from the index

While Estrada’s lawyers were preparing for the appeal, three lawyers’ and anti-crime groups yesterday filed with the Office of the Ombudsman the 10th complaint for plunder against Estrada. Economic plunder, the systematic theft from the state of more than P50 million, is punishable by death. The complainants alleged that Estrada was the real owner of the P3.3-billion account of "Jose Velarde" with Equitable PCI Bank. The complaint also accused businessman Jaime Dichaves, who claimed he owned the Velarde account, and 10 others, of helping Estrada amass ill-gotten wealth. The others were "plastics king" William Gatchalian, Jaime Dichaves, Abby Dichaves, Mark Jimenez, manny pangilinan, George Go, Dante Tan, Lucio Co, Kevin/Kelvin Garcia, lawyer Fernando Chua, Antonio Evangelista and several John and Jane Does. They were charged, along with Estrada, with plunder, bribery, corruption and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

Phil Daily Inquirer Editorial Board gets Bomalabs Award.
In the editorial page of the PDI where Conrado de Quiros column used to be resides a propagandist for Erap who received a bribe from the ex-president and abused the office he held. In other words, a dirty ratfink. Maybe some Inquirer people are not too happy about what Conrado writes, and would rather have some sycophant deliver material I don't even bother to read. For whatever reason they may have, they should at least know that people notice this sort of thing. If you have noticed and want to let the PDI know, email them. Hey Barican, face it, syou'll never be the man.

Your taxes at work!! You need not worry about where your taxes are going! Not only is Erap free and clear, he has got about 70 AFP members guarding him and his family. Also remember that your taxes are what keep the likes of Desierto and his brood going. We are actually paying people to torment us. Ain't life grand?

Special Sale on Bananas in the Republic. We guarantee the best justice system money can buy. Just ask manny pangilinan of PLDT! He paid a fictitious account millions and instead of being investigated has even been allowed to buy one of the Philippine's largest TV networks. Despite owning the largest telephone utility in the land, effectively sidestepping public utility ownership laws. And despite reports that foreign money (read Salim, Suharto et al) is behind these purchases. The moral of the story is- go ahead, bribe a president, break the law. As long as there is media silence to be bought, you can literally get away with anything. Just ask manny how to do it.

Most ridiculous pangilinan of PLDT alleged line of the month: "The reason xxxx magazine was not paid for the PLDT full page ads was not because the magazine featured the PLDT.COM website but because the magazine had Imee Marcos on the cover".

The proverbial shit has not only hit the fan, but has splattered everyone within range. In case anyone is just tuning in to this website, we are in the Philippines, where bananas grow everywhere, but not as long as the noses of politicians everywhere.

What happens to a democracy when the President starts hanging around with people who are publicly known to have bribed a former President? It dies a slow death. The public stops believing in the President who has shown that while EDSA credits are good, the government and campaign season calls for CASH. All this on worldwide webcast and national TV when the President went so far as to inaugurate the bribe-givers latest acquisition- a TV network. While there may be laws regarding this, some laws apply for non-bribe givers, others do not. Why not just award him the Legion of Honor while you are at it? His PHFFT minions are clamoring for it. (story below)

More EDSA Dos heroes feted than actual number of persons who actually went to EDSA!! A balut vendor who gave away his allotment for the day. A panadero who gave away his bread. These are among whom we would consider true heroes of the yet-to-be-finished EDSA Dos people's revolt. However, it was decided instead that previously recycled trapos, born-again cronies and people with money were to be made heroes. EDSA 3 in the works, and coming soon to a website near you.

PHFFFT. The Pangilinan Hero Fans, Friends Family and Tropa ni Manny reiterate their request to the Presidential Palaces of Indonesia and the Philippines to bestow upon PLDT President Manny Pangilinan the Legion of Honor, Order of Isang Juan na Tulisan.

In line with Korinna Sanchez request, the NTC now looks at monitoring text messages and possible censorship.

Wong's right to be heard. The AFP's Chief of Staff hurriedly offered Admiral Wong a position that would be equal to the weight the board he wears on his shoulders. A three-star position is not that easy to find, but Reyes produced one in an attempt to silence the Admiral of the Navy. Early newspaper reports claimed that Wong was responsible for a possible mutiny by the Marines under his command. It was later revealed that all he had done was to expose the purchase of inferior quality Kevlar helmets for his soldiers and a purchase of HK assault rifles that allegedly went directly to the blackmarket.

Noel Cabangon @ the Music Museum March23