NPC Statement
November 29, 2009
Reference: Benny Antiporda
CAJ secretary to read Asean journalists’ position
NPC JOINS CALL FOR UNITY OVER AMPATUAN CARNAGE AT MENDIOLA RALLY TODAY
The National Press Club of the Philippines will join today,
November 30, a multi-sectoral peace rally at the historic Mendiola
bridge over the rising incidence of political violence in the country
and urge the authorities to hasten their probe on last Monday’s
‘Ampatuan Massacre’ in Maguindanao.
NPC president Benny Antiporda said they have already
hammered out the details of the activity in several marathon meetings
with other media groups and cause-oriented organizations who were all
outraged by the massacre of at least 57 innocent civilians last
November 23 in Maguindanao.
The last official count puts the number of journalists who
were among the victims at 27, the worst, single day attack against
journalists in any part of the world.
“This is a peace rally that aims to bring out the
collective anguish and outrage of those in the media profession and
other sectors of society over the death of so many innocent people.
“This unparalleled act of barbarism deserves condemnation by all
peace-loving people regardless of political affiliation or social
standing,” Antiporda said.
The NPC on Tuesday also staged a protest march in EDSA
which succeeded in forcing police officials in Camp Crame in granting
a dialogue to the protesters and brief them on what the Philippine
National Police is doing to pursue the case.
As worldwide condemnation over the incident pours in,
Antiporda said N.V. Anbalagan of the National UNion of Journalists
Malaysia and concurrent secretary of the Confederation of Asean
Journalists, is to arrive on Sunday to join his Philippine colleagues
in the march to Mendiola (now Chino Roces Bridge).
Mr. Anbalagan’s arrival is in line with the CAJ’s program of
actions approved by the group during its general assembly last month
in Kuala Lumpur. Among others, they include looking into the cases of
media killings in the Philippines.
Antiporda is the CAJ’s current vice president.
Mr. Anbalagan is to hand carry the CAJ’s letter to Pres.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo regarding the Ampatuan massacre where they
also urged the chief executive to “act decisively” on the incident.
“(W)e condemn this appalling and truly shocking development
that has no parallel elsewhere.
“Words are not enough to describe the depth of anguish that we at the
CAJ, as well as journalists everywhere, now feel over this mass
killing, in a single day, of our fellow media practitioners,” the CAJ
said.
Antiporda said while the club is elated over the spontaneous series of
protest actions launched by other sectors and media organizations
immediately after the massacre, today’s rally (Monday) emphasizes the
journalists’ unity in seeking justice to their fallen colleagues and
strengthen press freedom in the country.
“The Ampatuan massacre calls on us, practicing journalists, to set
aside our differences if we are to force the government to listen and
take the actions necessary to strengthen press freedom and give
justice to our fallen comrades in the profession.
“We also demand that the government take decisive actions
in ending the prevailing culture of impunity in many parts of the
country that has already resulted to the death of so many innocent
people,” Antiporda added.
He noted that what made the Ampatuan massacre possible is the
willingness of some government officials to tolerate the existence of
political warlords mainly in the provinces in exchange for their help
especially during elections.
“This ‘tit-for-tat’ with crooks, election cheats and other social
miscreants by many of our officials is what made the Ampatuan massacre
possible in the first place. The time has come for all of us to put a
stop this practice,” Antiporda said. ###
Legal Empowerment
HOWDY
By Jaime Pilapil
Legal empowerment, a means to eradicate poverty
“Those who have less in life should have more in law.”
That is the most famous quote attributed to the great former President Ramon Magsaysay.
Regrettably, we Filipinos have not heeded his call after more than fifty years after his untimely death by a plane crash.
Last year, the United Nations Development Programme published a book entitled “Making the Law Work for Everyone.”.
The book was actually a documentation of an experience in Nairobi, Kenya where a group of flea market vendors bonded together and came up with a sort of “paluwagan” so they would have a steady source of small capital. Just when they were starting to experience some success everything went to ash after a bloody election prompted some shenanigans to burn and loot their wares.
As part of the Millennium Development Goals, the high-level study report highlights are anchored on four premises. This was summarized by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his foreword. “First, legal empowerment is impossible when poor people are denied access to a well-functioning justice system. Second, most of the world’s poor lack effective property rights and the intrinsic economic power of their property remain untapped. Third, poor people, in particular women and children, suffer unsafe working conditions because their employers often operate outside the formal legal system. Fourth, poor people are denied economic opportunities as their property and businesses are not legally recognized. They cannot access credit, investment or global and local markets.”
In contrast, the report said, the majority of the people in rich countries have effective rights and duties, whether as workers, business people, tenants, or property owners. If their rights are violated, they have recourse to the law; if they breach their obligations, legal action can be taken against them.
Indeed, legal empowerment is anchored on the basic principles of human rights articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 1 said: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
In the Philippines, in most cases, local government units impose informal rules just so to allow hawkers, street and flea market vendors, including the so-called “tiangge”.
Still, with informal rules the vendors end up victims to corrupt city hall officials.
Nonetheless, in some cases, informal rules have helped a lot in allowing hawkers ply their wares on streets and even the four corners of the city hall.
Take the case of hawkers at Quezon City Hall, they are allowed to occupy a small space in far right mid portion of the quadrangle of the main building. But only those vendors with proper permit and uniform are allowed to make business.
In Makati City, street vendors are allowed in some alleys and pavements to sell their wares, also in proper uniform. While in the inner sanctum of the streets under the shadows of high-rise buildings the so-called “Jollibee” jeepneys are allowed.
In Divisoria, Escolta, Binondo, Baclaran, Balintawak, and even Caloocan’s Grand Central area, street vendors are allowed under informal rules. Still, they can maintain their small baskets, tables or tents only at the mercy of the city officials.
Maybe it is about time that a national law governing this particular sector of the poor should be passed.
The national leaders should come out with an “Agenda for Change”. “The state has the duty to protect and the citizens have the right to protection,” the study said. “In order for the legal system to play a role in empowering poor people to escape poverty, laws that confer the appropriate mix of rights, powers, privileges, and immunities are needed.”
Simply put, every Filipino must have the right to own a house and engage in work or a business. We cannot live on dole outs or subsidies. Every Filipino must earn his keep but there should be a law that will protect his right to achieve this. [Send your feedback to pilapil.jim@gmail.com] -30-
Noynoy’s Lawyers
ANINO, lawyers group of Noynoy
By Jaime Pilapil
Abogado Ni Noynoy or ANINO for short is a volunteer lawyers’ group of presumptive Liberal Party presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino.
The group led by The Fort-based “QT” law office has been meeting regularly for quite sometime.
Around 50 volunteer lawyers are having regular trainings on election procedures and laws, including the intricacies of the automated elections. They will not only help safeguard the votes for Noynoy but act as a college of legal advisers before, during and after election campaign period. It will act also as a discussion group on pertinent issues. They are undergoing a series of lectures from people who have the know-how of the in and out of automated elections like from the civil society, Comelec legal department, Smartmatic and experts from other legal fields.
Although Noynoy’s presidential ambition has been announced late, his handlers are swift enough in putting up the campaign machinery.
The composition of ANINO is of varied backgrounds. Some are into private practice while others are from the academe.
Give these people two more months and they will equal or even surpass the well manicured preparations of another presidential timber from Nacionalista Party.
LP has its own legal group, but Noynoy needs a dedicated and fierce lawyers’ group not just to ensure that his votes are counted for him but his people are protected from machinations of the enemies.
ANINO’s formal launch will be a day or two before Noynoy files his certificate of candidacy.
oOo
Every time I go to mass, I always hear priests say a thing or two against the Reproductive Health Bill regardless of the gospel of the day. The Catholic Church is against the use of contraceptive methods, including pills and condoms. Then one time, after the mass, a priest approached me and said: “Yan ang uso ngayon na t-shirt”. He was referring to my yellow polo shirt with the Philippine map sewn on it. I suspect he is a pro-Noynoy. But does he know that Noynoy supports the RH Bill?
oOo
A number of national and local politicians are jumping ship to Liberal Party because of Noynoy’s increasing popularity and because of Gibo Teodoro’s low placing in surveys. Others prefer Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party, hoping the self-made billionaire will give them campaign money. Since we don’t have a strong party system, it is very easy to jump from one political party to another. Will Lakas-Kampi-CMD party die a natural death soon? Unless Gibo’s party wins to get Loren Legarda as his tandem, then it will be a Noynoy-Villar contest. I just hope we will have a two-party system, courtesy of a new law.
oOo
Gibo will soon leave the Defense department. The truth is–he has not accomplished much. Our military is still lacking in guns and ammunitions. Corruption is a daily occurrence. The P5 billion fund allotted for the purchase of night-capable attack helicopters is still untouched despite its availability years ago. The New People’s Army is getting stronger, contrary to reports. Our peace and order situation in southern Mindanao is at its lowest. Loose MILF soldiers invade communities. Abu Sayyaf Group can kidnap anybody, poor and rich. Peace negotiations with rebels groups, whether communists or Muslims, are just plain press releases and nothing more. Si Gibo ay walang “galing” at “talino”, according to some soldiers. [Send your feedback to pilapil.jim@gmail.com]
Barbaric Killings
Nov. 25, 2009
HOWDY
By Jaime Pilapil
Barbaric killings
The National Press Club condemns in strongest terms the killing of more than 40 people, including some 12 members of the media in Maguindanao.
I could not understand why these people have to massacre these innocent grown up people who were only doing their jobs as members of the press.
We reporters based here in Manila lament this incident. The souls of the culprits and the mastermind will definitely rot in hell.
If it is true that the Ampatuans have something to do with the killings, I am certain our brother Muslims despise this barbaric act and they will reject this blood-thirst clan in the coming local elections.
Give Manny a chance
Manny Pacquaio has given us Filipinos so much pride. It is about time that we reciprocate his humility and success as a boxer.
What I mean is give him what he wants to be — to be a Congressman.
I don’t believe administration party presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro will be able to impose on Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez to accommodate the boxing icon. Dominguez is subservient to the Chiongbians, the family that ruled the province for a long time. .
How I wish the “Pambansang Kamao” be introduced in his next fight as “Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio”.
I’m sure Pacquaio will be as proud as us Filipinos once he is introduced as “Congressman from Sarangani, Philippines” in his next fight.
“Boxing Congressman” is another title as thrilling as his seven weight division titles.
If the Pacman will win in his congressional bid, he won’t be congressman for so long, at the most six years. Then Pacquaio can run for a senate seat. By then, he will be 36 years old. We don’t know what will come after. Maybe he will become vice president or even president. “Only God knows,” as Pacman used to say.
Pacquaio’s soft heart for the poor is pure. This character alone will ensure he won’t be corrupted. He is resilient as shown by his dedication to spend two months of hard training, adjusting to the style of his opponent.
When Pacquiao lost to Cong. Darleen Custodio in 2007 elections, he was a victim of the people surrounding him who wanted only his money.
At the height of the campaign, I had a chance of visiting General Santos City. At the very hotel where I stayed, several campaign managers of Pacquaio were billeted also there.
I talked to them and I was startled upon hearing that they were only after the Pacman’s campaign fund. It was a pity for the Pacman.
I’m sure this will not happen in Sarangani. Pacquiao has learned his lessons in politics.
I only interviewed Pacquaio once and that was a long time ago when he was at the height of shuffling his fights between Mexicans Eric “El Terible” Morales and Antonio “The Assassin” Barrera.
I could sense from his eyes the sincerity to help. Unlike many politicians who extend help as long as they are assured of your votes.
Bravo Chiz!
Sorsoganons like me are happy with the decision of Senator Chiz Escudero not to seek the presidency in the 2010 elections. We don’t want him to run and lose. Maybe 2016 is the right time for him. All he has to do within six years is to put up a party that will catapult him to the highest post. Or, he can join the Liberal Party. [Send your feedback to pilapil.jim@gmail.com] -30-
Antonio, So and Laylo matched against strong GM players in World Cup’s first round
Antonio, So and Laylo matched against strong GM players in World Cup’s first round
By Jaime Pilapil
The three Filipino grandmasters who will see action in the prestigious World Chess Cup in Russia from Nov. 20 to Dec. 15 are up against formidable opponents right in the first round.
GM Rogelio Antonio (Elo 2574) is paired against GM Gata Kamsky (Elo 2695), the number 2 player of United States.
GM Darwin Laylo (Elo 2552) will square off against GM David Navara (Elo 2707), the top player of Chez Republic while GM Wesley So will face GM Gadiz Guseinov (Elo 2625), number 5 player of Azerbaijan.
A total of 128 players from more than 40 countries are participating in this year’s tournament. The winner will play in a semifinal match of the World Championship.
The World Cup will be held according to Olympic system consisting of six rounds with two games each. It’s a knockout system.
In 2007 World Cup, Laylo was eliminated in the first round match against Etienne Bacrot, 1½–½, of France who was then rated 2696, now 2700, according to November FIDE rating.
Antonio, 46, earned his World Cup trip by finishing third in the 2009 Asia Continental Chess Championship.
Laylo, 29, and So, 16, meanwhile, gained entry to the World Cup by finishing first and second, respectively, in the Asian Zonal 3.3 held in Vietnam last July.
Antonio, So and Laylo will join three other top local players in a six-player, double-round robin tournament two weeks before they fly to Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia as part of their intensive preparation.
GM Wesley So out of world top 100 chess players, N0. 7 in world junior
Believe it or not, as competition gets tougher and tougher here and abroad, GM Wesley So is experiencing a minor recession recently. For the first time in nearly a year, Wesley So who just turns 16 last month now finds himself out of the elite top 100 chess players in the world based on FIDE rankings. After reaching his highest peak of 2646 last July, Wesley shed just 6 points but that is enough to topple him in the top 100, ranking him at no. 102 (active) in the world. To add some consolation, So is still the “youngest” player among the top 102 players and remains the top under 16 in the world today. So still holds in the top 20 junior players, at no.8 from his previous spot at no.7
And yes. The Philippines is no longer invisible and is back in the FIDE list. Despite improving in our individual rankings, the country is still placidly rank no 32 based on the average rating of the top ten players of 2525. Norway, who used to be the Philippines major rivals in the fight for the first to barge in the top 30 spot along other ex-soviet nations like Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Slovenia etc has finally entered the top 30 at no 29. Probably for the first time. Blame it on Magnus Calsen who is now officially the youngest player ever in history to break the 2800 mark.
Behind Wesley So, it is GM Joey Antonio, one of the best performer at the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam, Team Blitz preliminary event with 8 wins and a draw is the Philippines second best with 2574, followed by GM Darwin Laylo (2552), GM elect Rogelio Barcenilla (2518), GM John Paul Gomez (2507), GM Eugenio Torre (2506), GM Mark Paragua (2497), GM Roland Salvador (2491), GM Joseph Sanchez (2487) and IM Julio Catalino Sadorra (2478), completing Pinoys top 10.
FIDE NOVEMBER 2009 RATING LIST: TOP 20 JUNIORS
Rank Name Title Country Rating Games B-Year
1 Carlsen, Magnus g NOR 2801 10 1990
2 Karjakin, Sergey g UKR 2723 12 1990
3 Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime g FRA 2718 0 1990
4 Wang, Hao g CHN 2708 13 1989
5 Caruana, Fabiano g ITA 2652 21 1992
6 Zhigalko, Sergei g BLR 2646 0 1989
7 So, Wesley g PHI 2640 15 1993
8 Andreikin, Dmitry g RUS 2636 23 1990
9 Kuzubov, Yuriy g UKR 2634 16 1990
10 Nepomniachtchi, Ian g RUS 2626 22 1990
11 Le, Quang Liem g VIE 2624 10 1991
12 Rodshtein, Maxim g ISR 2623 7 1989
13 Negi, Parimarjan g IND 2620 33 1993
14 Edouard, Romain g FRA 2620 0 1990
15 Nguyen, Ngoc Truong Son g VIE 2616 36 1990
16 Andriasian, Zaven g ARM 2613 25 1989
17 Khairullin, Ildar g RUS 2613 20 1990
18 Sjugirov, Sanan g RUS 2612 20 1993
19 Iturrizaga, Eduardo g VEN 2605 0 1989
20 Kovalyov, Anton g ARG 2601 20 1992
Carlsen officially world’s number 2 at 2801
Magnus Carlsen officialy broke the 2800 barrier today. On the November 1st FIDE rating list the Norwegian is the new world’s number 2, only 9 points behind Veselin Topalov (2810). Radjabov and Ivanchuk left the top 10 for Gashimov and Svidler.
We all know the story of Magnus Carlsen’s amazing performance at the Nanjing super-tournament, but it still takes your breath away to see that magical 2801 next to his name, now officially, on the November 1st FIDE rating list. The European Team Championship is not yet included in the official list. In Novi Sad Veselin Topalov lost a bit, and so Magnus Carlsen is in fact only 3.9 points behind the Bulgarian; a gap that could be closed during the upcoming Tal Memorial.
In about one and a half years time Vugar Gashimov has become one of the world’s very best players – he entered the top 10 for the first time and is now on a fine 6th place, behind Topalov, Carlsen, Anand, Aronian and Kramnik. It’s good to see Peter Svidler back there too; the grandmaster from St Petersburg is 8th now, one place behind Boris Gelfand.
Leko dropped from 6th to 9th place and Radjabov and Ivanchuk are just out of the top 10; on spots 11 and 12 respectively. Eljanov climbed to 17th, but on the live list that’s already 11th (!) thanks to his top performance in Novi Sad. Nakamura and Alekseev dropped out of the top 20. New or back in the top 100 are Surya Ganguly, Jan Smeets, Giovanni Vescovi, Boris Savchenko, Denis Khismatullin, Bartosz Socko and Anton Korobov.
The women’s top 10 has barely changed since the September list. Judit Polgar dropped 7 rating points at the Univé Tournament in Hoogeveen but is still 77 points ahead of Humpy Koneru. Nana Dzagnidze is now the 4th female player in the world, 41 points behind Hou Yifan. Nadezhda Kosintseva already climbed to 9th place and her 8/9 in Novi Sad still needs to be added to that! Zhao Xue dropped from 4th to 14th place. The names in the Juniors and Girls top 10s are the same as two months ago.
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