Pressure on the SEC

A private secretary in Malacañang allegedly called up Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Fe Barin to pressure her not to pursue a case of non-disclosure involving a former independent director for a bank. This is a test case for the SEC to show whether it is really for good governance, and whether it can withstand pressure even from a presidential relative who is reportedly trying to influence the SEC to make sure that the case against the former independent director does not progress.

Join the ex-clusive club

This is another one for our ‘Only in da Pilipins’ book. A couple of foreigners living in the Washington area, who were visiting relatives here, were astounded that former Philippine presidents had the gumption to tell a sitting president what to do and with a deadline to boot. The visitors felt that it didn’t seem right for the former presidents of a democratic country like the Philippines to demand from a sitting president to join the ex-clusive club of former chief executives. In democratic countries, most ex-presidents limit themselves to building their library, going on the lecture circuit, writing their memoirs, playing golf, or working for a cause. Hardly do they give unsolicited advice to their successors unless they’re asked. The host just had to turn it into a joke by replying, "Well, these things happen only in da Pilipins!"

High-handed resort manager

A very exclusive and high-end resort located in an island southwest of Manila is allegedly being ruled by a foreign manager who seems to think that he is the only one who knows how a resort hotel should be run. The Spy-Ring disclosed that department managers who have been with the resort for 12 years are reportedly being treated like clueless newbies, getting daily doses of "sermons" from this irascible honcho. The Spy-Ring also got wind of reports that several guests allegedly suffered from food poisoning, which resulted in the humiliation of several employees. Because of the humiliating treatment, some seasoned staff members are seriously contemplating resignation as an option. Incidentally, this exclusive and high-end resort was in the news late last year for refusing entry to local government officials who wanted to check out the property for purposes of tax valuation. Observers said if things continue the way they are, the place might lose its appeal as a peaceful and tranquil resort.

3G technology could spread porn

Filipinos are projected to spend as much as $1.21 billion on mobile telephone services this year, and the advent of modern technology could raise the figures even more. Catanduanes Rep. Joseph Santiago, however, warned that the advent of 3G or third generation technology might open the floodgates for the spread of pornography through mobile phones. The porn business reputedly earns as much as $57 billion a year globally, and much of the revenues are from video-on-demand services, especially in countries with high technology mobile phone and Internet services. A former National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) head, Santiago had been urging the government agency to crack down on peddlers of cell phone pornography. The solon proposed the adoption of a content-rating system for audio and video materials delivered over cell phones, similar to what Cingular and Verizon, the two largest mobile phone operators in the US, have done. The Philippines reportedly has the 14th biggest mobile phone subscriber base worldwide, and is the fifth in Asia after China, Japan, India and South Korea. Santiago had earlier slammed the NTC for its seeming "mad rush" to push for 3G technology despite the insistence of industry players that they are not ready for the technology. The high cost of securing frequencies and the massive capital spending for networks have reportedly brought down the telecoms industry in a number of European countries.

Deteriorating Subic security?

An informant expressed concern over the seeming deterioration in security at Subic. The source reported that there has been an escalation in "akyat bahay" incidents in the staff houses. Among the favorite targets are pilots because they are usually away on flights. Merchant establishments have reportedly been robbed as well, with the hapless victims dismayed to discover the break-in just when they are about to start the day. Victims have allegedly complained at the unavailability of the security head, rumored to have a taste for expensive vehicles and real estate properties outside the base. A general who reportedly owns a house in Subic has also been victimized by these criminals. The PNP meantime has no jurisdiction within the base, so the victims understandably feel helpless.

* * *

Join our ring of Eye-spies by sending your intelligence information, complaints, pictures, and comments to [email protected]

All information will be strictly confidential.