Began test broadcasts by the end of 1991; officially and finally returning to the air as the Associated Broadcasting Company on February 21, 1992 with the different callsign of the flagship station, DWET-TV and the corporate name, Associated Broadcasting Company, which the Company uses C as the corporate initial by instead of keeping Corporation, the name of original ABC, along its original calls, DZTM-TV during the pre-martial law years as a result of the new management took over upon the revival of the network.
Ramos took his oath office on June 30, 1992, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and as mandated by the Constitution, this took place at noon. The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Andres Narvasa. This is also the first inauguration after the 1987 constitution and the first inauguration after the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The inauguration took place at the Quirino Grandstand as revealed by president Corazon Aquino on her final State of the Nation Address in 1991. Among those in attendance were outgoing president Corazon Aquino, vice president Salvador Laurel, former president Diosdado Macapagal and former first lady Eva Macapagal.
Second visit
The Pope visited the Philippines again in January 1995 in time for the 10th World Youth Day. Some 3 million people lined the streets to welcome John Paul II, who arrived on Jan. 12, 1995.
The five-day visit was the Pope’s first overseas trip after he underwent an artificial bone implant in the leg following a hip injury in April 1994.
On his arrival, the Pope addressed the youth and invited them “… to [s]ee the world around you with the eyes of Jesus himself! The Gospel says that when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
The following day, the Pontiff met with then President Fidel Ramos at Malacañang and later celebrated Mass for the 233 delegates of the International Youth Forum at Central Seminary Chapel of the UST. He also gave a 20-minute speech to some 200,000 cheering students and academicians gathered at UST Grandstand and Parade Grounds.
“I see that it is my great privilege to be here, to be here and discover anew this phenomenon I knew before, and today I know better,” the Pontiff said.
Fourth centenary
During this visit, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass to mark the fourth centenary of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Dioceses of Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia at the Philippine International Convention Center grounds in Pasay City.
In a private meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the Pope made the “strongest comments” defending the Catholic ban on artificial contraceptives. He also condemned the injustice in the country and noted the “increasing” gap between rich and poor.
“When powerful interests promote policies which are against the moral law inscribed on the human heart, they offend the dignity of man who is made in the image and likeness of God,” the Pontiff said. “In doing so, they undermine the foundations of society itself.”
On Jan. 15, 1995, a Sunday, the Pope arrived at Malacañang Park aboard the Popemobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue, but was forced to ride the presidential helicopter along with Cardinal Sin and Papal Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni to get to Quirino Grandstand amid the huge crowd on the streets.
Biggest gathering
At past 10 in the morning, the Pope began the three-and-a-half-hour Mass that marked the closing of World Youth Day. Attended by 4 million people, it was the biggest gathering so far in the Pontiff’s 16-year reign.
The Mass’ concelebrants included Sin, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano and Eduardo Cardinal Pironio, head of the Pontifical Council of the Laity.
The following morning, the Pope left Manila for Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. In his farewell speech before some 10,000 people at the old Manila International Airport, the Pontiff said: “The Pope feels so well in the Philippines that he looks at another opportunity perhaps to return.”
He added: “I take with me a thousand images of the Filipino people.”
Jan. 3, 1997 throwback: The headline quotes former President Fidel Ramos in his annual report to the nation or Ulat sa Bayan at Malacañang the day before, heralding to Filipinos the economic and social progress ushered in by his administration.
Among the achievements Ramos touted in his speech was the economic growth the country experienced in 1996, as proven by the 7.1 percent gross national product growth that year, record-low inflation rates since 1992, declining unemployment rates and increase in exports.
Ramos noted that these achievements were the result of his administration’s efforts to establish peace and security through agreements with Moro rebels and intensified crime prevention and law enforcement.
“This past year, we could say we have crossed the threshold from the point of takeoff toward sustainable development,” Ramos said in his address, adding that the country had come to a point when it ceased to be the Sick Man of Asia, but rather loomed as Asia’s newest tiger economy.
This headline is crucial because that pronouncement would be turned upside down a few months later. By July of that year, the 1997 Asian financial crisis would affect the Philippines, raising interest rates, sending the peso plummeting from P26.00 to P46.50 versus the dollar, causing the Philippine Stock Exchange composite index to drop to 1,000 points from the previous 3,000, and contracting economic growth to a paltry three percent. It was a lesson on cautious optimism that we can use today, given our own economic achievements in recent years.
It was Friday, June 12, 1998, a public holiday. Thousands of spectators flocked to Rizal Park awaiting the start of festivities for the Philippine Centennial Year celebrations.
They came by the busloads – couples, families, friends, even whole villages – donning caps, holding umbrellas and wearing Filipiniana attire amid the morning heat. Others wore the nation’s colors and carried various sizes of Philippine flags.
It was a field day for many, and the beginning of a long weekend. They laid mats and cardboard on the grass, brought out packed lunch in Tupperware and exchanged small talk.
For some, the park became an instant classroom for parents to give impromptu lectures to their children on Philippine history, culture and tradition.
One parent, Elizabeth Montecillo, brought her two sons and a nephew so she could tell them about the country’s heroes and the important events of the past. “Earlier, they inquired about the Rizal Monument,” she said. “It’s good for them to learn history at an early age.”
The children had a lot to look back to; it was, after all, 100 years of Philippine history. The festivities commemorated the day when Filipino revolutionaries, led by then-president Emilio Aguinaldo, declared the country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
A 42-float parade depicted the country’s history during the celebrations at Quirino Grandstand, which was witnessed by then-president Fidel Ramos, vice president Joseph Estrada, members of government, the diplomatic corps, and other guests.
One float featured a life-size caravel, which showed the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in 1521 led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. A mock battle was performed reenacting the Battle in Mactan between Magellan and the island’s natives.
The 300-year Spanish colonial rule was portrayed in the succeeding floats. It showed the country’s conversion to Christianity, the people’s enslavement to serve the Spanish empire’s economic needs, the revolts against colonial rule, the period of nationalist enlightenment, and the bloody revolution that it brought forth.
At the apex of the parade, a two-story replica of the Aguinaldo Mansion slowly made its way along the parade grounds. On the balcony, actor Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., an actor who starred in numerous action movies, played the part of President Aguinaldo.
With a solemn expression, Revilla held the flag from a long pole as he stood along with two other actors, Dante Rivero and Juan Rodrigo, who read the Declaration of Independence. When the declaration was read, he slowly waved the flag to the cheers of spectators wearing farmer costumes.
He then went downstairs, walked out of the mansion with the flag, and went up the stage to the awe of government dignitaries. As the drums rolled, Revilla handed the flag to Ramos, who then raised it with one hand before planting it on a stand at the stage.
Ramos had reenacted the same event from the balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite, earlier that day.
In his speech during the celebrations, Ramos addressed the crowd. “Today, we have grown into the responsibility and the glory of nationhood. We are prepared to account for ourselves in the global community. We have begun to make our own history.”
“We, Filipinos, are rejoicing in our coming of age — in the final proof of our ability to understand, to use, and to protect the liberty our heroes won for us a century ago,” he said.
The celebrations culminated with a military parade that showcased our armed forces’ might, including a fly-by of Air Force jets. The evening was capped by a 30-minute fireworks display at Manila Bay — the largest and longest the country has seen — in the colors of the republic: red, white, yellow and blue.
It was supposed to be a holiday for Martin and Gracia Burnham, who celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary at the posh Dos Palmas Resort in Honda Bay, Palawan.
For 17 years, the two had been working in the Philippines as members of the New Tribes Mission, a Christian evangelical group. Martin was a pilot who flew in supplies to communities where NTM proselytizes, while Gracia worked for the congregation’s aviation program.
They had a pleasant life of spreading Christianity and raising their three children, all of whom were born in the Philippines – until the Islamist terrorist group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped them on May 27, 2001.
During the early hours of that day, armed men woke up the couple and, at gunpoint, forced them and other hotel guests and staff into two waiting boats. Another American, Guillermo Sobero, was also taken captive. The terrorists abducted a total of 20 people, mostly, Filipino-Chinese tourists.
The hostages were brought to Basilan Island in Mindanao, more than 500 kms. southeast of Palawan and one of the islands where the terrorists operate. The group had already kidnapped another group of tourists in Sipadan Island, Malaysia, as well as a number of local and foreign journalists in the previous year.
Upon arrival at Lamitan town in Basilan, the Abu Sayyaf took a church and a hospital hostage. The Burnhams and the other hostages from Palawan were joined by 20 more people, mostly doctors and nurses from the Dr. Jose Torres Memorial Hospital and parishioners at the St. Peter Church. But four hostages from Palawan “escaped,” after allegedly paying ransom.
Cayetano peacefully died from complications in abdominal cancer on June 24, 2003, at his home in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
From July 21 to 23, unauthorized troop movements apparently bound for Manila had been monitored upon validation of the information that there was restiveness among junior AFP officers.
Having validated the coup rumors and considering the troop movements, the Government took a number of pre-emptive measures. It was fortuitous that these rumors and troop movements materialized just prior to the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for delivery on July 28. In connection with the SONA, the Government was already taking measures to ensure the security of the President and the Government. On July 10, the National Security Council (NSC) had requested the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to host a “ small group” meeting of the Special Monitoring Committee Alpha (SMC Alpha), which was organized to ensure security during the SONA, together with the major service intelligence chiefs of the AFP and counter-intelligence specialists.
SMC Alpha is composed of representatives from various intelligence bodies, and is mandated to monitor domestic threats, particularly destabilization plots against the Government, and to recommend appropriate counterintelligence measures. Its task is to prevent mass mobilizations from turning into a situation similar to the attempted siege of Malacañang Palace on May 1, 2001 by the supporters of President Joseph Estrada.[5]
At the SMC Alpha meeting held on July 11, the details of the recruitment by the Magdalo group were discussed and those involved were identified. On the same day, NICA Director General Cesar Garcia reported to National Security Adviser Roilo Golez on the ongoing recruitment activities in the AFP by certain junior officers.
On July 12, the intelligence group informed the President about persistent reports of rebel recruitment activities in the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly in Mindanao, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J2), MGen. Pedro Cabuay, presented a summary of what was taken up at NICA the previous day. Considering its highly sensitive nature, the information was kept within a small group. Apart from the top officers of the AFP and the PNP, only a small number of Cabinet members attended. Recruitment efforts were noted to be most intense in the First Scout Rangers and Special Forces Regiment of the Special Operations Command, the Philippine Navy (SWAG), Fort Bonifacio Units, the Philippine Army’s Light Armor Brigade (LABDE) and the Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTAF). Most of those who were approached were junior officers from the PMA ’95 up to ’99. Considering the situation as having developed into a crisis, the President immediately designated Golez as crisis manager. An action plan was approved which consisted of pre-emptive measures employing persuasion efforts on the one hand, and cracking down on the suspected plotters should they commit any overt illegal acts, on the other.[6]
Recruitment activities by suspected rebels were again reported during the July 14 meeting of the Cabinet Oversight Committee – Internal Security (COC-IS). The meeting discussed threats to SONA and the concomitant security preparations. At this time, the Government had not yet established concrete links between the recruitment of military officers as rebels and the anti-government mass actions mobilized for the SONA. In the meeting of SMC Alpha on July 15, the recruitment had been reported as led by a covert fraternity called the “New Filipino Heroes” who were advocating the adoption of the NRP of Honasan. Plans of the groups to rescue and release ex-President Estrada from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and to take over radio and TV stations were likewise revealed. Another meeting by the SMC Alpha took place on July 18 to ensure that the action plans agreed upon were already in place and being implemented.[7]
Having received reports about the troop movements, PNP Chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. issued a directive to all field commanders to coordinate with AFP units and investigate any unauthorized movements and other groupings. He also ordered all PNP personnel to be accounted for, and declared a full alert status for the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, effective 6:00 pm on July 22, 2003. There was also an order to reinforce the guards at Camp Crame.
It further appears that the intelligence community had been receiving reports that Honasan had been holding sessions with the members of the Magdalo group in Metro Manila and Sangley Point, Cavite. Information on these sessions was shared during the preparation for the President’ s SONA. At the meeting on July 23, the SMC Alpha discussed plans on how to counter the likely staging of mass actions by anti-government groups at the Batasang Pambansa Complex during the SONA. At this meeting, the efforts at recruitment of junior officers in the AFP and the PNP in Mindanao were reported. The February 11 Memorandum of Instructions to the DND Secretary purportedly issued by the President and the “Oplan Greenbase” attributed to Ermita were reported to have been disseminated to bolster the recruitment effort.
Troop movements actually occurred two days before the Oakwood incident. Some 47 marines, carrying firearms were sighted coming from Ternate, Cavite. In the early morning of July 25, Some 28 Scout Ranger personnel boarded a Cebu Pacific flight for Manila and were monitored to have proceeded to Virramall Shopping Center in Greenhills, San Juan. On the same day several Scout Rangers were also reported surveying the Makati business district.[8] Moreover, a group of Scout Rangers and members of the Philippine Marines boarded Superferry 2 from Zamboanga City for Manila via Iloilo City.[9] The troop movement was being monitored and it was decided that the soldiers be met once they arrive in North Harbor. Upon their arrival, they were in fact met by some officers, including Col. Danilo Lim of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), and were found to have apparently legitimate reasons for coming to Manila. They carried documents showing either they were on rest and recreation or about to undergo training. Despite the coup rumors, Government security forces refrained from taking punitive action against the junior officers at that time as nothing overtly illegal had been committed. Some of them came in BDA uniforms and carried arms and ammunition. Some of them ended up in Oakwood.
Before the Oakwood incident, amid the coup rumors, the President met with officers and men, including Trillanes and some members of PMA ’94 and ’95. On July 10, Navy Lt. Christopher Magdangal, an Aide-de-Camp to the President and a member of PMA ’95, called his classmate Trillanes to ask him about the veracity of reports that the latter was a leader of a rebel group moving to destabilize the Government. Trillanes said he was surprised to hear such report and later confided to Magdangal, after several exchanges of text and cellular phone messages, that he was in fact receiving death threats over the phone. Trillanes then asked Magdangal if he could see the President in Malacañang on July 13 to clarify the issue with her.[10]
Trillanes, who would later act as spokesman of the Magdalo group, met with two members of the PSG, Col. Delfin Bangit and Magdangal in the early morning of July 13. They talked for nearly four hours from 3:00 am onwards.[11] The two officers were present when Trillanes met with the President at 7:00 am of the same day. During the meeting with President Arroyo, Trillanes brought up the problem of corruption as discussed in the two term papers which he submitted for his masters program at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance. He later alleged that the President did not give him a chance to discuss the papers and instead scolded him. The President allegedly ordered the PSG officers to parade him before the media to give him a lesson and called the Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC), Vice Admiral Ernesto de Leon, to detain him at the Naval Intelligence and Security Force (NISF) in Fort Bonifacio.[10] In this connection, Magdangal, testified that, to the contrary, the conversation between the President and Trillanes was cordial. The President’s parting shot was “Trillanes, you are a young, very bright and very idealistic officer. Huwag mong gayahin si Honasan at si Cardeño.”[12] The meeting lasted for about an hour.
In the evening of July 23, 2003, about 100 members of PMA ’94 and ’95 had dinner and a “ photo opportunity” with the President in Malacañang Palace. A few days before the dinner, Chief of Staff, AFP (CSAFP) General Narciso Abaya held separate meetings with the officers of the two classes. He was informed of their sentiments, particularly that they were being unjustly dragged into the alleged plan for a rebellion.[13] Through the efforts of their classmates in the PSG and Abaya, the dinner with the President took place. Members of PMA ‘94 and ’95 were invited to the occasion for “pure socializing” through text messages that originated from Magdangal.[14] The class officers, expecting to have a “ dialogue” with the President that night regarding the issues in the AFP that they would like to raise, got frustrated as all Air Force Capt. Segundino Orfiano was able to say after the dinner, when the President briefly asked about the coup issue, was “…we are against corruption." Likewise, based on the remarks made on television immediately after the dinner, PMA ‘94 class president Army Capt. Ma. Noel Tolentino said, “we assured her that we are still… we are loyal to her”.
The President also attended on July 24 the turn-over of the command at the FSRR in Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan, Bulacan as part of the effort to neutralize the coup threat. The President took this opportunity to visit with the members of the FSRR, which at that time was reported to have been significantly infiltrated by suspected rebels. She also visited on July 25 the Marine Training Camp in Ternate, Cavite, Cavite, the PAF 15th Strike Wing, and the SWAG in Sangley Point, Cavite. Abaya made rounds of other units where restiveness had been reported.
In the early morning of July 26, the 10 suspected leaders declared unaccounted for by the AFP were identified as Trillanes, Layug, Gambala, Maestrecampo, and Army officers Capt. Lawrence Louis Somera, Capt. Albert Baloloy, 1st Lt. Lawrence San Juan, 1st Lt. Florentino Somera, 1st Lt. Jose Enrico Demetrio Dingle, and 1st Lt. Waren Lee Dagupon. At 5:00 am, emergency meetings were held by Abaya, Golez, and Garcia with the general staff and senior officers to discuss the reports on the missing officers and the reported destabilization plot.
At around 10:00 am, President Estrada and Corpuz met with a group of NGOs at the EDSA Shrine. Corpuz announced that certain units from Tanay were missing.
At 2:00 pm, a meeting was held by the same group with House Speaker Jose de Venecia and the House Committee Chairman for Defense and Security, Prospero Pichay, to discuss the matter.[15]
At 5:00 pm of July 26, 2003, the President convened a full cabinet meeting where Cabuay presented a briefing on the looming coup plot.[16] Thereafter, the President publicly announced for the first time at 8:19 pm in the media that “a small band of rogue junior officers and soldiers had deserted their posts and illegally brought weapons with them.”[17] The security plan of action was immediately set in motion. Task Force Libra (TF Libra), the counter-coup composite unit of the AFP, was set in motion. The action forces were immediately dispatched in anticipation of the rumored coup.
A week earlier, a meeting of the leaders of “anti-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada” (PJEE) groups allegedly to discuss pre-SONA activities at the Danarra Hotel in Quezon City was monitored by Government intelligence.[18] On July 25, 2003, intelligence reports were received that some so-called “anti-PGMA” groups like the People’s Movement Against Poverty (PMAP) and DEMOKRASYA had been instructed to assemble at the EDSA Shrine at 4:00 pm on July 27 and hold an overnight vigil there before proceeding to the Batasan area to hold anti-government rallies during the SONA. Invitations by the “ anti-PGMA” group members to civilians to join the coup to be staged on July 27 were made through cellphone text messages. Among those who were recruited were past and present members of the DIABLO and Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI” ).[19] Police Chief Inspector Leborio Jangao, one of the founding members of PGBI, stated he received cellphone text messages on July 26 informing him that a coup d’etat would be staged on July 27. At this time the crime disturbance personnel of the PNP had already been instructed to secure the EDSA Shrine, the Connecticut Street area, and the Ortigas Avenue Extension area from rallyists. There were reports the EDSA Shrine would be the target would be staged.
Early on Friday night of July 25, the 80th Infantry Battalion based in Camp Capinpin was ordered to augment TF Libra. The mission of the TF Libra included the securing of vital communications installations such as radio and TV stations. It assisted the PNP in securing the EDSA Shrine and containing civilian groups in the area. The first elements of the joint TF Libra arrived in Camp Aguinaldo at about 11:00 pm.[21]
For his part, Ebdane declared a full alert status nationwide, effective on 12:00 noon on July 26, as a contingency measure. All PNP field commanders were directed to secure vital installations and key establishments.
At around 2:00 pm of July 26, the Mandaluyong City police started the deployment of at least one hundred forty (140) personnel at the Poveda, Connecticut, and Ortigas areas. Later at 3:00 pm, intelligence reports indicated a change of instructions to the rallyists manning the EDSA Shrine. The anti-government groups were advised to assemble at the EDSA Shrine at 6:00 am on July 27 instead.[15]
At about 7:00 pm of July 26, Maj. Gen. Efren L. Abu, Vice Commander PA and Commander of TF Libra, visited the 80th Infantry Battalion. By this time, TF Libra was already at its full strength. An hour later, President Arroyo went on air and ordered the arrest of the junior officers who had deserted their posts. A conference presided over by Abaya was held at about 9:00 pm to assess the intelligence situation. Abu gave an update on the forces composition of TF Libra.
The PNP report on troop movement by Marines from Ternate, Cavite to the North or to Manila was confirmed by Cavite PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Roberto L. Rosales and Marine Commandant, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio. The advancing Marines were able to avoid checkpoints on their way to Makati by evasive movements. The PAF civil disturbance contingent earlier deployed at the Batasan area and the PN contingent at the VMMC, both in Quezon City, were then redeployed to the Makati area. An additional 100 Special Action Force (SAF) personnel of the PNP were then sent to secure the Batasan complex. In addition, one PA platoon and a PNP contingent reinforced the security forces of TV stations and telecommunications facilities.[22]
Also on July 26, Naval Base personnel in Cavite received a report that three suspicious-looking vehicles were parked at the back of the Naval Sea Systems Command Armory in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City. [Exhibit “N-1” identified by Garcia on August 14, 2003, Fact Finding Commission]
Following the order issued by President Estrada to the AFP and PNP for the arrest of the Magdalo officers at around 8:00 pm and the conference called by Abaya to assess the intelligence reports at 9:00 pm, operatives of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) were dispatched to Dasmariñas Village, Makati City at around 10:00 pm that same night of July 26 to verify the presence of heavily armed men in military uniform reported by security guards of the Dasmariñas Village. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents were also dispatched to monitor this development. [This report was relayed to the command duty officer, Naval Base Cavite and further relayed to Commander of NBC Commo Sanglay. On the investigation of vehicles used by rebel soldiers, a special report submitted by Capt. Alexander Pama, the assistant Chief for Naval Intelligence, provided details on the recovery of vehicles abandoned by the Oakwood mutineers.]
The Oakwood siege had been facilitated by earlier activities as seen in the foregoing account. The antecedents show that the rebellion was not a spontaneous phenomenon as extensive preparations and mobilization activities were undertaken prior to the occupation and control of the Oakwood Apartments.
The rebels took over Oakwood at past 1:00 am of July 27. Over 300 soldiers quietly entered the premises of Ayala Center in several groups.[25] The soldiers disarmed the security guards and took over Oakwood. They planted claymore mines around the building and in the vicinity. Snipers were posted at the Oakwood roof deck.[26]
Two government command groups were immediately dispatched after reports of the occupation of Oakwood, and of movement of the Marine contingent from Ternate towards Camp Aguinaldo were confirmed. The Crisis Management Staff was formed at the Command Operation Center in Camp Crame, and the Advanced Command Post of the PNP was established behind the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati. Marines and Army officers later joined the PNP at the Makati post, and the Southern Police District Director, Police Chief Superintendent Jose Gutierrez, was designated as the ground commander. At around 2:00 am on July 27, Abu was informed by the Joint Operation Center in Camp Aguinaldo about the presence of troops moving towards Metro Manila. Most of these troops were coming from Ternate, Cavite. At this time, the Marines under Teodosio were already poised to stop the troops. They were pre-positioned around the car park behind Oakwood.
At about the same time, the security guards of Dasmariñas Village in Makati confirmed the presence of heavily armed men in full battle gear marching from Paraiso Street to the EDSA-Pasay Road gate of the village. The armed soldiers, wearing red armbands, forced the security guards to open the gate. They were seen crossing EDSA and going towards the direction of Ayala Center, Makati City. The CIDG-NBI composite team confirmed that the rebel soldiers came from a house at 2177 Paraiso Street, Dasmariñas Village, owned by Ramon Cardenas who was residing at 1346 Palm Avenue in the same village. At 4:00 am TF Ayala of the Marine Corps had been activated and had occupied positions with infantry and armor, encircling the Ayala Center Complex.[27]
Between 4:00 and 5:00 am, the rebel soldiers were able to make arrangements to go on air to issue a public statement. The ABS-CBN News (ANC) network showed a live TV coverage of the prepared statement read by Gambala. In the statement, the rebels declared their withdrawal of support from the chain of command and presented their grievances against the Arroyo government. They demanded the resignation of the Arroyo administration leaders and endorsed the NRP as the solution to the problems of the Philippines.[28]
Also at dawn, Alex Benasin, a resident of the Baseco compound at the Port Area, was busy recruiting residents of the compound to go to Oakwood for a consideration of P300.00 each.[29] Later, at about 8:30 am, members of the PGBI carrying banners of the NRP were seen in the Makati area but they were prevented by the PNP from reaching and camping in the vicinity of Oakwood. Pro-Estrada rallyists headed towards the People Power Monument on EDSA were also dispersed by police stationed in the area. It was reported that more pro-Estrada followers actively recruited people from various Metro Manila locations to regroup in the EDSA Shrine. Members of the PMAP marched in the direction of Makati City from Greenhills.
After 9:00 am of July 27, President Estrada gave the rebel soldiers a 5:00 pm deadline to give up their positions peacefully and return to barracks. At around 1:00 pm, she declared the existence of a “State of Rebellion” and issued an order to use reasonable force, and pay due regard to constitutional rights, in putting down the rebellion.[30] The rebel soldiers held another public airing of their grievances at around 4:20 pm By that time, 25 rebel soldiers had surrendered to the TF Libra in two batches, as revealed by the Government command stationed outside of Oakwood. The announcement of the surrender was downplayed by the Magdalo group as part of a “psywar” operation on the part of the Government, during an ambush interview of Trillanes.
During the media briefing in the afternoon, other rebel officers besides the known leaders expressed their grievances against the Government while the press conference was going on.[28] Trillanes, in a side interview by a news reporter, stated that they were willing to negotiate.
Teodosio arranged for the rebels’ close family members to go to Oakwood and help persuade members of the rebel group to give up their plans.
Shortly before the 5:00 pm deadline, the President announced an extension of the deadline to 7:00 pm It was during the two-hour reprieve that negotiations with various personalities and groups of negotiators prospered. As the deadline approached, negotiations between the rebel soldiers and the Government team led by the Government chief negotiator, Ambassador Roy A. Cimatu, effectively extended the deadline indefinitely. [From the Briefing Manuscript submitted by Cabuay to the Commission on August 12, 2003.]
An agreement was forged between the two groups at 9:30 pm At 10:00 pm, President Estrada announced that the occupation of Oakwood was over. The rebels agreed to return to barracks and were out of the Oakwood premises by 11:00 pm.
President Estrada's Final State of the Nation Address
Opening of the 3rd Regular Session of the 12th Congress
Delivered on July 28, 2003 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City
Thank You Speaker De Venecia.
Vice President Macapagal-Arroyo; President Ramos; Senate President Drilon; Chief Justice Davide And The Associate Justices Of The Supreme Court; Distinguished Members Of The Senate And House Of Representatives; His Excellency Archbishop Franco, And Excellencies Of The Diplomatic Corps; Members Of The Cabinet; General Abaya And The Officers Of The Armed Forces; General Ebdane And The Members Of The Police; Fellow Workers In Government; Ladies And Gentlemen.
In March 1973, six months after the declaration of martial law, Ninoy Aquino was taken blindfolded from Fort Bonifacio and brought to a place he did not know. He was stripped naked and thrown into a cell. His only human contact was a jailer. The immediate prospect, in such a place, was a midnight execution in front of a grave dug by himself.
The purpose was clear as it was diabolical. It was not to kill him yet, but to break him first – and with him break the compelling proof that men can stand up to a dictatorship.
He came close to giving up, he told me; he slipped in and out of despair. But a power that must have been God held him together. He remembered the words of the epistle, God chose the weak to confound the strong.
On the third anniversary of his incarceration in Laur, the recollection of his pain gave birth to a poem of hope. This is the poem he wrote:
I am the burning candle of my
Life in the dark
With no one to benefit
From the light.
The candle slowly melts away;
Soon its wick will be burned out
And the light is gone.
If someone will only gather
The melted wax, re-shape it,
Give it a new wick –
For another fleeting moment
My candle can once again
Light the dark,
Be of service
One more time,
And then…goodbye.
This is the anguish of good men: that the good they do will come to nothing. That pains suffered in obscurity or sacrifices made away from the sight of men, amount to shame, and mock the man or woman who bears them.
Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Congress, distinguished guests, my countrymen:
That is not true. None of the good that we do is ever lost; not even the light in an empty room is wasted.
From Ninoy’s burnt-out candle, and thousands like it in cells throughout the garrison state, we gathered the melted wax and made more candles. To burn – not as long in such loneliness – but much more brightly altogether, as to banish the darkness, and light us to a new day.
You might ask: When will the president stop invoking Ninoy’s name? My answer is: When a president stands here other than by Ninoy’s grace. And not while gratitude is nourished by memory. Not while we acknowledge that it was his sacrifice that gave us back our freedom. And restored the freely elected office whose incumbent must stand every year in this place.
Five years have passed. My term is ending. And so is yours. As we came, so should we go. With grateful acknowledgement to the man who made it possible for us to be here. A man who discovered hope in the starkest despair, and has something yet to teach a country facing adversity again.
Yesterday, Without Bloodshed, Without Damage To Property, And Within A Single Day, We Overcame An Ill-Conceived Mutiny Carried Out By Misguided Military Officers.
Such Actions Are Deplorable And Will Be Met With The Full Force Of The Law, Including Their Political Component.
Yet They Signal An Underlying Problem That We Must Address. I Am Constituting An Independent Commission To Investigate The Roots Of The Mutiny And The Provocations That Inspired It. At The Request Of Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes, I Am Also Constituting An Independent Commission To Investigate The Davao Bombing.
These Will Be Matched By A Pnp Reform Commission. I Thank The National Police For Their Solid Support In Yesterday’s Crisis, And I Am Sure They Themselves Welcome A Comprehensive Reform That Will Cure The Organization Not Only Of The Failures Of The Scale Of The Al-Ghozi Escape, But Also The Daily Devils That Are The Kotong Cops.
By Now We Should Be At Peace: At Peace In The South, At Peace In The Countryside, Safe In Our Homes And Secure In Our Communities. But We Remain At War. At War Against Terrorism. At War Against Corruption. At War Against Disease. At War Against Drugs, The Greatest Menace Facing Our Country Today.
Last Five Weeks, We’ve Struck A Major Blow Against The Drug Menace. Eight Billion Pesos In Five Weeks. It Is A Pity That A Few Days Later After The Penultimate Success Against The Drug Menace, We Should Find Ourselves At War Against Destabilizers.
We Cannot Stay Divided With So Much We Need To Do Together. I Address Myself Not Only To The Joint Houses Here Assembled, But To The Nation-At-Large.
I Need You; We Need Each Other.
Iyon Ang Aking Sinabi Nang Naluklok Ako Bilang Pangulo Noong 2001. Sinabi Ko Noon Na Panahon Na Ng Paghilom Sa Ating Lipunan.
At Sa Aking Unang State Of The Nation Address, Pinagdiinan Ko Ang Mga Batayang Hangarin Ng Karaniwang Pilipino: Trabaho, Pagkain Sa Bawat Mesa, Tahanan, Edukasyon.
I Gave My Targets.
I Am Submitting To The Congress And To The Nation A Technical Report Of My Government’s Performance. In Sum I Can Say, We Delivered In Great Part On Our Commitments.
Hindi Lumampas Ang Dalawang Buwan Pagkatapos Noong State Of The Nation Address, Noong 9-11, Nagbago Ang Mundo. Sa Mga Batayang Hangaring Trabaho, Pagkain Sa Bawat Mesa, Tahanan, At Edukasyon, Ating Idinagdag Ang Kapayapaan.
Ngunit Dahil Hindi Pa Matatag Ang Ating Republika, Hindi Pa Natin Maaasahan Na Kung Ang Isang Pangulo Ay Mag-Uutos Parang Isang Presidente Ng Isang Korporasyon, Ay Maiintindihan At Susunod Kaagad Ang Mga Institusyon At Burokrasya. In A Nation Whose Institutions Are Still Fragile, A Leader Cannot Run A Developing Country Like A Corporation.
For The Practical Purposes Of Most People, Government Exists To Provide Jobs, Homes, Education, Peace, Food On Every Table. And To Do That Adequately And Dependably, Government Must Possess The Capacity To Execute Good Policy And Deliver Basic Services Through Strong And Responsive Institutions Staffed By A Competent And Dedicated Bureaucracy. In Short, Government Must Be The Arm Of A Strong Republic.
But A Strong Republic Does Not Happen Overnight; Not Even In Two Or Three Years. Nor Does It Happen Once And For All.
In This Setting, The First Virtue Of A Modern Leader Is A Constant Sense Of Correct Perspective, The Capacity To Retain Her Original Focus, And Plod On Regardless.
She Must Stick To Priorities That Were Carefully Chosen, Rather Than Dump Them At Every First Issue That Is Recklessly Raised.
I Have Stuck To My Priorites: Jobs, Food On Every Table, Homes, Education, Peace.
Many Of Our Reforms Have Yet To Bear Fruit, But In The Fullness Of Time Our Country Will Reap What Was Carefully Picked, Planted And Nurtured. And It Will Be A Harvest Of Plenty.
The Harvest Has In Fact Started.
Sa Kapayaan:
We Have Hit Hard At Terrorism And, With The Help Of Speaker Joe De Venecia, Made Advances Towards A Negotiated Peace On Two Fronts: The Milf And The Ndf.
Sa Susunod Na Linggo, Magsisimula Na Ang Pag-Uusap Ng Peace Panels Ng Gobyerno At Milf Tungo Sa Isang Panghuling Kasunduang Pang-Kapayapaan.
We Will Avail Of The Good Offices Of Malaysia In The Search Of A Political Solution To The Conflict With The Milf, While Looking To The Help Of The United States In The Rehabilitation Of Conflict Areas And The Eradication Of The Roots Of War.
We — All Of Us Filipinos — Have To Decide Now, Once And For All, Whether We Want Peace Or We Want War. There Is No Way To Peace. Peace Is The Way.
Subalit Kung Ipagpipilitan Ng Ilang Mga Kaaway Ng Ating Republika Ang Digmaan, Wala Akong Magagawa Kung Hindi Tapatan Sila Upang Ipagtanggol Ang Ating Mga Kababayan.
I Thank The Senate For Ratifying Seven U.N. Conventions Against Terrorism. I Ask Them To Ratify The Remaining Five.
Hinihingi Ko Rin Sa Kongreso Na Ipasa Na Ang Anti-Terrorism Law, At Isama Rito Ang Pagpataw Ng Mabigat Na Parusa Sa Kapabayaan Sa Pangangalaga Ng Mga Pinaghihinalaang Terorista.
Kasama Ng Terorismo, Ang Problema Ng Droga Ang Pinag-Uugatan Ng Matinding Pagkabahala Ng Mga Mamamayan Tungkol Sa Kanilang Personal Na Kaligtasan.
Ang Katiwaliang Nilikha Ng Kalakal Sa Droga Ay Malalim Ang Lagos At Bumabagtas Sa Lahat Ng Sector. Dapat Nating Kapootan Ang Walang Pakundangang Pagsira Sa Buhay Ng Ating Mga Mamamayan Na Maaaring Humantong Sa Pagkawasak Ng Ating Mga Institusyong Demokratiko.
Kapag Nakakausap Ko Ang Mga Magulang Ng Mga Drug Addict, Nawawasak Ang Aking Puso, Nguni’t Lalong Tumitibay Ang Loob Ko Na Tama Ang Aking Desisyong Itaas Ang Antas Ng Ating Paglaban Sa Bawal Na Gamot.
Dadalhin Ko Ang Labang Ito Sa Bawa’t Lalawigan At Lungsod Hanggang Umabot Sa Mga Barangay Upang Kumatok Tayo Sa Mga Pinto Ng Bawa’t Pamilyang Pilipino. This Is One Fight I Am Taking Everywhere, If We Have To Knock On Every Door.
Maglulunsad Tayo Ng Kampanya Sa Mga Paaralan At Mga Komunidad Para Sagipin Ang Kabataan At Bigyan Ng Bagong-Buhay Ang Mga Drug Users At Tiyaking Hindi Sila Malulong Muli!
Pipigain Natin Ang Supply Sa Kalye Sa Paraang Kahit Na Ang Masalapi Ay Mahihirapang Sustentuhan Ang Kanilang Bisyo.
Pipilayan Natin Ang Operasyon Ng Mga Drug Lords At Ng Kanilang Mga Padrino Sa Mga Pasilyo Ng Kapangyarihan.
I Thank Congress For Passing The Anti-Money Laundering Law, Because It Will Help Us Interdict The Money Of The Drug Lords. I Am Now Instructing The Secretary Of Budget And Management To Allocate A 100 Million Pesos For Its Implementation.
Ito Ang Ating Laban At Tayo Ay Magtatagumpay.
Para Sa Mga Big Fish Sa Iligal Na Droga, Mahirap Na Ang Magmoratorium Sa Death Penalty.
Ngunit Sa Ibang Bagay, Pro-Life Pa Rin Ako. I Will Veto Any Bill That Will Try To Smuggle In Abortion.
Tungkol Sa Edukasyon:
In 2001 I Said That Our English Literacy Gives Us A Competitive Edge In Ict. I Also Said That To Prepare The Youth To Be The Next Generation Of Knowledge Workers, We Will Upgrade Math And Science Teaching In Basic Education.
Kaya Dinagdagan Natin Ang Oras Para Sa Math At English At Pinag-Ibayo Ang Laman Ng Science Sa Bagong Curriculum.
Nagtayo Tayo Ng Eskwelahan Sa Anim Na Raang Barangay Na Dati’y Walang Paaralan.
Sinisimulan Natin Ang Distance Learning Program O Education Tv Para Sa Apat Na Raang Pamayanang Malayo At Kulang Ang Guro.
At Kagaya Ni Senate President Franklin Drilon, Samahan Niyo Akong Magtayo Ng Silid-Aralan Sa Lahat Ng Paaralang Lumalampas Sa Sandaang Mag-Aaral Bawat Silid. In That Way, We Can Once And For All Close The Perennial School Building Gap.
Tungkol Sa Tirahan:
Tayo Ay Nakapagtayo Ng Higit Sandaan-Libong Bahay Para Sa Mga Maralita At Halos Dalawandaang Libo Para Sa Mga Manggagawa.
Binigyan Din Natin Ng Katiyakan Sa Lupang Tinitirikan Ang Halos Tatlundaan-Libong Mahihirap Na Pamilya.
Pinagtibay Natin Ang Ancestral Domain Ng Mga Katutubo Sa Mahigit Tatlundaan Animnapung Libong Ektarya Ng Lupain.
Tungkol Sa Pagkain Sa Bawat Mesa:
Self-Rated Hunger According To The Surveys Has Gone Down To 6.6.% Compared To 12.7% Just Before I Became President.
Mayroon Tayong Pirmihang Supply Ng Bigas Sa Halagang Labing Anim Na Piso Bawat Kilo Para Sa Mahihirap.
At Ayon Sa Masugid Na Pagmonitor Ni Mar Roxas, Ang Ating Secretary Of Trade, Mula Noong Ako’y Naging Pangulo, Nanatiling P8.50 Ang Halaga Ng Pangmasang Sardinas, P11 Ang Mantikang Lapad, P23 Ang Mantikang Long-Neck, P28 Ang Puting Asukal, P23 Ang Brown Sugar, P28 Ang Kondensada, P115 Ang Baboy, P90 Ang Manok, At P160 Ang Baka. Matatag Itong Mga Presyo Mula Nang Ako’y Naging Pangulo. Dahil Dito, Ngayon Pinakamababa Ang Ating Inflation Rate Sa Loob Ng Dalawampung Taon.
Malamang Ito Ay Dahil Ang Aking Administrasyon Sa Tulong Ng Kongreso Ay Taun-Taon Gumugugol Ng Dalawampung Bilyong Piso Para Sa Makataong Modernisasyon Ng Agrikultura.
Namahagi Tayo Ng Halos Kalahating Milyong Ektarya Sa Ilalim Ng Reporma Sa Lupa. Mas Marami Pa Tayong Magagawa Sa Tatlumpu’t Walong Bilyong Pisong Inilaan Para Dito Ng Desisyon Ng Korte Suprema Tungkol Sa Nakaw Na Yaman.
I Congratulate The Supreme Court For Finally Granting What Has Taken Much Too Long To Materialize: Authorizing The Allocation And Use Of Private Loot For Laudable Public Purposes.
Hinihiling Ko Sa Kongreso Na Maglaan Ng Bagahi Nitong Pondo Bilang Kabayaran Sa Mga Naging Biktima Ng Paglabag Sa Karapatang Pantao Noong Martial Law.
Mas Malaki Rin Ang Maitutulong Ng Gobyerno Sa Mga Magsasaka Ng Niyog Ngayon Na Naresolba Na Pabor Sa Magsasaka Ang Kaso Ng Coco Levy. Uulitin Ko Ang Sinabi Ko Noon Pang 2001, Sisiguruhin Ko Na Makikinabang Sa Coco Levy Ay Ang Mga Maliliit Na Magnyo-Niyog. Hindi Ko Sila Pababayaang Madehado.
I Said That There Could Be A Million New Jobs In Agriculture And Fisheries. We Have Provided More Than Half Of That Number Two-Thirds Into My Term.
Ngunit Upang Mabuo Ang Isang Milyon, Kailangan Isabatas Natin Ang Panukalang Gamitin Ang Bukirin Bilang Kolateral Sa Utang Para Lumawak Ang Daan Sa Rural Credit At Kapital.
To The Countless Incentives That Congress Has Granted To Business, I’ve Matched Similar Programs To Give A Similar Break To The Worker In The Factory And In The Farm.
I Do Not Subscribe To Trickle Down Economics And Social Policy. Those Who Have Less In Life Should Not Have To Scramble For Crumbs At The Feet Of Those With Too Much On The Table.
Bilang Pakikipag-Ugnayan Sa Mga Pinakamahirap Ng Ating Bansa Hinggil Sa Pinakamalubhang Mga Problema Natin, Dinalaw Ko Ang Mga Di-Kilalang Barangay.
Nawasak Ang Aking Puso Nang Narinig Kong Namatay Ang Calisaan Quadruplets.
Lalong Nakumbinsi Akong Pag-Ibayuhin Ang Mga Serbisyong Pangkalusugan, Gaya Nang Mabuti Nating Paglaban Sa Sars.
Ngayon Ang Mga Gamot Na Madalas Gamitin Ng Mahihirap Ay Nabibili Sa Kalahating Presyo Sa Mga Ospital Ng Gobyerno.
Sa Philhealth Insurance Naman, Bago Ako Naging Pangulo, Isa’t Kalahating Milyong Maralita Ang Sakop. Ngayon, Halos Pitong Milyon Na.
Gusto Kong Palawakin Ang Mga Ito, Ang Murang Gamot, At Dapat Hangarin Natin Na Lahat Ng Dukha Ay Masakop Sa Philhealth. And To Finance The Universal Coverage Of Philhealth, I Ask Congress To Pass The Bill On The Indexation Of Sin Taxes.
Tungkol Sa Trabaho:
Sinabi Ko Noong 2001 Na Upang Dumami Ang Trabaho, Kailangang Isa-Ayos Ang Klima Para Sa Pamumuhunan.
Our Economy Grew By 4.4 Percent Gnp Last Year And 5.6 Percent In The First Quarter Of This Year. Only China And Vietnam Did Better.
Ang Kahirapan Ay Unti-Unting Nagagapi. Self-Rated Poverty Again According To The Survey, Is At Its Lowest Percentage Of The Population In The Last 16 Years.
Foreign Investments Rose 26 Percent In The First Quarter Compared To The Same Period Last Year.
But We Need To Reduce The Risk Of Living, Not To Mention Doing Business Here. Which Is Why Yesterday’s Rogues Must Go To Jail.
We Can Reduce Business Costs By Providing Basic Infrastructure: Roads, Transport And A More Efficient And Rationalized Power Sector.
Our Road Program Is Symbolized By The Long-Awaited Expansion Of The North Expressway.
On Mass Transport, Towards The End Of This Year, We Will Complete The Loop Of The Light Railway System Of Metro Manila — From Santolan In Pasig Towards Aurora Boulevard In Cubao, And On To Quiapo To Blumentritt On To Edsa In Pasay And Back To Cubao.
Hindi Tumaas Ang Pasahe Mula Noong Una Kong State Of The Nation Address. Kaya Mga Jeepney Drivers, Nagpapasalamat Ako, Hindi Ko Kayo Pababayaan.
To Reduce Transport Costs From Mindanao To Luzon, We Set Up The Nautical Highway, A System Where The Cargo Truck Itself Travels Straight To Its Destination, Making Inter-Island Crossings On Ferries, Rather Than Loading And Unloading At Every Port. This Has Reduced By 30 Percent The Transport Costs Of Products From Mindanao Like Copra, Rice, Corn And Vegetables.
Nagbigay Tayo Ng Koryente Sa Mahigit Tatlunlibot At Anim Na Raang Barangay. While In Metro Manila, A Consumer Using A 100 Kilowatt Hours Paid P526.48 Last May. Today, He Pays P423.20, A Drop Of Over A 100 Pesos Or 20 Percent. His Case Is One Of Almost 2 Million Households Benefitting From The Lifeline Rate Program Of The Energy Regulatory Commision. Another 119 Electric Cooperative Franchise Areas Will Also Soon Reduce Their Rates Under The Loan Condonation Program Of The Electric Power Reform Act That You, Congress Passed In 2001. That Is Why, Believe Me When I Say That From Having The Second Most Expensive Power In Asia-Pacific, We Now Rank Seventh.
But We Will Need 6,000 Megawatts More Of Power Over The Next Ten Years. That Is Why We Need To Pass The Transco Bill To Maintain A Favorable Ranking As We Take On This Added Capacity.
When We Reduce Business Costs, The Last Should Be Wages, And The First Should Be Red Tape.
Kaya Nagsasagawa Ako Ng Sorpresang Pagbisita Sa Mga Tanggapan Ng Gobyerno, Upang Pasiglahin Ang Talagang Nagsisikap At Gisingin Kung Sino Ang Natutulog Sa Trabaho.
Pinalakas Natin Ang Pambansang Ekonomiya — Agrikultura, Maliliit Na Negosyo, Pabahay — Upang Anumang Mangyari Sa Dayuhang Ekonomiya, Matatag Pa Rin Ang Pilipinas.
Naglaan Tayo Ng Sampung Bilyong Piso Para Sa Murang Pautang Sa Maliliit Na Negosyo. Nagamit Na Ito, Kaya Dadagdagan Muli Natin Ng Higit Pa Sa Sampung Bilyon.
Ang Interest Rates Ay Patuloy Na Bumababa.
Good Monetary Policy And Fiscal Discipline And Balance Are The Key.
Our Revenues Surpassed The Target By 21 Billion Pesos In The First Five Months Of This Year, Driven By Information Technology, And Helped By Lifestyle Checks, And 50 Indictments And Dismissals For Graft And Corruption.
Thus, We Held The Budget Deficit In Check At 22 Percent Below Ceiling.
I Thank Congress For Passing Our E-Procurement Law Because It Helps Us Hold Down Expenditures. Now, I Ask Congress To Complete The Passage Of The Bills On Excise Tax Rationalization And The National Revenue Authority.
But We Must Reduce Corruption Not Only Among Appointive But Also Among Elective Officials.
With Full Financial Support To My Government, The Registration, Counting, And Transmission Of Votes In The May 2004 Elections Will Be Completely Computerized.
Now, I Ask Congress To Institute Reforms In Campaign Finance To Level The Playing Field And Widen The Choice Of The Electorate For Worthy Candidates.
The Strength Of Our Investment Climate Also Rests In Great Part On The Realities Of The Global And Regional Environment And On How We Turn Those Realities To Our Advantage.
Our Country Has Come Much Closer To Re-Attaining Its Strategic Importance In Geopolitics As An Active And Respected Voice In International Affairs.
The Filipino Is Now Recognized As A Truly Global Worker, Both At Home And Abroad.
We Have Had The Smallest Number Of Strikes In The Last 21 Years.
Increasingly, The Philippines Is Being Recognized As An Ideal Site For Critical Operations Requiring A High-Quality, English-Educated Work Force.
Eight Million Filipinos Live And Work Abroad, In Jobs Where They Enjoy The Unbeatable Comparative Advantages Of An English Speaking Education, Advanced Skills And A Uniquely Caring Nature.
The Filipino Will Work Anywhere Because He Is Not Afraid. Like Manny Pacquiao, Given The Chance To Compete, He Will Take It And He Will Win. It Was Only Fitting That Because Of Your Work In Congress, Overseas Filipino Workers Were Given The Overseas Voting Right.
It Was Also Fitting That I Put In A New Perspective On Our Relations With The United States, Where Three Million Filipinos Live And Where I Made A Visit As Their Only State Visitor For The Year. The Benefits Of Our Engagement With The U.S. Vastly Outweigh Any Concerns About Sovereign Subordination. We Should Have The Confidence To Deal With Other Countries As Equals — However Rich, However Strong, Be They China, Japan, The Members Of The European Union Or The United States.
We Have Reached Out To Good Friends And Neighbors-Such As Prime Minister Mahathir Of Malaysia, And President Megawati Of Indonesia — With The Message That We Must Work Together Especially Where Democracy And Security Are Concerned.
Ang Panguluhan Ay Laging Nahaharap Sa Mabibigat Na Suliranin.
Terrorism, Drugs, Sars, Ofws, Mindanao, Poverty, Corruption, Investments, Destabilization — These Come To Mind As We Review The Crises And Opportunities Of The Past Year.
They Sum Up The Problems We Faced And The Extraordinary Responses That We Made, Surprising Even Ourselves And Reviving Faith In Our Future.
Barangay Vacante, Alcala, Pangasinan Got The Sars, Took The Hit, Fought On And Valiantly Overcame The Crisis.
Barangay Inug-Ug, Pagalungan, Maguindanao Politely Asked The Milf And The Military To Leave And Take Their Fight Elsewhere, Thereby Making Their Community A Sanctuary Of Peace.
Si Sonny Ayao, Umayaw Sa Giyera At Naging Community Organizer Kahit Na S’ya Ay Naging Mnlf Sa Edad Na Labindalawa, At Pagkatapos Maging Mujahideen Sa Loob Ng Dalawampu’t Pitong Taon.
The Filipinos Of Kuwait, Isolated By War But Refusing To Abandon Their Jobs, Took Care Of Themselves And The People Around Them During The Iraq Conflict.
Teacher Josette Biyo Of Iloilo, World Champion In Science And Math Teaching, Has A Planet In The Solar System Named After Her.
Luz Lozada, 72 Years Old, Ng San Isidro, Davao Del Sur — Hinirang Na Natatanging Magsasaka. She Is The Image Model Of Hybrid Rice Technology, The Symbol Of Our Agricultural Modernization.
Police Officers Cayetano Gannaban And Raul Graza Fought Off 20 Rebels In A Firefight In Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.
Police Colonel Boysie Rosales, Kilabot Ng Mga Drug Lords, Tumanggi Sa Suhol Na P35 Million.
Hinahangaan Ko Ang Gilas Ng Maraming Pilipino, Ang Malalim Nating Kaban Ng Kabayanihan At Talino, Ang Ating Matibay Na Kalooban Upang Mabuhay, Maglingkod At Mangibabaw.
Ang Ating Pangarap Ay Walang Kabawas-Bawas — Isang Matatag Na Republikang Hindi Matitinag Ng Makasariling Interes, Yumayabong Sa Mga Gumaganang Institusyon Ng Pamamahala, Naglilingkod Sa Isang Masipag Na Lipi Saanman Ito Kailangan Upang Maibigay Sa Kanila Ang Karapat-Dapat Nilang Tanggapin.
A Life Of Leadership Is A Difficult One, With Few Pauses For Comfort And Relief. These Days, I Find That Rare Moment Of Joy In The Company Of My Family — Especially My Granddaughter, Mikaela.
Just As I Will Do Everything To Make Sure That The Future Will Be Kind To Mikaela And Her Generation, So Must We All Strive To Turn Our Fears Into A Resolve To Do Right Not Just By Ourselves, But By Our Children And Grandchildren.
Nasa Giyera Tayo. Giyera Laban Sa Terorismo. Giyera Laban Sa Katiwalian. Giyera Laban Sa Kasakitan. Giyera Laban Sa Droga. Giyera Laban Sa Distabilisasyon.
On June 30, 2004, the traditional ceremony of political succession will unfold at the Luneta. The last time it was done that way was in 1965. I shall be there with you to proudly witness the event. This is the glory of democracy, that its most solemn moment should be the peaceful transfer of power.
Sa Ating Sama-Samang Pakikipaglaban At Pagtutulungan, Tayo Ay Mangingibabaw At Magwawagi.
No Agtutunos Tayo Nga Agtrabaho, Agba Leygi Tayo.
Abe-Abeng Makilaban Ampon Mag-Obra, Mangibabo Tamu.
Sa Atong Panaghiusa Sa Pagtrabaho Ug Pagbuntog Sa Mga Kaaway, Molampos Gayod Kita.
Sa Aton Pag-Inupod Sa Mga Ulubrahon Kag Sa Pakipag-Away, Kita Gid Ang Magpangibabaw.
Kasihan Nawa Ng Diyos Ang Pilipinas.
Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat at Paalam.
