Congressman Locsin endorses Mar Roxas

Congressman Locsin a stalwart of the yellow army and EDSA hero has endorsed the vice presidential bid of Senator Mar Roxas in a video posted in his youtube site.

The TVC entitled “Kalyo ng Makati” is a direct response from the party hierarchy of the Liberal Party on the disunity being created by the camp of Binay within the LP. The title is also a pun on the quote of Senator Cheezy Escudero in an inquirer and abs-cbn interview where he said of Mar Roxas as being “kulang sa kalyo”.

Word has it that the video/TVC is being stopped from airing by the camp of Binay in most of the channels. However it has already appeared in abs-cbn as of this reporting.

Information gathered on this uncovered the involvement of several of the Mayor’s officers like Joey Salgado, Licauco and Lito Anzures who have been using Makati City premises/property like the office of the mayor conference rooms and the UMAK 6th floor (in the guise of GAWAD Kalinga). Sources who work at the UMAK refused to be named but confirmed that their group headed by Joey Montelibano, son of Noynoy campaign communications head Maria Montelibano, is behind the alternative media group that is pushing for the Noynoy -Binay tandem. A certain Gerry Limlingan is purportedly funding the operations in close cooperation with the office of Senator Cheeze Escudero as headed by Lynette Baldovino. All these in light of the scandal that exposed the philandering of Binay. Jun Jun Binay who is also running has recently been exposed in news reports for his 50 million peso mansion. Now is this payback for all the propaganda and lies that Joey Montelibano has been spreading via the internet and SMS against Mar Roxas and Ernie Mercado. We would not really know, but the Binay camp is currently in disarray over what to do with this continuous onslaught.

It would seem however that the campaign of Binay has backfired on him and is bound for an investigation should his opponents win – most specially on his continued use of Makati City property for his vice presidential bid. Reports have it that city hall tapes are already in the hands of opponents regarding the use of the facilities.

In the interest of the public, the San Lorenzo Village Monitor is sharing the video/TVC of Congressman Locsin’s endorsement.

Botched conspiracy!

EDITORIAL

It seems that the saga haunting Barangay San Lorenzo is not yet over with the reappearance of those who are really the people behind this political drama.

Once again, loosing barangay councilor candidate and former Jay Santiago ally, Marlene Po has reappeared together with her cabal of so called concerned citizens opposing the reinstatement of the suspended barangay chairman. Once again the 5 kagawads have reappeared, unable to fathom or accept the order from Executive Secretary Ermita no less. It would seem that the exhaustive study made in Malacanang on how this whole affair was handled at the local government unit of Makati City was not sufficient enough for these likewise citizens of the Barangay. They have now filed request upon request for the reversal of the order by the Executive Secretary, even using connections in the palace to lobby the Office of ES Ermita to change its position. How can they be so conniving and demeaning as to question the capabilities of the lawyers there. It seems that if it were still possible, they would take this all the way to the supreme court.

What does not appeal to them is already the conclusion that all the charges filed against the suspended barangay chairman were in fact clearly created to remove him from continuously opposing the re-zoning of the barangay. Malacanang found all the charges baseless except for the DSAP check which was after all a project introduced by Marlene Po and her cohorts.

Even the truth came to light from the palace itself as regards the “waiting shed” issue which was after all a project of Councilor Jocelyn Hernandez. So, in filing the case against the chairman that the waiting sheds were a ghost project, did the complainant councilor admit to any wrong doing herself or was it just as the chairman put it in his statement that some of these councilor complainants are themselves ghost officials in the barangay.

Malacanang likewise junked the position of the city council on the issue of the lightposts as the complainants themselves were party to approving process, most specially Norman Golez.

The conspiracy in barangay san lorenzo may have worked in re-zoning the barangay and removing the obstacle to it temporarily. But in the end, the conspiracy was unravelled and the truth revealed for its true objective, a simple power grab from the legitimate and chosen official of the community.

Now that the water is draining from the pond, all these little fishes are trying to jump out looking for political salvation. Looks like that would be far from happening before 16 October 2009.

And before the Liberal party comes to town to choose their candidates, it would be wise to look at the history of these 5 kagawads and how they perpetrated and participated in the San Lorenzo conspiracy.

Mrs. Binay laid to rest today

The untimely passing of Kennely Binay, wife of Councilor Jun Jun Binay, was an affair that showed that our politicians still have respect for our culture. Friends, supporters (from far and wide) and political opponents flocked to the young city councilors residence to pay their respects.

One among the first of those opponents was Barangay San Lorenzo’s own Citizen Jay Santiago who had faced councilor Binay repeatedly during the city council hearings that sought for his current suspension as Barangay Chair. Citizen Jay was one of the first from Barangay San Lorenzo to pay his respects to the Binay family despite their political differences.

His presence at the wake shocked many of the supporters of Mayor and Councilor Binay. Some even whispered amongst themselves and shot begrudging looks at the young Barangay Chairman. But this did not deter citizen Jay Santiago who was with his wife from paying his respects and showing his culture and class. He was likewise received with warmth and thanks by the grieving councilor and the Mayor – which likewise showed class and true appreciation.

This small snippet only showed that despite political differences which are often personal in nature, politicians and leaders in Makati City have to a certain extent become more civil most specially in times of personal grief. This little event among many others during the wake showed that politics had no place when it came to our filipino concept of “damayan” and “pagtanggap sa mga nakikiramay”.

Councilor Jun Jun Binay and Citizen Jay Santiago are both young guns in Makati politics. There are still many years in front of them and their supporters. Who knows, they may both travel the same paths and find themselves in one camp.

We, in the San Lorenzo Village Monitor, send our deep condolences to Councilor Binay and his family.

Willie Revillame should go, ABS-CBN should know!

Willie Revillame has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his popular noontime show.  Or at least that is what is being stated by the management of ABS-CBN instead of really stating a fact that he has been suspended.  Obviously his tirade during the funeral procession of Cory from Greenhills in San Juan to the Manila Cathedral live on air piqued some officials at ABS-CBN, when Willie shouted on air against showing segments of the funeral march during his show.  It took Gabby Lopez and some of his officials some time before they could react to the issue given that Wowowee is one of the highest rated and  grossing show on the network based on advertising receipts. It had to take 47,000 viewers (and still growing) from all over the world petitioning for the removal of the highest paid TV host to make ABS-CBN officials act on the insult that was first addressed to them but were seen by the Filipino viewing public as un-becoming and grossly inappropriate behavior given that the nation was in mourning.

Obviously Willie is not from a very well educated background, otherwise he would have known what was appropriate behavior at that time.  His antics have become worse in recent times as reported by other news outlets and blogs. Which now brings to question the stand of ABS-CBN network on how it should be part of morally up-lifting the nation.  Condoning Willie and his antics and insults on air would be tantamount to saying that the Kapamilya network has the same values.  In fact they should dis-associate themselves from this boob of a host and retain some self respect for the network and its owners.

It seems that success has gotten into the head of this show host.  Thinking that he is a money maker for the network and an endorser for Presidentiables, he can do anything on air without getting sanctioned or penalized for it. Nobody should be above the law, least of all someone who is on air everyday and whose actions are being emulated by the Filipino youth.  Willie is no longer a positive image for ABS-CBN and they should have known that long before when he was caught driving an illegally imported vehicle.  They should make him know that now.  Soon crocodile tears will come out from his eyes once again on air where he will make a plea of forgiveness to the public.  Should we believe him would be the question.  I’m sure Kris Aquino did (forgive him), but nobody takes her seriously anyway nor is she an expert on moral standards.

Consumer brands being endorsed by Willie should also know that the mere association with him at this moment is tantamount to being associated with a negative proposition- it is brand suicide.  Some crass creative directors may disagree, but that is the risk that they have to take when they sell their concepts to the Brand Managers and owners. PANA or the Philippine Association of National Advertisers have already individually and unofficially discussed the matter with ABS-CBN officials.  An official statement has yet to be stated however.

Even without Willie as a host on his noontime show (Willie is an owner), the show would probably survive given that it has already developed a following worldwide.  However if he stays on, advertising revenues would dry up.  It is still a wonder why Unilever is associating itself with the show given the antics and the insults that Willie dishes out during their segment when he says comments about the armpits of women.  We are sure that Unilever officials cringe at this when they view the segments.

Maybe it should be up the advertisers and viewers to make a decision for ABS-CBN to take out this arrogant show host.  The MTRCB is surely dragging its foot on this.  For ABS-CBN it is a business and when the ratings go down because no one is watching, the advertising revenue will surely dry up.

The San Lorenzo Village Monitor calls on all advertisers (PANA and NON-PANA members), advertising agencies and viewers who live in Barangay San Lorenzo and have their businesses here to boycott Wowowee until such time that ABS-CBN makes an official statement removing Willie Revillame from its network.  Petition for his removal at:  http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?badwilly

Willie should go, ABS-CBN should know!

Killer jurassic rock island along Buendia

It seems that the Makati City government has approved a project that has no consideration for motorist, most specially those on two wheels.  A new project along Buendia between EDSA and Paseo de Roxas caught the eye of the Monitor – the island between Buendia is currently being landscaped with Rocks of different sizes.  These are not small rocks that you find in gardens but big ones found in the Rivers of Ilocos and Roads along Baguio and Albay.  They are as big as human heads and are the hard type that are usually used to grind grain.

I could just imagine a car hitting the island.  Instead of saving the driver and passengers, it would obviously kill them.  What more for motorcycle riders who are mostly wearing fake chinese made helmets?  This project should be stopped and more thought be put into it.

Obviously someone will take offense and say that it is Art.  Well art has no place in the middle of the road, where the safety of the motorist and riding public are placed above anything else and should be paramount.  And if it is Art, it does not belong in Makati because it is ugly.

Mayor Binay should take a close look at this short sighted project before it affects his “Ganito kami sa makati” Presidential Ad campaign. When some drunk driver or motorcyclist dies because of this “jurassic bedrock” island, don’t tell us we did not warn you all.

Condolences to Councilor Jun jun Binay

The San Lorenzo Village Monitor expresses it’s deepest condolences and extends it prayers for the untimely passing of Mrs. Kennely Binay.

Residents wishing to attend the wake to express their prayers and support for Councilor Jun Jun Binay at this most personal moment of grief, may proceed to 8776 Banuyo Corner Santol street in Makati.

According to the Makati Medical Center, Mrs. Binay expired at 12:06 p.m. due to pregnancy complications after delivering a baby girl. She is survived by her husband and 4 children.

Prayers will be held at Assumption and Don Bosco Parish church during the regular Sunday mass.

Pre trial briefing or a foregone conclusion?

The on-going case of Barangay Chairman Joshua Santiago is a test case for the DILG and the Local Government Code. That is what DILG insiders have indicated as they continue to monitor the situation.

Yesterday, the contending parties met once again to submit their documents and discuss the procedures on the case that will be decided upon by the city council. Based on the documents submitted by both parties, the city council would have to review whether the charges made by the 5 kagawads have merit to warrant a suspension of the Barangay Chairman.

In a ten page pre-trial brief, the Barangay Chair enumerated the witnesses that he would be calling for the upcoming hearing of the case and also indicated the reasons why charges are baseless based on documentary evidence. Witnesses to be called include former kagawad Divina Abad Santos.

In a phone interview with Joshua Santiago, he stated his stand once again that all the charges are basically manufactured and based on lies. He added that the true reason for these charges is his continued opposition to Ordinance 2008-001 which reduces the size of Barangay San Lorenzo by at least 1/3rd. He noted that his political opponents have moved heaven and earth, even creating Resolution 89 embracing the Ordinance last November 11 ( Mayor Binay’s birthday). He added that he knows he is to be suspended, even when the charges are based on fabricated lies and even when the accusers are as liable as they approved the same projects in question. He warned that that they just have to be careful as the law also provides full protection for his rights and that there should be due process.

Makati City Hall insiders have already stated confidentially that the suspension order is already prepared and is just waiting to be served at the proper and opportune time. He indicated that the suspension order was already drafted on the 12th of January by insistence of the Mayor and may be anytime soon.

On a related issue, the Barangay Council upon the insistence of the affected residents and the business community will be finally holding a public assembly on the gerrymandering issue on 17 January, Saturday at 10 AM. All affected parties who have questions on the matter may have their opinions heard. They have finally heard the public’s clamor according to an Ecology Village resident.

Vice Mayor Mercado, presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panglunsod (City Council) was not available as of this reporting.

(Please see all related articles on the gerrymandering issue to have a better understanding of the issue)

Report filed – PAG, NV

Round Two – Tit for Tat Surprise!

Makati City — Could it be the rains or the recent holiday season that brought about the change in the mood in the session hall of the 22nd floor auditorium of the Makati City during 2nd day of the hearing of the Administrative Case filed against San Lorenzo Village Barangay Chairman by his Kagawads? Compared to the atmosphere during the first face off between the antagonizing parties last December 17, 2008, today’s hearing was a lot somber . Those anticipating a heated and passionate confrontation in today’s hearing had to go home feeling a little disappointed.

While the rift between the contesting parties is still very apparent as their lawyers sat at the opposite side of the auditorium, like the audience who were also as separated as their social status with the members of the “alta de sociedad” on one end of the room and the “common tao” on the other end. However, both groups eager to know what would become the fate of their barangay chairman today.

The session was called to order at 3 pm, an hour late from the 2 pm schedule. Councilor Jun Jun Binay, dressed in a dark suit was nominated by Councilor Pangilinan to act as the Presiding Officer in the absence of Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

The Council proceeded to today’s Order of Business. The first order of the day was the approval of an ordinance appropriating the sum of P60,000.00 as financial assistance for the victims of Typhoon “Auring” in Camarines Sur. This amount shall be drawn out from the Calamity Fund of the City.

The Council also went about with the usual Committee referrals of Resolutions and Ordinances read for first reading before it went on a five minute break to prepare the ground for the Administrative Proceedings against the Barangay Captain of San Lorenzo. The Presiding Officer and the Council and the lawyers of both parties conferred throughout this five minute break seemed to take forever. Their conversation though could not be heard audibly by the audience in the session hall.

The Presiding Officer went back to the podium and banged the gavel to signify the resumption of the session. Counsels were asked to enter their representations before the Council to mark the commencement of the administrative proceedings.

Atty. Fornier and Atty. Flaminiano entered their representations in behalf of their clients, Kagawads Brigido Sibug , Norman Golez, and others respectively. Former Sandiganbayan Justice Rodolfo G. Palatao entered his representation for the beleaguered San Lorenzo Barangay Chairman.

Justice Palatao sought to be clarified on some certain points of the case. He noted that in this proceedings is similar to an impeachment case, the City Council sits as a judicial body and not as a legislative body and hence, in effect the councilors will be performing the duties of a judge and not as legislators and thus need to be sworn under oath before they could perform their duties and responsibilities as such. He further inquired as to the Rules of Procedure to be applied in the course of the administrative case against his client. He took note that City has not brought this matter to the attention of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and that the Council’s Rules of Procedure Regarding Governing Administrative Cases have not been approved by the DILG. At this point, Presiding Officer Binay said that the Local Government Code (LGC) grants the Council the power to adopt its own rules of proceedings and this does not need the approval of the DILG which in fact was wrong. Technical procedures not clearly outlined and defined in the LGC or new procedures of governance introduced by a Local government Unit which deviates from common juris prudence must first be clarified and consulted with the DILG to prevent it from being a precedent.

Last on Justice Palatao’s query was about the complainants of the case. Who are these residents of Barangay San Lorenzo who are interested in the outcome of the case?

Today’s proceedings dwelled on technical and procedural issues more than the substantive issues. The main issues of the complaint were not even discussed.

The Chair, with the concurrence of the council then required the parties to submit a pre-trial brief on Monday, January 11, 2008 and set a Preliminary Conference at 3 pm of January 15, 2009. Afterwhich, the session was then adjourned.

While the proceedings seemed uneventful, both parties brought surprises to add to the drama. The Vice Mayor was notably absent which was very unusual. Insiders in City Hall who refused to be identified, said the Vice Mayor was always present during important hearings like this and that GOD told the Vice Mayor to be unavailable on this particular one to avoid heated arguments between the city councilors as what occurred in the first hearing on whether to suspend the Barangay Chairman.

On the other hand, the surprise appearance of Justice Palatao jolted the lawyers of the opposing camp and even that of the Presiding Officer. There were no shenanigans perpetrated by Atty. Fornier and Norman Golez as in the first hearing. While they tried to hide it, the surprise was visible on the faces on the Kagawads and their lawyers with their heads bowed as the re-knowned Sandigan Justice and Professor questioned the technicalities of the proceedings and gave all, audience included, a lesson in Philippine law with his demeanor and comments.

A double surprise from both parties!

So ended round two of the conflict that besets Barangay San Lorenzo.

Report filed – VG, JMT, ER

Binay’s patriarchal empire. How to create one

Makati undoubtedly is a bastion of the opposition UNO led by ERAP and Mayor Binay, regardless of the many government officials who live in the upscale barangays that compose it. As the new year starts, more anti- government activities are to be held in the prime business district given the open policy of its Mayor.

But how did it become such a bastion? Even before GMA was President, Makati was already a bastion, not of the opposition, but of who ever was backed by Binay. It hosted several pro-Erap gatherings where the streets where inundated by the Urban Poor and the usual bused-in paid provincials. I only remember one (1) particular rally which Binay could not stop, and it was the indignation rally that was sparked by the Senate decision to throw out the impeachment proceedings against Erap. On that day, GMA, Tito Guingona, Dick Gordon and others took the stage calling for the resignation of the President. From that single rally, events would spiral to the large gathering of EDSA Dos at the Shrine in Robinsons. But that’s a different story altogether.

We go back to how Mayor Binay consolidated an empire and created a patriarchal family dominion that can only be compared to the political rule of family monopolies in the 60’s and 70’s.

First, Yabut the strong man of Makati was in decline. He was a Marcos disciple, and times were not kind for anybody who was associated with the dictator.

Second, the strong and wealthy families that built Makati were closely aligned with the government of then President Corazon Aquino. Hence, they poured their financial support for whoever Cory anointed.

Third, Binay was appointed as Mayor of Makati. At that point he consolidated his position. Already realizing that Makati in itself was a gold-mine of both votes and wealth. Initially, his rule was unchallenged as no one would really risk being branded a Marcos ally in the peak of democratic euphoria.

Fourth, Binay courted the poor and under-privileged of Makati. He poured the resources of the city into the areas that were considered marginalized and developed the infrastructure of the Barangays that supported him. At this point, Makati saw the largest upsurge in squatters or what would be called vote insurance. The PNR railways, Kalayaan Road, the Botanical Gardens became the bastions of Binay’s votes.

Fifth, Binay made sure that Barangay leaders would be loyal to him by pouring in funds for their projects and their re-election campaigns. It did not matter whether you were a former Marcos supporter, for as long as your allegiance was for Binay and stood beside him, your Barangay was assured of funds.

Sixth, the political flux at that time gave Binay more firepower as a Mayor. At this point of change, the Local Government Code was created and largely ensured and returned the vast powers of the Mayor. This was a complete opposite to the centralized system that Marcos had strongly imposed under strong-man rule to ensure loyalty. Vast powers were returned to the Governors and Mayors, mostly benefiting the old families who were politically disenfranchised under martial law. Binay the lawyer, saw the LGU code as his instrument of power and longevity.

Seventh, under the the LGU code, the Mayor would be able to create his own little empire depending on how large the revenue of the empire was. Binay used the large collections from the CBD to create the service agencies of the Makati city government. Not bad really, but these were manned now by his political cronies. Family members of loyal barangay officials were given lucrative posts and the most loyal barangay officials were made to run for City council. In this way, the process of personal power consolidation was secured.

Binay alone cannot be faulted for the political killings in Makati because he would, at this time, be shielded from it by the layers of loyal political supporters. People who may at their own behest undertake such deeds simply for the reason that a threat to the Mayor is a threat to their own power stability and status quo.

Makati officials like many other places in the Philippines, are only loyal to their Mayor or Governor. Loyalty is to the appointing power and to those who can make personal and family dreams come true. That is a political reality in the Philippines even manifested by the highest powers.

And that political reality is tried and tested in Makati. Jojo Binay manifested this political reality in many elections even when he was not personally running. He has entrenched his family as the political clan to beat in any elections.

Only one actor won a position for his good looks in Makati. Another action star tried to square it off but got beaten bad like what Pacquiao did to Marquez-And that guy even won a Senate seat.

So, what was Binay’s secret to creating an empire? It’s simple really: 1) Consolidate your power base starting with the Barangays; 2) Create loyal political followers and perpetuate their power; 3) Share the wealth (however it is gotten or how much) with those who have been placed in position. By doing so, he protects his flanks; 4) Make your relatives run for elective positions and prepare them to assume yours; 5) Control the rich by giving them tax breaks; and 6) Make examples of those who do not dance your tune!

Question is… will children be as successful as their father politically? Or will Mercado be the next Mayor of Makati. Another novela to watch!

COMELEC to conduct gerrymandering plebiscite

Leaders of parties protesting Ordinance 2008-001 are preparing to counter the set plebiscite to be conducted by the COMELEC this coming year, this according to Mrs. Trinidad.

It seems that the Makati City government has been blind and deaf to the request of residents and business establishments who have protested against the said Ordinance despite the various letters and manifestos that have sent. We are appealing the matter to Executive Secretary Ermita and Senator Miguel Zubiri for their intercession, both of whom are residents of San Lorenzo Village , she added.  Another resident also stated that lawyers are already ready to step in and file the cases against the 5 Kagawads who signed Resolution 89 and basically put a seal of community approval on the gerrymandering Ordinance that will split the Barangay.

COMELEC officials indicated that they are in receipt of a signed copy of the Ordinance and are preparing to coordinate with local officials on the matter of implementation.  The plebiscite will be conducted on a per Barangay basis within the first quarter of 2009.  A specific month and date has yet to be set however as the COMELEC is experiencing budgetary problems. DILG officials said they are monitoring the situation but declined to further elaborate.

An irate Ecology Resident stated – We will actually lose the plebiscite even before one is held,  as the population of the other Barangays far exceed ours.  It’s a numbers game!  That is why we are so frustrated and angry at the 5 Kagawads who conspired and with a sign of a pen sold-us off.  The 5 Kagawads are Norman Golez, Guia Flaminiano, Jocelyn Hernandez, Brigido Sibug and Ernesto Moya.

The residents have already sat together in several meetings to finalize their options.  Barangay officials have yet to receive any complaints on the matter apart from copies of the manifestos sent by the business groups and residents.

Report filed – ER/DT