Today’s Views

The Arroyo regime?s inquisition

If Defensor and the rest of his posse want Satur Ocampo et al to disappear, then they better come up with something stronger against them. If they are convinced about the sins of these people, they better prove it in the court of law. Otherwise, they have no business turning our democratic justice system on its head.

There?s a reason why presumption of innocence is the foundation of our justice system. There?s also a reason why the burden of proving the guilt of the accused lies in the accuser.

That reason is this: democracy.

Without those basic rights, democracy would be a sham. Without those fundamental principles guiding our justice system, we would be in an autocratic state.

Those who cannot prove anything against their nemesis are inclined to twist these principles around, to suit their own purpose, to spread black propaganda and outright lies.
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PSA Weekly Analysis

Pacific Strategies & Assessments, a leading Asia-based business risk consultancy, produces a weekly report for its clients in the Philippines. Its reports stand out for their intelligent, informed and candid assessment of Philippine business and politics. PSA, which operates in Manila and other key Asian cities, provides business intelligence, investigations, public affairs, security, and crisis management services.

In its report this week, PSA takes a look at these issues:

1) the ?state of decay? at Napocor

2) the similarities betwen Fidel V. Ramos?s Pirma initiative and Arroyo?s Charter-change campaign

3) the whitewashing of the Mayuga report

4) how the government is scaring off investors

5) how the strengthening peso is actually bad for many Filipino businesses

6) the Philippine tourism boom

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    Who Needs the Death Penalty?

    Commentary: Hackles by Carlos H. CondeI dare speculate that the Catholic Church used the Hello Garci scandal to wangle concessions from the embattled president, such as the commutation of all death sentences. Because had the Church, as an institution, spoke out against her and called on the public to topple her, Arroyo wouldn?t have lasted in Malacanang this long.

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    How to Bully Councilors and Get Away With It

    It is the duty of the City Council to stick its nose into anything that concerns the people. Councilors should not allow one arrogant colonel to redefine what democracy mandates them to do.


    Commentary: HACKLES By Carlos H. CondeDAVAO CITY ? Task Force Davao was created in 2003, in the aftermath of the bombings in this city in April of that year, solely for this purpose: to fight terrorism. Since then, however, it has metamorphosed into something else.

    I?m not talking about the fact that the TFD, which is dominated by the military, has practically usurped the functions of the police, or that the ubiquitous presence of TFD troops has made the city look like a garrison. I?m talking about something far more pernicious.

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    The Real Stories in Camp Bagong Diwa

    The families and the rest of the Muslim people will fight for justice for the slain innocent detainees. They suffered long enough in prison cell for crimes they did not commit.

    COTABATO CITY — Families and friends of the Muslim detainees of Camp Bagong Diwa, as well as the officers and members of Suara Bangsamoro, were so elated when news came out that the Commission on Human Rights has finally released its verdict about the reported summary execution of some Muslim detainees who did not participate in the jailbreak by the Abu Sayyaf Group on March 15, 2006 at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.

    This is only the first step for the families of the victims of summary execution. Criminal cases should be immediately filed against former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Angelo Reyes and Philippine National Police (PNP) director Arturo Lomibao.

    With the CHR report in the hands of the DOJ, the burden of determining probable cause is with Secretary Raul Gonzales. However, with the way he is way handling the Subic rape case, Lomibao and Reyes might go scot-free. Judging by the initial reaction of Secretary Gonzales, he will surely squeeze the CHR and the families for the burden of proof.

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