Rule of Force
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Honasan shows up at DoJ, Senate - Aug. 28, 2003
Re-affirming his faith in the judicial system, Sen. Honasan re-appears at the DOJ and the Senate, and vows to disappear again in case the wheels of justice fail to turn. See link above.
Re-affirming his faith in the judicial system, Sen. Honasan re-appears at the DOJ and the Senate, and vows to disappear again in case the wheels of justice fail to turn. See link above.
Monday, August 25, 2003
Honasan: I'm a victim of my past - Aug. 25, 2003
The Inquirer runs a story on Gringo on the Run. He talks about his mobile life now, his legal problems, and the "worst case scenario". Access story above.
The Inquirer runs a story on Gringo on the Run. He talks about his mobile life now, his legal problems, and the "worst case scenario". Access story above.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Honasan reported hiding in Iglesia ni Cristo church - Aug. 23, 2003
Where is Sen. Honasan? Nobody is really searching. The Inquirer reports that he was spotted in Tuguegarao, a town in northern Philippines. See link above.
Where is Sen. Honasan? Nobody is really searching. The Inquirer reports that he was spotted in Tuguegarao, a town in northern Philippines. See link above.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
A Not So Funny Story from the Philippine Military
Manila papers have relegated the coup story to the backpages. Thus. today we will churn out original material.
I had a board meeting recently in a corporation which has a retired army officer as board member. During the light moments that often precede a corporate meeting, the discussion dwelt on the recent coup and our friend army officer told an anecdote on military corruption.
He said,
During the time when President Ramos was still Chief of Staff, he happened to visit a small army station in the south to inspect his troops in the field. The troops had very little to eat so they served him a variety of sweet potatoes or "camote". The General loved the camotes because it was a special kind, I think the violet variety, and inquired with the men if that was all they had. The troops said, that was all. The general was stricken with pity and resolved to do something for his troops.
When the General got to his headquarters, he decided to send five sacks of rice to the army station in the South.
Of course when the five sacks of rice got to the regional commander, he thought that it was too much for the station troops. So the regional commander sent only three and kept the two sacks with him.
When the three sacks got to the detachment commander, he thought that three sacks was too much for the station troops. So he sent only one sack of rice and kept the two.
When the sack of rice got to the provincial commander, he thought that the troops didn't need the rice because they had enough camotes to eat. So he got the rice and sent only the sack.
When the station troops got the sack, they asked where it came from and found out it came from General Ramos who they remembered loved the camotes so much. They thoiught he was asking for camotes. So they packed the sack with camotes and sent it to the General.
When the sack of camotes got to the provincial commander, he thought sending the camotes to the General was an insult. So he got the camotes and sent a sack of rice instead.
When the sack of rice got to the detachment commander, he thought one sack of rice was too little. So he added two more sacks of rice and sent them to the General.
When the three sacks got to the regional commander, he thought three sacks was also too little so he added two more and sent them to the General.
Finally, the five sacks of rice got to the General and he wondered how the five sacks of rice he sent to the lowly troops in that station in the south could find their way back to him.
Manila papers have relegated the coup story to the backpages. Thus. today we will churn out original material.
I had a board meeting recently in a corporation which has a retired army officer as board member. During the light moments that often precede a corporate meeting, the discussion dwelt on the recent coup and our friend army officer told an anecdote on military corruption.
He said,
During the time when President Ramos was still Chief of Staff, he happened to visit a small army station in the south to inspect his troops in the field. The troops had very little to eat so they served him a variety of sweet potatoes or "camote". The General loved the camotes because it was a special kind, I think the violet variety, and inquired with the men if that was all they had. The troops said, that was all. The general was stricken with pity and resolved to do something for his troops.
When the General got to his headquarters, he decided to send five sacks of rice to the army station in the South.
Of course when the five sacks of rice got to the regional commander, he thought that it was too much for the station troops. So the regional commander sent only three and kept the two sacks with him.
When the three sacks got to the detachment commander, he thought that three sacks was too much for the station troops. So he sent only one sack of rice and kept the two.
When the sack of rice got to the provincial commander, he thought that the troops didn't need the rice because they had enough camotes to eat. So he got the rice and sent only the sack.
When the station troops got the sack, they asked where it came from and found out it came from General Ramos who they remembered loved the camotes so much. They thoiught he was asking for camotes. So they packed the sack with camotes and sent it to the General.
When the sack of camotes got to the provincial commander, he thought sending the camotes to the General was an insult. So he got the camotes and sent a sack of rice instead.
When the sack of rice got to the detachment commander, he thought one sack of rice was too little. So he added two more sacks of rice and sent them to the General.
When the three sacks got to the regional commander, he thought three sacks was also too little so he added two more and sent them to the General.
Finally, the five sacks of rice got to the General and he wondered how the five sacks of rice he sent to the lowly troops in that station in the south could find their way back to him.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Palace to impose guidelines on press corps: spokesman - Aug. 18, 2003
After the President berated a TV reporter for interviewing Gringo Honasan, the Presidential Spokesman announced yesterday that Malacanang will issue new guidelines on the conduct of the press corps. He said, however, that the new guidelines are just a matter of reiterating the previous rules.
After the President berated a TV reporter for interviewing Gringo Honasan, the Presidential Spokesman announced yesterday that Malacanang will issue new guidelines on the conduct of the press corps. He said, however, that the new guidelines are just a matter of reiterating the previous rules.
Monday, August 18, 2003
The Manila Times Internet Edition | TOP STORIES >GMA pampers soldiers, will provide perks
The Manila Times reports that the PResdient is set to provide a round of salary increases to the soldiers as a reaction to the recent failed coup attempt. Aside from this, the government will also provide them housing benefits. The President, however, claims that these reforms were already being implemented even prior to the coup. Access full story above.
The Manila Times reports that the PResdient is set to provide a round of salary increases to the soldiers as a reaction to the recent failed coup attempt. Aside from this, the government will also provide them housing benefits. The President, however, claims that these reforms were already being implemented even prior to the coup. Access full story above.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Magdalo boys clam up, accuse counsel of bias - Aug. 16, 2003
Lawyer Homobono Adaza moved for the submission of affidavits of his clients, the mutinous soldiers of July 27, in lieu of oral testimony before the Feliciano Commission. He accuses Feliciano Commission counsel Mario Ongkiko of acting like a prosecutor instead of a truth-seeker. Access story above.
Lawyer Homobono Adaza moved for the submission of affidavits of his clients, the mutinous soldiers of July 27, in lieu of oral testimony before the Feliciano Commission. He accuses Feliciano Commission counsel Mario Ongkiko of acting like a prosecutor instead of a truth-seeker. Access story above.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Mutiny leader admits to making 'blood compact' - Aug. 14, 2003
In today's Senate hearing on the July 27 coup, a mutiny leader admitted engaging in the rite of a "blood compact" to dramatize their commitment against graft and corruption. Access story above.
In today's Senate hearing on the July 27 coup, a mutiny leader admitted engaging in the rite of a "blood compact" to dramatize their commitment against graft and corruption. Access story above.
Philippine Commentary by Dean Jorge Bocobo
Dean Jorge Bocobo is blogging a blow-by-blow account of the Feliciano Commission hearings. Access link above. The Tribune has a unique perspective of the hearings. It highlights the whitewash. Access here. And the Inquirer sees more of Trillanes's testimony clearing Gringo and Erap. Access here. The Manila Standard sees that Trillanes fumbles, noting the shattered confidence in the testimony of the navy lieutenant. Access here.And the Philippine Star takes the Gringo Honasan angle. Access here. And of course, Businessworld puts these news on the backpage, side by side.
Dean Jorge Bocobo is blogging a blow-by-blow account of the Feliciano Commission hearings. Access link above. The Tribune has a unique perspective of the hearings. It highlights the whitewash. Access here. And the Inquirer sees more of Trillanes's testimony clearing Gringo and Erap. Access here. The Manila Standard sees that Trillanes fumbles, noting the shattered confidence in the testimony of the navy lieutenant. Access here.And the Philippine Star takes the Gringo Honasan angle. Access here. And of course, Businessworld puts these news on the backpage, side by side.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
In today's investigation proceedings of the Feliciano Commission, lawyer Mario Ongkiko tried to elicit an admission from LT SG Trillanes that the picture above is that of Sen. Gringo Honasan. LT SG Trillanes was evasive and Ongkiko failed to score.
Mutiny sought President's ouster not junta: Trillanes - Aug. 13, 2003
Also in today's hearing, Lt SG Trillanes claimed that the mutiny was not intended to grab power. Access link above.
Also in today's hearing, Lt SG Trillanes claimed that the mutiny was not intended to grab power. Access link above.
ABS-CBNNEWS.COM: "Civilian supremacy"
Ateneo Law School Dean and constitutional law expert, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J. writes that civilian supremacy, especially in this country with a strong tradition of a warrior class, is more of a goal whose attainment must constantly be sought and which, once attained, must be carefully nurtured. A profound article. Access link above.
Ateneo Law School Dean and constitutional law expert, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J. writes that civilian supremacy, especially in this country with a strong tradition of a warrior class, is more of a goal whose attainment must constantly be sought and which, once attained, must be carefully nurtured. A profound article. Access link above.
ABS-CBNNEWS.COM: "S.C. orders AFP to present Magdalo leaders"
ABS-CBN reports that the Supreme Court ordered the government's security officials to bring to the Court of Appeals at 10. a.m. Monday the six Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) junior officers accused of leading the July 27 failed coup. Access story above.
ABS-CBN reports that the Supreme Court ordered the government's security officials to bring to the Court of Appeals at 10. a.m. Monday the six Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) junior officers accused of leading the July 27 failed coup. Access story above.
THE DAILY TRIBUNE On the Web!: "AFP gags tell-all Marines, tags officers as coup plotters"
The Tribnue reports that lawyers of Marine Captains Danilo Luna and Yuri Pesigan yesterday said the two have received instructions from higher ups not to issue further statements, immediately after surfacing last Monday to the Senate. Access story above.
The Tribnue reports that lawyers of Marine Captains Danilo Luna and Yuri Pesigan yesterday said the two have received instructions from higher ups not to issue further statements, immediately after surfacing last Monday to the Senate. Access story above.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Big bosses ordered sale of P1-B ammo to enemy
The Tribune reports on two ranking officers, who -- not being part of the mutiny -- presented themselves before Senator Aquilino Pimentel to corroborate the allegations on the sale of ammunitions by Army officers to the Muslim rebels in Southern Philippines. Access link above.
The Tribune reports on two ranking officers, who -- not being part of the mutiny -- presented themselves before Senator Aquilino Pimentel to corroborate the allegations on the sale of ammunitions by Army officers to the Muslim rebels in Southern Philippines. Access link above.
Monday, August 11, 2003
Macapagal lifts state of rebellion - Aug. 11, 2003
After much nagging from kibitzers, not to mention several Supreme Court cases, the President finally lifts her declaration of the state of rebellion over the country. Access link above.
After much nagging from kibitzers, not to mention several Supreme Court cases, the President finally lifts her declaration of the state of rebellion over the country. Access link above.
Why Reyes succeeded and young mutineers failed- Aug. 11, 2003
Amando Doronila of the Inquirer compares two coups. The difference he says is preparation, people power and universally shared grievances.Access link above.
Amando Doronila of the Inquirer compares two coups. The difference he says is preparation, people power and universally shared grievances.Access link above.
Saturday, August 09, 2003
A peace advocate's reflections on the Magdalo mutiny
Philippine thinkers continue to wonder whether the putchists were renegades or whistleblowers. Access link above.
Philippine thinkers continue to wonder whether the putchists were renegades or whistleblowers. Access link above.
A LOSER NAMED GREG
Biting take against coup suspect Gringo Honasan. Access link above. His official biography from the Senate website can be accessed here. Note that it skips the period from 1987 to 1995, which was the fugitive years of his career.
Biting take against coup suspect Gringo Honasan. Access link above. His official biography from the Senate website can be accessed here. Note that it skips the period from 1987 to 1995, which was the fugitive years of his career.
Recommendations of the Final Report of the Fact-Finding Commission
More than thirteen years ago, the Davide Commission tasked to investigate the bloody coup of 1989 submitted its report. Their recommendations are linked above. Whatever happened to that?
More than thirteen years ago, the Davide Commission tasked to investigate the bloody coup of 1989 submitted its report. Their recommendations are linked above. Whatever happened to that?
In Retrospect... Chris' Log: "The Ingredients of a Successful Coup d'etat [or Why Rebellions do not work here in the Philippines]"
Engaging and funny take on the recent coup by a blogger from Asia Pacific College. Access link above.
Engaging and funny take on the recent coup by a blogger from Asia Pacific College. Access link above.
ABS-CBNNEWS.COM: "Honasan lawyer disputes subpoena"
Lawyer Daniel Gutierrez claims the subpoena sent by the Department of Justice to his client Sen. Gringo Honasan lacked certain annexes and was not properly sent.
Lawyer Daniel Gutierrez claims the subpoena sent by the Department of Justice to his client Sen. Gringo Honasan lacked certain annexes and was not properly sent.
Philippine Commentary by Dean Jorge Bocobo: "Dean Jorge Bocobo is an 'Intellectual Component' of the Military Coup D'etat? "
Our favorite blogger gets into the fray. Access story above.
Our favorite blogger gets into the fray. Access story above.
Philippines has five separate investigations into failed mutiny
Channel News Asia observes that the investigations on the coup have become an oportunity for political grandstanding. Access story above.
Channel News Asia observes that the investigations on the coup have become an oportunity for political grandstanding. Access story above.
AFP: 100 mutiny sympathizers still on active duty
A computer diskette, found during the uprising, points to 100 rebel symphatizers still on active duty. The military is now verifying the list by talking to the 100 soliders. Access story above.
A computer diskette, found during the uprising, points to 100 rebel symphatizers still on active duty. The military is now verifying the list by talking to the 100 soliders. Access story above.
Arroyo, Ramos patch up spat over mutiny
Was the amnesty program of then Pres. Ramos the reason why the military still has adventurist tendencies today? Is it because Pres. Arroyo is a weak leader? No sense arguing as ex-Pres. Ramos and Pres. Arroyo cool down and settle after the two were involved in word war of sorts this week. Access story above.
Was the amnesty program of then Pres. Ramos the reason why the military still has adventurist tendencies today? Is it because Pres. Arroyo is a weak leader? No sense arguing as ex-Pres. Ramos and Pres. Arroyo cool down and settle after the two were involved in word war of sorts this week. Access story above.
Sun.Star Breaking News: Rebellion complaint filed against Estrada's mistress
The Department of Justice filed yesterday a complaint for rebellion against Laarni Enriquez, favorite mistress of Erap Estrada, for having allowed the rebels to use her house as staging area fr the coup. Access story above.
The Department of Justice filed yesterday a complaint for rebellion against Laarni Enriquez, favorite mistress of Erap Estrada, for having allowed the rebels to use her house as staging area fr the coup. Access story above.
Friday, August 08, 2003
Corpus says 'leak' prevented GMA's downfall
The original plan of the mutineers was to mount the coup on August 2 by seizing Malacañang, the Sangley Point naval base in Cavite, a Manila television network "and other vital targets, simultaneously " Brig. Gen. Victor Corpus said.
"Because we were able to preempt them, they panicked and they were forced to act prematurely even though the troops that would have been used for the coup had yet to arrive in Manila," Corpus said on ABS-CBN television.
The original plan of the mutineers was to mount the coup on August 2 by seizing Malacañang, the Sangley Point naval base in Cavite, a Manila television network "and other vital targets, simultaneously " Brig. Gen. Victor Corpus said.
"Because we were able to preempt them, they panicked and they were forced to act prematurely even though the troops that would have been used for the coup had yet to arrive in Manila," Corpus said on ABS-CBN television.
Samar soldiers rewarded for loyalty to GMA... - Aug. 08, 2003
Army Chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Camiling promised to give 1.3 million pesos worth of financial aid and additional military vehicles to the 8th Infantry Division based ins Samar for their loyalty to GMA. Access story above.
Army Chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Camiling promised to give 1.3 million pesos worth of financial aid and additional military vehicles to the 8th Infantry Division based ins Samar for their loyalty to GMA. Access story above.
Thursday, August 07, 2003
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
HONASAN'S NATIONAL RECOVERY PROGRAM
The above link takes you to a summary of Gringo Honasan's National Recovery Program.
The above link takes you to a summary of Gringo Honasan's National Recovery Program.
Chaos in the Philippines - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED
Stinging editorial from the Washington Times. It quotes Cong. Imee Marcos's call for the cancellation of Mr. Bush's State Visit and notes that a growing number of people think that Mr. Ping Lacson is the man of the hour. It ends with bitter sweet sentence, "Mrs. Arroyo clearly cannot do it."
Stinging editorial from the Washington Times. It quotes Cong. Imee Marcos's call for the cancellation of Mr. Bush's State Visit and notes that a growing number of people think that Mr. Ping Lacson is the man of the hour. It ends with bitter sweet sentence, "Mrs. Arroyo clearly cannot do it."
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Rex Robles, Honasan buddy, says Gringo has no more influence in the military
Retired commodore Rex Robles said that the government should not give opposition Senator Gregorio Honasan too much credit because the lawmaker no longer has influence over the military to incite acts of rebellion. Access story here.
Retired commodore Rex Robles said that the government should not give opposition Senator Gregorio Honasan too much credit because the lawmaker no longer has influence over the military to incite acts of rebellion. Access story here.
SC junks partylist groups' plea vs. state of rebellion... - Aug. 05, 2003
The petitioners failed to attach certified true copies of the declaration of State of Rebellion. The copies are technical requirements for the Court to hear the petitions.
The petitioners failed to attach certified true copies of the declaration of State of Rebellion. The copies are technical requirements for the Court to hear the petitions.
Major's confession shows Honasan role in coup plot - Aug. 05, 2003
Major Perfecto Ragil, a communications expert, claims he was present when Sen. Honasan and LT SG Trillianes met in San Juan suburb and plotted the coup.
Access the full text of the Affidavit of Major Ragil here.
Major Perfecto Ragil, a communications expert, claims he was present when Sen. Honasan and LT SG Trillianes met in San Juan suburb and plotted the coup.
Access the full text of the Affidavit of Major Ragil here.
Monday, August 04, 2003
TOP TEN BLOOPERS DURING THE MUTINY WATCH AND TOP TEN PROMISES TO LURE THE REBELS BACK
Very funny article from the Inquirer. Access now.
Very funny article from the Inquirer. Access now.
Gov't files rebelion charges against Sen. Honasan and 6 Coup Leaders
Local Governement Secretary Joey Lina filed today the formal charges of rebellion against Senatro HOnasan and the 6 other coup eaders. Inquirer text here.
In this morning's ABS CBN News show, however, lawyer Homobono Adaza, the chief counsel for the rebel soldiers, said that his clients can only be charged with violation of the anti-smoking ordinance as the Makati incident falls short of the elements of the crime of rebellion or coup d'etat.
Local Governement Secretary Joey Lina filed today the formal charges of rebellion against Senatro HOnasan and the 6 other coup eaders. Inquirer text here.
In this morning's ABS CBN News show, however, lawyer Homobono Adaza, the chief counsel for the rebel soldiers, said that his clients can only be charged with violation of the anti-smoking ordinance as the Makati incident falls short of the elements of the crime of rebellion or coup d'etat.
100 Scout Rangers Protect Gringo Honasan Gone Underground
One hundred Scout Rangers are believed to be protecting Sen. Gringo Honasan who, after delivering a privileged speech denying accusations of his links with the rebels, have vanished from the public eye. Access story here.
One hundred Scout Rangers are believed to be protecting Sen. Gringo Honasan who, after delivering a privileged speech denying accusations of his links with the rebels, have vanished from the public eye. Access story here.
Saturday, August 02, 2003
Rebels to Return to Service Units
National Security Adviser Roilo Golez announced today that the rebel soldiers will be allowed to return to their own service units in the custody of their commanders. The core group composed of five (5) junior officers, however, will face charges in both civil and military courts. See Inquirer story here.
National Security Adviser Roilo Golez announced today that the rebel soldiers will be allowed to return to their own service units in the custody of their commanders. The core group composed of five (5) junior officers, however, will face charges in both civil and military courts. See Inquirer story here.
Friday, August 01, 2003
Engaging blow by blow account of the Senate Inquiry on the Mutiny by Dean Jorge Bocobo.
Access here.
Asia Times article on the academic roots of the mutiny.
Access here.
Access here.
Asia Times article on the academic roots of the mutiny.
Access here.
Gov't Reveals Assasination Plot Against Arroyo
The Philippine Government revealed today that it has uncovered an assasination plot against Pres. Arroyo. The assasination is allegedly being plotted by soldiers who have gone AWOL and have since remained unaccounted. ABC story here.
The Philippine Government revealed today that it has uncovered an assasination plot against Pres. Arroyo. The assasination is allegedly being plotted by soldiers who have gone AWOL and have since remained unaccounted. ABC story here.
National Security Adviser Claims Rebels Planned to Put Up Junta
Sec. Roilo Golez, National Security Adviser, disclosed that the rebels intended to put up a Military Junta composed of fifteen members which would have been called, the National Recovery Council. Once set up, the NRC was supposed to implement the National Recovery Program, authored by Gringo Honasan. Access story here.
Sec. Roilo Golez, National Security Adviser, disclosed that the rebels intended to put up a Military Junta composed of fifteen members which would have been called, the National Recovery Council. Once set up, the NRC was supposed to implement the National Recovery Program, authored by Gringo Honasan. Access story here.
Attempt to Plant Evidence against Estrada Son Thwarted
The Philippine Tribune reports that San Juan Police thwarted an attempt by intelligence offcers to plant evidence linking Jinggoy Estrada to the rebellion. The military, however, immediately took custody of the intelligence officers from San Juan Police on the pre-text that they would be charged and investigated by the intelligence office instead. Story here.
The Philippine Tribune reports that San Juan Police thwarted an attempt by intelligence offcers to plant evidence linking Jinggoy Estrada to the rebellion. The military, however, immediately took custody of the intelligence officers from San Juan Police on the pre-text that they would be charged and investigated by the intelligence office instead. Story here.
