I hope that the troika – namely Lintang Bedol, Zaldy Ampatuan and Virgilio Garcillano – will collaborate and cooperate altogether in favor of the truth about the mockery of our country’s electoral process as institutionalized by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Then, it will finally unravel what the Filipino people have known all along, albeit short in details.
While it may not cure the fraudulent Arroyo presidency, it could very well land her and those responsible for the mockery of the elections of 2004 and 2007 in jail for life for the crime of electoral sabotage.
o0o
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Lacson Cautions Robredo, PNP: Don't Leave Out Bigger Characters in PNP Chopper Acquisitions
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson on Wednesday cautioned Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and the Philippine National Police against leaving out the bigger fish in the lopsided P104.9-million purchase of police helicopters in 2009.
“Though I welcome Secretary Robredo and the PNP hierarchy's prompt action on this irregular transaction, it would have been more prudent that they deferred their actions pending the more extensive Senate inquiry on the matter,” Lacson said.
He said it is very easy and convenient to lay blame and charge former police officials involved in the questionable deal, quickly adding, “But what if there's somebody higher involved?”
Lacson earlier initiated a Senate investigation into the purchase of the choppers and said he has documents indicating the Arroyos may have been among the choppers’ previous users.
He also noted it is common knowledge that the PNP was among the agencies frequently manipulated and used in pseudo-legal and devious undertakings by the previous administration.
In laying the fault squarely on the shoulders of the PNP, Robredo and PNP chief Raul Bacalzo may have provided, albeit unintentionally, an excuse and a list of probable scapegoats to the real proponents and instigators of the spurious transaction.
“For a fact, these former police officials being linked to these mutli-million irregularities will not have the temerity to enter and sign this lopsided contract without the sanction from higher ups,” Lacson said.
On Tuesday, Robredo disclosed former PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa and six of his subordinates were "liable" for the P105-million purchase of three overpriced helicopters in 2009.
He said they were "initially found liable" for approving the payment of P104.9 million" for two of the three helicopters found to be second-hand but sold as brand-new.
Robredo also said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which supervises the PNP, already has evidence to show otherwise.
o0o
“Though I welcome Secretary Robredo and the PNP hierarchy's prompt action on this irregular transaction, it would have been more prudent that they deferred their actions pending the more extensive Senate inquiry on the matter,” Lacson said.
He said it is very easy and convenient to lay blame and charge former police officials involved in the questionable deal, quickly adding, “But what if there's somebody higher involved?”
Lacson earlier initiated a Senate investigation into the purchase of the choppers and said he has documents indicating the Arroyos may have been among the choppers’ previous users.
He also noted it is common knowledge that the PNP was among the agencies frequently manipulated and used in pseudo-legal and devious undertakings by the previous administration.
In laying the fault squarely on the shoulders of the PNP, Robredo and PNP chief Raul Bacalzo may have provided, albeit unintentionally, an excuse and a list of probable scapegoats to the real proponents and instigators of the spurious transaction.
“For a fact, these former police officials being linked to these mutli-million irregularities will not have the temerity to enter and sign this lopsided contract without the sanction from higher ups,” Lacson said.
On Tuesday, Robredo disclosed former PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa and six of his subordinates were "liable" for the P105-million purchase of three overpriced helicopters in 2009.
He said they were "initially found liable" for approving the payment of P104.9 million" for two of the three helicopters found to be second-hand but sold as brand-new.
Robredo also said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), which supervises the PNP, already has evidence to show otherwise.
o0o
PCSO Funds Also Funneled to 'Run-Gloria-Run' NGO
As early as 2003, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office had released funds to a non-government organization prodding then President Gloria Arroyo to run in the 2004 presidential election, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson disclosed Wednesday.
Lacson said the “Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy” appeared to be very influential with the state gambling agency, getting big amounts that went to “Run, Gloria, Run” materials and posters that sprouted in parts of the country in late 2003.
"Why can 'Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy' get practically anything from PCSO? The secret is Raul Nestor Ancheta, one of the incorporators. Ancheta is the chief of staff of Rosario Uriarte," he recalled saying in his privilege speech in 2003, when he bared the existence of the Jose Pidal bank accounts where funds were supposedly laundered.
Ancheta was an incorporator of the foundation, while Uriarte was the general manager of PCSO at the time.
Lacson cited a memo from Uriarte requesting for P2 million, to be charged to the PCSO charity fund, for a supposed feeding project of the “Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy.” The memo had an “OK” note from then President Arroyo.
Also, stamps on the document indicated the request was received by the Office of the President in August 2003, although the feeding project was scheduled in July.
In another instance, the PCSO deployed a medical team including a physician, two nurses, a driver and paramedics to an October 2003 pro-Arroyo motorcade of the Samahan ng Mamamayan Sa Hunta at Destabilisasyon (SMASH-Destabilisasyon) from the People Power Monument in Quezon City to Mendiola.
This was after a request was made to Uriarte by Lakas Pinoy through its lawyer Romarleo Ayson.
The “Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy” foundation, less than a year old at the time, was behind several "Run, Gloria Run!" posters plastered in many parts of the country.
o0o
Lacson said the “Gawin Natin-Lakas Pinoy” appeared to be very influential with the state gambling agency, getting big amounts that went to “Run, Gloria, Run” materials and posters that sprouted in parts of the country in late 2003.
"Why can 'Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy' get practically anything from PCSO? The secret is Raul Nestor Ancheta, one of the incorporators. Ancheta is the chief of staff of Rosario Uriarte," he recalled saying in his privilege speech in 2003, when he bared the existence of the Jose Pidal bank accounts where funds were supposedly laundered.
Ancheta was an incorporator of the foundation, while Uriarte was the general manager of PCSO at the time.
Lacson cited a memo from Uriarte requesting for P2 million, to be charged to the PCSO charity fund, for a supposed feeding project of the “Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy.” The memo had an “OK” note from then President Arroyo.
Also, stamps on the document indicated the request was received by the Office of the President in August 2003, although the feeding project was scheduled in July.
In another instance, the PCSO deployed a medical team including a physician, two nurses, a driver and paramedics to an October 2003 pro-Arroyo motorcade of the Samahan ng Mamamayan Sa Hunta at Destabilisasyon (SMASH-Destabilisasyon) from the People Power Monument in Quezon City to Mendiola.
This was after a request was made to Uriarte by Lakas Pinoy through its lawyer Romarleo Ayson.
The “Gawin Natin Lakas Pinoy” foundation, less than a year old at the time, was behind several "Run, Gloria Run!" posters plastered in many parts of the country.
o0o
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
To Iggy: Only the Guilty Will Claim Search for Truth vs Corruption a Waste of Time
Only the guilty would consider searching for the truth about corruption a waste of time, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Wednesday.
Lacson brushed off Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr.’s claim that reopening the “Jose Pidal” account will be “a shameless and monumental waste of time.”
“The search for truth about corruption and misuse and abuse of public funds will never be a waste of time and resources. Only those who support such shenanigans or are themselves guilty of committing those acts will say so,” Lacson said.
“If going after crooks in government, especially those who take advantage of public funds, is a waste of time, I’d still spend a lifetime pursuing it,” he added.
Earlier, Lacson said he may have evidence disproving the claim of Rep. Arroyo - a brother of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo - that he owns the “Jose Pidal” accounts.
Rep. Arroyo is now a colleague of his sister-in-law, former President Gloria Arroyo, in the House of Representatives.
In 2003, Lacson delivered a privilege speech where he linked the then First Gentleman to the “Jose Pidal” bank accounts, which documents showed were used for laundering money.
While the then First Gentleman denied the allegations, now Rep. Arroyo came forward and claimed he was the owner of the bank accounts.
On Tuesday, Rep. Arroyo said in a statement that a Senate probe had been conducted “but no wrongdoing on our part was proven.” “Why should Senator Lacson waste time on another replay? For media mileage,” he was quoted as saying.
But Lacson said “what is truly shameless and monumental is the Arroyos’ reign of manipulation, fraud and deceit.”
“Contrary to Iggy’s claim, there was no closure in the Jose Pidal probe because it was swept under the rug by his persistent invoking of his right to privacy,” he added.
o0o
Lacson brushed off Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo Jr.’s claim that reopening the “Jose Pidal” account will be “a shameless and monumental waste of time.”
“The search for truth about corruption and misuse and abuse of public funds will never be a waste of time and resources. Only those who support such shenanigans or are themselves guilty of committing those acts will say so,” Lacson said.
“If going after crooks in government, especially those who take advantage of public funds, is a waste of time, I’d still spend a lifetime pursuing it,” he added.
Earlier, Lacson said he may have evidence disproving the claim of Rep. Arroyo - a brother of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo - that he owns the “Jose Pidal” accounts.
Rep. Arroyo is now a colleague of his sister-in-law, former President Gloria Arroyo, in the House of Representatives.
In 2003, Lacson delivered a privilege speech where he linked the then First Gentleman to the “Jose Pidal” bank accounts, which documents showed were used for laundering money.
While the then First Gentleman denied the allegations, now Rep. Arroyo came forward and claimed he was the owner of the bank accounts.
On Tuesday, Rep. Arroyo said in a statement that a Senate probe had been conducted “but no wrongdoing on our part was proven.” “Why should Senator Lacson waste time on another replay? For media mileage,” he was quoted as saying.
But Lacson said “what is truly shameless and monumental is the Arroyos’ reign of manipulation, fraud and deceit.”
“Contrary to Iggy’s claim, there was no closure in the Jose Pidal probe because it was swept under the rug by his persistent invoking of his right to privacy,” he added.
o0o
Monday, July 4, 2011
Arroyos Used Choppers Sold to PNP in 2009
Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson disclosed Tuesday that he obtained documents indicating that the Arroyos were the former owners of the helicopters “forcibly” sold and priced as brand-new to the Philippine National Police for P105 million in 2009.
Lacson said the sale of the choppers may make the Arroyos - along with all those who took part in the sale - prime candidates for a plunder case as the amount involved exceeded P50 million.
"Initial findings would indicate that the previous and original owners of the pre-owned, yet sold as brand-new light police operational helicopters are the Arroyos. While it's bad enough that the two units were overpriced and therefore grossly disadvantageous to the government, passing them off as brand-new smacks of brazen deceit and utmost bad faith," he said.
Lacson had initiated an investigation into alleged misrepresentations in the P105-million purchase of light operational helicopters by the Philippine National Police's elite Special Action Force (SAF).
He and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Teofisto Guingona III filed Senate Resolution 518 to take a closer look at the acquisition of the Light Police Operational Helicopters (LPOHs) from Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corp. (MAPTRA).
On July 9, 2009, the PNP Negotiation Committee recommended the award of the contract to MAPTRA for one Robinson R44 Raven II and two Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters.
But it was later learned that MAPTRA had been engaged in the business only in June 2009. Also, it was learned the supposedly new choppers were “pre-owned” as far back as March 2004.
On the other hand, Lacson said that while the PNP officials involved in the deal were complicit partners, they are the least to blame in this anomalous transaction.
"The First Couple were so powerful at that time that ramming the used helicopters down the throat of the police was easy and effortless. And since the proceeds could exceed the P50-million threshold in a series of acts, those liable are candidate for a plunder case under our existing laws," he said.
o0o
Lacson said the sale of the choppers may make the Arroyos - along with all those who took part in the sale - prime candidates for a plunder case as the amount involved exceeded P50 million.
"Initial findings would indicate that the previous and original owners of the pre-owned, yet sold as brand-new light police operational helicopters are the Arroyos. While it's bad enough that the two units were overpriced and therefore grossly disadvantageous to the government, passing them off as brand-new smacks of brazen deceit and utmost bad faith," he said.
Lacson had initiated an investigation into alleged misrepresentations in the P105-million purchase of light operational helicopters by the Philippine National Police's elite Special Action Force (SAF).
He and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Teofisto Guingona III filed Senate Resolution 518 to take a closer look at the acquisition of the Light Police Operational Helicopters (LPOHs) from Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corp. (MAPTRA).
On July 9, 2009, the PNP Negotiation Committee recommended the award of the contract to MAPTRA for one Robinson R44 Raven II and two Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters.
But it was later learned that MAPTRA had been engaged in the business only in June 2009. Also, it was learned the supposedly new choppers were “pre-owned” as far back as March 2004.
On the other hand, Lacson said that while the PNP officials involved in the deal were complicit partners, they are the least to blame in this anomalous transaction.
"The First Couple were so powerful at that time that ramming the used helicopters down the throat of the police was easy and effortless. And since the proceeds could exceed the P50-million threshold in a series of acts, those liable are candidate for a plunder case under our existing laws," he said.
o0o
Speech at the PNP Police Community Relations, July 4, 2011
Thank you for having me for the second time this year. As always, I am honored to be given the podium and share my insights with you.
As I entered the gate of this historic and once hallowed ground, I couldn’t help but remember the years I spent working with three young Philippine Constabulary lieutenants who I had very little doubt in my mind even at that time, would someday be part of a rich law enforcement history. Well, they did and still do. 2LT Jesus Verzosa, 2LT Magtanggol Gatdula and of course, 2LT Raul Bacalzo - sila ‘yung kung tawagin namin nung mga panahon na iyun ay mga TIG - tig operate, tig huli ng mga suspek, tig gawa ng mga spot reports, tig-imbestiga, at tig etchetera, etcetera.
Allow me first to congratulate PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo and the proponents of the PNP-Integrated Transformation Program for successfully enhancing and strengthening police community relations through programs and related actions that entice public input into decision-making processes related to crime solving and peacekeeping efforts.
May you continue to foster and enhance the effective existing programs and support future projects that promote police-community relations.
If I mention every good word to describe Director General Bacalzo, I’m afraid we won’t have enough time for it. I will therefore sum it all up in one short sentence - General, it was indeed a rare privilege to have worked with you once upon a time in my military career.
When I was appointed Chief of the Philippine National Police in November 1999, I inherited an agency that was more feared than respected for lack of integrity and genuine public service. The public had low regard for the institution and its personnel who they generally saw as inept, corrupt and undisciplined. Victims of crimes hesitated to file complaints because they thought it would just be a waste of time - walling katiyakan kung matutulungan man sila o hindi. Subalit ang halos sigurado ay madidilihensiyahan sila ng pang-gasolina, pambili ng bond paper, pang-kape at pang-merienda. Police action was slow and reporting crime was cumbersome. These translated to a low percentage of crime reporting, a clear indication of diminishing public trust and confidence in the police and the criminal justice system.
As I was put in the saddle, I made a strong resolve that come hell or high water I would put premium on social and criminal justice in the eyes of the citizenry. The public needed to know that their police, starting from the chief down to the rank and file, was prepared and able to accept responsibility for the agency and was going to be held accountable for its performance.
I was very much aware at that time that if I were to turn things around, reviving public trust would be my trigger point. To accomplish that, I had to work on a solid foundation. That foundation is INTEGRITY; and the test of integrity is credibility.
To ultimately test one’s credible standing is to see whether he does what he says.
If a man is truthful and upright in public, but renounces those standards in private – he lacks credibility because he has no integrity.
A man who cheats himself once is a thousand times worse than the one who cheats a thousand others.
Integrity means being consistent in one’s behavior under every circumstance including those unguarded and tempting moments - and integrity is foundational to the success of police community relations.
On to my next point: COMMITMENT - the ability to stand firm behind your decisions no matter how difficult they may be. A wise man once said, “There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”
Furthermore, commitment means saying no to situations where trust is traded as a public commodity. Not everyone is called to public service and when we are, we must wear that badge with honor - Kahit sino pa ang tatamaan at masasaktan, basta tama ang pinaglalaban.
The courage and resoluteness to say no, even to our superiors, when the order given is utterly wrong and unlawful is the real test of COMMITMENT.
Kaugnay nito, nais kong hilingin at hingin ang walang pasubaling kooperasyon at pakikipagtulungan ng pamunuan ng PNP sa mga susunod na araw - sa pagsasagawa namin sa Senado ng mga imbestigasyon na kung hindi man may kaugnayan sa kapulisan ay may kinalaman ang ilang matataas na opisyal ng PNP.
Light Police Operational Helicopters
MVUC - OYSTER 1.4B pesos
Jose Pidal
Last point but certainly not the least: GENUINE CONCERN. This should always guide our actions. No one should aspire for a position of leadership because he wants to have power, influence and money. This can be best exemplified if we consistently refuse to get the usual share of jueteng lagay or payola, the “standard and acceptable” 20% commission on all supply contracts signed and the misuse of PNP funds. In my case when I was chief, the so called P44M-a-year command and commander’s reserve.
Maybe, there are things that can be compromised; but honor is certainly not one of them.
We should be happy and content to be given our daily bread. Again, in my case, in my heart and mind then and now, I will always remain as the son of a jeepney driver and market vendor whose only hope was to be given a fair shot at a comfortable life.
Driven to shake things up and true to my credo – What is right must be kept right; what is wrong must be set right, I therefore took immediate action of overhauling the image of our police officers. My term was characterized by the massive sanctions of the inept, corrupt and undisciplined among our policemen, or what I used to call - ICUs. It was either you shape up or you get shipped out. This was very unpopular among those policemen who came to rely on bus drivers, truck drivers, jeepney drivers, taxi cab drivers, vegetable and fruit dealers and similarly situated small entrepreneurs and other motorists for “kotong”.
Soon enough our efforts yielded desirable results. Our policemen had been purged of corruption. They were disciplined and even became physically fit to serve the people better.
However, no matter how effective our efforts were in crime reduction, I firmly believed that a progressive justice system needs to have the cooperation of private individuals as well. With crimes persistent and organized crime groups entrenched, the police can only do so much. Thus, it is paramount to draw support and cooperation from the citizenry and empower them to take responsibility for safeguarding neighborhoods, and not just rely on the police to fight crimes.
Fighting crimes is everyone’s business. We all have a civic duty to act as the eyes and the ears of the community and the police force as well. We are vital in helping create a safer and more nurturing local environment.
It is not just the policeman’s fight, it is also their fight.
Thus, more than a decade ago, a group of proactive and civic-minded individuals, prominent and successful in their respective fields came up with their own idea of doing their share, no matter how humble and small, in helping the police by enhancing their anti-crime capability. So, they linked up with then Director for Police Community Relations, Victor Batac to form what we now proudly call, the PNP Foundation Inc.
Tapping the resources of the private sector, they solicit monies that up to this point - hanggang magunaw na nag mundo ay mananatiling nariyan at hindi marring galawin ninuman. Only the accrued earnings and interests may be used to buy and donate equipment solely to the Philippine National Police and nobody else. From police motorcycles to fit-out of workshop rooms, seminar room and auditorium, and training facilities like the rehabilitation of the rope obstacle course, from medical equipment including hospital beds, wheelchairs, delivery beds, weighing scales, minor surgery kits and stretchers to visual and IT equipment - there are no restrictions to what the Foundation can give to the PNP except its wherewithal to do so.
In fact today, we will again turn over some modest donations to the PNP.
I couldn’t think of a better way to end my short message this morning than leaving you with a simple quote from Haile Selassie: “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.”
May that message leave an impact and hopefully propel us to a better and more meaningful police-community relations.
MARAMING SALAMAT PO! MABUHAY ANG PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE! MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!
*****
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