The Results of Election 2016

The election 2016 was already finished. Congratulation to all the winners and better luck next time to the loser candidates. Well, that's the game of life, if there is a victory, there is also sadness. The important is we need to move on. Anyway, before May 9, I had some expectations and some of them turned into reality.

I am very sure that Mar Roxas will not in presidential election because majority of the voters are already sick and tired of Daang Matuwid. They don't like Mar to continue their programs because many of them are not effective. The voters also knew that he don't have big accomplishment while he was still the head the DOTC and DILG. So, why they should vote for Mar?

Of course, I am also right for choosing Rodrigo Duterte as president. I am very confident that he will win despite of the black proganda thrown which was fabricated by his rivals. It only shown that the Filipino people are looking for an alternative candidate. Among the presidential candidates, they saw Duterte that he is the only one who could bring major changes in our society. In the few months, we will see how he implement his platform against criminality and how he stop the corruption in our government.

Sad thing, only Dick Gordon and Migz Zubiri are the candidates won in the senatorial line of Duterte. Well, I already expecting it. The two candidates are already familiar to the voters because they already served as senators. While the other candidates of Duterte are just a newbie in politics like Sandra Cam, Lorna Kapunan, Dante Liban, etc. Yes, the voters are already familiar with them; but they are not famous as Manny Pacquiao or they don't had TV ads which is airing from time to time like Tesda Man Joel Villanueva. So, what could we expect? Many of our voters are basing their votes to the popularity of the candidates and not based on their platform.

I also expected that the operation of PCOS machine will be smooth despite of the allegations that the administration will use it for their advantage. If there were defective PCOS that was just isolated cases. I believed that this election is fair and clean. So, don't believe to the rumor that claim of the Marcos supporters that Leni Robredo is a part of the plan B of the Aquino administration. Maybe the Marcos camp can't accept their defeat. It is up to the Supreme Court, if they grant the request of Bongbong to recount the votes for the vice president.

In local elections, I also predicted that Mayor Joseph Estrada could be still the mayor of Manila. While in San Juan, Guia Gomez will be still the mayor and Abby Binay could be sitted as a mayor in Makati. Those politicians has still a charisma to their constituents. Yes, Jojemar Binay was lost as president, but at least they still have a control in Makati.

10 Reasons Why Duterte is a Good Choice for Presidency?

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte now is number one in surveys conducted by abscbn.com, Pulse Asia, SWS and other survey entities. This is the reasons why many black propaganda circulates in news by print, television and online. His opponents want to pull him down. But sorry to say, they can't chance the mind of his supporters.

Anyway, these are the top 10 reasons why the voter should vote for Duterte:

First, Duterte has a concern for our country. At first, he don't want to run as president, but due to the clamor of his supporter he decided to run in a higher position. During that time, he already want to retire in politics. Instead to rest, he chose to entered in the arena of presidency after he realized that the Filipino people really need him.

Secondly, he is willing to sacrifice himself for us. If he become a president, he will fight all the bad elements in our country. As what he said, his presidency would be bloody. He promised that he will stop criminality within 3-6 months. If he can't do it, he will resign from his position. Of course, he has a plan how to do that. But we could expect that the criminals and syndicates would also make a plot how to assassinate him.

Third, Duterte has a heart for the poor. In his administration, we can expect that he will give priority to the problems of ordinary people. He will give a true land reform for the farmers, boats for the fishermen, etc. He will also fight the rights of indigenous people who are always become a victim by the land grabbers. Duterte is a former member of Kabataang Makabayan, so he really knew what's their real concern.

Fourth, since when he first elected as a mayor in Davao City, he is not been involve in graft and corruption. His record as a public servant is relly clean and smooth. So, rely to the statement of Sen. Antonio Trillanes that he is also a corrupt politician. It is not true that he has a hidden wealth. If this is true, we can't see Duterte living in a humble house. Maybe he is now living in a mansion.

Fifth, Duterte is not owing to the rich people. Maybe he has a millionaire or a billionaire supporter who are backing his candidacy. But it does mean that he will also be giving a favor for them if ever he win in presidential election. Of course, Duterte knew would not accept them if they have a hidden agenda. In Duterte's regime, we can expect of a transparent government, it will not be ruled or controlled by hidden forces of oligarchs.

Sixth, Duterte hates corruption. If he become president, he will abolish all the illegal transaction in any government office. He will assign an officer who will monitor the transactions in Bureau of Customs which is labeled as the most corrupt government agency. He will also abolish the laglag-bala in NAIA. This problem is not solve by the Aquino administration because for them that is just an isolated cases an not a rampant.

Seven, Duterte has a clear position to our conflict with China in terms of teritorial dispute. He stands that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people. Of course, he will not declare war to China, we don't have enough fire arms to fight them. He is also considering diplomacy to solve the conflict. But he is willing to put himself in danger. he said that he may ride in a jetskie and go the nearest border of the disputed island and put our flag there. It sounds a joke, but he is really serious about it. He only want to show to China that the territory is really ours.

Eight, many people admired Duterte because he has a strong personality. He is admired and respected by the Muslim rebels and NPA. When he was not still the Mayor of Davao, their place was in the midst of chaos because of rebellion. But when he entered into the scene, Davao became a peaceful place. If he become president, there is a possibility the the aarm conflict in our country could be stop.

Ninth, others said that our economy would be flopped under Duterte's adminstration. This kind of statement is really baseless. If he is not an effective leader, Davao would not become a progressive city. Many business establishment had been built there. The investors are not afraid to invest their money in Davao because the place is really nice. The people can afford to buy their product or to use their services. The place can't be a progressive if the leader has no knowledge the system how the business works.

Last not but the least, Duterte is the leader that we need because among the presidential candidates, he is the only one who promised for a true change. Yes, under his administration everything will change. Aside from eradicating poverty, corruption and criminality, he will also want to change the form of our government.

So, let us vote for Duterte if you want an alternative leader, not a traditional politician!

Change is Coming!

Philippines is a poor country and according to some experts  we are still poor because our government has been composed of corrupt officials. Instead to use the funds to improve the lives of Filipino people, they are using it for their own interest. Every time there is a request for good project, we always hear from the officials that they don't their offices don't have a fund to do that. No, it's not true, they have funds, but they want they use it for other agenda.

We need to change the old system that's why we need a president who is not a traditional politician. A leader who have a genuine concern for the masses and have a capacity to govern our people in the right path and not to mislead them with their sweet promises. We need a leader who have a strong conviction to end the corruption that killing us softly.

I believed that Rodrigo Duterte is the right person who have a gut to sit in Malacanang. His personal background show us that he don't have a stink of corruption. He is not like other politicians who are living in luxurious life. This is the kind of leader we need to lead our country. He promised that if he become a president, he will fight to stop the corruption in the government by the hook or by the crook. Only brave leader could do that. Duterte is not afraid to anyone; he is willing to sacrifice his salvation. Once he said, "I don't care if I burn in hell for as long as the people I serve live in paradise". Based on his statement, he can do all the things for the common good of the people even he risk himself. And one of his purpose is to eradicate the tradition of corruption in the Philippines.

Yes, Duterte has a bad mouth or in other words, he is tactless. He can't hide his true feelings every time he is answering a negative issue against him. But it doesn't mean that he is also a bad leader. Despite of his negative attitude, he is a good leader. This is the reason why his constituents in Davao really loves him. If I am not mistaken, he served them for more than two decades. See, Davao is considered as one of the most peaceful city around the world. Aside from it, the residents there are very disciplined people. This is because they are respecting the laws and ordinances implemented by their mayor. What if Duterte become a president, it is possible that he make a lot of change for our country. So, we should give him a change to lead us then the good governance is coming!

Duterte Versus Poverty, Unemployment and Social Injustice

        Our country has confronting many problems like extreme poverty, unemployment, social injustice, etc. We hope that the next president would resolve all of these. Yes, it is hard to make do it; but if the leader has a political will to make a change, every problem could be fixed gradually. I believed that Rodrigo Duterte is the right leader for the position because among the candidates; he is the only one who have a strong conviction to serve the Filipino people. As what he says in his political ad, he has "Tapang at Malasakit".

It seems that poverty is just already a culture to the Filipino people. This is happening because we don't have equality. Only rich people has the advantage to gain wealth in our country. We can't change this, but if the leader has a genuine concern for the poor; he would not let the rich people to use their power to  bury in never ending poverty. Being a former member of NPA, Duterte has a deep sypmpathy for the poor. He knew their struggle and their hardship, so he will fight for their rights.

Duterte will also secure the job of the the workers by abolishing the contractualization law. He knew that this is just favorable to the employers and not to the workers. The companies are just escaping to give benefits to their employees. The employers should base to the performance of the workers and not base to the contract.  Once, he abolish this nonsense law, yes, poverty will not eradicate. But this already a big help to the ordinary workers who are already sick and tired in this kind of system. Imagine, they need to find a new job after 5 months!

I also believe that Duterte could provide employment to our jobless fellowmen. Who says that he don't have a guts to develop the economy of our country? Look at Davao, their city is really progressive. Many business had been built there. It only means the investors have a trust to their leader that's why they are not afraid to invest their money in Davao. If Duterte improved the lives of his constituents, he can also do it in the entire country.

One of the platform of Duterte is to give a concrete livelihood in Mindanao. This is the reason that's why he is favor for Federal system to give equal opportunity, not only to the people in Mindanao, but also in Visayas.  His agenda is to get huge funds to use to develop every town and municipality in our country without the help of national government. If he do this, job oppurtunities will be created. They don't need leave their family just to go in Manila or in abroad to get a job. Maybe this the answer to alleviate the unemployment in our country.

Last not but the least, if we talk about social injustice, Duterte is the right leader we need to fight it. He reall hates crime and injustice; so, he will not let the law breakers could reign in our country.  Injustices and oppression has no room in his administration. Why don't need to afraid of him if other people calling him as 'berdugo'. No, he is not that kind of person. Maybe he is a berdugo of criminals and drug pushers and drug lords, but a true friend of good and abiding citizen. I believed that he just created the berdugo image just to sow fear in the mind of the criminals. But in reality, this leader is very humble and simple  as what he portrays in television and into his campaign sorties. One thing for sure, true justice will be served  under the administration of Duterte!

National Defense and Peace and Order Under Duterte's Regime

We need a leader like Rodrigo Duterte who has a strong campaign against illegal drugs and criminality. Let us say that many Filipino people are choosing him because out of frustration. Maybe it is true, but the important here, he is the only candidate who is willing to risk his comfort zone. He promised that he can stop the drug trafficking and criminality within 3 up to 6 months. If he can't do it, he will resign from his post. Maybe it is impossible to do that, but at least he shown to us that his sincerity and eagerness to improve our country by obtaining a peaceful society.

For sure, if Duterte become a president, the crime rates would be lessen because he will use an iron hand to stop it. No, not by extra judicial killings as what his critics says.  He is just sowing fear into the minds of the criminal that's why he is using blatant words. Of course, he will use the fang of law to do that. So, under Duterte's regime, our policemen should be imposed to work hard. There is no dull moment for them, they should use all of their intelligence and resources to destroy the syndicates that operating in our country or else Duterte would relieve from their job if they are not performing well.

If we discuss about national defense, Duterte has a knowledge how to protect our country from terrorist and other elements who wants to bring trouble.  He will not let those people to destroy our silence. He can apply what he is doing in Davao to secure their places by putting many CTTV's in every  corner of their streets. If Duterte become a president, for sure he will make sure that the our airports could be secured anytime. So, the national terrorist can't enter into our territory.

The good thing about Duterte, he can also deal with the Muslim rebels and even to the leftist. If every sectoral groups in our society are supporting him, no need to fight against each other. We should not be separated by our different political views. We are all Filipino, so we should respect our diversity. If this is also the belief of Duterte, it is possible to attain a peaceful society. Then, the next of all these is the improvement of economy. If there is a peace, many businesses investors would come in the Philippines.

Duterte's Strong Voice in the International Communities

         Some Filipino people doesn't like Rodrigo Duterte to become our next president because he has a sympathy with the leftist or to the members of New People's Army (NPA). They believed that if ever he win, there is a possibility that our country could overrule or govern by the leftist. If this could happen, we would become an enemy of the democratic countries especially America.

But all of those are just an imagination, even Duterte has a sympathy with the leftist it doesn't mean that he totally accepted their ideology. if it is true, maybe he would not join in election under democratic process. Duterte is pushing for Federalism, not Communism. These two political systems are very different to each other.

  The critics of Duterte also believed that he don't know how to deal with international community because of his affiliation with the leftist. Once, Duterte called the United Nation (UN) as hypocrite. As they emphasized, this kind of leader has no right to become our leader because in the beginning, he already shown his true color. They questioned the motive of Duterte why he told it at the front of media? Is this a hint that he is don't want to be involved in any UN activities because he is a sympathize of the leftist? Of course not, Duterte has a strong reasons why he said that.

  As a Filipino people, we must be glad, because there is a leader like him who are not afraid to speak his point of views in the front of international community. It only means that he is the kind of leader that we could trust because he can't easily give up his position in an issue. Unlike other leaders, they would sell their principles just to impress the progressive countries although we are the one who could sacfirice from its consequences. Yes, I believed that we need to be a diplomatic, but not at all times. We should also fight for our rights and no other countries could dictate us what are the policies could be implied in our country. For me, Duterte is the right leader who has a capacity to lead us, locally and internationally

Could Anti-Duterte Prevail in May Election?

Philippine politics is a totally mess, some of the candidates are not fair. They are throwing dirt in the face of their opponents. They are trying to destroy the image or reputation of their rivals just to win in the game. Black propaganda is really rampant in election period. So, I'm would not surprise anymore if Rodrigo Duterte, my presidential bet could lose in May election. I will try to tackle some of the possible causes, if ever he lose as president despite of his popularity and appeal to the masses.

One of the possible reason is he has no machinery or lack of funds compare to his opponents. He don't have a backup of billionaire people. He is only depending to the help of some of his friends and volunteers. Look to his posters and tarpaulins, they are so simple. Yes, he have also TV ads, but it is not as many compare to his rivals. We knew that politics in our country, you need to spend a huge amount of money before you win.

The other thing, Filipino people are not still ready to embrace a new form of government. Duterte wants to build a federalism system, but the masses still have no idea what kind of leadership he want to implement our country. The campaign and discussion that he attended in the past is not enough to explain his agenda to the majority of the Filipino people.

Maybe other people could not choose Duterte as their president because of his vigilante style in terms of dealing with criminals. They doesn't want to believe on him with his promise that he can eradicate criminality within 3-6 months. For them, that is very impossible because he need a lot of time before he can do that. His critics are not impressed with his advocacy. For them, mistakes could not be corrected by another mistakes. If you kill criminal without any due process, it seems that you're also acting like a criminal. They also said that tooth for tooth or eye for eye is not already applicable in our generation. We must be civilize and be fair with our judgement with our fellow people.

Well, maybe the critics and bashers of Duterte has also a point, but it doesn't mean that they are totally right. That's their opinion and I respecting it. So, the should also respect if I choose Duterte as my presidential bet. If he could not win in May election, that's alright. It only means that the mindset of the majority Filipino people are not ready for the real or drastic change to develop our nation. They still clinging to the old system, a government composed of lies and corruption that burying us in the depth of poverty!

The Characteristics of My Presidential Bet

As of now, our country has a lot of problems from poverty, graft and corruption, criminality, etc. In this coming May election, we will choose who will be our president. It is better to choose the candidate that has already accomplishment. My presidential bet Rodrigo Duterte had already many accomplishment or contributions to this country. His characteristics will show us that he is the right person for the highest position in the Philippines.

1. Duterte is a brave leader. Because of his bravery, he made a totally change in Davao City. At first, when he was not still the mayor in this place, this was very chaotic. The insurgency incident was really high. The residents of Davao had no peace of mind; they was really affected to the chaos. But when Duterte came, the big conflict had gone. He is the kind of leader who knows how to settle trouble. He is a negotiator contrary to the image that other people who portrays him as a barbaric and trouble maker.

2. Duterte is an enemy of the criminals. He believed that criminals has no room in our society that's why he really hates them. There is a rumor that there is a death squad in Davao to eliminate those evil people. The mayor didn't admit it directly, but according to his position it is okay to kill a criminal rather than to kill an innocent people. He will not let the innocent people should become a victim of those criminal. It doesn't matter if the story about death squad in Davao is true or not, the most important, this city became one of the peaceful cities in the whole world.

3. Duterte hates illegal drugs. Yes, there is no drug den in Davao. Don't believe to the allegations from his opponents that they can score drugs anytime in Davao. It is very obvious that is just a black propaganda against Duterte. Drug lords and pusher or even drug addicts are welcome in Davao. If there is a drug den in his territory, maybe the crime rate there would be increased. We can't hear any news that the authority found any drug den. This is also the dream of every Filipino parents, our country would become an illegal drugs free. So, their children would not become a user.

4. Duterte is an honest leader. If Duterte become a president, for sure the graft and corruption in the government will end or it would be lessened. He will not tolerate the officials who are using the government funds for their own benefits. Why I said this? Duterte is an example of a leader who have an integrity. He never been involved in any anomaly since he was a persecutor until he became a politician. His lifestyle will prove that; look at his house which is very simple compare to the elegant houses of other politician out there. He have no luxurious cars, yacht or any very expensive material things. For sure, he will bring this simplicity in Malacanang if ever he become our president.

5. Duterte has a discipline. Most of the Filipino people has no disciplines. Other people said that this is one of the reasons why we our country is not become progressive because we are lack of discipline. In Davao, smoking cigarettes in public places is not allowed. The mayor just alloted an smoking area zone. You will pay fine if you will not follow that order. Fire crackers also is not allowed in Davao during New Year season. Duterte is very stick in terms of following with the law. He even let the traffic enforcer to confront him if he violate any traffic rules. He is not the kind of leader who is always asking for especial treatment.

Maybe the stated examples are enough to said that Duterte is the right leader that we should have in our country. Love him or hate him, he will just do his job for the sake of good governance!

Duterte: The Effect of Peace and Order in Our Economy

National election is already coming, we need to choose our leader that will shape the future of our country. So, we must vote wisely or else our hope would be wrecked if we elect the wrong leader. We knew that Philippine politics is really a mess. It is hard to find an honest and bright leader. Many politicians are crooks and greedy for fame, power and money. All of us are asking for a change; hoping that the greatness of our country would be regained.

For president, my bet is Rodrigo Roa Duterte because he has a capacity to improve our economy.

Why Duterte has a gut to improve our economy alhough his main purpose is to wash out the criminals in our country particular the drug pushers and drug lords. Of course, this kind of action is very important. If ever he eradicate the drug problems in our country, we would attain peace. We don't need to worry every time we walk on the street. We are competent that no bad guys would attack or victimize us. We knew that illegal drug is one of the main factor of social disorder.  It there is peace in everywhere, businessmen would expand their business. They will provide or create jobs for other people.

Aside from illegal drugs, Duterte is also promised that he will erase the rampant corruption in government. For sure, if he become a president, corrupt official has no room in his cabinet. He will also kick out those corrupt politicians from their position. I believed to this promise of Duterte. As a Mayor of Davao, he didn't involve in any anomalies. If we have a leader like Duterte, the red tape in government will be gone. We knew that it is hard to put a business here in our country because of red tape. Foreign investors are afraid to invest because they need to bribe some government workers or official before they can build their business here. If many investors will enter in our country, they can give opportunities to some of Filipino families.

Yes, Duterte is portraying as a tough guy, but his platform is very clear. For him, we need first to clean our society through eliminating drug syndicates and corruption in the government. In the end, if he already clean up our entire society, progress would be next in line. How about you my friend, who is your bet for president?

The CA Stops the Eviction Order Against CHJDevCo and the Third Party in Camp John Hay

           Let us congratulate the Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) with their locators and subleases because the Court of Appeals granted their request to stop the eviction order of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court. Maybe the Bases and Conservation Development Authority (BCDA) are really disappointed to that decision. We knew that they are very eager to take over the camp. They have other plan; whatever it is, only Arnel Cassanova knew it.

            Before this, we already heard that Casanova forced to evict the CJHDevCo by sending armed troops inside the camp. But the company didn’t intimidate with that kind of monstrous act. They knew that it was only a bullying tactic of Casanova. Aside from that, they were also threaten the third party and ordered them to agree with their conditions, if not they will also kick them out. BCDA believed that once the mother contract has been expired, automatically the subcontract will also become null and void. They also argued that they are paying rentals to the CJHDevCo and not with the agency. It means that they don’t have any obligation to the third party.

            As what we have smelled, BCDA is harassing the CJHDevCo because they are trying to escape from their debt with them. But they can’t avoid it; the Court of Appeals ordered to the agency that they should pay first their 1.42 billion debts before the CJHDevCo can leave the camp. It is possible that their office will be bankrupted if they will pay such huge debt. Casanova is still in denial stage. He can’t accept that he is the loser in this situation. So, to strengthen his ego and to show power, he is harassing the developer and the third party.

            Of course, Casanova doesn’t want to accept that decision of the Court of Appeals that’s why they have a plan to appeal in Supreme Court. If he thinks that is the right thing for them to do, so do it! He may win in a case, but the perception of the public about him will not be changed. He will be remembered as a tyrant leader who is always looking for trouble and a big hindrance in the progress or development of Camp John Hay.

Camp John Hay in the Midst of Devastation

                Earlier this year, the arbitration court had already released their decision regarding to the dispute between the Bases Conservation and Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo). The Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. ordered to the CJHDevCo, the developer of the former American Bases that they should leave the camp. In exchange of it, the BCDA should pay first them an amount of 1.4 billion pesos which serves as a damage fee.

                At first, BCDA Arnel Casanova was very happy to the decision of the court because he was successful from his intention to evict the CJHDevCo in Camp John Hay. But the truth speaks itself; their agency is the loser here because they need to pay a huge amount of money to the developer. At least, the CJHDevCo can recover their investment over the camp. But how about them where they get the funds? This budget is a big loss from the national government. Instead to make a profit to the camp, now they have an instant debt to the investors. This was happened because of the wrong leadership of Casanova.

                Casanova can’t provide the 1.4 billion pesos that’s why he is harassing the CJHDevCo. In the month of April this year, the BCDA tried to evict forcibly the developer and the third party in the camp. The office of the Ex-officio Sheriff of the first Judicial Region Branch 6 of Baguio RTC served a notice against their group and to their locators and tenants. But the early eviction had been stop through the TRO that they got from the court. It seems that Casanova doesn’t want to follow the rule of law. Before this, he already sent a n armed group in Camp John Hay to threaten the developer and businessmen there.

                Based to the previous statement of CJHDevCo Chairman Robert Sobrepena, their company is really willing to surrender the camp in the hands of the government. But of course, as what the court had been ordered, the BCDA should pay them first their obligation with them. The RTC of Baguio City was already confirmed the PDRCI’s decision. The only problem here, the developer doesn’t know if Casanova is willing to pay them. It seems that the BCDA is doing a hocus focus to escape from their debt. The agency involved the third party to their dispute with the developer to make great trouble inside the camp. But sorry to say, CJHDevCo and the third party have been united to fight the abusive leader of BCDA.

                If we will look at the whole picture, aside from the government, the residence of Baguio City is the big loser because their local government can’t get anymore their share from the earning in payment rental.  Casanova destroyed the essence of the Public- Private Partnership Program of the national government. Instead to work with the investor, he is pushing them to go away. Maybe it is about time to kick out Casanova then demolish the BCDA because this has no significant at all. As what we learned, the BCDA was built to help the modernization of the AFP; but until now they don’t give any great contribution to our military people. And now, he is destroying the future of Camp John Hay which is known as one of the best tourist attractions in Baguio City!

The New Conflict in Camp John Hay

             For the ninth time the BasesConservation Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) ignored the invitation for a meeting of the local government of Baguio. This is to clarify some important about the issues in Camp John Hay. Their councilmen wanted to discuss about their 19 conditions which written in Resolution 362, Series of 1994. It tackles about their demands to the agencies like segregation of the 13 barangays, the local government’s share in rental fee in Camp John Hay, the provision of its own water source, etc. Then, the councilmen will also discuss about their intention to reclaim the camp.

            BCDA President Arnel Casanova said that he didn’t attend to that meeting because he and his other officers conducted a corporate planning. While JHMC President and CEO Jaime Eloise Agbayani said that she had a personal appointment in Manila. But both of them promised that they will attend next to the invitation of the local government of Baguio. Well, don’t hold with their words, it is very obvious that they don’t want to have a dialogue with the councilmen of Baguio.

            Before this, Casanova was already said that the 19 conditions have no longer importance because their contract with the developer is already invalid. The CJHDevCo will turn over them camp with them once they pay their 1.4 billion pesos obligation to the developer. But the local government of Baguio emphasized that disregarding the 19 conditions is an equivalent to ignoring the rights of the resident of Baguio City. They said contradicts the statement of the Casanova by saying that the contract is Camp John Hay is between the BCDA and the CJHDevCo and not with the local government of Baguio. So, they have the rights to reclaim the property which belong to their territories.

            Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan should file a complaint to the court to pressure the two agencies to listen with their demands. Maybe Domogan is also aware that Casanova is acting like a dictator in Camp John Hay by forcing the developer and the third party to vacate the camp. Casanova is not listening to any appeals especially from his opponents. As a law practitioner, he is really an expert in arguing even his logics are nonsense. The local government of Baguio can only obtain their demands if they will bring their arguments in a trial court.  They can’t force Casanova and Agbayani to attend in a meeting if they don’t want to show themselves. Of course, they want to protect their interest in Camp John Hay.

Arnel Casanova: The Peace Advocate Who Loves Trouble

                If we will examine the life of the BCDA President Arnel Casanova, we will learn that his story is very admirable. He has a humble beginning; he belonged to the poor family. As a matter of fact, he experienced to live in a slum area. But because of his perseverance he made it on top. He had degrees in English, Law and Urban Planning. He was attained his Master’s degree in Harvard University through the help of scholarship that he got from World Bank. Once he became a professor in Ateneo de Manila University. Because of his intelligence and being smart, he made to enter in public offices.

            Casanova had already received many awards. When he was only 25 years old, he awarded as a peace advocate. It is very far today, he became known as a trouble maker or a bully! In fairness to him, the government recognized him as one of the prime movers in our country. One of his accomplishments was when he converted the former military camp in Taguig into a business district. Then, he launched the SCTEX which is the longest toll-way in the Philippines.

            But in just a blink of an eye, Casanova destroyed his good image when he was involved in corruption and giving a favor to the companies which has a connection with him. Now, he is very controversial because of the trouble he made in Camp John Hay. Because of him, CJHDEvco which is the developer in the camp will be evicted because of Casanova’s personal interest. Because of him also, the government will lose a huge amount of money. The court ordered the BCDA that they should pay first 1.4 billion pesos before the developer leave the camp.

            Is the kind of people who received an award bout being a peace advocate? He doesn’t know how to settle a conflict. What he wants is to follow himself without thinking the affected parties like the local government of Baguio which is the biggest loser in this case because they will lose their revenues from the rent of the developer in the camp. He is not also thinking about the situation of the third parties. Instead, he involved them into their conflict with CJHDevCo. He also wanted to kick out the sub-leases and locators who invested their money in that place.

            Because of the wrong actions of Casanova, it seems that the future of Camp John Hay became uncertain. What’s next after the developer leave the camp? What he will do if he if ever becomes successful from his plan to evict all the third parties? How he can manage the place effectively? Where he can get earnings if there are no running businesses there? It is very clear that Casanova has another plan for the camp. It is very possible that he will pass it to his allied companies. Of course, to do this they need to give him payola!

The Deed of Assignment in Camp John Hay

                The Bases Conservation and Development Authority (BCDA) doesn’t stopping from their bullying tactics against the Cam John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo). After the arbitration trial court made their decision to settle their dispute with the developer is harassing locators and sub-leases in the camp. They wanted them to vacate the camp if they will not comply with their rules or conditions.

                Recently, the BCDA had meeting with the third parties just to threaten them. In that meeting, they released a paper entitled ‘Deeds of Assignment which stated that locators and sub-leases must submit all of their records and contracts with CJHDevCo. If the third parties would not give the demand of the BCDA, it will lead into their eviction in Camp John Hay.

                Maybe for the BCDA, they are the owner of the camp and they can do what they want or they have the right to set a new rule. But sorry to say, their action is illegal because it is not based on our Constitution.  According to the existing law, all the properties and possessions acquired in good faith should be preserved to the third parties. The government should not involve them once they have a conflict with the private companies. As a lawyer, BCDA President Arnel Casanova might know this, but he chose to ignore the law because he has another plan for the Camp John Hay. What exactly it is, he is only the one who knew it.

                Of course, the BCDA has a reason why they are harassing the third parties. Their motive is to attack the CJHDevCo in another way. They want the sub-leases and locators to file a case against the developer once they kick out them in the camp.  If ever their tactic will be effective, they assumed that the third parties will get angry to the developer.  But the locators and sub-leases are not dumb to do that. The CJHDevCo have an offer with them that they will give legal assistance to fight the harassment of the BCDA. This is the right thing they should do; they need to unite to stop the BCDA from abusing their authority.

                By the way, the Baguio Regional Trial Court was already confirmed the decision of Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) that the BCDA needs to pay 1.42 billion to the developer before they acquire the Camp John Hay. This is also the reason, why Casanova is harassing the third parties. They want the third parties and the developer to have trouble. If would happen, the third parties may ask for damage fees from the developer and it could be deducted from the money award that they will get from the BCDA. What a clever idea of Casanova! He is the one that needs to be sued because of his wrong decisions in Camp John Hay.

                Bases and Conservation and Development Authority (BCDA) President Arnel Casanova was really wrong with his claimed that they are the true winner with the decision of Philippine Dispute Resolution, Inc. (PDRCI). The arbitration court ordered the Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) to turn over the Camp John Hay in the hands of the government. Yes, they won in that point; but they were also a big loser because the court was ordered to the BCDA that they should pay first the developer an amount of 1.42 billion pesos before they reacquired the camp. Then, the court was also rejected their claimed that the developer had a more than 3 million pesos debt with them. The decision needs confirmation from the Baguio Trial Court before it could be implemented. The good thing, the RTC confirmed it last March 27.

                Sad to say, the BCDA is not contented with the court decision despite they will get what they want. The 1.42 billion pesos is really a great lose to their agency that’s why they are doing all the dirty tactics not pay it to the developer. But of course, they can’t escape from the order of the court. They need to comply with it although they like it or not. The bullying tactics of the BCDA has no effect to the developer that’s why BCDA Arnel Casanova made another diversionary tactic. Aside from bullying the developer, he is also harassing the locators and developers inside the camp. 

Casanova hopes that through this the third parties will file a case against CJHDevCo. He believes that they will blame the developer because of their bad situation in the camp. To threaten the third parties, the BCDA released a contract entitle Deeds of Assignment which demanding them to submit all of their records and contracts with CJHDevCo to the agency. They need to need this to avoid eviction in Cam John Hay. Well, Casanova is acting like a dictator this time just to prove that he is powerful.

                For sure, the locators and sub-leases were not threatened with Casanova’s harassment. They knew that he is just using them to attack the CJHDevCo. They also believed that Casanova is involved in some corruption issue in the agency that he is managing.  Maybe he is harassing the third parties because he wants bribe from them. If not, why he is still insisting with his decision to evict the sub-leases and locators? Our Constitution is guaranteeing the rights of the third parties. They should not be involved to the conflict between the government and private companies because they gained their possessions or properties in good faith. For sure, Casanova knew this thing because he is a lawyer. If not, he is not a good lawyer; he just wants to distort the truth for his interest.

                 After Cassanova gains the properties of the properties of the third parties in the camp, what’s his next step? He will pass it to the individuals or group who a strong affiliate on him. If this is the scenario, it could only be another source of corruption of Casanova. Let us hope that the Congress will investigate to this abusive government official. Instead to help to boost the tourism industry, he is just destroying the development in Baguio City. 

Camp John Hay in the Midst of Uncertainty

            The Bases Conservation and Development Authority(BCDA) is still making trouble in the Camp John Hay. Even the arbitration court had already made a win-win solution about their case against the Camp John Hay Development Authority. To settle the problem, the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) decided that the camp should turn over to the government. But the BCDA should pay the developer an amount of 1.4 billion as a damage fee. The court also rejected the claimed of the agency that the developer had owed them about more than 3 million pesos because of breached of contract. The agency failed to build a one stop shop to speed up the development process inside the camp.

            Now, the BCDA President Arnel Casanova is threatening the locators and the sub-leases in the Camp John Hay. Casanova reminded to the third party that they should not be relaxed. For him, it is not true that they are exempted to the ordered of the court. He pointed out that the government had no contract with them. It means that once the CJHDevCo will leave the camp, the locators and sub-leases should also leave. It sounds right, but the third party is not involved with their conflict. So, the BCDA should respect their right even Casanova like it or not. But the problem, Casanova is still insisting his position because he wanted to monopolize the business inside the camp. He also said that if the locators and the sub-leases wants to recover their loses; they should extract from the 1.4 billion that they set to pay to the developer. Is this a joke or an other bullying tactic to irritate their opponent.

            There is also a report that Casanova is asking the sub-leases and locators to give him a copy of their contracts or documents with the CJHDevCo. If they would not comply with his request, they will be kicked out in the camp. Casanova is really expert in terms of threatening and harassing to get what he want. He is using his power to aggravate those group who doesn’t agree with his management style. How true that he is using his position to get some kickbacks from other companies? Maybe this is the reason why he is pushing the interest of the companies who gave him a favor. The question is who will replace CJHDevCo after they leave the camp?

            Is it true that the BCDA president is a member of third sex? There is a rumor saying that he is dating with handsome males. I don’t care about the  sexual preference of Casanova, the only issue is if he is using the money from the agency to satisfy himself.  As a public official he is accountable to that money that generates by his agency. Casanova’s leadership is really questionable because amidst the truth that the BCDA is earning a decent amount of money from the assets they are handling, the agency  doesn’t give any contribution for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Based on the law, they must allocate the 50% of their earning to the AFP; but Casanova doesn’t follow it.

            The public should know where Casanova uses the funds under his office. He should also undergo in an investigation what his motive behind the take over of Camp John Hay. For he is destroying the public-private partnership (PPI) that built by the national government to convince the private companies to invest in government properties. By doing this, he is putting in danger the livelihood of many people who already getting benefits from the projects of the investors. 

CJHDevCo to BCDA: The Battle is Not Yet Over

           The Bases Conservation Development Authority (BCDA) claimed that they won over the case that they filed against the Camp John Hay Development Authority (CJHDevCo). After the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) declared the developer should turn over the Camp John Hay into the custody of the government. BCDA President Arnel Casanova had been rejoicing to the decision of the arbitration court without balancing the facts.

            It seems that Casanova forgot that the court dismissed their claimed that the CJHDevCo have a debt on them which cost 3.3 billion pesos for unpaid rental fee. Then, the court gave their favored to the developer when they ordered that the BCDA should return the 1.4 billion pesos that the developer paid for their rental fee to the government since 1996. So, what’s behind the logic of the raw celebration of Casanova’s group. Even they will give that amount to the developer, it will not be honored unless the Tribunal Court of Baguio would confirm the decision of the PDRCI. The CJHDevCo really knew the rule of law. Contrary to the action of Casanova who don’t know how to respect the decision of the court. There is a report that he sent a SWAT team in Camp John Hay to intmidate the private investor there.

            Well, Casanova is known for being a bully. Once, he tried to stop the inauguration of the SM Aura, a rival mall of Market Market which also located in Taguig. He was also accompanied by an armed group during that time. Of course, he did that because he is a close friend to the owners or management of Ayala Group. This company has also an interest in Camp John Hay. Maybe this is the primary reason why Casanova is pushing to take over the place.

            The reason behind the trouble in Camp John Hay is due to the arrogance and caprice of Casanova. Instead to make a harmonious relationship to the private investor, he is harassing them to vacate the place although the CJHDevCo is doing their job very well. They made a lot of changes and development in the area but the BCDA didn’t support their effort. Instead, he filed an estafa case against CJHDevCo Chairman Robert Sobrepena although he had no basis. Thank God, it was dismissed by the Pasay Regional Court.

            Casanova forgot that the BCDA was built to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and not to harass the developer. Under the law, the BCDA should give 50% of their earnings to the AFP. But despite of the huge profits that they have been collected since it was built, the agency didn’t give an important contribution to the AFP. Now, other lawmakers are bashing Casanova because of that issue. They are asking the BCDA President where he allocated their profits? Hmm, it seems that Casanova is cooking for something that’s why he is very eager to get Camp John Hay.

The Decision of Arbitration Court About the Trouble in Camp John Hay

             The dispute between the Bases Conservation DevelopmentAuthority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) has been resolved after the Phililiipe Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) had released their decision. The court decided that the CJHDevCo should turn over Camp John Hay to the government agency. But of course, before the BCDA can get it, there are some conditions that they should comply or else they can’t take over the place.

                If we remember, BCDA President requested to the court that their opponent should pay them 3.3 billion pesos as a back rental payment since they  occupied Camp John hay since 1996. But the request of the government agency had been rejected. The court explained that the BCDA can’t do that because of breach contract. The BCDA violated the written agreement that they had signed before. If the court granted their request, it is very unfair for CJHDevCo because they had developed the place. They had built more infracstracture already there. In other words, they invested  a lot of money in Camp John Hay. Those insfractratures are more than enough to pay debts that the BCDA claimed.

                The court also ordered to BCDA that they should pay 1.42 billion pesos to CJHDevCo because of the damages that they had given to them. The said amount was derived to the rental payment that they had been paid since the first month they operated in Camp John Hay. CJHDevCo Chairman Robert Sobrepena said that they felt that they were vindicated by the court’s decision. They had proven to the government that they don’t have any owe from them. Instead, the government has a debt with them. Sobrepena said that they will vacate Camp John Hay after the BCDA paid them. But as of now that they are not paying, they will just continue their business operation within the area. But the CJHDevCo President promised that they will cooperate with the government for the peaceful transmission of Camp John Hay.

                Sobrepena stated also they that will protect the rights and interests of the buyers, locator and sub-leassers from the properties they had acquired in Camp John Hay. Even they will vacate the place in the future, they could stay there to continue their business operation. First, they have a permit from the BCDA. Sobrepena is hoping that their opponents should not involve those people with their misunderstandings.

                If we will analyze the situation, the CJHDevCo is the real winner in this case. They will leave Camp John Hay and that is very a hard thing to do for them. But on the other hand, at lease they’ve got the justice that they are looking for. They became absuolutely free from the rental back payment demanded by the BCDA. Then, they will get 1.42 billion pesos from them. The only question, does the government pay for it immediately?

BCDA Versus CJHDevCo: The Final Decision

                The arbitration trial court (PDRCI) had already issued their decision about the dispute between Bases and Conservation Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo). To settle the problem, the court made a win-win solution which the both parties will gain benefits. They  ordered CHJDevCo to  return the properties to the government. It means that the private investors should leave Camp John Hay that they developed for more than one decade. The court can’t determine who first violated  the 2008 RMOA. So, they decided to reject the request of the government agency. The BCDA can’t get the rental payment that they are asking from the investor worth 3.4 billion pesos. Instead, the government agency needs to pay CJHDevCo worth 1.42 billion pesos.

                CJHDevCo Chairman Robert Soprepena welcomed and respected the decision of the PDRCI although it is against his will to vacate Camp John Hay. As a developer, he fully developed and made some major changes in Camp John Hay. He is hoping that the BCDA would comply the decision of the court. His only request to BCDA is let the lessors and locators would continue their operation in Camp John Hay. Aside from that, he asked the agency to take care the 400,000 trees within the area. See, who says that Sobrepena is just thinking about his business? In his last days in Camp John Hay, he is still protecting the people who are working  there. And of course, he has also a concern about the nature or the environment. How about BCDA President Aenel Casanova? He says that they want to take over Camp John Hay for the benefits of the people because CJHDevCo is not paying their rental fee to the government.

                 If we will back to my previous article, they had been delayed with their rental fee because they confronted some problems with their operation. But it doesn’t mean that they don’t have an intention to pay; it will just be delayed. Other BCDA officers had been agreed with this kind of agreement. So, Casanova should blame those officers for giving a favor to the investor.  Instead to help CJHDevCo with their struggle, the BCDA harassed them for delaying the permit that they need. Until Arnel Casanova filed an estafa case against Sobrepena.  

                Now, that the court has already released their decision; how can the BCDA handle properly the Camp John Hay? The CJHDevCo built a lot of recreational and facilities including 5 star hotel out there. Do they have enough experience to manage it? a business there? Do they have already a concrete plan to protect the 400,000 trees grown in that area? How can they develop the area if there are projects and transactions that could not be finished because of their personal grievances against Soprepena.Do they have already other private investor who are willing to become their business partner. If this is the case, BCDA has hidden agenda that’s why they kicked out CJHDevCo in Camp John Hay. Hmm...

No Probable Cause in Robert Sobrepeña's Estafa Case

            Recently, the Pasay regional trial court totally junked the estafa case against the Camp John Hay Development Corp.(CJHDevCo) Chairman Robert Sobrepeña. The court found out that the motion of reconsideration filed by the Department of Justice has no probable cause. So, it is just a waste of time if they will continue to hear the case.

            The complaint against Sobrepeña was filed by government persecution on behalf of Bases Conservation Development Authority (BCDA) due to the delay of payment for their rentals in Camp John Hay. CJHDevCo is acting as a developer in that place. BCDA President Arnel Casanova believed that the private investors don’t have a capacity to fulfill their obligation that’s why their agency wanted to persecute Sobrepeña to pay all of their debts to the government.

            In previous month, the BCDA tried to overtake the Camp John Hay through letter of notice. Casanova stated in the letter that the court had already made a decision favored to them. The CJHDevCo can’t continue their business operation anymore. So, they need to leave Camp John Hay immediately. But the  camp of Sobrepeña just ignored the letter because it was just a lie. It was just a part of dirty tactics of BCDA to dismantle their group.

            Now, the Pasay court had made their decision about the estafa case against Sobrepena, the BCDA should stop harrassing him. The court was right with their decision because the complainants didn’t include all of the members of board and directors of the CJHDevCo. It seems that the BCDA has a personal grudge againts Sobrepeña that’s why they wanted to practice a selective justice. If BCDA is serious with the staffa case, they must include also their other members who made an memorandum agreement (MOA) in 2000. The BCDA agreed that the private company will make some adjustment about their rental payment or they will delay it due to some reasons.

BCDA Versus CJHDevCo: The Final Battle

       The dispute between Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) is not yet finished. The both camp are still waiting for the final decision of the court to resolve their problems. But in previous weeks, BCDA head Arnel Casanova made a press release declared that the court was already gave their favor to them. Hence, he ordered CJHDevCo to get off from their position in Camp John Hay because they have no rights to operate their business anymore.

       Of course, the private company didn’t comply to Casanova’s order. For them, this is just a dirty tactic of the BCDA to discourage their group. But sorry to say they will not leave Camp John Hay unless the court will order it. To give their side, the developer also made a press release stating that it is not true that they are already lose with their case against BCDA. The BCDA accused the developer for not paying right with their rental. But the CHJDevCo denied the accusation, they are doing their obligation to the government. The problem is, BCDA is not giving them the right support. Instead to help them, this agency is not giving them permit to develop the land that they are leasing. This is one of the reason why they have a battle in court.

        I think, BCDA is abusing their power, they are trying to collect money bigger than what’s written in their agreement. Then, when the CHJDevCo didn’t give it to them, they were started to harras the developers. BCDA didn’t appreciate the contributions of CHJDevCo in Baguio Tourism through giving livelihood to the people. They built world hotel and other superb infrastractures in Camp John Hay. It seems that the agency wants to takeover it to make money out of it. If this is not the reason, why they want the developers to leave in Camp John Hay despite of their good job? There is humor that after they overtake Camp John Hay they will give the operation to other operation.

         For sure, there is a personal interest involved here. There is a report that the BCDA didn’t remit to the city of Baguio the full amount of money that they got from the lease payment of the developer. The developer already paid 1.44 billion to the BCDA, 25 percent of it will go to the city of Baguio. But the agency just remitted 256 million to their local government.