SC clears FM heirs of ill-gotten charges

THE Supreme Court has junked the ill-gotten cases against the heirs and in-laws of the late President Ferdinand Marcos due to a lack of evidence, and took the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Office of the Solicitor General to task for bungling the job.

The dismissed cases involved the alleged accumulation of P200 billion in ill-gotten wealth and the acquisition of media networks IBC-13, BBC-2 and RPN-9; the alleged use of De Soleil Apparel for dollar salting; and the alleged acquisition and operation of the bus company Pantranco North Express Inc.

The decision by then Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, dated Feb. 8, 2012, was not released to the press. Sereno was named Chief Justice six months later, on Aug. 12, 2012.

Second Division Justices Arturo Brion, Martin Villarama Jr., Jose Portugal Perez and Bienvenido Reyes concurred with Sereno’s finding that the prosecutors failed to abide by the “best evidence rule,” putting in question the process used by the PCGG and OSG in the cases.

“Despite having the expansive resources of government, the members of the prosecution did not even bother to provide any reason whatsoever for their failure to present the original documents or the witnesses to support the government’s claims. Even worse was presenting in evidence a photocopy of the TSN (transcript of stenographic notes) of the PCGG proceedings instead of the original, or a certified true copy of the original, which the prosecutors themselves should have had in their custody. Such manner of legal practice deserves the reproof of this Court. We are constrained to call attention to this apparently serious failure to follow a most basic rule in law, given the special circumstances surrounding this case,” the decision read.

While the children of the former president – Imee Marcos-Manotoc, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Irene Marcos-Araneta – were defendants as compulsory heirs, their involvement in the cases was never established, the Court said.

“In fact, they were never mentioned by any of the witnesses presented. Neither did the documentary evidence pinpoint any specific involvement of the Marcos children,” the decision said.

The court also dismissed the case filed against Irene’s husband, businessman Gregorio Araneta III, due to a lack of evidence.

“In the matter of the spouses Irene Marcos and Gregorio Araneta III, the court similarly held that there was no testimonial or documentary evidence that supported petitioner’s allegations against the couple.

Again, petitioner failed to present the original documents that supposedly supported the allegations against them. Instead, it merely presented photocopies of documents that sought to prove how the Marcoses used the Potencianos as dummies in acquiring and operating the bus company Pantranco,” the decision said.

The Supreme Court also said that Imelda Romualdez Marcos and Ferdinand Jr., as executor and defendants in the case, should be protected and given due process.

The two should not be deprived of their right to protect and defend all the properties left by the former President, except if they waive this right in favor of the state, the Court said.

“Since the pending case before the Sandiganbayan survives the death of Ferdinand E. Marcos, it is imperative therefore that the estate be duly represented. The purpose behind this rule is the protection of the right to due process of every party to a litigation who may be affected by the intervening death. The deceased litigant is himself protected, as he continues to be properly represented in the suit through the duly appointed legal representative of his estate. On that note, we take judicial notice of the probate proceedings regarding the will of Ferdinand E. Marcos. In Republic of the Philippines v. Marcos II, we upheld the grant by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of letters testamentary in solidum to Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr and Imelda Romualdez Marcos as executors of the last will and testament of the late Ferdinand E.Marcos,” the Supreme Court said.

“Unless the executors of the Marcos estate or heirs are ready to waive in favor of the state their right to defend or protect the estate or those properties found to be ill-gotten in their possession, control or ownership, then they may not be dropped as defendants in the civil case pending before the Sandiganbayan,” the decision added.

The Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan decision dated Dec. 5, 2005 that acknowledged the children of the late President as legitimate defendants in the case.

The Supreme Court also called on Malacanang to investigate the process by which prosecution handled the case.

“Let a copy of this Decision be furnished to the Office of the President so that it may look into the circumstances of this case and determine the liability, if any, of the lawyers of the Office of the Solicitor General and the Presidential Commission on Good Government in the manner by which this case was handled in the Sandiganbayan,” the Court said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/03/31/sc-clears-fm-heirs-of-ill-gotten-charges/

https://www.mediafire.com/?tuujt5vp7cqp3fb

The-Untold-Story-Kingdom-of-Maharlikhans

https://www.mediafire.com/?wttl2sryla0mjm6

MALIGAYANG ARAW NG MARTIAL LAW!!!!!

Bakit nga ba Nagdeklara ng Basta Militar ang Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos? 

Ang mga komunistang Tsino ay nag-umpisang pumasok sa bansa at humihikayat ng mga Pilipino para sumapi sa pinaglalaban nilang adhikain. Ang partidong Komunista sa Pilipinas ay nagingmas lalong Aktibo at naglungsad ng malawakang kaguluhan sa maralitang taga-nayon at taga-lungsod. Naging Aktibo din ang mga mag-aaral sa Unibersidad na nagsasagawa din ng malaking kaguluhan sa lungsod. Sa katimugang bahagi naman ng Pilipinas, ang kilusan ng mga Muslim ay dumagsa na rin.

Bilang Pangulo kailangan tayong maproteksyonan ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng bansa. Ang Pangulong Marcos ay sumusunod lang sa alituntunin ng Saligang Batas at naayon sa Konstitusyon.

Dahil sa lumalalang suliranin ng Kapayapaan at kaayusan sa bansa, Isinailalim ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos ang buong bansa sa "Batas Militar o Martial Law" sa bisa ng proklamasyon Bilang 1081 na kanyang nilagdaan noong Setyembre 21, 1972.

Ipinaliwanag pa ni pangulong Marcos na kinakailangan ang Batas Militar upang bigyang proteksiyon ang demokrasya ng bansa sa mga kalaban ng mamamayan tulad ng mga kumunistang CCP-NPA at PKP-HMB, Moro National Liberation Front na naghahangad magtayo ng sariling bansa sa Mindanao sa pamamagitan ng armadong pagkilos, mga maka-kanan na grupong radikal sa simbahan, mga grupong oligarkiko, at mga dayuhang nanghihimasok sa panloob na kalagayan ng bansa. Ayon sa kanya, kinakailangan ng bansa ng malakas na pwersa upang matugunan ang hamon ng mga kaaway at maprotektahan ang bansa.

Isa sa mga layunin ng pagdedeklara ng Batas Militar ay ang pagtatatag ng isang bagong lipunang makatao, maka-Diyos at makabayan at may pitong haligi. Ito ay ang (1) pambansang pagkakaisa, (2) pambansang pagkakakilanlan, (3)kaunlaran at kasaganaan, (4) demokrasya salig sa maraming paglahok ng tao, (5) katarungang panlipunan, (6) internasyonalismo at pakikiisa sa sanlibutan at (7)kalayaan sa paniniwala. Pitong aspeto naman ang binibigyang-diin ng mga programang pangreporma: (1) ang katahimikan at katiwasayan, (2) lupa at sakahan, (3) kabuhayan, (4) edukasyon, (5) reorganisasyon ng pamahalaan, (6)paggawa at (7) serbisyong panlipunan.

Binale-wala ng mga kritiko ni Pangulong Marcos ang kanyang mga binanggit na kadahilanan. Ayon sa kanilang paniniwala, ang pagdeklara niya ng Batas Militar ay isa lamang daan upang mapahaba ang kanyang pananatili sa posisyon. Dagdag pa ng mga kritiko, malaki ang takot ni Marcos sa hahalili sa kanya sa Malacanang. Isa na rito si Senador Benigno Aquino Jr., ang kanyang pangunahing kalaban sa pulitika, at tinatayang siyang may malaking pag-asa sa posisyon ng pagkapangulo. 

Mas maraming Mamamayan lalo ang maralita ang Natuwa at gumaan ang pamumuhay noong Panahon ng Martial Law. Ang mga hindi natuwa at nadismaya ay ang mga Mayayamang Businessman at kalaban sa politika. 

Philippines tentative de coup dEtat manqu Corazon Aquino (1989)

Armed Forces Of The Philippines Lost Missle Projects and Aircraft Invention-Marcos Term

Philippine First Missile Successfully Launched last 1972-Marcos Term

Philippine First Missile during Marcos as President

i want the filipino people to suffer.so that they hate marcos

https://s3.amazonaws.com/khudes/struckbook.docx

Noynoy Interview

History of Ozamis City

Kasama sa listahan ng mga itinuturing “limot na bayani" si Senador Jose Ozamis na pinugutan ng ulo ng mga Hapon sa Manila North Cemetery sa panahon ng kanilang pananakop sa Pilipinas mula 1941 hanggang 1944.



Mula sa kilalang angkan si Ozamis na isinilang sa Misamis Occidental noong May 5, 1898. Siya ang panganay at nag-iisang anak na lalaki sa sampung anak nina Jenaro Ozamiz at Basilisa Fortich.

Nagtapos sa Ateneo de Manila si Ozamis sa kursong Bachelor of Arts noong 1916. Kasunod nito ay kumuha siya ng abogasya at pumasa sa bar exam noong 1921. Nagpakadalubhasa siya sa abogasya nang kumuha ng Master of Law degree sa Columbia University sa New York, USA.

Ngunit bago nahalal na senador noong 1941, si Ozamis ay naging unang gobernor ng Misamis Occidental mula 1929 hanggang 1931. Dalawa ulit naging kinatawan sa lehislatura mula 1931 hanggang 1934 at mula 1934 hanggang 1935.

Naging delegado rin siya sa Constitutional Convention mula 1934 hanggang 1935. At nagsilbing assemblyman ng dalawang magkasunod na termino mula 1935 hanggang 1938 at mula 1938 hanggang 1941.

Bagaman nahalal na senador noong 1941 elections, hindi nagampanan ni Ozamis ang kanyang posisyon dahil sa pagsakop ng mga Hapon sa Pilipinas. Sa halip, tinanggap niya ang alok ng pamahalaan ng Hapon na maging pinuno ng Games and Amusement Board.

Lingid sa kaalaman ng mga Hapon, may sekretong ugnayan si Ozamis sa mga guerilla at mayroon basbas ng kilusan ang pagtanggap niya ng pwesto upang hindi siya paghinalaan ng mga mananakop.

Pebrero 1944 nang hulihin ng mga Hapon si Ozamis sa kanilang bahay sa Maynila matapos ituro ng “makapili" na nakikipagtulungan siya sa mga guerilla. Nataon ang araw ng kanyang pagdakip sa kaarawan ng kanya kabiyak.

Ipiniit si Ozamis sa Intramuros at sa sumunod na buwan ay nagulat na lamang ang kanyang pamilya nang mabalitaan nila na pinugutan na ito ng ulo sa Manila North Cemetery.

Inabot pa ng dalawang taon bago natagpuan ng kanyang pamilya ang mga labi ni Ozamis kasama ng iba pang Filipino na pinugutan ng ulo. Tanging bungo na lamang ni Ozamis ang nakuha ng pamilya na nakilala sa pamamagitan ng kanyang dental record. Ang ibang bahagi ng kanyang katawan o buto ay nakahalo sa iba pang mga labi mga Filipinong pinaslang.

Bilang pagkilala sa kanyang kadakilaan, isang bayan sa Misamis ang ipinangalan kay Ozamis.

Ferdinand marcos Projects

ang kasaysayan ng ating bansa

I. MAYAMAN ANG PILIPINAS PERO NAGHIHIRAP 
ANG SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO
A. Ang bayang Pilipinas at mamamayang Pilipino
1. Anu-ano ang mga katangian ng Pilipinas?
Ang Pilipinas ay isang kapuluang may mabundok na kalupaan. Mayroon itong 30,000,000 ektaryang sukat ng lupain. Binubuo ito ng 7,100 pulo. Tatlo rito ang malalaking grupo ng mga pulo: Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao.
Ang Pilipinas ay nasa Timog-Silangang Asya.Napapaligiran ito ng Karagatang Pasipiko, Dagat Tsina at Dagat Celebes. Nasa bandang hilaga nito ang Tsina at bandang timog naman ang Indonesia at Hilagang Borneo. (Tingnan ang mapa.)
Ayon sa datos ng 1995, ang populasyon ng Pilipinas ay mga 65,000,000 na. Pitumpu't limang porsyento (75%) ang naninirahan sa kanayunan at 25 porsyento ang nasa kalunsuran.
May ilang lahing pinagmulan ang mga Pilipino. Pangunahin sa mga ito ang lahing Malayo. Makabuluhang ambag sa makalahing komposisyon ng mamamayan ang Indones at Tsino. Mayroon ding halong mga lahing Arabe, Indian, Espanyol, Amerikano at Negrito, pero maliit na porsyento lamang ang mga ito.
Pambansang minorya ang di bababa sa 14 porsyento ng populasyon. Kabilang sa kanila ang mga unang nanirahan sa kapuluan sa loob ng ilampung libong taon bago dumating ang mga kolonyalistang Espanyol. Hanggang nitong ilampung taong nagdaan, sila ang naninirahan sa mas malaking bahagi ng kapuluan bago sila itinaboy at inapi ng mga mang-aagaw ng lupa.
Mahigit 100 lenggwahe at diyalekto ang sinasalita ng mga mamamayan. Ang limang lenggwaheng sinasalita ng nakararami ay Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Ilonggo at Bikol. Ang Tagalog ang basihan ng pambansang wika. Sinasalita ito ngayon ng mamamayan sa iba't ibang katatasan.
2. Anu-ano ang likas na yaman ng Pilipinas?
Sagana sa likas na yaman ang Pilipinas. Dahil sa mga kabundukan na karamiha'y dating bulkan, sa maraming ilog at sa klimang tropikal, matabang-mataba ang lupaing pang-agrikultura ng Pilipinas. Bagay ito sa maraming klase ng pananim na makakain tulad ng palay, mais, gulay, prutas at halamang-ugat, at iyong magagamit sa industriya tulad ng abaka, goma, niyog, tubo at iba pa.
Malawak ang kagubatan ng Pilipinas. Sagana ito sa mga kahoy at iba pang yamang-gubat na magagamit sa iba't ibang pangangailangan ng mamamayan.
Sa mga kabundukan at kapatagan, makukuha ang maraming mineral tulad ng ginto, tanso, langis, pilak, karbon, bauxite, uranyum at nikel. Sapat ang mga ito para makapagsarili ang Pilipinas sa pagpapaunlad ng mga industriya.
Sagana sa isda at iba pang yaman ang mga ilog, lawa, look at dagat. Maaaring kontrolin ang prinsipal na mga ilog para mapatubigan ang mga sakahan at mabigyan ng kuryente ang bawat parte ng bayan. Ginagamit din para sa transportasyon ang mga ilog, lawa, look at dagat. Marami ring mahuhusay na daungan ang Pilipinas.
Kung ang mamamayang Pilipino mismo ang gagamit at lilinang sa likas na yaman ng Pilipinas para sa sariling pakinabang, sobra-sobra pa ito para sustinihin ang populasyong makailang beses ang laki kaysa sa kasalukuyan. Gayunman, ang mamamayang Pilipino ay pinipigilan ng imperyalismong US, katutubong pyudalismo at burukratang kapitalismo na gamitin ang likas na yaman nila para sa sariling bentahe. Sa ngayon, ang likas na yamang ito ay nililinang ng imperyalismong US at lahat ng alipuris nito para sa sarili nilang ganansya at ayon sa makikitid nilang pakana na nakapipinsala sa masang anakpawis.
B. Nahahati sa iilang naghaharing uri at nakararaming pinagsasamantalahan at inaapi ang lipunang Pilipino.
1. Sinu-sino ang kumokontrol at nagpapasasa sa yaman ng Pilipinas?
Ang kumokontrol at nagpapasasa sa yaman ng bayan ay ang imperyalistang US at iba pang dayuhang imperyalista, at ang kasabwat nilang lokal na mga naghaharing uri na malaking burgesyang kumprador at mga panginoong maylupa. Binubuo nila ang isang porsyento (1%) lamang ng populasyon ng Pilipinas.
Sila ang lubos na nakikinabang sa likas na yaman ng bayan, sa pwersang paggawa at sa yamang likha ng mamamayang Pilipino. Sila rin ang may kontrol sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno at reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa sa Pilipinas. Sila ang bumubuo sa mga naghaharing uri na nang-aapi at nagpapahirap sa sambayanang Pilipino. 
2. Ano ang kalagayan ng sambayanang Pilipino? 
Binubuo ang sambayanang Pilipino ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, mala-proletaryado, petiburgesya at pambansang burgesya. Binubuo nila ang 99% ng populasyon ng Pilipinas. 
Ang sambayanang Pilipino ay isang makapangyarihang pwersa para sa pag-unlad. May angkin silang lakas at talino para magpakahusay sa iba't ibang larangan ng gawain sa lipunan at may dakilang tradisyon ng magiting na paglaban sa dayuhan at lokal na pagsasamantala at pang-aapi. Kaya nilang magtayo ng lipunang nagkakaisa, makatarungan at maunlad.
Sa lakas at talino ng sambayanang Pilipino, naipundar ang malawak na agrikultura, mga pabrika, minahan, transportasyon at komunikasyon na bumubuhay sa lipunan. Dapat sana'y sila ang nagtatamasa sa mga biyaya ng mga ito. Pero sila ang naghihirap at matinding pinagsasamantalahan at inaapi ng mga dayuhan at lokal na naghaharing uri.
Pinipiga ng iilang imperyalistang dayuhan at mga lokal na naghaharing uri ang lakas at talino ng mamamayan para sa kanilang pakinabang. Kaya, mayaman man ang Pilipinas, dumaranas ng sobrang kahirapan ang sambayanang Pilipino. 
Naghihirap ang mga manggagawa dahil sa kawalan ng pag-aari at pagbebenta ng kanilang lakas-paggawa upang lumikha ng tubo para sa mga kapitalista kapalit ng napakababang sahod, di makataong kalagayan sa paggawa at kawalan ng seguridad sa trabaho. Pinagsasamantalahan sila ng mga kapitalistang dayuhan at lokal.
Ang mga magsasaka, na ang mayorya ay wala o kulang ang lupa ay inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan ng luma at bagong tipong mga panginoong maylupa.Pasanin nila ang mataas na upa sa lupa, mababang sahod at usura. Patuloy silang inaagawan ng lupa ng mga panginoong maylupa, burukratang kapitalista at korporasyong dayuhan.
Naghihirap ang mga malaproletaryado dala ng kawalan ng ari-arian, di-sapat na sahod, iregular na kita at kawalan ng tiyak na trabaho.
Dumadausdos naman ang kabuhayan ng petiburgesya. Bumababa ang tunay na halaga ng maliit nilang kita. Namemeligro ang seguridad nila sa trabaho. Bumabagsak din ang maliliit nilang negosyo dahil sa taas ng interes sa utang, taas ng buwis at kabulukan sa burukrasya.

Ginigipit ang pambansang burgesya ng malalaking kapitalistang dayuhan na nagtatambak ng yaring produkto sa Pilipinas at nagmamanipula sa mga saligang patakaran ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno kaugnay ng ekonomya, pananalapi, taripa at pagbubuwis at lokal na pagbebenta ng mga kalakal. Nasasagkaan din ng pyudalismo ang kanilang pagnanais na paunlarin ang kapitalistang produksyon. Dahil sa mga ito, nangangamba silang mabangkrap. Nauunsyami ang kanilang ambisyong maging malaking burgesya at magtayo ng estadong kapitalista sa ilalim ng paghahari uri nila.

Peso Devaluation Sets Off Panic Buying in Philippines - June 9, 1984

FACT: The Philippine economy was No. 2 in Asia after Japan before Marcos was in Malacanang. Ngayon pang ilan tayo probably no. 5 from the bottom.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19840609&id=2OhVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=keEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6710,2035576

Ninoy Aquino, People Power, Marcos

Maraming hindi nakaka alam iyong Hacienda Luisita ng mga Aquino at Cojuangco, pilit na pinaglaban ni Marcos na ipamahagi sa mga magsasaka sa hukuman. Kaya huwag na kayo mag taka kung bakit critique ni Marcos si Ninoy.Maraming hindi nakaka alam na sumali sa people power, na ni isa walang napasang batas si Ninoy. Did he achieve anything---pass a law, build a bridge, school, highway, road, airport, etc? did he contribute anything for free medical care and medicines or free education? did he go to war to defend his country against a foreign invader? 

If someone would recall the January 1983 interview of Ninoy by the US magazine Mother Jones. He said this: "If you made me President of the Philippines today, my friend, in six months I would be smelling like horseshit. Because there is nothing I can do. I cannot provide employment. I cannot bring prices down."

Iyung mga nag people power hindi ba nila alam na dahil sa ginawa nila ngayon magtiis tayo sa sobrang mahal na kuryente, actually may plan pa silang itaas ng 5 pesos per kwh ang kuryente. Walang magrereklamo ha lalo na ang ayaw sa nuclear. Na ang bilyong dolyar na nuclear plant ay hindi ipapagamit ni Cory? Na hangang ngaun ay binabayaran pa din ng Pinas kahit hindi nagamit? Matapos ang people power ano nangyari sa Pinas? Dumami ang squater, dumami ang krimen etc.

http://larouchepub.com/other/2004/site_packages/econ_hitmen/3150philipp_coup.html

Anti typhoon rockets only marcos administration

(Check the year of the publication) In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos adopted Project Storm Fury where he attempted, using the United States model, to weaken tropical cyclones by flying aircraft into them and seeding with silver iodide.

Although Project Storm Fury failed, the point is President Marcos had a VISION and tried his damn best to save the Philippines from destructive storms. After all, science is trial-and-error thing.

Looking at the positive side, this experiment provided a greater understanding of storms and it allowed improved forecasting of monstrous storms which PAGASA is still using as of this time.

Five presidents after Marcos, and with another Aquino as the sitting President, no leader of the Philippines has come close to the same vision of President Marcos -- considering the 'low tech' era of the 1970s.

From anti-typhoon rockets during the Marcos administration, what do we have now? Only three C130s under Aquino.

The fighter jets of Philippine Air Force in Marcos Administration

PHOTO TAKEN - 1982

The Philippine Air Force received 37 F-5A/B in 1966. The F-5A/Bs were used by the Blue Diamonds Aerobatic team, underwent an upgrade which equipped it with surplus AN/APQ-153 with significant overhaul at the end of the 1970s to stretch their service life another 15 years. In 2005, the Philippines decommissioned its remaining F-5A/B fleet, including those received from Taiwan and South Korea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_F-5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F-5E_Philippine_AF_at_Clark_AB_1982.JPEG

Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers, and I’ll conquer the world...” — General Douglas

Remembering, Internalizing, Revering, And Doing
Empowering the Filipino People
June 5, 2011, 8:00am
MANILA, Philippines — “Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers, and I’ll conquer the world...” — General Douglas MacArthur at Bataan and Corregidor

This weekend, the one just past and the next weekend happen to be important dates that need remembering, internalizing, revering, and just doing the heroic lessons they impart – especially for parents, teachers, and young Filipinos.

Fortuitously, during these past two weeks, FVR had opportunities to participate in these historical events. For our young citizens, it is essential for them to be reminded of the past so that they gain new insights for the present and the future.

For five years, this column has sought to recall events deemed worth revering because they form part of our patrimony of patriotism and gallantry and, therefore, merit the focused attention of younger Filipinos. Hopefully, they, in turn, will inculcate the spiritual and cultural essentials among their families and descendants. In today’s world, these are what national spirit, people empowerment, soldiers’ sacrifice, sustainable development, and economic competitiveness are all about.

In our Asia-Pacific neighborhood, the American, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indonesian peoples have fought in wars of independence, liberation, and/or defense (to protect their integrity and sovereignty). Among others, Filipinos have been similarly involved in defending their patrimony, freedom, values, and the rule of law, and thus have earned a place of admiration in the community of nations.

On the eve of Philippine Independence Day, events of such primacy need to be remembered, notably:
(1) Philippine Independence Commemoration.
(2) Philippine Flag Days.
(3) Memorial Day (by Americans/Filipino-Americans).
Our sacrosanct National Day

In our Manila Bulletin column, “Philippine Independence Day: Patriotism or Tourism?” (6 June 2010), we wrote that during PGMA’s administration, the fostering of patriotic pride in Filipinos had dwindled. Seemingly forgotten was the work of the “Committee for the National Centennial Celebrations in 1998” constituted by President Cory (AO 223, s-1991) to fortify our national spirit.

Independence Day is the only holiday requiring the presence of our highest officials – the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice – to preside simultaneously at historic venues of our “Freedom Trail,” like Kawit and Balintawak. No other day reflects the common aspirations of past, present, and future generations of Filipinos. For those who willingly offered everything to country – even life itself – Independence Day embodies our proud heritage as a people.

FVR expanded Cory’s Committee by establishing the “National Centennial Commission” (EO 128, s-1993). Chaired by former VP Salvador Laurel, NCC memorialized our countrywide “Freedom Trail” – leading to the upbeat nationwide celebration of our Independence Centennial on 12 June 1998, which was highlighted by commemorative events in countries where the Philippines shares political links, particularly Spain and the US.

Flag Days: Preparing for Independence Day

In the run-up to our Independence Centennial – 100 years after Aguinaldo’s defiant proclamation – our 10th Congress insured that reverence for our National Flag and other cherished symbols of sovereignty are enshrined in the “Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms, and other Heraldic Items and Devices” (RA 8491, February 1998). This law was intended to prime the citizenry for the joyful observance of our National Day.

This law declared the period 28 May to 12 June each year as Flag Days, when all public offices, business establishments, educational institutions, and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.

RA 8491 declares: “Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions... and inculcate in our people just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and proper use of national heraldic symbols.”

Having interacted with Filipino-American communities just last fortnight, we fervently wish that Filipinos here at home would display the same patriotic fervor of our kababayans overseas. As fiercely as we demand our rights as citizens, we should be as intensely proud in manifesting our love of country and people.

These days, however, under P-Noy, very little has been seen or heard of the display/reverence for our national flag in our streets or in places other than large public offices and military installations. In contrast, Fil-Ams showed the flags in hundreds of homes and placed wreaths at Rizal’s monument (in Chicago, Illinois).

US Memorial Day

Last 27 May in San Diego, California, this writer was the guest of honor at the Fil-Am community “tri-event” – Memorial Day, Philippine Independence Day, and Philippine Products and Services Exhibit (PhilFair 2011).

Memorial Day is a US holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as “Decoration Day,” it was first marked by “Freedmen” (freed slaves) in South Carolina in 1865 to remember fallen Union soldiers in the Civil War. 
This recognition was later enacted into law under the name “Memorial Day” upon the initiative of veterans – the Grand Army of the Republic – to honor Civil War dead.

Over time, it was extended to honor all Americans who have died in war. Now known as “Memorial Day,” it is a day of remembering those killed while serving in the US Armed Forces, among them thousands of Filipinos who died as American nationals then and, likewise, US citizens of Filipino parentage.

US Memorial Day is an occasion for general expressions of reverent memory, because even ordinary people visit graves of their deceased, whether they served in the military or not. It provides ritual opportunities for local communities to develop greater patriotic spirit and belonging. Traditionally, average Americans observe Memorial Day with deep feelings of national pride and personal motivation for US achievements and goals.

On the other hand, Veterans Day is a holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as “Armistice Day” or “Remembrance Day” in other countries, it being the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I.

President Woodrow Wilson who first proclaimed Armistice Day on 11 November 1919, said:

“Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of America’s opportunity to show sympathy with peace and justice in all nations.”

Because many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, the US Department of Veterans Affairs clarifies that Memorial Day is for honoring military personnel who DIED in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or of wounds sustained in battle. Veterans Day, however, is intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service and underscore that all who served – not only those who died – sacrificed and did their duty.

Fil-Ams proudly celebrate

In remembrance of those who died in the country’s service (Memorial), war survivors (Veterans), and the advance celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the Council of Philippine-American Organizations (COPAO) of 
San Diego commemorated these landmarks through PhilFair 2011 – with a civic parade, Filipiniana products/services exhibits, and fiesta-style entertainment.

COPAO made the decision to involve school children who would otherwise be on vacation starting in June, as part of the early immersion of Fil-Am youth in the heroic struggle of our forebears in defending freedom – a legacy that we all now enjoy.

As a war veteran, filled with pride for the honor our overseas kababayans extend to Filipino freedom fighters, past and present, FVR wholeheartedly joined fellow veterans and youngsters in their PhilFair 2011 parade led by Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon as Grand Marshal.

“Moving Independence Day is a sin”

Last year, President-elect Benigno Aquino III sounded a stinging rebuke against the outgoing PGMA Administration, thus:

“Moving the holiday to 14 June is a sin. He apparently resented PGMA’s move not to declare 12 June a holiday, pointing out that it was on 12 June that ‘we formally became an independent nation’.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 May 2010).

With this P-Noy admonition, Filipinos should take heart that in 2011, Independence Day will be properly commemorated in our homeland, in hundreds of our Embassies and Consulates abroad, in thousands of Filipino communities overseas, and among ten million OFWs worldwide.

For Filipinos at home and dual citizens/OFWs everywhere, 12 June is the one day each year that we should fully devote to reinforcing our love of country – and not indulge in self-gratification, escapism, or other frivolous activities. 
And, about which the “young once” should teach the “young ones.”

To his credit, P-Noy’s advance Independence Day message to Fil-Ams enjoins: “Let us not only celebrate the freedom that we cherish, but also remember brave Filipinos who valiantly fought for our liberty – our forefathers who engaged in a revolution that has marked our strength and determination.”

SABAH IS OURS ~ with document

We, Sri Paduka Maulana Al Sultan MOHAMMAD JAMALUL AHLAM KIRAM, son of Sri Paduka Marhum Al Sultan MOHAMMAD PULALUN KIRAM, Sultan of Sulu and of all dependencies thereof, on behalf of ourselves and for our heirs and successors, and with the expressed desire of all Datus in common agreement, do hereby desire to lease of our own free will and satisfaction, to Gustavus Baron de Overbeck of Hong Kong, and to Alfred Dent, Esquire of London, who act as representatives of a British Company, together with their heirs, associates, successors, and assigns forever and until the end of time, all rights and powers which we posses over all territories and lands tributary to us on the mainland of the island of Borneo, commencing from Pandasan River on the east, and thence along the whole east coast as far as the Sibuku River on the south, including all territories, on the Pandasan River in the coastal areas, known as as Paitan, Sugut, Bangkal, Labuk, Sandakan, China-balangan, Mumiang and all other territories and coastal lands to the south, bordering on Darvel Bay and as far as the Sibuka RIver, together with all the islands which lie within nine miles from the coast.

In consideration of this territorial lease, the Honorable Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent, Esquire, promise to pay His Majesty Maulana Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Ahlam Kiram and to his heirs and successors, the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS annually, to be paid each and every year.

The abovementioned territories are from today truly leased to Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and to Alfred Dent, Esquire, as already said, together with their heirs, their associates (company) and powers hereby leased shall not be transferred to another nation, or company of other nationality, without the consent of His Majesty's Government.

Should there be any dispute, or reviving of old grievances of any kind, between us and our heirs and successors, with Gustaves Baron de Overbeck or his Company then the matter will be brought for consideration or judgement to His Majesty's Consul General in Brunei.

Moreover, if His Majesty Maulana Al Sultan Mohammad Jamlul Ahlam Kiram, and his heirs and successors, become involved in any trouble or difficulties hereafter, the said Honorable Gustabus Baron de Overbeck and his Company promise to give aid and advice to us within the extend of their ability.

This treaty is written in Sulu, at the Palace of the SUltan Mohammad Jamalul ahlam Kiram on the 19th day of the month of Muharam, A.H. 1295, that is the 22nd day of January year of 1878.

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN MARCOS ADMINISTRATION, THE PHILIPPINE AIRLINE IS A PROPERTY OF THE PHILIPPINES?

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN MARCOS ADMINISTRATION, THE PHILIPPINE AIRLINE IS A PROPERTY OF THE PHILIPPINES? (Government Property) - But it has been sold to Family Tan (Lucio Tan) when Corazon Aquino ended the one-airline policy in 1988 that had begun under Ferdinand Marcos.

When President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, he implemented a one-airline policy. PAL was the lone surviving airline, absorbing Air Manila and Filipinas Orient Airways. On March 10, 1973 PAL was re-designated as the national flag carrier. PAL continued its expansion with the arrival of its first Douglas DC-10 in July 1974/ Three years later, the Philippine government re-nationalized PAL, with the Government Service Insurance System holding a majority of PAL shares. In 1979, the Boeing 727, the Boeing 747-200B and the Airbus A300B4, dubbed the "Love Bus", joined the PAL fleet, while the PAL DC-8 fleet was retired.
In 1975 Philippine Airlines was headquartered at the PAL Building in Makati City.
Between 1979 and 1981, as part of a comprehensive modernization program led by then-PAL President Roman A. Cruz, PAL built a series of mammoth aviation-related facilities around the periphery of the MIA. These included the PAL Technical Center, the PAL Inflight Center, the PAL Data Center and the PAL Aviation School.

A Philippine Airlines Boeing 747-200 in old livery
On April 2, 1982, a PAL Boeing 747-200B arriving from San Francisco via Honolulu became the first aircraft to dock at the new 800-million peso Terminal 1 of Manila International Airport. PAL would later strengthen its cargo-handling capability by building a dedicated cargo terminal building adjacent to the MIA passenger terminal and installing cargo-refrigeration equipment in 1983. The new facilities, which catered mainly to international cargo services, enabled PAL to become a fully equipped cargo handler. Services to Paris and Zürich began in November 1982.
Aquino ended the one-airline policy in 1988 that had begun under Ferdinand Marcos.

Marcos regime- in its twenty years incurred only a measly loan of 1 billion

From Erick San Juan's Marcos Legacy Revisited:

==================

Nationalist economist Lichauco explained that out of the total loan obligations of the Phil. to the IMF and ADB amounting to 24 billion dollars at the time of Marcos' ouster from power, more than 7 billion dollars were loans secured from private sector, businessmen of the elite club whose preoccupation was to hurl invectives against what they call the conjugal dictatorship. These shylocks used the money to import more luxury goods, machinery and equipment. A substantial amount went to business expansions and infrastructures like the modern skyscrapers which now adorn Makati skyline. Official Central Bank records reveal that prior to Marcos' exile to Hawaii, the former strongman left behind in the coffers of the Central Bank over 2.5 billion dollar reserves.

Just add the loans Marcos inherited in 1965 (13.5 billion dollars) to those accrued by the private sector (7 billion dollars), together with the amount of reserves left bt Marcos (2.5 billion dollars) and you get 23 billion dollars. Since the outstanding loan obligations of the country at the time of Marcos' departure from the political scene totalled only to 24 billion dollars, it follows that the dreaded Marcos regime- in its twenty years of absolute rule- incurred only a measly loan of 1 billion and not 24 billion dollars attested by his detractors.

Pasion also reminds the political opponents of Marcos that it was during the latter's incumbency that the price of imported crude oil rose from 2 dollars to 24 dollars per barrel. Yet, the same period, the Philippine economy managed to weather the storm, despite the worldwide recession, compounded by the growing Muslim insurgency in the south. The situation became unmanageable only when the Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was shot to death by an unknown gunman.

Marcos knew that the only key to Philippine progress would be the establishment of an industrial base, or a "Machine tool" industry. But his effort to implement a Heavy Industrial Program was opposed at every turn by his technochrats, and the Makati Business Club, all of whom echoed the position of the IMF-World bank opposing the Eleven Major Industrial projects," nationalist economist Lichauco claims.

When Cory Aquino took over where Marcos left off, the situation became worse. Prices of prime or essential commodities soared from 50 percent to 200 percent as compared to January 1986. Laborers on the other hand were given a miserable 10 pesos additional daily despite the fact that the average laborer had to pay for daily expenses which increased 100 percent.

How did Marcos accomplish so much with so little?(Yamashita treasure? )

$27 Billion USD when Marcos Left...

BNPP = $2.3 Billion USD

Philippine North & South Express Way = 

Geothermal Plants = 

San Juanico Bridge = 

LRT = 

Philippine Kidney Center = 

Philippine Heart Center = 

Philippine Lung Center = 

Nayong Pilipino = 

CCP = 

Folk Art's Theater = 

Philippine Film Center = 

NAIA (MIA) =

Bliss = 

Irrigations =

Fly Over = 

EDSA =

AFP =

PNP =

Modernizing our Arsenal =