The obvious place all the skirt-lifting that had been going on over the thirty-odd working days of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona is starting to emerge in the horizon.
Indeed, it is easy to quibble over how the “accuracy” with which Corona declared his assets and liabilities on that hallowed document known as the Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). The trouble with the real world is there are really no absolutes. Ask Albert Einstein. He’ll tell you. The prosecution alleged that Corona lodged an “inaccurate” SALN. So the impeachment court spent the last several weeks determining how inaccurate Corona’s SALN is. Perhaps some degree of clarity around just how inaccurate Corona’s SALN might be eventually emerged. But after the oohs and ahhhs and the other sound effects that accompany Pinoy-style “indignation” had died down the next obvious question sticks out like a sore thumb:
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How inaccurate relative to all the rest is it?
See, everyone lies to some degree or another. And the thing that gets lied about the most is money — specially when it comes to declaring to the government how much of it you have or make. So considering the prosecution mob made a big deal of whatever alleged “inaccuracy” existed in Corona’s SALN, and considering the reality that, at the end of the day, most Pinoys — and certainly their politicians who generally reflect the character of their constituents — are inherently dishonest (possessing of a culture of crime as I had once asserted), it becomes evident that the real issue here is whether or not the alleged inaccuracies in Corona’s SALN represent exceptional or remarkable inaccuracies — i.e., that they can be construed to be instances of dishonesty beyond what is ordinary in the Philippines as far as the local standard of “honesty” is concerned.
Perhaps then what this trial — particularly where it is headed seeing how SALNs are being whipped out for public display — may be really achieving is a laying of the groundwork for the kicking up of a national skirt-lifting frenzy, one that might reveal just how dirty the underpants of most Filipino politicians really are. If I were a Filipino politician today, I’d start crossing my legs.
Providing a broader context to SALN “inaccuracy” is exactly where the defense would have headed had its request to subpoena the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism’s (PCIJ’s) Malou Mangahas, Karol Anne Ilagan, and Ed Lingao to share “research” they had done around the general way government officials do their respective SALNs been allowed. As we know now, the impeachment court deemed this line of inquiry “irrelevant” and the PCIJ, for its part, encouraged the defense team to “do [their] own research” instead of use them as a “private investigator”. Furthermore, the PCIJ says, “The fact that there may have been others who benefited from their improper conduct would do nothing to excuse the Respondent..”
In short, the PCIJ asserts the fact that others do it is no excuse.
Fair enough.
How many of these “others” are out there and how much of these others have mis-declared in their SALNs is perhaps the next place where the next circus could boldly go.
The real challenge, however, lies in going after the fundamental banal criminality that infests the Filipino psyche…
All with nonchalant impunity from the bottom of the pecking order to the top: humble jeepney drivers thumb their noses at traffic ordinances, families build entire houses on public property and other lands they are not entitled to, retailers sell pirated intellectual property at high-end market facilities, entrepeneurs build high walls around their mansions to conceal their illicit warehousing activities, megastars evade taxation with a smile, and we elect our leaders to office fully expecting them to “recover” their campaign investment within their terms of office.
My lola used to tell me: Point to someone and you will have three of your own fingers pointing back at you.
benign0 is the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com.
SIGH INDEED!!!! This is the problem when you use dirty water to clean house. We have become a country of liars and dishonorable men and women hiding behind our righteous indignation when accosted with the truth. Is there hope for us still? Is there hope for our children and grand children to inherit a culture of truth and honor? Since January up til today what I have witnessed leaves me with a with more question…so what happens next? If we convict do things change? If we acquit do things change? I guess for us now we just need to wait and I can only hope that like in 1986 full of hope…I will not be let down.
Sa pangunguna ni Corona na nagsinungaling sa SALN nya upang maitago ang ninakaw nya
O RLY? Care to back that up with solid and irrefutable proof?
Tgnan m mga anak nya multi milyon ang pgaari na bahay kht na wla silang kakayahan na bilhin ito. Inilagay lng pngalan nla jan pra maitago ang totoong ari arian ni Corona. Isa p yung dollar account hnggang ngayon ayaw p rin ipkta.
Proof please… oh wait,
AS USUAL you don’t have any proof to back up your stupid claim.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Hoist Vincenzo B. Arellano, bakit di mo isauli muna ang mga ninakaw mo bago ka manghusga ng iba?
That exactly is the problem. The Philippines is a corrupt society, and cheating and favor-trading is common. Corruption is a river, running fast. How do you redirect it if, everywhere you look, you can say “well, he is doing it , too”. Well, you push one big rock in from the side, and then another. The Chief Justice is the chosen first rock. How else do you stop the flow?
Dpat sumunod na si Corona makulong ksama ang asawa nyang si Cristina. Sila, kasama ni Gloria and family, ang pasimuno at ang dhlan ku bkt laganap ang korupSYon hnd lang sa gobyerno kundi ksma ang maralitang PilipinO.
Vindictive minds are destructive. Hindi mangyayari ang sinasabi mo. You just want to make feel better. 😛
Joe America,
Why should CJ Corona be the “chosen first rock”? Why not choose you? What makes the CJ a rock to be shoved? And who is the one who “chooses”? You?
Pls explain how impeaching CJ Corona is the answer to endemic corruption?
Hay naku. Joe probably thinks that because PNoy says Chief Justice Corona is “guilty” it means he is really guilty.
I don’t think Joe can come up with his own independent analysis. Sablay yan.
Ano ba naman kayo?! Napaka-kumportable na tayo na magnanakaw lahat ng namumuno sa atin, babaguhin pa ba natin ito?
Ipagtanggol lahat ng magnanakaw!!!! Wag kayong matakot dahil wala kayong pananagutan!!!!! Sinisiguro namin dito sa GRP at ng Supreme Court na protektado kayong lahat.
“Mga anak ko, pag-laki nyo mag-politiko ka ha para manakaw mo rin pabalik yung mga ninakaw sa atin. Pag nahuli ka, sabihin natin magnanakaw naman tayong lahat e bakit nagmamalinis sila, di ba?”
@BuboyG
Kung gusto mo talagang masupil mga magnanakaw, dapat unahin yang mga Aquino-Cojuangco na yan. Pinaka-malaking magnanakaw mga ankan nyan.
BuboyG:
I can call you as corrupt because of your vindictive, malicious mind. Corona is not the bigger fish since he doesn’t have any pork barrel to bribe most congressmen PNoy did.
TROLL HARDER. 😛
Yung mga mahuhuling killer, pag isa lang ang pinatay, pakawalan nyo na. Dapat may quota, yung tipong tatlo pataas ang napapatay. Andami-daming serial killer dyan, inuuna nyo yung isa lang ang pinatay?!
Yung mga rapist na mahuhuli, unahin yung mga nakakarami na. Pag isa pa lang ang ni-rape, palayain nyo na rin. Andami-daming serial rapist dyan bakit nyo uunahin ang isa pa lang ang ni-rape?!
Magbabago lang lipunan natin pag pinakawalan natin ang mga small time offenders at pursigihin natin ang mga big time offenders.
Makes sense nga.
@BuboyG
Dapat unahin ang siguradong magnanakaw kaysa sa pinapatunayan pa lang na magnanakaw—“Makes sense” kaagad eto basta’t mayroon simpleng common-sense lang.
That dud, Maher boy aka Joe America, has no shame. Shameless and dishonest.
For Real, actually, I think Ms. Arroyo was the first rock, but she hasn’t splashed yet, in a courtroom. The President and his legal staff choose; it is his promise to the people who elected him to curtail rampant corruption. CJ makes a fine rock because he is big and visible and the splash can be seen by all. Mr. Corona is simply an example, and a good one. You can bet that a lot of government officials will be doing a better job on their SALN’s in the future. I personally don’t do anything but write down what I observe.
Ahhh, Joe. Now I get it. You are convinced CJ Corona is guilty and the proof is in his SALN.
Do you believe in due process, hard evidence, the presumtion of innocence, protection of civil rights, etc?
Or do you have some insider information which has enabled you to pass final judgement on the trial and the man?
For Real, I think it will be good for the Philippines when transparency means you can understand what has been testified, rather than use a battalion of attorneys and real estate people to unwind exactly who owns what. And I think Judges should be the most forthright of citizens, understanding the importance of transparency; not hide assets in dollar accounts in banks with secrecy laws that allow all kinds of crimes to be hidden there.
I offer an opinion, not a legal judgment. That is for the Senate. Am I allowed an opinion within Philippine freedoms?
Sure, but your “opinion” sounded like you had passed judgement on an on-going trial, wherein the prosecution had a month-long presentation and the defense was in its 1st week of presentation.
You claimed that the best way to stem corruption is to go after a “big rock”…and that the CJ was a good choice. I’m pretty sure you implied that the CJ is guilty.
You have also implied that he did something wrong on his SALN. You also accuse him of doing something underhanded in having a dollar account. You say that judges (read Corona) need to demonstrate “transparency” and imply that he has not been doing that.
Now, an uneducated opinion is fine, I guess…but wouldn’t it be better to take the time to learn the facts before passing judgement? Or is it easier to just guess what the truth is without bothering to listen to the details presented by factual witnesses through careful presentation from sober lawyers?
You know “corruption” also includes willingfully corrupting the truth through false propaganda, right? It includes bypassing, short-cutting and ignoring the law and legal procedures, right? And it includes passing propaganda for the truth…and then claiming “opinion only” when challenged for facts…..
Maher boy,
Dud, you’re not offering an opinion. You’re spewing dishonesties that you want to look as facts.
That’s how your mind works.
For Real, Well any deceit is a form of corruption, and truth is hard to identify sometimes. I could also follow a line of logic that says the Philippines is grossly corrupt, maybe senators are too, so why would I trust the outcome of the trial? I sense that there are senators already convinced one way or another based on their queries. They are allowed to be corrupt and shade the findings?
We can bat back and forth for days. I think corruption sucks the lifeblood from the Philippines and I think it needs to stop. Based on what I’ve observed, I think there are more competent people in the Philippines who would represent the top judicial office of the land better than Mr. Corona, who won’t tell us what is in his dollar accounts, although he knows it is material to his case.
That’s all. I don’t mind if you wish to wait out the trial to make up your mind. I am not arguing against anything you say, just trying to explain my opinion.
Joe America,
I didn’t mean that we should wait for the politically tainted verdict (either way) of the Senators.I am saying that it would seem logical, fair and helpful if you (and everyone else) would actually evaluate the evidence before coming to a conclusion…especially of guilt!
This is only right…and it is the only “true” way to try to find “truth”.
But you once again jump the gun with your “observation” that the CJ isn’t as good a choice, or as “competent”, as other options for CJ. And you refer to the lack of explanation, so far, from Corona himself about his dollar accounts.
Does this mean that you haven’t heard the CJ, Cuevas and the defense’s spokespeople repeatedly say that they will address each and every issue raised point-by-point? And that they would specifically face this exact issue head on?
You are obviously not a lawyer. (Or not a good one if you are one.) You earlier made a derogatory remark about lawyers ploddingly unravelling the confusion by obtaining factual presentation from boring expert witnesses.
But that is what the defense is doing. It is what they should do.
And this is my point — you seemingly have come to conclusions with no verifiable proof; without even giving the chance for the accused to present his proof.
Now you may be right about corruption being a huge problem here and you may be right to state that you just want to express your opinion, but you are either oblivious…or willingly ignorant…about the basic argument in the country and on these pages.
One side is screaming and accusing and mangling due process and the other side is asking to be heard in a rational, logical, leagle way.
So your “opinions” are ignorant (lacking adequate information or information-processing) or you are on the side of those screaming accusations and demanding that the public blindingly believe their version of “the truth”…without bothering to give the accused his right to present his case.
I’m sure you have heard of McCarthyism, right?
Do you want your “adopted country” to go down that path?
@BuboyG:
Fact, eh? You’re ‘facts’ are nothing but fabricated because you want to make yourself feel better. You don’t deserve to be free.
And that’s a fact!
Kaya pala maraming hindi edukado sa mundo…
For Real, you are correct, I am not an attorney. But I do know that attorneys aren’t paid to represent the truth, but to prosecute and defend. Again, I have no problem with your waiting to make up your mind on it. Mine is made up. I don’t think Mr. Corona represents the best the Philippines can do.
@Joe
You can’t even explain why you think he is not the best man. You just think like the rest of the anti-Corona people because you don’t bother with what the defense has to offer.
Please explain to us using the articles of impeachment why you think Corona is not the best man for the Supreme Court or else you are just talking out of your ass. That’s so pathetic.
Joe, Joe, Joe…
You have accused and condemned someone and you can’t cite the evidence which supports your conclusions. You don’t want to entertain the introduction of factual evidence. You’ve grandly just “made up your mind” and you want everyone to know what Mr America thinks.
You just have an “opinion” which is composed of…of…based on…on…..
Perhaps an American Joe — who has spent limited time in the country and who spews opinions based on figments of his imagination — should refrain from involving himself in a national debate…when openly demonstrating that he doesn’t care about facts, legal processes, due process, civil liberties, etc.
Back in the US, those things are so protected, you may now be taking them for granted. But here in the Philippines, your type of disregard for basic human rights is a dangerous thing.
This isn’t some board game for the bored…..
Do you think Maher boy or Joe America will accept your challenge? All he knows is spewing dishonesties…
Truly pathetic…
Maher boy, mahiya ka naman!
Don’t ever bother Maher boy with facts. Just like Maher, his mind is made up. Facts confused him. Just mentioning the word fact will make his head explode.
Pathetic…
For Real, If you wish, you can click on my name and link over to my blog and find the March article I wrote on Mr. Corona’s trial. I have refrained from expanded remarks here because I don’t think the setting is receptive to them. So far, the terms used to describe my brief comments are “ignorant”, “dishonest”, “pathetic”, “irrational” and “pot shots”.
Very clearly, this is not an audience interested in facts, or evidence, or constructive argument. It is an audience interested in winning its point, using the tried and true Filipino method of debate known as shooting the opponent first and finding out the reasons later.
You actually seem the most forthright of the group, if a tad obsessed with legal process.
Impeachment is a part of the checks and balances of government, political but built on a legal framework. I start broadly. “What is in the best interest of the Philippines?” That is a political question, not a legal one. And I answer, “The best Chief Justice available.”
Then I ask, “What requirements should the best Chief Justice in the land have?” and I answer “Mature, dispassionate, legally knowledgeable, skilled at managing vast judicial resources, trustworthy, unbiased.”
Next, “Does Mr. Corona fulfill these requirements better than any other Filipino?” Let’s see, his SALN is a mess with admitted errors excused away (in the best Filipino tradition) as “unimpeachable innocent mistakes” (he appears not to understand the purpose of the SALN as a document to constrain corruption), he is not forthright in revealing his dollar accounts, he lamblasts the President in a political commentary accusing him of a witch hunt (his attorneys have to counsel him to stop that sort of thing), and he requires a dozen attorneys to advocate for him rather than letting his record and intelligence do the advocacy. So I conclude, “no, I’m quite confident that there are apolitical, mature, intelligent legal men and women in the Philippines who I would trust to be more forthright and competent leaders of the Philippine judiciary”.
I find no need to argue over specific properties or the minute factual details of the case. That would also be in the Philippine tradition, allowing the trees to distract one from the forest. The “forest” is how to get the best damn judiciary possible for the Philippines, and impeachment is a process to move in that direction.
If that is ignorant thinking, color me ignorant. If you think Mr. Corona is good for the Philippines, I’d say, “well, standards here always were a little shabby and shaded by personal interests.” Then I would go take my dog for a walk in the beautiful Philippine countryside.
Joe,
Make this easy…
I hope you don’t consider the presentation and review of facts as being “a tad too much interested in legal process”.
You come back to Corona’s SALN, claiming it to be a “mess”. I don’t follow.
The defense (yes, most accused people use lawyers in court) has started to address the various claims. So far, we have found that there are 5 properties, not 45. And these were all in the SALN.
They have also been working on specifing exactly what income both the CJ and his wife had. They have repeatedly said they will address the dollar account head on. BUT THE TRIAL HASN’T GOTTEN THERE YET.
Unforunately, you have condemned a man without even looking at the facts and without giving him a chance to rebut the charges.
How can you justify that?
@Joe
What facts or evidence are you talking about? So far, it is the defense who has been presenting evidence based on facts while the prosecution’s presentation includes illegally obtained documents and hearsay testimonies.
What admitted errors in his SALN are you talking about? You need to be more detailed in your arguments. You can’t just make general statements without backing them with FACTS.
That’s because you can’t comprehend the explanation of the defense. You are just like the “masa” who are stuck with PNoy’s slogan.
I think your real motive in joining here is to get an audience for your blog. Otherwise, you don’t need to say: “click on my name and link over to my blog and find the March article I wrote on Mr. Corona’s tria.” You are too obvious.
To be clear, Joe…
What “mess” are you talking about re the CJ’s SALN? Pls be specific. It’s actually the same question I’ve asked of you from the beginning of this thread.
Objection. Asked and answered.
Dude, I have refrained from cross-linking because that is indeed objectionable. However, For Real has implied that I am fresh off the boat and ought to refrain from commenting. That is in effect telling me to “shut up, your views don’t matter.” Since y’all are so interested in details, you can just bop on over and find for yourself whether I understand the Philippines or not, and have the knowledge and credentials to comment. Merely seeking to establish the foundation for being a credible witness, your honors.
@Joe
You have not answered the questions in detail. You just keep making general statements without backing them with FACTS.
There’s no way I’m going to your site. Put your answers right here. Enumerate the impeachment complaints and let us know which ones the prosecution has proven.
Joe,
Forgive my blindness or stupidity, but I can’t find your reference to the source/cause of the SALN’s “mess”.
Unless you are saying that the CJ is corrupt because he consistently reported the assessed (by the government) value of his properties and didn’t include the initial purchase price?
OK, I saw your blog and you are a banker! So you know that a statement of net worth would list the assets and liabilities at their current value, NOT at their initial price.
Like the blue book value for cars. Like the depreciated value of various products (furniture, computers, etc). And in the Philippines, land is very specifically assessed by the LGUs and a tax declaration is based on that. And that’s what Corona used as his reference.
On 5 properties, not the blatantly innacurate 45 properties.
And no, the lawyers didn’t say “he cheated like everyone elso did…so what?”. They said the established method of completing the SALN is vague and there has been varius interpretations.
Which is true. The senators SALNs were all filled-out differently. You know that, right? And the civil service department is trying to figure out how to make the form better.
The SALNs, themselves, are a mess…but the CJ’s recordings of his properties were consistent, accurate and timely.
So where’s the beef, err, “mess”?
Joe,
I wasn’t implying that you don’t have a right to comment. You most certainly do.
But to make wild accusations and openly rejecting the idea of actually waiting for the presentation of purported facts and an actual rebuttal by the accused is wrong. Anywhere. Anytime.
I also don’t think you are fresh off the boat, I have read some of your comments dating back a few years. You did this very same thing with several topics. I think the whole Smartmatic issue was one of them. You rejected the system without even understanding it.
And you were wrong.
What I was saying above was that you may not fully comprehend how delicate the political situation is here and how wild accusations are very dengerous.
If you did, you would (presumably) NOT aggravate the situation by adding more to the black propaganda (by contending parties) which infects this country.
You have even said how damaging it is if the president is attacked repeatedly and without any concern for the facts on the ground.
But this is what you are doing with the CJ. It’s not good for the country.
For Real, ahhhhhh, you are “Reality Check” with a different handle? That makes some things fall into line for me. Thanks.
You are skilled at arguing, I’ll give you that. You used to demand facts, then (re Smartmatic). And I didn’t supply them.
So here we are again, you pushing your agenda, me arguing my broad brushes, ne’er the twain to meet.
I hereby declare this thread dead.
Hahahaha! WTF?!? This Joe America must be a paid hack!
His arguments are typical of PNoy supporters who just love to spew general statements without backing them up with facts. How irresponsible.
Where is Parallax when you need him? 😉
@joe: pwned again, huh?
i like “for real?”; he/she’s like the good sibling i never had.
I love your comments, For Real.
It’s refreshing. 🙂
Joe, I do not have an agenda. And I didn’t have an agenda re smartmatic.
What I don’t like is the country being pulled down, held back because of purposefully black propaganda.
I don’t think you are the cause, but you are the fuel. Your factless broad strokes don’t add to the discourse and only help perpetuate the problem.
What I can’t understand is…why? You seem intelligent. You didn’t grow up here and aren’t bound to a group of families or a fraternity mafia. And yet you take the side — repeatedly — of those who are throwing verbal bombs based on anything but factual evidence.
Anyway, fine — run away instead of giving a rational explanation of your claims and positions.
Parallax — I’m a he, for the record.
Ilda, thanks! I enjoy your reading your pieces.
@for real?: noted. joeam usually weasels out of a tight spot with me by going the victim route, citing my (open) hostility towards his manipulative drivel. with you, he has no choice (or excuse) but to look flat-footed, and run away. coolest sparring with joeam i’ve seen so far.
Ayaw ko na nga sumali kasi baka sabihin eh pinagtu-tulungan na naman. Sya pa may gana mag-reklamo…hay.
I actually respect For Real, and his dedication to his principles or cause, and, indeed, in our prior history of debate, the facts bore out that he was correct, and I was wrong. Plus he argues mainly the issues and refrains from the personal slurs that inspire so many so-called intellectuals.
So I will wait and see on this matter, the trial, meanwhile offering opinions for what they are. Observations in search of truth. And it gives me a chance to practice being civil amongst so many who are not.
For Real,
“I don’t think you are the cause, but you are the fuel. Your factless broad strokes don’t add to the discourse and only help perpetuate the problem. . . .What I can’t understand is…why?”
I had to ponder that remark a great deal. Am I actually a part of the problem instead of the solution?
I trust that you don’t read fiction or poetry; if you do, do you conclude that such “factless broad strokes don’t add to the discourse ?”
Any opinion is a factless stroke, is it not? It arises from the author looking about and trying to deduce from what he knows and guess about what he doesn’t know to find a course of action that makes sense. For some, the facts are not to be found in numbers or the recitation of dates, but how seemingly irrelevant data are spliced together to come up with new ideas.
You have a talent with words. Parallelaxe has a talent with words. I have a talent with words.
You drive relentlessly for facts and reason. Parallelaxe wages interpersonal battles and largely ignores facts and reason, and even kindness. I enjoy a twist of phrase, a more literary impressionistic view, finding patterns or contradictions. More like Van Gogh during his lunatic days, perhaps, than Monet and his obsession with haystacks.
I’d say your approach is meaningful to many, and wholly constructive. Parallelaxe’s approach is meaningful to many and let you decide if it is constructive or not. And my approach is meaningful to a few people, generally those who have read a lot, know English well, enjoy games and humor and satire, and don’t take themselves as seriously as you appear to take yourself. I’d argue it is constructive, rather like rubber is a fine material, but different from cement, which is also useful.
I guess I would turn around and ask why you wish to suppress anyone’s expression? Maybe mine is art rather than science. You don’t appreciate that?
Change does not occur without agitation, a little exploration and poking about, and breaking down old ways of thinking. If I can loosen up the old ways, you can rebuild them constructively. And we both are helpful in our own way.
So I shall continue to do what I do, and you can continue to do what you do. And I am confident that Parallelaxe will continue to do what he does.
This Maher boy aka Joe America if he can’t refute an argument:
“I have refrained from expanded remarks here because I don’t think the setting is receptive to them. So far, the terms used to describe my brief comments are “ignorantâ€, “dishonestâ€, “patheticâ€, “irrational†and “pot shotsâ€.”
(Playing victim again – this blog is not receptive to his expanded remarks – webmaster take note. I call his comments dishonesties and misinformation. In my book, people who are spewing dishonesties and misinformation must be called for what they are – ignorant, dishonest, pathetic, and “dud”. They don’t deserve civilities. This dud is expecting a free pass with his dishonesties and misinformation.)
“Mine (his mind)is made up. I don’t think Mr. Corona represents the best the Philippines can do.”
(This dud could have remarked that his mind is already made up right at the start of his comment and I can guarantee him that level-headed commenters here would just give his comment a pass.)
His other excuses if he can’t refute an argument or a logical counter-comment:
> “Slow internet connection” (read: no interest in fact checking)- when confronted with facts.
> “We all have our shortcomings or our bad days or the times we typed first and thought later. Why obsess over them?†– when confronted with a logical refutation.
What can you expect, for this dud, satire and fable is the way for him to present an argument. I won’t call him Maher boy if it’s not for that.
His claim – “Maher is wrong 15% of the time, obscene 12%, crude and rude 28% and hilariously brilliant the rest of the time.”
Maher for him is hilariously brilliant 48% of the time! I won’t hold my breath if he is seeing himself as Maher, the satirist who would always claim he is just a comedian.
Looks like Joe is trying to change the topic to divert our attention from the fact that he has not responded properly to our questions.
Nice try, Joe. But you’re just fooling yourself.
Dude, For Real asked a question and I responded forthrightly. Why do you say I tried to change the topic as if I were avoiding the issue? If you would try that yourself – comment on the issue – we might be able to have a good conversation. But this kind of esteem based macho challenge, as if we were chickens in a cockfighting arena, is impossible to respond to with civility.
@Joe
You responded to Get Real, yes. But you did not answer his questions. And you did not answer mine, either:
Here it is again:
Enumerate the impeachment complaints and let us know which ones the prosecution has proven.
Joe America,
Well, maybe we have finally been able to break through the first level of understanding and can now delve deeper into an appreciation of each other’s vantage point, viewing lens and motivation.
We both seem to have a basic grasp of the other. You hit the nail on the head when you figured I don’t read almost any fiction or poetry.
On the other hand, I write poetry and fiction.
And I know that your words flow from your heart, soul and third eye. You have “hippie”, artsy-fartsy funk flowing through you.
On the other hand, you are a retired banker. Banker. Dollars and sense, right?
There is enough yin and yang in our mutual make-ups to be able to find a common wavelength for communication.
So let me try a different tack…..
I think your style of writing, of thinking is perfect for your blog. I imagine you are a kind, non-violent, caring man who sees beauty in nature, in people, in everyday events.
But you keep entering blogs which are very much a part of the living political fight for the control of the direction of the country. Like I said before, there is a real battle here and the stakes are incredibly high; this is not a board game for the bored.
And I don’t take myself seriously in this case, I take this case seriously. I am an investor, an entrepreneur, a businessman, a father and citizen. My agenda is this country’s future.
Now there is ample room for artistas, for broad stroke painting and for flowery descriptions in this world. But there is an on-going battle for the future of this country and it is real, it is serious and it is now.
And you keep wading in the middle of it. With a title of “Joe America”. Do you even know the effect of that?
Let me explain further (and I think I’m right about all of this)…
Ever since Erap was ousted, certain political groupings have twisted catchphrases and concepts in order to make pure power plays so that they could enrich and enpower themselves. “People Power”, “Truth”, “Will of the People”, “Delicatezza” have been bent and used as weapons against those who use “legal technicalities” and rely on “mere” processes and procedures.
Ironically, the masters of this game are now in power. And they are using misdirected populism, demagoguery, propaganda and outright lies and deception to try to hoodwink the general public.
This particular blog is full of those who don’t like that game at all. They are calling “B-ll Sh-t!” Yet they have to win over a lot of people and they have to overcome the traditional media — which is in the very pockets of the BSers.
And while your style and approach are fine for the most part, its a bad fit here. If you are going to support the McCarthyism going around because you are braod brushing opinions based on feelings and free synapse-firing, you are going to feed the fire. The fire of the devil. These are not good people in power who are circumventing the law. Do you know how many of the 188 actually have pending cases against them? Are you aware that Cabinet members are breaking the law? Openly? Repeatedly? Can you really dismiss facts as being irrelevant in the midst of all of this?
Does any of this make sense so far???
For Real,
You make excellent sense, and I appreciate that you see that there is a place for literary style. Like, on my own blog instead of here. I’m not sure I agree there is no place for me to comment on this blog site, but we can fight that fight if you find my comments in the future to be too vague, broadstroke and immaterial. Or flat-ass wrong. I’m tired of this thread. Not because I am running, or because of your remarks, which I find enlightening and challenging, but because I keep losing the “reply” button. It’s about a mile up. If you want to take it up at the bottom of the thread, that would be easier. But I feel we are at a good wrap point for now.
@joe:
don’t make for real? repeat himself. you’re such a time waster.
you’re not discussing poetry or fiction here, genius.
your opinions, sure. don’t assume everyone else operates like you.
clever way of saying “i have absolutely no idea what i’m talking about or how the hell i will substantiate my drivel.”
which “facts” have i ignored, joe? reality is, i’ve challenged your claims a number of times in the past couple weeks and you fail at substantiating them.
and how could i ignore “reason” if said “reason” coming from you does not exist?
and “kindness”??? how in the world did i supposedly ignore “kindness”??? what kindness? what in the hell are you talking about? you need mental floss.
it’s pretty destructive to your contrived “let’s look for a ‘constructive’ solution by giving pnoy a break” “discourse” attempts. heh. “discourse” daw. what a joke.
you give yourself too much credit. i’d bet even your idol doesn’t give a hoot about how you worship the fairydust between his toes, or your blog.
It’s anti-climactic when a seemingly interesting discussion is punctuated occasionally by the likes of Trosp.
Can you just let the intellectuals argue now? People were already ignoring you they do not need to spell it out.
Unless you have an additional, if not an original rational, rather than calling some dishonest (statements like that do not pass off as an intellectual argument), please….please refrain.
Just don’t bother with my comments kid. Go on with your life.
The difference with my comment and yours is I’m exposing Maher boy’s dishonesties and misinformation while yours is just irritation with my exposing him.
Just ignore my comments as you have claimed I’m being ignored here. No big deal for me.
You call Maher boy an intellectual…Jeez…You have a special definition of intellectual.
And I can assume you also consider yourself an intellectual by your definition no doubt.
BTW, can you refute any of my claims in my comments here?
Nah, I don’t believe you’re capable of it. You have a poor reading comprehension and I can prove it.
Mine was just a suggestion. I guess I gave you a reason now to butt in more in this thread.
I guess you think the three could not handle it yet and you think your assistance will make the odds even.
M. Sacras,
It is fruitless to have a discussion with Trosp, and the editors will not kick him out even when he is interjecting himself in otherwise forthright discussions. I made the mistake of trying a dialogue with him and am now the subject of his stalking. Anyway, I appreciate your intent.
This Maher boy AKA Joe America’s mistake is to be dishonest and lying. Nothing more nothing less.
I’d suggest to comment readers to revisit our exchanges of comments and how I accommodate the idiocy of this dud with respect and civility. But to no avail. Ogags pa rin.
Dishonesty is already engrained in his blood. Nothing we can do about it but to exposed it every time he commits it.
All this dud knows is to whine and cry. To claim he’s victim of my uncivility.
This dud has no ball to man-up and accept he is dishonest. This dud is all excuses and excuses as I’ve enumerated in my previous comments.
If you can prove me wrong, then, shame me! If you don’t have the guts of shaming me then just disprove my claim and a lot of like-minded commenters who share the way your mind works would awallow it hook, line, and sinker.
You can’t do it because they’re true.
(He he he, to my mind, I know that you’re frothing like a mad dog to
do it, but how? Kung may dishonesties ako, siguro pino lang. To this dud, pakapalan ng mukha. Garapal.)
BTW, I don’t need to dialogue with an idiot like you. Exposing you is more than enough for me. Just go on with your dishonesties and I go on citing them.
I also forgot, another negative trait of most Pinoys is that they feel superior and invulnerable within their perceived territory.
But when they go an inch out of their comfort zone, they put their heads between their legs and act as submissively. This is usually exhibited by “tambays” or those who count electrical posts to while away their time. Some have gone hightech now and have invaded the internet.
Ignore Trosp for now, his bark is worse than his bite. The other posters deserve your piece of mind.
errata:
Lest I be accused of “failure to comprehend”, I meant a piece of your mind 🙂
governementHey Joe, The United States is supposedly light years ahead of the Philippines in all respects, but you do not mention the Corrpttion and graft in the U.S. Government. Obama is as bad or worse than Abnoy. The House of Representatives is as bad as the Lower house. The Senate is as bad as the Senate. I am an American and I don’t throw stones cause my Government lives in a Glass House. Corona is a scapegoat, and nothing more. A tool to save Hacienda Luisita and as Abnoy sees it , A stumbling block in the conviction of GMA. When madmen rule countries the countries are doomed to fail.
Thank goodness a rational American has joined the debate. It’s so tiring to read the same old irrational arguments from some so-called Americans like you know who.
Oo nga, suportado kita dyan.
Common sense nga pala yung isakripisyo ni Corona yung kahihiyan ng pamilya nya, araw-araw siyang hinahamak at hinihiya, kasi nga nasa batas na di pwedeng ipakita ang dollar accounts niya at karapatan nya yun kahit alam nyang wala naman daw laman yun. Kung NORMAL kasi yun, isasalampak nya sa mukha ni Aquino “ayan o, isaksak mo sa baga mo, walang laman yan”
Atsaka common sense din pala yung mag-open ng bank account na walang laman. O kaya kung merong laman di hamak na mas mababa sa peso account.
Ang classic eto. Common sense yung wala ka ng tiwala sa bangko kaya sinara mo na yung tatlo mong accounts sa branch na yun tapos…..nag-open ka ng bago at dun mo rin dineposit sa branch ng bangkong wala ka ng tiwala. Talagang nag-uumapaw sa common sense si Corona.
Ang nakakatawa, mas matindi ang common sense ng mga naniniwala sa kanya.
Ang galing! Mabuhay ang mga magnanakaw!!!!
@BuboyG
Sigaw ka ng sigaw ng magnanakaw e anu nga ba ninakaw ni Corona. Ang usapan non declaration lang sa SALN paano naging pagnanakaw yun?
Ang labo mo. Kung magnanakaw man, kelan ba nagprisinta ng ebidensya na nagnanakaw nga? Meron ba? Wala naman e.
Kung anu man issue ng asawa ni CJ sa Basa Guidote, ibang usapan pa yun. Ika nga e, internal private matter nila yun. Basta ang importante mabigyan linaw lang ang pera. Bakit, porket ba malaki ang pera hawak ng kahit sino, automatic na siyang magnanakaw? Ganun na lang ba kasimple umikot ang mga bagay bagay sa isip mo?
Di pa nga tapos magprisinta sigaw ka na ng sigaw ng magnanakaw. Anu ba talaga? magnanakaw? Sinungaling? Traydor? Eh wala pa nga napapakita na konkreto prosekusyon e tapos na sila magprisinta.
Basta ako, nalalabuan lang ako sa ginagawa ng prosekusyon. Wala naman sa lugar at tamang pagiisip yung mga hirit nila. Kahit nga yung sa PCIJ na palusot kung bakit ayaw nila magpakita sa korte, wala sa lugar.
angela, what, exactly the issue? I presume I am “you know who”.
Hindi kasi ako abogago, este, abogado mag-isip e.
Sa akin kasi, kahit ba sa “illegal” na paraan nakuha ang isang fact, e fact pa rin yun. Hindi yun nababago. Illegal ang ebidensya, pero walang illegal na fact.
Halimbawa, si Arroyo na-wire tap na kinakausap si Garci tungkol sa “negosasyon” nila. Illegal ngang gawing ebidensya ang wiretapped na usapan nila pero factual pa rin na nag-usap sila. Napakasimple lang naman e.
Ngayon kung gusto mo’ng magdesisyon ng “TAMA”, wag kang magbulagbulagan sa fact.
Kung gusto mo ng legal (pero baluktot), marami lusot ang mga magnanakaw dyan. Mas malamang abswelto yan.
And that’s a fact!
@BuboyG
Ang labo mo nga talaga.
Kakatanong ko lang sa iyo diba? Kelan ba nasabi na magnanakaw sa ebidensiya si Corona nung nagprisinta ng ebidensiya ang prosecution? Kelan ba lumabas yung isyu na ito?
Naghalimbawa ka nga wala naman kinalaman sa tanong sa iyo. Ano ba naman yan.
Oo, sige nakaobtain ng fact through illegal evidence, na may bank account na nakapangalan kay Corona diba? O sige na may account, e diba pinapaliwanag pa nga ng depensa kung saan at kanino ba ang pera. Kung wala talaga sila mapatunayan na iba ang may-ari ng pera dalawa lang ang posibilidad. Ito ay undeclared wealth o ito ay illegally acquired wealth. Ano ang pagkakaiba nito? Pwede ay may kinita siya sa isang business endeavor na never niya dineklara, pero hindi ibig sabihin na ninakaw niya ito. Illegally acquired wealth ang gusto mo na sitwasyon kasi nga magnanakaw ang turing mo sa kanya diba? Pero wala pa nga tayo dun e.
So please lang, huminahon ka nga muna.
Hindi din naman ako nagbubulagan sa FACT, ang importante kasi sa FACT may edibensiya. Ang problema ano ba ebidensya sa iyo? Na may pera sa account na asa pangalan ni Corona yun na yun? Bakit? Nakaw nga ba ito? At nakaw ba ito sa bayan? Ganun na lang ba kadali manghusga ngayon?
Itigil mo na ang paggamit sa mga rason mo na baluktot kasi nga hindi pa tapos magprisinta ng ebidensya pwede?
Posible ba guilty si CJ? Posible, pero posible din na ma acquit siya. Sa ngayon parang ma-acquit. Kung mapatanuyan man na mali nga ang pinagsusulat ang SALN niya, e diba non-impeachable ang perjury? Sa kaduluduhan nitong Article 2, malalaman mo lang naman ang tunay na “networth” ni CJ e dahil sabi sa batas non impeachable naman ang perjury. FACT din yun.
Tsaka BuboyG, hindi mo naman kelangan maging abogado para umintindi ng tama sa mali. Kung balak mo makuha ang histisya, dumaan ka sa legal pa rin na pamamaraan.
Pano kung mapilitan pumatay ang pulis sa kakatorture para makakuha lang ng sagot o testimony ng isang akusado? Hindi ba sabi mo walang problema sa illegally acquired basta makuha ang fact?
Hindi mo pwede sabihin na hindi applicable sa sitwasyon na yun dahil your “rule” should apply regardless for illegal means to obtain facts. Yun ang gusto mo diba? Bahala na sino masaktan at masagasaan kahit inosente sila, makuha mo lang ang tinatawag mo na hustisya. Walang human right, legal rights o anu man karapatan para lang makakuha ng facts. Wag na gumawa ng batas batas na yan kasi para sa wala lang yan diba? Ikulong si BuboyG at alamin kung anu ba alam niya na mga illegal. Palabasin siya ng ebidensiya gamit ang torture. Hangga’t wala siyang nailalabas, ikulong at itorture siya. Kung anu man ang kahantungan nito, e pasensyahan na lang. Naghahanap tayo ng facts diba? Kung ayaw pa din niya kumanta, idamay ang pamilya niya. Shotgun approach na para gipitin siya. Ayaw pa din? Idamay mo na lahat ng malapit sa kanya. Sige, buong baranggay na.
Ganun na lang diba BuboyG? Tama diba?
Ewan ko sa iyo bakit ganyan pagiisip mo. Isipin mo kasi ang consequences o pwede mangyari kung natupad ang mga sinasabi mo.
Bill Steffen, I’m not sure I understand your point. Obama is corrupt? Aquino is corrupt? Or they are just politicians caught within a system that is push and shove and run with elections in mind, and the money needed to win them.
I don’t consider that I am throwing stones. I consider that I have a vested interested in my adopted country and am as perplexed as anyone about the rampant corruption that sucks the life out of the economy. I don’t think that suppressing opinions is any better than expressing them.
Bill, see this dud can’t rally comprehend.
Sir, I noticed you have been neglected by other posters including those sharing your views. What is your stand nga pala over the issue?
I hope I comprehend.
I post comment in this blog to express and not to impress Ms Ceri. Being neglected by others is no big deal for me. As the matter of fact, I’m very thankful you did not neglect me.
However, you neglected to read or refuse to understand my stand on the issue.
And who are those posters who share my views that are neglecting me?
How about this Maher boy aka Joe America, what can you say about his dishonesties and misinformation?
“The fact that there may have been others who benefited from their improper conduct would do nothing to excuse the Respondent..†–PCIJ
That, of course, would not be a valid excuse, but there is also such an injustice as “selective prosecution†or “frivolous litigation.â€
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_enforcement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frivolous_lawsuit
Dpat sumunod na si Corona makulong ksama ang asawa nyang si Cristina. Sila, kasama ni Gloria and family, ang pasimuno at ang dhlan ku bkt laganap ang corruption hnd lang sa gobyerno kundi ksma ang maralitang PilipinO.
nanguna? aba, galing galing magimbento. sabagay sanay ka lang na putak ng putak dito ng hindi ginagamit ang binigay sa iyo ng diyos. Baka hindi mo lang talaga alam paano gamitin iyon, sayang naman, puro agiw na. tsk tsk.
basta itigil mo na ang pagkain ng msg para hindi mapulbos ang brain cells mo at matuluyan ka sa pagkainutil.
Sus, ayan ka nanaman vincenzo
IMBENTO nanaman.
Nope. The culture of corruption exists before Gloria came. You are so ignorant about what Cory and family did. Oh yeah, talamak ang corruption noong panahon niya and asshats like you still believes in the Aquino magic and hype.
Hindi makukulong si Corona and even Gloria because we are stepping into a retarded version of Martial Law where supposed ‘corrupt’ officials will go in jail without any proper, fair trial. If you count trial by publicity a fair trial, then sir you’re an idiot. 😛
Bkt db ang sbi ng mga de Venecia hanggang 6th na lahi p ng mga Arroyo mgagamit ang mga nakaw nila pnu p keya si Corona?
hindi bawal ang hearsay? sabi sabi lang diba.
hmmm.. bakit kaya nawala si vincenzo arellano sa getreal? alam ko na. sabi ko hindi kasi siya marunung magbayad sa internet provider niya. kaya naputulan. natagalan makakuha ng internet sa bagong provider kaya ayun nung nagkaroon sobrang aggresive na magpost ng comments parang nakawala sa hawla. sabi ko yun. pero sabi ni vincenzo pwede naman hearsay at totoo ito so si vincenzo ay di marunung tumupad sa usapan at kayang obligasyon. ang pruweba ko ay ang aking reasoning lang kahit walang valid documetary evidence.
sarap diba vincenzo? na ganyan ang gawin sa iyo.
eto na naman po…andaming sinasabi ni Vincenzo eh wala naman siyang sinabi…puwede ba gamitin mo naman ang utak mo?…
AT ano nanaman ang KINALAMAN ni GLORIA dito sa usapin na ito ha?
You poor sick deluded fool.
The trial has been one big spectacle for any Filipino who is guilty of schadenfreude – delight at the misfortunes/sufferings of others.
Lawmakers have shown their penchant here for selectively punishing wrongdoings. And apparently they’ve forgotten the passage in the Christian Bible that they should be living by:
“Let those among you who have no sin be the first to cast a stone upon her”
Time to let the skeletons out of the closets!
Here’s an idea I bet no one’s considered: Is it necessary or productive to even have a SALN in the first place? Seems to me it’s not really doing anything useful.
I agree with you BenK
I can trade liberty for prosperity
I can accept a corrupt leader if he can provide good things for the people of this country
What can we get from SALN anyway?…
walang SALN ang mga opisyales dito sa Saudi Arabia (Al Saud Dynasty) hindi rin masasabing malaya ang mga mamamayan ng Saudi, at lalong hindi maipagkakaila ang laganap na korapsiyon, pero baket kuntento ang karamihan sa mamamayan ng Saudi?…simple lang…kasi ang gobyerno nila ay ginagabayan ang mamamayan at ang bayan sa kaunlaran…libre ang edukasyon, health insurance, saudi first policy sa trabaho at negosyo (saudisation), cash incentives kapag nanganganak ang mag asawa, at marami pang ibang biyaya ng isang maunlad na bansa…kuntento ang karamihan sa mga mamamayan kahit na hindi lubos ang kanilang kalayaan…tahimik ang bansa, minimal ang gulo, krimen at karahasan…hindi naman nawawala pero at least kokonti…
truth is…we can not have the best in everything…kelangan natin ng konting sakripisyo upang may makamtan tayo…at tulad ng ng sinabi ko, kaya kong isakripisyo ang bahagi ng akingkalayaan kung ang kapalit naman nito ay kaunlaran…
I disagree with you, BenK. The purpose of the SALN is to promote transparency. You can bet that government officials are today reviewing their documents carefully, and wondering how the frick they are going to hide all that ill-gotten wealth if they end up where Mr. Corona is today. I thought you were a believer in standards and measurements and benchmarks. That’s all the SALN is.
@Joe America
I diagree with you too Joe. The SALN is merely a piece of paper for show. Honestly, if you listened to the requirements of the CSC as explained by our senator judges, the acquisition cost is not even required. That is why they are trying to push for a revised SALN form with more stringent requirements. But now that too has been put on hold, most likely after everyone realized that they would get burned by this as well.
The problem really when you include the acquisition cost is it doesn’t really show value in terms of “real market value”. Why? Because if say I really wanted the property, or really needed the property, the seller could opt to ask a higher price than the market average. So the acquisition price balloons. Second, the acquisition price may include already any existing improvements upon purchase of the property. But what happens when I tear these improvements down? Of course, the actual value diminishes yet the acquisition cost remains the same. How can you indicate that in the SALN?
Joe, what I am trying to say here is that transparency just a word. I doubt there is any government that doesn’t have its fare share of secrets. What I am after is the least amount of evils. I just view the SALN as another way of political enemies to find fault in each other to tear each other down. There really is no valid point in it. I think the BIR just needs to get its act together and try to interconnect their system, from land purchases, payment of tax declarations etc.
I mean that would already give them notice of questionable purchases from individuals who supposedly do not have capacities to pay based on ITR. It is the quality of the performance of the BIR and not any measure such as SALN that would limit irregular transactions.
Peace!
17Sphynx17,
“I just view the SALN as another way of political enemies to find fault in each other to tear each other down. appreciate the perspective.”
I appreciate the perspective, as it fits with all the spite and envy-driven anger I see hereabouts. Still, I think there should be some tools available to law enforcement, or even the public, to understand what is going on with government officials. I agree the SALN rules need clarification, and maybe that will be a result of this episode. Face it. The Philippines is corrupt. How do you go about getting straight if ill-gotten wealth is allowed to remain hidden?
Ah, BIR. Yes, that is a good idea.
@Joe
Actually I believe the tools are already there and the laws in place. It just so happens those in power turn a blind eye to it as they have their own set of things they want to avoid being scrutinze such as, but not limited to, property, wealth, business and the like. If this is not the case then it would be their goal in public office, be it becoming a CJ, a commissioner, a cabinet member or a potential candidate for public office. Surely if you try and wipe clean the dirt while you are on your way up, you would lose support of the many who have their own fair share of guilt.
It’s a never ending cycle that will prevail until a complete system reset it done (which is next to impossible – I believe).
The only thing you can do with government, any government for that matter, is to limit the available avenues available to them to exercise these illegal and unwarranted practices. I use the word limit because there is no way to really eradicate it. It is but a dream that will never be realized, like how a utopia will never be possible.
Cheers!
@Joe
I actually believe it falls under the BIR’s hands in ridding us of these things/actions when dealing with graft, corruption or tax evasion.
Kind of like getting a “?” moment when Commissioner Kim Henares went to the podium and said this is the first time the “transaction” of the property has come across her office. Really? Or that their office can’t find the alpha list for respective years? Seriously, if they were doing their jobs properly it should have already been spotted within the 3 year period after their office receives these types of paperworks or payments.
They are not a convenience store that just says to every payer, “thank you, come again!”. It is their job to receive, review/audit as well.
Cheers!
I think you are both right. The SALN has a useful purpose…but it would be best if the BIR could easily access and link all the info sitting in the files of various government agencies.
But until the limitations of the BIR can be solved, the SALN is a decent tool. Of course, the format can be improved. And more weight can be given to it. But as of now, there is little adherence and too much vagueness. But fixing it is easy…if the Congressmen agree to it.
Sphynx, For Real, you both make sense to me. BIR could be beneficial if it were as rigorous as the IRS in America. Tax submissions are forced out of candidates and they are meaningful (ask Mitt Romney about that). The SALN is a tool that could be useful if it were clear and not reduced to meaninglessness by unenforced submissions that can’t be understood.
See, it looks good now that the government is showing that it is trying to weed out “corrupt” officials (through questionable actions) and for me, the hope is that the rest of our officials would be subjected to such scrutiny based on their SALNs because it looks like that document alone can break people in power (that’s what they’re insinuating right?) but then reality hits me and says “Like that would happen!”. After this impeachment, if Corona is found guilty, I’m sure nothing else would follow. They’ll try to question others but to no avail. What others will do is kiss-ass so that they’ll be spared.
Politics here needs a reset button!
come to think of it, maybe the SALN is the reset button, “Cong. something-something, your SALN is inaccurate! You’re off the job! Bring in the replacement. and check his SALN!”
😛
SALN is not the only way to determine corruption. We also have the following:
1. Lifestyle Checks that are done from the apex down the line. The problem is the sleeping president may also be a sick president. His obsessive focus on his perceived enemies is not balanced with the way he coddles his cronies, friends and family in the KKKK. The millions in mansions is just the tip of the iceberg. Flashy sports cars and expensive jewelry are another.
2. Straight line audit done by the Commission On Audit and other methods allowed by Accounting and Auditing Rules and Regulations. Suspensions and Disallowances are also methods to determine graft, corruption or ineptitude as an administrator.
3. Extravagant expenditures such as meals, acquisitions and even bidding anomalies can also be determined by resident Commission On Audit personnel.
4. Press revelations are not investigated by the sleeping president especially when this concerns his cronies, friends and KKKK. The worst case is a slap in the wrist and a written warning.
Analysis: The defect lies with the sleeping president in his biased, unbalanced, unfair, unjust and selective quest towards the straight and wide path in cleansing the government of the corrupt. In other words, he does not see his own official family or himself as capable of dirty, under the table deals. He and is family is not squeaky clean. He is the problem not the solution!
The way the Philippine government checks for corruption (if it does) is reactive. That is, it will wait for corruption to happen before it does anything. Here’s hoping that the perpetrator gets punished and the loot recovered.
On the other hand, I hear that the British government is proactive in its anti-corruption approach. In fact, they have preventive measures so that corruption does not happen in the first place. They have something similar to a SALN for government employees, but rather than waiting for discrepancies to appear, any sign of financial distress would be a red flag and could be grounds for dismissal. The logic here is that the employee would be more prone to corruption if he/she has financial obligations that are barely even met. This employee would be more likely to receive bribes, commit graft and what not just to fulfill payments due.
One positive offshoot with this is that, among government employees, financial discipline is enforced. They won’t be the kind of people making bad loans and unnecessary purchases. They’d inculcate values that would also prove beneficial for the organization.
Is the Philippines up to the challenge?