Last August 23, 2014, Congressman Gary C. Alejano and Congressman Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo, our Magdalo Para sa Pilipino Partylist Representatives, have once again set foot on the ‘hallowed grounds’ of their alma mater - the Philippine Military Academy. Staying true to their advocacy of being the voice of our men-in-uniform in the Lower House, our Representatives have been visiting different AFP and PNP camps to conduct consultative meetings and know directly from the ground the different issues and concerns that they want to raise especially those that can be addressed through legislation. True enough because who could better understand the sentiments of our men-in-uniform other than those who have been in the same situation themselves. Ultimately, these consultations are aimed to uplift the morale and welfare of our servicemen who are always at the forefronts in defending our sovereignty.

The visit in the Philippine Military Academy turned out to be no ordinary one since our Representatives were given full honors which

was made possible by the Superintendent of PMA, MGEN OSCAR P LOPEZ AFP. The highlight of the visit was the Testimonial Parade and Review where our Congressmen received the Outstanding Alumnus Award. It may have come as a realization of every PMAyers dream to be rendered such honor, but most importantly, it gave them affirmation of a job well done and that all their hard work in just their first year in office did not pass by unnoticed. The activity was concluded with a consultative meeting at the Longayban Hall which was attended by the officers and NCOs of PMA headed by the Superintendent.

Amidst all the controversies and scandals that hit the headlines everyday, it’s safe to say that there are still some good men standing for the cause of our men-in-uniform. Two of these good men who came from the ‘hallowed grounds’ of PMA are now in the ‘august chamber’ to prove that COURAGE, INTEGRITY & LOYALTY (the PMA Motto) together with hard work are all that we need to rise above the deep holes we’re dug in..

Ang mga masisipag na kasapi ng Samahang Magdalo San Jose, Nueva Ecija Chapter ay nagsagawa ng Tree Planting Activity noon August 15, 2014 sa Sto. Niño 3rd, Habitat Village. Sa pangunguna ng kanilang Chapter President, 52-katao ang pumunta at tumulong. Kasama ang mga magsasaka ng San Jose, naging matagumpay ang pagtanim ng 200 punla, ang iba pa dito ay mamumunga. Pagkalipas ng ilang buwan ay muling pupunta sa San Jose upang malaman ang kalagayan ng mga ito. Kung hindi dahil sa inisyatibo at pagnanais ng mga opisyales ng

chapter ay hindi magaganap ang restoration project. Ang mga ganitong gawain ay nagpapakita lamang ng pagsunod ng mga miyembro sa adhikain ng samahan na maging responsableng mamamayan at isa na rito ang pagmamahal at pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan.

Ang Magdalo ay hindi lamang nais na kumilos ang mga tao para sa bansa, kung ‘di maging aktibo din sa pagbuhay at pagsagip sa ating tinitirhan na daidig.Marami na tayong naranasang trahedya dahil sa mga bagyong dumaan, at ang posibilidad na marami pang sumunod.

Hindi maikakaila na ang pagkasira ng kagubatan at ng kalikasan ang sanhi nitong mga tila parusa na natatamo ng bayan. Kaya nararapat lamang na ibalik natin kung ano man ang kinukuha sa ating kapaligiran. Hindi lang ito para maiwasan ang halos taon taon na sakuna, para rin ito sa mga nakababata, na sila ay tumulad at ipagpatuloy ang pagbalik ng dating kagandahan ng mundo. .

Volume 1 of 2014, Issue No. 2

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

1Ang Magdalo

Samahang Magdalo Inc., in partnership with Kutamora Media Consultancy, held a fun run for the Scholarship Programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in celebration of the 11th year of the Oakwood incident. With the never ending need to lead and help the citizens, Magdalo’s goal this time was to raise funds for the educational plans of the families of soldiers who were killed in action.

Supported by major sponsors, Nickel Asia, Granstar Motors and San Miguel Corporation, registration was open to all. The activity enabled ordinary citizens to join in one of the many charitable actions of the movement, and celebrate with the members. Among the people who made this project successful were Senator Antonio Trillanes, Congressmen Gary Alejano and Francisco Ashley Acedillo. All three statesmen were present during the entire event, and even participated, save for Congressman Acedillo who sustained an injury beforehand. Eager with passion for education and to help the children of their fellow soldiers, the two ran alongside participants from the armed forces, army, marines, coast guards and the police.

Magdalo Run took place last July 26, 2014, and had more than 2,000 runners circling Bonifacio Global City at 6am. By 8am the winners of the 2 divisions, male and female for the 3k, 5k and 10k run, were awarded by Congressman Gary Alejano with a medal, shirt and a package from the event’s sponsors..

Magdalo Run 2014

From the Hallowed Grounds to the August Chamber

Tree Planting Activity

Feeding ProgramFor more than a year now, the Magdalo P a t n o n g o n C h a p t e r has been c o n d u c t i n g a feeding

program for the students of Cuyapiao Elementary School. With the aid of Patnongan Governor Exequiel B. Javier, Magdalo members and PNP officials visited the students at Bayan ng Patnungon, Antique last September 5, 2014.

More than 20 members helped in feeding the 230 students, and their parents. The meals consisted of arroz caldo, egg, bread and juice, and were distributed by the PNP officers in the morning. As much as possible, they try to do the feeding program regularly at the school, once a month if given the resources and time.

The chapter members started the program because they wanted to somehow alleviate the troubles of the children, even for only one day in a month. Magdalo members serve to help the country, and everyone in it, especially the children. Because being a believer and holder of the ideals of Magdalo does not simply end with fighting for the present, but for the future as well. We are striving to clean and save the nation, so that we may pass on a better country to the next generation..

Ang Magdalo

2

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Recently, the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) has generated considerable attention not only in the media but also among ordinary citizens. Impressions and judgments were created, dragging President Aquino into an alleged corruption scandal.

As part of the Magdalo, an institution which pushes for an accountable and transparent government, and being a recipient of the said DAP fund, I would like to give my take on this issue and explain why it is being sensationalized.

During the height of the pork barrel scam in September, Senator Jinggoy Estrada revealed, through a privilege speech, that the Senators and Judges who voted to convict then Chief Justice Renato Corona received additional funds of P50 million under the DAP. I was among the twenty individuals who voted “guilty.” However, I vehemently deny this allegation by Senator Estrada that DAP funds were given as incentives to oust Chief Justice Renato Corona during the impeachment proceedings. We’ve gone past the impeachment and the whole country witnessed the trial. Most of the public would agree that Corona deserved to be kicked out. We would not need an ‘incentive’ to make a very easy decision.

While I do not refute that my office received P50 million from DAP, it must be clarified that as far as my office is concerned, this P50M was part of my Priority Development Assistance Fund, which is properly documented by my office.

Further, I would like to clarify that this P50 million is not in the form of cash, but rather fund allocations for projects identified by legislators. On my part, this amount went to scholarship programs, medical assistance, and different infrastructure projects. Upholding our principle on transparency on government transaction, I have posted the list of projects where my DAP and PDAF were allocated, even before this issue came out and other interest groups called for the release of the projects where the funds were allocated.

Contrary to what is being projected in the media, I believe that there is nothing wrong with the use of DAP, for as long as it was allocated to legitimate projects and benefited our country. It must be stressed that President Aquino has never been tarnished with any form of corruption during his watch. In fact, no one can directly state the crime committed by PNoy on this issue. This hullabaloo on the alleged crime of PNoy regarding DAP, is merely used by certain interest groups to clout a doubt on his leadership and destabilize it, with the ulterior of replacing the same.

To once and for all settle this issue and determine whether there should be liability on the use of DAP funds, a comprehensive audit of each of legislator’s projects must be made, similar to what was done on the PDAF before, which implicated some senators to the so-called “Pork Barrel Scam.” I also encourage our fellow members in the Samahang Magdalo to be vigilant on the issues that we hear on news. It is through a well-informed citizenry that we are able to create a strong foundation of a democratic country..

Senator Antonio F. Trillanes

D I W A niL A K A N

Senator ANTONIO F. TRILLANES IV

Ang MagdaloPahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Ang Magdalo

AlejanoON THE GO!

Representative GARY C. ALEJANOMagdalo Partylist

Ang ating pamahalaan ay binalangkas sa ilalim ng doktrina ng demokrasya, republikanismo at pagkakabuklod buklod ng mga kapangyarihan ng mga sangay ng pamahalaan. Ang doktrinang ito ang siyang nagbibigay-buhay sa esensiya ng demokrasya sa pamamagitan ng paglalatag ng sistema ng “checks and balances” upang tiyakin na ang mga sangay ng pamahalaan: ang executive (tagapagpaganap) na siyang nagpapatupad ng batas, ang legislative na siyang nagbabalangkas ng batas, ang judiciary na siyang nagbibigay ng kahulugan sa batas, ay pangunahin (supreme) sa kanyang sariling departamento at malaya (independent) sa iba.

Dahil na rin sa kapangyarihang alamin at siguruhin kung ang isang batas ay wasto at angkop (valid), nakaatang sa judiciary ang kapangyarihang magtakda ng saklaw at hangganan ng kapangyarihan ng mga ahensiya at tanggapan ng pamahalaan gayundin ng kanyang mga kawani’t mga opisyal. Sa madaling salita, nasa judiciary ang katungkulang magpasiya sa usapin kung ang isang tanggapan ng pamahalaan o sinuman sa kanyang mga opisyal ay umaksyon ng lampas o dili kayaý labis sa kanyang nasasakupan.

Bilang inyong kinatawan sa Mababang Kapulungan, ating isinusulong ang mga adbokasiya para maisabatas ang mga ipinaglalaban nating interes ng ating mga kasundaluhan, kapulisan at ng iba pang mga nasa uniformed services. Kasabay na rin dito ang ating pagtitiyak sa kagalingan ng sektor ng mga kabataan at ng mga maralitang tagalunsod. Bilang pagtupad sa ating tungkulin, tayo po ay nakapagpasa ng mga resolusyon at mga panukalang batas na sisiguro sa kabutihan ng mga sektor na ating kinakatawan, gayunding ng mga adbokasiyang ating pinaninindigan.

Karagdagan sa ating mga serbisyong iniaalay sa ating mga kababayan ay ang paglunsad ng iba’t ibang proyektong bunga ng pagtutulungan at “voluntarism”. Kaakibat nito ay ang medical at social service assistance na ating iniaambag sa ilan nating mga kababayang kapos palad. Kasabay nito ang pagpopondo sa proyektong imprastruktura tulad ng mga kalsada (farm-to-market roads), mga classrooms, at mga multi-purpose centers na maaaring gamitin ng ating mga kababayan sa maraming mga makabuluhang mga kaparaanan.

Kamakailan lamang ibinababa ng Korte Suprema ang hatol nito sa kaso ni Araullo et al vs Aquino et al (G.R. No. 209287) kung saan sinabi nito na ang Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), isang programa ng Administrasyong Aquino na kung saan kinalap ang mga hindi nagugol na pondo ng pamahalaan sa iba’t iba nitong mga ahensiya at tanggapan upang magamit sa iba’t ibang serbisyo publiko, ay labag sa ating Saligang Batas (Konstitusyon). Karagdagan pa rito ang pagsasaad na ang Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) ay labag din sa Konstitusyon. Dahil sa desisyong ito, nagpasya ang pamahalaan na itigil ang programa bilang paggalang at pagtalima sa utos ng Kataas Taasang Hukuman at naapektuhan dito ang maraming mga serbisyo publiko na pinondohan galing sa DAP at PDAF.

Sa kasalukuyan, tinanggal na ang PDAF sa pambansang badyet at inilipat ang nasabing pondo sa iba’t ibang mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan tulad ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan (Department of Health o DSWD) at ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan (Department of Social Welfare and Dvelopment o DSWD) na maaari pa rin namang mamagitan ang mga kongresista bilang ayuda sa mga mamamayang humihingi ng tulong medical o kaya pinansiyal. Ang ganitong uri ng paglilingkod, bagamat maaring may mga agam agam sa implikasyon nito sa desisyon ng Korte

Ang Magdalo is a quarterly publication of Samahang Magdalo, Inc.

You may wish to visit the following websites to know more about our group, its activities and advocacies:

http://www.trillanes.com.phhttp://www.magdalo.orghttp://www.samahangmagdalo.org

We also accept donations for disaster relief operations. Please contact us through our email samahangmagdalo@gmail.com on how you can help.

Representative ASHLEY “Ace” ACEDILLOMagdalo Partylist

SoaringHigh!

Suprema, responsibilidad nating ihatid ang tulong sa mga mamamayan sapagkat ang tulong ay tiyak at maayos na naipaaabot sa mga talagang tunay na mga nangangailangan dahil na rin sa mga panuntunan at pamantayang dapat kilalanin at sundin ng mga nais humingi ng tulong sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan sa inyong mga mambabatas.

Dangan nga lamang, ang mga munting suliranin ukol sa nabanggit na sistema ng pagbibigay ng ayuda ay tumutukoy sa mga kakulangan at mga “delay ”dahil na rin sa biglang dami at laki ng mga nagnanais na makakuha ng tulong sa mga tanggapang ito, bagong sistema ng paninilbihang bayan at iba pang isyu ng koordinasyon at komunikasyon.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mga problemang ito, ngayon, higit kailanpaman, ay inaaasahan ko po ang inyong patuloy na paniniwala, paninindigan at pagtangkilik sa ating mga sinimulang adhikain. Lubos ang aking paniniwala na ang mga tulong sa pamamagitan ng DOH, DSWD at iba pa, ay hindi magiging batayan kung bakit nananatiling buo at matatag ang ating samahan. Binibigkis tayong lahat ng ating sama samang paninindigan laban sa korapsyon, pananamantala at pagmamalabis sa bayan at sa pamahalaan.

Dito naiiba ang ating samahan --- kaya naman buo ang aking paniniwala na patuloy na yayabong, lalawak at tataas ang antas ng ating kolektibong adbokasiya dahil lahat tayo ay nananampalataya na posible ang isang pamahalaang malinis at makatarungan. Ito ang siyang magiging gabay natin upang patuloy nating pangunahan at pagibayuhin ang pagsisikap natin sa mga positibo at progresibong pagbabago sa ating bayan. Magkaisa tayo. Kaya natin ito, mga kabisig at mga kababayan. Mabuhay ang MAGDALO, Mabuhay ang Pilipino! .

While the country is polarized by politics, and our countrymen are burdened by day-to-day issues, we have lost sight of the fact that our country is in grave danger. One of the most critical areas in the Asia pacific region is the South China Sea. This is mainly due to the conflicting territorial claims and disputed territories. At the heart of South China Sea is the west Philippine Sea that encompasses the Kalayaan Island Group or KIG. Based on R.A. 9522 or the baseline law of 2009, the Philippine territory is composed of the main archipelago and a regime of islands that include the KIG and the Scarborough shoal. Currently we have structures and personnel in 7 islands and 2 shoals. Vietnam occupies 21, Malaysia 3, and Taiwan 1. Needless to say, china claims the entire South China Sea but occupies 7 features in our Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). Brunei occupies none as far as our KIG is concerned. Take note that out of 97 features only 41 are occupied and there are 56 more that are unoccupied. China’s invasion of the KIG occurred in 1995 when the Chinese military occupied mischief reef, and built wooden structures. The Philippine government protested this action. Then in 1998, China added more structures that resembled military installations. To date, this structure is now a three-story building equipped with solar panels, power generators, weather radars, communication equipment, and heavy machine guns. Based on this precedent, similar construction might also be done in the Scarborough shoal or in other areas in our KIG. Shown are the present facilities on other China occupied areas. Among them are Subi reef, Fiery Cross reef, Cuarteron reef and Chigua reef.

Our Country Is In Grave Danger

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation on page 3....

Clarifying the DAP Issue

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

3

fighters replaced all the F-86fs. We even had precision aerobatic teams. We even sent an expeditionary squadron of F-86s to Congo, Africa. We were practically number 1 in Asia in terms of air power. In a similar note, our navy was once the envy of our neighbors. Our fleet was once composed of destroyers, frigates, corvettes, midget submarines, mine sweepers and landing ship tanks with surface, sub-surface anti-air warfare, anti-air warfare, naval gunfire support and amphibious operations, capabilities however, through the years, our capital ships have lost their ability. Our midget submarines are now displays in the museum. Our current fleet is composed of small boats that limited the role of the navy to protecting our internal and territorial waters only.

Nakakapanlumo po na galing sa pagiging numero uno sa Asya nung dekada-70, talo na tayo ngayon kahit ng bansang Bangladesh na may mas mababang gross domestic product keysa Pilipinas pero mayroong 77 multi-role fighters and 89 surface ships.

Today, our air defense capability is practically zero. We have only one operating radar with very limited range and no height finder detection. At present, we only have 3 S-211 jet trainer aircrafts. Compared with a fighter interceptor aircraft, it is subsonic and does not have air to air missile weapons.

With this token capability, our airspace is open to intrusions. We cannot enforce our PADIZ. We cannot patrol our territorial waters, and our EEZ. We cannot protect our territories much less deter intrusions.

“With an air force that can’t protect our air space and a navy that can’t protect our maritime interest,” claimant countries have accelerated their creeping occupation of our islands.

To secure our territory, the ideal joint concept to adopt is defense- in-depth which is anchored on the principle of pressing the border out by engaging the enemy as far out as possible. The system incorporates a sequence of lines: detection line, decision line and interception line, and requires four basic steps: 1. detect the presence of airborne objects, aircraft, or missiles; 2. identify them as friendly or hostile; 3. intercept and examine those not identified as friendly; and 4. neutralize those identified as hostile.

This joint concept, applies in tandem with our navy’s active archipelagic defense strategy. Situational awareness will be provided by the air defense radars, long range patrol aircraft and over the horizon radars. Maneuver forces composed of frigates, corvettes, and fighter aircraft, shall simultaneously attack from different locations to swarm the opposing force in multiple directions. To develop the AFP’s capability and to implement our territorial defense strategy, Republic Act 7898 the “AFP Modernization Act” was passed into law in 1995. But of the PHP 331 billion originally allocated for the 15-year program from 1996-2011, the AFP received only PHP 33 billion. The allotment was hardly felt by the Philippine navy and the Philippine air force.

Against this backdrop, our house of representatives and the senate enacted another law that extended the AFP Modernization Program for another 15 years. The president on April 21, 2014, approved the modernization program made up of 24 projects amounting to PHP 85.2 billion. In fact, two projects have already been contracted, first with Canada for the 8 combat utility helicopters and second with Korea for the 12 FA-50 lead in fighter trainer aircraft. The remaining twenty-two (22) projects are, in various stages of implementation, most of which are just waiting for funds in order for their respective notices of awards to be issued. It should be noted, however, that out of the programmed amount of 24b for the 2014 only 10 billion was released. This will cause a delay in the implementation of the modernization program. We recommend that the

Ashley “Ace” Acedillo continuation....

Recently, China was found conducting land reclamation and construction on four of its occupied reefs namely: Johnson reef, Chigua reef, Cuarteron reefs and Gaven reef. And it is suspected that they are building an airfield and naval facility at Mabini reef that will pose a serious threat to our capability to sustain our garrisons at the KIG. Ang nakakalungkot po dito ay ang Pilipinas hindi nag-develop ng kahit alin man sa mga islang hawak natin. Ito raw ay alinsunod sa declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea na pinirmahan ng buong ASEAN at ng China nung 2002. The latest pictures are as shown. Pag-asa Island, Ayungin shoal, Rizal reef, Kota Island, Lawak Island, Likas Island, Panata Cay, Parola Cay and Patag Island.

With regard to Scarborough shoal, located 119nm from the Zambales shoreline and within our 200nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on 08 April 2012 Philippine ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, responded to a report of poaching and stopped 8 Chinese fishing vessels loaded with illegally collected corals, giant clams and live sharks. Two china marine surveillance ships intervened and blocked BRP Gregorio Del Pilar resulting in a stand-off. The Philippines later withdrew but China maintained its presence at the shoal. By July 2012, China had erected a barrier to the entrance of the shoal, and declared a fishing ban. Since then, Chinese ships have driven away Filipino fishermen by hosing them with water cannons. At present, China maintains on the average, three ships in the area. Over at Ayungin shoal, located 108nm west of Palawan and 13nm from mischief reef, the Philippines deliberately grounded BRP Sierra Madre in 1999. It is now manned by the Philippine marines. China has warned that it will not permit the Philippines’ occupation of the Ayungin shoal. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly blocked or chased away Filipino fishermen and military supply runs. At least eight bullying incidents were recorded from December 2013 to March this year. Kung tayo po ay may duda pa sa intensiyon ng mga intsik, o di kaya di pa natin nasusukat kung hanggang saan ang kaya nila upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang mga hangarin, inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat na panoorin itong bidyu na kuha sa Paracel Islands nuong 1988. Walang habas at walang awa nilang minasaker ang 64 Vietnamese sailors. Now, we can only speculate, but we hope and pray that such incidents will not happen to our troops. Based on all these antecedents, it is clear that China will utilize its political power, economic wealth, and growing maritime capabilities to impose its will over the whole South China Sea.

Our security analysts believe that these moves are part of China’s strategy to assert their claim based on the nine-dash-line now ten-dash-line and build lines of offshore defense. These Chinese actions have also brought ramifications to our economy. Based on statistics from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, we are losing approximately 7.1 billion pesos per year through poaching, and an estimated 19.4 billion pesos per year from destruction of corals and illegal fishing – a staggering total of 26.5 billion pesos per year. The area of contention is also known to be rich with gas and oil deposits estimated at 1.748 billion barrels of oil worth PHP 1.1 trillion and 16.7 billion cu ft of gas worth PHP 2.1 trillion pesos a staggering PHP 3.2 trillion pesos. If the situation is not properly addressed, these resources could potentially be lost.

On March 30, 2014, the Philippines filed an arbitration case against china before the International Tribunal for The Law of The Sea or ITLOS. Last June 04, the Court of Arbitration ordered China to submit its counter argument until December 15, 2014; however, China Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei reiterated Beijing’s non-acceptance and non-participation in the legal proceedings. Meanwhile, it is the Philippines’ policy to promote strategic partnerships and build ties with our neighbors. Foremost of which is with the U.S. with which we have a mutual defense treaty. Recently, the defense treaty was strengthened by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA. These actions could be construed as probable deterrents to Chinese Aggression. However, it is equally important that we develop our own territorial defense capability.Moving to our air space, bounded in yellow is the Philippine territorial airspace that includes all space above our territory, which is 12 nm from our archipelagic baseline. Bounded in blue is the flight information region that is delineated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for control and safety of civil and commercial flights. Bounded in green is the current Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone (PADIZ) “where all aircraft are required to identify when entering or transiting the Philippine airspace.”

In the past from (1950s to 1980s), we we re able to protect our air space and maritime domain. We had Palawan. There were 3 operational radars in Mindoro; Ilocos Norte and Camarines Norte and a U.S.A.F. radar at La Union that we later took over. In the 50’s, we had 3 squadrons of 69 F-86 day fighters, 29 F-86d all-weather interceptors and a jet fighter training squadron of 28 T-33. In the mid-60s, we gained a squadron of 25 supersonic F-5. In 1978, another squadron of 25 F-8 maritime

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Sa mga kapirasong panahon na panandaliang nakapag-simba ako (mukhang napakaikling oras talaga), may mga salitang tila paulit-ulit kong nadinig, “…ang mga nauuna ay mahuhuli, at ang mga huli ay mangunguna...” to that effect. So please let me start this piece with my last paragraph from our first issue, and (I bet, nakalimutan mo na, kaya ipaaalala ko po) - it goes like this – “Noong mga bata tayo, ilang beses na ba natin narinig ang mga reklamo ng ilan sa mga nakakatanda sa atin, “noong araw… kesyo ganito…ganun, ngayon naman, ganito…ganyan!” Ipapasa ba natin yung mga reklamo na iyon sa mga susunod na henerasyon?

Magiging boses ba natin yung mga ayaw nating madinig? Or we can at least try to end the cycle of pain? Remember, life is short. Sakripisyo. Responsibilidad. Para sa pagbabago. Para sa Pilipino.”

Noong mga nakaraang buwan po, isang pribilehiyo ang makausap ang isa sa aming mga guro noong high school, sa katauhan ni Sister na nagpumilit maibalik ako sa tamang landas. Sa isang maikli ngunit makabuluhang pag-uusap (siya po ang nagsasalita at ako ang nakikinig kaya makabuluhan), natatandaan ko ang sinabi nya, “People who are hurt tend to hurt people in return. It becomes a cycle. I had to break it.”

Isang bagay ang natutunan ko, at maaari kong sabihin na natutunan namin, sa mahabang panahon na pagkakakulong… Lesson in Magnanimity 101. We refuse to be, and we should rise above being, Petty. We and our families suffered so much pain at hindi na namin gugustuhin na maranasan pa ito ng iba. Nais ba naming makabawi o makaganti? Hindi. Believe it or not. Revenge is only for weak people.

Minda Posadas, isa po siyang Madre Magdalo ako. I will break the pattern. I will absorb and seek to end the cycle of pain.

Intentionally or unknowingly, people may have hurt you or wronged you. Just aim to meet everything and everyone with kindness, and forget about finding fault. Mahirap mga Boss. Pero sana lang maging curious tayong lahat sa kung ano kaya ang magiging pakiramdam when we break the chain of pain. Malay po natin baka fulfilling din.

CASHTALKS

MANUEL “Cash” CABOCHANPresident, Magdalo Para sa Pagbabago Movement

End the cycle of Pain

4 Ang Magdalo

The PHP 26.5 billion we lose yearly from poaching, destruction of corals and illegal fishing, and the estimated PHP 3.2 trillion worth of oil and gas deposits is what we stand to lose without our needed capability; the PHP 85.2 billion initial requirement for a territorial defense is therefore a very modest one. It is in fact a worthy investment for the future.

Bago po ako magtapos, uulitin ko lang na ang pag-depensa ng ating teritoryo ay napakahalagang aspeto ng pambansang seguridad. It is absolutely essential to secure our airspace and maritime domain in order to uphold our sovereignty and protect our core national interests. Kapag hindi po natin sinuportahan at pinundohan ang pagkamit ng kapabilidad na ito, mawawala po sa atin ang ating mga isla, mga shoals at reefs na tayo naman ang may karapatan talaga. Freedom of passage in the West Philippine Sea might become restricted and we may lose our exclusive rights to fish the rich marine and aquatic resources as well as to explore natural gas and oil.

We have seen how the events in history shaped the present day territorial defense force. We have started at the top and deteriorated then on. Our great effort of fighting our insurgents drew away our attention from territorial defense.I am reminded of events in the 1930’s, and of a great man named Winston Churchill. During that time, he was considered “outside the kulambo” and “in the wilderness” of British politics. But Churchill took the lead in warning about Nazi Germany’s rearmament and in campaigning for strengthening the defenses of the United Kingdom, especially in the face of a future German aggression. When the Germans occupied the Sudetenland, in Czechoslovakia, Britain’s response would be appeasement.

Churchill only saw folly in this, even remarking that “an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile—hoping it will eat him last.” Our response, as espoused by the DFA, is almost the same. Are we hoping that this new crocodile in color red will eat our islands last? As evidence proves, this crocodile is eating up our territory ahead of all the others.

Today we are faced with the challenge of rebuilding our much needed defense capability. In the face of these present threats, we cannot simply build a strong territorial defense force overnight. The task of doing it should have started a long time ago. Dapat pong magpatuloy ang suporta ng pambansang liderato, at kalakip nito ay isang plano para sa procurement of weapons and sensor systems sa darating na panahon na magbibigay kasiguruhan sa implementasyun ng isang epektibong istratehiya.

Kailangan nila ang ating suporta para ang ating hukbong sandatahan ay magpatuloy na maging source of national pride, pero lalung-lalo na ang maging instrumento ng pambansang lakas.Let us heed Winston Churchill’s warning, that “if you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may

come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. [or worse] you may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.”.

WTF?! (What’s the Fact?!) continuation on page 4....

WTF?! (What’s the Fact?!)People old enough to read this, I believe, must be mature enough to realize that ideas, information, or messages can be distorted when passed on from one person to another. I wish I can write this, without anything being lost in translation, to a level where most readers would clearly understand. We shape our beliefs from history, tales, opinions, fictions, deceptions, lies, perceptions, grapevines, and facts. I guess I will only be responsible for what I say today because I cannot be for what you grasp from it and how you take it. What you say or do is upon you so prior to contributing to a conflict, my simple message is this: Before we open our mouth to speak, remember that we may be able to shape someone else’s attitude or manipulate public perception, so do not forget being responsible. Learn the Facts. Let us not turn a blind eye to the truth that is in front of us.You may end your reading right here, unless you want to get some facts from me. But chances are, you and I may view the same situation differently. Peace be with you.On coup rumors that hit the headlines on the last days of July: Fact: an interview happened during a K-12 into Forum, and the transcript says:Reporter: Sir, maiba ako meron daw yata kayong namonitor na mga ex-generals na nagre-recruit para maglunsad ng coup?Sen Trillanes: Wala akong ano no, let me be very clear na ang ating kasundaluhan ay solid. Walang nagiisip na sumali sa mga ganyan, pero may mga retiradong heneral na link sa dating administrasyon na kinakausap at pinipilit na hikayatin ang mga dating opisyal at sundalo.Reporter: Gaano kalaki ang chances na Senator na ito ay real coup attempt?Sen Trillanes: Wala. Zero…. Fact: Another interview happened as a result of the coup rumor in the headlines, transcript says:Reporter: Ano ba itong – ngayon ay – alam mo na,

14b balance for 2014 be added on the 2015 appropriation. The revised yearly cash program is as shown. All these will require appropriations from the honorable senate and congress. These equipment are expensive, but it had been said that there is no such thing as a price tag for sovereignty.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko po alam kung sa paanong paraan o ano talaga ang mga dapat gawin. Sa paniwala ko po, generosity and selfless service need to be exercised. At ang mga ito po ang itinutulak ng Magdalo. Tayo po ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa Philippine Red Cross para sa regular na paghahandog ng dugo, sabi nga nila “A gift of blood is a gift of Life.” Bilang organisasyon, regular po nating gagawin ito at hindi po tayo mamimili kung kanino mapupunta ang mga ito, ang “Dugo ng Magdalo ay Alay sa Pilipino.”

Patuloy din po ang ating pagkalap at pagbahagi ng mumunting tulong sa pamamagitan ng ating buwanang outreach programs katulad ng medical at dental missions, at food distribution activities. Katuwang po natin dito ang Office of Senator Trillanes, Magdalo para sa Pilipino Partylist, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI), Brandear, Cavite Medical Society, Philippine Dental Association, maging ang ahensya ng DENR. Tayo po ay nag-abot din ng assistance sa mga nasalanta o nadaanan ng mga bagyong Glenda, Inday, Jose, at ng Habagat kamakailan. Limitado po ang ating resources, pero unlimited po ang ating Serbisyo. Sa Magdalo po, We Care. We Share.Ito po ang mga bagay na ating nasimulan, mga bagay na nais po nating ipagpatuloy na gawin. Hindi po tayo gagawa ng Santo, hindi po natin pangarap maging rebulto. We just want to learn to think of others before we think of ourselves. Sana po isang araw, lahat ng Pinoy matutong maging Selfless at Generous. Bago po ako magtapos, nais ko pong ulitin, let us aim to meet everything and everyone with kindness. Pag-aralan na po natin ngayon. Sa ngalan po ng lahat ng nagmamahal sa bayan ko, Mabuhay po kayo! Maraming salamat po! .

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

Iniingganyo natin ang ating mga chapters na tumulong at makialam sa pamamalakad sa kanilang lokal na pamahalaan. Ang karapatan na busisiin ang mga kilos ng pulitiko ay isa sa mga karapatan ng mamamayan na ginarantiya ng ating saligang batas. Tungkulin ng lahat na bantayan ang kaban ng bayan. Kaya nga hindi katanggap tanggap na kung ang isang pulitiko ay inimbistigahan ng katiwalian na sabihin lang nya na “pulitika lang yan.” Bakit? Hindi ba yan bahagi ng ating tungkulin? Na mamulitika tayo sa pamamagitan ng pagbusisi sa mga di kanais-nais na gawain ng pulitiko? Ibig ba sabihin na dahil “pulitika lang yan” hindi na pwede magalaw ang mga pulitiko? Natural lamang na ang mga pulitikong iniimbistigahan ay dumadaan sa prosesong pulitikal dahil ang bawat kilos nila ay dapat sinasandal sa paningin ng mga mamamayan. Public Office is a Public Trust ika nga. Maging inspirasyon sana natin ang ginagawa ni Senador Trillanes. Kahit sino pa yan? Mapa-Presidente (GMA), Bise Presidente (Binay), at Senate President (Enrile), kung sila ay umaabuso sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan, hindi sya natakot na sabihing “Mali yan! Tama na yan!”.

Sa Code Of Conduct ng Samahan na: “Makikilahok ako sa eleksyon at hindi ko ipagbibili ang aking boto”, ay isa ring patunay na tayo ay nakikialam sa pulitika. Napapaloob sa ating constitution ang ating karapatang bumoto. Batid ng Grupong Magdalo na ang karapatang ito ng bawat mamamayan ay sagrado at napakaimportante. Sa tamang paggamit ng karapatang ito magsisimula ang katuparan ng hinahangad nating maayos at progresibong pamayanan na may pagkapantay-pantay sa lipunan.

Kung kaya’t pinapaalalahanan natin ang lahat ng miyembro na iboto lamang ang kandidatong may totoong malasakit sa bansa at sa kapakanan ng nakakarami, yung may mithiin at kakayahan na iahon ang bansa sa pagkalulong natin sa pagiging sanay sa maling pamamalakad. Ipinapaliwanag din natin na ang simpleng pagtanggap nila ng anumang bagay o halaga kapalit ng kanilang boto ay masama ang dulot sa bayan dahil una, mali na agad ang pinili nilang kandidato; pangalawa, mawawalan na sila ng karapatan at lakas ng loob na magreklamo sa maling pamumuno; at pangatlo, siguradong ang maliit na halaga na ipinamudmod sa mga botante ay babawiin din ng naturang pulitiko sa kaban ng bayan ng higit na mas malaki pa sa kanyang ginasto. Pinapaalalahanan din natin ang mga myembro na hindi dapat sila magpapabulag sa barya baryang ipinapamudmod sa kanila gaya ng birthday cake, libreng movie ticket, groceries at kung anu-ano pa dahil ang mga ganitong benepisyo ay galing din naman sa mga buwis na kanilang binabayaran.

Mga kapatid sa Samahang Magdalo, walang masama sa pulitika at pamumulitika. Ang isang responsableng mamamayan ay dapat makialam dito, at sa bahagi ng Samahang Magdalo, ang pagbabago sa pulitika ay dapat isulong upang maituwid ang hindi tamang pagkakaintindi dito. Ito ay bahagi ng misyon ng organisasyon upang mabago ang isang bulok na sistemang pulitikal na syang naglulugmok sa mga mamamayan sa matinding kahirapan.

May magagawa po tayo! .

Pulitika lang yan! Namumulutika lang yan! Lagi natin ito naririnig, sa radyo o telebisyon, sa kwentuhan sa kanto, sa barbershop at maging sa hapag kainan ng isang pamilya. At kapag narinig natin ang mga katagang ito ang unang papasok sa isipan ng karamihan ay negative kaagad. Na kapag namumulitika ka o pulitiko ka ay kurakot ka na, magnanakaw ka na, mapang-api ka na, na tumutulong ka lang para iboto ka ulit sa susunod na eleksyon, na hindi ka na dapat pagkatiwalaan. Ganyan na po ang tingin ng karamihan sa pulitiko dito sa ating bansa.

Hindi natin masisisi ang mamamayang Pilipino kung ganito na ang tingin nila sa pulitika. Sa ginaganap na pagdinig sa senado tungkol sa overpriced parking building ng Makati City na pinasimulan ni Sen. Trillanes IV, ang unang depensa kagad ng nasasangkot na si VP Binay ay “Pulika lang yan! Investigation in aid of election! Demolition job!”. Sa halip na humarap sa imbestigasyon at sagutin o linawin ang isyu ay inaatake lang niya, sampu ng kanyang mga nadawit na ka-pamilya, pati na rin ng kanyang mga tagapagsalita sa partido ang intensyon ni Senador Trillanes. Pulitika lang daw. Gusto lang daw magpasikat si Senador Trillanes dahil may plano itong tumakbo sa pagka-Pangulo sa 2016. Ganun din ang depensa nila Senators Enrile, Estrada at Revilla – na kaya sila nakakulong ngayon ay dahil lang kalaban nila sa pulitika ang nakaupong Presidente. At ang masaklap, nakakakuha sila ng simpatya. Na parang bagang ang pamumulitika ay kapantay na rin ng pagnanakaw ng limpak limpak na salapi sa kaban ng bayan.

Kagaya ni Senador Trillanes, ang Samahang Magdalo din po ay hindi ligtas sa mga paratang ng “pamumulitika”. Sa aking pag-iikot sa iba’t ibang dako ng bansa, para magtayo ng Samahang Magdalo chapter na siyang magpapalaganap sa diwa at adhikain ng Magdalo, ay nakita ko na marami ang nag-iisip na ang totoong layunin ng grupo ay pamumulitika lamang. Tama naman sila. Tama sila na ang Samahang Magdalo ay namumulitika - isang tunay at malinis na pamumulitika.

Ang salitang pulitika ay hango sa salitang Greko na politokos, na ang ibig sabihin ay para o tungkol sa mga mamamayan. Kahit kelan ay hindi naging korapsyon ang kahulugan ng pulitiko, lagi itong para o tunkol sa mga tao. Sa ikabubuti ng nakakarami. Ngunit sa ating bansa, and salitang “pulitika” ay isa sa pinaka-naabusong salita. Samakatuwid, ito ay hindi lubos na naintindihan ng karamihang mamamayan. Ang diwa nito ay sadyang nabali, gawa ng patuloy na pambababoy ng mga pulitiko sa totoong adhikain ng pulitika. Ang pulitika ay hindi masama mismo, ngunit ang mga pulitiko ang siyang gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang maging masama ang pulitika. Sa katunayan, kung masama ang pulitika, bakit lahat ng pamahalaan sa mundo ay may kanya kanyang sariling sistema ng pulitikal na pamamalakad. Malaki man o maliit na bansa, kahit makapangyarihan pa o mahina, lahat ay may pulitikal na sistema. Ang sistemang ito ay patunay na ang pulitika ay bahagi ng ating buhay na dapat nating pahalagahan. Huwag natin itong baluktutin.

Isa sa mga layunin ng Samahang Magdalo ay ang ituwid ang maling paningin ng mga tao sa pulitika. Kung titingnan natin ang vision ng Samahang Magdalo: Magkaroon ng isang maayos at progresibong pamayanan na may pagkapantay-pantay sa lipunan. Hindi ito maisakakatuparan kung hindi tayo makialam sa pamamalakad ng gobyerno kasama na dyan ang pamumulitika - ang pamumulitika na para at tungkol sa mamamayan.

Rajah Norberto E. Santiago Jr. Samahang Magdalo , National President

RAJAH’SC O R N E R

5Ang MagdaloWTF?! (What’s the Fact?!) continuation on page 4....

WTF?! (What’s the Fact?!) continuation...

So, sinabi ko po yung mga impormasyon na nakakalap ko po na may mga retiradong opisyal na naghihikayat ng mga active officers ng AFP, pero fortunately, hindi po sila pinapansin. Hindi po ito kinakagat at nire-report po ng ibang mga officer. So, kaya sabi ko, hindi ito nag-progress something serious. I emphasized po yan doon sa reporter. Sabi ko, “Make sure you have it, put it there,” kasi baka nga po lagyan ng – alam nyo po, dagdag na anghang para maging sensational. So, ganoon na nga po ang nangyari.Reporter: (Laughs) Well, ano naman e, ako naman ay – lagi ko namang binibiro at paulit-ulit ko namang sinasabi. Ang isa sa pinakaimportanteng elemento sa coup de’ etat, yung element of surprise. Kung lahat ay nagkukwento na merong coup de’ etat na napipinto, pagtawanan mo na lang yun at talagang yung gulpi de gulat talagang dapat ay hindi mo malaman. Bigla nalang nangyayari, di ba ganoon yun?

Sen Trillanes: Opo, ganoon po, pero, wala pa po kasi sila doon e. Ni wala pa nga pong organization. Nag-a-attempt pa lang po na mag-recruit. Kung at the recruitment stage pa lang po ay nabi-burn out na, so, wala talaga pong mangyayari dyan.The facts say the reporter had a detailed answer but somehow news reports have made it to a broad statement to, maybe, make it sensational. It is my wish that we be responsible to the things we say. “May mga…” is unlike “yung mga…” When we alter stories to this effect, “may mga nagre-recruit pero hindi pinapansin” into “may banta ng destabilisasyon mula sa mga retiradong heneral,” people will get a different story, and a few may react violently. Responsible people cannot and should not make sweeping statements or hasty generalizations. On the alleged Overpriced Makati Parking Building Fact: Before the Senate Hearing on the alleged Overpriced Makati parking Building even began, Makati Mayor JunJun Binay already presented to the media a COA report that says nothing was irregular about the project. Appearing on the Senate hearing, his defense for the project was anchored on the same COA report. He said, “The technical audit specialists from the COA also reviewed the contract price for each phase of the project. The technical audit specialists found the contract price for all phases reasonable.” Fact: COA Commissioner Grace Pulido-Tan said the COA report presented by Mayor Binay was an internal memorandum and would still have to be validated. That in fact, she was wondering how the Mayor got a copy of the memorandum.

When asked if the agency as an institution has really cleared the project, the COA Commisioner replied “as far as the records go we have not, I did not yet. We did not issue any clearance and we really do not give clearances to [that] effect. No such thing.

The commission does not issue clearances of the nature or the tenor that was described.” From the Philippine Daily Inquirer, report says “Another thing the COA would look at was the appropriation, bidding out and awarding of the P400-million contract for phase one of the parking building project in two-and-a-half months. COA Commissioner Tan noted, for example, that a city ordinance setting aside P400 million for phase one was approved on Nov. 8, 2007. On Dec. 28, 2007, it was bid out and on Jan. 18, 2008, the contract was awarded to Hilmarcs Construction Corporation. On Dec. 28, 2007, it was bid out and on Jan. 18, 2008, the contract was awarded to Hilmarcs Construction Corporation. “If all of these were because of efficiency, commendable. But in our experience, a contract of this magnitude and complexity would normally take at least six months or even a year to procure,” she said.Fact: Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay also explained the cost of the parking building by saying that it was “world-class” and that it is

mga news ano. Sabi ko nga, huwag nyo kaming bibigyan ng impormasyon na ganyan, kami sa media, yan ang gustong-gusto namin. Talagang, gusto namin yung merong intriga, merong ano. But, what prompted you to make your particular assessment, na there is a threat to the Aquino government now from the Armed Forces?Sen Trillanes: Yun nga po, I never released any statement. I was asked po by a reporter kung meron bang nararamdaman ngayon sa Armed Forces? Meron bang kumikilos na nagre-recruit?

Pahayagan ng Bagong Katipunan

6 Ang Magdalo

BA L I TA N G SamahanBloodlettingLast April 5, 2014, Samahang Magdalo (SM) spearheaded a bloodletting event at Woodridge Subdivision’s Gymnasium in Davao City. Most of the donors were students from University of Southeastern Philippines and University of Mindanao. Magdalo chapter officials from Davao City, together with the barangay captains and teachers from the said university served as facilitators for the said activity.

By nudging them in the right direction, the chapter members were motivated to take the initiative, under the supervision from the national leadership of SM. Members become active and responsible citizens who act on their own, for the benefit of the people. A similar blood drive took place last July 19, 2014. Several chapters including Manila, Marikina, Pangasinan, Gen San and Ilocus Sur participated. Most of the donors were members, but the activity was open to everyone. Those who volunteered wanted to share their desire to help their fellowmen and those who would need blood in the future. The objective was to reach out to the people, and let them know that “Dugo ng Magdalo, ay alay sa Filipino.” The blood drive gathered 100 – 120 donors and collected 120 bags of various blood types. These bags represent the willingness and eagerness of the donors to aid fellow Filipinos. To show that those people who actively fight for justice, also actively care for their health in an activity that would lengthen, if not save, several lives. .

One Day, One Bay

The Magdalo Pateros chapter, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Army, Philippine Police Force, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Pateros Bayanihan Group under the directive of the office of the Mayor and Department of the Interior and Local Government gathered volunteers and conducted a massive clean-up of Pacabling Creek in Dela Paz, Barangay San Roque last August 14, 2014. With more than a hundred people, they proceeded with the cleanup of the waterways linked to Manila Bay. This also included the demolition of the houses of illegal settlers. Samahang Magdalo has participated in the Manila Bay Cleanup Rehabilitation and Preservation Project for three times. The first one was December 14, 2013 in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Kanluran and the second was April 11, 2014 in Sta. Ana, Panday Paltok. In 2008, The Writ of Continuing Mandamus for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay called on the government to make the bay fit for swimming again, by improving the water quality to grade B. Water safe enough for contact recreation. This can only be made possible by first cleaning the creeks and rivers that are connected to the bay One of the qualities being cultivated by Samahang Magdalo is activism. Only by being active and contributing members of society can we change the flow of the country. Not by going against the current, but by altering it. Magdalo aims to rid its citizens of apathy, and indifference. To enlighten Filipinos that we shape the present and future of our nation, even with the lack of action. By doing nothing, we contribute to the chaos that will continue to siege our lives. By taking action, we take back the power that rightfully belongs to us. .

Makati’s version of a green building. Fact: The Contractor does not say it is “world class”. In a Senate hearing, Hilmarc’s assistant vice president for legal Rogelio Peig said, “The contractor doesn’t make a claim it’s world-class.” Even the experts who went to make an ocular inspection of the building say it is an average building. Two of them said that the building is an average, standard office building but will not consider it to be “world class”. The Makati parking building also has no certification that it is a “green building”. Fact: VP Jejomar Binay and Makati Mayor Junjun Binay claim the building is not overpriced. Fact: Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, who is now the Vice President’s spokesman on political affairs, said in an interview that “a triumvirate of corruption” oversaw rigging of the bidding for projects of the city during the elder Binay’s term as Makati mayor. He also claimed that it was known in Makati that resource speaker Hechanova, former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and former city engineer Nestor Morales were the ones responsible for rigging the bidding, especially of infrastructure projects. Fact: VP Jejomar Binay only has praises for his former city engineer when the latter passed away in 2012.

The facts say, without finger-pointing anybody, one side is not telling the truth. And should we consider the last three (3) facts above not to be conflicting statements of the same camp, facts say there is negligence and incompetence in the city of Makati, then and now. And should we consider the Senate hearing to be politically motivated, let us also remember the fact that the Constitution provides systems for Checks and Balances in the Government, and one of these is the oversight function of the senate. Duty says, when violation comes your way, do not look the other way. .