Past Philippine Senate President (and hopefully the next Philippine President) Manny Villar -- who, like his supportive wife Rep. Cynthia Villar, is a friend of the Las Pinas City Bar Association (LPBA), Inc. -- is now in New York to attend the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebration there.
My long-time friend Manny Caballero, a columnist of New York-based THE FILIPINO REPORTER, in his latest column, wrote the following about our common tukayo Manny Villar, to wit:
“Senator Villar told me he believed Malacanang had a direct hand in the approval of House of Representatives Resolution 1109, which did not involve the Senate. HR 1109 intends to convene Filipino congressmen into a Constituent Assembly to propose amendments to the Philippine Constitution.
We view the measure as putting the Filipino people on notice that the Congressmen intend to violate the provision of the Philippine Constitution on amendments.
A leading constitutionalist in Manila commented that the Congressmen announced that they will commit a crime.
The common observation about the measure is that it is a way to extend the stay of President Arroyo in power, either as president or prime minister under a parliamentary type of government.”
Below is the full text of Manny Caballero’s column.
ON MY WATCH
By Manuel L. Caballero
THE FILIPINO REPORTER
New Jersey and New York, USA
June 12, 2009
The day-long Philippine Independence Day Parade & Festival held in New York City over the weekend was orderly and successful.
Let’s congratulate the organizers this year, under the leadership of Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) president Gerry M. Austria of Jersey City, NJ. It seems to me that the glamour and excitement of this celebration had gone back to its old glory since Filipinos from New Jersey started to get elected to lead PIDCI. (This is only a big joke because I know New York Pinoys will disagree).
Seriously, kudos to the hard work of Gerry, the famed American Pinoy, and his colleagues in the PIDCI Board.
* * *
Two serious and leading contenders for the presidency of the Philippines in 2010 and probably one in 2016 were at the New York parade last Sunday. They are Vice President Noli de Castro and former Senate president Manny Villar. The 2016 guy who looked more of an Italian to me than a Filipino is Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
History proves that marching in the New York Philippine parade brings good luck to Filipino presidential candidates. In the past, as candidates, former presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada joined the NY parade. Both won in subsequent elections.
President Gloria M. Arroyo, when she was still vice president, also marched in this parade. Later on, she became president, and is still the president. It seems, she wants to cling to power even after the expiration of her term next year. I will discuss this subject below.
If you were at the festival site last Sunday, where at around 4:30 p.m., a group of 12 young protesters suddenly appeared, each demonstrating a specific issue, you’d know what I mean. One of the placards read “NO TO GMA’S CON-ASS!” Con-Ass means Constituent Assembly, not the usual ass word. If you were a GMA critic, I guess you could use the word any way you wish.
Let’s get back to business. I had a chance to speak with the two senators separately on some Philippine- related issues in the corner of Park Avenue South and 23rd Street after the parade. Let me share some of our topics.
(I did not seek an interview with Vice President de Castro because I will have the opportunity to talk to him next week as he keynotes the GK 2024 Global Summit in Boston).
Senator Villar told me he believed Malacanang had a direct hand in the approval of House of Representatives Resolution 1109, which did not involve the Senate. HR 1109 intends to convene Filipino congressmen into a Constituent Assembly to propose amendments to the Philippine Constitution.
We view the measure as putting the Filipino people on notice that the Congressmen intend to violate the provision of the Philippine Constitution on amendments.
A leading constitutionalist in Manila commented that the Congressmen announced that they will commit a crime.
The common observation about the measure is that it is a way to extend the stay of President Arroyo in power, either as president or prime minister under a parliamentary type of government.
In the same interview, Senator Villar categorically denied that he committed wrongdoing on a government road project in the Paranaque area which is now under investigation by his fellow senators for allegedly benefiting his real estate business.
“The worst punishment for the offense they are investigating me for is reprimand,” said the former senate president. The senator seemed to say that his colleagues were merely wasting time. “It’s all politics,” added Sen. Villar.
The senator also told me he was a Couples for Christ member and that he was a supporter of Gawad Kalinga.
Senator Cayetano, on the other hand, said he was in New York, not as a candidate. He told me he would just campaign in 2010. Evidently, for Sen. Villar. He could also be the vice presidential team mate of Mr. Villar. The two are traveling together.
The youthful senator, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, wanted to send a message to Filipinos in America. He spoke of a “new independence.” The senator spoke of independence of Filipinos from poverty, unemployment, hunger and other social ills. “We should strive to achieve this ‘new independence’ for the Filipino people,” Sen. Cayetano also said.
* * *
In the U.S.A., according to a published report from the Associated Press, President Obama's disapproval rating on the economy has risen from 30 percent in February to 42 percent according to a Gallup poll completed May 31.
The president’s critics are quick to seize the moment by renewing their criticisms that the stimulus plan has not shown results, only mounting debt.
"This is President Obama's economy, and his administration must provide results and specifics rather than vague descriptions of success that seem to change by the week," said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia.
The President answered back his critics during Monday's Cabinet meeting.
"Now, I know that there's some who, despite all evidence to the contrary, still don't believe in the necessity and promise of this recovery act," he said.
"And I would suggest to them that they talk to the companies who, because of this plan, scrapped the idea of laying off employees and, in fact, decided to hire employees. Tell that to the Americans who received that unexpected call saying, 'Come back to work.'"
Although, the President admitted in the same cabinet meeting he was not satisfied with how the economic stimulus was working.
