|
Post by janix on Feb 24, 2006 21:11:22 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by fattire on Feb 24, 2006 21:33:11 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by the D. on Feb 24, 2006 21:40:22 GMT 8
as the stock market goes down due to the The Edsa rallies, riders did't even realize what's going on outside The devine Mercy race track. My Girl texted me that Pres. Gloria declares a state of emergency, another rider told me that she declares a state of Calamity, duh! More like a state of Calamarie. another fellow said that tanks are everywhere and riot lespu are bashing ralliest on the street with their shields and battons. Some are saying that, by the time we finish racing and went home, the Philippines has a new president. ofcourse that's a joke.
But regardless what happen outside the devine mercy race track in maarat, Racers really cares for one thing, that's to Qualify for the tour, meet a lot of riders and having fun. (i think that's three things)
The philippine MTB scene have witnessed a birth of a new league, a league that will support the philippine MTB Industry and the sports. Hopefully, This will be an annual event, that will be anticipated by many.
feb 24 will be a memorable day for every filipino MTB riders that attended the event. It's the day before the edsa uprising and the first Philippine Mountain-bike Pro Tour.
see you all at the trails.... and let's celebrate the freedom not desecrate the memories of those brave sould who fought for it..... peace......
"Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo, mapayapang paraang pag babago......."
|
|
|
Post by rafaeljcordova on Feb 25, 2006 10:01:04 GMT 8
do these ralliyists even pay there taxes? do they work their butt of day in and day out to earn? not to generalize, but most of these guys have "fundings" to keep them going.
i went to UP visayas and knew a lot of leftists to. it's unny coz' like me, they also liked marlboro's, chivas regal, hollywood movies, and would probably love to have a turner 6pack if he's a biker; anyway, it's just me.
|
|
|
Post by gilbs72 on Feb 26, 2006 10:02:31 GMT 8
The Philippines Today is calloused.... about People Power, calloused about cheating, calloused about right and wrong. Numbed by events of the past 20 years, we say enough... let's just live it it. It is so disheartening to hear in many personal conversations such acceptance as 'sino ba'ng dehins nandaya', 'wag na natin guluhin', 'sino man ipalit, pareho din', etc.
One thing we all know is someone (or everyone) cheated during the elections. Even pro admin people agree with this, except that they say everyone did anyway--even past presidents. Regardless who cheated (admin or opposition) it is not our right... not an option to just allow cheating to happen, but our moral duty to correct it. Our birthright to call ourselves 'Filipino' comes with at a price--corresponding duties--and among these is to provide a better future for succeeding generations. Better future is achieved through a mix of different aspects, including (but NOT limited to) a better economy. What providing a better future does not include is the acceptance (and consequent breeding) of injustice, corruption and cheating.
When one accepts that somebody has stolen the Presidency, it becomes his solemn duty to do something to help correct the anomaly. Cheating equates to large-scale injustice that affects not only the cheated candidate but also the whole populace including our future and that of our children. It also destroys democracy since cheating creates distrust of democratic institutions and exposes weaknesses, thus weakening the virtue of fighting (and dying) for democracy--specially against authoritarian, communist and radical theocratic regimes. Accepting a cheating president is NOT an option even if the economy performs better. These two are different matters altogether (even as GMA and her cohorts want us to believe otherwise). Even rich and powerful countries should not (and true enough many wouldn't) allow cheating presidents because such a sin is firmly associated with a nation's moral foundations. A better economy alone does not assure a better future. On the contrary, a better economy in a morally corrupt society only spells trouble through greater inequity (a phenomenon we see more and more of today as only the rich get richer with the growing economy.)
So what if many politicians have cheated before? That others before GMA have also cheated or stolen does NOT make it an option to simply accept such injustice as a 'fact-of-life' today and in the future. It is simply NOT our option to allow a vicious cycle (not even if it's centuries old) to continue. It is our generation's duty to correct it and if only we can go back in time or if the past perpetrators are still alive to be tried and punished today, then it remains our unfinished duty to do so--NOT our option to just accept their actions. (Of course, 'pardon' becomes an option, but only after guilt--and corresponding punishment--is firmly established.)
|
|
|
Post by Poseur on Feb 26, 2006 17:44:52 GMT 8
sad... just sad. it will take something REALLY big for Philippines to change. i actually don't think it will ever happen. it's sad.
|
|
|
Post by Patrick on Feb 26, 2006 21:56:03 GMT 8
it will happen Poseur but not in our lives hehe
|
|
|
Post by fattire on Feb 26, 2006 22:29:52 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by quiesledaddy on Feb 27, 2006 2:50:15 GMT 8
thanks Owen
|
|
bikedaddy
Free Rider
[purple]Purple Balbon Zaido[/purple]
Posts: 369
|
Post by bikedaddy on Feb 27, 2006 9:41:41 GMT 8
The Philippines today will also be the Philippines of tomorrow, at least for another century. Leaders will come and go, but the lives of ordinary Filipinos wont change dramatically. Why? Just observe our streets, the drivers, the lespu, the pedestrians even the f#%&'n stray dogs!....No Jefferson, Lincoln or Tutankhamen can rule a nation with streets like ours. Great nations rise from great people. No amount of great leadership can save a nation whose very core is lacking from the most basic of values.
|
|
|
Post by Ben Dover on Feb 27, 2006 11:15:47 GMT 8
..ok guys i have a plan lets fire that cheating midget and replace with her ahhh...ehhh...ehem..who's that guy again? yeah! dont worry i have plan..i have a plan.
hahaha! this country is unbelievable! ;D
|
|
|
Post by the D. on Feb 27, 2006 11:21:08 GMT 8
The Philippines today will also be the Philippines of tomorrow, at least for another century. Leaders will come and go, but the lives of ordinary Filipinos wont change dramatically. Why? Just observe our streets, the drivers, the lespu, the pedestrians even the f#%&'n stray dogs!....No Jefferson, Lincoln or Tutankhamen can rule a nation with streets like ours. Great nations rise from great people. No amount of great leadership can save a nation whose very core is lacking from the most basic of values. common people lack the basic values co'z they are hungry, values comes in last after shelter and medical needs.
c'mon people we're talking about our country here, if we don't believe in ourselves, who will. and besides there's more to philippines than this freakin' government. let's pull it all together.
screw the government and inspire others to do better.
|
|
|
Post by rob on Feb 27, 2006 12:23:01 GMT 8
Hmmm... who do we screw in the government? hehe No good looking people there... hahahaha!
|
|
|
Post by CyBoRG on Feb 27, 2006 15:24:49 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by marcs on Feb 27, 2006 15:55:35 GMT 8
what the hell is this supposed to accomplish? it's ok to destroy the country while they're supposedly saving it? and then what? use of force will be the de facto way to get things done? this is the typical way of thinking sadly of a lot of people, 'to hell with all of us if you don't do it my way.'
f&*9$ idiots.
|
|
|
Post by gilbs72 on Feb 27, 2006 17:07:03 GMT 8
Unfortunately, ALL Constitutional means at getting to the bottom of what really happened in 2004 have been exhausted but are being blocked using political machinery.
The Constitutional impeachment process was blocked by a majority of "Representatives", thereby avoiding trial and examination of facts. Although GMA declared that she welcomed the chance to clear her name, not a shred of evidence was opened. Millions of pesos were mobilized in a questionably-timed fertilizer scam--until now officials involved remain in hiding.
Government officials willing to testify in Congress/Senate have been slapped with the gag order EO464. This goes against the Constitutional checks and balances but the Arroyo-placed Supreme Court is dragging its feet on questions of its Constitutionality.
Street protests--by all means Constitutional under the principle of Freedom to Assemble--are met with CPR "Calibrated Preemptive Response". You can see on TV officers bashing unarmed civilians. Much like the Calibrated Preemptive Strike of the US against Iraq which yielded no WMD, anything 'preemptive' gives the government the right to cook up a threat to justify attack. You therefore see on TV unarmed procession to Mendiola being hosed down by fire trucks.
Under the so-called State of Emergency or EO1017, you see the lespu allowing itself to be used for politics. The Phil Constabulary's, este, PNP's first action was to dig up a 21 year old rebellion charge against a known left-leaning congressman and arrest him using a 21 year old warrant. My gosh! That warrant was in 1985 for a rebellion charge against the Marcos government--long proven to the world as dictatorial! We've had two uprisings already!
And there is NO NATIONAL EMERGENCY. Magdalo in Oakwood (armed and present) was a bigger threat yet GMA didn't declare a State of Emergency then. Why now? The answer, she's been wanting several powers for some time now. The people who want to know what really happened in 2004 have been dogging her to come clean about it. She found that butas to grab on to those powers.
By magnifying an aborted threat of withdrawal of support by a general, GMA managed to gain powers of controlling ANY "vital" industry in the country and to control what the people say or do.
Immediately, The Daily Tribune was shutdown for a day and now operates under lespu scrutiny, against the Constitution's principle of Freedom of Expression. Any opinion against the administration (not necessarily against the people) are not allowed.
Celebrated by the world as a triumph of democracy, the 20th Anniversary of EDSA People Power was dispersed in its own country. 20 years of dictatorship stopped and back again in 20 years.
EO1017 is copied from Marcos's EO1081, otherwise known as the Martial Law declaration with the exception of suspension of writ of habeas corpus. Not suprisingly, the AFP Chief of Staff sometimes get these two interchanged. It brings back lespu abuses (the palace claims no hand in the arrest of opposition leaders and raid on Tribune) which demolishes the two decade gains of the PNP in abolishing the Philippine Constabulary image. Soon, the AFP will be corrupted again as these politicized offensives are taken to the provinces.
Simple transparency from GMA on the election issues should have prevented all these, yet she stuck to her guns and instead continues to declare she won fair and square. Until today, not a shred of evidence has been officially examined.
When Constitutional means are destroyed, where else could we go? There is a universal principle on the rights of People to pursue their life, liberty and happiness, best expressed in the US Declaration of Independence:
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed.
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is in the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
It is not our option to give up these rights. It is our duty to protect them.
At each link of the chain of command, a soldier has to obey his superior but it is his responsibility to guard his 'link' and make sure he is obeying the right superior who is legitimate. Or else everyone under him becomes a hostage. When the Chief of Staff blindly follows the Commander in Chief despite questions on her legitimacy, the entire chain becomes a hostage.
|
|
|
Post by marcs on Feb 27, 2006 17:27:31 GMT 8
TO THE WHOLE PROVINCE RE: Preliminary guidelines for the present situation of “national emergency” In view of the confusing reports regarding the present situation, and the many calls on Jesuits, lay partners and Jesuit institutions to support various movements, I wish to share with the Province some information on our present situation and some responses for your discernment and guidance. As with the earlier Guidelines from the Province Commission on the Social Apostolate, these considerations are the fruit of discussion and discernment, understandably hurried given our circumstances, of an adhoc Province Committee on Crisis Response. At a time when things remain fluid and unstable, these guidelines are presented, not as a total and final response to the situation and the problems of political legitimacy and reform, but as an initial response to very immediate concerns and questions. Moreover, they are offered for consideration and discernment, rather than as “positions” all are required to adhere to. Those who, after prayer and reflection, find that they can, in conscience, hold these positions, may share what is contained with others, who seek guidance in a time of confusion and heightened emotional responses. Let us continue to beseech our gracious Lord for the light, courage and hope we need as we face these challenging times in our country’s history. Sincerely in our Lord, DANIEL PATRICK L. HUANG, S.J. Provincial Preliminary Guidelines for the Present Situation of “National Emergency” A. The Situation: There seem to be groups in the military who have seriously been engaged in attempts to seize state power. Part of the impetus for these coup plots appears to be legitimate grievances concerning the present state of the military under the present administration. But it does not seem that the ventilation of these grievances is the only agenda of the present movements among these groups. There also appears to be a genuine intent to take political control of the country. Transitional juntas, with civilians participating, appear to be envisioned. Some civilians, chiefly politicians and organized political groups, seem to know about these plans. Some, convinced that all constitutional means to oust the present administration have been exhausted, support these attempts. There appears to be a crucial difference between the events of EDSA 1986 and the present. EDSA was a civilian-led initiative against dictatorship that received support from the military. What we are witnessing these days is quite different: a military-led effort seeking civilian support and legitimation. The response of the government is the declaration of a state of National Emergency, through Proclamation No. 1017. The column of Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J., in today’s Philippines Daily Inquirer, explains the constitutional basis for and scope of emergency powers in the Proclamation. But Fr. Bernas also points to the disturbing inclusion of what seem to be martial law powers in the President’s declaration, particularly in its appeal to Article XII, Section 17 of the Constitution, concerning the temporary takeover of privately owned businesses and utilities, a move that seems aimed at government control of the press and media. B. Some Guidelines: 1. The crisis of political legitimacy and the crying need for reform of the military are real. Nonetheless, any attempt by factions in the military to seize state power, however well motivated, cannot be supported. Such attempts overstep the noble task of the military in a democracy. The consequences of such actions that threaten civilian supremacy over the military will be extremely difficult to reverse and would be seriously harmful for the country’s future. The experience of countries in which a politicized military has taken state power—what we often refer to as “banana republics”—gives sobering illustrations of these consequences. Once having captured the state, military forces have not given up power easily. A cycle of constant struggles for state control among military elements begins, to the detriment of political stability, democratic freedoms and national development. Democracy demands the rule of civilians who are legitimately chosen from and by the people, and not simply kept in power by military might. It is important to recall the principle articulated by the CBCP in its pastoral statement of January 2006: actions that “condone violence or counter-constitutional means in resolving our present crisis” are not acceptable, especially since they “would only bring about new forms of injustice, hardships, and greater harm in the future.” 2. The serious threat to democratic freedoms involved in Proclamation No. 1017 should be exposed, questioned, and resisted. Even constitutionally mandated emergency powers can be abused if they are exercised disproportionately, to the point of undermining basic rights. It is alarming that, even now, there seem to be indications of this abuse, such as the arrest of civilians without clear bases and charges. This is a serious and unacceptable violation of civil and political rights. Furthermore, the present administration’s actions towards controlling the media must be resisted. Not only are these moves of questionable constitutionality, but state takeover of media seems morally unjustified, as such a measure would violate the freedom of expression which is a fundamental tenet of democracy. 3. We must not be naïve and uncritical. Many groups have taken and will continue to take advantage of the present confusion. We, especially religious and Church groups, must be wary about which groups we identify with, lest we indirectly legitimate and support antidemocratic groups with vested interests. The question of the future governance of the country, should the present administration collapse, is not a matter of indifference, but a serious moral consideration. Who assumes power, with what mandate and what agenda, are questions that we must seek answers to from those who would solicit our support. 4. The present administration’s actions to frustrate legitimate constitutional means of reform and accountability must be held largely responsible for the present crisis. Government’s constant attempts to evade accountability and true reform have made the military solution seem attractive and inevitable to some. Thus, it is necessary that the following be addressed with greater urgency: the search for truth on the many controversies of the recent past; the revamp of COMELEC and other necessary electoral reforms; reforms in the military; and the continuing search for solutions to the problems of poverty and inequality that beset most of our people. C. Some Immediate Courses of Action: In this situation, the following are appropriate immediate courses of action: · Gatherings of prayer for peace and a non-violent resolution of the crisis; · Gatherings to exchange reliable information, and to discern collectively in the light of emerging developments; · Expressions and actions of protest against the curtailments of democratic freedoms in Proclamation No. 1017.
|
|
|
Post by janix on Feb 27, 2006 18:49:54 GMT 8
Arroyo declared the state of national emergency to save the economy. that's what i heard from tv patrol. I don't know who's resposible for the strengthening of the peso against the dollar, but state of national emergency is not the best way to save the economy from the ongoing political crisis.
Before, when the issue of the election fraud, i sided with arroyo, thinking that she has something good for the country because she is an economist. But now.... everything's different.
But there is one thing i noticed to most of Filipinos... they immediately believe what others say without thorough analysis of the situation. So if their is someone in authority who said something bad about someone, they immediately believe and do some actions without getting the other's side. that's my opinion.
When i was a kid, everything seems fine, not until you've grown to be educated and seen the reality. and reality sucks. but there is one thing i would like to say: Learn to accept the truth, but don't dwell on the current truth... change it!!!
|
|