Retards in the Government 29

Part 29 of Retards in the Government. Everyone may be on vacation for the holidays but corruption never takes a break. 

Let's start off with trying to simplify a rather long and convoluted story.

The PCSO is being accused of throwing a lavish Christmas party.  The accuser, Sandra Cam, at first said the total cost was 10 million.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/22/1770851/pcso-general-manager-p6-million-party-its-not-lavish

“It’s a tradition of PCSO ever since… Compared to other Christmas parties in previous years, this is way below,” he said.

But now we are told the amount was only 6 million and that the PCSO board had agreed to this budget as a body. Allegedly this lottery organisation is one of the most consistently corrupt organisations in the Philippines. But the poor people of the land need not worry because Duterte is investigating.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954297/duterte-to-look-into-grandiose-pcso-party

Sandra Cam, the lady who has brought this Christmas party to light, was appointed by Duterte to the PCSO board on December 5th. This lady is a very good friend of Duterte. A few months back Duterte vowed he would appoint her to a position in the government if she asked. This in exchange for her help during his campaign. Cam's appointment to the PCSO board is surely the fulfilment of that promise.

Backtrack to September and we see that Dutere was considering abolishing the agency completely.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/817387/duterte-mulls-abolition-of-most-corrupt-govt-agency-pcso

But why do that?  Why abolish an agency that rakes in billions of pesos every year? Why not instead get someone to head that agency who is completely loyal and will do whatever you tell them? Dutere did appoint the current director Balutan but maybe their relationship is not so good. Maybe Duterte has tired of him. Enter Sandra Cam.

Even Balutan can read the writing on the wall.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954388/breaking-pcso-alexander-balutan-sandra-cam-christmas-party-politics

But he might be forced to resign before that!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954664/pcso-execs-should-resign-over-p6-m-lavish-party-says-gatchalian

We have not heard the last of this story!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954282/duterte-orders-travel-ban

The President, who is 72, said he easily got dizzy and that he had some “spinal trouble” that kept him from enjoying travelling overseas. 

“After so many accidents on the motorcycle, I easily get dizzy. Sometimes, I puke. Add the spinal trouble that I have,” Mr. Duterte said.

Interesting little factoid about Duterte. How often does he get dizzy and puke?

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954901/aguirre-christmas-wish-grace-forgiveness-holiday

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/954680/pnp-bato-dela-rosa-drug-war-victims-move-on-war-on-drugs

Imagine being so shameless that you will twist the words of Jesus (forgive your enemies, turn the other cheek, forgive them for they know not what they do, forgive your brother seventy times seven) into a cloak of impunity for your deeds.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/26/1771936/china-make-disputed-islands-bigger-using-magic-island-maker

The report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative concluded that Beijing "remains committed" to moving to the next phase of its activities such as construction of facilities needed for fully-functioning air and naval bases. 

However, despite this relentless construction work, the Philippines seemed unalarmed. 

Manila said Monday that despite China's admission that it expanded its islands in the contested waters it would continue to rely on Beijing's "good faith."

This is literally the result of a weak Philippine government who's members are more concerned with enlarging their bank accounts than in protecting the country. Despite his moves to appease China it's not just Duterte's doing. This is a long time in the making since no Philippine administration has had the guts to stand up to China. Soon China will have military bases right next door. And then what?  Rely on their good faith?  How about rely on international law which is in favour of the Philippines rights in the SCS or just plain respect for your neighbours? 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/27/1772226/palace-may-not-dnd-knows-about-china-expansion

It's possible but not likely that the DND knows about these buildings but the Palace does not. What about the boast that "President Rodrigo Duterte spent his confidential and intelligence funds "better than the past administrations"?"  Someone is lying.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/27/1772245/duterte-reappoints-faeldon-office-civil-defense

Sen. Panfilo Lacson accused Faeldon of receiving P100 million in "pasalubong" or welcome gift from smugglers and unscrupulous businessmen. Lacson said his accusation was confirmed by Lapeña.

Duterte has repeatedly said he does not tolerate even a whiff of corruption from his men.

After being implicated in the 6 billion peso shabu scandal this guy has more than a "whiff of corruption" about him and yet Duterte says, "The government needs him."

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955562/lacson-says-faeldon-to-work-behind-senate-detention-cell-customs-faeldon-dnd-senate-detention-lacson-new-appointment

Faeldon is currently detained at the Senate detention facility after the Senate blue ribbon committee investigating the BOC mess ordered his detention when he repeatedly refused to appear before the panel’s hearing.

Lest we forget, this new appointee is currently behind bars at the Senate detention facility for contempt for refusing to appear before the Senate hearing on the shabu scandal. A really stellar choice to appoint to the DND.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955735/lawmakers-urge-senate-to-prioritize-safer-workplace-bill-davao-senate-lawmakers-safe-workplace-nccc-fire-villanueva

“These testimonies substantiate the lack of compliance of some companies on our occupational safety and health standards. We already need a stricter law that would penalize erring employers and impose more stringent regulations on OSH standards,” Villanueva said in a statement on Thursday.

A deadly fire at a mall in Davao kills 38 people and now Sen. Villanueva says this is proof a law with stricter standards and penalties needs to be passed. WRONG! What really needs to happen is that OSHC-DOLE needs to enforce the laws already on the books. How many construction sites are there where the workers are wearing sandals and no shirt or helmet or PPE of any kind? How many obstructed doors and fire hazards are there at malls and stores? Just about every single mall has a one way in, one way out entrance. And no one cares! As with just about every problem in the Philippines it's enforcement of existing regulations and not more regulations one can easily bribe their way around which is needed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955671/mayor-couple-in-cebu-charged-over-towns-deals-with-familys-bakery

Another tale of politicians using public funds to buy from business they own as well as buying materials without first going through a bidding process. Very common in the Philippines.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/637900/no-mercy-for-cops-who-ll-indiscriminately-fire-guns-during-the-holidays-ncrpo-chief/story/

When the police have to be warned to not treat their service weapons like toys you know you have a problem.

This being the final Retards in the Government post for 2017 I can't think of a more fitting way to end the year than with the following poorlyedited opinion piece:

http://www.philstar.com/freeman-opinion/2017/12/28/1772284/17-biggest-liesand-broken-promises-2017

Standing in Trucks 3

They're still standing.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Even on the highways they still pack 'em in like sardines and there's like 50 people standing in the back of a speeding truck.  It's surprising there aren't more highway fatalities.

Lechon

Lechon. Fresh lechon! It's a whole pig skewered and roasted over a pit. After it's done cooking it's time to transport that pig to the vendor.

Instead of putting the lechon in an enclosed truck they put it on a tricycle and transport it through the open air! That means as this tricycle has been speeding along bugs and dirt and who knows what else have been bombarding that lechon like tiny missiles penetrating deep into that delicious, crispy pig flesh adding their own unique flavour to the mix! GROSS!!

How likely is it the vendor will even consider this fact and give this little piggy a bath after it's tricycle ride?

Well here it is.  This is the vendor. Some little booth that is literally in the road. IN. THE. ROAD! 

Oh it's just on the side of the road. Yeah that's still in the road. Not on a sidewalk. Not in a restaurant. IN. THE. ROAD.

How are these roadside food vendors and restaurants even allowed to legally operate?

Martial Law: Ceasefire

The end of the year is only a week away but the fate of Mindanao for next year is secured. It's war. It's war with the Muslim terrorists who show no signs of stopping in their goal of establishing an Islamic State in Mindanao.  It's war against drug lords and drug users and the narcopoliticians who protect and profit from both. 

And it's war against the NPA. A hundred years on from the Russian revolution and the evil and stupid ideology of communism is still being fought in the jungles and mountains of the Philippines. It's a big job and the unprepared and untrained AFP are going to need some help.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/953514/afp-taps-lumad-soldiers-vs-npa

The lumad recruits, organized into four Sundalo ng Mamamayan Armado Laban sa Terorismo at Kriminalidad (Soldiers of the People Armed Against Terrorism and Criminality, or SMART) companies, are set to be assigned near their home villages after graduating from an eight-week basic military training, according to Capt. Jerry Lamosao, public affairs chief of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID).

This group may be called SMART but how smart is it to give these tribes military training and weapons and then send them on their way to defend their homes? Who's to say these groups won't get wise and rise up themselves or even join established armed groups?  Is creating more armed groups to battle armed groups a smart idea? Are the lumads also getting the special urban training the Australians are offering?

http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/12/19/17/military-trains-with-australian-troops-on-urban-warfare

Aside from war against the communists and the Muslims the Philippine government is committed to establishing a fully functioning Islamic state in Mindanao. Which begs the question, "Why bother fighting these groups if you are going to do their work for them?"

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/20/1770224/senators-commit-passage-bangsamoro-basic-law

And why does anyone think the BBL will quench the violence in Mindanao when the ARMM is filled with violence?

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/12/21/1770536/armm-opens-center-conflict-affected-maguindanao-towns

Their agricultural productivity, however, has been at all-time low due to frequent displacement by militants.

The ARMM is so violent that farmers can't even grow food. 

But this is all for next year. What about right now?  What's going to happen right now in the war against the NPA especially? The government just officially declared them a terrorist organisation and the Congress just officially voted to extend martial law for a whole year. Time to go in there and squash those commies with no regrets, right!?

Wrong!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/191904-government-dates-christmas-ceasefire-communists

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the unilateral ceasefire against communists will run from 6 pm of December 23 to 11:59 pm of December 26, and from 6 pm of December 30 to 11:59 pm of January 2. 

"This unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season. We expect that the CPP-NPA-NDFP would do a similar gesture of goodwill," Roque said in an earlier statement.

A holiday ceasefire?  I guess the NPA isn't that much of a threat if they can call a ceasefire for the holidays.

After much hemming and hawing and dillydallying and back and forthing the government has finally decided on a four days on, four days off, four days on ceasefire, and then a resumption of hostilities. And they expect the communists, who they so recently reclassified as terrorists, to extend a similar gesture of goodwill?

Crazy!  But the CPP has issued a ceasefire for the same dates as the AFP.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/191993-communist-insurgency-holiday-ceasefire

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) matched the dates of the broken ceasefire declared by the government. For Christmas, the ceasefire will be from December 23 to 26. For the New Year, the ceasefire will be from December 30 to January 2.

Originally the ceasefire was planned for the whole week unbroken.  

"The President announced last night a suspension of military operations (SOMO) from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/637134/duterte-orders-holiday-ceasefire-palace-expects-reds-to-do-the-same/story/

What prompted Duterte to change it from one unbroken timeframe of 10 days to the schedule of a factory worker on a rotating 12 hour shift? 

Even though the AFP will remain in a defensive posture:

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/24/1771456/afp-stay-defensive-vs-reds

It's hard not to scoff in derision that the AFP will be basically off duty during the ceasefire while McDonald's will remain open all throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Baskets

What did you get for Christmas this year?  Maybe you got one of these sweet gift baskets from SM!

What a random basket of stuff.  Nachos, Nescafe, canned ham, canned fruit cocktail, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, sparkling juice, and a bottle of olive oil. How does any of that stuff go together?

This is practically the same basket only with Oreos and Pringles instead of nachos.

I assume these are all for a party. Maybe an employer bought a whole bunch of these bags and is giving them away as gifts. But it's just random food stuff thrown into a plastic bag and tied shut wth a  red ribbon. Merry Christmas. How thoughtful.

I won't say the above baskets are garbage because they aren't. Some people might actually appreciate those baskets. But here is some garbage skilfully crafted into the Spirit of Christmas. 

Deck the halls with empty soda bottles!

The Body of Christ at the Liquor Store

A few years ago I bought a bottle of sweet apple iced wine which was very tasty. I thought I would I see if it was still being sold.  It was. So I eagerly took a bottle home and put it in the fridge for a few days. 

When it was time to finally drink it I was in for a shock.

It was spoiled. Tasted like vinegar. The reason being that the cork had dried out and the wine had oxidised.

Dried Cork

I also have no idea how old this bottle is. It was fairly expensive and sitting on the top shelf behind the counter way out of anyones sight so it could have been sitting there for years. I can't imagine apple iced wine is in high demand in the Philippines.

Thankfully there was no hassle at all with returning the bottle.  They were even willing to give a cash refund which is something almost unheard of in this country. Instead we did an exchange. For one bottle of apple iced wine I got the following:

Aside from the wine and liquor being sold at the wine and liquor store there was another product which caught my eye.

Altar bread? Communion wafers? The Body of Christ? They are selling the Body of Christ at the liquor store!  Who is the intended customer? Who is going to buy this?  I suppose technically it's not really the Body of Christ since these are unconsecrated wafers but they are potentially the Body of Christ. Anyone can buy a bag of these cookies, lift one up, and say, "Hocus corpus meum est," and then you would have the Body of Christ. 

But then does that mean all that red wine they are selling is potentially the Blood of Christ?

Tropical Storm? So What!

A tropical storm does not mean a stop or a standstill of any kind in the Philippines.  Life finds away.  For tricycle and pedicab drivers it means breaking out the large sheets of plastic.

For motorcyclists it means breaking out the rain coat or plastic bag.

Life may not come to a stop but traffic sure does come to a screeching halt.  Especially if there is a power outage caused by the wind blowing the traffic lights around.