RedBlueThoughts

Twenty one years after the first EDSA, we now see Lucio Tan being “betrayed” by his benefactors, the Marcoses. The Marcoses are now back in power, claiming every company they would like their filthy hands on. They first targetted GMA, claiming to own majority shares of stock in the Bob Steward-founded company. They then trained their eyes on seven more companies, again, claiming to own stocks there. Two decades ago, the government were running after the Marcoses. Now, the Marcoses are running after the government for failing to even convict them or seize billions of pesos allegedly stolen by this Ilokano family from the public coffers.

Two decades ago, the Philippine Marines and the entire soldiery united with the people to oust the dictator. Both in high spirits, these forces are like one sweeping force. They were united under one theme, that is, regain our hiya as a people. The People likened the Marines as modern-day Caesars, strong and united. The Marines were of high morale. And there were talks of its invincibility.

Now, if you read the column below of Mon Tulfo of the Inquirer, the Marines are totally fragmented. They are only shadows of their former selves.

Politics has reared its ugly head in the creme of the creme of this highly-respected institution. If this scourge has affected the Marines, definitely, politics has also permeated into the entire AFP institution.

Two decades ago, we see a united opposition, led by a widow, a victim of human rights. Now, we see a disunited opposition, its members totally engulfed with presidential lust. Now, there is no legitimate opposition. And since they are also illegitimate, they cannot legitimately oust an illegitimate leader.

Two decades ago, a group of idealistic soldiers bonded together and formed a fraternity. This fraternity aims to salvage the image and reputation of the Filipino. They were first motivated to restore the values of Integrity, Honor and Honesty into the very institution they swore to protect and uphold.

Now, where are these soldiers? They have co-opted with the system, occupying sensitive posts never minding what is happening in their beloved country. Some, like General Miranda and General Lim are incarcerated, along with Col. Querubin. If this is the late 80s, they should have been freed by their comrades. Now, they languish in their jails, waiting for a miracle.

Where are you, my beloved soldier? Have fear corrupted your hearts? Why do you continue to support an illegitimate leader? And why did you allowed your fellow soldiers to fall prey by your enemies?

Have you no respect? Have you corrupted yourselves beyond recognition?

Rise up, you, true soldier of the Filipino People! Rise up from your stupor! Seize the day! United you will never fail! United with the people, you will never experience defeat.

_____________

Has Marine Corps deteriorated?
By Ramon Tulfo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:17am (Mla time) 07/31/2007
Today, Tuesday, is the expiration of the ultimatum the government gave the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to surrender its members who mutilated 10 Marines whom they ambushed in Basilan.

About 5,000 soldiers, spearheaded by Marines, are poised to attack the MILF stronghold in the island province.

If the government delays D-Day for the nth time, it might have a rebellion in its hands.
The comrades of the dead Marines want to exact revenge.

The soldiers want action, not cheap talk at the negotiating table.

* * *

Who was that Marine officer who allegedly ordered planes and helicopters sent to reinforce the beleaguered Marines back to base?

My sources said politics within the Marines was the alleged reason for the withdrawal of air support.
The Marine officer allegedly wanted to put down a fellow officer.

This Marine officer is also reportedly a friend of former Basilan Gov. and now Rep. Wahab Akbar whose men reportedly took part in the ambush.

At the time of the ambush, Lt. Gen. Eugene Cedo, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), who has the sole authority to order air support for beleaguered troops, was in Cagayan de Oro City purportedly attending a conference.

Cedo reportedly delegated the authority to the Marine officer.

If the report that was given to me is true, the Philippine Marines have deteriorated into a lousy unit whose leaders fight among themselves for personal gain!

* * *

Up to now, the government has not reacted to my column items about the reported involvement of Akbar’s men in the ambush and mutilation of the Marines.

In fact, if my sources are to be believed, Akbar’s men alone were responsible for the beheading and mutilation.

Why is the government afraid of confronting Akbar?

* * *

Former President Fidel V. Ramos says the economy can grow again and continue to grow if Filipinos can only unite.

FVR knows whereof he speaks.

During his watch, the country became a tiger economy and suffered the least among its neighbors at the height of the Asian financial crisis.

Why? Because Mr. Ramos has the “can do” mentality of a soldier, unlike his successors.

His favorite expression was “Kaya natin ito (We will prevail)” as opposed to Erap’s “Patay na tayo (We’re finished)” and GMA’s “Hello Garci!”

Success is a matter of attitude.

* * *

There goes the Senate with its Old Boys Club mentality.

The majority of the senators filed a resolution asking the courts to allow one of their own, Antonio Trillanes IV, to attend sessions while in detention on coup d’etat charges.

They want VIP treatment for Trillanes. Why?
Maybe because he’s an important person like them and they think the neophyte senator should be given special privileges due him.

These senators forget that Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, a lawmaker like them—unless they consider members of the House lower in category—was not allowed to attend sessions while his rape conviction was being reviewed.

* * *

My source at the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) says the agency has found that all products manufactured by Candyman are negative for formalin.

Formalin, a chemical used for embalming, was found in White Rabbit candy made in China.
The chemical reportedly prolongs the shelf life of some products.

Candyman is among the importers of White Rabbit made in China.

But the local White Rabbit made by Candyman is negative for formalin, according to my BFAD source.

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