Piercing Pens

Time.com–and probably its print version, too–has again featured alleged Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. A November 1 article entitled “Crisis — Again — for the Philippines’ Arroyo” by Peter Ritter discusses the various issues Arroyo faces these days.

The Glorietta bombing, the bribery in Malacañang, the bishops’ call for her resignation, the ZTE broadband deal, and the Estrada pardon were among the recent issues touched by the article. It also mentioned the Hello Garci controversy to substantiate its statement that almost since Arroyo became president, “her administration has been buffeted by allegations of corruption every bit as audacious as Estrada’s.”

The article also quoted fellow blogger and Inquirer columnist Manolo Quezon as saying Arroyo may be able to finish her term due to people’s apathy.

Read the article here: “Crisis — Again — for the Philippines’ Arroyo”

Ellen Tordesillas’ blog reposted a report on the launch of “Trillanes, Paglingkurin!” movement, which included former Vice President Guingona and former UP President Francisco Nemenzo.

The group will do a nationwide campaign to exert pressure on the Arroyo government “to allow detained senator Antonio Trillanes IV to perform his duties as a lawmaker.” Trillanes, Paglingkurin! movement’s unity statement is reposted on Tinig.com, and the group could be contacted at trillanespaglingkurin@gmail.com. (more…)

Former Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri is now a senator.

Yesterday, the Commission on Elections proclaimed him as the 12th winner in the senatorial race in last month’s elections. This was after the Supreme Court denied opposition senatorial candidate Koko Pimentel’s request for a temporary restraining order on Zubiri’s proclamation. Pimentel has been claiming there was cheating in Maguindanao, where the administration’s Team Unity won by 12-0.

Zubiri’s legislative record as congressman is impressive. It’s just sad that his victory in the Senate seems tainted.

“President Arroyo’s policy since day one of her administration has been to push the peace process. And peace process means making peace with those fighting the government,” abs-cbnNEws.com quoted Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as saying.

He should try telling that to the relatives of the more than 800 extrajudicial killing victims, who are mostly critics of the government.

Antonio Trillanes IV, who rose to national prominence as the spokesman of the young rebel soldiers who staged the so-called Oakwood mutiny on July 27, 2003, is now a senator of the Republic. He was proclaimed at the Commission on Elections earlier today.

Trillanes’ inclusion in the list of winners in the senatorial race came as a surprise for many reasons: one, he consistently ranked outside the magic 12 in the pre-election surveys of SWS, Pulse Asia, and other polling firms; two, he was in detention and was not able to campaign; and of course, the Magdalo’s method was regarded by many as too radical. (more…)

In a resolution promulgated today, the Supreme Court granted Sen. Franklin Drilon’s petition to prevent the Comelec from implementing its resolution ordering a new election of Liberal Party officers.

The high court said Drilon has until November 30, 2007 to serve his term as LP president under Daza-Drilon constitution, which replaced the Liberal Party’s Salonga constitution. (Source: GMANews.tv report)

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, head of the Atienza faction referred to by critics as Lakas Pala, said his camp will file a motion for reconsideration.

(more…)

Results of a Social Weather Stations national survey in February 2007 revealed that 86% of registered voters said they would surely vote. In 2004, 94% said they would surely vote. (more…)