24T15:55:00.002+01:00

REPOST from last post: By 2PM TOMORROW, SATURDAY, 25 JUNE 2011, TROPICAL STORM FALCON will be OUT OF THE PHILIPPINE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY.

Please donate to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to help victims of Tropical Storm Falcon, which has continued to bring heavy rains across Metropolitan Manila---as of 10pm PST, residents near the Marikina River have been evacuated by the Marikina City local government as the water level rose to 16-17 meters, while all classes in public and private schools across the Metro are still suspended.

To donate, text RED to 2899 (GLOBE only). Valid amounts are from 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 and 100 pesos.

You can visit the headquarters of the Philippine Red Cross located on Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila --- Tel. 527-0000 or PRC Hotline 143 or any of the Red Cross chapters near you. You may also visit the official PRC website at www.redcross.org.ph or deposit your donations to Banco De Oro Savings Account No. 453-0018647, Swift Code BNOR PH MM.

BAGYO ALERT: Tropical Storm Falcon (UPDATE - 5:00PM PST | June 24, 2011)

2011-06-24T14:53:00.002+01:00

[All information via the official website of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) | www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph]

BY 2PM TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011, TROPICAL STORM FALCON will be OUT OF THE PHILIPPINE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (PAR).

ISSUED AT: 5:00p.m., Friday, June 24, 2011:

At 4:00pm today, Tropical Storm Falcon was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 320km East Northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.2N, 124.9E) with maximum sustained winds of 85kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100kph. It is forecast to move North Northwest at 22kph.

Forecast Positions/Outlook:
Satuday afternoon: 710 km North Northeast of Basco, Batanes

PROVINCES UNDER PUBLIC STORM SIGNALS:

Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds)

LUZON:

Calayan

Babuyan Group of Islands

Batanes Group of Islands

VISAYAS:

None.

MINDANAO:

None.

LATEST PAG-ASA DOST MTSAT-EIR Satellite Images:

9:00p.m., June 24, 2011

BAGYO ALERT: Tropical Storm Falcon (UPDATE - 4:00PM PST | June 23, 2011)

2011-06-23T12:12:00.003+01:00

[All information posted here via the official website of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) | www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph]

ISSUED at 5:00p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2011:

As of 4:00pm today, Tropical Storm Falcon was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 450 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (16.4°N, 126.5°E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move Northwest at 15kph.

Falcon has merged with the low pressure area and has intensified slightly as it moves northwestward.

PROVINCES UNDER PUBLIC STORM SIGNALS:

Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds)

LUZON:

Quezon

Aurora

Albay

Catanduanes
Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Isabela

Cagayan Province

Calayan

Babuyan Group of Islands

Batanes Group of Islands

VISAYAS:

None.

MINDANAO:

None.

~ ~ ~ ~ ----- ~ ~ ~ ~

LATEST PAG-ASA DOST MTSAT-EIR Satellite Images:

5:00p.m., June 23, 2011

7:00p.m., June 23, 2011

Bin Laden Watching BIN LADEN: Pentagon releases new OBL footage seized from Abbottabad compound

2011-05-08T00:41:00.006+01:00

The Pentagon today released 'home movies' of Osama bin Laden seized by Navy SEALs after the successful raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan in the early hours of May 2nd which resulted in his death.

Most of the footage that were released show, shall we say, 'outtakes' of his prerecorded statements that have been the primary evidence that the world's most wanted terrorist was still alive. But the most striking video they obtained, in my opinion, was a clip featuring a frail bin Laden with an unkempt grey beard, wrapped in a blanket, watching reports on himself on Al Jazeera Arabic through a small television.

As TIME Magazine put it, it seemed almost candid.

It made him look like a seemingly normal guy, watching television - but of course, this is not the case. Watching bin Laden watching HIMSELF on television made it more bizarre and creepier than ever.

With al-Qaeda confirming that their leader is indeed dead on the day U.S. President Barack Obama announced his decision not to release the photos showing the dead body of Osama bin Laden, security has been tightened in many countries for fear of revenge attacks.

LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ROYAL WEDDING! | Prince William & Catherine Middleton!

2011-04-29T00:19:00.008+01:00

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Official Wedding Photo!

President Obama kicks off 2012 campaign in Chicago! (VIDEO)

2011-04-24T22:22:00.009+01:00

President Obama at Navy Pier, Chicago for his 2012 campaign fundraiser [White House]

Last April 14, 2011, US President Barack Obama finally kicked off his 2012 reelection campaign with a fundraiser in Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, just over a week after the President filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, formally launching his campaign.

President Obama's next fundraiser will be held this Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 7:30pm in The Town Hall at 123 West, 43rd Street, New York.

President Noynoy Aquino's Five Point-stance on Responsible Parenthood | Official Gazette

2011-04-22T16:12:00.003+01:00

The Reproductive Health Bill has been stirring quite a controversy in the Philippines that President Benigno Aquino III, a known supporter of the said bill, was heavily criticized by those siding with the Catholic Church --- Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz even asserted the President is no longer in his prime and isn't fit to marry (which I think is too personal).

Last November 19, 2010, the President and his Cabinet met with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference' of the Philippines (CBCP) and other representatives of the church to clarify the government's stance on reproductive health. They were reiterated by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a press conference held immediately after the dialogue.

Now that the controversy surrounding the bill is again heating up, the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines, gov.ph, re-published President Aquino's Five-Point Stance On Responsible Parenthood. The points are quite direct and, according to Secretary Lacierda, mirror his stance during his campaign for the presidency. The President has opted to use the term "Responsible Parenthood" instead of "Reproductive Health."

Here is President Noynoy Aquino's Five Point Stance on Responsible Parenthood:

I am against abortion.

I am in favor of giving couples the right to choose how best to manage their families so that in the end, their welfare and that of their children are best served.

The State must respect each individuals's right to follow his or her conscience and religious convictions on matters and issues pertaining to the unity of the family and the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.

In a situation where couples, especially the poor and disadvantaged ones, are in no position to make an informed judgment, the State has the responsibility to so provide.

In the range of options and information provided to couples, natural family planning and modern methods shall be presented as equally available.

- Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines --- gov.ph

200+ Reps Support Marcos' Burial at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani

2011-04-20T22:13:00.002+01:00

As of April 2011, 216 members of the Philippine House of Representatives have signed the resolution which will allow the body of former dictator President Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Philippines with an iron-fist for 20 years (fourteen of which, as a dictatorship) to be buried at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in Taguig.

The resolution was entitled, "A RESOLUTION URGING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO C. AQUINO III TO ALLOW THE BURIAL OF THE REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT FERDINAND EDRALIN MARCOS AT THE LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI."

For the past 22 years, Marcos' remains have been interred inside a refrigerated crypt in his home province of Ilocos Norte. His body was allowed to return to the Philippines in 1993 --- four years after his death while in exile in Hawaii.

Here they are:

Abayon, Daryl Grace J. | AANGAT TAYO (Partylist)
Acharon, Pedro Jr., B | 1st District - South Cotabato & General Santos City | Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC)
Acop, Romeo M. | 2nd District - Antipolo City | Independent
Aggabao, Giorgidi B. | 4th District - Isabela Province | LPC
Aglipay, Emmeline Y. | DIWA (Partylist)
Agyao, Manuel S. | Lone District - Kalinga Province | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Albano, Rodolfo B. | Isa Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Alcover, Pastor Jr. M. | ANAD (Partylist)
Almario, Thelma Z. | 2nd District - Davao Oriental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Almonte, Jorge T. | 1st District - Misamis Occidental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Alvarez, Antonio C. | 1st District - Palawan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Alvarez, Mercedes K. | 6th District - Negros Occidental | NPC
Amante-Matba, Angelica M. | 2nd District - Agusan Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Amatong, Rommel C. | 2nd District - Compostela Valley | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Andaya, Rolando Jr. G. | 1st District - Camarines Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Angping, Ma. Zenaida B. | 3rd District - Manila | NPC
Antonino, Rodolfo W. | 4th District - Nueva Ecija | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Antonio, Patricio T. | ABIAG (Partylist)
Apacible, Tomas V. | 1st District - Batangas Province | Liberal Party
Apostol, Sergio F. | 2nd District - Leyte Province | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Aquino, Jose II S. | 1st District - Agusan Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Arago, Ma. Evita R. | 3rd District - Laguna Province | Liberal Party
Arenas, Ma. Rachel J. | 3rd District - Pangasinan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Arnaiz, George P. | 2nd District - Negros Oriental | NPC
Arquiza, Godofredo V. | SENIOR CITIZEN (Partylist)
Arroyo, Diosdado Macapagal | 2nd District - Camarines Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Arroyo, Ignacio | 5th District - Negros Occidental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Asilo, Benjamin DR. | 1st District - Manila | LP/KKK
Aumentado, Erico B., | 2nd District - Bohol Province | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Avance-Fuentes, Daisy | 2nd District - South Cotabato | NPC
Bagasina, Catalina C. | ALE (Partylist)
Bagatsing, Amado S. | 5th District - Manila | KABAKA
Balindong, Pangalian M. | 2nd District - Lanao Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Barzaga, Elpidio Jr. F. | Lone District - Dasmariñas City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Bataoil, Leopoldo N., Pangasinan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Batocabe, Rodel M. | AKO BIKOL
Bautista, Franklin P. | 2nd District - Davao del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Belmonte, Vicente Jr. F. | Lone District - Iligan City | Liberal
Benitez, Alfredo ‘Albee’ B. | 3rd District - Negros Occidental | NPC
Bernos, Ma. Jocelyn V. | Lone District - Abra | PDSP
Bichara, Al Francis DC. | 2nd District - Albay | Nacionalista
Bondoc, Anna York P., M.D. | 4th District - Pampanga | Nacionalista
Bravo, Narciso Jr. R. | 1st District - Masbate | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Brawner Baguilat, Teddy Jr. | Lone District - Ifugao | Liberal
Briones, Nicanor M. | AGAP
Bulut-Begtang, Eleanor C. | Lone District - Apayao | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Cabaluna, Salvador III P. | 1-CARE
Cabilao Yambao, Jonathan | 1st District - Zamboanga Sibugay | Nacionalista
Cagas, Marc Douglas IV C. | 1st District - Davao Del Sur | Nacionalista
Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L. | 2nd District - Caloocan City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Calimbas-Villarosa, Ma. Amelita A., | Lone District - Occidental Mindoro | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Canonigo, Ranulfo P. | KAKUSA
Cari, Jose Carlos L. | 5th District - Leyte Province | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Castro, Jane T. | 2nd District - Capiz | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Catamco, Nancy A. | 2nd District - North Cotabato | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Celeste, Jesus ‘Boying’ F. | 1st District - Pangasinan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Cerafica, Arnel M. | 1st District - Taguig City | Liberal
Chipeco, Justin Mark SB. | 2nd District - Laguna | Nacionalista
Co, Christopher S. | AKO BIKOL
Cojuangco, Enrique M. | 1st District - Tarlac Province | NPC
Cojuangco, Kimi S. | 5th District - Pangasinan | NPC
Collantes, Sonny P. | 3rd District - Batangas | PMP
Cortuna, Julieta R. | A TEACHER
Cosalan, Ronald M. | Lone District - Benguet | Liberal
Crisologo, Vincent ‘Bingbong’ P. | 1st District - Quezon City | Nacionalista
Cua, Dakila Carlo E., Quirino, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Dalog, Maximo B., Mountain Province, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Datumanong ,Simeon A. | 2nd District - Maguindanao | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Dayanghirang, Nelson L. | 1st District - Davao Oriental | Nacionalista
De Venecia, Ma. Georgina P. | 4th District - Pangasinan | NPC
Del Rosario, Antonio A. | 1st District - Capiz | Liberal
Diaz, Antonio M. | 2nd District - Zambales | Lapiang Manggagawa
Dimaporo, Fatima Aliah Q. | 2nd District - Lanao Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Dimaporo, Imelda Quibranza | 1st District - Lanao Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Duavit, Joel Roy | 1st District - Rizal | NPC
Durano, Ramon VI H. | 5th District - Cebu | NPC
Dy, Napoleon S. | 3rd District - Isabela | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ejercito, Joseph Victor G. | Lone District - San Juan City | PMP
Emano, Yevgeny Vincente B. | 2nd District - Misamis Oriental | Nacionalista
Enerio-Cerilles, Aurora | 2nd District - Zamboanga Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M. | 1st District - Quezon | Nacionalista
Eriguel, Eufranio ‘Franny’ C., M.D. | 2nd District - La Union | NPC
Escudero, Salvador III H. | 1st District - Sorsogon | NPC
Espina, Rogelio J.,M.D. | Lone District - Biliran | Nacionalista
Estrella, Robert Raymund M. | ABONO
Evardone, Ben P. | Lone District - Eastern Samar | Independent
Fariñas, Rodolfo C. | 1st District - Ilocos Norte | Nacionalista
Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S. | 1st District - Laguna | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ferrer, Antonio A. | 6th District - Cavite | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ferrer, Jeffrey P. | 4th District - Negros Occidental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Fortuno, Salvio B. | 5th District - Camarines Sur | Nacionalista
Fua, Orlando B. | Lone District - Siquijor | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Fuentebella, Arnulfo P. | 4th District - Camarines Sur | NPC
Garay, Florencio C. | 2nd District - Surigao Del Sur | Nacionalista
Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A. | AKO BIKOL
Garcia, Albert Raymond S. | 2nd District - Bataan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Garin, Janette L. | 1st District - Iloilo | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Garin, Sharon S. | AAMBIS-OWA
Gatchalian, Rex | 1st District - Valenzuela City | NPC
Go, Ana Cristina S. | 2nd District - Isabela | Nacionalista
Go, Arnulfo F. | 2nd District - Sultan Kudarat | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Golez, Anthony Rolando Jr. T. | Lone District - Bacolod City | NPC
Gomez, Lucy T. | 4th District - Leyte | Liberal
Gonzales, Aurelio ‘Dong’ Jr. D. | 3rd District - Pampanga | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Gonzalez, Fernando V. | 3rd District - Albay | Liberal
Guanlao, Agapito H. | BUTIL
Gullas, Eduardo R. | 1st District - Cebu | NP-ALAYON
Haresco, Teodorico T. | ANG KASANGGA
Hataman-Salliman, Jim S. | Lone District - Basilan | Liberal
Herrera-Dy, Bernadette R. | BH
Jaafar, Nur G. | Lone District - Tawi-Tawi | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Jalosjos, Cesar G. | 3rd District - Zamboanga Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Jalosjos, Romeo Jr. M. | 2nd District - Zamboanga Sibugay | Nacionalista
Jalosjos, Seth F. P. | 1st District - Zamboanga Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Joson, Josefina M. | 1st District - Nueva Ecija | NPC
Kho, Antonio T. | 2nd District - Masbate | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Kho, David L. | SENIOR CITIZEN
Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique R. | Lone District - Malabon City | NPC
Lagdameo, Antonio Jr. F. | 2nd District - Davao Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Lanete, Scott Davies S., M.D. | 3rd District - Masbate | NPC
Lapus, Jeci A. | 3rd District - Tarlac | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Lazatin, Carmelo F. | 1st District - Pampanga | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Leonen-Pizarro, Catalina G. | ABS
Lico, Isidro Q. | ATING KOOP
Limkaichong, Jocelyn S. | 1st District - Negros Oriental | Liberal
Loong, Tupay T. | 1st District - Sulu | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Lopez, Carol Jayne B. | YACAP
Loyola, Roy M. | 5th District - Cavite | Liberal
Macapagal Arroyo, Juan Miguel | ANG GALING PINOY
Macapagal-Arroyo, Gloria M. | 2nd District - Pampanga | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Madrona, Eleandro Jesus F. | Lone District - Romblon | Nacionalista
Magsaysay, Eulogio ‘Amang’ R. | AVE
Magsaysay, Ma. Milagros H. | 1st District - Zambales | Lakas
Malapitan, Oscar G. | 1st District - Caloocan City | Nacionalista
Maliksi, Erineo S. | 3rd District - Cavite | Liberal
Mandanas, Hermilando I. | 2nd District - Batangas | Liberal
Marañon, Alfredo III D. | 2nd District - Negros Occidental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Marcoleta, Rodante D. | AVE
Marcos, Imelda R. | 2nd District - Ilocos Norte | KBL
Matugas, Francisco ‘Lalo’ T. | 1st District - Surigao Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Mellana, Evelyn P. | 2nd District - Agusan Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Mendoza, Joselito ‘Jonjon’ R. | 3rd District - Bulacan | Liberal
Mendoza, Mark Llandro L. | 4th District - Batangas | NPC
Mercado, Roger G. | Lone District - Southern Leyte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Mercado-Revilla, Lani | 2nd District - Cavite | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Miraflores, Florencio T. | Lone District - Aklan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Montejo, Neil Benedict A. | AN WARAY
Nava, Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. | Lone District - Guimaras | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Noel, Florencio G. | AN WARAY
Nograles, Karlo Alexei B. | 1st District - Davao City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Obillo, Reena Concepcion G. | ANG PAMILYA
Ocampo, Rosenda Ann | 6th District - Manila | LP/KKK
Olivarez, Edwin L. | 1st District - Parañaque City | Liberal
Ong, Emil L. | 2nd District - Northern Samar | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ortega, Francisco Emmanuel III R. | ABONO
Ortega, Victor Francisco C. | 1st District - La Union | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Padilla, Carlos M. | Lone District - Nueva Vizcaya | Nacionalista
Palmones, Angelo B. | AGHAM
Pancho, Pedro M. | 2nd District - Bulacan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Pangandaman, Mohammed Hussein P. | 1st District - Lanao Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Pangandaman, Solaiman C. | AA KASOSYO
Panotes, Elmer E. | 2nd District - Camarines Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Paras, Jesus Emmanuel M. | 1st District - Bukidnon | NPC
Payuyo, Ponciano D. | APEC
Piamonte, Mariano Jr. U. | A-TEACHER
Pichay, Philip A. | 1st District - Surigao Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Plaza, Ma. Valentina G. | 1st District - Agusan Del Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ponce Enrile, Juan Jr. C. | 1st District - Cagayan | NPC
Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L. | 6th District - Pangasinan | NPC
Puno, Roberto V. | 1st District - Antipolo City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Quimbo, Romero Federico ‘Miro’ S. | 2nd District - Marikina City | Liberal
Quisumbing, Gabriel R. | 6th District - Cebu City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B. | 2nd District - Sorsogon | Liberal
Remulla, Jesus Crispin C. | 7th District - Cavite |Nacionalista
Rivera, Michael Angelo C. | 1-CARE
Robes, Arturo B. | Lone District - San Jose Del Monte City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Rodriguez, Isidro Jr. S. | 2nd District - Rizal | NPC
Rodriguez, Maximo Jr. B. | ABANTE MINDANAO
Rodriguez, Rufus B. | 2nd District - Cagayan de Oro City | PMP
Roman, Herminia B. | 1st District - Bataan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Romarate, Guillermo Jr. A. | 2nd District - Surigao Del Norte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin G. | 1st District - Leyte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Romualdo, Pedro P. | Lone District - Camiguin | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Sacdalan, Jesus N. | 1st District - North Cotabato | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Sahidulla, Nur-ana I. | 2nd District - Sulu | NPC
Sakaluran, Raden C. | 1st District - Sultan Kudarat | Independent
Salimbangon, Benhur L. | 4th District - Cebu | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Salvacion, Andres Jr. D. | 3rd District - Leyte | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
San Luis, Edgar S. | 4th District - Laguna | NPC
Sarmiento, Cesar V. | Lone District - Catanduanes | Liberal
Sarmiento, Mel Senen S. | 1st District - Western Samar | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Sema, Bai Sandra A. | 1st District - Maguindanao & Cotabato City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Singson, Eric Jr. G. | 2nd District - Ilocos Sur | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Socrates, Victorino Dennis M. | 2nd District - Palawan | NPC
Suarez, Danilo E. | 3rd District - Quezon | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Sy-Alvarado, Ma. Victoria R. | 1st District - Bulacan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Tan, Milagrosa ‘Mila’ T. | 2nd District - Western Samar | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Teodoro, Marcelino R. | 1st District - Marikina City | Independent
Teves, Pryde Henry A. | 3rd District - Negros Oriental | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Tiangco, Tobias ‘Toby’ M. | Lone District - Navotas City | Partido Navoteno
Ting, Randolph S. | 3rd District - Cagayan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Tomawis, Acmad M. | ALIF
Tupas, Niel Jr. C. | 5th District - Iloilo | Liberal
Umali, Reynaldo V. | 2nd District - Oriental Mindoro | Liberal
Unabia, Peter ‘Sr. Pedro’ M. | 1st District - Misamis Oriental | PMP
Ungab, Isidro T. | 3rd District - Davao City | Liberal
Valencia, Rodolfo G. | 1st District - Oriental Mindoro | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Vargas-Alfonso, Baby Aline | 2nd District - Cagayan | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Vergara, Bernardo M. | Lone District - Baguio City | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Villafuerte, Luis R. | 3rd District - Camarines Sur | NPC
Villar, Mark A. | Lone District - Las Pinas City | Nacionalista
Violago, Joseph Gilbert F. | 2nd District - Nueva Ecija | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Yap, Arthur C. | 3rd District - Bohol | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Yap, Susan | 2nd District - Tarlac | Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Yu, Victor J. | 1st District - Zamboanga Del Norte | |NPC
Zamora-Apsay, Ma. Carmen | 1st District - Compostela Valley | Lakas-Kampi-CMD

- - -

OBAMA launches 2012 re-election campaign!

2011-04-05T23:10:00.003+01:00

IT BEGINS WITH US: Yesterday, US President Barack Obama officially kicked-off his bid for re-election, twenty months before the 2012 presidential elections, by sending an e-mail to all his supporters embedded a short video entitled, "It begins with us" - which became the launching video of his campaign.

His official website, barackobama.com, was redesigned, with a message calling on supporters to get involved and rekindle the "magic" that brought the dashing 49-year old to the White House as the 44th President of the United States.

Grassroots organizing --- encouraging individuals from all sectors of society, especially the youth, to take an active part in the election campaign was crucial in Obama's historic 2008 victory.

The video featured people from across America who stressed that progress will only be fully attained if Obama is re-elected --- one supporter, a man identified as Ed, from North Carolina, said, "I don't agree with Obama on everything, but I respect him and I trust him." Most news agencies have already cited this statement as signifying Obama's determination to reach out to Republicans and undecided voters as Campaign 2012 looms.

President Obama already filed his election papers with the Federal Election Commission yesterday and will set up his 2012 election headquarters at One Prudential Plaza in his hometown of Chicago, just a few blocks away from where he delivered his momentous victory speech in Grant Park on Election Night less than three years ago.

Jim Messina will serve as Obama's campaign manager --- David Plouffe, who was Obama's 2008 chief campaign manager, took office as Senior Adviser to the President last January, succeeding David Axelrod, who resigned to set up for the re-election campaign.

On the same day as the announcement of his re-election bid, Obama's website greeted visitors with this message:

This campaign is just kicking off. We're opening up offices, unpacking boxes, and starting a conversation with supporters like you to help shape our path to victory. 2012 begins now, and this is where you say you're in.

barackobama.com allows visitors who are on Facebook (like myself) to connect their account with the 2012 campaign app, urging them to post on friends' walls and show their support for Obama's re-election campaign. .

Oh yeah! Fired up, ready to go!

Anyhow, this was the full email sent by OBAMA FOR AMERICA to supporters on Monday morning:

------------------------------------------------------------

Friend ---

Today, we are filing papers to launch our 2012 campaign.

We're doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you --- with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.

So even though I'm focused on the job elected me to do, and the race may not reach full speed for a year or more, the work of laying the foundation for our campaign must start today.

We've always known that lasting change wouldn't come quickly or easily. It never does. But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we've made --- and make more --- we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest.

As we take this step, I'd like to share a video that features some folks like you who are helping to lead the way on this journey. Please take a moment to watch:

In the coming days, supporters like you will begin forging a new organization that we'll build together in cities and towns across the country. And I'll need you to help shape our plan as we create a campaign that's farther reaching, more focused, and more innovative than anything we've built before.

We'll start by doing something unprecedented: coordinating millions of one-on-one conversations between supporters across every single state, reconnecting old friends, inspiring new ones to join the cause, and readying ourselves for next year's fight.

This will be my final campaign, at least as a candidate. But the cause of making a lasting difference for our families, our communities, and our country has never been about one person. And it will succeed only if we work together.

There will be much more to come as the race unfolds. Today, simply let us know you're in to help us begin, and then spread the word:

http://my.barackobama.com/2012

Thank you,
Barack

LIBYA's BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY: Countries involved in the Libyan No-Fly Zone [UPDATED]

2011-03-26T02:03:00.000Z

COUNTRIES INVOLVED IN ENFORCING UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC) RESOLUTION No. 1973 (As of March 26, 2011):

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION | NATO

| FRANCE
| UNITED KINGDOM
| UNITED STATES
| DENMARK
| CANADA
| GREECE
| NORWAY
|QATAR
| ITALY
| THE NETHERLANDS
| ROMANIA
| TURKEY
| UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Coalition warplanes pounded government forces in Ajdabiya, boosting rebel efforts to launch new offensives [Courtesy of Al Jazeera English | Reuters]

POSTSCRIPT: The White House has confirmed that US President Barack Obama will address the American people on Monday on the ongoing NATO-led military intervention in Libya --- Obama will deliver the speech from the National Defense University at 22:30GMT - 7:30pm.

LIBYA'S BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY: Obama authorizes military action against LIBYA

2011-03-20T00:14:00.002Z

[UPDATE: 11:40pm GMT - 1:40am EET | Tripoli Time]

U.S. destroyer USS Barry launches one of 112 Tomahawk missiles fired initially in support of the no-fly zone off the coast of Libya.

Just after the first tomahawk missiles (112 as of tonight) were launched from U.S. warships on the coast of Libya earlier tonight, the White House released an official statement by President Barack Obama, in which he authorized of a "limited military action" against the forces of Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

The Pentagon has codenamed the participation of the United States in the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Libya, 'OPERATION ODYSSEY DAWN.'

Here is the official statement - the audio version can been found below:

"Today, I authorized the Armed Forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians. That action has now begun.

In this effort, the United States is acting with a broad coalition that is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which call for the protection of the Libyan People. That coalition met in Paris today to send a unified message, and it bring together many of our European and Arab partners.

This is an outcome that the United States or any of our partners sought. Even yesterday, the international community offered Muammar Qaddafi the opportunity to pursue an immediate cease-fire, one that stopped the violence against civilians and the advances of Qaddafi's forces. But despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity. His attacks on his people have continued. His forces have been on the move. And the danger faced by the people of Libya has grown.

I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it. I want the American people to know that the use of forces is not our first choice and it's not a choice that I make lightly.

But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy, and his forces step up their assaults like Benghazi and Misrata, where innocent men and women face brutality and death at the hands of their own government.

So we must be clear: Actions have consequences, and the writ of the international community must be enforced. That it the cause of this coalition.

As a part of this effort, the United States will contribute our unique capabilities at the front end of the mission to protect Libyan civilians, and enable the enforcement of a no-fly zone that will be led by our international partners. And as I said yesterday, we will not --- I repeat --- will not deploy any U.S. troops on the ground.

As Commander-in-Chief, I have great confidence in the men and women of our military who will carry out this mission. They carry with them the respect of a grateful nation.

I'm also proud that we are acting as part of a coalition that includes close allies and partners who are prepared to meet their responsibility to protect the people of Libya and uphold the mandate of the international community.

I've acted after consulting with my national security team, and Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress. And in the coming hours and days, my administration will keep the American people fully informed.

But make no mistake: Today we are part of a broad coalition. We are answering the calls of a threatened people. And we acting in the interests of the United States and the world."

LIBYA'S BATTLE FOR DEMOCRACY: How the Security Council voted on the NO-FLY ZONE Resolution last night

2011-03-18T22:10:00.001Z

Last night, the United Nations Security Council historically voted in favor of imposing a no-fly zone over Libya --- paving way for foreign military intervention to protect civilians and opposition forces against the wrath of Col. Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

As we all know, only five of the current fifteen members of the Security Council have permanent seats --- the United States, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China and the French Republic.

The other ten member nations, which are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, are the following:

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Colombia
Gabon
Germany
India
Lebanon
Nigeria
Portugal
South Africa

THIS is how the United Nations Security Council voted on RESOLUTION 1970 (2011) - proposing a no-fly zone over the LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA, in response to the conflict between rebel forces and the 42-year regime of Col. Gaddafi:

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) Statement on JAPAN and BAHRAIN

2011-03-17T23:34:00.000Z

[The following statement is courtesy of gov.ph - the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.]

Department of Foreign Affairs | Philippines

Statement of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario:

On the aftermath of Japan quake/storm and on the unrest in Bahrain

[Delivered during a press briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 17, 2011]

"Members of the media, colleagues in government, good afternoon:

Pursuant to the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos around the world, we are closely monitoring developments in Japan and Bahrain and proactively responding to the calls for assistance from Filipinos in affected areas in said countries.

The Japanese authorities have issued advisories with respect to exclusion zones around the Fukushima Daiichi and Daiini nuclear power plants. We urge all Filipinos in those areas to follow these advisories.

Filipinos who are concerned about possible radiation exposure may wish to voluntarily evacuate to to Tokyo or other areas further away, or depart voluntarily from the country using their own means.

If, as determined by Japanese officials, relocation and repatriation become necessary, the Philippine Government will defray the cost to undertake the required measures to either relocate or repatriate Filipinos from the affected areas.

Yesterday, a Philippine embassy team relocated to Tokyo 43 Filipinos from Sendai and Fukushima in a bus which earlier brought relief goods to the Filipinos there.

To reiterate the world of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez, in his telephone conversations with me, "we are fully committed to remain here to serve the needs of Filipinos in Japan."

With respect to Bahrain, the Department raised the alert in Bahrain from alert level 1 (heightened alertness) to alert level 2 (restriction of movements) last Tuesday, in view of increased tensions in that country.

Thus, we have urged the Filipinos in Bahrain to restrict their movements to only those which are absolutely essential and also to voluntarily depart the country using their own means.

There is yet no need to raise the level to alert level 3 (voluntary repatriation), where the Philippine Government will make available facilities for their repatriation.

Since February 17, the Philippine Embassy in Manama under the leadership of Ambassador Corazon Yap-Bahjin has met with Filipino community members to brief them of the Embassy's contingency plans.

We wish to assure the public that the contingency plans for Bahrain and Japan are updated and in place, and proactive measures have been undertaken.

Thus far, there are no unconfirmed reports of Filipino injuries or fatalities in either Bahrain or Japan.

The DFA and other agencies of the Philippine Government are fully committed in ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Bahrain, Japan or in other places undergoing difficulties. Thank you."

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Advisory to the Filipino Community in Japan [UPDATE | Official Notice]

2011-03-15T16:57:00.000Z

[UPDATE: 4:28pm GMT | 1:28 JST - Japan Standard Time]

(This is the latest update published by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on its official website at 1:00pm JST - more recent bulletins will posted soon.)

= = =

AS OF 15 March 2011, 1:00pm

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano announced today developments at two of the reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. He said an explosion occurred at the No.2 reactor of the said plant, and that there is a high possibility that the container vessel inside was damaged. Edano also said that the plant's No.4 reactor is on fire, the cause of which was similar to that of reactors No.1 and 3.

According to Edano, radiation levels reached 30 milisieverts between reactors 2 and 3; 400 milisieverts around reactor 4; and 100 milisieverts around reactor 5. He noted that the milisievert levels are higher than the microsievert levels previously reported. He said these are levels that affect human health but emphasized that the figures were obtained near the plant.

Edano urged the public to remain calm and continue their normal routines.

Japanese authorities made the following announcement with regard to these developments:

= OFFICIAL NOTICE =

15 March 2011, 11:00

Areas in which counter-emergency measures should be taken:

Residents staying within the 20-kilometer radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi (Number One) Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Company, Inc. (TEPCO)
Residents staying within the 20-kilometer to 30-kilometer radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi (Number One) Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Company, Inc. (TEPCO)

2. Direction:

Residents staying within a 20-kilometer radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Company, Inc. (TEPCO) shall be evacuated.
Residents staying in the area from the 20-kilometer to 30-kilometer radius from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, Tokyo Electric Company, Inc. (TEPCO) shall stay inside the houses or buildings.

Sendai Airport in Miyagi Prefecture after Friday's devasting earthquake-tsunami. (Google-Geoeye)

Observe directions by the relevant authorities if such directions are given.

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Advisory to the Filipino Community in Japan [UPDATED]

2011-03-14T19:02:00.001Z

[Update: 4:51pm GMT | 1:51am JST - Japan Standard Time]

(This is the most recent advisory published by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on its official website at 8:30pm JST - more bulletins will be posted soon.)

= = =

AS OF 14 MARCH 2011, 9:30pm:

"Another explosion occurred at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant at 11:01 a.m. (JST) today. Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) announced that a hydrogen blast took place at the No. 3 reactor of the Fukushima Number One Power Plant, which was similar to the hydrogen blast that occurred at the No. 1 reactor of the same plant on 12 March 2011.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said that the latest blast has left the container of the No. 3 reactor intact, and that the likelihood of large volumes of radioactive material being dispersed in the air is low. The NISA said that it has so far observed no abnormal rise in radiation around the compound of the power plant.

Japanese authorities advised residents still remaining within the 20 kilometer radius around the plant to evacuate the area as soon as possible. The numbers of the Fukushima Prefectural government hotlines are 024-521-7192 and 024-521-7194. Filipino nationals who cannot contact their local governments may get in touch with the Philippine Embassy at telephone numbers (03) 5562-1570, (03) 5562-1577 and (03) 5562-1590 or email: emergency@philembassy.net so that the Embassy can inform Japanese authorities of their location.

Japanese authorities said people residing outside the 20-kilometer radius can remain and continue with their normal activities. However, Filipino nationals who are concerned about ongoing developments may wish to voluntarily relocate to areas further away."

FUKUSHIMA Dai-ichi (1) NUCLEAR POWER PLANT in Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture after the deadly tsunami - March 12, 2011

---

Postscript: The LIST for Emergency Hotlines that are available to Filipinos in Japan and back home who are in need of assistance can be seen below.

↓

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Emergency Hotlines for Filipinos In Japan [UPDATED]

2011-03-13T14:42:00.001Z

[UPDATE: 1:51pm GMT | 10:51pm JST - Japan Standard Time]

The following emergency hotlines are available to Filipino communities in Japan where the telephone/broadband service is available and to Filipinos back home who want to know more about the situation of relatives/friends affected by the quake and tsunami in Japan.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) | Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs' (OUMWA) CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER:

834-4646
834-4580
Email: dfaoumwa.cmc@gmail.com

= Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA): =

722-1144
722-1155

= Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): =

551-1560

= PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN TOKYO, JAPAN: =

(03) 5562-1570
(03) 5562-1577
(03) 5563-1590
Email: EMERGENCY@PHILEMBASSY.NET

= PHILIPPINE CONSULATES ACROSS JAPAN: =

Philippine Consulate General in OSAKA:
(06) 6910-7881

Philippine Honorary Consulate in SAPPORO:
(011) 614-8090

Philippine Honorary Consulate in MORIOKA:
(019) 626-9139

Philippine Honorary Consulate General in NAGOYA:
(052) 584-5698

Philippine Honorary Consulate General in NAHA:
(098) 892-5486

For Filipinos living in Fukushima, the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo has advised to call the following hotlines for more information on evacuation and safety procedures:

Fukushima Prefectural Government hotlines:
024-521-7192 and 024-521-7194

===

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Updated Advisory to the Filipino Community in Japan (Tokyo Philippine Embassy)

2011-03-12T22:09:00.001Z

[Update: 6:34pm GMT | 3:34am JST - Japan Standard Time]

(This was the most recent update published by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on its official website at 9:30pm JST - latest bulletins will posted soon.)

= = =

AS OF 12 MARCH 2011, 9:30pm:

In a press conference this evening, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said that the Japanese government has urged for calm while it is trying to determine the cause of the explosion in the Fukushima Power Plant No. 1. The government has started to employ measures to ensure the safety of the people in the affected area.

The Japan Nuclear Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) has recommended that people who live within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Okumacho evacuate the area immediately as part of precautionary measures.

The Agency advised residents to follow instructions of the local municipal and city offices in Fukushima for the evacuation and safety procedures.

Filipinos in the area may contact the local Fukushima Prefectural government hotlines 024-521-7192 and 024-521-7194 for more information on how to get to the centers.

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's Statement on the Japan Quake [03.11.11]

2011-03-12T15:50:00.001Z

Released during his State Visit to Singapore hours before the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) finally lifted the Tsunami Alert Level 2 in nineteen provinces located on the eastern coast of the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III urged Filipinos to stay calm and to be prepared for incoming tsunami waves that resulted from the deadly quake.

= = =

Statement

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines

On the Earthquake in Japan and the possible tsunami to hit coastal areas of the Philippines

[Delivered in Singapore on March 11, 2011]

[IN FILIPINO]

Nakita po natin ang mga epekto ng nangyaring lindol sa hilaga-silangang bahagi ng Japan, at mulat po tayo sa peligrong maaring idulot nito sa mga baybayin ng ating bansa.

Hinihiling po natin ang hinahon mula sa ating mga kababayan. Gawin natin nang organisado ang ating mga kilor, at makipag-ugnayan at tulungan po tayo sa ating mga awtoridad. Paghahandaan na po natin ang anumang pinsala na maaaring idulot ng isang tsunami sa ating pong mga komunidad.

Nakausap ko na po ang mga kalihim ng ating mga ahensya tulad ng DND, DILG, DOST, ang Executive Secretary at iba pa. Inatasan ko na po silang ibahagi sa publiko ang anumang impormasyon na makakalap nila. Kasalukuyan po silang napupulong upang pag-usapan ang mga hakbang na gagawin pa natin. Seryosohin po sana natin ang kanilang mga babala at alintuntunin.

Ang NDRRMC na po ang magbibigay ng mga detalye ng hakbang na ginagawa ng inyo pong gobyerno.

Makauuwi na po kami sa loob ng ilang oras. Hari nawa po ay maiwasan natin ang pinsala, at pati na rin po ang Embassy natin sa Japan ay nakausap na natin. Mayroon pong disruption sa communication sa Tokyo, at naghihintay tayo ng mga karagdagang ulat po mula sa kanila.

Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo Ng Pilipinas

8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: If Tacloban, Philippines were Sendai, Japan

2011-03-12T15:02:00.000Z

When I first read the Wikipedia article on the massive magnitude 8.9 Japan earthquake this morning, I quickly stored in my mind the fact that the resulting tsunami traveled six miles inland --- quite a devastating fact, one might say.

Sendai, the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture (which is located off the northeastern coast of Honshu Island) was one of the worst affected areas of the double catastrophe --. Sendai Airport was heavily flooded, forcing hundreds of passengers to go to the roof of the airport terminal.

Though unlike Sendai, which has a population of over a million people and is considered as one of Japan's nineteen designated cities, I tried to measure how far the waves would have traveled if Tacloban, a 'highly-urbanized' city with a population of over 250,000 located off the northeastern coast of Leyte province in the Philippines, suffered the same fate that Sendai did.

Ironically, Leyte was one of nineteen provinces put under Tsunami Alert Level 2 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), forcing hundreds of Tacloban residents to flee to higher ground and begin evacuation efforts. The alert was later lifted in all the affected provinces at 11:30pm PST (3:30pm GMT).

This was the result:

The map that resulted from the analysis.

= IF TACLOBAN, PHILIPPINES were SENDAI, JAPAN =

'The 8.9 magnitude quake in Japan yesterday triggered a massive tsunami that nearly wiped off the town of Sendai and the northeastern coast of the country - reports say that the waves traveled 6 MILES inland.

If Tacloban City were affected by the 33-feet high tsunami that would first hit from the very northern tip of the city where the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) and the Leyte Park Resort Hotel is located, the wave would have reached the town of Palo, Leyte - exactly SIX MILES inland.

The yellow line measures the distance from the said medical center to the suburbs of Palo - while the red shock-wave lines show how wide the waves would have covered nearly the whole city.'

---

God forbid, this would ever happen there.

TSUNAMI ALERT: 8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE | Tsunami Alert Map

2011-03-12T00:18:00.002Z

This is how the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has forecast the above normal wave levels to hit countries all around the Pacific Basin that resulted from the massive 8.9 magnitude quake in Japan which occurred at exactly 5:46 GMT --- the Philippines, Hawaii, the United States and Chile were some of the many affected nations.

Courtesy of bbc.co.uk

TSUNAMI ALERT: 8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Tsunami Alert for PHL LIFTED

2011-03-11T19:31:00.004Z

[UPDATE: 7:31 PM GMT | 3:31 AM - Philippine Standard Time (PST)]

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has now lifted the tsunami alert for nineteen provinces on the eastern coast of the Philippines. The said provinces are listed below:

This is the full statement PHIVOLCS released at 11:30 PST (Tsunami Bulletin No.: 3)

= TSUNAMI ALERT CANCELLATION =

A strong distant earthquake occurred NEAR COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN at 1:46 pm, 11 March 2011 (Philippine Time), located at 38.2 N, 142.5° E with depth of 24 km and a preliminary magnitude of 8.9. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center sea level monitoring stations confirmed the occurrence of a tsunami.

At 3:30pm, 11 March 2011, PHIVOLCS issued a bulletin with Tsunami Alert Level 2 in areas along

the coast of the Philippines fronting the Pacific Ocean, stating that the concerned public is advised to be on a alert for unusual tsunami waves.

PHIVOLCS has received reports of sea level data from the National Mapping Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), indicating minor sea level changes or the arrival of unusual waves in some areas in the Philippines stating at 6:00pm up to 10:10pm with a reported maximum wave height ranging from 0.20m to 0.70m.

The current trend of observed wave heights suggests that the threat of a hazardous tsunami has passed. However, the public is still advised to avoid going to the beach and sailing out to the sea. Boat operators at sea should coordinate with the local port authorities to check if unusual currents have stopped for them to be able to dock safety.

This will be the last bulletin issued for this event.

-PHIVOLCS-DOST

= = =

LATEST UPDATES will continue to be POSTED.

TSUNAMI ALERT: 8.9 JAPAN EARTHQUAKE | Philippines braces for incoming tsunami waves

2011-03-11T11:33:00.005Z

[UPDATE - 11:36pm GMT - 7:36pm Philippine Time]

Nineteen provinces in the eastern coast of the Philippines are now bracing for incoming waves caused the 8.9 magnitude super-quake that hit Japan today.

These are the provinces that are now considered as tsunami-prone areas:

Ilocos Norte
Cagayan
Isabela
Aurora
Quezon
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Albay
Sorsogon
Northern Samar
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Surigao Del Norte
Surigao Del Sur
Davao Oriental
Davao Del Sur

Updates via Twitter have reported that Taiwan is now in the clear, while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is still trying to verify reports of booming sounds off the coast of Isabela province.

The LATEST UPDATES WILL BE POSTED SOON.

REVOLUTION IN EGYPT: It's ALL OVER; Mubarak flees! | What made Mubarak finally succumb to the People?

2011-02-12T22:03:00.002Z

What made Egypt's President for over three decades finally tick?

Eighteen days of protests have literally changed the course of Egypt's history and the rest of the Arab World - millions of heroes marching forth towards their battle for democracy.

I wonder: What was Mubarak thinking throughout those tumultuous days?

I could simply imagine him sitting behind his desk, head resting on his hand, looking and signing all kinds of government documents, while listening to all his advisers and asking them for the latest intelligence reports on the situation.

Did it really take him nearly three weeks to finally throw the towel and flee Heliopolis Palace, which was already surrounded by thousands of protesters chanting pro-democracy slogans? Or was it because of his advisers and other close associates who told him to hold on to the pinnacle of power until the army stepped in?

Back in February 1986, when the Philippines' dictator, then-President Ferdinand Marcos, was facing the very same predicament - millions of protesters out in the streets, calling for an end to his two-decade rule, it took a mere four days to force him to step down and flee the Philippines.

It is now well-documented that Marcos' decision was heavily influenced by the advice of his generals and his staunchest ally, the United States.

My dad says the embattled Mubarak might have been testing the patience of his people during his last-ever televised address to the nation and the world as President - when he declared that he would stay on as the country's head of state until the next elections, he wanted to see if they would merely go back to their homes and continue live under his leadership --- "business as usual," so to speak.

But as we have seen, the people's patience had already ran out way before the rallies began.

As Mubarak reached the end of his speech, I could clearly see the live pictures showing the hundreds of thousands of people in Cairo's Tahrir Square raising their fists and holding their shoes up (known to be a grave insult in the Arab World) against the screen broadcasting the address.

Many say that when a dictator realizes that he only has a few days in power, they begin to panic, but try to look as calm as possible in the eyes of the people. Such an example was Mubarak's last speech - he tried to look cool, talking about his early life and how reached the top. But it was all over.

Just by the look on his face, he knew that his time had come.

As Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile famously told President Ferdinand Marcos in a telephone call during the People Power Revolution, "Enough is enough, Mr. President. I think that you know that your time is up.'

REVOLUTION IN EGYPT: It's ALL OVER; Mubarak FLEES! | Philippine President Aquino's Statement on Egypt's Revolution

2011-02-12T16:19:00.000Z

[UPDATE: 4:05pm GMT - 6:05pm Egypt Standard Time]

Here is Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's official statement on Egypt's successful revolution, ending President Hosni Mubarak's thirty-year rule.

President Aquino emphasized the Philippines' willingness in sharing its experience from its own People Power Revolution back in 1986, which ironically also occurred on the month of February, ousting the 20-year dictatorship of then-President Ferdinand Marcos. The President also expressed the country's warmest felicitations as the Egyptian People enter a transition to a new government and democracy.

Statement

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

Egypt's 'People Power' transition - February 11, 2011 (Cairo Time)

[Released to the media on February 12, 2011]

The Filipino People welcome the relatively peaceful resolution to Egypt's political crisis. Egypt's 'People Power' transition shows that the aspirations for a more free and fair society are universal.

As Filipinos did in 1986, Egyptians must now begin the work of rebuilding their institutions.

We stand in solidarity with Egypt and all people who long for peaceful and meaningful change.

Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Republic of the Philippines

REVOLUTION IN EGYPT: DAY 18 | President Obama's statement on Mubarak's resignation as Egyptian President

2011-02-11T21:14:00.001Z

Here is US President Barack Obama's statement on the momentous resignation of Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt - delivered from the White House, February 11, 2011, 3pm EST | 8pm GMT

---

Good afternoon, everybody.

There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history taking place. This is one of those moments. This is one of those times.

The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard, and Egypt will never be the same.

By stepping down, President Mubarak responded to the Egyptian people's hunger for change.

But this is not the end of Egypt's transition. It's a beginning. I'm sure there will be difficult days ahead, and many questions remain unanswered.

But I am confident that the people of Egypt can find the answers and do so peacefully, constructively, and in the spirit of unity that has defined these last few weeks, for Egyptians have made it clear that nothing less than genuine democracy will carry the day.

The military has served patriotically and responsibly as a caretaker to the state and will now have to ensure a transition that is credible in the eyes of the Egyptian people. That means protecting the rights of Egypt's citizens, lifting the emergency law, revising the constitution and other laws to make this change irreversible, and laying out a clear path to elections that are fair and free.

Above all, this transition must bring all of Egypt's voices to the table, for the spirit of peaceful protest and perseverance that the Egyptian people have shown can serve as a powerful wind at the back of this change.

The United States will continue to be a friend and partner to Egypt. We stand ready to provide whatever assistance is necessary, and asked for, to pursue a credible transition to a democracy.

I'm also confident that the same ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that the young people of Egypt have shown in recent days can be harnessed to create new opportunity, jobs and businesses that allow the extraordinary potential of this generation to take flight.

OBAMA: And I know that a democratic Egypt can advance its role of responsible leadership not only in the region, but around the world.

Tahrir Square explodes into jubilation as Mubarak resigns

Egypt has played a pivotal role in human history for over 6,000 years. But over the last few weeks, the wheel of history turned at a blinding pace as the Egyptian people demanded their universal rights. We saw mothers and fathers carrying their children on their shoulders to show them what true freedom might look like. We saw young Egyptians say, "For the first time in my life, I really count. My voice is heard. Even though I'm only one person, this is the way real democracy works."

We saw protesters chant "selmeyah, selmeyah -- "We are peaceful" -- again and again. We saw a military that would not fire bullets at the people they were sworn to protect. And we saw doctors and nurses rushing into the streets to care for those who were wounded; volunteers checking protesters to ensure that they were unarmed.

We saw people of faith praying together and chanting Muslims, Christians, "We are one." And though we know that the strains between faiths still divide too many in this world and no single event will close that chasm immediately, these scenes remind us that we need not be defined by our differences. We can be defined by the common humanity that we share.

And above all, we saw a new generation emerge -- a generation that uses their own creativity and talent and technology to call for a government that represented their hopes and not their fears, a government that is responsive to their boundless aspirations.

One Egyptian put it simply: "Most people have discovered in the last few days that they are worth something. And this cannot be taken away from them anymore, ever."

This is the power of human dignity, and it could never be denied. Egyptians have inspired us, and they've done so by putting the lie to the idea that justice is best gained through violence.

For an Egypt, it was the moral force of non-violence -- not terrorism, not mindless killing -- but non-violence, moral force that bent the arch of history toward justice once more.

And while the sights and sound that we heard were entirely Egyptian, we can't help but hear the echoes of history, echoes from Germans tearing down a wall, Indonesian students taking to the streets, Gandhi leading his people down the path of justice.

As Martin Luther King said in celebrating the birth of a new nation in Ghana while trying to perfect his own, "There's something in the soul that cries out for freedom."

Those were the cries that came from Tahrir Square. And the entire world has taken note.

Today belongs to the people of Egypt, and the American people are moved by these scenes in Cairo and across Egypt because of who we are as a people, and the kind of world that we want our children to grow up in.

The word "Tahrir" means liberation. It is a word that speaks to that something in our souls that cries out for freedom. And forever more it will remind us of the Egyptian people, of what they did, of the things that they stood for and how they changed their country and in doing so changed the world.

Thank You.

REVOLUTION IN EGYPT: DAY 18 | IT'S ALL OVER! MUBARAK HAS STEPPED DOWN! FLEES CAIRO! The JANUARY 25 REVOLUTION!

2011-02-11T16:59:00.003Z

[Update: 4:12pm | 6:12pm Egypt Standard Time]

BREAKING NEWS:
It's Day 18 of Egypt's revolution. And HISTORY has been made.

President Mubarak in one of his speeches to the nation during the 18-day protests

After the historic announcement, many of the demonstrators declared, 'I cannot believe I'll live to see this happen. Egypt is Free!"

It's all over!

My friends, it has been confirmed:

Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, has STEPPED DOWN!

According to Vice President Omar Suleiman, Mubarak has now handed over power to the Egyptian Military.

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Tahrir Square

Eighteen days of protests has forced Mubarak to make the biggest concession that he has ever done - from his first announcement that he has formed a new government, second, that he will no longer stand in the next election, and his third and final address to the nation last night, that he will stay on as his country's head of state - not anymore, Mr. President.

Mr. Mubarak ruled Egypt for thirty years, succeeding then-President Anwar Al-Sadat after his assassination back in October 1981.

As I'm writing this blog post, the hundreds of thousands, or more accurately, the MILLIONS in Tahrir Square in Central Cairo and in Egypt's other major cities have now literally EXPLODED into celebration, shouting, "EGYPT IS FREE! EGYPT IS FREE!"

As reporters on the ground in Cairo said, the joy of the people is just indescribable.

In spite of the many obstacles that the protesters have to hurdle, such as the brutality of the government's security and the unexpected clash between them and pro-Mubarak demonstrators, they have managed to finally end the regime of Hosni Mubarak.

Cairo celebrates as news of Mubarak's resignation spreads like wildfire (Al Jazeera English)

After the historic announcement, many of the demonstrators said, 'I cannot believe I'll be able to see this happen. I am so proud."

The scenes in Tahrir Square is reminiscent of the scenes in the Philippines, back in FEBRUARY 1986, when the Filipino People rose up against then-dictator President Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the country with an iron fist for more than twenty years and forced him to flee into exile in the United States, restoring democracy and freedom in the Philippines.

And, now after exactly TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, it's Egypt turn to show the world that PEOPLE POWER will always PREVAIL. As assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr. said to then-Philippine dictator President Marcos in 1981:

"There has never been single dictator in history that has lived forever...study the lessons of history BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."

To the PEOPLE of EGYPT, YOU ARE MY HEROES TONIGHT.

THIS IS YOUR FINEST HOUR.

The January 25 Revolution!

Revolution in Egypt: Day 17 | President Mubarak's address to the Egyptian People [TRANSCRIPT]

2011-02-10T23:35:00.003Z

[UPDATE: 11:34pm GMT - 1:34am Egyptian Standard Time]

Here is the transcript of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's speech to his nation on Thursday evening - translated from Arabic by the Federal Document Clearing House:

In the name of Allah, the merciful, the compassionate, dear fellow citizens, my sons, the youth of Egypt, and daughters, I am addressing you tonight to the youth of Egypt in Tahrir Square, with all of its diversity.

I am addressing all of you from the heart, a speech from the father to his sons and daughters. I am telling you that I am very grateful and am so proud of you for being a symbolic generation that is calling for change to the better, that is dreaming for a better future, and is making the future.

I am telling you before anything, that the blood of the martyrs and the injured will not go in vain.

And I would like to affirm, I will not hesitate to punish those who are responsible fiercely. I will hold those in charge who have violated the rights of our youth with the harshest punishment stipulated in the law.

I am telling families of the innocent victims that I have been so much in pain for their pain, and my heart ached for your heartache.

I am telling you that my response to your demands and your messages and your requests is my commitment that I will never go back on to. I am determined to fulfill what I have promised you in all honesty, and I'm determined to execute and carry out what I have promised without going back to the past.

This commitment is out of my conviction of your honesty and your movement and that your demands are the demands - legitimate and just demands. Any regime could make mistakes in any country, but what is more important is to acknowledge these mistakes and reform and correct them in a timely manner, and to hold those responsible for it accountable.

I am telling you, as a president of the country, I do not find it a mistake to listen to you and to respond to your requests and demands. But it is shameful and I will not, nor will ever accept to hear foreign dictations, whatever the source might be or whatever the context it came in.

My sons and daughters, the youth of Egypt, dear fellow citizens, I have announced, without any doubt, that I will not run for the next presidential elections and have said that I have given the country and served the country for 60 years in public service, during wartime and during peacetime.

I have told you my determination that I will hold steadfast to continue to take on my responsibility to protect the constitution and the rights of people until power is transferred to whomever the people choose during September, the upcoming September, and free and impartial elections that will be safeguarded by the freedom - the call for freedom.

This is the oath that I have taken before God and before you. And I will protect it and keep it until we reach - we take Egypt to the safety and security.

I have given you my vision to get out of this current situation, to accomplish what the youth and the people called for, within the respect for the legitimacy and the constitution in a way that will accomplish security, and security for our future and the demands of our people, and at the same time will guarantee a framework of peaceful transition of power.

Through a responsible dialogue between all factions in the society, with all honesty and transparency, I have given you this vision under commitment to take the country out of this current crisis, and I will continue to accomplish it. And I'm monitoring the situation hour by hour.

I'm looking forward to the support of all those who are careful about the security and want a secure Egypt, within a tangible time, with the harmony of the broad base of all Egyptians that will stay watchful to guard Egypt and under the command of its military forces.

We have started a national dialogue, a constructive one, that included the youth who have called for change and reform, and also with all the factions of opposition and of society. And this dialogue resulted in harmony, and preliminary harmony in opinions that has placed us on the beginning of the road to transfer to a better future that we have agreed on.

We also have agreed on a road map - a road map with a timetable. Day after day, we will continue the transition of power from now until September.

This national dialogue has -- has met and was formed under a constitutional committee that have looked into the constitution and what was required - and looked into what is required, and the constitution reforms that is demanded [inaudible].

We will also monitor the execution - the honest execution of what I have promised my people. I was careful that both committees that were formed - to be formed from Egyptians who are honorable and who are independent and impartial, and who are well-versed in law and constitution.

In addition to that, in reference to the loss of many Egyptians during these sad situations that have pained the hearts of all of us and have ached the conscience of all Egyptians. I have also requested to expedite investigations and to refer all investigations to the attorney general to take the necessary measures and steps - decisive steps.

I also received the first reports yesterday about the required constitutional reform - reforms that was suggested by the constitutional and law experts regarding the legislative reforms that were requested.

I am also responding to what the committee has suggested. And based on the powers given to me according to the constitution, I have presented today a request asking the amendment
of six constitutional articles, which is 76, 77, 88, 93 and 187, in addition to abolishing article number 79 in the constitution, with the affirmation and conviction that later on we can also amend the other articles that would be suggested by that constitutional committee, according to what it sees right.

Our priority now is to facilitate free election - free presidential elections and to stipulate a number of terms in the constitution and to guarantee a supervision of the upcoming elections to make sure it will be conducted in a free manner.

We - I have also looked into the provisions and the steps to look into the parliamentary elections, but those who have suggested to abolish article number 179 in the constitution will guarantee the balance between the constitution and between our security and the threat of terror, which will open the door to stopping the martial law, as soon as we regain stability and security and as soon as these circumstances -- circumstances assure the stability.

Our priority now is to regain confidence between citizens among themselves and to regain confidence in the international arena and to regain confidence about the reforms that we have pledged.

Egypt is going through some difficult times, and it is not right to continue in this discourse because it has affected our economy and we have lost day after day, and it is in danger -- it is putting Egypt through a situation where people who have called for reform will be the first ones to be affected by it.

This time is not about me. It's not about Hosni Mubarak. But the situation now is about Egypt and its present and the future of its citizens.

All Egyptians are in the same spot now, and we have to continue our national dialogue that we have started in the spirit of one team and away from disagreements and fighting so that we can take Egypt to the next step and to regain confidence in our economy and to let people feel secure and to stabilize the Egyptian street so that people can resume their daily life.

I was a young man, a youth just like all these youth, when I have learned the honor of the military system and to sacrifice for the country. I have spent my entire life defending its land and its sovereignty. I have witnessed and attended its wars with all its defeats and victories. I have lived during defeat and victory.

During the victory in 1973, my happiest days were when I lifted the Egyptian flag over Sinai. I have faced death several times when I was a pilot. I also faced it in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and elsewhere.

I did not submit nor yield to foreign dictations or others. I have kept the peace. I worked towards the Egyptian stability and security. I have worked to the revival in Egypt and the prosperity.

I did not seek authority. I trust that the majority -- the vast majority of the Egyptian people know who is Hosni Mubarak, and it pains me to what I have -- what I see today from some of my fellow citizens. And anyway, I am completely aware of the -- what we are facing and I am convinced that Egypt is going through a historical -- a historical moment that necessitates we should look into the higher and superior aspirations of the nation over any other goal or interest.

I have delegated to the vice president some of the power - the powers of the president according to the constitution.

I am aware, fully aware, that Egypt will overcome the crisis and the resolve of its people will not be deflected and will [inaudible] again because of the - and will deflect the arrows of the enemies and those who [inaudible] against Egypt.

We will stand as Egyptians and we will prove our power and our resolve to overcome this through national dialogue. We will prove that we are not followers or puppets of anybody, nor we are receiving orders or dictations from anybody -- any entity, and no one is making the decision for us except for the [inaudible] of the Egyptian [inaudible].

We will prove that with the spirit and the resolve of the Egyptian people, and with the unity and steadfastness of its people and with our resolve and to our glory and pride.

These are the main foundations of our civilization that have started over 7,000 years ago. That spirit will live in us as long as the Egyptian people - as long as the Egyptian people remain, that spirit will remain in us.

It will live amongst all of our people, farmers, intellectuals, workers. It will remain in the hearts of our senior citizens, our women, our children, Christians and Muslims alike, and in the hearts and minds of all those who are not born yet.

Let me say again that I have lived for this nation. I have kept my responsibilities. And Egypt will remain, above all, and above any individuals -- Egypt will remain until I deliver and surrender its -- it to others.

This will be the land of my living and my death. It will remain a dear land to me. I will not leave it nor depart it until I am buried in the ground. Its people will remain in my heart, and it will remain -- its people will remain upright and lifting up their heads.

May God keep Egypt secure and may God defend its people. And peace be upon you.

Revolution in Egypt: Day 17 | MUBARAK REFUSES TO STEP DOWN

2011-02-10T23:11:00.000Z

[Update: 10:21pm GMT - 12:21am Egypt Standard Time]

In a live televised address to the nation tonight, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has firmly refused to step down from the presidency and is determined to stay in power until September, when the next elections are scheduled to be held.

Amidst speculation that it was during this widely-anticipated address that he will announce his resignation as the country's head of state, Mubarak instead said that he has given Vice-President Omar Suleiman more power over the government and has promised the lifting of 'emergency rule,' which has been implemented by his regime for the past thirty years ever since he took power after the assassination of then-President Anwar Al-Sadat in October 1981.

To the indescribable anger and sheer frustration of the hundreds of thousands of protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, Mubarak obviously defied the people's demand - as the crowds in the square eagerly watched the address on a large screen, their celebratory mood immediately changed to outrage, angrily chanting: "Erhal! Erhal! Erhal! Erhal!" (Leave! Leave! Leave!) and "We won't leave! He will leave!"

Many took off their shoes, waving them angrily at the screen as a show of defiance and dissatisfaction of the President's concessions, such as forming a 'committee' that will propose constitutional amendments and of course, handing over presidential powers to Vice-President Suleiman.

Suleiman, in a televised address shortly after Mubarak's speech urged the youth to 'go back home' and told Egyptians "not [to] listen to satellite television stations" - obviously referring to Al Jazeera, which has been the main source of reliable news directly from Egypt and has constantly suffered in the hands of Mubarak's security forces for covering the uprising non-stop.

Numerous protesters have now moved from Tahrir Square, planning to march to the headquarters of the State TV & Radio and the Presidential Palace.

For the protesters still demanding for the President's resignation, it's back to the streets tomorrow - vowing to continue the demonstrations until they see a Mubarak-free Egypt.

LIVE Pictures from Tahrir Square, Cairo

Revolution in Egypt: Day 17 | President Obama: "A Moment of Transformation"

2011-02-10T19:25:00.000Z

[UPDATE 7:19pm GMT - 9:19pm Egyptian Standard Time]

U.S. President Barack Obama's remarks on the situation in Egypt from Marquette, Michigan:

"...We are following today's events in Egypt very closely and we'll have more to say as this plays out.

But what is absolutely clear is we are witnessing history unfold. It's a moment of transformation that's taking place because the People of Egypt are calling for change.

They've turned out in extraordinary numbers representing all ages and all walks of life.

But it's young people who've been at the forefront, a new generation - your generation, who want their voices to be heard.

And so going forward, we want those young people and we want all Egyptians to know America will continue to do everything that we can to support an orderly and genuine transition to democracy in Egypt.

Now as we watch what's taking place, we're also reminded that we live in an interconnected world - what happens across the world has an impact on each and everyone of us."

Postscript: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will deliver an address to the nation tonight --- LIVE from the Presidential Palace in Central Cairo.

Revolution in Egypt: Day 17 | Mubarak to address nation tonight

2011-02-10T17:24:00.002Z

[UPDATE: 4:54pm GMT - 5:54pm Egypt Standard Time]

DAY 17 of the REVOLUTION in EGYPT. And many say, this could be the last.

Egyptian State Television has confirmed that embattled President Hosni Mubarak will address the nation tonight LIVE from the Presidential Palace in Cairo.

As reports of the President's plan to RESIGN TONIGHT spread, a senior commander of the Egyptian military told the protesters gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square earlier today that is has stepped in to 'safeguard the country' and that their demands will be met soon.

LIVE Pictures from Cairo's Tahrir Square - 7:18pm Egypt Standard Time (Courtesy: Al Jazeera English)

Egypt's Prime Minister has said that Mubarak may step down and that the situation in the country 'will be clarified soon.'

Al Jazeera English estimates the crowd at Tahrir Square at three million.

WATCH IT LIVE: Click 'PLAY' on the screen on the left-hand to watch the scenes LIVE from Tahrir Square (Livestream provided by CBS and PBS on UStream).
You may also go to Al Jazeera English's LIVE Stream for the latest updates directly from their correspondents in Egypt.

Revolution in Egypt: Day 16 | Protesters surround Parliament Building in Cairo

2011-02-09T22:09:00.000Z

It's Day 16 of the pro-democracy protests all across Egypt.

As reported by Al Jazeera English, Egyptian labour unions have gone on a nationwide strike - around twenty thousand factory workers stayed away from work today, joining the tens of thousands demanding for the end of President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule.

The protesters that have mainly occupied in Tahrir Square in Central Cairo have now surrounded the People's Assembly Building, which they consider as ''illegitimate," as the Egyptian Army tightens security around Helipolis Palace - the official residence of the President of Egypt.

While Vice-President Omar Suleiman has announced the release of thirty-four political prisoners (which included members of the banned opposition group Muslim Brotherhood) during the last two days in an attempt to appease the demonstrators (he failed, of course), he warned that the alternative to a breakdown in the dialogue between the government and the protesters was "that a coup happens, which would mean 'uncalculated' and hasty steps, including lots of irrationalities."

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs criticized Suleiman's response to the demands of the pro-democracy protesters, saying:

The process for his transition does not appear to be in line with the people of Egypt. We believe that more has to be done.

Yesterday, Suleiman said that as part of the government's transition plan, three committees will be formed, namely:

A committee proposing amendments to the Egyptian Constitution
A committee overseeing the implementation of the approved amendments
A committee that will investigate the clashes between pro and anti-Mubarak protesters on February 2nd.

Tonight, protesters in Tahrir Square have held a candlelight vigil in honor of those who have died since the uprising began last month - according to Human Rights Watch, more than 300 civilians have been killed since January 28th.

Revolution in Egypt: Day 13 - The Day of Martyrs | Al Jazeera English's Ayman Mohyledin released from detention

2011-02-06T20:44:00.033Z

[UPDATE: - February 6, 2011 - 8:44PM] ~ 10:44PM Egyptian Standard Time

Al Jazeera English Correspondent Ayman Mohyeldin has been released from detention by the military in Central Cairo in Egypt.

According to AJE, Mohyeldin was seized by the Egyptian Military in Tahrir Square in Central Cairo earlier today, but was freed seven hours later after a "concerted appeal by the network" and supporters of Mohyeldin (like myself), who mostly came from the social networking site Twitter.

From the time AJE reported Mohyeldin's detention, thousands of his followers on Twitter (which increased from 19,000 to 21,000 just hours after reports first surfaced of his imprisonment) began using the hashtag #FreeAyman to spread awareness of the military's suppression of the press currently covering the protests in Egypt.

This is not the first time Al Jazeera suffered in the hands of President Hosni Mubarak's security forces for covering the crisis non-stop - several of their journalists have been jailed and eventually released and the channel's bureau in Cairo has been closed down by the Egyptian Government.

Revolution in Egypt: Day 13 - The Day of Martyrs | UPDATE - February 6, 2011 - 2:02PM ~ 4:02PM Egypt Standard Time

2011-02-06T14:36:00.002Z

[UPDATE - February 6, 2011 - 2:02PM] ~ 4:02PM Egypt Standard Time

It's Day 13 for massive protests in Egypt in calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak - as of 2:02pm (4:02pm - Egypt Standard Time), thousands of Egyptians are still in Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) in Central Cairo and in other major cities such as Alexandria, Luxor and Mansoura.

In what the demonstrators call the 'Day of Martyrs,' Egyptian State TV have released footages showing newly-appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman holding talks with the Muslim Brotherhood, the largest opposition party in Egypt that has been banned for the past fifty years.

The Muslim Brotherhood meanwhile has denied that it was holding negotiations with the government as shown on State TV, reiterating their demand for President Mubarak's resignation.

We cannot call [for] talks or negotiations. We went in with a key condition that will not be abandoned, which was that [Mubarak] needs to step down in order to usher in a democratic phase.

The Revolution in Egypt: Day Eleven - The Day of Departure

2011-02-04T22:11:00.031Z

It's Day 11 for massive demonstrations all across Egypt calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule and an immediate transition to democracy.

Unlike the terrible clashes between pro and anti-Mubarak protesters that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday that resulted in the deaths of thirteen civilians and nearly two thousand injured, today's protests, as I'm writing this blog post, has been relatively peaceful - or, as journalists on the ground describe it, a "tense calm."

Just after the Friday prayers concluded, shouts of "Mubarak must go!" and "Erhal! Erhal! Ehral!" (Leave! Leave! Leave!) were beginning to be heard.

The initials of popular websites spell out 'Egypt'!

As of 12:02PM (2:02AM, February 5th - Egypt Standard Time), tens of thousands of Egyptians are still in Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) in Central Cairo for the "Day of Departure" - a final push for President Mubarak to resign from office and leave Egypt.

Last night, in an exclusive interview with ABC News' Christianne Amanpour, President Mubarak expressed his fear that if he relinquished the presidency now, "there will be chaos all over Egypt." (Yeah, as if there has been no chaos under his rule).

During his last conversation with President Obama, who directly asked him to quit and begin the transition to a new government 'now,' Mubarak frankly told him, 'You do not know Egyptian culture.'

The demonstrators in Tahrir have urged for mass protests to be held next week, as they begin to settle in for another night in the streets of Cairo - people are waving Egyptian flags, chanting the national anthem and forming human chains, protecting each other regardless of their religion.

Protests have also taken place in Egypt's other major cities such as Alexandria and Luxor
Earlier today, Obama once again called for Mubarak's resignation, saying that the embattled President must 'listen to the Egyptian People.'

Starting tonight, I'll be posting the latest updates on the revolution in Egypt that could indeed change the course of the history of the Arab World's most populous nation.

Bypass Egyptian Government censorship!

2011-01-29T13:28:00.002Z

Are you in EGYPT?

Do you want to exercise your right to FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

BYPASS the Egyptian Government's efforts to BLOCK all websites and prevent its people from communicating with the rest of the world through these links:

If you know anyone currently in Egypt, pass this on to them:

In order to bypass government blocking of website names, use the numerical IP addresses below:

For Facebook: "69.63.189.34"

For Twitter: "128.242.240.52"

For Google: "72.14.204.99"

Do share this to as many people as possible.

For Egyptian Freedom!

President Benigno Aquino III's Statement on the EDSA Bus Blast [01.25.2011]

2011-01-27T16:44:00.003Z

President Benigno Aquino III inspects the Newman Goldliner Bus (transferred to the Southern Police District in Taguig) where a bomb exploded, killing five civilians and injuring dozens.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2010, President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III delivered a statement on the bus bombing tragedy that occurred on that day along EDSA-Buendia in Makati City. In the statement, the President offered his condolences to the victims of the blast and has assured that an investigation will immediately be commenced.

~ ~ ~

Pahayag
ni
Benigno S. Aquino III
Pangulo ng Pilipinas
Ukol sa pagsabog ng bus sa EDSA-Buendia noong ika-25 ng Enero, 2011

[Inihayag sa Briefing Room ng New Executive Building, Malacañan Palace noong ika-25 ng Enero, 2011; 17:11 hrs. EST]

Unang-una po, gusto naming ipabatid na nakikiramay po kami sa mga namatay dito po sa trahedya—sa pagsabog ng isang bus sa EDSA—at doon na rin po sa mga nasugatan.

Sa kasalukuyan po, inatasan na natin at kumikilos na ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno para, unang-una, bigyan ng pag-aaruga itong mga nasaktan, at iyong imbestigasyon dito sa pagsabog na ito.

Nandoon na po ang ating kapulisan, nakipagtulungan po ang local government unit natin sa Makati, pati na rin po ang MMDA, ‘yung ating intelligence services na talagang sa kasalukuyan ay tumututok na para malutas itong krimen na ito.

Makakasiguro po ang lahat na sa di-magtatagal na panahon, tulad ng ibang mga insidente, tulad ng bombing noong bar exams, magkakaroon ng kalutasan po itong sitwasyon na ito. Nakatututok po ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan para masigurado ang kaligtasan ng lahat.

Tungo po doon, inatasan natin ang PNP at ang ating AFP at intelligence services na magreview ulit ng mga tinatawag na threat assessment, with the end in view of hardening all of the areas that are considered under threat.

Mayroon na rin pong mga ibang ginagawa sa kasalukuyan at matagal nang ginagawa, tulad ng pag-iimbentaryo ng mga kasangkapan ng AFP at ng PNP, lalo na po sa mga insidente na kung saan nagkaroon ng mga paggamit diumano ng C4.

Hinihigpitan natin ang tinatawag na pag-aaruga nitong mga consumables para sigurado tayong walang mawawala sa diretsuhang control ng ating Sandatahang Lakas.

Uulitin ko lang po, at ito nga ho ay gusto kong ipahatid sa ating mga kababayan: Talaga pong hindi titigil ang inyong pamahalaan na mahanap itong mga taong gumawa ng karumal-dumal na krimen na ito, na talaga naman pong hindi nakatutok sa isang tao o isang grupo, eh, talagang pananakot lang po sa buong sambayanan. Hindi natin pababayaan na magpatuloy ito, ang ganitong sitwasyon na may agam-agam ang atin pong mga kababayan sa Pilipinas.

Benigno S. Aquino III

Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas

Blood on President Aquino's Hands? Ah, No. [Kuro-Kuro.org]

2011-01-07T18:50:00.009Z

[This post was first submitted by the author and published on Kuro-Kuro.org (whose founders were also behind the 2-million strong 'Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III' Facebook page) on January 6, 2011]

President Benigno Aquino III troops the line as he led the installation of Rear Admiral Alexander Pama as the new Flag Officer-In-Command of the Philippine Navy | January 4, 2011

On December 20, 2010, ten soldiers and a nine-year old boy were killed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Province of Northern Samar, two days after the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) agreed to a yuletide ceasefire that will last until early 2011.

The GRP and the CPP have also agreed to begin the stalled peace-talks soon after.

I’m sure everyone agrees on this perspective: Justice must be served to those who have been killed.

In spite of this treacherous act by elements of the communist movement in the south, we still have to resist the call to arms again.

I don’t view President Aquino’s decision to stand with the government’s commitment to the ceasefire in spite of the massacre as justice being denied to those who deserve it.

Violence only begets more violence, as President Aquino’s own father, the revered Filipino statesman and freedom-fighter, Ninoy Aquino, once said.

Not every communist rebel have lost their faith in the democratic way of governance – recently, two batches of the NPA in Cagayan De Oro and Mindoro even surrendered to the government.

The Aquino Administration is right to keep its promise of no retaliation in order to prevent the communists from being able to accuse the government as not really committed to peace. The CPP have been in this ‘crusade’ of theirs, so to speak, for the past four decades – we must show them that the gov’t is unrelenting in its quest for peace.

Ninoy once said that everyone, no matter what political creed they might have, must be allowed to voice their beliefs and principles in the market of public opinion – there, the Filipino People will choose which ideology they prefer. President Cory Aquino told us that democracy must be defended at all times – but in doing so, violence must still be prevented at all costs.

Of course, we have to get the perpetrators of this dastardly crime and give them the punishment they deserve in accordance with the law, but one question remains: Do we really have to go on the road of full-scale war once again because of one’s hunger for revenge?

This is why the peace process is so important.

‘Di lang yung mga napatay sa Samar ang mga naging biktima ng karasahan dahil sa digmaang ito – na kay tagal-tagal na, hindi pa rin natatapos.

This could be said as the road to justice without using the bullet as a shortcut.

Hopefully, if the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF finally come to terms and agree to end this conflict with a solution in which both parties can agree on, we might be able to touch the conscience of the communist leaders and ask them to help us in our quest for justice not just for the recent victims of this war, but for the victims who have been killed ever since it began.

If the peace talks become successful, then hopefully, that could be considered as the right time to finally request their help in the fight for justice.

160,000 people have already been killed in this conflict that has severely hampered the development of our steadily-growing country. Don’t we want an end to all of this?

—
Postscript:

And, as for those who have raised the issue of Ninoy’s ties with the left – this actually traces back to the time when they decided to pick Ninoy as their bet for President for the not-to-be polls of 1973. His so-called ‘ties’ with the CPP can be described as a mutual understanding, as Ninoy advocated the CPP’s legalization and that it be allowed to voice its opinions in a more PEACEFUL, LEGAL and DEMOCRATIC way as far as the rule of law is concerned, though affirming his stand after being released from prison in 1980 that he is not, was never and will never be, a communist.

DOH/DTI/PNP: Banned Firecrackers for 2011 New Years' Celebrations

2010-12-27T23:17:00.005Z

In preparation for the New Years' Eve celebrations come December 31st and amidst the rising incidents related to firecrackers, the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have released a list of banned firecrackers, as follows:

Goodbye Philippines
Piccolo
Atomic Bomb
Super Lolo
Watusi
Atomic Big Triangulo
Judas Belt (Large)
Pla-Pla
Bawang (Large)
Lolo Thunder
Kwiton
Og
Kabasi
Giant Whistle
Goodbye Earth

Since December 21, 2010, the number of firecracker-related injuries has risen to 145 - the DTI said that legitimate products are properly labeled with the manufacturer's name and address and has warned that those who manufacture and sell illegal firecrackers could face severe charges.

The DTI has called on the public to report any problems through their hotline - 751-33-30.

Statement of President Benigno Aquino III on the 2011 Philippine National Budget

2010-12-27T18:24:00.008Z

[Text courtesy of the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines - http://www.gov.ph/]

President Benigno Aquino III has signed the P1.645 Trillion national budget for the year 2011 (General Appropriations Act - 2011) in the Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace in the presence of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, President of the Senate; Rep. Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Speaker of the House of Representatives; Sen. Franklin Drilon, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and other lawmakers.

This is the first time in eleven years that the national budget was drafted, passed by both Senate and the House and signed into law by the President on the same year.

Statement of President Benigno S. Aquino III on the Approval of the General Approriations Act of 2011

[December 27, 2010]

Congress has ratified the General Appropriations Act for 2011. By so doing, it has made possible my signing the national budget today. This will be the first time in eleven years that the budget will be signed into law in the same year that it was submitted.

The House of Representatives and the Senate, by means of their swift yet thorough deliberations on the budget, have proven that Congress is indeed serious about the primary duty of the legislature. The budget is the most important act of any Congress. Its early passage means that the much-needed programs for poverty alleviation and development can be implemented earlier.

This will enable us to address the urgent needs of our people in a timely manner. Such needs include building more rural health units and providing immunization for children. This also allows us to construct new classrooms and hire new teachers, as promised to the Filipino people.

I would like to thank all the members of both chambers of Congress and staff of the various departments who came to the budget deliberations thoroughly prepared.

I would like to also extend my deepest thanks to the leadership of Congress: to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Representative Jun Abaya; to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Franklin Drilon, who led their respective chambers and shepherded the budget bill through the deliberations. Congress must be commended, in particular, for retaining our development programs, at the core of which are our poverty reduction programs such as Conditional Cash Transfers.

I commend the hard work and dedication of the Secretary of Budget and Management, Butch Abad, and the officials of the department, in putting together this historic zero-based budget. This approach has enabled us to more efficiently use the people’s resources and reduce corruption, as each item was justified first before its budget was approved.

All the departments exercising transparency and competence assisted in the swift passage of this measure.

We now have the means to fulfill our people’s aspirations for a government that pursues national development along transparent, accountable lines, and with maximum efficiency.

This budget demonstrates our commitment to solving the problems of our people at the soonest time. This alleviates the burdens especially of the most disadvantaged.

By working in unison and through constructive dialogue, our people have been indeed truly served.

I expect the Executive department to live up to the trust imposed by the people through Congress by adhering faithfully and thoroughly to both the spirit and the letter of the law.

Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Republic of the Philippines

President Benigno Aquino III's 2010 Christmas Message

2010-12-22T18:06:00.001Z

His Excellency, President Benigno 'Noynoy' S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, delivered his first-ever Christmas Message to the Filipino People as the country's Chief Executive on December 20, 2010 from the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañang Palace, Manila and broadcast across the archipelago today, December 22, 2010.

In his Christmas Message, President Aquino asked Filipinos not to forget the true meaning of Christmas and the need for everyone's hand in leading the country towards a brighter future.

Here is the transcript of President Aquino's Christmas Broadcast:

- Christmas Message of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III -
~ President of the Philippines ~
[Taped on December 20, 2010 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañang Palace]

Isang masagana at maligayang pasko po sa inyong lahat.

Madalas nating naririnig na iba talaga ang Paskong Pinoy. Nasa loob man o labas ng ating bansa, damang-dama natin ang ngiti at saya tuwing nagtitipon at nagdiriwang ang buong pamilya.

Lubos akong nagagalak sa ating pagsisikap na itaguyod ang kultura at mga kaugaliang bumubuo sa ating pagka-Pilipino: pagkakaisa, pagbabayanihan, at pag-asa sa harap ng anumang pagsubok.

Lagi po sana nating isapuso sa kabila ng ating pagdiriwang ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko:

Pasasalamat sa Poong Maykapal na inialay sa atin ang sarili Niyang anak upang iligtas tayo sa ating mga kasalanan.

Nawa'y maipamalas din natin ang ganitong pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa ating kapwa.

Malaki na ang ipinagbago ng ating kalagayan mula sa ating dinatnan.

Hindi kaya't mas bibilis pa ang ating pag-unlad kung ang kapakanan ng ating kapwa ang uunahin bago ang sarili?

Sama-sama nating abutin ang ating mithiin, kung saan ang nagmamalasakit at minalasakitan ay parehong nagagalak ngayon o pagkalipas man ng Pasko.

Nawa'y maging masaya at makabuluhan ang inyong mga Pasko sa piling ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Muli, maligayang Pasko po sa inyong lahat.

Philippine President Aquino's Statement on Aung San Suu Kyi's release

2010-11-14T22:38:00.001Z

This is the official statement of President Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines, on the release of Burmese democracy leader and 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Aung San Suu Kyi, released on November 14, 2010, and immediately posted on the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines - http://www.gov.ph/ and the Official Website of the President of the Philippines - http://www.President.gov.ph/.

During the ASEAN Summit in Ha Noi, Vietnam, President Aquino was the only ASEAN Head of State who personally called on Burma's military regime (whose delegation to the summit was led by Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein), for the unconditional freedom of Aung San Suu Kyi.

---

Official Statement of

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

On the release of Aung San Suu Kyi

- Released November 14th, 2010 -

I welcome the decision of Myanmar [Burma]'s government to release Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday.

While it is still unclear if there are conditions attached to her release, this is a positive step in the direction towards democracy.

But much more must me done for Myanmar [Burma] to prove it is serious about pursuing its roadmap to democracy.

Other political prisoners have not been freed and the recently concluded election has not been viewed as credible.

In the interest of its people and the region's long-term stability, I encourage Myanmar [Burma]'s government to build upon the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and take concrete steps towards a more open and fair system, efforts which will be surely welcomed by the rest of the international community.

THE LADY Is BACK: AUNG SAN SUU KYI To Deliver First SPEECH Since RELEASE - LIVE STREAMING HERE

2010-11-14T01:53:00.012Z

In a few hours, Burmese democracy leader and 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Winner AUNG SAN SUU KYI will deliver her first-ever formal public address following her release from seven years of house arrest. Amidst the cheering crowd of thre

e thousand outside her lakeside home on University Avenue, Rangoon, Aung San Suu Kyi briefly announced that she will reveal her plans in a speech at the headquarters of her party, the NLD - The National League for Democracy, at 12 noon [GMT+6.5 - Rangoon Time] (5AM GMT) today, Sunday, November 14, 2010.

"Please tell the people at the back of the crowd what I am saying now," Daw Suu Kyi said as she overlooked the gate of her dilapidated, colonial-style home.

"If you all want to hear more, please come to the NLD office at 12:00 pm tomorrow."

She was then seen nodding, gesturing with her hands, as if saying '12 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 12 o'clock - tomorrow.'

Demoskratos/Democracy will be streaming AUNG SAN SUU KYI's public address at the nat'l headquarters of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Central

LIVE via BBC World News at 5AM (GMT) - 12PM (GMT+6.5 - Rangoon Time).

As an alternative, do tune in to Sky News/BBC News/CNN International for LIVE coverage of the speech as written above: 5AM (GMT) - 12PM (Rangoon Time).

We will be doing our best in trying to make our stream as glitch-free as possible.

Thanks! :D

---

For the LATEST updates on Aung San Suu Kyi's newly-found freedom - the LADY who will lead a nation to DEMOCRACY, do continue logging on to Demoskratos/Democracy. =)

The Demoskratos/Democracy Blog proudly supports Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom, justice and DEMOCRACY in Burma. :)

THE LADY IS BACK: Burma's AUNG SAN SUU KYI Is FREE AT LAST! Thank Goodness, SHE IS FREE AT LAST!

2010-11-13T11:39:00.031Z

The Leader of the Burmese democracy movement and recipient of the 1991 Nobel Prize for Peace, AUNG SAN SUU KYI, has finally been released from house arrest.

Enduring seven consecutive years of detention in her dilapidated lakeside home in Central Rangoon, she finally appeared to the cheering crowds near the gates of her house at 11AM (GMT) - 5PM (Rangoon Time).

As she appeared to her adoring supporters, Suu Kyi told them: 'We must work together in unison to achieve our goal!'

Last night, hundreds of her supporters flocked to the headquarters of the NLD - the National League for Democracy, and near the barricades placed in front of the street where Suu Kyi's home is located, after hearing about the first reports of the military authorities delivering a release warrant to the Nobel Laureate.

As they waited for her release, hundreds were shouting, 'Long live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi!,' They eagerly walked towards her house after witness ing military personnel removing the barricades that blocked them from going to 54 University Avenue, Rangoon. However, U Tin Oo, one of the prominent leaders of the NLD, advised them to return at 9AM the next day.

Realizing that she was indeed going to be freed, the throng that were waiting for news at the NLD Headquarters literally ran three kilometers towards Suu Kyi's home to get a glimpse of the woman whom they call, 'The Lady,' only said in whispers for fear of reprisal from the iron-fisted military regime.

Deafening cheers and enthusiastic applause filled University Avenue as Aung San Suu Kyi appeared for the first time following her release - dressed in lilac, looking vibrant, with her trademark flowers-in-her-hair look; at sixty-five years old (and not to mention enduring years of imprisonment) many immediately noticed how young she looked!

President Obama welcomed her newly-found freedom, calling her a true 'hero'; The Hague has said that Aung San Suu Kyi's imprisonment for most of the past twenty-one years is deeply 'unjust.'

While EU President Jose Manuel Barroso is delighted of the news, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon expressed his 'heartfelt wishes' to Daw Suu Kyi; British Prime Minister David Cameron has described her freedom as 'long overdue' and that this is proof of the Burmese military junta's determination to suppress the democracy movement in Burma.

Aung San Suu Kyi has already called her son Kim Aris on the phone, who is currently in Thailand - sadly, he has reportedly failed to attain a visa to Burma at the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok to finally see his mother whom he has not seen in a decade. Kim himself has two children - one of them Suu Kyi has never even met.

It is still not known whether there has been any recent communication with his other son, Alexander Aris, who is believed to be presently based in the United States.

Though her release has been welcomed by her supporters all over the world, many fear that her freedom could be short-lived.

As we have seen over the last two decades, the military junta has found ways to continuously extend her detention; such was the case when American John Yettaw swam to her lakeside home, giving the authorities a reason to charge Suu Kyi of violating state security laws for 'harboring' Mr. Yettaw, at a time when they were due to release her.

Daw Suu was found 'guilty' after a three month-long trial and sentenced to eighteen months' under house arrest on August 11, 2009.

The sentence ended today.

Aung San Suu Kyi told her supporters to go to the NLD Headquarters on Sunday morning where she will deliver her first-ever public address after being released.

As for myself - last night, I was still awake at three in the morning, eager to hear for the latest news of Aung San Suu Kyi's release, surfing the web and attentively watching BBC News, Sky News and other 24-hour news channels for updates!

Nevertheless, it was worth - seeing Aung San Suu Kyi walking free, indeed, will forever be embedded in my mind as an event that I'll truly remember for the rest of my life. :)

One Philippine senator said it well:

'Today, it is freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi. Tomorrow, for Myanmar [Burma]!'

~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

For the LATEST updates on Aung San Suu Kyi's newly-found freedom - the LADY who will lead a nation to FREEDOM, do continue logging on to Demoskratos/Democracy. =)

The Demoskratos/Democracy Blog proudly supports Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom, justice and DEMOCRACY in Burma. :)

'Do take it from somebody who has to live in a society which is not free that freedom is precious and freedom is necessary.'

- Aung San Suu Kyi

President Noynoy AQUINO calls for Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's release at the ASEAN Summit in Vietnam

2010-10-30T22:42:00.010+01:00

During a bilateral meeting with Burma

(Myanmar)'s Prime Minister, Senior General Thein Sein, at the sidelines of the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, President Benigno Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, joined the international community in demanding that the Burmese military junta immediately and unconditionally release 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and leader of Burma's democracy movement, Aung San Suu Kyi.

President Aquino also called on PM Thein Sein for the upcoming elections in Burma this November 7th to be free and credible - Malacanang has not yet confirmed whether it will send observers for the polls, as this will be under the discretion of Burma's military regime.

According to Secretary Ricky Carandang, Head of the Presidential Communications and Strategic Planning Office (PCSPO), the President expressed the willingness of the Government of the Philippines to share its experiences to the Burmese people in the transition from a dictatorship to full-constitutional democracy. The Prime Minister, however, merely thanked President Aquino - citing that the Election Commission that they have set-up will be handling the polls.

As for the call to release Aung San Suu Kyi, Thein Sein only told the President that the courts will take its course.

Again, according to Sec. Carandang, the President was quite disappointed at the lack of commitment of the Burmese military regime in freeing Suu Kyi and its earlier decision to once again bar Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in the polls.

The last time the junta prevented her from taking part in a nationally-contested election was during Burma's last elections back in May 27, 1990 - although Aung San Suu Kyi herself was barred from being a candidate to the National Parliament, her party, the now-abolished National League of Democracy (NLD), won more than eighty-two percent of the seats in the national legislature.

The military regime, humiliated at their magnanimous defeat, refused to recognize the results and continued to place Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the democracy movement in detention. Though Suu Kyi has been given to permission to vote in the polls next week, she immediately refused, citing the fact that the elections will only legitimize the military regime's authority.

Even before arriving in Hanoi, Vietnam to meet with other ASEAN leaders in Hanoi, Vietnam, many expected President Aquino to talk 'tough' on human rights at the summit, especially on the issue of the plight of the Burmese People and Aung San Suu Kyi.

The junta's gross human rights record has continuously tarnished the reputation of ASEAN among the international community. The new President of the Philippines has having the courage to call on the regime for Suu Kyi's release, unlike the rest of his fellow heads of state who instead uphold the policy of non-interference with member states.

President Benigno Aquino III's late parents,

President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., are revered icons of democracy in the Philippines; both dedicated their lives to restoring the freedoms of every Filipino destroyed during the 14 years of martial law under President-turned-dictator Ferdinand Marcos.