Nonworking senators

No less than Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has decried the slow pace of legislation due to the poor attendance of Senators. He pointed out that same Senators just attend the role call and then leave the session hall.

Among the long pending bills are the RH bill, the AMLA Amendment, the Cybercrime Prevention Act Amendments, the Sin Tax bill and the FOI bill.

With only 10 weeks to go before the election period adjournment on the 1st week of February, it is highly unlikely that except for one or two, the other bills will have to wait for the next Congress.

It’s worst in the House. They have serious quorum problems.

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ARROGANT PSG OFFICERS . . Atty. Howard Calleja, PPCRV Secretary General and Law Professor was harassed and threatened with arrest by PSG personnel at the Korea Garden Restaurant in Jupiter St., Makati.

While having dinner at the restaurant, Atty. Calleja received a call that his driver was being arrested in the parking lot for a traffic violation. Here is Atty. Calleja’s story:

 “After about 5 minutes I got a call from the driver of my father saying they are arresting my driver outside, so I rushed outside and was surprised to see many men around my car and 2 uniformed PNP officers. When I asked the PNP why they were arresting my driver they said they just wanted to get his license for an alleged traffic violation. I asked my driver what he did. He said they didn’t want him to leave the parking area and asked for his license pointing now to a man in civilian (later I found out to be part of PSG of the President) and the PNP officer as the men asking for his name and license and threatened to give him a ticket for an alleged traffic violation.

At this point another man also in civilian clothing (later I found out also PSG) asked for my ID and who I am. I gave my ID without saying my name and asked if I too will be arrested. He then said that he can arrest me for alarms and scandal for shouting at them. 

I said fine arrest me I am not doing anything, he then looked at my ID and found out I was a lawyer and now in a calm voice said we can fix this calmly. My response is yes we can be calm but why are you arresting my driver? He also answered because of a traffic violation. I said what violation in a parking lot, who are you reserving this for any way? I further said all we wanted is to drop off my wife who is pregnant and he replied if we knew she was pregnant it would not be a problem. I just wanted to laugh hearing this because they were not even there but all on the side when we tried to get in. Also they clearly saw my wife and son getting down the car, obviously at 33 weeks my wife is so pregnant. I also asked his name but he didn’t give it saying again that he can arrest me for shouting at them earlier. Again, I said, go ahead and I told my driver to go out of the parking area. My driver then left and I proceeded inside the restaurant when I heard again somebody from my back saying in tagalog “hulihin ka namin” or something to that effect to which I turned and said go ahead try me.”  

After the adoption of the President’s no “wangwang” policy, the President’s convoy always respected the right rights of ordinary motorists.

The above incident shows that the PSG is now backsliding and showing their arrogance and power madness in dealing with ordinary citizens. Atty. Calleja advised: “check the restaurant first if the President has a reservation and avoid going there if he has.”

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TURN AROUND . . Until about 6 months ago, public opinion as much as 90% was anti-Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and it was a big political disadvantage to be identified as a friend of GMA.

The latest survey conducted by The Center last Oct. 8‑13 shows a big turnaround in public opinion as 65% said the cases against GMA are politically motivated. A bigger percentage, 71% agreed that she should be under hospital arrest at Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

This is a strong message to Malacañang to change their hardline policy against GMA. One way to do that is to allow her to go abroad and get a neck surgery.

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TROUBLE BREWING . . Despite scheduled meetings to discuss specific details of the framework agreement in Malaysia, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim has issued a statement saying that the 75-25% wealth sharing in favor of the MILF is a “done deal” and therefore, no oil concession contracts should be issued by the national government in the Bangsamoro territory until the agreement is finalized.

It is questionable that a “done deal” can be claimed until the Transition Commission has drafted a bill creating the Bangsamoro Basic Law and approval into law by Congress and the President.

Meanwhile, rebel activity continues in Mindanao as NPA rebels raided a Dole Plantation warehouse in Bukidnon. Last week, they torched a poultry farm in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur burning 10,000 chickens.

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TIDBITS . . . Sonny Santos, nephew of Santi Santos, is running for Councilor in the 2nd district of Pateros.

Congratulations to Jaime “Jim” Ayala for winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst and Young Philippines. He will represent the Philippines in the World Entrepreneur Awards in Monaco on June 1, 2013. Jim Ayala founded Hybrid Social Solutions, Inc. retailing solar power appliances.