A new formula in resolving the Mindanao conflict

By Atty. Musib M. Buat
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The only option left, in lieu of an armed struggle, is to revert to the original goal of independence and mount a campaign for decolonization with the UN and ICJ.

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“The MOA on AD is just a piece of paper” – Bernas

A leading constitutionalist Monday provided a calming voice amid alarm bells that the signing of the controversial memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain would lead to a separate Bangsamoro state in Mindanao.

Only one of ten Filipinos believes GMA’s SONAs – Survey

Pulse Asia says only one out of 10 Filipinos still believes GMA’s Sonas are truthful. That is because since January 2001, she has told the following truths in her Sonas:

Well, maybe this, on Dec. 30, 2002:

“If I were to run, it will require a major political effort on my part. But since I’m among the principal figures in the divisive national events for the last two or three years, my political efforts can only result in never-ending divisiveness.

“In view of (this), I have decided not to run for President during the election of 2004.”

But that wasn’t a Sona, that was a sana.

Why Is The Philippines Poor?

By Dr. Arsenio Martin
Fort Arthur , Texas, USA

THE DIFFERENCE

The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country:

This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt , that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor.

On the other hand, Canada , Australia & New Zealand , that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries, and are rich.

Commentary: On the MILF-GRP MOA on Ancestral Domain

Getting it right this time

	EYES SEE	By MIRIAM CORONEL FERRER
	Although the MILF and the government learned lessons from the failed government-Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) process and are anxious to do it right this time, they are faced with the same disturbing scenario that followed the post-September 1996 signing of the accord with the MNLF: absence of popular support, and convoluted political interests that messed up the whole undertaking.

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have finally agreed on a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain that should be signed any day now in Malaysia to become official.

Should Arroyo resign? Upsides, downsides!

By Solita Collas-Monsod

Do I want truth and accountability in the country? Of course I do—I’ve sought it and fought for it, as we all should. Do I want an end to corruption, and punishment for the wrongdoers? Of course I do—I’ve sought it and fought for it, as we all should. Do I want President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be removed from office? Only if she has been found guilty of crimes listed in the Constitution and only through the prescribed process—in short, impeachment.

Freedom of speech not assured in online spaces

Rant all you want in a public park. A police officer generally won’t eject you for your remarks alone, however unpopular or provocative.

Say it on the Internet, and you’ll find that free speech and other constitutional rights are anything but guaranteed. Is it?

Food for the future

Nothing that Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. said Thursday about the food crisis is new. The observations made by the former politician, who remains active in (backroom) politics, had been noted before by every government official who spoke on the issue. The big difference, however, is that Cojuangco is putting his money where his mouth is.

Sulpicio Lines, Suspicious Lines

In the last two decades, four ships of Sulpicio Lines figured in catastrophic accidents, causing the death of several thousands. If an airline had that kind of record, it would have been hounded out of business. The question, then, that haunts the country’s traveling public: Why is Sulpicio Lines still in business?

Subsidies are counterproductive

It appears that the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s policy of subsidizing the people’s basic needs—rice and electricity—is reflective of its utter inability to promote the general welfare. It is also a veiled admission of its failure to effectively pursue its agriculture development and food production programs.