Much controversy has surrounded the Arroyo administration’s recent proposal to build a national broadband network (NBN) in tandem with a Chinese firm. Reports of corruption are rife; accusations are exchanged between the Philippine President Gloria Arroyo’s very own allies. But what is a national broadband network, really? And is this a project that most Filipinos…
Month: September 2007
Romulo Neri and the NBN Scam
CHEd chairman and former NEDA director-general Romulo Neri, soft-spoken and frail of build, hardly comes across as one who could cause an uproar. But he has created quite a stir by confirming, in a Senate inquiry, reports that he had been offered a bribe by Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos in connection with a broadband network…
‘Abalos Impeachment Only a Hair Away’
Even congressmen allied with the administration think Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is “just a hair away” from getting impeached, but acknowledge that the beleaguered official might just have time in his favor. BY ACE ALEGRE Contributed to Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 BAGUIO CITY (246 kms north of…
Feast or Famine? RP-China Farm Deals and Local Agriculture
China is looking at the Philippines to meet its domestic food and energy requirements even as the Chinese economy is being restructured into an enormous assembly hub of manufactured goods for the American, Japanese and European markets. BY ARNOLD PADILLA IBON Features Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 During Chinese…
Other Gov’t Deals with China also Marred by Bad Loans and Corruption
Aside from the controversial US$330 million ZTE broadband deal, other Chinese loans to the Philippines are similarly marred by corruption and onerous loan agreements. BY IBON FOUNDATION Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 Aside from the controversial US$330 million ZTE broadband deal, other Chinese loans to the Philippines are similarly…
Mall Formation
The mall has become some sort of refuge: inside the mall, the surroundings are brightly lit giving the impression that the sun is shining the whole day; it is clean, there are no garbage littering the streets; it is cool; there are trees; the toilet flushes; the service is good; and there are no crimes…
A Disgrace
From fair-haired boy to whipping boy, from a position of influence to becoming a disgrace – such is the fate of Commissions on Elections (Comelec) Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. BY BENJIE OLIVEROS Analysis Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30 – October 6, 2007 From fair-haired boy to whipping boy, from a position of influence…
A Scourge in the Arroyo House
The political stakes involved in the NBN fiasco are high that administration officials and their allies may just likely bury it. BY THE POLICY STUDY, PUBLICATION, AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM (PSPA) CENTER FOR PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT IN GOVERNANCE (CENPEG) ANALYSIS Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 Among the scoundrels in government, there…
In Aftermath of Erap Verdict, a Focus on Arroyo
It is ironic, indeed, that the Arroyo administration, which seemed to have successfully upheld the rule of law and, by doing so, sent a strong signal that it is serious in fighting corruption, is now being regarded as if it were the one on trial. But, according to analysts and critics, there is basis for…
Pinakamahusay na Gurong Nagmulat sa Akin
Ni Danilo Arao Konteksto/Pinoy Weekly Inilathala ng Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 Hindi ko na po kayo masyadong nakikita dahil may sarili na akong pamilya, bukod pa sa malayo na ang bahay namin sa tinitirhan po ninyo. Pero tandang tanda ko pa ang mga itinuro n’yo sa akin. Noon pa man,…
Freed Ilocos Peasant Leaders to File Counter-charges
For three Ilocos peasant leaders recently freed after what they described as fabricated charges against them were dismissed, their struggle is far from over. BY ROD TAJON HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VII, No. 34, September 30-October 6, 2007 VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (407 kms north of Manila) – For three…