‘Dream on,’ Ping tells GMA – Malaya 11.30.2006

Says admin fears rout in May polls

BY JP LOPEZ

SEN. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson yesterday ridiculed Charter change advocates led by President Arroyo for moving to cancel the May elections and to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) even without the participation of the Senate.

"They can dream all they want. They can offer term extensions even if they haven’t amended the Constitution to scrap the term limits of lawmakers. Yet, when they wake up, the reality is that they face certain defeat in May 2007. They are dreaming because they are afraid to face the wrath of the voters in May," Lacson said.

"Takot silang humarap sa election sa 2007… Pagkatalong daranasin pagdating ng Mayo, kahiya-hiya para sa kanila kaya ‘yan. Iniiwasan nila hangga’t maaari na huwag umabot sa election," he said.

He said that after three nights of separate caucuses chaired by President Arroyo in Malacañang, the charter change advocates failed to muster even 100 congressmen.

"And now they are thinking of having the presence of 195 to individually or physically be present and vote for proposed amendments to the Constitution… It’s a long shot actually," he said.

He said it will be difficult for the so-called "final push" to get off the ground in the first place because a Constituent Assembly will require both Houses of Congress separately coming out with resolutions for a joint session.

He said he is willing to join other senators in filing a petition with the Supreme Court questioning the move of Malacañang and its House allies for their so-called Constituent Assembly.

In last Monday’s caucus, the participants agreed to scrap the May 11 elections and hold instead elections for parliament in November.

Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel said the insistence of Malacañang and its allies at the House to push for charter change was meant to save administration candidates from "inevitable crushing defeat" in next year’s elections.

"The people are fed up with the misrule of President Arroyo. They are wary of voting for candidates identified with her," he said.
Pimentel said the prospect of the administration losing control of the House after losing its grip on the Senate is giving President Arroyo and her allies sleepless nights because this could lead to her removal from office through impeachment by an opposition-dominated Congress.

Majority leader Francis Pangilinan said: "Maawa naman sila sa taong bayan at sa bansa na masyado ng bugbog-sarado sa mga kwestyonableng maniobra na isinasagawa ng iilang pulitiko upang manatili lamang sa hawak nilang poder at kapangyarihan. Ituloy na ang halalan."

"Masyado nang puwersahan kapag ipinilit pa ang Con-ass na gahol na sa panahon at gahol pa sa legalidad. Hindi lamang kulang na kulang sa oras, kundi kulang na kulang sa legalidad ang nasabing hakbang," he added.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said the proposal for a Constituent Assembly would completely lose public support "if rammed through by means of a juggernaut in the House of Representatives."

She said that even if there is constitutionality in the argument of her colleagues at the House, "they might win the battle to start the proceedings… they might win that battle but they might lose the war, meaning the plebiscite."

‘IMMORAL’

Outgoing Senators Franklin Drilon and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. rejected as "immoral" the move of Malacañang and the House of Representatives to scrap the May elections.

Drilon said the proposal was a desperate attempt to forestall an opposition sweep.

Magsaysay said proponents of the cancellation could face the wrath of the people if elections were deferred.
"It’s immoral to extend our terms," Magsaysay said.

Other last-termers are Senators Sergio Osmeña and Juan Flavier.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile said the Palace and congressmen are ignorant of the Constitution.

"It (election) is mandated by the Constitution. Hindi basta-basta puwedeng i-cancel," he said.

REAL COLORS

House minority leader Francis Escudero said Malacañang showed its real colors when it announced the plan to scrap the elections.
"At least lumabas na ang katotohanan sa matagal na panahong sinasabi namin na isa lang ang pakay ng cha-chang ito, i-postpone ang halalan, palawigin ang termino ng mga opisyal na kakampi ng Pangulo," he said in a television interview.

Escudero said Malacañang and its allies at the House are "desecrating" the Constitution by "immorally" forcing the amendments to the Charter by insisting these can be undertaken solely by the House.

"Para sa akin ay nakakahiya at lantarang pambabastos sa batas ang gagawin nilang yan at buo ang pag-asa namin na kapag ito ay dinala sa Korte Suprema, magde-desisyon ang Korte Suprema ng naaayon sa batas at kontra dito naman sa panibagong inimbentong batas na isinisulong nila na voting as one," he said.

The United Opposition (UNO) would seek a ruling from the Supreme Court if administration allies insisted on amending the rules on Con-ass.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, UNO president, said another option is to stage protests.

He said what the administration allies are bent on pursuing is no different from the ill-fated move of Sigaw ng Bayan and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines to amend the Constitution through a People’s Initiative.

"They are no different from each other. It’s the same dog with the same collar," he said.

NO CONGRESS NEXT YEAR

Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos said there will be no Congress next year if Charter change proponents succeed in pushing the scrapping of the senatorial and congressional elections.

Abalos said the congressmen, whose terms will expire next year, can no longer extend their terms, thus, creating the possibility of having no congressmen elected and resulting in the automatic abolition of the House.

The Senate, on the other hand, will have 12 remaining members as their term will end in 2010.

Abalos said the elections will push through as scheduled because the Comelec has yet to receive a formal resolution from Congress.
"I think it is too premature to talk about it," he said.

Abalos said the poll body needs to receive a resolution from Congress before it can call off the elections and prepare for a plebiscite.

RESISTANT TO THE IDEA

Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio said administration congressmen are pushing Charter change because it would be "extremely difficult" to do once a new batch of senators is elected in May 2007.

Claudio said the new set of senators would naturally be resistant to the idea, especially if it would be about changing the form of government.

"That is the reason. It’s important that charter change is effected before the elections. But not for the purpose of canceling the elections but simply having a different kind of election, an election that will this time be for members of parliament," he said.

He said based on attendance in the three caucuses in Malacañang – which is 191 – "it looks like Congress has the numbers to conduct a Constituent Assembly as claimed by some of the Congress leaders."

Claudio said media reports about the proposal to cancel the May elections and hold parliamentary elections in November 2007 are "unfair."

"This is not the essence of charter change. This is not the purpose of the Con-ass," he said.

"Charter change and Con-ass is not about extending the terms of elected officials. It’s not about postponing, let alone canceling elections. It is for basic political structural reforms," he said.

SINCERE INTENTIONS

He said there was no effort on the part of the House to withhold any information, as shown by the fact that the issues and proposals are being discussed openly.

"The intentions are sincere and well meaning and consistent with the true essence of charter change," he said.
He said Malacañang is aware that petitions will be filed before the Supreme Court questioning the move of the House to convene a Con-ass.

He said the ideal timeline is to convene the Con-ass by Dec. 9 or 10 so that a plebiscite could be held before Feb. 12, 2007. This would be followed by parliamentary elections in November.

Administration congressmen are not only keen on amending the charter but also the House rules to speed up the approval of Speaker Jose de Venecia’s resolution convening a Con-ass.

De Venecia said that a proposed new constitution would be drawn up by Dec. 15. – With Dennis Gadil, Wendell Vigilia, Ashzel Hachero, Gerard Naval and Jocelyn Montemayor

Drilon places Gloria poll war chest at P150B – Malaya 11.29.2006

BY DENNIS GADIL

PRESIDENT Arroyo has P150 billion in discretionary funds which she could realign to boost the chances of administration candidates in the 2007 polls, Sen. Franklin Drilon yesterday said.

Drilon, chair of the finance committee, said there is nothing the Senate or he can do about it.

"Certainly she could realign these and use them for election spending. Her discretion is absolute. There will be debates on her motives (in realigning the funds) but her discretion is there," he said.

Drilon said that while his committee has imposed restrictions on the use of the funds, he is not confident that these restrictions would be effective, especially during an election year.

He said bicameral deliberations on the proposed P1.126 trillion budget for 2007 could again be deadlocked over pork barrel and discretionary funds.

He said the impasse might not be resolved unless Malacañang intervened.

If the deadlock is not resolved, he warned, the 2005 budget would be reenacted again.

He urged Arroyo to "tell her allies (in the House) to keep within the President’s budget."

On Monday, Senate President Manuel Villar said senators would consider abolishing their pork barrel as long as Malacañang would also give up its discretionary funds.

The discretionary funds were identified in the following outlays:

* Pension and gratuity funds, P15 billion.

* Miscellaneous funds, P5 billion.

* Calamity fund, P1 billion.

* Contingent fund, P800 million.

* Intelligence and confidential funds, P650 million.

* Capital outlay, P107 billion.

* Unprogrammed funds, P30.5 billion.

Drilon said he did not propose to cut or realign the discretionary funds because doing so would only delay deliberations in the Senate and in the bicameral conference committee.

The Senate is eyeing approval of its version of the budget by Dec. 4 and the ratification of the bicameral version by Dec. 21.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who blew the whistle on the P8 billion increase made by the House on the proposed 2007 budget, said the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways was padded by P7.7 billion.

She said the DPWH was originally given a P65 billion outlay but in the House version, it was increased to P73 billion.

Santiago feared that the added amount would be turned into extra "pork barrel" on top of the regular Priority Development Assistance Funds allotted to lawmakers.

"How much of this fund will go to the pork barrel of favored legislators? How much of the fund will go to favored local officials?" she asked.

Santiago was also incensed by a special provision in the DPWH budget which gives the public works secretary the authority to realign funds.

"This special provision is a clear violation of the Constitution, which provides that no law should be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations," she said.

President Arroyo ordered government agencies to spend more funds for agriculture and social services to expand government’s targets for poverty alleviation.

Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor said Arroyo allocated P1 billion a month for irrigation projects and farm-to-market roads in the North Luzon and Mindanao super regions to boost food production.

Defensor said backyard vegetable farms will be expanded well above the current 17,000 target.

He said President Arroyo has raised the target for microfinance borrowers since the two-million target for 2004-2010 has been exceeded. The new goal is three million.

He said the target outlets of low-cost medicine will be raised from 14,000 to 30,000.

He said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will also set a target higher that the original 80,000 for scholarships.

Defensor said the President has also ordered the health, education, social welfare departments and Tesda to accelerate the use of their budgets for socio-economic programs.

He said the agencies have slowed down the use of their budget to less than 30 percent.

"Nabigla yata ang mga ahensiya…Di na-monitor ang social services so nagkaroon ng slippage," he said. – With Regina Bengco

Gloria is healthier than critics, says Palace – Malaya 11.28.2006

BY REGINA BENGCO

MALACAÑANG yesterday tried to turn the tables on President Arroyo’s critics who are questioning her "real" state of health by saying that Arroyo is healthier and stronger than most of them.

"I can say without fear of contradiction that the President is healthier and stronger than most of her detractors," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said in a press briefing.

Some quarters are asking why Arroyo’s main attending physician, Dr. Juliet Cervantes, is a gastroenterologist who specializes in treating liver cancer.

Bunye said he did not know about the arrangement or choice of doctors.

He said when he was having his executive check-up, his attending physician was a heart specialist. "It’s just that we are comfortable with her as attending physician," he said.

Bunye said he will provide Arroyo’s detractors with dictionaries so they could distinguish the difference between an "alcoholic" and a "workaholic."

Bunye said some of Arroyo’s Cabinet members find it difficult to keep pace with her. He said the President, who returned to the Palace yesterday morning after a weekend stay at the hospital, calls a Cabinet meeting immediately upon arrival from a hectic foreign trip.

House minority leader Francis Escudero, secretary general of the United Opposition, on Sunday said it is time for Malacañang to disclose the real health condition of the President.

Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson chided his peers, saying the opposition should leave the President’s health to herself. He said her health should be treated as a political "non-issue."

"Maselang topic ang health ng tao. Pagdating sa kalusugan, umiiral ang pagiging Kristiyano ng tao. Sana maayos ang kalusugan niya," he said.

He also said Malacañang is not obligated to disclose the real health condition of the President.

But Senate President Manuel Villar and Sen. Franklin Drilon said the public has the right to know the real health condition of the President.

Villar said nevertheless there was no reason to doubt her physician’s statements that Arroyo is in good health.

Drilon said: "The President is not an ordinary citizen. The affairs of the country would depend upon the state of the President’s health."

It was the third time in five months that Arroyo was confined in the same hospital.

Last June, the President was taken to St. Luke’s hospital for "acute infectious diarrhea." A month later, she was confined in the same hospital for "influenza."

Arroyo left the St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City around 9:30 a.m. yesterday after undergoing an executive check-up over the weekend. She and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo checked into the hospital Saturday morning.

Physicians told the President to exercise more, lower her carbohydrate intake, and reduce her weight by about two kilograms, after she tipped in at 54 kilograms. She was allowed to leave the hospital Sunday afternoon but she decided to stay until Monday morning to keep her husband, who had to undergo additional tests, company.

Arroyo walked out of the hospital lobby accompanied by Cervantes and Mr. Arroyo. She waved at the crowd before boarding her car.

She proceeded to the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate for the 2nd Tribuna España-Filipinas Forum, where she called for stronger relations between the Philippines and Spain. She thanked the Spanish government for giving the most assistance among the European Union countries.

She then visited Barangay 843 in Pandacan, where the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority gave away 100 scholarships worth P10,000 each on welding, butchering, and call center training.

During an informal interaction with residents, she snacked on a hamburger and a bottle of lemon-flavored green tea. She returned to Malacañang afterward.

Bunye tried to quash rumors that the President is suffering from a liver ailment allegedly because of a drinking problem.

He refused to give the details on the President’s check-up, saying the medical bulletin issued by St. Luke’s was enough and that the hospital has policies regarding patients’ records.

"Nothing is more authoritative than the medical bulletin," he said.

He said the constitutional provision requiring the disclosure of the President’s health is only for "serious ailments or disability."

"Hindi naman siguro kailangang maging doctor tayo para makita natin na ang ating Pangulo ay aktibong aktibo. She is very healthy at regular iyong kanyang sarili na minamantini," he said.

Bunye said there is nothing wrong if the President gained a little weight because slower metabolism comes with age. He said she will just have to control her diet. Arroyo is turning 60 on April 5.

Lacson said the President should not be made to pay for her "debts" to the Filipino people by making her suffer because of her health.

Instead of "salivating" over the President’s deteriorating physical condition, he said, members of the opposition should pray for her speedy recovery. – With Dennis Gadil

Joker: House wasting time – Malaya 11.25.2006

Says Cha-cha advocates are dreaming

ENOUGH already.

Sen. Joker Arroyo yesterday said the House of Representatives is only wasting time in its efforts to convene a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) to propose changes in the 1987 Constitution.

"Malacañang’s allies at the House of Representatives have occupied the time of the public and I think that it’s also wasting their time and the efforts of the people. They should know how to accept defeat graciously. That’s what governance is all about," he said.

The Supreme Court last Tuesday dismissed with finality the Palace-sponsored People’s Initiative petition prompting the House leadership led by Speaker Jose de Venecia to adopt Plan B which calls for convening Congress into a Con-ass.

Sen. Arroyo said the House could not pull off a Con-ass without the participation of the Senate because the Constitution mandates a bicameral assembly.

He said President Arroyo’s expression of support during Thursday’s ruling majority caucus in Malacañang could have only been a "show."

"That’s what politics is all about. They smile even if they don’t both mean it. They entertain people that they don’t even like. And if you’d look at Joe de Venecia’s smile now, it has turned sour. I pity him, actually. He looks like he is trying to put up a brave front," he said.

He described charter change advocates as "dreamers" who "live in a fairy tale world."

"They are in a dream world. With all the setbacks, they see that the people are not listening or interested, why do they persist?" he said.

Sen. Ralph Recto said a Con-ass sans the Senate is like a wedding without a groom.

"The bicameral nature of Congress does not get suspended when amendments to the Constitution are being discussed," Recto said.

Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel said Malacañang faces a second legal defeat if it insists on pushing Con-ass sans the participation of the Senate.

"Efforts by the Palace and the House leadership to resurrect charter change by converting Congress into a Constituent Assembly are bound to fail because they continue to cling to their outlandish formula that the House can do it alone and ignore the Senate," he said.

He said the Senate would raise the issue to the Supreme Court, which he claimed would likely repudiate the Palace and the House leadership for blatant violation of the Constitution.

"We will block all attempts to change the charter through Constituent Assembly unless it is clear and specific that voting should be done separately," he said.

Senate President Manuel Villar said there is no time to engage in charter change debates, especially since the filing of certificates of candidacy for next year’s polls is starting next month.

"We will be busy with another round of floor debates for the ratification of the budget as approved by the bicameral panel. When we return from the holiday break, we will all be busy for the campaign," he said.

Villar said the Senate should first agree to a Constituent Assembly. This requires a majority vote.

"But I don’t think they (charter change advocates) could get 12 senators to support them. I’d be surprised if they can muster that much support," he said.

He said it is also unlikely that the House leadership could gather 195 warm bodies to vote on proposed charter revisions.

"Getting signatures is different from having warm bodies in the plenary. And in my experience (as former Speaker and representative of Las Piñas), getting that big a support is very, very difficult. The probability is very small," Villar said.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the constitutional amendments committee, said it is too late to begin "wise and exhaustive debates" on the Cha-cha issue.

"Maybe that can wait until after the elections so that debates would be wiser," he said.

He said the December deadline set by House to approve proposed amendments would not do the Constitution justice.

"The Constitution cannot be amended or revised in a rush. It is the fundamental law of the land that we are talking about here," he said.

Sen. Rodolfo Biazon said President Arroyo is further alienating herself and her government from the people by renewing efforts to tinker with the Constitution.

"My unsolicited advice is that she should distance herself from this drive by the leaders of the House of Representatives to change the Constitution," he said.

Biazon said he does not believe that President Arroyo "is really sincere in effecting change in the Constitution."

"It is possible that the President is just dancing with the music as a payment for political debt to the primary proponents of constitutional change that provided support to her when the administration was threatened in July 8 of 2005. Maybe she is just playing with them," Biazon said.

He was referring to the resignation of 10 of Arroyo’s cabinet members and the resignation calls from the political opposition, President Corazon Aquino, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the Liberal Party and other previously pro-administration groups.

Biazon said it was unlikely that President Arroyo was enthusiastic about the House’s plan to reduce her into a mere figurehead in a parliamentary set-up.

"It is very, very clear that it is designed to reduce her into a figurehead. And I don’t think she’s very happy about that," he added.

De Venecia said voting on the changes to the 1987 Constitution will be done jointly by both chambers if senators change their minds and support his Con-ass plan.

"Hindi nga nabanggit ang Constituent Assembly. Ang sabi lamang ng Constitution three-fourths shall amend the Constitution. Iyun ang nakasulat sa Constitution, malinaw na malinaw at hindi sinasabi na three-fourths of the Senate at three-fourths ng House of Representatives kundi three-fourths of all members of Congress," he told a radio interview.

The Constitution provides that any revision or amendment to the Constitution may be proposed by a vote of three-fourths of all members of Congress.

Since it does not specifically mention "both Houses," De Venecia interprets this to mean that the House can introduce proposed changes even without the participation of the Senate.

The Speaker claims there are already 202 signatories in his resolution to convene a Constituent Assembly.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo has assured congressmen allies that the administration is not giving up on charter change. He said Arroyo gave the assurance during the ruling majority caucus last Thursday.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said there is still ample time for charter change and all talks about the 2007 election should be on the back burner for the moment.

He said the administration will only begin preparations for the 2007 elections after all charter change efforts have been exhausted. – JP Lopez, Dennis Gadil, Wendell Vigilia and Jocelyn Montemayor

GMA urged to resign to save her bets for Senate – Malaya 11.24.3006

SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said President Arroyo should step down to spare her would-be senatorial candidates from a rout in the May 2007 elections.

"I have one unsolicited advice to Mrs. Arroyo that could possibly make her candidates win in the coming midterm elections. It may even make history more forgiving and kinder to her: Step down. Otherwise, her candidates will certainly face a debacle at the polls and she will go down in history as the most hated president this country ever had," he said.

Lacson placed second in the latest survey of Pulse Asia of senatorial choices. He recently announced, however, he is running for mayor of Manila.

Lacson said Arroyo has felt the "one-two punch" of low trust rating and low approval rating in recent surveys.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted from October to November showed Arroyo’s net approval rating dropping to minus 23 in November (25 percent approve vs. 48 percent disapprove) from minus 18 last July (26 percent approve vs. 44 percent disapprove).

The survey also showed that opposition members continued to dominate the senatorial race in the May 2007, with 19 from the opposition leading 64 possible candidates.

Lacson said Arroyo, "instead of engaging in finger-pointing against media for her low trust ratings," should try some self-reflection instead.

Arroyo has said government’s achievements are not being highlighted in media.

Lacson said Arroyo has only herself to blame because she has refused to face issues against her and even tried to suppress the truth.

"In the minds of the people, no amount of excuses can diffuse the wrongdoings they have been linked to," he said.

Arroyo’s problems, he said, stemmed from cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.

Worse, he said, she tried to suppress the truth by coming out with measures like calibrated preemptive response to protest rallies, and Executive Order 464 which barred officials from testifying in congressional investigations without presidential clearance. The CPR and EO 464 have been struck down by the Supreme Court.

"There are so many anomalies. But they will then blame the media. They should try to look at themselves," he said.

Lacson said if Arroyo will not change her attitude, she will go down in history as the most disliked president ever.

"That will be her destiny unless she faces the truth about the issues of cheating in the election. She should face them squarely instead of resorting to squid tactics and fooling the people," he said.

The latest Pulse Asia survey showed former Sen. Loren Legarda, who ran for vice president in May 2004, in the first place.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan was in third place followed by Senate President Manuel Villar. Rounding up the Top 12 were Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, former Sen. Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Ralph Recto, ABS-CBN newscaster Korina Sanchez, lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III, former Sen. Gregorio Honasan who is now in detention, San Juan Mayor Jose Victor Ejercito-Estrada, and, Sen. Edgardo Angara.

‘DO HOMEWORK’

Former President Fidel Ramos, chairman of the administration party Lakas-NUCD, said surveys made way before the election are a good barometer of the sentiment of the voting populace.

Administration allies at the House have expressed confidence about winning next year as they said they have the political machinery and support from local politicians.

"Surveys are just surveys and obviously those in the administration should play catch-up, and instead of announcing how strong they are, they should instead do a little homework," Ramos said.

Asked what the administration should do to reverse its standing in surveys, Ramos said government should focus on good governance and start going down to local organizations to drum up support.

"Going down to the grassroots means they could determine the level of support," he said.

Instead of politicking, he said, the administration should do well to spend its time and resources on uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

He said during his term, he pursued programs on economic development despite criticisms. As a result, he said, he gained the support of even the skeptics.

Aside from programs that directly impact on economy, the administration should prioritize legislation on improving government services, he said.

POPULARITY CONTEST

House majority leader Prospero Nograles said it is better for the administration "to lose in surveys and win the elections rather than the other way around."

"This is an election, is it not? It’s not like we’re looking for `Philippine Idol’ voters... Let’s elect those who are qualified and not those who are just popular. It’s the Republic of the Senate and not the movie theaters or a lunch time TV show," he said.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the popularity of opposition senatorial candidates is likely to spill over to local and congressional positions.

"This maybe is a reason why they (the administration) want to put up a unity ticket… They fear that many opposition personalities would be elected as congressmen and so that would correspondingly increase the possibility or probability even of Gloria being impeached by the new Congress," he said.

With the administration plunging in the surveys, "associating with Gloria is a kiss of death," he also said.

UNITY TICKET A PLOY

Pimentel described as "ridiculous" the idea of a "unity ticket" broached by the Arroyo administration.

"It is not possible for us (opposition) to fall for it for the simple reason that we will just provide the administration with a horse to ride on," he said.

He said the proposal is a "ploy" in anticipation of a possible impeachment move against Arroyo by the next Congress.

With the administration failing to come up with its own senatorial slate in next year’s midterm elections, 2007 would be "the year of the opposition," he said.

This time, he said, Arroyo’s impeachment is likely to happen.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition, rejected the proposed unity ticket.

"They know that being identified with Mrs. Arroyo is like a kiss of death. Given a fair and honest election, we are in a strong position to clinch the Senate and a sizable number of local seats," he said.

The opposition’s concern, he said is the formation of a unified opposition senatorial ticket and providing assistance to candidates at the local level.

Binay also said he would rather run against the administration’s "proxy" for the mayoral contest in the city.

Binay placed 21st in the Pulse Asia survey of possible senatorial bets.

Government is reportedly fielding Sen. Lito Lapid, who ran under the administration ticket, against Binay in next year’s elections.

"The 2007 election in Makati is really a Binay-Arroyo fight. The Arroyos did not succeed in getting me out of office through a suspension, so they will definitely use their resources for their local candidate," he said.

Binay was ordered suspended by Malacañang last month based on allegations he hired "ghost employes" at the city hall. The appeals court has issued a temporary restraining order against his suspension.

He said he expects the administration to provide all resources to his rival just to oust him. - Dennis Gadil, Ashzel Hachero, Wendell Vigilia and JP Lopez

Senate warns Palace of public ire if budget is not passed – Malaya 11.23.06

SENATE finance committee chair Franklin Drilon yesterday warned Malacañang that it would suffer "public indignation" in the 2007 elections if the proposed P1.126 trillion General Appropriations Act encounters any delay in its approval and government is forced to operate anew on a reenacted budget.

Drilon, irked by administration officials’ failure to show up at yesterday’s budget hearing, said it showed a "lack of courtesy" to a co-equal branch of government which "had been working on the budget for the last three months."

Malacañang officials apologized, blaming "lack of coordination" among those required at the Senate hearing. Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said he did not know that his presence was still needed during the plenary debates, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya was in Palawan, and Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri was at the National Census Board meeting.

"We thought that one of us would be here in the Senate," Neri said. "It’s just lack of coordination," Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas deputy governor Diwa Gunigundo seconded, while Teves maintained their absence was not intentional.

Drilon sponsored the budget measure on Tuesday, recommending its approval but realigning billions of funds to augment the budget of the departments of Education, Health and Agriculture.

Ways and means committee chair Ralph Recto said he is also recommending that the overestimate of at least P4.4 billion in the outlay for debt service be used for the government’s health programs.

Recto said the higher amount resulted from the computation used, which was P53 to a dollar when the peso was actually trading at 49.99. He said adopting a lower P51:$1 exchange rate would lower interest payments on foreign liabilities to P112.6 billion.

Recto said economic managers deliberately adopt a "conservative, unrealistic" foreign exchange rate in drawing up interest payments "so how to spend the ensuing savings becomes the sole prerogative of the executive branch."

"Better for Congress to determine where the excess interest payments should go now than leave that task to the executive branch, which the Constitution does not empower it to do," he said. – JP Lopez and Dennis Gadil

Esperon mum on reversal of recommendation to clear Lim, others - Malaya 11.22.2006

BY VICTOR REYES

GEN. Hermogenes Esperon yesterday invoked his prerogative as AFP chief of staff to initiate court martial proceedings as he declined to deny or confirm that he overruled the recommendations of a pre-trial investigation (PTI) panel to drop mutiny charges against Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, former Marines commandant, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, former Scout Rangers chief, and 36 other officers.

He said the recommendations of the PTI and the pre-trial advice (PTA) of his staff judge advocate served as "references" in his decision.

"If I have indeed not approved all of their recommendations, that is my prerogative as the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he said.

In convening a court martial the other day, Esperon charged 30 of the 38 officers with mutiny, among other violations of the Articles of War, and cleared the rest.

A leaked copy of an unsigned report by the PTI dated Oct. 25 said there were no "legal and factual bases" to charge the 38 with "Attempting to begin or create mutiny" (Article of War 67).

The report endorsed to Esperon the trial of 18 officers - led by Miranda, Lim and be-medalled Marine Col. Ariel Querubin - for the lighter offense of violations of Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman).

The panel, headed by Col. Al Perreras, also recommended the filing of additional charges against Querubin and Marine Lt. Col. Achiles Segumalian for violation of the AW 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline).

On Monday, Esperon appeared in a press conference where he announced his order to conduct a court martial against 30 of the officers for violation of AW 96 and AW 67 (mutiny).

Querubin will be tried for an additional case of violation of AW 65 (assaulting or willfully disobeying a superior officer).

Lim, the alleged leader of the plot to overthrow the administration last February who was caught on videotape calling President Arroyo a bogus president, has an added case of violation of AW 63 (disrespect toward the President, Vice President, Congress and Secretary of National Defense), AW 65 and AW 97.

Of the 30 officers who face trial, 11 are from the Marines while the 19 others are from the Army, mostly from the First Scout Rangers Regiment.

The other indicted Marine officers are Medal of Valor awardee Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Colonels Orlando de Leon, Januario Caringal and Armando Bañez; Lieutenant Colonels Valentin Hizon, Romulo Gualdrapa, and Achilles Segumalian; Maj. Francisco Domingo Fernandez; and 1Lt. Belinda Ferrer.

The other Army officers are Lieutenant Colonels Nestor Flordeliza and Edmundo Malabanjot; Majors Jason Aquino, and Jose Leomar Doctolero; Captains James Sababan, Montano Almodovar, Joey Fontiveros, Ruben Guinolbay, Isagani Criste, William Upano, Dante Langkit, Allan Aurino, and Frederick Sales; and First Lieutenants Ervin Divinagracia, Jacon Cordero, Homer Estolas, Sandro Sereno and Richiemel Caballes.

Cleared due to insufficiency of evidence were Marine Lieutenant Colonels Reynaldo Ocsan and Martin Villasan, Army Maj. Oriel Pangcog, Capt. George Malones, and First Lieutenants Antonio Timbal, Jerald Reyes, Mario Bautista and Michael Cuarteros.

Asked if the PTI panel indeed recommended to him the dropping of the mutiny charges against the officers, Esperon said: "There are two reports that came in to me. One is the pretrial investigation report of the pretrial (investigation) panel and the other one is the pretrial advice of my staff judge advocate."

The PTI panel forwarded its report to the AFP chief last Oct. 25. Esperon had the recommendation reviewed by his staff judge advocate, Lt. Col. Pedro Davila, who submitted his PTA to Esperon on Nov. 7.

"They (PTI and PTA reports) are the basis for my decisions in directing the court martial of the 30 officers," he said.

"I will not comment on the contents of the PTI report and the PTA. I will not tell you the contents. Suffice it to say that they are my references. Whatever are their contents, they served as my references in arriving at my decisions."

"I do not have to abide by the PTI report and by the PTA. They are my basis (in coming up with the decision). I could refer to them as my basis for my decisions," he said.

SUB JUDICE

Asked whether he still maintains an earlier statement that there exists strong evidence to try the officers for mutiny, Esperon said: "I will not talk about the merits of the case. It’s sub judice. As I said, I’m not testifying."

Asked if the unsigned PTI report posted on the internet (ellentordesillas.com) is an authentic copy of the report, Esperon said: "I have not seen a copy of that. (But) what I must tell you is that the PTI report is a signed report and there is only one copy of that original report," he said.

Esperon said he forwarded the original copy of the PTI report to the office of the Judge Advocate General Col. Nemesio Dabal.

"So anything that you see in the internet is not the PTI report," he said.

Esperon said he may convene the general court martial that will try the 30 offices in five days after AFP deputy chief of staff for personnel Maj. Gen. Horacio Tolentino submits to him the names of those who will compose the court.

COURT MARTIAL IN DEC.

Esperon said trial may start in December.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel urged Esperon to follow the recommendation of the PTI panel to dismiss the charges.

Pimentel said disregard of the recommendation of the JAGO panel would create the impression that the officers are being persecuted.

"(It) will only stoke the fires of discontent in the military ranks," he said.

Pimentel said Esperon’s decision to pursue the charges against the soldiers was "a sign of a military mind in action."

"It is very authoritarian in its decision-making so that no matter what a duly constituted review panel has found out in the matter of investigating, Gen. Miranda, et al., is no deterrent to a predetermined course of action by the AFP chief of staff," he said.

Pimentel added: "This kind of authoritarianism that is being applied in handling the case against the alleged mutiny participants is not good for the rule of law." – With a report from Dennis Gadil

manny and a friend

Lacson guns for Manila mayoralty – Malaya 11.14.2006

Sets talks with Lim who is seeking to reclaim post

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday decided to forego a seeming sure win for re-election in 2007 and opted instead to run for mayor of Manila.

"My biggest frustration in the Senate is my advocacy to do away with the pork barrel. I thought that by setting the example by foregoing my own pork barrel I could convince my colleagues to do the same. But that never happened," he said at a news forum at the Manila Hotel.

Lacson’s announcement prompted Sen. Alfredo Lim, a fellow oppositionist, to also declare he will be running for his old post.

"Lahat sila welcome sa akin. Mas marami, mas masaya," said Lim, whose Senate term ends in 2010.

Lacson said he will sit down with Lim, touted to be his strongest rival.

"That’s the ideal situation, that only one of us should run. Because in our consultations, we have seen that if both of us would run, we might lose the race. But if only one of us would run, then the candidate would surely win."

Lacson, graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1971, served as PNP chief during the Estrada administration.
Lim, also a retired police general, served as mayor of Manila from 1992 to 1998. He could return to the Senate if he lost in his mayoralty bid.

Other aspirants for the post are Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna and Rep. Joey Hizon, who are both on their third and final term, and ousted representative Mark Jimenez.

Mayor Lito Atienza, who is on his last term, is grooming his son Ali to succeed him.
Hours after Lacson’s announcement, self-proclaimed former anti-narcotics agent Mary "Rosebud" Ong announced she will also run for Manila mayor.

"Ping Lacson made me to decide to run. I have been waiting for all these five years. What I have been waiting for all this time is to have a face-off with Ping Lacson. This is the right time," the 50-year-old Ong said.

Ong in 2001 accused Lacson of involvement in kidnapping-for-ransom and in the illegal drugs trade, among others. She has since been in the protective custody of the Intelligence Service of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo.

Her allegations, which were investigated by the Senate, remain unproven.

Lacson said he would run as an independent because he has no political party.

He said he would welcome any opponent, including Ong.

"This is a democracy. Maski sino, maski 20 to 30 kaming tatakbo, it’s always the best man who will come out the winner," he said.

He said his program is based on "HOPE" (health, order, progress and education).

He said he has long wanted to return to the executive branch.

"After several restless days and sleepless nights trying to figure which is the better way to go in the coming May 2007 elections, not necessarily for myself, my friends or supporters, but for the service that I can render to our country, I finally arrived at the conclusion, at a decision, to run for mayor for the city of Manila," Lacson said.

"When it becomes extremely difficult to arrive at a conclusion and to arrive at a decision because of diverse choices because you are simply right in the middle of it, you turn to prayers. Wait for a sign and take it as God’s will. Believe it or not, this is what happened to me during the past few days," he added.
‘CLEAR SIGN’

Lacson said a "man of the cloth" had advised him to "go for it." He did not name his spiritual adviser.

"I was really at a loss on what position to run for so I let God do the deciding for me. I consulted with a man of the cloth whom I respect so highly and he told me to go for it. So it took that as God’s will because there was a clear sign on which path I should take. I don’t think anyone can stop me from pursuing this," he said.

Lacson said his decision to run for mayor would somehow "ease" the already crowded opposition Senate slate.

"My decision will give a chance to others to climb up to the survey ladder," he said.

Lacson has consistently been among the top notchers in surveys of would-be senatorial candidates.

Lacson belied talks he opted for the mayoralty post after he was reportedly dropped from the list of senatorial candidates who would be supported by President Joseph Estrada.

"Hindi masama ang loob ko na tinanggal ako. Maski halimbawa tumuloy ako (at) nag-re-election, di ako sasama sa listahan," Lacson said.

Lacson said there would be no sacred cow in his fight against corruption, and vowed to go after, among others, businessmen alleged to be big-time tax evaders.

In a survey conducted by Lacson’s camp, he is 10 points ahead of Lim, who in turn is eight points ahead of Jimenez.
Lacuna is seven points behind Jimenez. At the tail-end is Ali Atienza.

Lim, said Manilans now have more choices.

"Ang lahat ng kandidato ay may kanya-kanyang lakas, kahinaan at reputasyon ng kung ano ang nagawa at maaaring gawin. At the end of the day, it will still be up to the voters since we will all have to present ourselves to them, including our respective platforms," Lim said.

He said he was elated when Lacson described him as his closest rival.

He said he will choose his running mate soon.

Lim and Lacson’s colleagues could only wish them luck.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who once served as Olongapo mayor, said he could not fault the two senators. "Marami ka kasing magagawa bilang mayor," he said. – With Victor Reyes

Drilon: Atienza defying SC by holding meeting – Malaya 11.13.2006

SEN. Franklin Drilon yesterday accused the faction of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza of defying the Supreme Court by going ahead with a scheduled party meeting today.

The Nov. 13 event at the Manila Hotel was originally scheduled to elect a new set of LP officers under the supervision of the Commission on Elections to settle the leadership dispute between Drilon and Atienza.

The election was put on hold by the SC’s issuance last Thursday of a 10-day temporary restraining order upon petition by the Drilon camp.

Drilon said Atienza’s calling for a National Executive Council (NECO) meeting today is a clear violation of the TRO. "Former LP chairman Manila Mayor Lito Atienza did not have the authority to convene a NECO meeting as the Comelec, in its Oct. 16 decision, has already stripped him of his fraudulent title of LP president," Drilon said. "Under the LP constitution and by-laws, only the properly-elected party president can convene the party’s NECO."

Drilon added that with or without the TRO, the Atienza faction still cannot convene a NECO meeting because the Comelec has ruled that "we (Drilon) are the legitimate officers of the party." The NECO is the highest policy-making body of the LP. Both the Atienza and Drilon factions claim to control it.

LP secretary general Rep. Nereus Acosta added that Atienza may not even convene a meeting of the LP Manila City local chapter because technically, the party has already expelled him and four other "disloyal" members.

"We consider Mayor Atienza resigned from the LP for committing acts inimical to the interest of the party when he organized the rump Manila Hotel convention in clear violation of LP rules. In his place, Manila Rep. Rudy Bacani has been named LP Manila Chapter chairman," Acosta said.

Drilon said that in deference to the SC, his faction has voluntarily deferred to a later date its planned NECO meeting today at Club Filipino in San Juan, a decision sniffed at by former Pasay Rep. Lorna Verano-Yap who said that the "small Drilon faction… cancelled (the meeting) at the last minute due to fear that no one will attend it."

Atienza, who maintains that Drilon is not the LP leader either because the Comelec has declared his term as president already expired, said in a statement that his group decided to go ahead with the meeting since LP leaders representing the various provincial chapters are already in Manila. He stressed that there will be no election until after the Supreme Court issues a final ruling on the matter.

He earlier pointed out that the TRO only cancelled the election, not the meeting. Expected to attend the meeting today aside from presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor, solicitor general Antonio Nachura, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., House deputy speaker Eric Singson are several incumbent and former congressmen, governors, vice-governors and mayors. – Dennis Gadil

Cruz a no-show at press con with US official - Malaya 11.11.2006

BY VICTOR REYES

DEFENSE Secretary Avelino Cruz was a no-show yesterday at a joint press conference with a United States official where he was expected to answer questions about his recent decision to resign.

"He begged off because he is preparing his after-term report that includes the achievements he has made," said Rosulo Manlangit, DND public affairs director.

Before the scheduled conference, Cruz met with Dr. John Hillen, US assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, who is the link between the State department and Pentagon.

The meeting held at Cruz’ office at the DND lasted about two hours.

After the meeting, Hillen and other officials proceeded to the DND’s Social Hall where the conference was held. Cruz stayed in his office.

Cruz submitted his irrevocable resignation, effective Nov. 30, to President Arroyo last Sunday.

His resignation letter did not state any reason for his decision. He has not talked with media since.

On Wednesday, Manlangit said Cruz might face the media after the meeting with Hillen. He said Cruz would answer questions about his resignation and was then preparing his statement on his resignation.

Asked yesterday when Cruz will finally say what prompted him to quit from the post he has held for more than two years, Manlangit said: "As soon as it (after-term report) is completed. Maybe next week, within one week."

Cruz submitted his resignation letter two weeks after the Supreme Court, voting 8-7, threw out the consolidated petitions for people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, branding the Palace-backed proposal to shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government as "deceptive and misleading."

Cruz has aired strong opposition to the initiative mode and this, he said, was the reason three Cabinet men wanted him out.

Hillen and US Ambassador Kristie Kenny, in a press briefing, described Cruz as a "real visionary for the region and for this country" and an "extraordinary leader."

They were accompanied by AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.

"We have had tremendous partner in secretary Cruz who has been a real visionary…We wish Secretary Cruz every success as he returns to private life and we very much look forward to continuing progress with his successor," said Kenny.

Hillen said Cruz’ latest achievement is in leaving in place "this terrific institutional momentum for a continued defense reform." He was referring to the Philippine Defense Reform Program, which Pentagon is supporting.

Hillen and Cruz talked about various issues, including Philippine and US cooperation in the fight against terrorism, maritime issues and disaster-response, among others.

Asked if there will be changes in security cooperation policy in view of the resignation of US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield, Hillen said the US and the Philippines are committed to "continue this tremendous momentum" on security cooperation.

"(Philippine) defense reform will continue to move forward and we’ll continue to support the Philippine-led effort," said Hillen, who also gave the assurance of continued cooperation in the southern Philippines which he said "is starting to bear tremendous fruit.

"All of that will continue to move forward at pace. But we need to concentrate very diligently over the next few years on building this terrific start… We’re going to put all our efforts into making sure that we’ll realize that agenda," added.

Hillen is flying today to Mindanao where US forces are training Filipino troops in anti-terrorism.

He said he and his delegate will visit Sulu, a stronghold of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.

DUTERTE TO DND?

Malacañang’s list for Cruz’ replacement is down to two surprise candidates, according to sources.

They named Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Tarlac Rep. Gilberto Teodoro.

Duterte, the President’s adviser on terrorism, is said to be the frontrunner among the choices of civilians for the defense department.

The sources said Duterte had been promised the position by the President even when Cruz was still in office.

Duterte, who is eligible for re-election, still has to make up his mind, the sources said.

Duterte is known for his no-nonsense brand of local governance and for allegedly backing "vigilante" groups.

Recently, the mayor’s name was dragged into the controversy surrounding the supposed successful attempt of an anti-terrorism expert to bring in explosive materials on a flight from Davao to Manila. The terrorism expert was said to be under the employ of Duterte.

Duterte fired the expert and denied sanctioning his operation.

Duterte, who also served as Davao congressman for one term, has been impatient over the failure of Congress to pass the anti-terrorism bill.

Should Duterte decline, the defense portfolio might be given to Teodoro, the sources said.
Teodoro, bar topnotcher nephew of businessman and San Miguel chairman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, is the head of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) founded by Cojuangco.

He is a UP and Harvard graduate and holds master’s degree from the National Defense College,
He is in his last term and is said to be opting to retire from politics.

The names of Reps. Prospero Pichay and Ronaldo Solis have also cropped up as possible replacement for Cruz.

Esperon said he has been consulting some sectors on the possibility of retired military and police generals being appointed as defense secretary.

Among them are former AFP chiefs Narciso Abaya and Generoso Senga and former PNP chief and now Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

Abaya is now chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Earlier reports said Esperon has recommended at least six candidates. Esperon belied this.

"I have not been asked to recommend," he said.

Pressed who would he suggest if consulted by the President, the AFP chief said: "I would probably not, unless I am asked a name but I would give some characteristics."

ESPERON’S PLEA

Esperon said retired military and police generals should not be discriminated against in the selection of Cruz’ successor.

Interviewed in Camp Crame after an AFP, PNP and media fellowship on Thursday night, Esperon said the selection of the next defense chief should be guided by qualification, including integrity and knowledge about the military. – With Dennis Gadil

DA: Only a 2.2 percent growth rate expected in 2007 - Malaya 11.10.2006

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) told the Senate yesterday that it is looking at only a 2.2 percent growth in agriculture next year owing to the expected onset of the "El Niño" weather phenomenon in December.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap advised the Senate committee on finance hearing the proposed DA budget for next year that the 2.2 percent growth forecast for 2007 means a drop of about 50 percent from this year’s target of 4.5 percent.

He blamed the "very modest" figure on the lack of water.

Yap said the decline in agriculture would also translate to a 1 percentage point drop in the country’s gross domestic product which measures goods and services produced in the country.
He said the DA will ask Congress to realign some funds in the 2007 budget – a little more than the P1 billion allotted for the same program in 2004 - to finance "mitigating measures" against El Niño.

Yap said the money will be used to repair and construct irrigation systems and catch basins and to procure and distribute seeds which grow on less water through the DA’s PhilRice.
"When all things fail, we will resort to cloud seeding," he added.

Sen. Ramon Magsaysay, chair of the agriculture panel, said the long-term solution to El Niño is the protection of the country’s watersheds. Yap said he will take up watershed protection with Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes. – Dennis Gadil

Cruz feared use of AFP in poll fraud – Malaya 10.07.2006

Blame for ‘initiative’ debacle is last straw

BY VICTOR REYES AND DENNIS GADIL

DEFENSE Secretary Avelino "Nonong" Cruz decided to resign because he could "no longer guarantee" that the military would not be used to cheat in the mid-term elections in May, a defense official said yesterday.

The official said Cruz planned to tender his resignation in December, but the Supreme Court junking of the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 forced his hand.

Cruz handed over his resignation paper, which takes effect Nov. 30, to Arroyo on Sunday. He did not say why he was tendering his irrevocable resignation.

Last week, Cruz said at least three Cabinet members, whom he did not identify, wanted him out of the Cabinet because of his opposition to the Palace-backed people’s initiative.

Minimizing the military’s role in the conduct of elections was among the priorities of Cruz, along with transparency in the bidding for military equipment and supplies and modernization of the AFP.

Cruz last month signed a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Elections, limiting the involvement of the AFP in the elections. Among other things, the agreement provides that the canvassing of election results should not be held inside military camps.

Canvassing in military camps used to be held in election "hot spots."

At least four military generals, including now AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, were implicated in the alleged cheating in the May 2004 elections to ensure the victory of President Arroyo.

A military fact-finding body has cleared all the generals due to lack of evidence.

The generals were named in the "Hello Garci" wiretapped conversations between Arroyo and former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.

The "Hello Garci" tapes on alleged electoral fraud, which was made public by the Palace in June last year, sparked calls for Arroyo’s ouster, including from 10 Cabinet and other key government officials, now collectively called the "Hyatt 10," who resigned en masse.

Arroyo on national television later apologized for her "lapse in judgment" in talking with an election official during the election period. Cruz was said to be among Cabinet members who convinced Arroyo to issue the apology.

The Supreme Court on Oct. 25 voted 8-7 junking the consolidated petitions for people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution, branding the Palace-backed proposal to shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government as "deceptive and misleading."

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Cruz’ fellow founding member of the law firm Villaraza and Angangco, known as "The Firm" which lists the First Family as one of its most prized clients.

Arthur Villaraza, the third founding member of The Firm, has been accused by some close advisers of Arroyo of being a "traitor" for allegedly lobbying with members of the High Court to junk the Sigaw and ULAP petitions for people’s initiative.

Some Cabinet members including Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez have allegedly blamed Cruz for the PI defeat.

The source said Cruz had warned President Arroyo that aside from the people’s initiative being constitutionally infirm, a favorable ruling on the petition could hamper her chances of finishing her term until 2010, pointing to the "impeach clause" tucked in the charter change draft of people’s initiative proponents.

CRUZ VS HAWKS

A source close to Malacañang said Cruz first caught the ire of "hawks" in the Cabinet when he opposed Arroyo’s decision to place the country under a state of national emergency in February.

The source said Cruz objected to using the military and police to suppress dissent and to projecting the country as one besieged by a radical opposition, which could later justify a martial law-type of declaration.

"As a good lawyer, Nonong could not support any form of extra legal means using the military," the source, who has close links to Malacañang, said.

Arroyo on Feb. 24 issued Presidential Proclamation 1017 which placed the country under a state of national emergency. The proclamation, which Arroyo said was prompted by a plot to overthrow her government hatched by the Left, some members of the political opposition and "military adventurists," was lifted after a week.

The source said Cruz’ objection to PP 1017 did not sit well with the "hawks" in the Cabinet, led by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, presidential political adviser and legislative liaison officer Gabriel Claudio and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

The source said this was the reason Cruz was not included in the crisis body that was created to manage the threat before and during the declaration of PP 1017.

Cruz was visibly absent during those tumultuous days, leaving the task of managing the threat to Ermita, Gonzales and Michael Defensor, presidential chief of staff.

LAST STRAW

The source said Cabinet hawks suspected that Cruz also had a hand in the decision of the Supreme Court to declare PP 1017 unconstitutional.

"The PI (people’s initiative) was the last straw for Cruz. The hawks wanted his head," the source said.

The source said Cruz also was disappointed by the decision of the Ombudsman clearing officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) involved in the fraudulent multi-billion MegaPacific contract.

The automation contract has been voided by the Supreme Court.

Cruz, the source said, also did not hide his discomfort over the issuance of calibrated pre-emptive response (CPR) policy to protests, and Executive Order 464 banning key government officials from attending congressional inquiries without permission from President Arroyo.

The CPR and EO 464 have been struck down by the tribunal.

Defense Undersecretary Rodel Cruz said resignation has long been in the DND chief’s mind,
"We’ve discussed this decision in private between the two of us for quite some time," said the undersecretary for legal and priority concerns, who has worked with the defense chief for the past 13 years.

NO RUSH DECISIONS

Undersecretary Cruz, described as the closest to Cruz among the six defense secretaries, said the defense chief began to think of quitting even before Supreme Court’s ruling on the PI.
"The secretary is a consummate professional. He doesn’t make rush decisions and if I know him well enough, he would have given this decision a lot of thought," he said.

"It is the product of deep contemplation, considering all factors so I wouldn’t consider it abrupt," he added.

The undersecretary described Cruz as "a man of principle" who is "imbued with competence and integrity" and who "means well for this country."

"His leaving the Cabinet is a big loss to the cause of good governance and pursuit of genuine reforms in our society," he said.

Undersecretary Cruz expressed confidence Cruz’ departure would not negatively impact on reforms he initiated in the Armed Forces.

One of these reforms is the ambitious Philippine Defense Reform program, which calls for, among others, the acquisition of mission essential equipment for government forces.

Cruz resignation came at the height of negotiations for status of forces agreements with Australia, Brunei, Malaysian and Indonesia, and Singapore, among other countries. Cruz had said he hoped to sign the agreement before the year ends.

"We just hope that his successor will continue the important work he has began," Undersecretary Cruz said.