‘Spratlys sell-out’, a big issue

Since last week I have been reading an exposé in “The Philippine Star” on this so-called, Spratlys sell-out which I found quite serious.

Now, it’s both the Senate and Lower House asking for a probe. I just hope it does not explode and  detonate a big bang much louder than the ZTE-NBN deal.

I dread the effects.

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I read in the papers the National Irrigation Administration has got an assurance from another corporation from China, the China Waters and Electrical Corp. that it will correct its work slippage of some 8 percent on its repair work in Bago.

This should calm down the Bago farmers and give CWE a chance. We are just happy the NIA rehab gets its loan package from Japan and not China.

* * *

Congressman Monico Puentevella has filed a resolution in Congress to have a further study of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programs, knowing and having seen the failure of CARP to alleviate poverty among the farmers.

Yes, CARP has been a failure. Only the officials of DAR and some few land reform farmers organizations are supporting it because of the big budget it gets from government.

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Three Negros Occidental lawmakers have been subjected to demonstrations and denunciations by people supporting CARP. The three Congressmen are Monico Puentevella, Ignacio Arroyo, and Jeffrey Ferrer.

They should not worry. We are supporting them. Those opposing just make big noise but they are  few. Many of them are not full time farmers.

* * *

Imagine the billions of pesos lost in income because the lands given to CARP beneficiaries are not producing enough. Add to the loss are taxes on the lands not collected.

And it is not only in Negros. This is all over the country.

This is why the people in the rural areas are impoverished.

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When the President ordered the revocation of Executive Order No. 464, it shows a move to be transparent. Government officials can now be summoned by the legislature to shed light on some questionable deals.

The first step towards transparency. Let those at fault answer for their acts. Let the ax fall where they are.

One commanding General in the Philippine Army assigned in the South was suspended on the order of the Ombudsman for extorting money from Army recruits. He asked for P25,000 each from Army recruits in exchange for not taking an examination.

We are on the right path. Let us file cases against the corrupt people in government. This could be the result now of the exposés on the ZTE-NBN deal.

Now, the Spratly sellout. This can uncover many more irregular deals which will make it difficult for the President.

A news item said, it was former Speaker Jose de Venecia who had a hand in this too. With the falling out between the President and JDV, expect both to rant on each other.

This will be good for the people.

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The Congressional hearing requested by Rep. Kako Lacson on the Ceneco-Kepco contract will be held on March 13.

No logic can favor the coal-fired power plant on the basis of cost and environmental problems. In Iloilo, they are against it too.

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I have started reading for purposes of reviewing Dr. Sonia D. Daquila’s book “Seeds of Revolution” and “An Analysis of Rizal’s Works and Writings.”

Interesting reading too is Bishop Julio Labayen’s book “Revolution and the Church of the Poor.” It gives an insight on why revolutions happen, the lack of spirituality.

The approaches of both Dr. Daquila and Bishop Labayen are complementary to each other. Daquila approaches it on the point of view of historical and sociological perspective. Labayen takes the religious point of view.

Recall a few months ago I wrote in this space the 54 rebellions waged in the country during the Spanish colonial times and not one succeeded.

By the way revolution, rebellion, insurrection, and uprising are different things each.

I want to discuss these more fully later.

* * *

God was kind to send rains last Monday that aborted the unity walk of 77, out of 130 city mayors. But the cost is staggering, round trip plane tickets, hotel and accommodation bills, pocket money, which could be something, and many more. Probably God’s message could be, stop that unity walk. It’s costing people’s money.*

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