Defiance

SOMETIMES people think they could rise above the law, flaunt it and disobey it outright.

Some peddle influence in order to seal a deal or get the desired result, violating or breaking some rules, laws or ordinances in the process.

In the first premise, I could categorize Nur Misuari, former ARMM governor and head of the rebellious faction Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). He was reported to be ranting madly over the formation of the Bangsamoro, whose framework agreement would be signed at Malacanang today in the presence of the representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reportedly the second largest world organization next only to the United Nations, about 100 Moro rebels belonging to the rival faction, MILF headed by its chair Murad Ebrahim and Mohagher Iqbal and of course PNoy and the signatories for the Philippine government led by Atty. Marvic Leonen, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, cabinet members, media and other observers.

Misuari, who had his chance to prominence during his term as ARMM top gun but who, apparently flubbed it, has been griping about the accord's illegality because it had no international recognition similar to the MNLF deal, signed and sealed in the Tripoli Agreement in 1975.

Offered the MNLF seats on the Transition Commission that would draft the basic law for the establishment of Bangsamoro, Misuari rejected the offer calling it "an insult not only to him but also to the MNLF and all Bangsamoro people who believed in the MNLF and adhered to the Tripoli Agreement".

Here come perhaps the flaws and shortcomings of the Framework Agreement: Misuari and his MNLF feel left out in the drafting and actual conceptualization of the accord as only the MILF faction was explicitly included.

What about the MNLF, Misuari and followers? The Agreement does not really cover the intended beneficiaries: all the Bangsamoro people. Trouble still looms there, as objections after ferocious objections come in dizzying pace.

Alas, the rejoicing and enthusiasm exuded by PNoy and his cohorts may seem premature and unwarranted yet. What if more trouble and violence erupt afterward?

Are we so gullible to take as gospel truth what a Moro says? Uhmm. Once a rebel, always a rebel, a retired military officer was overheard to say.
Lastly, what would a piecemeal peace agreement bring as benefits to the poor regions of Mindanao?

--oo0oo--

I found it amusing to read about the apprehension of United States Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta about the possibility of a cyber-Pearl Harbor on the US which can also become vulnerable to "foreign computer hackers who could dismantle the nation's power grid, transportation system, financial networks and government".
Panetta was obviously alarmed by the "increasing aggressiveness and technological advances by the nation's adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and militant groups". He did not include North Korea in the enumeration.
In the Philippines, hackers are having a heyday in hacking into the computer systems and networks of even important government agencies and yet oppositors staunchly objected to the Anti Cybercrime Law which prompted the Supreme Court to issue the 120-day TRO. Where then would the honest-to-goodness computer users find relief from cyber criminals?

--oo0o0--

The syndicated estafa case against Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee, his son Dexter and three others including a lawyer, is a classic example of how powerful money works. It was reported that the Court of Appeals recently dismissed the count against Christina Sagun, leaving only four to answer for the offense, but would enable Lee and company to now move to post bail and be granted provisional liberty.
At the rate and style this case is headed for, it would not be surprising that Lee et al will be exonerated, thanks to the very "friendly" courts we have here in the Philippines. Basta may pera, lalaya. Especially, with a high-caliber and very resourceful defense team!

--oo0oo--

A laudable undertaking will be conducted by the National Housing Authority through the Northern and Central Luzon Management Office and the Livelihood Development Department by way of a Pre Employment Orientation Seminar on October 16 and a jobs fair on October 19 for residents of Northville 16 Resettlement project at Barangay Atlu Bola, Mabalacat City, in coordination, of course with PESO Mabalacat.
Focal persons for the local chapter of NHA are Mr. Joshnadan Bucud and Ms. Rosemarie Williams.

--oo0oo--

On the local front, defiance has been allegedly repeatedly manifested by officials of Paradise Ranch, namely: Erik Gomez, an officer of the Philippine Children's Fund of America (PCFA) and his administrator Roman D. Goce.

It should be noted that PCFA is a foundation but it is operating a business, a resort facility named Paradise Ranch, situated at sitio Monicayo, Barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City.

I learned that it has snubbed invitations from the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mabalacat City, despite notices, and put up excuses such as: the issues are broad as to be resolved in one sitting.

For the record, the territorial dispute between Mabalacat City and the town of Bamban, Tarlac is on status quo and is better resolved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigans of Pampanga and Tarlac. Until this thorny issue is resolved, therefore, Barangay Calumpang remains with Mabalacat City, contrary to the claims of the officials of Tarlac who may think that status quo is a type of food meant to be devoured. It is not so, gentlemen: it means "as it were".