Press statement of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. Senator Ping explains why he left the country and why he has been absent from Senate proceedings amid reports that a warrant of arrest will soon be issued.
Mindanaoan reckons that this may be a national issue but this is still something that you and I must also be familiar with. The senator has finally confirmed that he has left the country, amid reports that the courts may soon issue a warrant of arrest against him in relation to the Dacer-Corbito murder case.
So fellow Mindanaoan, don’t just listen to one side. Listen to both parties and decide who’s telling the truth. Let’s see if justice truly does still prevail in this country.
The following the full text of Senator Ping Lacson’s statement. Mindanaoan received this straight from the said legislator’s media team:
As I had correctly suspected, the harassment by the DOJ upon the order of Malacañang will never stop.
That’s exactly the reason why I left the country. I am a victim of a conspiracy of whispers between Mrs. Arroyo and her stooge in the Department of Justice. Even the most tenuous of evidence to justify their own interpretation of probable cause was used against me to satisfy their political vendetta against my person.
From the Jose Pidal scandal, jueteng payola, Hello Garci election cheating controversy, to the ZTE and fertilizer scam, and many more abuses committed by Mr. and Mrs. Arroyo against the Filipino people, where I played the leading role in exposing, are mostly the reasons why I am being harassed no end.
I am hoping, as I was told that the judge handling the case is one who does not easily succumb to pressure and is a stickler for rules, will remain as such and decide the case fairly and based on its merits.
For now, my concern is my own personal safety and security. I will not allow Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts in the DOJ the pleasure of seeing my life miserable and in danger. This is one case that I will dispute the argument – flight is an indication of guilt.
I am not guilty but I cannot risk putting my life and security at the mercy of that evil conspiracy.
LikeOctober 28, 2009
Announcements, Cagayan de Oro City, Events, Features, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Society, Videos, blogging
Thanks to the very amiable Nina (I super, super owe you!) and of course to Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, we were able to play this very special video message for the participants of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3. Needless to say, Mindanaoan is absolutely proud of the trust and confidence that Senator Kiko has extended to me. Daghang salamat! 
To Nina — Mindanaoan super appreciates this! I know it was difficult to pull this off especially since Senator Kiko was scheduled to arrive from his ASEAN trip HOURS before the start of the summit (he arrived last Friday and the summit was last Saturday) but you still managed to produce this! Daghang salamat!
And to all of the participants of the MBS CDO, enjoy
For official press releases of the recently concluded Mindanao Bloggers Summit 3, do visit ASTERISK Events and Communications.
ASTERISK Events and Communications is one of the sponsors of the said event. They offer public relations, media relations, special events, advertising and outsourcing services. It’s an agency based in the Philippines and has offices in Mindanao and Visayas.
September 9, 2009
Advocacy, Announcements, Broadcasting, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, blogging
Mindanaoan.com just received this text message from Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Senator Noynoy Aquino’s declaration to run for president in the May 2010 elections:
“He is a good friend and I wish him all the best in his endeavor. He is definitely a good addition to the roster of those who have declared their intention to run for President in order to give our people the widest and best possible choices for President.”
Escudero, 39, is also rumored to be a presidential candidate.
Observers say that the young legislator is being eyed by the NPC Party to be its standard bearer in next year’s presidential elections.
Chiz Escudero will turn 40 on October 10, 2009.
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THIS, FELLOW MINDANAOANS?
August 27, 2009
Commentary, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personalities, Politics
Senator (and rumored presidentiable) Francis “Chiz” Escudero has said it and I agree — the peace and development here in Mindanao is hostaged to politics. The kind of politics that run in “Imperial Manila.”
One of the things that the next president should do is bring together all stakeholders in Mindanao to craft a development agenda — one that’s doable, cost efficient and worth all of our time and efforts — that will not be hostaged to any change in administration.
“Only an all-stakeholders approach will lead to the long-sought peace and meaningful development in this region, not Imperial Manila’s “urong-sulong, atras abante” approach since we gained independence,” Escudero said.
The 39-year old lawmaker said the country’s development will greatly be accelerated if authority is devolved to the lowest level of government.
He said that regions and provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays should be able to act on their problems without waiting for Malacañang’s imprimatur.
To achieve this, Escudero stressed the need for the next administration to increase the share of local governments in the internal revenue collections from 40 to 60 percent in the next six years.
The latest National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) figures show that the contribution of Mindanao to the country’s overall output is roughly 17.7% compared to the budgetary allocation of only 11 to 14% being given by the government to the region.
Can you imagine that? Mindanao is one big contributor and yet we’re often disregarded or forgotten when it comes to budgetary allocations!
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
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Sen. Dick Gordon proposes a 9th ray to the sun in Philippine Flag – should Mindanao care?
September 25, 2009
Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, armm, blogging
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Independent Senator Richard Gordon probably has too much time on his hands. This was the very first thing that came to my mind when this Mindanaoan blogger learned that Senator Dick Gordon filed a proposal before the Senate to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag.
Yes, you read that right. A ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag.
According to him, the additional ray will symbolize his “advocacy to champion reforms in Mindanao.”
Now don’t ask me exactly how a 9th ray can make a whole lotta difference but if you ask the senator (who, I think, also has plans to run for president come May 2010), he says this move is part of his many advocacies for “peace and continuous growth and development not only for the Muslim people but also for the whole of Mindanao.”
* photo courtesy of MLQ3
A statement from Senator Dick’s office sent to Mindanaoan also states:
Honestly, I can understand the senator’s objective. I mean, we here in Mindanao would definitely welcome any move or legislation or proposal that can contribute to the progress of this island. No doubt about that. Mindanaoans have longed for lasting peace and development and slowly but surely, we’re getting there. Yes, yes, yes.
What I’m concerned about, though, is the timing of Senator Gordon’s proposal.
At a time when there are just so many pressing matters to attend to, is a proposal for a 9th ray to be added to the sun on the Philippine flag something we all want to hear and discuss these days?
Seriously now.
To quote Lea Salonga — the flag can wait! It really can!
On the other hand, this so-called proposal to “champion Mindanao reforms” may just be one of the senator’s way of attracting media attention. After all, the more odd a proposal sounds, the more attention it gets from the media…and publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity. And publicity is always part of a politician’s priority list.
On another note – the senator from Olongapo also proposed an act creating the Mindanao Economic Development Authority or MEDA. This agency will reportedly be the implementing office for Mindanao-specific inter-regional and Mindanao-wide programs and projects, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.
Question – how will MEDA be different from the existing councils and agencies that oversee ODA and other projects in Mindanao? Will there not be an overlap of duties and responsibilities? What will happen to the existing councils? More importantly — do we really need yet another government agency?
What are YOUR thoughts, fellow Mindanaoan?