Transcript of pre-Sona online chat

(11:11:04) Sun.Star Bot: Welcome to the Sun.Star pre-Sona online chat.
(19:58:40) Sun.Star Bot: (girlie) logs into the Chat.
(19:58:57) Sun.Star Bot: romeo_juinia logs into the Chat.
(19:59:02) romeo_juinia: testing
(19:59:14) (girlie): hi people.girlie here
(19:59:22) marlen_limpag: good morning everyone. welcome to the sun.star pre-sona chat. we will start at 11 a.m. sharp. our chat moderator, atty. frank malilong, and gabriela rep. liza maza are already here. nini b. cabaero, sun.star network exchange editor-in-chief, and i will be assisting atty. malilong.
(19:59:38) Sun.Star Bot: romeo_juinia logs out of the Chat.
(19:59:48) nini_cabaero: hello. good morning.
(20:00:25) (girlie): hi marlene
(20:00:40) frank_malilong: Good morning
(20:01:03) Sun.Star Bot: victor logs into the Chat.
(20:01:07) frank_malilong: Welcome to Sun.Star Online’s pre-Sona chat
(20:01:27) Sun.Star Bot: (New_Zealand) logs into the Chat.
(20:02:12) Sun.Star Bot: User (352631) – IP address: 121.54.17.8
(20:03:07) nini_cabaero: Good morning. The names in color green are those of the moderator, assistant moderators, and guests. So far, we have Representative Liza Maza of Gabriela already logged in. We are waiting for Professor Ben Diokno and Undersecretary Romeo Juinia of the Office of the Press Secretary.
(20:03:27) (New_Zealand): Ma ayong buntag Sugbo….from a Sugboanong dako here in Auckland New Zealand. Time here is 3:03 pm Tuesday.
(20:03:38) nini_cabaero: Juinia will represent Press Secretary Cerge Remonde who was called to a Cabinet meeting today in Bukidnon.
(20:03:50) (jackjakosalem): hi nini. ok
(20:03:58) Sun.Star Bot: (june) logs into the Chat.
(20:04:01) Sun.Star Bot: (1vision) logs into the Chat.
(20:04:03) nini_cabaero: hello, councilor. welcome.
(20:04:18) marlen_limpag: hi new_zealand. welcome. we’re still waiting for some of our guests. rep. liza maza is already logged on.
(20:04:25) (jackjakosalem): thanks. im just in my Y101 meeting logged on to u guys
(20:04:42) (jackjakosalem): good morning everyone
(20:05:03) (New_Zealand): thanks,,,
(20:05:50) frank_malilong: Hi this is your moderator. First, let me introduce our guests. We start with Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela.
(20:06:03) frank_malilong: Good morning Rep. Maza
(20:06:16) liza_maza: good morning
(20:06:54) frank_malilong: Is it true Rep. Maza that you would boycott Monday’s Sona? why?
(20:07:33) liza_maza: Yes, the reps of Gabriela, bayan Muna, Anakpawis and Kabataan parties will boycott
(20:08:00) (jackjakosalem): good morning, please define what a PRE-SONA chat should be and topics for discussion, and limitations if any?
(20:08:56) marlen_limpag: hi councilor jakosalem. this chat is a preliminary to the sona. we hope to discuss here issues that should be tackled in president arroyo’s sona.
(20:09:07) (jackjakosalem): ok thanks!
(20:09:44) frank_malilong: Professor Diokno will be joining us shortly.
(20:09:46) liza_maza: Our boycott is a manifestation of our protest to the 8 years of PGMA rule and her intention to stay in power longer
(20:10:39) frank_malilong: Do you believe this will be her last Sona?
(20:10:40) marlen_limpag: other guests, please feel free to ask questions from rep. maza.
(20:10:48) Sun.Star Bot: (maxlimpag) logs into the Chat.
(20:11:03) liza_maza: i hope this will be her last Sona
(20:11:18) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:11:22) (352631): how about issues like worsening oil price increases, lpg price increases, prices of medicines, rice & other agricultural products, high tuition fee..
(20:12:20) marlen_limpag: rep. maza, do you think there are still last-minute efforts by president arroyo and her allies so she could stay in office longer?
(20:12:28) (1vision): Rep. Maza, the boycott is in relation to the ConAss right?
(20:12:30) (girlie): i think so.as she said their wil b an election next yr..
(20:12:36) frank_malilong: Will there be other congressmen who will be joining the boycott?
(20:13:07) (girlie): who else are joining rep maza?
(20:13:17) (352631): lets join the peoples sona..led by the group of rep. maza
(20:14:02) liza_maza: Yes, it is in relation to con-ass and our manifestation of protest to her 8-year rule. our country suffered the highest unemployment, worsening poverty, worst graft and corruption and puppetry to foreign interests
(20:14:20) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) has been logged out (Timeout).
(20:14:59) Sun.Star Bot: (chatchat) logs into the Chat.
(20:15:10) liza_maza: Reps Ocampo, Casino, Ilagan, mariano, Colmenares, Palatino and Maglunsod
(20:15:58) Sun.Star Bot: (chatchat) logs out of the Chat.
(20:16:39) frank_malilong: How many people are you expecting in your people Sona?
(20:16:59) liza_maza: 25,000
(20:17:36) Sun.Star Bot: (benjamin_diokn) logs into the Chat.
(20:17:43) Sun.Star Bot: (jamcebu) logs into the Chat.
(20:17:51) (jackjakosalem): good morning maam liza. where and when will be the people sona?
(20:17:52) liza_maza: and there will be people’s sona outside manila e.g. davao, bagui, iloilo and other major ciities and provinces
(20:17:55) Sun.Star Bot: (jake76) logs into the Chat.
(20:18:02) frank_malilong: Welcome Professor Diokno
(20:18:06) Sun.Star Bot: (boy) logs into the Chat.
(20:18:20) liza_maza: good morning prof. diokno
(20:18:32) (benjamin_diokn): Good morning
(20:18:34) (352631): Prof. Diokno how do u assess gma’s present backward economy..
(20:18:43) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, with a woman president, do you think the plight of women in the country improved under Arroyo?
(20:18:47) (jamcebu): Good morning sir frank and to your online guests.
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(20:19:01) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:19:24) Sun.Star Bot: (Sun_Tzu) logs into the Chat.
(20:19:39) (benjamin_diokn): Using the U.P. grading system I rated her ‘Beat the Odds’ progam as total failure with grade of 4.0 (conditional failure)
(20:19:42) Sun.Star Bot: (jnn) logs into the Chat.
(20:20:20) liza_maza: The plight of women did not improve. it was worse. daily expenses in 2001 was 509 pesos, now it is about 9117 pesos
(20:20:23) frank_malilong: what is ‘beat the odds’ program?
(20:20:37) liza_maza: 917 pesos
(20:21:06) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) has been logged out (Timeout).
(20:21:07) frank_malilong: good morning jamcebu
(20:21:46) (jnn): “Take VAT away and you and I abdicate our responsibility as leaders and pull the rug from under our present and future progress, which may be compromised by the global crisis.
Lalong lumakas ang tiwala ng mga investor dahil sa VAT. Mula P56.50 kada dolyar, lumakas ang piso hanggang P40.20 bago bumalik sa P44 dahil sa mga pabigat ng pangdaigdigang ekonomiya. Kung alisin ang VAT, hihina ang kumpiyansa ng negosyo, lalong tataas ang interes, lalong bababa ang piso, lalong mamahal ang bilihin.
Kapag ibinasura ang VAT sa langis at kuryente, ang mas makikinabang ay ang mga may kaya na kumukonsumo ng 84% ng langis at 90% ng kuryente habang mas masasaktan ang mahihirap na mawawalan ng P80 billion para sa mga programang pinopondohan ngayon ng VAT. Take away VAT and we strip our people of the means to ride out the world food and energy crisis.
We have come too far and made too many sacrifices to turn back now on fiscal reforms.” quoted from GMA’s 2008 SONA. Professor Diokno, good morning, sir. How would you assess these fiscal ref
(20:22:15) marlen_limpag: for guests who have just come in, welcome to the sun.star pre-sona chat. we have rep. liza maza and professor benjamin diokno as resource persons. feel free to ask your questions.
(20:22:16) (jamcebu): Sir just wanna ask if our cebuano press secretary is on line?
(20:22:59) (benjamin_diokn): That’s B for balanced budget; E for education for all; A for automated elections; T for transport and digital infrastructure; T for terminating NPA/MILF hostilities; H for healing the wounds of EDSA; E for electricity and water for all; O for opportunity to create 10 million jobs; D for decongest Manila; and D for develop Subic-Clark hub.
(20:23:20) frank_malilong: Remonde can’t join us this morning because of a Cabinet meeting in Bukidnon
(20:24:08) liza_maza: PGMA spent only P6 per day per filipino on education and P1 on health while paying about P21 for debt service
(20:24:10) (june): (whispers) bai palihug ko log sa mga ip
(20:24:49) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:25:00) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, Prof. Diokno. In the last year of Arroyo’s presidency, which area should you think she should focus on?
(20:25:04) frank_malilong: for professor diokno, didn’t she say that the economy has moved forward during her watch?
(20:25:10) (benjamin_diokn): She has no option but increase the VAT from 10 to 12% because at that time we were at the brink of a fiscal crisis. Why give her credit for cleaning up her mess. On fiscal performance, she deserves a 5.0 (Fail). Public debt more than doubled during her watch — from 2.0trillion in 2000 to 4.5trillion to 4.8 trillion by June 2010.
(20:26:01) Sun.Star Bot: (ace) logs into the Chat.
(20:26:05) liza_maza: unemmployment, lowering cost of basic commodities and services
(20:26:18) liza_maza: incresing wages of workers
(20:26:34) Sun.Star Bot: (352631) logs out of the Chat.
(20:26:45) (jamcebu): congresswoman Maza, are you one of the member of the lakas party?
(20:27:07) liza_maza: no, i’m not a member of lakas
(20:27:13) (benjamin_diokn): On her final days, she should focus on making up for past neglect for education and health and agricultural modernization. Food prices will come back once recovery takes traction. We have to prepare for the food requirements of 92 million Filipinos. By being the top importer of rise we’re giving up jobs in favor of the Vietnamese and Thais.
(20:27:30) liza_maza: i’m with gabriela women’s party
(20:27:44) (jamcebu): Ah ok. tnx mam, so it is safe to say from your part that your in the opposing camp?
(20:28:20) liza_maza: i’m with the opposition and member of minority in congress
(20:28:33) frank_malilong: With less than 10 months left do you think she still has enough time? professor diokno
(20:28:42) (jnn): are her final days enough to make up for past neglect for education and health and agricultural modernization?
(20:29:04) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, do you think President Arroyo can still do something good in her last year in office? If so, what do you think she should focus on?
(20:29:28) (benjamin_diokn): It’s hard to argue for higher wages in a labor surplus economy. At the same time we should not give up on manufacturing where the decent jobs are. Unfortunately jobs in manufacturing continue to disappear. We should focus on food manufacturing as a starting point. Lots of imported things that we consume should be produced domestically.
(20:29:47) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) has been logged out (Timeout).
(20:30:35) (benjamin_diokn): Knowing how government works and given her propensity to travel plus the quality of her people, I don’t whether she could still reverse what she has done during the last 11 months of her term. But miracles happen.
(20:30:40) liza_maza: she should make bills that were long pending in congress as her priority like the marcos victims compensation bill among others
(20:30:57) (jamcebu): I see.Is there any difference man in regards with this present sona as compare as to the previous one.Are you not aware that Mrs. Arroyo promised to have 1 million job a year but still nothing happen?
(20:31:41) frank_malilong: for professor diokno, please define miracle?
(20:31:44) (benjamin_diokn): We should focus on the big picture: job creation, social protection, agricultural modernization
(20:31:49) liza_maza: under PGMA, our country saw the longest period of record breaking unemployment
(20:31:49) Sun.Star Bot: (warlie) logs into the Chat.
(20:32:45) (jnn): professor diokno, what is your comment or idea regarding the ever fluctuating and increasing prices of fuel?
(20:32:56) liza_maza: in Jan. 2001 unemployment was at 8.34 m and now it is almost double at about 15m
(20:33:04) (1vision): yes but you have to consider the global recession as a cause for unemployment.
(20:33:17) (jackjakosalem): correct
(20:33:35) (benjamin_diokn): She could suddenly decide to be President of all Filipinos. Be above the fray. Don’t support any presidential candidate. Focus on having an honest, orderly, peaceful elections.Tough measures.
(20:33:57) (ace): no extra-constitutional measures?
(20:34:04) (New_Zealand): to liza maza, do you think that the marcos compensation bill can help the economy to boost? and what do you think are the significant contribution of your office to the government?
(20:34:12) liza_maza: but the beauty of effective and good governance is to be able to institute policies that will shield us from external influences
(20:34:13) (jamcebu): You’ve got the right word mam.but I do not know if the recent unemployment facing the country as of today can be resolve even if the opposition wins in the next presidential election? How are you going to react as far as this matter is concern mam?
(20:35:41) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:36:09) (benjamin_diokn): We are caught in a dilemma. We have a deregulated oil industry, yet the government continues to intervene in price setting. That is perhaps the reason why Saudi Aramco, biggest Saudi investor to the Philippine left the country. Prices of all oil products are determined by market forces. They will continue to rise (after the recovery) under any policy setting — deregulated or not. We should learn to live with higher oil prices.
(20:36:18) liza_maza: there should be a total reversal in economic policies. i believe that genuine agrarian reform should be put in place and industrialization that will harness local entrepreneurs/business people, Now we only have industrial enclaves that does not spur real industrial devt
(20:36:20) Sun.Star Bot: (eagle_eye) logs into the Chat.
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(20:37:48) (ace): @diokno: regarding high oil prices, that we have to live with it, what then should the arroyo government do?
(20:38:05) (1vision): i think you should focus on the grassroots. help people finance their small business or start new ones. in america, 50% of employees come from small businesses.
(20:38:07) (Sun_Tzu): Dr Diokno / Mam Liza, if you were given the chance to give just one advise to PGMA right now, what would be this be?
(20:38:11) liza_maza: i don’t believe following globalization policies is the correct track if we want real economic dev’t for our country. years of globalization policies only worsened our poverty
(20:38:28) liza_maza: she should step down
(20:38:55) (jamcebu): Professor Diokno good morning, just wanna ask if you have any plan to join politics knowing that the country as of today needs an economist for sure that will surely address countrys economic situation?If there is any, then what particular camp you prefer to be with?
(20:39:04) frank_malilong: rep maza, given the depth that you said our economy has sunk into do you think the next president has a fighting chance of repairing the economy?
(20:39:32) (benjamin_diokn): Extra constitutional measures under a benevolent dictator may work. Doing it to prolong GMA’s stay will set us back to the Stone Age. We already went through what I call the Lost Decade. As a society and people, we’re worse off now than when GMA took power in 2001.
(20:40:04) liza_maza: only if he or she will pursue a totally different track, not the globalization policies espoused by the previous administrations
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(20:40:49) (ace): thank you, prof. diokno.
(20:40:50) (benjamin_diokn): You don’t have to be a politician — senator or congressman – to make difference. I’m happy where I am.
(20:41:15) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, Professor Diokno, after the lost decade, as you said, what do you think should be the first thing the next president should do.
(20:41:20) (jackjakosalem): thats correct professor
(20:41:29) liza_maza: i agree with prof. diokno. there are many areas where patriotic filipinos can held
(20:41:46) (jamcebu): Nice word Mr. Diokno. I salute you for that all the way.
(20:42:05) marlen_limpag: For guests who have just logged on, welcome! We have Rep. Liza Maza and Professor Benjamin Diokno as resource persons. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, invited to represent the administration, backed out at the last minute and couldn’t give a representative to this online chat.
(20:42:26) (ace): i salute you and rep. maza too for holding on to your beliefs
(20:42:58) liza_maza: Leaders should lead by example. one area is really stamping out graft corruption and be the first example of a clean leader
(20:43:09) (benjamin_diokn): The next President will have to pick up the pieces. Try to unify the country under very difficult circumstances — large debt (about P4.5 to P4.7 trillion and dwindling taxes. Population has to be managed, that’s why we need the reproduction health bill.
(20:43:17) frank_malilong: professor diokno, would we have been better off under Erap?
(20:43:27) (jamcebu): Congresswoman Maza, may I know your presidential bet if you dont mind?,What is also your view regarding erap’s intention to run for the president?
(20:44:17) (jnn): professor diokno, i am just interested in what you referred to as “extra constitutional measures under a benevolent dictator”, what exactly are you implying, sir?
(20:44:47) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:44:56) liza_maza: Re economic policies, the next leader should begin to review oil deregulation law, automatic debt appropriation, epira law, the vfa towards their eventual repeal
(20:45:16) (june): (whispers) i log ang ip para kabaw ta pila ka unique ip
(20:45:57) liza_maza: no presidential bet yet but he or she should not be with the administration as a first requirement
(20:45:59) (warlie): liza maza,
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(20:46:28) (benjamin_diokn): Mrs. Arroyo’s dismal performance is the best argument why the EDSA 2 political adventure was a monumental mistake. Let’s have an honest, orderly and peaceful elections in 2010. And whoever wins should get the support of everybody. Let’s strengthen our democratic process by respecting the choice of the people.
(20:46:47) (jamcebu): To Sunstar and of course to you sir malilong, thanks a lot for having this online chat with the resource speaker. What a nice and perfect idea.I hope that it will not be the last but the beginning of more chat online.
(20:47:30) (jake76): Rep. Maza, Prof. Diokno. How about constitutional reforms? Do you think the country will do better in a federal sustem or a parliamentary system?
(20:47:49) nini_cabaero: Thank you, Jamcebu. This online chat is not yet over. We have until 12:30 p.m.
(20:48:01) liza_maza: With all due respect to prof diokno, i believe Edsa 2 was not a mistake. It was PGMA who made serious mistakes
(20:48:15) (1vision): i second that rep. maza
(20:48:38) Sun.Star Bot: (luntian_grace) logs into the Chat.
(20:48:42) (benjamin_diokn): I served under Mrs. Aquino under a revolutionary government. We were able to pass some 27 tax measures — including the VAT — in one Cabinet meeting. Congressional approval was not necessary. Try doing that today! As a result taxes-to-GDP ratio rose from 10 to 17%. Then Mr. Ramos and Mr. de Venecia messed up the tax system in 1997.
(20:48:45) Sun.Star Bot: (New_Zealand) logs out of the Chat.
(20:48:55) (jnn): “and whoever wins should get the support of everybody.” is this possible, professor diokno? madame rep. maza?
(20:49:32) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) has been logged out (Timeout).
(20:49:35) (benjamin_diokn): We have to mature as a people.
(20:49:40) liza_maza: the form of government is not the crucial issue if we want to solve the long standing problems of our country. Rather it is is policies and the people who govern. For whom do they govern and whose interest do they serve?
(20:50:24) (luntian_grace): true
(20:50:25) (jnn): professor diokno, do we have time to mature in time for the 2010 elections?
(20:50:36) Sun.Star Bot: (joyaks) logs into the Chat.
(20:50:43) Sun.Star Bot: (gpv69) logs out of the Chat.
(20:50:50) (jake76): I think the mistake of Edsa 2 was not to call for everyone to resign and start from scratch.
(20:51:06) (jamcebu): Rep Maza,if just in case the administrations bet wins in the presidential election,are you going to rally behind the newly elected president for the sake of unity and being a Filipino in general?Can i count you on that madam congresswoman?
(20:51:26) liza_maza: Support to a new leader can be achieved if that leader will really serve the interest of the majority of the filipinos who are poor and marginalized.
(20:52:02) (luntian_grace): yes the pres should stand for the people and not for their own interest
(20:52:34) (1vision): eradicating graft and corruption should be the first measure.
(20:52:48) (ace): basic dapat yan but somehow when the person becomes powerful, the sense of people gets lot
(20:52:53) (ace): lost
(20:52:59) (benjamin_diokn): I believe the 1987 constitution is not perfect. It may be improved upon, but not by this President and this Congress. Reforms have to come after 2010. There are at least two types of parliamentary governments — the mature type (UK, Japan, CAnada, Australia ) and the noisy,type (India, most African countries and LatinAmerican countries). I believe what we’ll have is the latter. It’s not much of an improvement. High risk. Only monied people will get elected as PM.
(20:53:21) Sun.Star Bot: User (XU-CHCC) – IP address: 202.84.120.116
(20:53:29) Sun.Star Bot: User (girlie) – IP address: 121.97.97.170
(20:53:34) (jamcebu): Why not change the presidential govt into a federal system?Can it be possible?
(20:53:35) Sun.Star Bot: User (jackjakosalem) – IP address: 119.93.163.10
(20:53:40) Sun.Star Bot: User (joy) – IP address: 124.104.182.82
(20:53:45) liza_maza: Calls for unity and being Filipino should not be mere slogans but realization of long held desire of all of us for democracy, prosperity and genuine peace
(20:53:46) Sun.Star Bot: User (omar50071) – IP address: 203.115.188.44
(20:53:53) Sun.Star Bot: User (1vision) – IP address: 203.177.74.140
(20:53:59) Sun.Star Bot: User (benjamin_diokn) – IP address: 210.213.218.204
(20:54:03) Sun.Star Bot: User (jamcebu) – IP address: 222.127.250.159
(20:54:06) Sun.Star Bot: User (jake76) – IP address: 121.97.97.170
(20:54:09) (Sun_Tzu): yes, whatever happened to the Federal System movement?
(20:54:22) Sun.Star Bot: User (boy) – IP address: 112.202.92.43
(20:54:26) Sun.Star Bot: User (Sun_Tzu) – IP address: 124.106.53.197
(20:54:27) (luntian_grace): change the system of govt it’s not that easy
(20:54:30) Sun.Star Bot: User (jnn) – IP address: 112.202.92.43
(20:54:30) (1vision): federal system will greatly benefit the provinces
(20:54:33) Sun.Star Bot: User (ace) – IP address: 121.97.97.170
(20:54:38) (luntian_grace): well
(20:54:43) Sun.Star Bot: User (ikik) – IP address: 124.106.166.218
(20:54:47) (luntian_grace): but
(20:54:48) Sun.Star Bot: User (luntian_grace) – IP address: 222.127.64.159
(20:54:52) (luntian_grace): then again
(20:54:53) Sun.Star Bot: User (joyaks) – IP address: 121.97.97.170
(20:54:58) (luntian_grace): who will be elected
(20:54:58) (ace): i’m not sure of that 1vision
(20:55:02) (luntian_grace): ?
(20:55:13) (luntian_grace): still them
(20:55:15) (benjamin_diokn): My guess is because Filipinos have very weak national identity that it would lead to Balkanization. Let’s develop first a strong national identity. On the cost side, a federal system will magnify the cost of governance. Imagine having state ceos and legislatures.
(20:55:16) (luntian_grace): who r in power
(20:55:28) (1vision): at least the tax money will go to the coffers of the local govt not imperial manila.
(20:55:40) (luntian_grace): yes i 2nd that mr benjamin
(20:55:43) (jnn): unlike UK and Japan, other parliamentary governments around the world does not have a strong rallying point or unifying factor such as the monarch, king or emperor which bolsters unity and governance. what is your idea on this professor diokno?
(20:55:49) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, Prof. Diokno. With all the mistakes and sins of President Arroyo, what did she do right? Or did she do anyting right under her term.
(20:56:21) Sun.Star Bot: (joyaks) logs out of the Chat.
(20:56:21) (jamcebu): The federal system, will once and for all make Cebu and the rest of provinces not to rely soley on what so called IMPERIAL MANILA.Give to Juan what is due to Juan,which is ufortunately haappening right now.
(20:56:35) (1vision): agree jamcebu
(20:56:43) frank_malilong: Rep. Maza what are the chances of Con-Ass passing in the present Congress?
(20:56:49) (benjamin_diokn): Local governments already receive 40% of domestic taxes and they are not burdened by paying the national debt. That’s a lot of money. Yet instead of being independent, they continue to ask assistance from the President, senators and congressmen.
(20:57:17) Sun.Star Bot: (jill) logs into the Chat.
(20:57:30) liza_maza: In the advent of 21st century calls for globalization intensified coupled with changing the constitutions of many countries especially third world countries. The general content of such proposals is to open up the economy of less developed countries for further exxploitation of developed countries in the so called globalizing world.
(20:58:02) (jake76): Prof. Diokno, so what the proponents of federalism are claiming isn’t true? They’re saying all the resources are sent to the national government.
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(20:58:29) liza_maza: It will have a chance if they do “miracles”
(20:58:45) (1vision): with all due respect professor diokno considering the tax money goes to the corrupt people first then what the provinces receive are mere trickles.
(20:58:48) frank_malilong: again rep. maza define miracles?
(20:59:02) (jamcebu): I gree sir, but I think Cebu is as progressive as Manila if federal system will take place.
(21:00:11) (benjamin_diokn): But that’s false. Local governments receive 40% of 80% of total taxes. That is a lot of money since no major responsibilities except health care were devolved to them. Local officials should be made accountable for the IRA (now almost 300 billion pesos).
(21:00:19) liza_maza: although i have been going around and it seems there are more congs who want to disssociate themselves from resos 1109 and 737
(21:00:45) liza_maza: payola?
(21:01:23) frank_malilong: rep maza are you suggesting that your colleagues in congress can be bought to support con-ass?
(21:01:49) (benjamin_diokn): IRA is formula based. They go directly to the accounts of 80 provinces, some 135 cities (I’ve lost count), 1,500 municipalities, and 42,000 barangays. If that money is stolen, it is stolen by local officials.
(21:02:52) liza_maza: it allegedly happened before during the impeachment proceedings. the house never made its own investigation on the matter to clear its name inspite of our resolution calling for such investigation
(21:03:05) (jake76): Prof. Diokno, so the complaints against resources being hogged by “Imperial Manila” is all BS? Is it just a convenient excuse for incompetent local officials?
(21:03:13) (jnn): impliedly, then, professor diokno, if lgu’s are resourceful enough and be independent enough there is no need for federalism?
(21:03:14) (1vision): what about national officials, are they accountable for the lost money too?
(21:03:19) (jamcebu): So Mr. Diokno, It is safe for me to say that you are not in favor of FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVT.,correct me if im wrong sir.
(21:04:08) (joy): for Prof. Diokno and Rep. Maza… what do you think would be the highlights of Pres. Arroyo’s SONA this year? And what do you expect to hear from her SONA?
(21:04:12) (benjamin_diokn): In fact, I think Cebu gets a lion share of the IRA because of its population share of the formula. In addition, it is one of GMA’s favorite province.
(21:04:31) frank_malilong: Professor Diokno and Rep. Maza somebody asked earlier if the president had done anything right during her term?
(21:04:47) (ikik): dr. diokno, how about the withheld IRAs? national government owes LGUs quite a sum for unreleased IRAs, which LGUs are taking out through loans with land bank as far as i understand it.
(21:05:05) (jamcebu): Based on my point of view, I think in the long run the IMPERIAL MANILA will the biggest beneficiary once and for all,.,
(21:05:57) liza_maza: i expect her to give a report of her 8 year adminstration and what she will do on her last year. it will be the same lies she peddled for 7-8 years.
(21:06:52) frank_malilong: Allow me to use my powers as moderator. I think enough has been said on federalism and IRA. Let us move on to the pending questions2 at this point – Has GMA done anything right? What do you expect to hear from her Sona?
(21:06:56) (benjamin_diokn): We’re on the wrong side of history. Those who have federal system of governments have strong state governments before they decided to form a federal government. Examples are U.S. and Switzerland. In fact, there are some well defined responsibilities for the state. We cannot now break a weak republic into small weak republics.
(21:07:14) (jnn): im not discounting the possibility that the President will deal in her SONA the cheaper medicines law, what is your idea on this, Rep. Maza and Professor Diokno?
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(21:08:39) frank_malilong: Prof. Diokno, has GMA done anything right and what do you think will be the highlight of the Sona this year and what do you expect to hear this time?
(21:08:43) liza_maza: right from whose perspective? she developed her own cronies and that may be right for the. she freed rapist smith and that may be right for the US. swhe increased evat and that may be right for the creditors
(21:09:11) (benjamin_diokn): She has to give an accounting of what she has done during her eight years and what she intends to do for the rest of her term. To promise her vision of the Philippines 20 years from now is out of line. It will only raise suspicion that she intends to prolong her stay. The responsibility of a leader is to do good during her watch and then wait for history’s judgment.
(21:09:18) (jamcebu): Sir Malilong, I expects nothing but lies..No more promises and promises coz she has nothing to promise anymore because shhe sets to steps down after 2010. The question arise, Is GMA willing to step down?
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(21:10:53) (benjamin_diokn): I’m trying to avoid that question because I really am groping for an answer. On the other hand, she has managed to destroy practically all institutions that are important for nation-building such as Congress, the media, the judiciary, and even the Church.
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(21:11:50) (kelvin): ms. liza maza.. pabor po ba kau sa pagtakbo ni amibg ed?
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(21:12:20) frank_malilong: Professor diokno does that mean that your answer is 0,nada,zilch?
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(21:12:53) liza_maza: ok lang siyang tumakbo at mas ok kung ihapag na niya ngayon ang altrenatibong porgrama nya para mas masuri natin
(21:13:18) (ikik): dr. diokno, a different thread here, the treasury bureau just said that the January to June fiscal deficit of the National Government reached P153.4 billion, what does this mean in economic terms/consequences?
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(21:13:34) (savy): liza maza, do you consider yourself to be a great candidate for president in 2010 elections. If not, who do you pick as the most qualified prospective presidential hopefuls from the opposition side?
(21:13:59) (jamcebu): Professor Malilong,, best wishes to Sun star an your column “the other side”.I am your avid reader…keep it up sir..more power..
(21:14:47) (681615): hello
(21:14:48) (joy): the Dept. of Labor recorded an increase of 4.3 percent growth in local employment (from April 2008 to April 2009). what is your comment on this? considering a number of companies in RP shut down due to global recession.
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(21:15:24) liza_maza: being president in not in my mind. the opposition candidates should present their comprehensive platform. sa ngayon, puro ads pa lang inihahapag nila sa tao
(21:15:46) (luntian_grace): oo nga wala pang programs
(21:15:56) (luntian_grace): puro pacute lang sila
(21:15:58) (ikik): dr. diokno, just fyi, january-may deficit was P123.2-billion. now january to june is 153.4B.
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(21:16:49) (kelvin): ms liza.. bakit kailangan pa ang mga tv ads,,e diba gastos lang un??? baka pagnanalo ang iba e.. e babawiin nila un sa kaban ng bayan???
(21:17:13) (681615): Para ppo ito kay Press secretary Cerge Remonde..Tatanong ko lang po kung may balak ka pong tumakbo bilang Press sa 2010..
(21:18:01) marlen_limpag: @681615 We’re sorry to inform you that Press Secretary Cerge Remonde was not able to make it to the chat.
(21:18:18) (luntian_grace): ohhhh
(21:18:20) (jnn): do you think the president will deal with graft and corruption issues in her SONA? Professor Diokno and Rep. Maza
(21:18:22) (681615): ok thanks
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(21:19:25) (jamcebu): Rep Maza, one more question,, are you in favor of dynasty?There are lot of lawmakers from both houses comes from a well known family serving more than a decade as a public official?It is just like a business for them?
(21:19:42) (ace): to diokno and maza: about sona, if a boycott by congressmen and senators is an expression of protest, what can ordinary people do to also express their disappointment over gloria?
(21:19:44) (benjamin_diokn): What do you in mind? Rising remittances. But the rising number of OFWs is a sign of what’s wrong with the government. People are leaving for abroad because many of them don’t have opportunities at home. BPO, but that’s an outcome of the telecommunication deregulation (give FVR credit) and desire of Western economies to cut cost. They will come to the Philippines whoever is the President. In fact, you can make a counterfactual case that more BPO businesses could have entered the Philippines if governance is better.
(21:19:53) marlen_limpag: We have 10 more minutes to go. The chat ends at 12:30 p.m.
(21:20:14) liza_maza: these ads cost millions of pesos. such electoral contest turns off poor but deserving candidates. kailangan talagang baguhin yan lalu na ang practice ng mga cabinet secretaries na magpromote serbisyo nila sa tv dahil balak nila tumakbo. that’s gov’t funds!
(21:21:10) liza_maza: we should do away with dynasties
(21:21:14) (benjamin_diokn): Graft and corruption will be avoided, I think. There is growing consensus that she is the most corrupt Philippine president bar none.
(21:21:16) frank_malilong: to jnn: i think that was mentioned by our guests. that corruption might and should be included in the sona report.
(21:21:17) (jake76): Congresswoman Maza, Prof. Diokno, with the bleak future, do you still see hope? Or should we all think of packing up and working abroad?
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(21:22:09) (kelvin): oo nga mam liza.. hindi matatapos ang pagiging corrupt nang ibang nasa gobyerno kung hindi nila babaguhin ang ganyang practice..
(21:22:32) liza_maza: ordinary people may join the people’s sona in front of st. peter’s church at 11 am july 27 and other similar protest actions in their areas
(21:23:07) frank_malilong: With less than 10 minutes to go in this chat, I would like to direct our last discussion on the question — if a boycott by legislators is a sign of protest, what can ordinary people do to also express their disappointment with GMA?
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(21:23:57) (kelvin): boycot gloria eventhough im a true blood kapamoangan..
(21:23:57) (benjamin_diokn): I’m still optimistic about the Philippines’ future. Let’s have an honest, orderly and peaceful elections in 2010 and then let’s rally behind whoever wins. Hopefully, he will choose people on the basis of competence and integrity rather than loyalty. That’s a good start.
(21:23:58) frank_malilong: Rep. Maza, where can we get information on protest actions in different cities?
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(21:24:19) (hapa): that’s exactly the question that i wan’t to know the answer badly!
(21:24:51) (jnn): maybe credibel elections as well.
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(21:25:10) liza_maza: those who cannot join the protest actions may also express their anti-con ass position in many ways like lobbying your district reps and senators to boycott con ass if it convenes
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(21:26:16) liza_maza: log on to www.bayan.ph for info on people’s sona activities nationwide
(21:27:02) (kelvin): tenk u rep/liza
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(21:27:09) (warlie): Prof. Diokno if the growing consensus is true that Gloria Arroyo is the most corrupt President, how come until now she is still holding the office in malacanaang palace as our President? Is there a court of law in the land the convict Arroyo for graft and corruption?
(21:27:16) liza_maza: welcome kevin
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(21:27:52) (jnn): thanks for the ideas, honorable congreswoman liza maza.
(21:28:09) liza_maza: welcomm jnn
(21:28:26) (benjamin_diokn): She has corrupted the judicial system too, including the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan. She can’t be sued as long as she’s President.
(21:28:26) (jnn): thank you for the insights, professor ben diokno.
(21:28:39) frank_malilong: ok its almost 12:30 we would like to end this chat. may we ask rep. maza and professor diokno for their parting statements.
(21:28:52) (benjamin_diokn): Salamat din and good day.
(21:28:54) (kelvin): i am anti gloriA.but hir in pampanga walang protest against her.. and our beloved skul admin are pro-gloria..
(21:29:01) (Sun_Tzu): a million thanks to Mam Liza… to Dr Diokno idol ko pa rin po kayo mula nuong nasa DBM pa po ako. God bless you both and may God bless our country more.
(21:29:21) (benjamin_diokn): Thanks, Sun_Tzy
(21:29:31) (jnn): atty. malilong, good day to you, and more power. see you in the oval.
(21:30:09) liza_maza: wee have to take action for the good of our country. let’s join the people’s sona and tell PGMA that we will not anymore listen to her lies. see you there!
(21:30:28) (kelvin): sana tumakbo dito sa pampanga si prof randy david/.
(21:30:33) (Sun_Tzu): … before i forget, kudos to SunStar… and more power!
(21:30:51) frank_malilong: its exactly 12:30. thank you all for this discussion.
(21:30:54) (nini_cabaero): Some announcement from Sun.Star: We will be covering the Sona and the protest actions throughout the country in almost real time. Visit the Sun.Star website at www.sunstar.com.ph for updates. Thank you all for joining us in this pre-Sona chat. Watch out for the second leg, the post-Sona chat, to be held here also next Tuesday, July 28, at 11 a.m. That will be a day after the Sona.
(21:31:08) (jamcebu): congresswoman maza, prof diokno, and sir malilong salamat ninyung tanan. gikan diri sa cebu maaung udto
(21:31:15) (jackjakosalem): congrats suntar!
(21:31:19) (jackjakosalem): sunstar!
(21:31:31) (warlie): Great job, sunstar
(21:31:32) liza_maza: it’s a pleasure. thanks sunstar
(21:31:34) (Sun_Tzu): gikan diris Davao, salamat sa inyong tanan!
(21:31:43) marlen_limpag: thanks everyone!
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(21:31:53) (jackjakosalem): in the end lets remember the famous phrase – Ask not what the country can do for you……
(21:32:14) (kelvin): dakal a salamat sunstar.. and to rep liza.. soapn naka ning dios..
(21:32:41) (jnn): . . .but what you can do for your country. good day, councilor.
(21:33:12) Sun.Star Bot: (benjamin_diokn) logs out of the Chat.
(21:33:13) (jackjakosalem): exactly, what have we really done for OUR country?
(21:33:21) frank_malilong: Please visit www.sunstar.com.ph for announcements on sona and the next chat. a transcript of this online discussion will be available at the arroyowatchg section of the website. thank you.
(21:33:21) (warlie): Jack jakosalem, let us ask ourselves what we can do for our country.