Remember last week, I wrote an article about a scandal in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)? Col. Rabusa, a person who handled money matters for the AFP recently came out and told of massive corruption among many of the upper Generals in the AFP. One of the people who was implicated in Col. Rabusa’s expose was former AFP Chief of Staff, General Angelo Reyes.
Reyes was Chief of Staff from 2000 through 2001, and had a military career since 1966, serving in many key positions in the AFP. After retiring from the military in 2001, Reyes served as Cabinet Secretary for several different posts until about a year ago.
To be honest, I was kind of surprised when the charges of corruption came up against Angelo Reyes, because I always kind of looked up to him and thought him to be an honorable man. However, the charges that have been made against the General have come from several sources, and with the testimony that has been coming out recently, it is very hard to deny that there is a good chance that General Reyes was involved in some pretty deep corruption. He has not been tried, let alone found guilty, but the evidence has been stacking up, no doubt.
Now, General Reyes will never stand up in court and face justice. Why? Because yesterday, General Reyes apparently committed suicide. For sure, Reyes is dead, and everything points to a suicide. The PNP (Philippine National Police) has ruled it suicide, although other agencies will investigate to assure that.
I was pretty shocked yesterday morning around 9am when I was in my office working and Feyma mentioned to me that Angelo Reyes was dead. I quickly checked some online news sources, and it seemed that Reyes has apparently committed suicide, and was pronounced dead about about 8:30am. The story goes that Reyes went to the cemetery with a couple of his grown children to visit his mother’s grave. At the end of the visit, the General asked his kids to give him some time alone, and when they left he shot himself in the chest, quickly killing himself. He was brought to the hospital and they tried to revive him, but failed.
There are two different camps on this. Some feel that Reyes’ suicide can be viewed as an admission of guilt in the corruption case. Others feel that it could be innocence and that he simply could not bear the intense scrutiny. For me, I feel that Angelo Reyes could no longer face what he had done in stealing millions from the Filipino people, and ended his life due to his guilt. Of course, right now, that is only speculation, but that is how I see the event. Reyes was a military man most of his life. If he were falsely accused, I believe that he would stand up and fight false charges.
I am sad to see Reyes go. Why? Because I wish he had the fortitude to stand up and tell the truth of what happened, be it good or bad. Without him still alive, it will be very hard to know for sure what happened with all of those hundreds of millions of Pesos that are missing from the AFP accounts.
Farewell, General Reyes. I only wish you had testified to the full truth, or at least left an account for the Philippine people to know the truth.
Sad way to end a career, I feel for the family. I wonder though if the RP law regarding restitution is similar to the USA laws. Awhile back if you recall Ken Lay of the Enron scandal who died before his trail for embezzlement, seems since he could not defend himself in the trial the money in question became part of his estate which makes it next to impossible for the State to seize it AKA fair trail conflict. I don’t recall what the end result was, but it was
an issue.
Hi brian – There are now accusations that a good deal of money was given directly to Mrs. Reyes too, so if it is true and can be proven, she will not go free due to her husband’s death.
Bob
Mrs Reyes denied receiving any of that money. She stated all her money came from a business she has run since 1967. But she did say she knew her husband got receive all that money. I guess he took the cowards way out. Have a nice day!
Yes, she has denied it. Lots of people have denied it. I suppose everybody pretty much denies allegations at least when they are first leveled. We shall see what develops!
Hadlok siguro sya sir Bob nga mapreso hangtud sa hangtud. Kung limpyo ang iyang konsensya nganong magpakamatay man?
hi bob
well itis now up to god mate he did take the way out he did now it is now in gods hands and for them who are left thay may never know where it all went as u was saying mate sad but very right………peter martin tassie
Hopefully we mere humans can learn the truth too, peter! 😉
Some times itis better not to know………..god bliss his famliy…….
I believe it would be good to know, to make the country whole again.
I believe suicide is the most selfish act one can do, there is always a sunset on a beach somewhere in the world setting as we speak.
Even when the truth comes out what a waste.
I totally agree on that, John.
Bob, you recently wrote an article discussing “Exit Plans” — General Reyes suicide was probably his ultimate “Exit Plan”. Now the investigation as to where all the money has gone will grind to a halt and his family will, no doubt, have access to his offshore bank accounts for years to come. This man did not work his way up to rank of general without being smart and planning ahead.
There is a popular TV program Called American Greed. The show profiles people of the General’s and Bernie Madoff’s caliber — all of these people share one thing in common: greed feeds off itself and they can never stop when they are ahead. Shades of Marcos here, just not on the same scale.
Yes, Rich, I suppose that there is no more ultimate exit strategy than suicide! 😯 Sad way to go. There are allegations that Reyes’ wife owns a slew of houses overseas.
Hi Bob,
I agree it’s tragic. I also lean on the side that he’s guilty. I think he lived a life where he was surrounded by everyone being in awe of him in all ways, and once he was exposed as having taking “corruption money” that lumped him in with all the rest of the crooked government officials, he couldn’t bear it, especially to his sons and family.
No one can dispute his life displayed amazing abilities and education. High School Valedictorian, Master’s Degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. MBA from the Harvard/Asian Institute of Management, top ten graduate of the Military Academy, the US Naval Post Graduate School and on and on. His resume for his positions and jobs was just as remarkable.
As I said, perhaps, when everyone you’re surrounded by thinks of you as a combination of Einstein/a saint/and all around amazing human, it would be unbearable to be cast in the same light as corrupt, slimy politicians.
Hi Kevin – Nice to hear from you! Yes, I believe that he is guilty, but it is only my belief since it has yet to be proven. Reyes certainly had achieved great things in his life, sad to see him ultimately waste his talents.
a feeling of ‘entitlement’ perhaps ?
unsa man pud kaha’y buhaton sa other general na naa nay kaso, si Gen Garcia? kung madutlan ba kaha bob…
Hi Bob – That’s a shock. The first thing that came to my mind, oh no, it must really be true.. the accusation against him and corruption. Hence the suicide. I’s not even if he was carrying a heavy burden trying to prove his innocence. He couldn’t handle the shame and/of his wife being dragged into mess.
I certainly was shocked when I heard the news, sugar.
In almost every case like this suicide is a sign of guilt…most people would not commit suicide if they were innocent of those charges. They would fight to clear their name and their families name.
It is sad that this happened…mostly because it could have led to finding a lot more of the crooks that have plundered the Philippines.
Hi Todd – I am still hoping that a note may be found with details that can be used to put a lot of people away.
Shot himself in the heart? Sure he did.
I believe that is what happened. Do you have doubts?
It does seem odd. I obviously have no insider information, but it seems odd that a military man would choose the chest. The chances of surviving are much higher being shot in the chest than, for example, choosing the head.
Hi Tom – A number of people have expressed the same opinion here. But, for me, I do not believe that there was anything sinister, no foul play, etc. Reyes shot himself in the chest, I don’t know his reason for that, and none of us ever will.
With due respect to Reyes’ family, who at this time is grieving, the General may have chosen to shoot himself in the chest rather than in the head for appearance’s sake. A grave wound to the head may result in disfigurement of the face, which is not exactly the kind of lasting memory that Reyes would want to leave with his loved ones.
Very possible, Ricardo, although we can never know for sure!
Can only agree with you Tom. How many people commit suicide by shooting themselves in the chest. Not an effective, certain area – and a serviceman would know that.
Most men usually commit suicide by shooting themselves in the head. Woman usually do it by shooting themselves in the chest.
Hi Neil – Grabe! Sigurado, akong amigo!
Rest in peace, General Reyes!
And please send us a message of what you did with the money! 😆
Naa na ang mga laing General kay naay accusation gikan kang Col. Rabusa. Di ba?
Suicide is not the answer to all the accusations & doubts of the filipino people, we want the truth and the only solution is to face the trials and answer every details, defend himself and prove his innocence. Sayang, dapat kung magpapakamatay naman lang sya he should have disclose the rest of the perpetrators involved of the scandals kung may alam sya; or did he left a suicide note implicating those involved personalities to clear everything? If he was an innocent man, it is much easier for him to defend himself against those people accusing him ……..if he’s alive.
Rest in peace General and my condolences to the family.
Hi Merdy – Your analysis is spot on. I couldn’t agree more!
Hi Bob – Quite possibly, any testimony the late general would have provided would have resulted in the same consequence – assuming room temperature. Those on the receiving end of corruption take protecting their rice bowl quite seriously.
😯
True Paul, but it would have been the more courageous way to go, IMHO.
Perhaps – but then family members are usually part of the deal when you cross a corrupt-odcrat. He may have had his family’s safety in mind. (Not that I approve of his choice.)
In my opinion, he could have served his family best by clearing his name/reputation.
mao gyud bob!
Hi Bob,
I think this is a first in the Philippines.
“Shame” does not exist in the ruling class vocabulary in PI.
Filipinos don’t call these people “buaya” (crocodile) for being thin-skinned.
I agree with Kevin Kasperbauer above. As dirty Harry said he (Reyes) became “a legend in
his own mind”.
I just hope that more will follow of his example. The Philippines needs a a mass seppuku amongst politicians followed by Mao-style Cultural Revolution against corruption.
Hi Dr. Long – I personally cannot recall any such event in the history of the Philippines. If it exists, I am unaware of it.
Dr. Sponklong,
If our politician will follow what Angelo Reyes did, I am very certain NOTHING will be left to run the government!
Bob, I hope you do not take my comment personally but having lived in the Philippines for over 20 years, I think that you are starting to cross a very “thin line” commenting on Philippine government affairs. We who live here as expats (no matter how many years) are not allowed a public opinion on internal affairs. Especially, when it is negative against the government or a person in an official position. Please understand that I do (too) have a private opinion of what is happening. Many of these public figures I have met in years gone by when I came here as a businessman. Regardless, if your servers are in the USA, you made the decision to make yourself a known public figure and I fear that you may be putting yourself and your family in danger. As we all well know, it doesn’t take much to get deported and blacklisted.
Let, all of us, remember that we are “guests” of the Philippine government and the Philippine people and as such we have no opinion.
I know my comments may anger many but it we all think about it, we will come to the conclusion that it is better to be safe than sorry.
John – You are free to say what you want, but you cross the line when you tell me what I can or should say. What I say is between me and the host government here. I do not believe I said anything in this article that would be considered against the law here. If I did, let the government deport me, but it’s not up to you to decide that. Honestly, I said nothing against the government in the article, I commented on the death of a PERSON, not the government. Angelo Reyes was not a government official for more than a year, and I only commented on events that have transpired within the past few weeks.
Your comments do not anger me, you are entitled to your opinions, as am I.
“For me, I feel that Angelo Reyes could no longer face what he had done in stealing millions from the Filipino people, and ended his life due to his guilt. Of course, right now, that is only speculation, but that is how I see the event. ” That is an opinion. Would you want his wife and children to read that statement from a foreigner. I can almost guarantee that they would consider a legal case. It is one thing for a Filipino to say that but it is an entirely different matter when a foreigner says it. Bob, I am not saying this to speak against you or anger you but out of concern as I have read your comments almost everyday for the past year+. even you admitted that you have, at times, exposed yourself and family i.e. the situation with your last house. You moved and you still posted pictures of the new house.
I think that “Live in the Philippines” can and does provide great service to local expats and some humor along the way. I just think IMHO that we can leave the politics out and concentrate on making out lives more productive and enjoyable through sharing good ideas and experiences such as your guest writer today concerning the ACR Card situation (great article by the way). Your “exit” article was thought provoking and very informative. Again, IMHO, I feel that the Filipino people and government are in a embarrassing situation and with the whole world watching, I don’t think they will be too kind to any expat that starts voicing opinions. What is that old saying about the nail that stands up gets pounded down first.
Bob, you have my greatest respect but none of us (even myself with 20+ years living here continuously) are experts on anything here.
John – I am glad that you read my site and find it useful. But, I will write what I want to write. I will weigh what possible consequences may be involved and make my own decision. I will not tell you what you should do or so, that is your business. What I do and say is mine. All the best to you.
Well said Bob
Thank you, Matt.
Bob
Totally agree with you and I think most filipinos would feel the same way too! Keep doing what your doing!
Thanks, Randy.
Hi John
I think your spot on mate with your comments. Maybe just a tad wrong to direct them at Bob though as Im sure its his business if he thinks its safe or not to publicly comment on phil political affairs.
But in general i agree with 90% of what you say, as myself I am scared to publicly critizise what goes on with internal affairs in the phil in case my family are made targets. I want a quiet life with my loved ones and a very low profile, lol….i dont care if im called gutless for my views, if that keeps my family safer then i want to be gutless, lol
John,
I don’t see anything wrong w/ Bob’s article that will anger the Filipino people and the Phil. gov’t, he’s just expressing his personal opinion about a certain person who no longer part of the Phil. gov’t. for me this article helped me or probably all the pinoy who read this post to better understand how our phils. laws engaged in such situation, so don’t worry Bob will be fine….. right Bob? hehehe..
Hi Rebecca – Thanks for your support. I find it interesting that so far every Filipino who posted a comment found nothing wrong with what I wrote. Several foreigners seem to be outraged, or at least fearful for me because of what I wrote. I have looked it over several times, and I see nothing in the article that even comes close to being over the line that I was accused of crossing..
Thanks again, Rebecca!
bob,
believe it or not, I find western people to be a lot more paranoid with almost everything, they always tend to think that non-western people will always come to get them. – perhaps a Paranoid schizophrenia?
Hi dans – I would have to agree on that. You would not believe some of the e-mails that I get from people who are scared to death to take a vacation here. They say things like “I have blue eyes, so I’ll stick out like a sore thumb.” Ha ha.. hey, partner, I have brown hair, blue eyes, white skin, and I weigh 300 pounds! Do you think I blend in? I’m still safe after 11 years living here. Ha ha… some of the paranoia is just ridiculous!
Oh Bob, you’re a Filipino… in disguise. He he ;). Yep, nothing wrong with the article. ^_^.
😉 Thanks, sugar!
Bob: Dollars to doughnuts the diminutive former president is mired in this swamp of malfeasnance.
Roberto.
At this point, Roberto, that would be only speculation, and something I am not going to comment on.
Dear Bob,
As a Filipino, I admire your courage and concern on tackling issues and current state of our country from time to time in your blog. To me, this is one indication that you care for the country and you are participative in the development process. I don’t see any offensive opinion sor comments of yours in your present and in your past articles – something that would put you and other expats in not so good spot as far as the ruling government is concerned. As an ordinary citizen, we welcome voices and opinions from all walks of life, from local or from expats, for us to understand issues and problems in a better way.
I think this is the essence of democracy. I hope what happened recently would finally start the true essence of revolution. A “revolution from within” is a must in cleansing and purging the illnesses of the system.
Suicide is a manifestation that Fear overwhelms the person. When fear corrodes the fragile frame of principles, all other peripherals become meaningless.
Thanks Bob for this article. Keep writing. I’m a fan of your articles and so with the other contributors in this Blog. (Maayong hapon, amigo. Padayon sa imong maayong gibuhat. Ok. ba akong binisaya Bay?)
Hello El Moro – Thanks for your kind words. I personally don’t see anything in the article that is disrespectful to the Philippine nation or the people of the Philippines. I appreciate your sharing your opinion that you feel that way too.
Oo, maayo pa kaayo ang akong bisaya, El Moro. Naa pa koy klasse! 😆 Ayo ayo.
bob,
For me your article does not and would not hurt us Filipinos, we have the same feeling and opinion about the politics in the Philippines, at least you still have the “free-speech” and it has been proven when you write article such as this.
I have read many comments here from expats who are very condescending and insulting towards Filipinos and I am sure you know them all, I would rather have them deported as they badmouthing my country and my fellow countrymen. voicing out your opinion about the philippine politics does not necessarily mean it is a direct attack and a disrespect to my country.
keep up the good work!
Thank you, dans. I appreciate your kind words.
Rabusa is a crook also and only testifying against the others trying to keep himself out of prison. I have more respect for Reyes than Rabusa. I to like Reyes, but it does appear he is guilty and that does not surprise me. I would think it would be difficult to find an honest politician are high ranking military man or a government employee in a high position that had not stolen from the people. They steal and do not think what they are doing is evil because it has simply become part of the Philippine culture.
Reyes could have been in a position that he could not bear the shame he brought upon his family or he felt if he lived their would be a trial and he would be found guilty and the government would want their money back leaving his family with little or nothing. This may have been his attempt to end the situation and keep his family financially secure. There will be lots of speculation, but no one will ever really know.
As I watch the Philippines Senate and House investigations I think to myself it really is nothing more than crook investigating crook. I do believe this time Pandora’s box has been opened to wide and action will have to be taken. Normally the investigations are held and then nothing is ever mentioned again and the people forget about the investigation in about six months because the House and Senate have started another investigation and nothing ever changes, but I do not think that can happen this time.
Jun Lazada and Rubasa are trying to make every public appearance they can with Heidi Mendoza. If I were her I would not want those crooks around me. To me she is the true whistle blower. She saw wrong and reported it. She is not trying to keep herself out of prison . Jun Lazada admitted stealing he came clean and took up the ZTE bandwagon because he did not want to go to prison and was afraid for his life. I just have a difficult time thinking of him as a good man trying to save the Philippines and the same hold true for Rubasa.
Hi Tom – I believe that Rabusa has admitted his transgressions. He is now telling what he did and who else was involved. I see nothing better that he could do. Like you, I think that Heidi Mendoza is a true hero.
There’s an old adage that says “It takes a thief to catch a thief”… I still believe that man is naturally good. No matter how bad a person is, there will come a point in his life that he will unfold back to his natural goodness. But, if one commits suicide, he looses that turning point… Just my two pesos worth of opinion Bob…
Thanks, El Moro.
Hi Bob
As an ex-pat who is planning to retire in the phillipines, my view wrongly or rightly is that i should not comment on the internal affairs of the Phillipines unless im prepared to become a citizen or a PR of that country. I do not know what your status is but thats just how i feel about the situation, after all foreigners in my country would not be allowed to vote , and would certainly gain no respect if they made political criticism of the ruling goverment or any of its members in public, if they had not committed to the country by way of citizenship or permanent residency…..I believe there are much better ways to help the people of the country i much admire by starting a business which could create some employment for the locals, even if it only employs a couple of people, sponsoring poor kids for their schooling and leaving the politics to the ones who are justified in having a say or vote to change things, and if one day i feel that person is me then i will apply for citizenship and join them. By the way i do really admire your kindness in some of these fields i mentioned Bob, especially what your doing for the schoolkids….You know in Australia we have a lot of pommy tourists(english)and talk about whinge, they moan about the goverment the roads, shops, weather, everything imaginable…they have no intention of staying or becoming aussies so when they start whingeing they are quickly told bugger of you pommy so and so and get back to the cess pot you came from…just saying this because i would hate to think that philippino people would see me in the same light as an expat over there.
david,
hahah the pompoms? you really got to love them! they kept whinging for almost everything in here and still they never stop coming here. I think stupidity is really working well for them!
Hi David – You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I do not begrudge you that. I am also entitled to mine, right?
BTW, can you tell me anything in the article about politics? Reyes was never a politician, nor did he ever serve in any elective political office.
I don’t know about you or your country, but to me there is a difference between writing an article about the news in the country and voting. I did not and have never voted in the Philippines.
Agreed 100% Bob…of course you are entitled to your opinion.
BTW …i did say internal affairs when commenting on Phil, not politics.
Politics was in refererance to my country but reading my post again, i can see
how it would mislead you into thinking that, sorry for that Bob.
Yes Bob certainly is a lot of difference between voting and writing articles about the news in the country….innocent til proven guilty, even most western newspapers would dare not print some of the comments i have read here today…..
Hi David – Actually you did mention politics, not only internal affairs. Here is a quote from your comment:
I made no commentary on the government or any member of the government. I commented on a man who was not part of the government. The man killed himself.
Ok Bob
Im not interested in splitting hairs over this. I know what i meant and if I have wrote it in a way that is misleading then i cant help that now….Its not like me to even get involved in any issues of this nature. I work with enough frustrated want to be politicians and current affairs experts to last me a lifetime, lol…so i must have been very bored today….In future I will let those that have all the opinions and answers too all the wrongdoings in the Philippines sort it out between themselves. I want to learn about more meaningful subjects like whats the best beer to drink over there and how to grow good tomato’s, lol
Hi David – I didn’t mean to offend you, but it kind of seems that is how you took it. I only replied to what you had said. Anyway, no problems…. I hope you feel the same.
Nah no sweat Bob, no offense taken i assure you….cross wires, misunderstandings yes, but definately no offense, keep up the good work Bob, love your site and some of the very talented writers that contribute such diverse and interesting topics make it compelling reading.
Thanks, David.
If I was a whinging pom living in Aus I would be whinging about the state of education in Aus (whats) (tomato’s).
Sus ginoo…. the spelling police…. they have no jurisdiction here.
G’day Steve
Nothing wrong with the education system in Australia mate, thats why the poms are grabbing all our teachers over there because we have such good standards….alas some of the pupils are less then perfect (im one of them)….. I could use the spell check function on my computer, but I have never been one to place that much importence to a mis-spelt word or two.
It’s called ozspeak Steven, in Australia we gave up on the qeens english a while back. Loosely translated, nuttin wrong wid da educasion system * here mate, ids just thart we got a hole lot ov ignorant ova pampered kids mate thart expect everythin fa nutting bro. The welf of tha nasion is carrion the people ova the line evry time mate. Thaz why is called the lucky cuntry mate.
* From what I’ve seen since I’ve been back in Australia it would be had to beat our education and health system.
I do my share of good works for the poor of the Philippines. I also have opinions about Philippine politics and I believe in a Democratic country all people should have the freedom to speak and voice their opinion. The Philippines is no longer run by a dictator.
I could not live seven years in a country and not care enough about it to have an opinion about what is going on around me and how it affects the people. I would not and I know as a foreigner I cannot participate in public protest marches, etc and have no desire to do that. That is for the Filipino people.
Manny P went to the States for his last fight and stopped off to give his support to our great Democratic Speaker of the Senate that many U.S. citizens including myself were trying to get defeated. He won his home state election by little over a thousand votes and it is said that he won due to the Filipino/US citizens vote. We US citizens now have to put up with him for at least three more years thanks to Manny. I doubt that the Philippines would allow a U.S. Congressman to come to the Philippines and do that and I do not think the US should allow it either.
Some do not want anyone to voice an opinion on religion or politics. I love to hear about other peoples children, but not all the time. So what is left?
When Manny comes to the U.S. to fight, I don’t think he comes in his official capacity as a Congressman from the Philippines. Even as a private citizen of a foreign country, would that still give him the license to voice his opinion openly in the internal affairs of a country not his own? You are right, of course, but he did it anyway. Incidentally, I didn’t know that there is a Speaker of the Senate in the U.S. Congress. Speaker of the House, perhaps?
I think Tom meant “Senate Majority Leader” when he was talking about Harry Reid.
I can also understand the feelings of Filipinos if they are sensitive about us foreigners speaking out, though. I know when Manny went and supported Harry Reid, I didn’t like it, and felt it was none of Manny’s business.
bob
Dead man tell no tales!
is Angelo Reyes guilty? absolutely! you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out how his family lived their extravagant life, the properties they owned both locally and abroad.
While they are living a prosperous and extravagant life many common soldiers on the field die because they lacked of proper equipment, while the Reyes family can eat at the most expensive restaurant, a common soldier’s food allowance is just 30 pesos a day, while Angelo Reyes family wears the most expensive dress and suits, soldier receive a replacement uniform once in 3 years.
why kill himself if he has done nothing wrong?
Even to the end, Angelo Reyes denied the Filipino people the truth.
Hi dans – Very true, your first sentence! I personally believe that Reyes signaled his guilt by his actions, but so far it is only an allegation.
I understand that recommendations are being made to have retired generals explain how their lifestyles vastly exceed their incomes.
Hi Bob
I have to agree with you that General Reyes always seemed to be a upstanding guy whose world came crashing down with Rabusa’s testimony, and how he was treated by some of the Senators. If he did take money as claimed I hope they go after his families assets. I think an even bigger crime and what actually started these hearings to begin with was Garcia’s plea agreement with the Ombudsman, basically returning half the money he stole and getting only minor punishment. In making that deal, if there is no concrete proof, even though you have money you could never obtain by your job or business, just give half of it back to the government and keep the rest. The Ombudsman claimed they did not have strong evidence to convict him even though they had his wife’s letter to U.S. custom officials as to why they had $100k, basically gifts given to him of his position.
I know some other posters have written that you could get into trouble for writing this, I seriously doubt that. I think the most common areas where foreigners get into trouble is when they join anti-government protests and get themselves arrested. I talk to almost all the Filipino customers about what is going on in the Philippines, and most seem impressed that I know what is happening there and quite willing to talk about it.
P.S. I know some people blame Reyes for withdrawing support for President Estrada during EDSA dos, the reason Why Senator Estrada (son) dislikes him so much. He really had no choice, he had no real power over his commanders who were supporting the protesters especially General Espinosa who was ready to bring his troops and tanks into Manila against Estrada.
Hi Neil – Like you, I seriously doubt that I wrote anything that could get me into trouble. I only expressed the facts, and when it was opinion or speculation I labeled it as so. I have never and will never participate in any kind of demonstration.
thanks for your support, Neil.
When in Hong Kong I joined that massive (500,000+) protest and found nothing but thanks from Chinese fellow marchers for taking an interest in their country. And, yes, the police were out with their video cameras – everybody would waive at them when they passed those cameras – and at the circling overhead helicopters.
Bob, Enjoyed your article keep up the good work Concerning the Lible law of the Philippines and the internet it may be useful to your readers to read legal opinion below on what is allowed to be posted
Tom/ Roxas CIty
The Warrior Lawyer | Philippine Lawyer
Libel on the Internet under Philippine Law Part II »
20.02.07
Libel on the Internet under Philippine Law
BLOGGING, INTERNET, LAW
First, the disclaimer. This is not intended as lawyerly advice. Neither does it refer a specific case or circumstance. Much less can this be considered as an offer to provide legal services or to advocate anything. It’s just one person’s opinion on a matter of increasing interest to bloggers and other denizens of cyberspace: what constitutes internet libel in the context of Philippine laws.
How is libel defined under Philippine laws ? Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code defines libel as “a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead”.
For an imputation then to be libelous, the following requisites must concur: (a) it must be defamatory; (b) it must be malicious; (c) it must be given publicity; and (d) the victim must be identifiable.
If you call someone a scum-sucking, slimeball, swindling pimp, even if this is fairly accurate, and post it online, you may be sued for making libelous statements.
Defamatory words are those calculated to induce the hearers or readers to suppose and understand that that the person or persons against whom they were uttered were guilty of certain offenses, or are sufficient to impeach their honesty, virtue or reputation, or to hold the person or persons up to public ridicule. Philippine law also presumes every defamatory imputation to be malicious, even if true, if no good intention and justifiable motive for making it is shown (Article 254 of the Revised Penal Code). Malice exists when there is an intentional doing of a wrongful act without just cause.
The libel must be given publicity, circulated or publicized. Postings in a forum, message board or blog can certainly be considered as publication. Lastly, the victim or offended party must be identifiable.
Continue Libel on the Internet Under Philippine Law Part 2
Technorati Tags: internet libel, libel, Philippine laws
Hi Tom – Thank you for sharing the information about Libel law in the Philippines. I think that most who have gone after me have not really meant that I committed libel but rather that I overstepped the bounds of a foreigner here. I disagree with that wholeheartedly, but they are entitled to their opinion. I, for one, will follow my thinking as to what is proper or not proper for a foreigner to say here.
Thanks again, Tom.
Just keep telling it like it is Bob – if we no longer can express opinions then the country is changing and maybe we should not be here . I have lived and worked in places where it was unwise to express too many opinions but now that I am retired I will not reside in a country where I am afraid to speak. As far as General Reyes is concerned all I can say is that he belatedly appears to have felt shame – only after being found out.None of the others concerned seem to feel the slightest shame -especially the gentleman who did not know that his wife had made nearly 50 trips to the US and bought 7 houses of which he was also ignorant! They all know they are safe and insult the enquiry committee with impunity.In the next few weeks several British Members of Parliament will be sentenced for falsifying expense claims – the amounts are derisory compared to the amounts these military men are said to have stolen ,but each of them will receive several years in prison and have had to resign as MPs – corruption exists in all societies but the measure is how it is dealt with. In the Philippines rather than being condemned it is condoned.
Hi Bryan – Thanks! I appreciate your comment. I do hold some things back out of respect to my host country, when I feel it is not my place to say something. But, I did not consider today’s article anything of that nature, and not controversial at all. Anyway, thank you for your support.
I hope you had a good trip home! I enjoyed seeing you while you were in Davao!
Bob, what is really strange here is that libel is a criminal offense – not civil. As you may know, certain politicians in Davao have been using such laws to try a gag opposition or even the truth. There was another interesting case announced this week – which follows the guideline given in the law, ie, you can’t call someone crazy even if they are. Makes the system here a bit like Singapore. Some legislators are trying to decriminalize the law on libel – good luck to them – then, people will find that letting it go will be better than keeping it in people’s minds.
We ain’t in Kansas anymore, Steven. That’s an important thing to learn.
Tom,
If i were to use that libel law, I can assure you that many commentators here particularly foreigners will be subjected to that law as many of them post (one way or the other) to be libelous.
just read the entire site’s articles and many of the comments posted came from the foreigners are libelous. 😉
It’s called freedom of speech and the truth here in Australia, it does tend to um hurt some people ( especially people from sensitive countries ) who are adverse to it. If you do the right thing you got nothing to worry about.
Bob,
I think most people would agree that he was involved in corruption. But I am already reading articles in the press and their opinion is going the other direction. More talking about his long service to the country and how committing suicide is helping his family by not dragging them down with him. Seems that the population may forget about his crimes and portray him as a patriot! Time will tell.
Don
Hi Don – I have been noticing about a 50/50 split in public opinion – half going the way you describe, and half wanting to dig into the corruption probe. As you say, only time will tell!
Hi Bob,
And yes, the general will be buried in the Heroes Memorial! My father fought during the 2nd WW at the tender age of 18. And yet, our local veteran’s office could not even provide a flag to drape his coffin. Much more with the 21 gun salute. I was informed I had to pay for the gasoline/diesel of the troop who will do the honor. I forgone all these accolades and ceremonies and opted for solemn burial ceremonies instead. The funny thing is that, the meager 10k pesos burial benefit of my father is yet to be given after almost a year from filing. Well, life is like that here in my beloved country. If we were able to make a living without receiving sustained benefits from the PH & US govts (my pop served the US Army after the war), that burial benefit is no big deal. Life is short and we must enjoy every moment of it.. Maayong Buntag, akong Amigo Bob…
El Moro, I hope you are joking. That would be such an insult to the real heroes buried there. And, surely he won’t be buried in hallowed ground as he committed suicide.
Hi Steven,
No Steven, am not joking. If my memory serves me right, I saw one footage in our local TV, they are starting to dig the burial hole in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” (Heroes Memorial). I did not pay much attention to the newscaster as I was busy shifting channels. I was more interested watching the football match between PH and Mongolia (2-0 in favor or PH)…
PS Steven,
Here’s the link.. The general will indeed be buried in the Heroes memorial…
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20110209-319368/Libingan-ng-mga-Bayani-is-Reyes-final-resting-place
Thanks for telling about your experience, El Moro. Sad situation for sure!
Thanks Bob. We have an old saying here (even a line in one of our local songs) “Tawanan mo ang Iyong Problema” (Laugh at your Problems). Momentarily sad, Yes. But, that sadness doesn’t linger for too long as we have lot’s of friends, acquaintances, buddies and relatives whom we can cling to in times of distress. Here’s the link of that song Bob (dili sya Binisaya, Tagalog song but you can manage to understand some of the words):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZYN80a8J8o&feature=related
Perhaps if the general was a fan of this song, he might have not committed suicide. I’ve read that the general was a fan of “Michael Learns to Rock” and old standard song “My way” (And now, the end is near……)
I’m glad to know that the sadness does not linger, El Moro. That’s good news.
El Moro
It’s really sad that your father has not received any kind benefits from the Philippine or US Government. But your father is a true hero for both the Philippines and the US and deserved much better.
Thanks Randy W. for your kind words. My old man was one “hard-headed” principled man. He refused to pay the “fixers” in our veteran’s office here – for him to be recognized and get the supposed benefits. BTW, he lived and died a happy man at age 88 y.o.
El Moro
Pay the “fixers” for something you should already have? Unbelieveable. Take care my friend.
ayaw kabalaka bob, you have every right to express your opinion. especially in your own website!
in fact daghan pinoy malipay makabasa sa mga unbiased viewpoints sa mga expats diri. how else can we pinoys see what’s wrong about the philippines if we can’t even see what’s squarely in front of us? “outside” perspective helps a lot, especially when it shows us pinoys what’s hidden from view.
in any case, reyes’s suicide at his mother’s grave speaks of enormous guilt. why even consider such a horrible act, when he had a wife & family to live for? and why at his mother’s grave? it’s like saying he betrayed the upbringing she gave him, and that there was no way to repair the damage done, so the only choice left to him was to take his own life. which is too lame, in my opinion. he was a PMA-trained soldier. if he even considered THAT upbringing, he would have told the truth just to uphold his honor. no matter if his testimony would bring down GMA, or ramos for that matter.
if this congress is really serious about cleaning house, it should call on enrile as ‘resource person’. that way all the monkey business going all the way back to martial law years would come to light– including all the crooks & enablers who are still around. including himself.
then again there are too many crooks in congress, a thorough housecleaning would not be in their best interest so they’d likely kill that too. Lord knows what it would take to get it done.
Salamat kaayo, biz dak. Malipayon ko sa imong komentaryo.
Better late than never they say with comments. Bob, I sincerely wish more of these exits occurred. You say c’mon Dwayne encourage more suicide and I say precisely. The reason being that the chances of any of these people being convicted in this country are between slim and none unless there is a huge paradigm shift. Maybe Aquino will live up to his promises but it remains to be seen if justice will ever prevail on the rich and powerful. Maybe this suicide will be a wake up call but for me as long as people like Chavit S walk free and even has the cojones to complain about all the corruption here when he is probably the chart topper I never see justice happening. I really really hope I am wrong.
Just yesterday in Cebu I was readin about a couple of guys convicted to 20 years for pimping girls in prostitution. Okay I guess it seems reasonable but not when
I’m sorry, but I could never call for more people to commit suicide.
It will be interesting to see what kind of funeral he will be given as the Catholic Church will not normally consider giving the usual rites to a suicide.No doubt a way will be found to get around this problem as I am sure that the general was a generous giver when the basket came round after Sunday Mass. The Church hierarchy have been notably silent over the corruption enquiry – a case of not biting the hand that feeds them perhaps – the late Cardinal Sin for all his faults would never have remained silent on this issue.Further to this issue,I dearly hope that General Biazon is not involved in this mess as I remember his behaviour during the coup attempt against Cory – one of the few who behaved with loyalty and honour.
That’s true, Bryan, I had not thought about the Church reaction… I do hear that the Philippine Government intends to give Reyes full military honors at his funeral.
Just watched the news and scratched my head with a shoulder shrug…the Catholic Church will give Gen. Angelo Reyes a full Catholic burial because the suicide victim (?) doesn’t have a sound mind when he commited the act. Say what??? Better ask the Vatican about this…..hmmmm….calling Pope Benedict!
I missed that report, jonathan. Wow!
Catholic church has eased restrictions on funeral rites for suicide victims since Vatican II. We had a Catholic friend wo went this way, and was accorded a proper funeral rites.
Got you Senn, thanks for the info. I know there was a Vatican II but like a lot of Catholics, I’m really ignorant on its contents lol.
The Catholic Church does permit Catholic funerals from the church for suicide now. It requires the local bishop to approve it on a case to case basis. That is the part I have the problem with. If the Vatican approves it then it should be for everyone and not left to a local bishop to decide. There is no way that discrimination will not be applied at some point.
I agree, Tom, and thanks for sharing that. In a place like the Philippines, I would bet that the “poor joe” would not be permitted, while a rich guy like Reyes was allowed. Oh… I wonder where his riches came from?
aguy bob. mo gubot nuon ug samot if they do bury reyes at the libingan ng mga bayani. it’s supposedly for national heroes only. if they bury him there, all the marcos minions will insist that ol’ macoy deserves to be buried there too. perfect recipe for a bloody revolution. na unsa na.
Yes, biz dak, I have thought about what a mess that could create! Watch out!
The Philippines will only live up to it’s potential when corruption at every level is wiped out and no longer tolerated by it’s citizens. Even as we speak another story came out today of how the Philippine troops serving under the UN were deprived of funds meant to go to them. As long as bribes are given and accepted the third world will remain the third world.
Hi Tony – Actually, the whole UN funds thing came out last week, and is part of this whole mess!
The Philippine people have become completely immune to corruption – they know that their leaders will never relinquish the power to loot the national treasury as soon as they have the power to do so.The judiciary,the police,the politicians,the military and the civil service are absolutely out of control in a fiscal sense – there is no-one with the desire or power to even make a dent in the problem.The ordinary Filipinos hope is that he can educate his children to a standard that can get them out of the Philippines as he knows there is little future for them at home.They are beyond the stage of being angry because they know that deposing of the leadership will just change the names on the desks – the culture will not change. After the last 2 leadership changes by people power nothing changed. It is a sad fact that these islands are suffering a long term illness -it may not be terminal but it is incurable and it grieves me to write this but after 25 years or so being involved with the Philippines it is the conclusion I have arrived at.
Why IS the Philippines so corrupt? Was it a failing of the Spanish colonial power (which was a heck of a long time ago) or the US colonial power or the Japanese colonial power??
Hi Steve – I think that it is a legacy of Spanish rule -if you look around the world you will not find a single successful country that was colonised by Spain , they all suffer from the same problem as the Philippines. Spain ran its colonies with its own nationals and left behind the culture of bribery and corruption.British colonies on the other hand were run by the nationals of the colony led by British civil servants.These civil servants had a reputation for honesty and hard work – they had other faults such as being racist and arrogant but they left behind a culture of honesty when they left.The result being that many ex British colonies are successful and have little corruption – Singapore and Hongkong are examples of this.Many of the ex colonies destroyed the system they were left with – mainly in Africa and now are paying the price as they are now among the most corrupt in the world – Nigeria for example is corrupt beyond imagination,60% of the oil revenues go missing . All societies have some degree of corruption but it how the country deals with it that makes the difference -at the moment in the UK ex members of parliament are being sentenced for falsifying expenses – the sums involved are laughable compared to the amounts that the generals have reputedly stolen in the Philippines – but they are receiving jail time .
.
Hi Bob- If someone believed the testimony of Col. Rabusa, which seemed credible to many, then it would be perceived as an admission of guilt. It could also be the second possibility. In addition to the two sides you mentioned, some might see it the reason Gen. Reyes committed suicide is because he doesn’t want to implicate other people (by choice or compelled to do so) who are involved in corruption.
Concerning the comments of some expats here. I don’t feel this article offensive to Filipinos in general aspect. Bob just presented opposing views in the article for the readers to express their opinion on it. And of course he has also his own view and uttered it. He also added it was just an speculation at the moment, perhaps for a reason the investigation isn’t yet conclusive. I never see Bob disrespect Filipinos, but in many times he has shown his love for this country.
I can understand what some expats feel about this, you have a point too, but I think everyone is free to express opinion, political views or other topics. Having said that, I think what is annoying is when expats malign Filipinos, dictate to them what they should do with their country, and those arrogant expat whom Mr. JohmM criticized in one of his articles here in LiP. Those things are what definitely you would see Filipinos react.
Hi louie – Thanks for your support, I appreciate it.
Regarding the testimony of Col. Rabusa, he seems quite credible to me. I have analyzed and cannot think of any reason for him to make up lies of this nature, as he even implicates himself in the scandal. Whatever the full truth is, I hope it is revealed and justice is done.
@ bryan & steven, re corruption in the philippines :
the key to understanding pinoys’ “tolerance” for corruption is within us as a people, our culture, going all the way back to lapu-lapu & magellan’s time.
most commentators, regardless whether foreign or local, fail to see that social mechanism whereby personal needs of people are made part of the scope of deliverables of their chosen enabler on 24/7 basis– be it the local barangay captain, city/town councilor, city/town mayor, governor, congressman, senator, high-level military officer, or the president himself— covering emergency medical expenses, tuition advances, infant milk formula supplies, coffins for their dead, government-office jobs, work referrals, wedding sponsorships, govt project contracts, permits & licenses, EVERYTHING.
this system actually worked– back in the time of lapu-lapu. the nobles made it work because the benefit was 2-way. the common people all got protection & sustenance, while the chiefs made life for all run smoothly. the relationship was always personal, that’s why it worked.
however today, this custom of taking counter-official shortcuts not only cripples the official structure of governance (DOJ, AFP, DPWH, DSWD, COMELEC, congress, senate, presidential office, etc), it also diverts official resources & opportunities for its 24/7 sustenance.
you only see this hidden reality during elections as the ‘electoral-political machinery’ of each and every candidate running for public office. and once positions are filled, they fight tooth & nail to keep it despite elections, given the need to keep their unseen “constituencies” alive.
so if people keep blaming the crooked politicians for stealing, they should take a look at themselves to see whether they’re beneficiaries of the ongoing corruption in some way. follow the money. it goes around, but they’re part of it in one way or another.
the only way to destroy this crooked system is to strengthen public institutions, and to criminalize the practice, both in soliciting and in giving social services outside of the established institutions meant to deliver those services. in fact, it is principally wrong for congressmen & snators to oversee the budgets for public works if their jobs is to craft laws. that has got to end.
because if not, then the modern-day equivalents of the datus, rajahs, lakans & gats– and their dependents– will never fade into history.
Hi Biz Doc, I think all the corruption you mentioned above are already covered by laws and mostly criminalized. The problem is weak enforcement of current laws and failing criminal justice due to the Padrino system.
Marzs Z.
Your right on target brother!
If we get rid of all the extraneous stuff, is this what you’re saying?
Back in the time of Lapu-lapu, the nobles were successful in governance because of their personal relationship with their subjects while consistently providing for their subjects’ protection and sustenance.
Today, however, the culture of circumventing the system (stealing, corruption) by elected officials – both in soliciting and in providing social services – not only cripples the official structure of governance, but it also diverts the resources needed to deliver social services to the people.
The only way to straighten out this crooked system is to criminalize the practice of politicians dipping their hands into the cookie jar that belongs to the people; otherwise, the legacy of Lapu-lapu will have gone for naught.
hi ricardo, see my reply to mars below. just found the ‘reply’ button = ) easier to track, nice
in short what i’m saying is, the pinoy tendency to expect & require speedy, favorable results by TAKING SHORTCUTS is what’s behind the myriad problems we’re facing : graft & corruption, padrino system/patronage politics, outright stealing from public funds, failure of public institutions, traffic violations, brainless showbiz personalities turning to politics, the distorted willie revillame mass adulation anomaly, squatter colonies, vote-buying, etc.
i call it the culture of amoral interdependence, based on our negotiable sort of morality : pinoys will NOT fight what’s essentially wrong as long as they’re not directly burdened or offended. we are all OK as long as we can get by. but with abuses mounting with the passage of time, rage becomes the preferred outlet : hello, EDSA drama series.
as a priest-mentor puts it on his facebook wall, commenting on randy david’s piece today, reyes was in a position to fight evil while he was in power :
“… It must be said that “our wrenching transition to modernity” does not evacuate individuals and groups and communities of their responsibility to correct an anomalous situation. Angie Reyes could have transformed himself from being a victim to being a hero, by looking beyond his own reputation and family, to the welfare of the nation. He made a choice, in “extreme courage” according to some, but suicide COULD also mean “extreme cowardice.” I myself would want to think that it was a moment of depression that painted his situation as hopeless. What is distressing is that this man thought there was no way out for him. Was this really the case? Should it be the case for anyone, including ourselves? Where was God in Angie Reyes’s scheme of things?”
that’s why if you notice, people today are now changing their minds about the suicide, it’s now jinggoy & trillanes being put on the defensive for their conduct of their trial by publicity.
that’s the masses identifying with reyes’s only mistake : that of finally making a stand (by way of suicide) when made to account for his transgression(s) in a public setting. saving face becomes his immediate, final act of “heroism”. doesn’t that strike you as hypocrisy on a massive scale?
in our country, culture trumps everything.
If the only culprit behind graft and corruption in the Philippines is the Filipinos’ general tendency to take shortcuts, and if that alone is really the root cause of all these malfeasance, heck, Biz, I think, there is hope for the Philippines afterall. Filipinos view their government as one huge bureaucratic maze that is very slow, largely inefficient and archaic in its operation. At a DENR office in Masinloc, Zambales, they are still using Underwood typewriters and using rollodex and 3×5″ index cards for their filing system. Their files are kept in binders yellowed with age. No microfilm, no mirofiche in sight.
It seems to me that if you’re going to change the way Filipinos view their government so that they never will have to use fixers or bribe people to get things done quickly ever again, the higher echelon needs to change that perception. A reevaluation of procedures, methodologies and current practices are in order. For starters, a complete overhaul of government and public and private institutions in both national and provincial evels in the way they operate and provide services to the people must be made. For one, centralization is a key with centralized data base. Reducing redundant and perhaps unnecessary bureaucratic layers is another. This blurs the organizational chain of command Empowering mid-level regional managers with decision-making – as opposed to relying solely on the drones in Manila to make decisions for them – would greatly reduce the time needed to complete a process without the public having to go up and down the stairs or paying fees at different windows, and, worse, to be told, “Can you come back tomorrow, ser, we ran out of ink and the ink pad for stamping your papers is dry”.
The rank and file needs to be more flexible in dealing with situations on a case by case basis, use common sense when the situation calls for it, and not be unreasonably constrained by SOPs. Organizations with the right smarts are often productive and are great at problem-solving, Oh, I almost forgot: they have to get rid of siesta time after lunch – the Spanish no longer rule the Philippines.
You change the culture of Philippine government for the better, and the mindset of the Filipinos on how they view their government will follow.
But, really, is the Filipinos’ predeliction for taking short cuts really all that is behind the myriad problems the Filipino faces today? I sincerely doubt it.
hi ricardo, thank you for your thoughtful response.
i did say that bottomline, it’s our predilection for taking shortcuts that’s keeping us mired in all our centuries-old problems, which is CULTURAL. why do i say this?
look at the sari-sari stores in your neighborhood. that’s convenience. is that wrong? not necessarily, unless your village/subdivision association forbids it. but take that to the streets, and now you have illegal vendors taking over public spaces & road easements. they offer convenience too.
take squatters too. or give their conduct its proper name, land-grabbing. they do so because it’s convenient. no need to waste time traveling great distances to be where the action is. or how about illegal logging? it’s a get-rich-quick scheme, as long as you don’t get caught. you can bribe you way out anyway. how convenient.
consider graft & corruption in government, and the related problems of political dynasties, patronage politics & nepotism. it’s all about getting a quick fix. a sure way in, an easy way out. convenience.
you see what i’m pointing at? in the heart of every pinoy, convenience is king. that’s cultural.
what actually amuses me is that the world is finally waking up to arnis/eskrima, our very own world-class fighting system that US-based pinoy grandmasters have come to call kali.
did you know that police & military forces of the US, russia, france, to name a few, are actually training under our grandmasters to learn our deadly art? you’re probably wondering why i’m mentioning this here.
martial artists in the west, after having studied the best martial arts the world offers (juijitsu, karate, tae kwon do, savate, etc), all agree that our very own arnis is the most lethal, the most appropriate system to adopt for warfare. they say that there is something coldly efficient about our system for killing. it uses the same moves, whether you’re bare-handed or armed. its defensive moves are also striking moves.
unlike chinese & japanese martial arts where moves look good but are inefficient or impractical in a fight that decides whether you live or die, they say ours are moves that go straight to the point. nothing extraneous, nothing inconvenient, very efficient, highly lethal. our culture developed it.
that is why i said taking shortcuts is what underlies the problems we face. our culture sees nothing wrong with it. the same way we see nothing wrong with having modern-day datus to provide for every emergency. having willie revillame to be your personal savior, or personal scapegoat, is as convenient as well.
in the end, reyes faced a choice of having to undergo a lengthy, embarrassing process to get the truth out and justice done. but true to his pinoy core, he took the shortcut. killing himself was pretty gory, but it was pretty convenient too.
that’s how we roll.
also, allow me to comment on your conclusion :
“You change the culture of Philippine government for the better, and the mindset of the Filipinos on how they view their government will follow.”
the way i see it, government (bureaucratic) culture is sadly a mirror of the national culture. more to the point, government is but a replica of how we are as a people.
consider that there the entire govt bureaucracy throughout the archipelago runs to thousands upon thousands. the president alone possesses legitimate authority to place 7,000 personal appointees, to positions with individual operating budgets. each one has a family. relatives. friends. college frat mates. neighbors. professional associates. school peers. town mates. countless connections. across different layers.
what pinoys need to understand is that every single seat in government is not occupied by one bureaucrat alone, for every sitting pinoy bureaucrat carries with him the interests of everyone in his life.
once you take into account the fact that the only long-term jobs available outside the national capital and the regional centers are government jobs, you begin to realize that the average pinoy isn’t really after “pagbabago” (renewal/change) and all that, but basic day-to-day survival.
so why change? it’s not convenient. both for those who remain dependent, as well as those who want to keep people dependent so that they stay in power.
culture totally trumps everything.
A very observant piece – the culture certainly creates the political system.
Oh, how I so agree! Here’s the killer:
“what pinoys need to understand is that every single seat in government is not occupied by one bureaucrat alone, for every sitting pinoy bureaucrat carries with him the interests of everyone in his life.”
then, the conclusion:
“so why change? it’s not convenient. both for those who remain dependent, as well as those who want to keep people dependent so that they stay in power.”
When I first read this, which was a couple of nights ago, I was stunned speechless, unable to acknowledge. The proferred answer to the question, “why the Philippines is so corrupt?” is so stunning in its simplicity. It
was right under our noses, yet we failed to see it. Now when you look at the problem with this perspective, it suddenly makes sense.
The people make the culture, and culture defines the people. How did it all start, this patronage politics? I think it all starts with the extended Pinoy family, their interpersonal relationship, and the great importance Filipinos place on kinship as second only to God. Then, there is the Pinoy value called, “makibagay”, which does nothing but perpetuate the culture of patronage politics.
like i said below, the term ‘patronage politics’ reflects an outdated point of view that refuses to acknowledge the impact of culture on governance.
culture by itself is neutral, however when absolute ideas (i.e. no gray areas) come in to alter it— such as justice, democracy, fairness, governance, excellence— it is culture that survives intact.
that is why i tend to believe that the return of OFWs (by way of end of contract, or achievement of life goals abroad, or deportation) portends a change in culture within a generation or two.
the exposure of 10% of our population (yes, OFWs are that many) to life abroad– where people respect the law & the clock)– is too significant to disregard in a culture such as ours as we often view western ways as better, and adopt them wholeheartedly.
so just maybe, there’s hope for us yet.
let’s pray it comes to pass within our lifetime.
cheers,
Bob I think the General wanted to spare him self and his family the shame of a trial.
RIP General!
Hi Robert – In my mind, there is no shame in going to trial if you can prove your innocence!
@ mars – as far as i know there is no law against asking for financial assistance from public officials both in elective & career positions, as well as in giving in to such. this cultural thing is what is preventing public INSTITUTIONS from ever becoming what they should rightfully be.
in any case the term ‘padrino system’ reflects an outdated point of view that refuses to acknowledge the impact of culture on governance.
culture by itself is neutral, however when “ultimate” ideas (i.e. no gray areas) come in to alter it— such as justice, democracy, fairness, governance, excellence— it is culture that survives intact.
that is why i tend to believe that the return of OFWs (by way of end of contract, or achievement of life goals, or deportation) portends a change in culture within a generation or two.
the exposure of 10% of our population (yes, OFWs are that many) to life abroad– where people respect the law & the clock)– is too significant to disregard in a culture such as ours as we often view western ways as better, and adopt them wholeheartedly.
there’s hope for us yet.
I’m hoping, too Doc. Here’s another opinion and analysis from the sidelines, to add to many others:
http://panaynewsphilippines.com/column5.htm
Hi bob from what i can read in this post my opinion is the same as yours ,at some stage in his life he has lost his honour ,he was charged with defending his nation and for whatever reason he stole from it perhaps his visit to his mothers gravesite was to apologise for his misgivings to her before he ended his life ,it is a shame that a man with such high qualifications should fall from grace through the want of money ,think what you will of this man, perhaps he was a theif but at some point in his career as a soldier he was prepared to give his life for his nation and its people ,as the goodbook says let he who hath not sinned cast the first stone,i dont think we will see to many stones thrown today
chris
Hi chris – well, nothing has been proven, so we will have to wait and see if General Reyes lost hos honor, but it would appear to me that your analysis is correct.
Wow! Quite a vivid discussion Bob!
Firstly I would like to congratulate you on your courage and sense of balance in how you approach these sensitive issues.
To those who think expats should just put up and shut up; I don’t think you really understand the culture here, or the complex relationships between Filipinos and their expat guests.
It is important to have an opinion and let people know; whilst treading carefully when it comes to how you put things. Nothing is ever so clear cut in this country as to be able to take a one sided opinion of people.
If I can sidetrack a little just to give an example:
When I first moved here it seemed burning plastic smoke was everywhere, any time it wasn’t raining, and the local expats all hated it. There were those who would drag out the old lines: “The Philippines is like that, they will never change and you can’t critisize them or they might shoot you or have you deported”. I never bought into that. I started with my own compound, a little education campaign about the dangers of plastic smoke. Very quickly my compound became a burn free zone. Then the neighbours followed suit, without me ever saying anything, the locals spread the word themselves and changed their behaviour for the better. I had originally offered to pay for all of my compound’s rubbish to be taken away; I never once had to. A spontaneous coalition came together and we each pay 30 pesos a week to have the lot taken away, sorted for recycling and a small amount goes into landfill.
Over the following year, my landlord used his position of authority as a very senior and respected elder in the community, to lobby the municpality to introduce a proper 3 part recyclables and rubbish collection!!! Each barangay now has 2 of these very sturdy bins which are emptied daily. There is a tiny fraction of the plastic burning there was before.
I am so stoked!
The Filipinos are far more ready, willing and able to change things for the better than many expats give them credit for. Sometimes, like in my example above, it’s a simple matter of education and putting the message in the polite manner. It is always best to couch criticism with compliments. As expats, we need to earn the trust and respect of our neighbours and community, not assume we are owed such automaticly.
On the corruption issue, it is extremely complex. Sometimes the same people who are stealing from the commonwealth are very generous and kind to their communities; creating opportunities and helping people, not just themselves. Often these same people are genuine heroes within their towns. Talking about stamping out corruption while many public officials at all levels are on wages an expat would call impossible to live on is kind of a silly naive expectation. Also we westerners should remember that as much as we might not like it, corruption is the way of life for most countries in the world. It is not about to miraculously disappear.
Big changes begin with incremental progress.
Let people know what you think.
Act and speak with courage and respect.
Prioritise friendship and let nature take it’s course.
Little by lttle the Philippines is getting better, There are still some big problems for sure, some of which may never be solved. For the time being though, let’s do what we can to help this amazing, beautifull country and her wonderfull, joyous people.
Thank you Sean.
Sean, I agree one step at a time.
Where I live we have the kids growing potatoes in a sack, a communal garden and the produce is sold at the community sari sari, all of the other ones were closed. The kids get 50% of the proceeds, average 200-300 a month, the other 50% went to buy fruit trees. When we purchased the trees we wanted them planted by professionals from the nursey, on the day they arrived we could tell there was a problem. The guards on the instruction from Management made such a fuss having outside workers in our compound, we all knew she was looking for grease money. Her arguement was most of the expats rent, we are not permitted to have workers enter the compound without the landlords permission. Even though all permission was granted to plant the trees. This quickly spread and within 45 minutes we had 15-20 Filipinos signing in the workers.
It took us a few months to have that manager transferred, and on her last day we gave her a wonderful basket full of potatoes, carrots, calamansi, mangoes and avocados.
The other Reyes case is looking interesting. Joel Reyes seems to be heavily implicated in graft and murder. Everyone down from him in the Ortega hit squad is under arrest. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. From what I have read he certainly has some answering to do. I guess only time will tell….
I have seen news about the Palawan case, but have not been following it closely.
Hi Bob,
This reminds me of Jaime Ongpin, one time Finance Secretary, under Cory Aquino. He also committed suicide because of the attacks on him, which he said was unfair. In Mrs. Aquino’s recount, she said this was her saddest day in office (she actually cried when she found out) because she withdrew her support for him.
Reading the whole drama points only to one thing: system failure within government. The process of allocating and disbursing of funds is just horrendous, and some of it in cash! Euro generals anyone? There all sorts of funds out there – pork barrel, slush fund, Peace Bonds? CCT, military upgrading fund, name it they have it, at the discretion of one or a few. Is this practice legal at all? I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.
Whether accepting these retirement cash is legal or not is another matter. But the accusers are the same breed of people as the accused. I just hope that Gen. Reyes’ death will be a wake up call for whoever sits on the throne, to put in the place the right controls. However, according to a minor government bureaucrat I was talking, it will be a suicide of another kind – political.
Regardless, may he rest in peace.
Alex
Hi Alex – I did not know about the case of Ongpin. Thanks for making me aware.
Hi Bob,
As an American taxpayer and a Filipino American, I am so upset about this. I have written my Congressman about why the US should bother to continue military aid to the Philippines. I had two uncles who attended PMA and were forced to graduate early due to WWII. They never achieved General status because they never played dirty and were notcorrupt. They both barely survived the Bataan death march but throughout the years they were proud of being PMA’ars. I wish General Reyes, Garcia and their ilk to rot in hell.
Allen, the short answer to your question as to why the U.S. should bother to continue [giving] military aid to the Philippines, I believe, is one of stipulations of the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 between the U.S. and the Philippines, and its pre-cursor, the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the corruption of PMA grads notwithstanding.
“successor”, rather. The VFA is the sucessor, the Mutual Defense Treaty, the pre-cursor.
Agreements, especially 50+ year old agreements should always be reviewed to ensure that they are still reasonable.
Bob, I believe the MDT is no mas since it’s been superseded by the VFA.
Yes, I believe that is correct. My point still stands, though. Given the revelations we are seeing about how the AFP uses money, the agreement should be reviewed.
I agree. However, does the U.S. give military aid to the AFP in terms of cash? I don’t know. I think the aid is largely in the form of surplus equipment like used sea-going vessels and spare parts for aircrafts, and training AFP officers in the States.
I believe there is some cash component. Even if it does not go directly to the AFP, but to the Govt in general, it needs to be cut until proper accounting can be assured. That’s my opinion.
Ricardo,
The Mutual Defense Treaty is considered the “mother treaty” of the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Military Assistance Agreement and the defunct Military Bases Agreement, as well as other future Philippine-US military agreements. In my knowledge there wasn’t any act by current and previous US or Philippine governments asking for the withdrawal or cancellation of the MDT so it is still valid and legally binding for all parties under international law. In fact, the MDT and not the VFA was always mentioned by Philippine politicians and government representatives during “perceived” military crisis (e.g. Spratly’s Islands) wherein the US will come to aid the Philippines in case of an external attack.
You’re right, Jonathan. Without bothering to check sources, I believe that one of the reasons why the VFA was drafted and ratified by both governments is to address constitutional issues regarding U.S. forces conducting military exercises, i.e., the Balikatan, on Philippine soil especially in light of U.S. bases no longer in the Philippines.
AllenO, you may be onto to something—get the International community who hands all of this free money over to monitor it closely, the first signs of corruption yank the funding.
Hi Allen – Of course, what we have now are allegations and not yet proven in court, but, I must say that I agree with your thinking in many ways.
Why does every topic seem to involve the USA ? what am I missing? I could care less what america did in the RP almost 70 years ago or even today. If the country is so dependant on the US apply to become a state. This poor soul took his life and has brought his family shame, if his hand was in the piggy bank ok, let us judge him when the facts are in and debate how to make an impact on the country and improve things.
Let’s discuss things that matter, your site is called Live in the Philippines, not Davao—- surely there must be items that can help those who live here or are thinking about moving to the RP that don’t invole all the pro USA – I am Filipino American bla bla bla.
Frankly, John, I am from the USA, so my basis of comparing the Philippines to my previous life is comparing it to the USA.
Yes, the site is not specifically and only about living in Davao, but I live in Davao. I have writers on the site from Davao, Manila, Ilocos Norte, and Bataan. Those other writers won’t mention about living in Davao, because they don’t. Of course, I write about living in Davao, because I live here. If you don’t enjoy my articles or my viewpoint… honestly, nobody is forcing you to read. I do my best to provide timely and interesting content on the site, but you can’t please everybody.
We all get that you are from the USA, but others live here as well, I also understand this is your business and you make money with clicks and selling products. But the reality is most will never ever visit Davao, I know I wont.
You may have writers from other areas but they seem to come and go, others can offer a unique take on life here, all I am saying is the pro USA stuff gets tiring for us that are not from your great land. Heck you don’t even know Manila…………
Honestly, I don’t read or comment on the site when I am in the RP, I enjoy reading some of the comments, but I don’t like when I read the Wiki guys who have left the country and are balikbayans and have an opinion that is 20 years old and so Ole USA in every response , I really dont see the value to real expats or people like me that are posted in the RP.
I do like some topics, relating to tourism as I have been in the business for many years, I will continue to comment and read your site on topics that entertain me.
John, did you read Bob’s ‘speak your mind’ line before posting? Without a shadow of a doubt this site has more practical information for expats and wannabe expats than any other, by a country mile. Perhaps some editing of comments would make the site more concise, but also alienate many contributors. I hate sites which invite comment then arbitrarily censor/ edit posts. When this happens to me, I ask for an explaination and when it is not forthcoming I give the editors a serious mouthfull and put the site on my hate list. Bob is aware of these issues and has chosen to have a very open posting policy, which can make comments pages quite long, but keeps friends on board.
John – I just did a quick check. In the last 4 articles I wrote only one of them even mentioned the US. None of the articles mentioned Davao.
Now, when people make comments of something US related, then of course, I have to comment in response and that is US related. But,t he articles made no mention of USA or Davao. Frankly, I think you are off base with your complaint.
You said:
“You don’t even know Manila”
Well, I am not an expert on Manila, but who cares? I am not an expert on Zimbabwe either. Frankly, I don’t enjoy Manila, and I don’t choose to spend my time there. It just doesn’t bother me that “I don’t even know Manila”.
I will just say, John, that I have been doing this site for 4 1/2 years now, and I have other sites that are as sold as 16 years old. This, and my other sites, are very successful and popular. I must be doing something correct, and I will continue to do what works. If you don’t like it, I am not forcing you to read, although I hope that you do like it. But, what I do know is that given the success of this site, I believe that I am doing a lot more right than wrong.
Good luck to you, John.
Hey Bob, I don’t mean to add fuel to the fire so to speak but I was looking at comments he made and boy, John was quite rude.
I’ve learned a lot of from this site (and to think I’m a Filipino.. he he) especially about Philippines that I had forgotten or don’t even know about. Keep it up.
Hi sugar – I am not sure why John suddenly went into that kind of attitude, but it seemed out of place, and unlike he had been previously. Maybe he was under undue stress or something.
I am glad that you have found this site beneficial. I hear that a lot from people, and I feel that myself too. I like to think of this site as a place where a whole community can learn from interacting with each other. I also thank you, sugar, for your participation on the site!
You must be doing something right and something he likes he keeps coming back.
I found it amusing he is FILIPINO/AMERICAN. He may not be an American today if not for what the U.S./Philippines did together some 70 years ago as he says. I could say perhaps he is just one more that likes all the benefits the U.S. offers him, but does not give a damn about the U.S., but I want say it because I want to be a nice person and be politically correct.
Hi Tom – I am indeed doing my best. People keep coming back, so I feel I am moving in the right direction! Thanks to you for your comment, and always coming back!
The facts are in, you just dont see itl. Besides I have businesses and properties in the Philippines, I do more to support the Phil economy than you do so dont give me this 20 year old crap. I live in both countries I know more than you think. Calling him a poor soul just shows your naivete or ignorance of Philippine politics.
That was a reply to John
Thank you Allen for setting me straight. You don’t know me and I don’t know you. You have no idea what I have done in the RP in terms of tourism and jobs. I am not naive about politics in the RP I simply don’t care, but what I do care about because of my faith is that a life is a life.
I am glad that you believe that life is a life as I do to and no life is worth taking. That is why I cannot support the death penalty even though I think many times it is deserved. It is too bad your faith did not also lead you to think to use your tongue or in this case your fingers in a more compassion manner. Your tongue/fingers do little to make others to want to have the faith that you have regardless if you favor life.
Your rabid anti-Americanism is consuming you, John. I get the feeling that you have been royally shafted by Americans at some point in your life, and you’re taking it out on Fil-Ams who happen to be pro-American. Take it easy. One of these days you’re going to keel over because of your obsessive hatred for America. Then you won’t be able to “go to Hongkong, Thailand, and Singapore almost every weekend while flashing your 3 passports and numerous foreign bank accounts along the way”, eh? Have you seen a psychiatrist lately?
Hi, Bob!
A tragedy indeed, not just because of the death of one of this country’s well-known chiefs of staff, but also because of the truth he has brought with him to his grave. If his conscience was really clear, he should have had no fear in facing his adversaries. But I guess all this pressure took the better of him. Honestly, before this scandal involving him, I have always thought of him as an honorable man, an exemplary public official. Now like most of my fellow Filipinos, I’m left with confusion. If only he could have left a suicide note stating what he really did, and what he knew about this mess, at least that could have set him-and the people he once served-free. God bless the Philippines!
Hi JR – Nice to hear from you! Yes, I have admired General Reyes for many years, and also find it confusing and shocking the scandal that has come to him. Hopefully the situation can get some clarity through testimony of others. We can only wait and see.
Hi again Bob, I just wanted to share.. so the General embroiled in corruption controversy was buried earlier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.. and he he, my sister said sarcastically… why the heck are they burying him there ? Bayani in Pilipino means hero. I say, I think because he is a general, and probably he deserved it. I guess.
Hi Sugar – Yes, General Reyes was given the honor of being a hero and that is symbolized by his burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani. I remember there was a time when Marcos passed, and he was denied the honor of burial at the cemetery of heroes…. something, which I believe his supporters and family are still waiting for today. I personally did not believe that Marcos deserved such an honor. I feel the same about Reyes. That is just my personal view, though, although a number of Filipinos have told me the same thing.
It’s heroic. A good indication that filipino face is a little bit softy.
Such a sad event.
Anyway, I’ve been reading comments and would just like to add my thoughts. I think the Filipino voters in general is partly to be blamed with the rampant corruption. Aside from being fond of ousting presidents and replacing it with more corrupt officials, the biggest chunk seem to vote on who is popular over than who is more effective as a leader. And from what I noticed, people who do not go the “masa” vote are labeled as “elitists”. It’s something that Filipinos have to get over with. People allow to be manipulated by the politicians (dancing ocho ocho on stage win the votes!).
Personally, I think NoyNoy won due to popularity. During his senatorial years, I don’t remember any significant contribution.
Hi Katrina – Your last sentence says it all.
hi kat, look at it in terms of mutual benefit.
if there were more people capable of addressing their every need by themselves, do you think they’d be swayed into voting for trapos?
the masses as you say only vote two ways – popularity, benefit.
popularity works for those who appear to be ‘good’, while benefit works for those who establish extensive community ties.
politicians that win by popularity typically are either popular entertainers (from rico J to aiko melendez) or media personalities (legarda, de castro, etc). once people see that they’re incompetent, they don’t get elected the next time around.
entertainer-politicians that show competence eventually establish extensive community ties so that their constituencies become dependent on them for whatever benefit they could give, using government resources (herbert bautista, isko moreno etc). and they get re-elected repeatedly.
what people don’t see is that they’re forever reliant on politicians for social services, while the institutions meant to serve them never prosper (DSWD, MMDA, etc).
noynoy’s win, if you believe in prophecies, was mandated from heaven. i seem to see that this is true, since i believe his term will not be marked by his achievements, but by people finally working together to become the upright citizens that this country needs & deserves.
all he has to do is get out of the way, and the Lord will make things happen. watch for it ” )
This will be my last post on this subject as I dont think there is much left to say after witnessing a country burying a corrupt thief in a heroes cemetery with full military honours. This morning in a national newspaper I read a pean of praise for the gentleman nowhere stating that he had committed suicide or had stolen large sums of money.His wife – who also has received huge sums of government money illegally – 42 trips to the USA all expenses paid plus “spending money” is treated as the grieving widow. I weep for this country as it would appear that morality and honesty are no longer counted as virtues necessary for the good governance of society.
Bryan, the last sentence of your post so eloquently describe the sentiment of most Filipinos and no doubt friends of all Filipino people worldwide. Thank you.
hello bryan, mars – see my reply to katrina above.
there’s one thing i know from personal experience– don’t bet against the Lord ” )
cheers,
The Lord as you put it has not done much for the country up to now I am afraid . As an atheist I do not expect too much in the future either.Its up to man himself to solve the problems. Professing faith in a deity to get these islands out of the mess they are in is a little optimistic in my view.
hi bryan, i respect your adherence to your beliefs. allow me to respond to your feedback though.
when i said “the Lord will make things happen”, it does not mean He himself will literally move heaven & earth to “do something for the country” as you say. more like symbolically.
history itself is replete with proof of God’s intervention in human affairs, sometimes using people (abraham, noah, david, etc), sometimes using nature (plagues in egypt), sometimes supernatural phenomena (parting of red sea, Jesus’s miracles, death, resurrection & ascension). this makes people wonder whether God really rested on the 7th day, because He’s still at work in our lives.
in recent history, EDSA I as it happened was in itself a gift from God, otherwise it would have been a bloodbath had Marcos ordered his loyalist military commanders from the Ilocos to proceed to Edsa instead of those stationed nearby.
on a personal level, having undergoing deja vu moments where i could clearly remember dreaming of them in the past tells me that my life as it happens shows that i myself could not have manipulated every bit of input, and that it’s the Lord who’s bringing me where He wants me to be.
life as it happens is basically a participative process that we as people get to influence when we perform our roles. our chosen values only dictate whether we will do the work cut out for us for good, or for evil.
maria resa (formerly from CNN and also ABS-CBN news) puts it very simply here : http://www.mariaressa.com/how-good-people-turn-evil-corruption-in-the-philippines/
cheers,
Can you give me some insight to The Lords input to the Maguindanao massacre?
hi bryan,
if your intention in asking that question is rhetorical, i have no answer for that because i do not speak on the Lord’s behalf.
but if you want insight on evil, pretend you’re the patriarch of the clan currently in power. would you allow anyone to contest your control of your area? allowing the other side to run would have been to risk losing control– as well as power, resources, opportunities. you’d never allow that, especially when you have an entire army of dependents counting on you.
people in that part of mindanao have ways different from yours or mine. if you would judge them by their actions, make at least the effort to immerse yourself in their culture and their environment before you do, because their ways will never make sense from where you sit right now.
cheers,
To All,
I’m a bit late with my comment, having been away for the past 4 months, but after reading all of this I have my humble comment to make. It seems that some people are/were paying themselves upfront for their “good works”, think Marcos et all. I am not a religeous fanatic but I take all beliefs into consideration, their philosopies etc. I do believe in a sort of karma, no good deed goes unpunished. Day by day step by step the illusion of what is right or what is wrong becomes tarnished, by way of what becomes “the norm of what is the way that it is done and has been done before”.
Nothing new here , just my slant on the discussion.
Jade
Thanks for popping in, Jade.