Below is a comment from an anonymous visitor
This article was posted in UP Manila, UP Diliman, and UP Los Banos. We hope our chosen, distinguished representatives, sent with this email, can represent justice to the injustice done to Mr. Cardema.
Our Patriotic colleagues from UP Los Banos informed me that recently (last week), the Philippine Military Academy discriminately discharged one of its finest cadets. He was Cadet Ronald Cardema, a former scholar in UP Los Banos. He was said to be at the top ten of his class in PMA and was one of the most idealistic and most promising leader from the ranks of the cadets in PMA according to some of his PMA Civilian Professors (UP Grads also) which were allowed to be discretely interviewed.
It was said that the main reason why Cadet Cardema was shown injustice by some PMA high officers was only because he had a relative who was killed two months ago. Noel Capulong, Cardema's uncle and also a UPian, was a Bayan Muna Leader in Region 4. When Capulong was killed, Cardema and his relatives made a condemnation letter against the murder incident. The AFP was nervous about Cadet Cardema because he personally knew the ISAFP agents who had their surveillance on Cardema's uncle before his murder. A Military Officer (PMA grad) sympathetic to Cardema said that ISAFP made this emotional condemnation letter look like a subversive document and branded Cardema as leftist since High School even though he was a CAT Corps Commander in High School and a UP ROTC Officer/UP Vanguard in college.
Some PMA Civilian Professor (UP Grads) said that "Caio Cardema" and the UPians in PMA, always confiding with them, were low morale when a high intelligence officer in PMA investigated them and stressed always to them "Bakit ang mga taga UP, walang utang na loob sa gobyerno". OUR ANSWER TO THAT IS "Dahil po nakikita namin dito sa UP na ang pumopondo samin ay hindi gobyerno kundi Taong Bayan. Taong Bayan na pumopondo rin sa gobyerno ngunit nakukurakot kung minsan. Ang aming utang na loob ay sa Taong Bayan po at hindi sa gobyerno.
To Cadet Cardema, don't be low morale, we are welcoming you back to the University of the Philippines where true Patriotic, Intelligent, and Idealistic youth like you truly belong.
Mabuhay ang Pag-asa ng Bayan.........
Sunday, August 06, 2006
The cost of bringing our migrant workers home
The cost of bringing our migrant workers home
BY NICON F. FAMERONAG
Former member
Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee
The estimated bill for evacuating and repatriating over 30,000 overseas Filipino workers from Lebanon was pegged by presidential fiat: P500 million from sources still to be identified and another P500 million from Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration funds. This amount is specified in Executive Order 551, issued by President Arroyo on August 2, a full 21 days after the Israelis attacked the Hezbollah in its stronghold in southern Lebanon.
The amount is the most that the Philippine government can spend for its "modern-day heroes" in addition to a few million dollars already expended to bring home some 2,500 workers. Let us go into the details.
OWWA data estimate that the cost of repatriating one OFW from Damascus to Manila is $1,800 for airfare on a chartered flight and $1,250 on a commercial flight. The cost of transporting an OFW from Beirut to Damascus is $32 and another $32 for an exit visa. The entry visa to Damascus is $32. Add to these expenses $3 in food and shelter, and the total adds up to $1,899. This amount does not include the cost of medicine and other miscellaneous expenses, as pointed out by Sen. Rodolfo Biazon.
Financial creativity
Flying 30,000 OFWs home would cost the government $56,970,000, or P2.963 billion. Subtracting from this amount the P1 billion allocated by Executive Order 551, the gap is P1.963 billion. The government needs all the financial creativity it can summon to come up with this still unavailable amount.
Can the government dip its hands into the estimated P8 billion in OFW contributions, held in trust by the OWWA?
Sen. Franklin Drilon, a former labor secretary, said it can, but cites other opinions saying "No." This, Drilon said, is precisely why there is a need for the labor, foreign affairs, OWWA and overseas employment officials to appear before the Senate. Senate President Manuel Villar has already summoned them.
Strictly speaking, the Migrant Workers’ Act of 1995 says the OWWA membership contributions are to be paid by the OFWs’ employers. In practice, it is the workers themselves who pay the contribution. Ask any OFW. Ask him further if he or she gets reimbursed by his or her employer, and the answer will be "No."
Repatriation fund
Can non-OWWA members benefit from OWWA members’ money? Again, strictly speaking, no. Section 15 under R.A. 8042 specifies the establishment of a repatriation fund of P100 million to be replenished every year by Congress.
Under the POEA’s standard employment contract for OFWs, there is a provision of joint and several liability, which means it should be the OFW’s employer who should bear the cost of a worker’s repatriation in any event. If the employer does not pay up, or is not able to bear the cost of repatriation, it is the responsibility of the employer’s agent in the Philippines, the licensed recruitment agency, who should do so. Does this happen? No. It has always been the OWWA that advances the repatriation cost of workers in distress. It is doubtful if the OWWA gets reimbursed by the employer or by the Philippine recruitment agency. Clearly, something needs to be fixed in the law and in its implementation.
P700 million in collectibles
My source says the money collectible by the OWWA, representing the cost of repatriation that it has advanced, is running close to P700 million.
How will the OWWA collect this gargantuan sum? Through the POEA, as the government’s regulatory arm for the overseas recruitment sector. If the POEA flexes its muscle and forcibly collects the amount from employers or licensed recruitment agencies, under pain of suspension of license, then theoretically no recruitment agency will be left standing to operate. There will be chaos.
A migrant worker pays $25 to become an OWWA member. This fee is not for a lifetime membership, but only for the duration of a contract, say two years. Within this period, the OFW can claim for benefits and services due him as a member. Life insurance, disability benefits, medical reimbursement and other social amelioration benefits, such as loans, training, education scholarships, among others. After the worker has gone home at the end of his or her contract, he or she no longer enjoys the benefits.
Finding a job back home
The actual cost of repatriating the OFW from abroad is only half the story. The other half consists of the social cost of being home, to be borne not only by the OFW and his family but also by the society at large. A "returning" OFW is a jobless worker. And 30,000 jobless OFWs are not a small addition to the millions of Filipinos already unemployed. Finding them jobs should be a priority. Before that, however, there should be a deliberate effort by the government to see to it that the dislocated OFWs from Lebanon receive psychological advice or counseling, so they would be able to easily adjust to the conditions of their homeland.
Fortunately, the OWWA and the POEA have already in place programs to assist returning OFWs. A Lebanon desk has been opened at the POEA that does social profiling, skill matching and training needs assessment. Also, the OWWA conducts entrepreneurial counseling, and offers small business loans. The OWWA also has a scholarship program for children of OFWs.
These social amelioration programs, however, have been buried under the avalanche of criticism on the alleged loss of OFW money held in trust by the OWWA. Someone has to explain what and how this happened after the tumult over the Lebanon crisis subsides. The first step to arrive at this is for Malacañang to allow the concerned officials to tell Congress the truth. The next is for Congress to stop assigning guilt and finding fault. It should listen, share the blame, if need be, and amend R.A. 8042. Outside of these, all other shameless displays of arrogance—and ignorance—on the issue are peripheral.
BY NICON F. FAMERONAG
Former member
Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee
The estimated bill for evacuating and repatriating over 30,000 overseas Filipino workers from Lebanon was pegged by presidential fiat: P500 million from sources still to be identified and another P500 million from Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration funds. This amount is specified in Executive Order 551, issued by President Arroyo on August 2, a full 21 days after the Israelis attacked the Hezbollah in its stronghold in southern Lebanon.
The amount is the most that the Philippine government can spend for its "modern-day heroes" in addition to a few million dollars already expended to bring home some 2,500 workers. Let us go into the details.
OWWA data estimate that the cost of repatriating one OFW from Damascus to Manila is $1,800 for airfare on a chartered flight and $1,250 on a commercial flight. The cost of transporting an OFW from Beirut to Damascus is $32 and another $32 for an exit visa. The entry visa to Damascus is $32. Add to these expenses $3 in food and shelter, and the total adds up to $1,899. This amount does not include the cost of medicine and other miscellaneous expenses, as pointed out by Sen. Rodolfo Biazon.
Financial creativity
Flying 30,000 OFWs home would cost the government $56,970,000, or P2.963 billion. Subtracting from this amount the P1 billion allocated by Executive Order 551, the gap is P1.963 billion. The government needs all the financial creativity it can summon to come up with this still unavailable amount.
Can the government dip its hands into the estimated P8 billion in OFW contributions, held in trust by the OWWA?
Sen. Franklin Drilon, a former labor secretary, said it can, but cites other opinions saying "No." This, Drilon said, is precisely why there is a need for the labor, foreign affairs, OWWA and overseas employment officials to appear before the Senate. Senate President Manuel Villar has already summoned them.
Strictly speaking, the Migrant Workers’ Act of 1995 says the OWWA membership contributions are to be paid by the OFWs’ employers. In practice, it is the workers themselves who pay the contribution. Ask any OFW. Ask him further if he or she gets reimbursed by his or her employer, and the answer will be "No."
Repatriation fund
Can non-OWWA members benefit from OWWA members’ money? Again, strictly speaking, no. Section 15 under R.A. 8042 specifies the establishment of a repatriation fund of P100 million to be replenished every year by Congress.
Under the POEA’s standard employment contract for OFWs, there is a provision of joint and several liability, which means it should be the OFW’s employer who should bear the cost of a worker’s repatriation in any event. If the employer does not pay up, or is not able to bear the cost of repatriation, it is the responsibility of the employer’s agent in the Philippines, the licensed recruitment agency, who should do so. Does this happen? No. It has always been the OWWA that advances the repatriation cost of workers in distress. It is doubtful if the OWWA gets reimbursed by the employer or by the Philippine recruitment agency. Clearly, something needs to be fixed in the law and in its implementation.
P700 million in collectibles
My source says the money collectible by the OWWA, representing the cost of repatriation that it has advanced, is running close to P700 million.
How will the OWWA collect this gargantuan sum? Through the POEA, as the government’s regulatory arm for the overseas recruitment sector. If the POEA flexes its muscle and forcibly collects the amount from employers or licensed recruitment agencies, under pain of suspension of license, then theoretically no recruitment agency will be left standing to operate. There will be chaos.
A migrant worker pays $25 to become an OWWA member. This fee is not for a lifetime membership, but only for the duration of a contract, say two years. Within this period, the OFW can claim for benefits and services due him as a member. Life insurance, disability benefits, medical reimbursement and other social amelioration benefits, such as loans, training, education scholarships, among others. After the worker has gone home at the end of his or her contract, he or she no longer enjoys the benefits.
Finding a job back home
The actual cost of repatriating the OFW from abroad is only half the story. The other half consists of the social cost of being home, to be borne not only by the OFW and his family but also by the society at large. A "returning" OFW is a jobless worker. And 30,000 jobless OFWs are not a small addition to the millions of Filipinos already unemployed. Finding them jobs should be a priority. Before that, however, there should be a deliberate effort by the government to see to it that the dislocated OFWs from Lebanon receive psychological advice or counseling, so they would be able to easily adjust to the conditions of their homeland.
Fortunately, the OWWA and the POEA have already in place programs to assist returning OFWs. A Lebanon desk has been opened at the POEA that does social profiling, skill matching and training needs assessment. Also, the OWWA conducts entrepreneurial counseling, and offers small business loans. The OWWA also has a scholarship program for children of OFWs.
These social amelioration programs, however, have been buried under the avalanche of criticism on the alleged loss of OFW money held in trust by the OWWA. Someone has to explain what and how this happened after the tumult over the Lebanon crisis subsides. The first step to arrive at this is for Malacañang to allow the concerned officials to tell Congress the truth. The next is for Congress to stop assigning guilt and finding fault. It should listen, share the blame, if need be, and amend R.A. 8042. Outside of these, all other shameless displays of arrogance—and ignorance—on the issue are peripheral.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Rapu-rapu Folks Slam Lafayette For Victim Blaming
August 1, 2006
Rapu-rapu Folks Slam Lafayette For Victim Blaming
"The allegation of Lafayette that an outsider entered their premises and sabotage their operation is hogwash. For the past three months, the Rapu-rapu Polymetallic Project of the Lafayette Phils. Inc. (LPI) has been one of the most heavily armed mining operations in the region, how can anyone sneak through their tight security?," argued Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, a local alliance opposing the operation of LPI.
"Just look at what happened to Greenpeace which was only document the test run which was supposed to be open to the public!," he added.
"There are now 41 Philippine Army, 20 police forces assigned by the government and 130 security guards that are employed by Lafayette to protect the mining operation. Before Lafayette's entry in Rapu-rapu, the island boasts of having one of the lowest crime rate and the most peaceful communities in Albay province," added Fr. Felino Buaguisan, an assistant parish priest and member of the Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa alliance in Rapurapu island.
"What does our island, with a record of zero incidents of military encounters between the military and NPAs, need such armed deployment for? If these are not trained on the unarmed locals opposing the operations, I do not think the fish and sea grasses around the island would create such alarm," opined Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, a local alliance opposing the operation of Lafayette.
Bugauisan and Casetas appeared today at the sala of the Honorable Judge Dina Teves of the Makati Regional Trial Court, which was hearing the petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Permanent Injunction with Damages against the LPI and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Petition, which was signed by over 800 petitioners came in the midst of the 30-day test run, granted by DENR to LPI in spite much controversy in the latter's operations.
"We are requesting the Court to grant the demand of the people of Rapu-rapu and affected Bicol areas to stop Lafayette from destroying our community and environment," says "The recent toxic spill and fish kill during the test-run of LPI once again proves the danger and hazard posed by LPI operations in our island, " Casetas added.
Lafayette has tried to parry recent reports of a third tailings spill and fish kill by blaming the NGOs for sabotage by Leftist and anti-Lafayette groups. "Only an immoral and desperate company can dish out such sick lies as LPI's baseless accusations," says Fr. FeIino Bugauisan. "It is enough that the local parishioners are being burdened with the impacts of LPI's toxic wastes, but to be even blamed them for the company's own wrongdoing is truly unbelievable!
"LPI's allegation is a vile attempt to mislead the public," say Frances Quimpo, executive director of the Center for Environmental Concerns, an environmental research NGO. "The LPI and the government appear to be too desperate to revive its sinking flagship project. LPI is self-destructing but our government is still protecting it. LPI is rehashing its old lies that the mine spills and toxic contamination are a hoax even though several studies, including those of the government's, confirm these. We challenge Lafayette and DENR to subject the latest toxic spill incident to an independent investigation to see who is telling the truth, " Ms. Quimpo explains.
"We are appalled to learn that the DENR took at face value the lame excuse of Lafayette regarding the third toxic spill and fish kill that happened. What the DENR should immediately do is to stop the 30-day test run, conduct an investigation, and heed the recommendation of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission to permanently close Lafayette," asserted by Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"We are hoping that the Court will give the people relief from the suffering brought about by mining operation in their island. We want the Court to see that Lafayette, up until recently remains an irresponsible miner as it was and their mining operation is putting in danger the health and welfare of our people especially the Bicolanos. The recent toxic spill, fish kill, and harassments of NGO workers and local people attest to these." Mr Bautista articulated.###
Rapu-rapu Folks Slam Lafayette For Victim Blaming
"The allegation of Lafayette that an outsider entered their premises and sabotage their operation is hogwash. For the past three months, the Rapu-rapu Polymetallic Project of the Lafayette Phils. Inc. (LPI) has been one of the most heavily armed mining operations in the region, how can anyone sneak through their tight security?," argued Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, a local alliance opposing the operation of LPI.
"Just look at what happened to Greenpeace which was only document the test run which was supposed to be open to the public!," he added.
"There are now 41 Philippine Army, 20 police forces assigned by the government and 130 security guards that are employed by Lafayette to protect the mining operation. Before Lafayette's entry in Rapu-rapu, the island boasts of having one of the lowest crime rate and the most peaceful communities in Albay province," added Fr. Felino Buaguisan, an assistant parish priest and member of the Sagip Isla Sagip Kapwa alliance in Rapurapu island.
"What does our island, with a record of zero incidents of military encounters between the military and NPAs, need such armed deployment for? If these are not trained on the unarmed locals opposing the operations, I do not think the fish and sea grasses around the island would create such alarm," opined Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa, a local alliance opposing the operation of Lafayette.
Bugauisan and Casetas appeared today at the sala of the Honorable Judge Dina Teves of the Makati Regional Trial Court, which was hearing the petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Permanent Injunction with Damages against the LPI and the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Petition, which was signed by over 800 petitioners came in the midst of the 30-day test run, granted by DENR to LPI in spite much controversy in the latter's operations.
"We are requesting the Court to grant the demand of the people of Rapu-rapu and affected Bicol areas to stop Lafayette from destroying our community and environment," says "The recent toxic spill and fish kill during the test-run of LPI once again proves the danger and hazard posed by LPI operations in our island, " Casetas added.
Lafayette has tried to parry recent reports of a third tailings spill and fish kill by blaming the NGOs for sabotage by Leftist and anti-Lafayette groups. "Only an immoral and desperate company can dish out such sick lies as LPI's baseless accusations," says Fr. FeIino Bugauisan. "It is enough that the local parishioners are being burdened with the impacts of LPI's toxic wastes, but to be even blamed them for the company's own wrongdoing is truly unbelievable!
"LPI's allegation is a vile attempt to mislead the public," say Frances Quimpo, executive director of the Center for Environmental Concerns, an environmental research NGO. "The LPI and the government appear to be too desperate to revive its sinking flagship project. LPI is self-destructing but our government is still protecting it. LPI is rehashing its old lies that the mine spills and toxic contamination are a hoax even though several studies, including those of the government's, confirm these. We challenge Lafayette and DENR to subject the latest toxic spill incident to an independent investigation to see who is telling the truth, " Ms. Quimpo explains.
"We are appalled to learn that the DENR took at face value the lame excuse of Lafayette regarding the third toxic spill and fish kill that happened. What the DENR should immediately do is to stop the 30-day test run, conduct an investigation, and heed the recommendation of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission to permanently close Lafayette," asserted by Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"We are hoping that the Court will give the people relief from the suffering brought about by mining operation in their island. We want the Court to see that Lafayette, up until recently remains an irresponsible miner as it was and their mining operation is putting in danger the health and welfare of our people especially the Bicolanos. The recent toxic spill, fish kill, and harassments of NGO workers and local people attest to these." Mr Bautista articulated.###
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Solidarity Message by Senator Jamby A.S. Madrigal
Human Rights and Peace Summit
July 21, 2006
Solidarity Message
By Senator Jamby A.S. Madrigal
Our nation now faces one of its darkest hours. Not only are we being ruled by a president hounded by illegitimacy; we are also ruled by a dictator who completely disregards human rights.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's lip service of respecting the right to life by spearheading the abolition of the death penalty has been overshadowed by the fact that almost everyday, an activist or journalist is extra-judicially killed or summarily executed and in some cases disappeared. This is a blatant human rights violation on the Filipino people's right to life and freedom of expression and opinion.
As a Senator, I have taken it upon myself to do what I can in the respect, protection and promotion of human rights. I have vehemently opposed and criticized the one billion-peso appropriation of the GMA government for the total war policy against communist insurgency. I am completely against Filipinos killing Filipinos. What I believe in is for the GRP and the NDFP to go back to the negotiating table and talk peace without preconditions as they have earlier agreed upon in the Hague Joint Declaration of 1992. What should be addressed are the root causes of the conflict. Killing fellow Filipinos is not the answer in ending a rebellion. Violence can never crush a 37-year old insurgency.
I join all of you as we mourn for our martyrs whose only crime was to disagree with the present government's policies.
I also call on all of you to support me in my continuing call for the resumption of the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP. Peace can never be achieved by war. Peace can only be achieved by genuine socio-economic reforms.
As your Senator, I commit to be with you in every step of the way as we seek for justice for all our fallen martyrs. I also commit that I will never waver in my call for resumption of peace talks despite all the attacks of Malacanang on my person.
There can be no true freedom without peace. Though our quest for peace, freedom and justice is an uphill climb, be assured that I am with you to stand up, speak out, and fight for our rights.
Kasihan nawa tayo ng Diyos.
July 21, 2006
Solidarity Message
By Senator Jamby A.S. Madrigal
Our nation now faces one of its darkest hours. Not only are we being ruled by a president hounded by illegitimacy; we are also ruled by a dictator who completely disregards human rights.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's lip service of respecting the right to life by spearheading the abolition of the death penalty has been overshadowed by the fact that almost everyday, an activist or journalist is extra-judicially killed or summarily executed and in some cases disappeared. This is a blatant human rights violation on the Filipino people's right to life and freedom of expression and opinion.
As a Senator, I have taken it upon myself to do what I can in the respect, protection and promotion of human rights. I have vehemently opposed and criticized the one billion-peso appropriation of the GMA government for the total war policy against communist insurgency. I am completely against Filipinos killing Filipinos. What I believe in is for the GRP and the NDFP to go back to the negotiating table and talk peace without preconditions as they have earlier agreed upon in the Hague Joint Declaration of 1992. What should be addressed are the root causes of the conflict. Killing fellow Filipinos is not the answer in ending a rebellion. Violence can never crush a 37-year old insurgency.
I join all of you as we mourn for our martyrs whose only crime was to disagree with the present government's policies.
I also call on all of you to support me in my continuing call for the resumption of the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP. Peace can never be achieved by war. Peace can only be achieved by genuine socio-economic reforms.
As your Senator, I commit to be with you in every step of the way as we seek for justice for all our fallen martyrs. I also commit that I will never waver in my call for resumption of peace talks despite all the attacks of Malacanang on my person.
There can be no true freedom without peace. Though our quest for peace, freedom and justice is an uphill climb, be assured that I am with you to stand up, speak out, and fight for our rights.
Kasihan nawa tayo ng Diyos.
Castro: What is important is that everything in the country is running and will continue to run perfectly well
What is important is that everything in the country is running and will continue to run perfectly well
Fidel’s message to the Cuban people and friends around the world
I cannot invent good news, because that would not be ethical, and if the news were bad, the only one who is going to take advantage of that is the enemy. In the specific situation of Cuba, due to the plans of the empire, my state of health becomes a secret of state that cannot be divulged constantly; and the compatriots should understand that. I cannot fall into the vicious circle of parameters of health that constantly fluctuate throughout the day.
I can say that the situation is stable, but any real evolution of one’s state of health requires the passing of time.
The most that I can say is that the situation has to remain stable for many days before a verdict can be given.
I am very grateful for all the messages from our compatriots and many other people in the world.
I am sorry to have caused so much concern and trouble to friends throughout the world.
In terms of my spirits I am perfectly well.
What is important is that everything in the country is running and will continue to run perfectly well.
The country is prepared for its defense by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the people.
Our compatriots will know everything in due time, as was the case when I had my fall in Villa Clara.
We must fight and work.
August 1, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
Source here
Fidel’s message to the Cuban people and friends around the world
I cannot invent good news, because that would not be ethical, and if the news were bad, the only one who is going to take advantage of that is the enemy. In the specific situation of Cuba, due to the plans of the empire, my state of health becomes a secret of state that cannot be divulged constantly; and the compatriots should understand that. I cannot fall into the vicious circle of parameters of health that constantly fluctuate throughout the day.
I can say that the situation is stable, but any real evolution of one’s state of health requires the passing of time.
The most that I can say is that the situation has to remain stable for many days before a verdict can be given.
I am very grateful for all the messages from our compatriots and many other people in the world.
I am sorry to have caused so much concern and trouble to friends throughout the world.
In terms of my spirits I am perfectly well.
What is important is that everything in the country is running and will continue to run perfectly well.
The country is prepared for its defense by the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the people.
Our compatriots will know everything in due time, as was the case when I had my fall in Villa Clara.
We must fight and work.
August 1, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
Source here
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