Reveille
By Ramon J. Farolan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
03/16/2009
This morning the long gray line coming out from the Philippine Military Academy will be lengthened by 184 fresh graduates who will be commissioned second lieutenants in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The young man who is graduating at the top of his class, cadet Karl Winston Cacanindin, comes from the little-known province of Aurora, the son of a public schoolteacher and a municipal official.
Of all the educational institutions of the land, none is probably more democratic than the Philippine Military Academy. Here, no one cares for your birthplace, your religion, your social standing, your family fortune or whether your parents are married. The cadets come from every part of the country and in that sense they represent the youth of the land, from the Batanes Isles to the Sulu Archipelago. The great majority of these young boys and girls are from the middle and lower classes of Philippine society. And for many, entrance to the PMA represented the only opportunity for higher education with the possible realization of dreams for a better life. For a few, the vision of someday being AFP chief of staff was also part of the dream.
The members of PMA class 2009 join the Armed Forces at a critical juncture in the life of our nation. They are being asked to serve our people with courage, loyalty and integrity. The secretary of national defense, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., recently reminded them to strictly follow and observe the military code of honor, admonishing them not to lie, steal or cheat.
These are good reminders but as these young men step out of the cloistered halls of Fort Del Pilar into the real world, how do we explain to them the contradictions they will face in their new life?
We ask them not to cheat. But our politicians cheat like hell in order to win elections and at times, use the Armed Forces for their own purposes and advantage. By the way, when will the secret Mayuga report on alleged AFP participation in the 2004 elections be de-classified and made available to the public?
We ask them not to steal. But politicians and administration stalwarts steal from the national coffers as though it were their personal piggy banks. And they continue to do so, supremely confident that they will be protected by those in power. No one goes to jail. In fact, the only people in jail are the Magdalo junior officers and the marines and scout rangers who were involved in the February 2006 actions—all soldiers who decided this regime was not worth dying for. The civilian allies of the administration like Benjamin Abalos, to give only one example, have not even been charged over cases of plunder magnitude.
We ask them not to lie. But in the current Legacy scandal that has resulted in the forced leave of SEC Commissioner Jesus Martinez, guess who is being reported as his replacement? Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite. Remember the Good Samaritan who lent half-a-million to Jun Lozada, a complete stranger, on the basis of a phone call at two in the morning? The money was reportedly borrowed for house repairs. All this was revealed in Senate hearings on the aborted ZTE-NBN scandal. In other countries, Gaite would probably be charged as an accessory to a cover-up. Only in the Philippines would such an individual be considered for a position in the Securities and Exchange Commission, an agency tasked with regulating business in the country.
The fertilizer scam involving Joc-joc Bolante has almost been forgotten. Remember how Bolante sought asylum in the United States when the Senate wanted to question him about the disappearance of P728 million in funds for our farmers? He is back in the country after being denied asylum, but it appears he could have saved himself so much discomfort in a US immigration detention center by remaining in the country. After the sound and fury of hearings at the Senate, all remains quiet at the Office of the Ombudsman.
And before I forget, how can this regime invoke the military code of honor when it double-crossed the Magdalo junior officers who were promised military justice after surrender? As Max Soliven put it, “Word of honor binds those who give them, not the accused or imprisoned.”
Now what does all this mean to our cadets and young officers? The message is clear: If you must lie, lie to protect the administration. If you must steal, make certain some of it goes to the administration. If you must cheat, cheat in favor of the administration. You will be assured of protection and you may not see the inside of a courtroom. Like Gaite, you might even be rewarded, perhaps even with the position of AFP chief of staff someday.
* * *
In a recent column, I had some special notes on PMA icons. I reported that in the history of the academy, only one individual graduated No. 1 in the class, and also served as first captain (baron) of the cadet corps. This was cadet Leopoldo Regis, class of 1951, who died in the crash of President Ramon Magsaysay’s plane in 1957.
Two days ago, Navy Capt. Winston Arpon, class 1964, sent me a sheaf of his literary work and corrected me, saying that the No. 1 graduate of his class and also first captain was cadet Manuel Arevalo. Unfortunately, the Academy Scribe that lists the Graduation Day awardees for every PMA class has Manuel Arevalo as the Presidential Sabre awardee (No. 1 graduate) but lists the Chief of Staff sabre awardee, which goes to the first captain of the corps, as Jorge P. Agcaoili. But Winston Arpon should know best. After all, he served as a member of the Regimental Staff when Arevalo was first captain.
Because of this error, I also discovered that there was a third cadet who served as first captain of the corps and graduated No. 1 in the class. Cadet Aristeo Ferraren of the class of 1938 held both positions. That makes three individuals with this rare achievement.
A wonderful writer—I thoroughly enjoyed reading his notes on “Witful Thinking, Wednesday”—Winston Arpon served at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. as an assistant of Ambassador Kokoy Romualdez. He has his own column for the PMA community posted weekly on the Internet. On graduation from the PMA, Arpon was awarded the following: JUSMAG Military Professional Award, US 13th Air Force Socio-Humanistic Award, DND Press Club Journalistic Award, Chief of Services Award and Philippine Constabulary Award. (This last one is a bit puzzling, as Arpon is a Navy man.)
* * *
We all know by now who are the top graduates of class 2009. Nothing has been said about the “goat.” But whoever he is, let me point out that the goat of class 1937 was Gen. Jonas A. Victoria and the goat of class 1938 was Gen. Augusto L. Jurado. Guess what!? Both became commanding generals of the Philippine Air Force.
Showing posts with label Manila Peninsula. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manila Peninsula. Show all posts
“Dissent without action is consent”
By Ellen Tordesillas
November 29, 2008
Exactly one year ago, Filipinos were glued to their TV sets watching a few, brave military officers led BGen Danilo Lim and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV take a stand against the trampling by Gloria Arroyo of our Constitution and and our democratic institutions.
Following are links to articles on that day:
Media Hours, grit at the Manila Pen http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=1915
Photos of the Manila Pen siege
Manila Pen- not a case of rebellion or warrantless arrest
Media concerns in the Nov. 29 incident
Maria Ressa’s paper on the Manila Pen incident
NHK’s Charmaine Deogracias on the Manila Pen incident
Majority of the Filipinos believe Gloria Arroyo cheated in the 2004 elections. It’s a criminal act.That “original sin” has spawned more crimes against the Filipino people: fertilizer scam, NBN/ZTE, Diwalwal/ZTE, Quedancor mess, etc. etc.
But why is Arroyo still in Malacañang”
Because we allow it.
Brig. Gen. Danny Lim’s quote on that day, rings louder today: “Dissent without action is consent.”
Tama na, kumilos na
Matindi ang kahulugan ng “Araw ng mga Bayani” ngayon dahil nakikita natin kung paano binabastos ni Gloria Arroyo at ng kanyang asawa at kanilang mga alagad ang saligang batas na nagbubuo ng diwa ng ating sambayanan.
Maraming buhay ang nabuwis para maitaguyod natin ang ating demokrasya at ito ay bastas-basta na lang niyuyurakan ni Arroyo para lamang patuloy isyang manaitli sa kanyang ninakaw na kapangyarihan.
Noong Huwebes, naglabas ng mensahe si Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim na ngayon ay nakakulong dahil nanindigan siya ng ilang beses laban sa mga katiwalian ni Arroyo. Tawag nga ni Lim kay Arroyo ay “pekeng presidente.”
Sabi ni Lim, “Ang kapayapaan, pagkaisa at pag-unlad ay hindi natin nakakampatan dahil and namumuno sa atin hindi lehitimo sa moralidad at sa legalidad. Siya ang pinakamalaking banta sa ating seguridad at pagkaka-isa.”
“Ang totoong lider ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa at nagpapatnubay sa atin sa oras ng kagipitan. Ang bogus na lider ay ugat ng pagaaway at kaguluhan.”
Marami sa ating kababayan ay sadlak sa kahirapan. Nabubuhay ang administrasyon ni Arroyo sa katas ng pagpa-alipin ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bayan. At ito ay pinagyayabang pa ni Arroyo.
Sa paggunita ng kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno, sabi ni Lim, dapat nang kumilos ang sambayanang Pilipino para mabawi ang kanilang dignidad at patalsikin ang pekeng pangulo para maisulong ang kaunlaran na maari lamang makamtan kung ang lider ay nagpapahalaga ng katotohanan at hustisya.
“Ang panawagan ngayon ay hindi lamang para makinig kung di mag martsa,Panahon na para tayo’y magkapit-bisig at kumilos,” sabi ni Lim.
Kahapon ay isang taong anibersaryo ng insidente sa Manila Peninsula. Maala-ala natin na nagwalkout sa hearing ng Oakwood mutiny sina Lim , Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV at iba pang Magdalo na opisyal kabilang sina Capt. Nick Faeldon, Capt. Gary Alejano, LTSGs James Layug, Manuel Cabichan, Eugene Gonzales, Andy Torrato; LTJG Arturo Pascua, 1Lt Billy Pascua; 2LT Jonnel Sanggalang and Armand Pontejos.
Ilan lamang sila sa mga nagmartsa mula Makati City Hall hanggang sa Manila Pen kung saan ipinahayag nila ang kanilang paninindigan laban sa katiwalian ng administrasyong Arroyo.
Alam na natin ang nangyari. Nabitin sa ere ang mga magigiting na sundalo dahil ang hindi nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob ang karamihan sa atin. Kaya tuloy ang kurakutan sa kaban ng bayan at pagyurak sa ating Saligang Batas.
Pinakita nina Lim at Trillanes na handa silang magsakrispisyo para sa taumbayan. Hanggang ngayon nakakulong sila. Kayo?
A SALUTE TO THE NOVEMBER 29 MOVEMENT
This article was posted at www.sundalo.bravehost.com
Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim was a newly promoted colonel then during the July 2003 Oakwood Mutiny when he led the Magdalo soldiers back to barracks after they were promised by the GMA administration that only the five leaders will face the consequences of their action and the rest of the soldiers will only be admonished under the Articles of War. But to a junior officer then now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, his continued incarceration proved the broken promises of Oakwood. On November 29, 2007 BGen. Lim testified in a Magdalo hearing before the civilian courts how the Commander-in-chief broke her word to the Magdalo soldiers. That day left yet another mark in history when BGen. Lim marched with the same soldiers he once convinced to return to camp from their mutiny in Oakwood, this time joining them in Manila Peninsula, for the same grievances and even more detestable ills that tolled up since Oakwood.
Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim was a newly promoted colonel then during the July 2003 Oakwood Mutiny when he led the Magdalo soldiers back to barracks after they were promised by the GMA administration that only the five leaders will face the consequences of their action and the rest of the soldiers will only be admonished under the Articles of War. But to a junior officer then now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, his continued incarceration proved the broken promises of Oakwood. On November 29, 2007 BGen. Lim testified in a Magdalo hearing before the civilian courts how the Commander-in-chief broke her word to the Magdalo soldiers. That day left yet another mark in history when BGen. Lim marched with the same soldiers he once convinced to return to camp from their mutiny in Oakwood, this time joining them in Manila Peninsula, for the same grievances and even more detestable ills that tolled up since Oakwood.”The government may have crushed the Oakwood mutiny, the Trillanes revolt and another such attempts, but that will not stop the people’s desire for reforms and justice. There will be other “revolts” until one succeeds. Just look at our history…Our history is littered with the bodies of numerous heroes. Maybe history will later list Lim and Trillanes among them. Today, the Arroyo government, the victor, lists them as villains but decades later, with the benefit of hindsight, history will reverse their roles. During the Spanish colonization, the Spaniards looked at the Filipinos who opposed them as “insurrectos” and “bandidos,” but today they are our heroes.” – NEAL D. CRUZ, PDI Columnist
“There is a mutiny in the making not just in the camps but in the hearts of the rest of us. We were beginning to forget what social anger is all about, and what it means to take responsibility for the nation our heroes bequeathed to us. Thursday set us on an new path. We are starting to see what Gen. Lim meant when he said: “Dissent without action is consent.” – PROF. RANDY DAVID
“But I can understand the frustrations of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and his fellow Magdalo officers. Their case has dragged on for more than four years with no end in sight. The saying goes that “justice delayed is justice denied.” So much for the rule of law. Let me try to put things in their proper perspective. What Trillanes did may have been wrong but sometimes it is necessary to create situations that focus attention on continuing cases of grave injustice and a growing culture of impunity. Trillanes was elected senator by a large number of our people. He was not allowed to take his place in the Senate. In securing victory, he did not engage in dagdag-bawas operations. He did not engage in massive vote-buying, using taxpayer money. He did not communicate with election officials on how he was doing at the polls. He did not have movie stars and assorted entertainers working on his behalf. He was under detention in Fort Bonifacio during the campaign period. How many of our “elected” officials can claim victory under similar conditions?” – RAMON FAROLAN, PDI Columnist
“For it is hard to believe that the soldiers barricaded their barracks would not care less about what was going on in Makati last Thursday. If they saw what the rest of the nation saw, and they remained silent, I would consider that meaningful silence. In a time like ours, when images from live media packed more power than the most stirring moments, what might the silence of citizens and soldiers possibly indicate? Are there senses stunned and their will paralyzed? Or are their souls shaken and courage awakened in their hearts? Who knows? Who would know what it means for a soldier or a citizen to see a young senator of the republic filled with idealism, being shackled and handled like a sack of potatoes by his captors as he is led to a waiting police bus? Who would know what it means for any viewer to see an 81-year old prince of the church, hobbled by age, his left hand tied to the right hand of another priest, being led to a waiting police bus after having just said a prayer of hope? Who would know what it means for someone to see a whole line of media people, their hands. I only know that one would need to be blind and insensitive to view those snapshots as achievements of the rule of law. You take a look one look at BGen. Lim and Sen. Trillanes side by side Gen. Esperon and Col.Bacarro – and you can tell at once who among these soldiers have their ideals intact. You take one look at Bishop Julio Labayen and former Vice Pres. Teofisto Guingona side by side Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye – and you know at once who the liars are.” – PROF. RANDY DAVID
“Groups of people resort to armed uprising when all avenues for peaceful reforms have been closed to them. This administration needs many reforms and people have been trying to accomplish them through legal means— through Congress, through the courts, through peaceful marches and demonstrations—but the administration is deaf and refuses to reform…With all the avenues closed, what are we to do? By preventing the people to use peaceful, legal means, the government is actually forcing the people to use violence. By preventing the people to air their grievances through peaceful street marches and demonstrations, it is denying the people an outlet for their resentment and anger. And if it does that, this anger is bound to explode like a volcano.” – NEAL CRUZ, PDI Columnist.
Transcript: Statement of BGen Danilo Lim at Manila Pen 9.29.07
GMANews.TV
11/29/2007
After storming out of the Makati City Regional Trial Court on Thursday, Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim marched to the Manila Peninsula Hotel where they read statements in front of members of the media.
Following is the transcript of Lim's statement which he read during the conference:
The die is cast.
11/29/2007
After storming out of the Makati City Regional Trial Court on Thursday, Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim marched to the Manila Peninsula Hotel where they read statements in front of members of the media.
Following is the transcript of Lim's statement which he read during the conference:
"Today, we address all and decent Filipinos, to announce that NOW is the time to end the sufferings and miseries inflicted upon us by the illegitimate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Government and start a new life and a new Philippines.
The die is cast.
Pursuant to our constitutional mandate as “protector of the people and the State,” and by this act, the patriotic officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, supported by the masses of our people and the various political forces, give substance to the constitutional provision which says, “The Philippines is a democratic and republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people, and all government authority emanates from them.” Thus, we take the fateful step of removing Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the Presidency and undertake the formation of a new government.
Mrs Arroyo had occupied the Presidency under a questionable mandate, publicly disputed by the vast majority of Filipinos. She stole the Presidency from President Joseph Ejercito Estrada through unconstitutional and deceitful means, and later, manipulated the results of the 2004 elections to perpetuate herself in power.
We have individually and collectively tried all means to resolve this legitimacy issue through the normal electoral, judicial and congressional processes. But Mrs Arroyo used naked power through the issuance of EO 464 and other executive proclamations, and the sheer weight of numbers to paralyze the impeachment process—procured at the people’s great expense – to frustrate us at every turn.
After all these had failed, our people tried to air their grievances in peaceful street assemblies. They thought they were exercising a combination of constitutional rights, which no official or agency of government may legally abridge. But they were stopped and dispersed violently with water cannons from firemen and truncheons from the police.
The abuses of her government continue. The deliberate refusal or failure of the dubious leaders to investigate and prosecute the people responsible for the scandalous “Hello Garci” electoral cheating, the Jocjoc Bolante multi million peso fertilizer scam, the IMPSA bribery scandal, the “Jose Pidal” and the jueteng scandals involving billions of public funds, the Northrail Project scandal, the Venable contract scandal, the NBN scandal, wholesale bribery of congressmen and governors in Malacanang, as well as the unabated and resolved extrajudicial killings of citizens, particularly journalists and members of the judiciary, and the use of military and police officers for some unlawful missions, among others, are clear proof her failure of good and decent governance. There are numerous illegal and immoral activities and transactions conducted by this government with impunity that betray the citizens and the State of their pristine right to exist as a people with decency, dignity and integrity.
With all the avenues closed by the use of naked force, no other means remain but for the officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to exercise their constitutional mandate take the side of the sovereign Filipino people against the illegitimate ‘president’.
We beg your indulgence and apologize for any temporary disruptions attendant to fighting this righteous cause. We are confident that the will of the sovereign people will prevail. The end of the corrupt and vicious government and its bogus leaders is long overdue.
We support the political and economic reforms that will be initiated by the new government, regardless of the personal cost it may impose upon each one of us.
We, therefore, call on all our people and all the governments around the world to give the constitutional rescue initiated by our patriotic brothers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police a chance to work.
To the task of organizing a new government, and pursuing a program of total and no-nonsense reform we commit our full support.
We shall do whatever we can do to prevent any backsliding to the corruption and abuse of power of the immediate past, and advance the cause of truth, freedom, justice, peace and progress for all Filipinos.
God bless the Filipino people, Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!"
Statement read by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim with Former LtSG and now Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Jr.
The Manila Peninsula, Makati City
29 November 2007
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