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.

The plan(e) that never took off!

It seems that in the last 10 months of GMA’s Presidency, more of these inconsistent and short sighted decisions will be taking place in the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Malacanang. With the current controversy of the dinners in Washington and NY yet un-answered to the satisfaction of the Filipino people, here they go again with a plan to buy a JET for future sojourns and junket trips! What gall do these idiots in the palace have.

Instead of planning for the transition to the next administration, it seems that the GMA and her nincompoops are still busying themselves with trying to implement last minute purchases or “midnight contracts”. The announcement and immediate retraction a day later of the planned purchase of the Presidential Jet is just a sample of how insensitive this government has become and how confusion now permeates in Malacanang Palace. We are still lucky that there are those boobs in the Palace who are stupid enough to admit to their oversights.

Apparently the reality is creeping in that there would be elections and unscrupulous palace insiders who have yet to make a buck are rushing to make one.

What are the things that the public should be watching for in the next ten months then? 1) Foreign trips, there should be none unless it is for an international commitment already approved the year before. Usually, invitations for such occasions are not done overnight; 2) More loans and chinese funded projects. These are just done to get the papers moving so to speak and inhibit the next administration from making its own decisions and hence taking credit and the “grease money” for them. And 3) Stupid purchases for cars, planes and other assets that can be left to the next administration. Oh and yes the most important of all 4) Any moves to revive Cha Cha through the CONASS!

Let’s not allow ourselves to be conned by the asses in congress!

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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

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!

White letters that are going around Barangay San Lorenzo are being spread to the business community and residents using the Barangay San Lorenzo Business Association (BSLBA).

BSLBA insiders who wished to remain confidential for fear of reprimand identified Marlene Po as the prime personality behind all the white letters that were being emailed to the business establishments and hand delivered to residents. Email addresses of business establishment owners were released to Ms. Po by her request according to the insiders.

BSLBA members have been complaining about the Ordinance as it had dire repercussions on their businesses, most specially those whose businesses located in Cinema Square, Creekside and along the stretch of Pasong Tamo. (See related article)

One businessman expressed his disgust on the matter by saying – she should not use this association as a tool for her political ends. The BLSBA is a Barangay initiated organization and receives financial support from the Barangay. It also sources funds from its private sector members.

The english teacher from EIS, the French school in Better Living Subdivision in Paranaque City, was a former Barangay Secretary of Barangay San Lorenzo and was responsible for derailing the Assembly last October meant to discuss the issue of Ordinance 200-001. Marlene Po who ran for a Kagawad position under the auspices of the Barangay Chairman lost in the last elections.

It should be noted that the 5 Kagawads, headed by Norman Golez, who filed a complaint against the Barangay Chairman based their allegations on a white paper that was distributed prior to the assembly. All however, failed to consider that they were also signatories to the alleged ghost projects. (See related articles on conspiracy and Barangay Resolution)

Po is married to a young Frenchman, who upon checking with the embassy is a registered French citizen. The Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) under former Eastern Samar Congressman and Commissioner Marcelino Libanan is currently checking on the matter.

Report filed – JMT/RG/DT