Standing Up for the Rights of the Filipino

Bagong P500 Bill

2010-08-27T02:25:00.000+08:00

Iba talaga ang humor ng Pinoy ...

In fairness, magaling ang nag-photoshop nito ha!

Bogus Party Lists - BEWARE!

2010-04-30T16:28:00.028+08:00

Got this from a forwarded email. Know more about the party lists before you vote.

1. Ang Galing Pinoy – supposed to represent security guards, tricycle drivers and vendors but its first nominee is Mikey Arroyo

2. 1-Utak – Angelo Reyes is supposed to represent the transport sector but he has been the drivers’ nemesis when he headed the Department of Energy. He often gave the impression that he was the “spokesperson” of the oil cartel in justifying oil price hikes

3. 1st Kabagis – an Ilocano party-list group that claims to advocate for “widening the segments of economic development.” Jose Singson, Jr., brother of National Security Adviser Chavit Singson, is its second nominee

4. Aangat Tayo (AT) – identified by Akbayan Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales as one of the front organizations for the Arroyo Administration. President is Teddie Elson Rivera who is a PITC VP. PITC is a government-owned international trading company and was designated as the key agency in the implementation of GMA’s 10-point legacy, which includes the lowering of prices of essential medicines by 50% by 2010. Hmm, parang walang nangyari

5. Abono Partylist – claims to represent the agricultural sector. Its first two nominees are Robert Raymund Estrella and Franciso Ortega III, both hailing from prominent political clans allied with the administration. Its third nominee is Jacky Rowena Lomibao, wife of former PNP chief Arturo Lomibao

6. Abot Tanaw - first nominee is Gerwyn See, son-in-law of PAGCOR chair Efraim Genuino (see BIDA). Second nominee is Mario Cornista, chair of the board of directors of BIDA

7. Ahon Pinoy – backed by Dante Ang, Sr. (appointed by GMA as Chairman of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and CEO of Manila Times) and nominee is his son, Dante Ang, Jr.

8. Akbay Pinoy – member of Sigaw ng Bayan. Was legally charged by Makati residents together with Sigaw ng Bayan for manufacturing signatures for the GMA administration’s People’s Initiative

9. Alliance of People’s Organizations (APO) – first nominee is Arroyo ally and former Ilocos representative Salacnib Baterina

10. Anak Mindanao – was suspected to be a part of the dagdag bawas scheme. It was discovered that some precincts had more votes for party list groups than the actual number of votes cast and Anak Mindanao was one of those that received the highest number of votes

11. Ang Kasangga – claims to represent micro-entrepreneurs . Current representative is FG’s sister, Marilou Arroyo who withdrew her nomination but that only means some other Arroyo crony will replace her. Other nominees are Teodoro Haresco (PNOC board member) and Eugenio Lacson (ranked as one of the top 100 stockholders in Fidelity Stock Transfers, Inc), both of whom are multimillionaires with links to the Arroyo Administration

12. APOI – first nominee is Major General Melchor Rosales, the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense and also a DILG undersecretary

14. Association of Labor and Employees (ALE) – supposed to represent workers but first nominee is Arroyo ally and Pampanga provincial board member Catalina Bagasin who owns a cargo forwarding company and second nominee is Erlinda de Leon, GMA’s first cousin who served as special assistant to the President

15. Babae Ka! – too many ties to GMA. Was also a member of MELCHORA (Malayang Babae para sa Cha Cha at Reporma)

16. BANTAY True Marcos Loyalists – claims to represent security guards and barangay tanods but is led by Marcos supporter, Cherry Cobarrubias. Current representative is Ret. Gen. Jovito Palparan, accused of orchestrating numerous cases of extra-judicial killings during GMA’s reign and known as the “Butcher General” who, by the way, is running for Senator while nominee is his wife, Evangeline Palparan

17. Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) – “brainchild” of Efraim Genuino, chair of PAGCOR. Nominees include his daughter, Sheryl Genuino-See and Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, a nominee for the position of SC Chief Justice

18. BIYAHENG PINOY – An association of tricycle operators but is run by Arsenio Abalos, brother of former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos

19. Buhay – nominees are father and son Mike and Rene Velarde. Supported GMA in the last elections

20. Butil – One of the winners in the last elections. Representative Benjamin Cruz co-authored House Bill 3339 which, if passed, “will destroy the domestic rice industry by allowing unfair competition with countries with higher agricultural modernization and lower production costs – and displace some 2.4 million farmers”. This was recommended by a lobby group funded by USAID.

21. KABAYAN – claims to represent transport sector workers, farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, anticrime crusaders, and overseas Filipino workers, among others. Its nominees include Ron Salo, former subordinate of ex-Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita

22. KAKUSA – Chairman Emeritus is Romeo Jalosjos

23. PACYAW - claims to represent urban poor youth, has tourism assistant secretary Janet Rita Lazatin (member of LAKAS-CMD and hails from Pampanga) and former Los Angeles consul Reynaldo Pineda (based in Pampanga) as nominees

To find out more, Google “bogus party lists”, “dubious party lists”, “Arroyo party lists”.

VOTE WISELY FILIPINOS!

Kay Noynoy Tayo!!!!

2010-04-15T02:34:00.002+08:00

Hahahahahaha ....

2010-04-15T02:33:00.000+08:00

.... hahahahaha .......

.... hahahahaha .... ha

Wow, Papa!

2010-04-13T19:31:00.000+08:00

Hindi lang pang-kurakot, pang isports pa!

Sino kaya ang tunay na nanuhol?

2010-04-11T04:28:00.000+08:00

Noong bata pa sila ...

2010-04-10T02:25:00.001+08:00

... pwede pa siguro silang mapagkamalang inosente

Nagtatanong Lang Naman

2010-04-10T02:25:00.000+08:00

Sino ang Pipiliin Mo?

2010-04-08T15:22:00.000+08:00

Yan ang mapapala n'yo pag s'ya ang inyong binoto!

2010-04-08T06:18:00.000+08:00

Manok ni Bin Laden

2010-04-06T16:16:00.000+08:00

Sounds Like ... este ... Look-a-Likes

2010-04-06T11:13:00.003+08:00

Related?

Talaga Ka!

2010-04-06T02:11:00.000+08:00

Halik ni Hudas?

2010-04-05T22:07:00.001+08:00

GMA: "Basbasan mo ako Madame. Gusto ko paglaki ko, maging kagaya mo."

IM: "Malala ka pa sa akin Ineng. Pero palagay ko, wala ka ng pag-asang lumaki pa."

A Disney Photo

2010-04-03T05:04:00.001+08:00

Pwede! Match pa ang kulay blue!

Eddie S'ya Nga!

2010-04-03T02:01:00.000+08:00

Walang pikunan ...

Gibo Teodoro: So Much to Answer For

2010-04-02T19:34:00.000+08:00

Now that Gibo has relinquished his post as Chairman of Lakas-Kampi, some people say that it may gain him more votes. I hope not. Please read this enlightening essay that Peachy Paderna wrote in her Facebook notes:

My frustration with Gibo supporters lies in the fact that most of them are smart university students, academics, and professionals. We're talking about individuals who should have the ability to form insightful opinions, especially on matters of great national and political relevance.

What I notice, though, is that people who are inclined to vote for Gibo are people who are hypereducated. I'm coining this word to strike a contrast between them and Manny Villar's (mostly) uneducated followers. Do a quick survey of Gibo fans, and you'll find that an overwhelming number of them aren't merely intelligent. They're aware that they're intelligent, and their intellectual capacity is actually a great source of pride for them.

They support Gibo because at the very core of it, they see him as a peer. As intelligent people, it's only right that they vote for the intelligent candidate, correct? His professional achievements are enviable: bar topnotcher, Harvard Law graduate, political golden boy. The man even has a pretty wife. And no one will dispute that Gibo has been the most eloquent speaker so far, and in various debates, his wit and rhetoric trump everybody else's.

Gibo supporters place an inordinately high premium on academic achievement and -- I am getting tired of this word -- intelligence. There's nothing wrong with that: I would never vote for an inept candidate, someone whose intelligence I would seriously question.

However, people who believe in Gibo are forgetting one thing: eloquence, wit, and polished rhetoric does not a good President make. There is a huge crevasse of logic that stands between a man's intelligence and his ability to effect change in a country that needs it badly; in other words, the former doesn't necessarily give rise to the latter, despite all appearances.

I know it's been done countless times before, but I'm going to invoke history again: our most intelligent leaders -- Marcos and Arroyo -- were also the most reviled, because they did everything they could during their terms to plunder from us and keep themselves above the law. And why did they manage to get away with their thievery for so long? Remember that both Marcos and Arroyo served multiple terms. They were in power longer than they should have been. The reason? They were cunning and brilliant, and they knew exactly how to stay safely ensconced in Malacanang Palace.

Look, I'm not saying that we should conveniently vote for an idiot so we can easily boot him out when the situation calls for it. I'm also not saying that every intelligent candidate is a potential autocrat or a big-time crook. Instead, what I'm saying is that intelligence alone is a poor barometer for determining which presidential aspirant is most deserving of your vote.

So what about Gibo Teodoro? I think he's a tragic example, actually, because I do admire his purported intellect. In fact, let's throw in efficiency as well, since people have claimed that this man works well and has a great track record backing his candidacy. But you know what? None of these makes a difference to me. What completely ruins Gibo in my view is his utter inability to show us that he is a principled man.

Let's face it. Public office demands principled individuals, because it's a service-oriented job. You don't want McDonald's staff to drop their burger patties on the floor, only to pick them up later, dust them off, and bundle them up in buns and paper to serve to you. And when you pay a hundred pesos for that burger, it's only right that you receive your change before the receipt rolls out. We trust people in service jobs to go beyond the bare fulfillment of their tasks; we also want them to be transparent and honest about what they're giving us, and we want to know what goes on in every transaction that we enter with them.

Now let's say that Gibo is a service crew member in your nearest McDonald's, where he mops the floor and is in charge of tidying up the place. Nonetheless, this McDonald's is a crappy one, where dropping food and serving them anyway is par for the course, and you find yourself always shortchanged by a few pesos here and there. Despite all these, however, our dear Gibo doesn't decry the filthy practices of his colleagues. He doesn't stand up and say, "Wait a minute, guys. We picked those burgers off the floor, they’re dirty, and you shouldn’t be eating them. Oh, and please count your change, because you don’t usually get all of it if you do business here." He just mops away at the floor and does good work of it. That's all he does.

Let's imagine that this crappy McDonald's is the administration, and that the manager is GMA. In other words, Gibo is turning a blind eye to everything that the administration is guilty of. And what's his response when asked about what he'll do with Arroyo once her term is over? "I won't intervene."

He won't intervene? That's it?? It's a move that reeks of cowardice. It's inaction that betrays a lack of principle. He knows that Arroyo did something that she has to account for, but he won't even spearhead an investigation. The best he can do is "not intervene." Nice try, Gibo.

People have asked me why it's important for GMA to pay for her transgressions. Why waste time on such an endeavor? Why not focus on other matters? I'll tell you why: it's because we cannot keep on communicating to public officials that it's okay to steal. If we let Arroyo get away with offenses of astounding magnitude, what will our lesser public officials think? They'll think stealing from us again and again is fine, becausehey, we won't do anything about it, anyway, and we allowed bigger crimes to pass through the net before. By letting Arroyo off the hook, we further encourage an already flourishing culture of corruption that should have long been nipped in the bud.

I'd like to go back to that analogy I drew about a crappy McDonald's. Funny how, if you found out that the nearest branch habitually served dirty burgers, you would never go back to it again. If they always cheated you out of your change, you would protest and want your money, and you would never go back to that place again. But when it comes to our government, we're masochists and we're suckers: oh, you've been stealing from me? That's okay, I'll vote for you again. Oh, you've been trampling upon my human rights? That's okay, I'm used to it.

If you vote for Gibo, you're essentially the McDonald's customer who's happy to chew on burgers that have been dropped all over the place before they were finally served to you. You're okay with getting less change than you should, because the guy who's mopping the floor is doing a good job of it, and you think that a clean floor equals clean service. If this crew member were really doing a good job, he'd tell you to get out of there. He would hand in his resignation and find a better place where his principles don't have to be compromised.

In other words, it's not enough that a man be intelligent. It's not enough that his rhetoric can sweep you off your feet. It's not enough that he works efficiently. He must have principles, unyielding and certain. Principle is the scaffolding in true leadership, without which the whole structure of governance cannot sustain itself.

So think about that, Gibo supporters. I'm sure you can. You're intelligent, after all.

Why I'm Not Voting for Bro. Eddie

2010-04-02T19:22:00.000+08:00

I have never believed in Bro. Eddie's claims that he is the anointed one to lead the Philippines. Not in the 2004 elections and more so, this 2010.

Watching the video that Arnold Gamboa uploaded on his blog and the explanations he gave only strengthened my belief. It is disgusting how some candidates would do and say anything just to convince people to vote for him ... even to the extent of compromising one's faith in God.

If you consider yourself to have an open mind, watch the video, read what Arnold Gamboa (a former staunch supporter of Eddie Villanueva, no less!) has to say and read all the comments below the blog entry.

At Dahil Byernes Santo ...

2010-04-02T02:42:00.000+08:00

Kahit ilang taon na ang nakalipas simula ng ginawa ang report na ito, hanggang ngayon, ginagawa pa rin ito ng Malacanang ... mas malala pa malamang ngayon ...

Nakakaawa talaga ang Pilipinas kapag nagpatuloy pa ang pagkakaroon natin ng mapagsamantalang namumuno.

Remember that 5-part Hacienda Luisita Story?

2010-03-27T23:13:00.001+08:00

Where GMA News Went Wrong

The first time I saw links to that obviously biased report written by someone named Stephanie Dychiu for GMA News going around Facebook, my immediate thought was "I wonder how much was she paid to do this looooooong article that is obviously out to malign the name of Sen. Aquino?!"

If you have read that series of he said-she said type of (irresponsible) reporting, chances are, you were either convinced of Senator Aquino's guilt or your belief in him was strengthened. I was among the second group.

Please read this very enlightening analysis of that GMA-HL articles. If you are one of those Filipinos who is always saying you are open to see both sides of any story, then you better read this one!

Eto ang Tunay na Mahirap!

2010-03-10T08:47:00.001+08:00

Hahaha! Saludo ako kung sino man ang magaling na nag-photoshop ng mga ito!

Supalpal si Villar ...

2010-02-28T20:57:00.001+08:00

Money in the Time of Elections

2010-02-28T14:32:00.004+08:00

This is a confirmed post written by Congressman Ruffy Biazon. The original article appeared in his blog here. Let us be vigilant about all kinds of vote-buying.

A candidate who fails to see what’s wrong with handing out money during election season only shows that he has limited understanding of the concept of traditional politics and its ill effects. Worse than the cunning and calculating traditional politician is the naïve and innocently ignorant traditional politician because he is perpetuating the scourge of Philippine political culture and public service without him realizing it.

That kind of tradpol (or trapo, in Philippine political lingo) is personally beyond reform because he thinks he is doing the country a great service although he is unwittingly perpetuating patronage politics. He will always think what he is doing is noble and will only look at those who have an opposing view as detractors to his cause. But for him not to realize the ill effects of his charity, there must be really something wrong with his values orientation and judgment.

What exactly is wrong with giving away money in the time of elections?

Well, it really smacks of vote-buying. During the time of elections, a candidate is only expected to spend money on the production of campaign collaterals, payment of hired personnel, campaign operations and other services. To simply hand over cash to anyone in exchange for nothing, whether voter or non-voter, young or old, male or female, it only serves one purpose—to get votes.

Handing over cash to a child in the time of elections, even if the child cannot vote, only serves to solicit votes for the candidate handing over the cash. Especially if the cash is handed in full view of the public, and even played up in media because during political campaigns, each action of a candidate which is done in public is assumed as a means of attracting votes.

The child who was given money most probably had parents or guardians. Most likely they are voters. And it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the money handed over to the child is indirectly an appeal to the parents or guardians of the child to support the candidate giving the money.

In such a scenario, the appeal goes out not just to the parents or guardians of the child, but also to the observers of the whole event. The message to those who witness such charity is “look at me, I’m so caring I’m giving away money. So vote for me”.

Under normal circumstances, such actions may be considered charity. But during elections, it should be seen as nothing other than vote buying. The circumstances make it so. It might be said that it would be unfair to make that conclusion because the candidate may just be sincere in wanting help, but the circumstances call for better judgment on the part of the candidate giving the money away.

If the candidate had the right sense of values and principles, he would realize by himself that giving money away during elections will only be seen as a political gimmick and perpetuate a practice long identified with the trapo.

A candidate with better judgment, sound discretion and creativity would be able to think of ways to extend help without resorting to giving away money. For example, if a child is hungry, the candidate can buy food and hand it over to the child. There is a world of difference between handing money over to a child and giving the child food to satisfy his hunger, especially during the election season.

To a child, when he receives money from a candidate during campaign season (which they undoubtedly know owing to the streamers, stickers and smiling faces of candidates), he learns that a “good candidate” is a candidate who hands out money. At an early age, their young minds are already being corrupted by practices of traditional politics. What kind of voters will they turn out to be when they grow old?

Having been a candidate myself four times now, I get frustrated and disgusted at voters who return my handshake with the words “wala bang naka ipit na isang daan dyan?” These are the kinds of voters that the young children who were given money by a candidate turn out to be.

A candidate’s failure to discern this effect of this “political charity” says something about his own character and values. It reveals his principles and his views on what the guiding force in the process of selecting the country’s leaders is ---“pera pera lang yan”.

Who Owns EDSA?

2010-02-24T20:44:00.007+08:00

Jim Paredes wrote the article below in his tumblr site. I agree with his views about Satur Ocampo and company. What took the cake though was the comment written by ellobofilipino that said: "Much as I admire Satur and the NatDems for their struggle for a better Philippines, his alliance w/Villar is a denial of his principles." How I agree with that!

I first met Satur Ocampo, Pepe Luneta and a lot of the heavyweights of the Communist Party at Camp Bagong Diwa jail in Bicutan in the early 80s. My mom and stepfather were political detainees then because of their involvement with the Light-a-fire movement that went against Marcos’ dictatorship.

Even if there was tension between the detainees— the National Democrats (Satur, Jo Ma, et al, believers in communism and armed struggle) on the one hand, and the Social Democrats (reformists and believers in democracy which was where my mom and her cause was aligned with) on the other— I was actually in awe of the purity and correctness of the cause the NatDems fought for. I saw them then as true nationalists who faced the dictatorship head on.

In truth, a lot of people in my generation were conscienticized by the Communist left more than the Church, or the more moderate movements. That’s because at that time, they had clearer stands on many issues and their alleged pro-people beliefs were commendable. Looking back now, it was quite easy to appear that way. In the context of Marcos and the hopelessness we faced, they were white and Marcos was black. In the ideological firmament, they were North Stars.

Then, the 1986 elections happened. It was a heated election not just between the forces of reform and Marcos. Among the reformist and democratic forces, there was a great schism. To participate or to boycott the elections was the question of the day. The discussions were brutal and divisive. The NatDems opted for boycott while the great majority of people went with participation.

Personally, I was torn. I believed the NatDems had good reasons not to participate, but there was something deeper going on than the call of ideology. I was so moved by the enthusiasm and the sacrifice I saw everyday being done by ordinary people who believed that democratic engagement was better than armed struggle against Marcos. They were fighting a heroic battle, to be sure. They had no money, guns and the system was rigged against the opposition. But they had courage and determination and the believed they could succeed. It looked more and more like a choice between cursing the darkness and marinating on the hopelessness, or lighting a candle and defying the darkness. I opted to light a candle and be on the side of the people.

The rest was history as they say. The impossible happened. People Power won over the guns and the cheating. It was quite funny (and pathetic) to recall seeing some NatDem spokespersons make their way inside the newly recaptured Channel 4 then on February 1986 and try to wangle to be interviewed. They were dying to be part of the euphoria of this big historical people’s event which they had boycotted. I remember one of them even tried to make a distinction on TV between People Power and Peoples’ Power which no one seemed to be interested in. The point was, they were out in the cold and were desperately trying to get back in and join the people who did not follow their boycott call. Satur escaped from Bicutan in 1985, and re-emerged in 1986, thanks to the democratic space that Cory’s new government immediately restored.

I am writing all this because the papers recently had a quote from Satur Ocampo who told Noynoy that, ”EDSA is not yours’, or something to that effect. This simple remark, said on an election campaign, should have been taken with nary a consequence, except that it elicited so much reaction among EDSA1 veterans. In my egroup alone, I got close to a dozen negative (against Satur) comments. It somehow left a poor taste in the mouth.

Noy certainly does not ‘own’ EDSA. In fairness, he never said so. And much less does Satur who in unison with his companions inside and outside Bicutan had campaigned against participating in the elections. The truth is, no one owns EDSA. And yet, everybody does too. That’s the paradox of this great event.

There are many reasons why this is so. And one of them is because it was a gift given by those who participated at EDSA to the entire Filipino people. And it’s not just those who were there during the 4 days, or the election season, but everyone who risked anything for democracy throughout the decades of struggle. EDSA was a culmination.

But even if no one and everyone owns it, some people, organizations were truer to its spirit than others, and can claim to be closer to the flame, so to speak. And this has nothing to do with who sacrificed most throughout the decades. It is about those who believed it could even happen.

Satur’s scolding statement is on the surface, correct, and that is, that not Noy ALONE but everyone, including himself, has a claim to EDSA. But it seems to imply as well (at least that’s how many read it) that he was on the side of the people specifically in ‘86 in their electoral struggle which directly led to the overthrow of Marcos. The truth is, they did not believe in the electoral, peaceful struggle till after EDSA. That’s why it is strange that Satur provocatively scolded or pontificated Noy when Satur and his crowd were not even in EDSA—not in person nor spirit, and certainly not ideologically. In fact, the NatDems scoffed at the yellow crowd for this ‘historical folly’. No wonder EDSA vets are upset.

I will admit that Satur and his companions have been on their struggle longer than many of the present reformists have been. There is something admirable about that. I honor that. I had classmates and relatives who were with them who died in the struggle. I can even say I was even a believer of sorts and was very open to their ideas even if it was dogmatic, and strident at times. And yes, so grim and joylessly presented.

Let me say too that I USED TO believe they were on the right side of history. Through the years, the lost me. Too many deceptions which happened within their ranks and with the way they have dealt with the public, have made me change my perception. They have become tired, pedantic and their take on many issues are simplistic and leaves me wanting.

Their worldview seems small now as the world has changed. For example, they champion human rights (correctly) in the Philippines but are quiet about abuses in Tienanmen, Tibet, and many places. They have become too much like politicians who know which side of their bread is buttered.

Historically, Satur and company have won some and lost some of the battles they have engaged in. And I have cheered them in some and booed them on others. But count the ‘86 elections that led to EDSA1 as their big loss. They boycotted it. That’s a fact. I am glad though that they learned after that and have correctly decided to participate in the democratic process by running for elections. I voted them in through the party-list. I believe that communism, or socialism, or national democracy whatever it is called now should compete in the arena of the democratic space we have.

Is Satur being a revisionist then about EDSA? Not necessarily. Let’s just say it’s election season and he is a politician.

But a harder thing to explain is why he is running with an alleged land grabber and a Marcos on the same ticket. Can anyone explain? Has this North Star truly disappeared?

Tingnan na lang kasi natin ang drawing!

2010-02-10T23:00:00.000+08:00

Bukod sa pakikinig sa maraming usap-usapan tungkol sa C-5 controversy, eto ang madaling maintindihan ... isang drawing na hindi "drowing lang."

Dito pa lang, ang linaw-linaw na. Bakit kaya ang dami pa ring bulag? :(

Presidentiable Quotable Quotes

2010-02-10T20:27:00.002+08:00

Na-receive ko lang sa email ... gusto kong i-share sa inyo para bukod sa matawa ... mamulat din ang mga mata ninyo ...

Noynoy Aquino: "Hindi ako magnanakaw"

Gibo Teodoro: "Hindi ko kelangan magnakaw"

Dick Gordon/Bayani Fernando: "Bawal magnakaw, nakamamatay"

Manny Villar: "Hindi ako nagnakaw"

Erap Estrada: "Kailangan ko ulit magnakaw"

GMA: "Wala na kayong mananakaw!"

10 Ways to Fix Philippine Basic Education

2010-02-09T02:18:00.001+08:00

Philippine education is in crisis and we need not argue that point.

What we need is a president with a basic education agenda, willing to make the hard decisions. This is what needs to be done ...

Please read the rest of this very informative Policy Note here.

Anybody but Gibo, says Danding's wife

2010-02-08T00:10:00.001+08:00

Straight to the point!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/07/10/anybody-gibo-says-dandings-wife

Villar -- Sinungaling!!!

2010-01-25T03:06:00.004+08:00

Mga kababayan, dapat ninyo itong panoorin!!! Buksan natin ang ating mga mata. Huwag naman tayong magbulag-bulagan.

Nagawa nga ni Villar gamitin ang posisyon niya bilang Congressman at Senador para payamanin ang sarili niya, paano pa kung maging Presidente pa yan ng Pilipinas? Nakakatakot!!!

Pakiusap - bumoto tayo ng tama!

BIGO

2009-12-25T03:13:00.001+08:00

Hindi pa ba obvious???

Sayang ang talino mo Pare! Walang kuwenta yan kung binenta mo na ang mga prinsipyo at kaluluwa mo :(

Tutang na Loob

2009-11-29T02:50:00.001+08:00

Nabasa ko ito sa link na ito.

I wonder how any of these people can even consider Gibo as a potential leader when he’s lived in GMA’s shadow (quite willingly and loyally) all these years. If that’s how he deals with ‘utang na loob’, we can be sure to see GMA as prime minister and Gibo as the puppet president. If he was so damn Harvard smart, why couldn’t he figure out how to detach himself from the tainted golden goose? Oh yeah, I forgot, you need a heart to figure that one out.

Nadulas?

2009-10-24T15:45:00.002+08:00

... dalawang araw pagkatapos lumabas ang "expose" ni EllaGanda (isang blogger) tungkol sa mga nakaimbak na relief goods sa DSWD warehouses

... at pagkatapos ipagdiinan ng mga kinauukulan na nanawagan naman sila for volunteers, wala nga lamang masyadong pumunta

...finally, for the very first time, may nakita akong panawagan! (Take note, never talaga ako nakarinig o nakabasa ng call for volunteers galing sa DSWD noong nakaraang mga linggo since dumating sina Ondoy at Pepeng, pramis!)

Dito nga lang ...

Since masyadong maliit ang fonts, eto yung part na gusto kong makita ninyo, yung bottom two posts:Hindi ko lang napigilang magtaka kung bakit may nakalagay na NOW doon sa post. Para kasing, ang dating eh, ngayon lang talaga sila nananawagan sa tao na kailangan nila ng volunteers.

Kung akin yang Twitter account at matalino akong tao, ang ilalagay ko doon instead of NOW eh STILL or kaya naman eh CONTINUES TO LOOK FOR para naman hindi halatang ngayon lang talaga kami umaaksyon tungkol sa dilemma ng kawalan ng volunteers.

Yun naman eh, naisip ko lang.

Ang tanong, tama kaya ako at may dapat tamaan d'yan sa tabi-tabi? Kayo ang humusga!

DSWD is Hoarding Relief Goods!!!

2009-10-23T15:48:00.003+08:00

Almost a month since Ondoy and Pepeng came and there are still thousands of relief goods languishing in DSWD warehouses!

Please read this blog entry and the see the accompanying photos. Nakakagalit! Hayop talaga ang karamihan ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno!!!

The introduction to the post goes:

Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? (A special report from a volunteer)

Oct 21st, 2009 by ella

Dear friends,

I’m asking your help to spread the word. Tulungan po ninyo akong ikalat ito. Beyond this, we should also demand action. I disabled a plugin so you can copy the photos of relief goods rotting in DSWD warehouses. You can link this post to your blogs, facebook, websites etc. You can also email the photos.

Philippine News (US based Philippine newspaper) will use this as its front page story this week. Every Filipino has the right to know where the tons of donations from the UN and other counties go. Kahit po nakakahiya sa mga nag-donate. Kung sa ganitong paraan, matutulungan natin ang mga nasalanta, then by all means, let’s do it.

For those who have the time, please try to volunteer sa DSWD warehouses. Getting in was not easy. A friend had to put in a word for us. Let’s see kung madali nang makapasok sa DSWD warehouse ang mga volunteers.

Please read on and good luck to us.

Ella

Bota ng Ina Mo!

2009-10-14T01:16:00.004+08:00

Wala akong masabi. Parang maglalakad lang si La Gloria sa isang Paris runway instead na lulusong sa baha ... Ola! Rampa!

(Paki-click na lang yung photo kung gusto n'yo pang ma-enlarge at makita ang mga detalye ng outfit ng lola n'yo)

Eto ba?! Eto ba ang dapat ibotong susunod na presidente????

2009-10-14T01:02:00.006+08:00

Sa panahon ng kalamidad, dapat ang inuuna ng mga gustong tumulong eh yung PAGTULONG! Hindi yung pagpapa-print ng tarpaulin, stickers at mga labels na itatapal sa mga relief goods!!!

Bukod sa extra gastos yang mga yan, sana yung perang ginamit eh isinama na rin sa pondo na ibibigay sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo.

Ang malaking tanong: MANNY VILLAR, paano mo babawiin ang bilyon-bilyong pinag-gagastos mo galing sa sarili mong bulsa kung ikaw ang maluluklok sa pagka-pangulo ng Pilipinas sa susunod na taon?

PINOY, mag-isip-isip ka na ngayon pa lang! Iboboto mo ba ang ganitong klase ng pulitiko na nagpapabango ng pangalan para sa eleksyon kaya lang tumutulong? Maniniwala ka pa rin ba hanggang ngayon sa mga propagandang gaya nito? Magpapauto ka ba kay "Mami Villar"?

Sabi ng iba, ok lang daw yun kasi nakatulong naman. Excuse me, kahit saang anggulo tingnan, WRONG MOTIVES eh.

Taos puso ka dyan!

Le Cirque - Mga KINAIN ng mga Kampon ni GMA sa NY with sample photos and prices

2009-10-10T17:15:00.000+08:00

Na-forward lang ito sa akin via emai. Finally, nakita ko at makikita n'yo rin kung ano nga ba ang itsura ng pagkamamahal na pagkain na nilafang ng presidente at mga kampon n'ya sa Le Cirque.

Kainis, ginutom tuloy ako habang naga-upload ng mga lintsok na pictures na ito!

----

Mga kababayan silipin nga natin kung ano itong pinag iinitang mga kinain daw ni Kamahal-mahalang Pangulong Gloria sa Le Cirque New York at ang kanyang mga kampon. Since may ambag naman tayo (as a taxpayer)dapat lang sigurong makita natin kahit sa picture man lang ang mga pagkaing nararapat daw para sa ating mga honorable public servants. Take note mga kaibigan, US DOLLARS yung nasa bill ..... pero kinonvert sa peso para mas may impact kung gaano sila kamahal!!!

Ang bill ng entourage ni Gloria sa Le Cirque

Golden Osetra Caviar. Sa Tagalog, kumpol-kumpol na itlog ng isda. Rare daw ito. Malansa at lasang bagoong, sabi ng iba. Kulay itim lang to pero ang lasa siguro nito ay kagaya din ng itlog ng galunggong, di kaya? Php13,720/order.

California Osetra Caviar. Kumpol-kumpol na itlog ng isda na mula sa California. Mas mura kesa sa Golden Osetra Caviar. P4,900/order.

Le Cirque Salad. Pinaghalo-halong mga gulay tulad ng lettuce (wag kayong jologs, hindi [let-us] ang pronunciation nyan, kundi [let-is] , okay?)... sige na nga litsugas nalang ... ano pa ba yan? er ... sibuyas, balat ng sibuyas, sitaw, mayana, dahon ng gumamela, etc. P1,078/order lang yan.

Le Cirque Lobster Salad. Merong lobster meat, pipino, avocado, kamatis, okra saka dahon ng sibuyas. P2,842/ isang plato niyan.

Le Cirque Tuna. Syempre merong tuna dyan (na posibleng galing sa GenSan), orange, sesame seeds, wasabe ata yung green paste sa ilalim, anim na pirasong halamang ligaw (dami dito samin nyang dahon na yan!) saka ilang patak na orange sauce. P1,029/order naba yang apat na hiwang yan?

Le Cirque Soft Shell Crab Tempura. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na meron palang crab na soft ang shell nya…ahihihihi…So ang ingredients dyan ay crab saka harina tapos may kamote at ang paborito ni Popeye na spinach P1,078 /platter
Le Cirque Spring Pea Soup. Mga pataning pinaikot at pinalamutak sa blender para maging soup. A.k.a. Etchas ng baby P1,176 isang bowl?

Le Cirque Wild Burgundy Escargot. Pronounced as [es-kahr-goh] . Tandaan nyo yan para hindi kayo magmukhang enggot pag kumain kayo sa Le Cirque in the future, okay? Ang escargot ay kuhol. Madami niyan sa palayan kapag tag-ulan. Hmmmmmmmmm…sarap ng ginataang escargot! Kasama ng escargot dyan ay 2 munchkin donuts, makapuno, itlog ng isda saka ferns. Ito daw ang nagustuhan ni Senator Lapid dahil favorite nya ang kuhol. P1,421/order. Grabeng mahal naman ng kuhol na yan!

Le Cirque Torchon of Foie Gras. Ang foie gras ay atay ng bibe or gansa. Ang pagbigkas nito ay [fwah-grah] . Ang torchon naman ay isang paraan ng pagluto ng foei gras na kung saan ibinabalot ito sa isang tuwalya at niluluto sa mainit na likido tulad ng alak o tubig. P1,715/order lang naman yan.

Paupiette of Black Cod. Ito’y manipis na piraso ng isda (black cod) na nirolyong parang shawarma at merong mga gulay sa gitna. Paupiette is pronounced as [poh-pyet]. P2,401.00/order

Le Cirque Halibut Poached in Cocunut Milk. Halibut is pronounced as [hal-uh-buht] . Ito ay isang uri ng isda. Ang price P1,960 /order

Dover Sole. Isa rin itong uri ng isda at ito rin ang pinakamahal sa main course na inorder ng ating mga public servant P3,675/order wow na wow. Ano kaya ang lasa nyan, noh?

Le Cirque Saddle of Lamb. Ano ba ang saddle sa Tagalog. Hmmmmmmm…part daw ng backbone and loins. Eh ano yung loins sa Tagalog? Tadyang o pigi? Ay basta tupa lang yan! P2,548/order naman yan

Krug Champagne. Sa sobrang sarap ng Krug, umorder sina Gloria ng labing-isang bote nito. Kulang-kulang Php 249,000 lang naman iyang 11 bottles na yan. Ilang ginbulag kaya ang mabibili sa Php 249,000.00? Teka, downpayment na yan para sa isang bahay ah! Tsk…tsk…tsk…

Sorry wala yung pix ng ibang entrees. Pero sa dami na ng na-post dito, baka bundat na ang mga mata n'yo!

Hay, nako, ang saya-saya ... nila!

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Kawawa talaga tayong mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng Pang-gulong ito!

To All Filipinos Everywhere

2009-10-08T05:58:00.002+08:00

I got this from a forwarded email. It's too good not to pass along. Please read ...

- - - - -

Dear Friends and Relatives,

Here's a wonderful letter to all the Filipinos written by a brave woman. She wants to do her bit in these trying times of our nation.

Please pass to as many persons if you think her article is worth reproducing via email.

God bless

Fr Francis Gustilo, SDB

- - - - -

To all Filipinos Everywhere:

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these "honorable" crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator", "Justice", "General" and worse, "President". Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation – Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."

It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!" slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?

And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind" takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could forit.

Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion – right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.

I call on educators and teachers – we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future – and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders.
YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!
Let your voices be heard.
Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage.
Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good.
Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience.
Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves.
You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country.
You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.

Ondoy Victims Given Priority to Migrate to Canada

2009-10-08T05:56:00.000+08:00

News Release from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-10-01.asp

Government of Canada announces special immigration measures for typhoon victims in the Philippines

Ottawa, October 1, 2009 — Residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana are being offered special measures to facilitate immigration to Canada, announced Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney. “This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada.”

Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) visa office in the Philippines is responding on a priority basis for those directly affected by the disaster.

This will be applied to new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines. They must, however, identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by the current situation and notify CIC.

New sponsorship applications should have “Philippines” prominently written on the mailing envelope. Sponsors and applicants presently in Canada who have applications in process should notify the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) to identify their existing applications, if they or the family they have sponsored have been adversely affected.

Temporary residence applicants will be given priority processing by the visa office in Manila once they demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.

These special measures are in addition to the up to $5 million for humanitarian assistance and early recovery to respond to the needs of the populations affected by Typhoon Ketsana announced by International Cooperation Minister Beverley J. Oda earlier this week.

For further information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

2009-09-04T18:25:00.004+08:00

Media Suicide by Mikey Arroyo

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/171228/mikey-arroyo-says-wealth-came-from-wedding-poll-donors

Read the article and watch the video where he was grilled by Winnie Monsod. This st*pid politician just embeded himself deeper into his mire of lies and he seems to not even realize doing it.

PGMA and Party ate $20,000 worth of dinner in NY while Filipinos mourn for President Aquino

2009-08-09T18:24:00.002+08:00

What blatant insensitivity! What gluttony! These public officials should be ashamed of themselves!!!

Check out the following links to read more about this:

http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/gmas-20000-dinner-at-le-cirque-in-new-york

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08072009/gossip/pagesix/eat_and_drink_183333.htm

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=6617

Goodbye Pres. Cory

2009-08-01T07:21:00.000+08:00

We have lost an honest-to-goodness Filipino leader today. May her death be for nothing. It's time to wake up from the slumber of apathy fellow Filipinos!

Let's continue to fight for our freedom!

Please Boycott Boyet Fajardo RTW Labels

2009-03-28T23:13:00.005+08:00

I received this forwarded email yesterday. Needless to say, I was appalled and horrified at the audacity of this so-called designer who thought that he was god. I googled the issue first and verified its veracity before I decided to post it in this blog.

I read a news report from gmanews.tv where Fajardo's lawyer was defending his client's bad behavior as a "creative outburst". What bullsh*t, what crap! And they expect Filipinos to believe that???

Boyet Fajardo is a fine example of how to be inhuman. Let us not be like him.

Oh and btw, if he is so well-known, how come I only heard the name Boyet Fajardo when I got the email? Duh!

===
Last March 13, 2009, Filipino Fashion Designer Angelino Boyet Fajardo created a scene, to the shock and horror of shoppers and employees of Duty Free Philippines alike, when a cashier politely asked for his ID after presenting his unsigned credit card. This is a standard operating procedure applicable to all stores to verify ownership of the credit card and prevent fraud.

Suddenly, the designer reportedly got furious and, at the top of his voice, started berating the cashiers and managers of Duty Free Philippines. He might have thought a celebrated person like he is, with all his accolades and fame, has gone unrecognized by the cashier. A new well-trained casual worker who is carefully doing his job. The designer further shocked bystanders by cursing the people there with words such as leche and p...ina, while angrily expressing surprise why the people there did not recognize him.

Store managers and officers were sought to appease the matter, explaining to him that it is all included as a standard operating procedure in credit card payment for the safety, not only for the company but also his own. Ignoring all this, he pulled out his phone and threatened to call on high positioned government officials whom he allegedly knew, like doing a power-play to make these people realize how important he is. He went on saying "Mga leche kayo! Hindi niyo ako kilala? Ako si Boyet Fajardo! At itong p...ina na babaeng ito (pointing to a lady officer) at ang baklang ito (pointing to the cashier) ay walang kwentang mga tao! I want them fired!!!"

His yelling and berating went on and on. He cannot calm down and as he appeared to have bloodshot eyes, like that of a drunk person and or under an influence. He threw his passport on the cashier's face and later intentionally stepped on the cashier's foot to say "Ay sorry, di ko sinasadya!" He goes on to say, that only if the cashier kneel down before him and/or allow him to freely slap the cashier's face, may he get satisfied.

The ill-fated cashier, with all the onlookers watching, stand down and just simply gave in to probably he thought would end the matter. Crying in shame he slowly knelt down and apologize (for actually doing his job) before this self proclaimed GOD, perhaps for fear of loosing his job. No slapping was made to the cashier's face but the incident landed a harsher and reverberating sound to the faces of the lesser people of this society.

Fortunately, his inhumane acts were caught on CCTV in which a portion was featured in YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojv_kbsEQHQ&feature=channel_page

With such disrespect, discrimination and humiliation towards a good worker, a less fortunate person and a fellow Filipino...

1. We are calling all citizens to stop patronizing Boyet Fajardo's RTW labels such as Substance in SM department stores, Boyet Fajardo and Initials in Landmark and Robinson's department stores.
2. We are calling on all malls to pull out or stop distributing his products in your outlets.
3. We are calling on the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Labor and Employment and all human rights and labor activists to take appropriate legal actions on this matter.
4. We are calling all foreign embassies to deny him of entry to your respective countries.
5. We are calling on the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines to dishonor him of his membership and profession.

...To give him a lesson and to help us stop him from victimizing the underprivileged over and over and over again.

Contact Information:
Boyet Fajardo
Tel: +632 6327120 / +632 6366871
Email: info@boyetfajardo.com
Website: www.boyetfajardo.com

We look forward to your support.

Thank you.

Concerned Filipino Citizen

Gary Granada vs. GMA Kapuso

2009-02-04T13:27:00.003+08:00

Please visit this link Gary Granada vs. GMA Kapuso where you can listen about Gary's complaint regarding a song commissioned to him by GMA Kapuso Foundation. Please reserve your judgement until you hear it.

Since I have also been a victim of copyright infringement (as a writer), I totally understand where he is coming from.

If also believe that Gary G. is right in what he is fighting for, please give your support as well. Mag-ingay tayo sa Internet hanggang may hustisya s'yang makamit!

The Philippines is filled with rotten politicians!!!

2008-12-29T14:06:00.005+08:00

I was forwarded a link about another injustice done this time by a prominent politician in Lanao del Sur. I was enraged just by reading about the family's account. I pray that they get the justice that they deserve. And may that power-tripping mayor and his cohorts rot in hell!

http://vicissitude-decidido.blogspot.com/2008/12/world-is-fucked-up.html

Finance journalist speaks up on the SM DisAdvantage Insurance Plan

2008-10-06T16:35:00.003+08:00

Please read on Ms. Salve Duplito's recent entry on the SMAC-Philam tie-up fittingly entitled "The SM Advantage Rip-Off" at her Inquirer blog Money Smarts.

Again, I just need to express my disgust at SM for the way they are profiting from hapless customers like us. Mapagsamantala sila!

SM Advantage Card Official Answers Issues on the Insurance Program

2008-06-17T16:20:00.002+08:00

This is a reprint with permission from Ms. Marou Sarne's blog:

I can't resist but reiterate my initial opinion of Mr. Maclang -- malabo s'yang kausap!!!!

ANSWERS OF MR. REY MACLANG, AVP FOR SM MARKETING, REGARDING THE CONTROVERSIAL SM ADVANTAGE CARD-PHILAM INSURANCE PROGRAM:

1. When did the insurance promo for SM Advantage Card holders begin?

The SM Advantage Personal Accident Insurance Program is NOT a promotion. It is an embedded value-added feature of SM Advantage which is granted to members once they reach a specific points balance in their card. The insurance benefit has been an integral part of SM Advantage since July 2006. This is over and above all the other benefits, perks, discounts and savings that SM Advantage management continuously develops for its members.

Recognizing the importance of insurance for every individual, SM Advantage, in partnership with Philam Insurance, created one of the most convenient and affordable programs in the market to ensure that its members can acquire basic financial protection against accidental death or permanent disability. With this modest motivation in mind, we continue to proudly extend this privilege to our members by providing them the following advantages:

· Extremely accessible and convenient insurance coverage simply by being an SM Advantage member.

· The opportunity to have an insurance coverage at a very low price, without any cash outlay. If the member would try to acquire an individual Personal Accident Insurance outside this program, it would cost approximately P500. With this specially-arranged program with Philam Insurance, our members have access to a substantial amount of insurance for only 20 points (equivalent to P20.00).

2. Were the customers informed beforehand that they will receive an accident insurance policy prior to the deduction of their 20 points in their rewards? How?

Yes, we, together with Philam Insurance have consistently informed our members about this privilege through flyers and full page advertisements in the most prominent daily broadsheets such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Loyalty Program. This advertising campaign actually started two weeks before the launch of the insurance program in 2006. Moreover, we continuously explore program enhancements and have lined up activities to raise the awareness of our members about this program, most recent of which are the SMS and e-mail blasts sent to members.

We have also informed our members through newspaper articles of actual claim cases where Philam Insurance paid out the insurance proceeds of more than P100,000 to the beneficiaries of insured SM Advantage members who were deducted a mere 20 points.

This is a genuine, and not to mention expensive effort on our part and that of our partner, Philam Insurance, to efficiently disseminate information and to ensure that all legitimate and admissible claims under the insurance program are paid to the rightful beneficiaries at all times.

3. Did the customers sign an agreement regarding this promotion prior to its implementation?

When members signed up for membership in the SM Advantage Loyalty program, they effectively agreed to its Terms and Conditions.

Section V of the Terms and Conditions of the SM Advantage Program states that:

1. The Terms and Conditions and Guidelines cannot be superseded or changed except by MCI. MCI shall use all reasonable endeavors to provide Members with accurate and timely information regarding the SM Advantage Program including any changes thereof; however, MCI and its Partners shall not be liable in any way for failure to do so.

2. MCI is not liable for any Award or Privilege not being available or being withdrawn for any reason whatsoever by any SM Advantage Partner.

3. MCI reserves the right at all times, without notice and in its sole discretion:

a. To make any changes whatsoever to these Terms and Conditions including the rules and guidelines in the Member’s Manual.

b. To withdraw, cancel, withhold, substitute, deny access to or use of in any way change any of the Awards and Privileges previously advertised or offered, to any Member, at any time, without prior notice, MCI will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by the Member resulting from such withdrawal, cancellation, variation or change.

c. To terminate or materially alter the SM Advantage Program and/or revoke the membership of any Member and/or the right of any Member to use the Membership Card or to utilize any Award or Privilege.

4. If you’re an SM Advantage card holder, are you automatically enrolled to the insurance program?

Enrollment into the insurance program is done every 15^th of the month for qualified members. To qualify, a member must:

have a balance of at least 70 points at the time of enrollment.
be between 18 to 70 years old.

Upon enrollment, 20 points are debited from the member’s points balance as one-time payment for his/her P100,000 accident insurance coverage for one year.

5. How much premium does SM pay for each qualified card holder’s insurance policy in PhilAm?

We cannot divulge the amount of premium we pay for each insurance coverage. However, because the program involves group insurance coverage and uses the opt-out mechanics for enrollment, we were able to arrange for the members a significant premium discount from Philam Insurance. This is the benefit and the privilege that we give to our members – the provision of very inexpensive financial protection that would otherwise have cost more if our members were to buy it themselves.

6. Did SM follow due process regarding the promotion? Did they get permission from the concerned agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the Insurance Commission?

Since the insurance program is not a promotion, there is no need to secure approval from DTI. Also, as per Philam, group accident insurance programs do not necessarily require IC’s permission to launch. However, the terms and conditions of the policy issued by Philam were reviewed and approved by the Insurance Commission. We have chosen to partner with Philam Insurance because they are a highly reputable insurance company.

7. How does the card holder get her certification / insurance policy?

Since this is a group insurance coverage, Philam Insurance issued us a Group Master Policy to cover all qualified members of SM Advantage. There is no need to issue individual certificates. If an individual member wants proof of cover, an insurance certificate can be requested from Philam Insurance by calling the Philam hotline at 528-5202.

8. How does she / he claim from the insurance company?

Just like with any other personal insurance, the insured member or his/her beneficiary can call the Philam hotline and he/she will be guided on how to claim. Claim documents will of course be required.

9. Who determines the beneficiaries of the policy in case of accidental death?

The law specifies that the benefits shall go in full to the first group of the following:

· Spouse, if none

· Child/ren, if none

· Parents, if none

· Siblings, if none

· Administrator of your estate

10. Is this a group insurance or an individual insurance? Why weren’t the certificates issued / mailed to the card holders upon the deduction of their points?

Please refer to our answer to Question # 7

11. Why were the card holders informed of the program a few months before the expiration of the policy (and not upon the start of the coverage?)

As explained in our answer to question # 2, we have continuously advertised the benefits of the insurance program through various prominent broadsheets, using full page colored ads. In an effort to more effectively inform our members of the program, we distributed flyers and, more recently, we launched an SMS and e-mail information drive to all qualified members regardless of the inception date of their insurance coverage. We know that newspaper advertisements, flyers, SMS and e-mail messages cannot ensure that all our members are made aware of the benefits of the insurance program; therefore we have extended and continue to extend great efforts and expense in informing our members about this important program.

12. If the card holder met an accident before he was informed of the insurance coverage, and if the policy has expired before the card holder was informed that he was covered, can the card holder still claim from the company or reimburse his hospital / funeral expenses?

Whether the cardholder was informed of the insurance coverage before or after he/she met an accident is immaterial in determining the validity of a claim. What is important is that the accident or the loss occurred during the time that the member’s insurance cover was active. This means that a claim can still be made even after the coverage has lapsed so long as the accident or the loss happened within the coverage period.

13. If the customer doesn’t want the insurance coverage, is there an easier way to get out of the program, without going to the SM malls and signing an opt-out form?

Yes, there are many ways by which the member can opt out of the insurance program, all of which are indicated in our newspaper advertisements and can be explained by the Philam hotline:

SMS – Register first by sending SMAC REG <16> <4> to 2213. Text: SMAC INSURANCE OUT to 2213 [P2.50/text]
Philam Hotline – Call 528-5202
Fax – Cut out Opt-out Form from the ad, fill out and fax to 833-8888.
Customer Service Counters – Fill out Opt-out Form and submit to the Customer Service Counter of any SM Department Store branch.

In addition to these, members who do not wish to be included in the program can now opt out by sending an e-mail to help@sm-advantage.com, and soon via the SM Advantage website at www.sm-advantage.com. No matter how the member chooses to opt out of the program, his/her 20 points will be credited back to his/her SM Advantage account within five days.

We accept opt-outs at any time before or during the member’s 12-month coverage period.

14. How do they check if their points were returned?

Members can request for points balance inquiry at any cashier counter of SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, or any of the other SM stores where the SM Advantage Card is accepted for points earning. Unfortunately, the cashier will only be able to give your total points balance, so you will need to know your balance before you opted out of the insurance program.

For a more accurate accounting of your points, you may log on and register at www.sm-advantage.com. There, you will be able to view your transaction log (points earning and redemption, including insurance reversal) as far back as January 2006.

15. Do SM Advantage Card points expire?

As stated in the Member’s Manual, all unredeemed points will be forfeited if the member fails to renew his/her card before its expiration date. However, as a concession to members who were unable to renew their card before expiration, we normally give a 90-day grace period before we forfeit their points. This means that if they renew their membership within three months after its expiration, their remaining points will still be transferred to their new card.

Other SMAC members start speaking up!

2008-06-15T03:06:00.001+08:00

Last week I sent out emails with questions (please see previous post) to explore how much SM Advantage members really know about the SM-Philam insurance tie up that automatically deducts points from members without our knowledge nor approval.

I already received several emails from fellow SMAC members and below are some of their replies. It’s not surprising anymore to find out that ALL who emailed me were also sent the notifications by SM only a few months’ short of their so-called insurance coverage.

1. Are you aware of the automatic insurance coverage for SMAC members? If yes, how did you find out about this and when?

A.S. says: Now yes, but only after I received the email from SM Advantage

I.A. says: Only thru the email I received with the information

J.C. says: No. Until I read your blog, I had absolutely no idea about this!

2. Have you received any email informing you about your personal coverage? If yes, when was the email sent and what are the dates of your coverage?

K.S. says: Dates of coverage are from November 2007 to November 2008. I was emailed May 24 2008

A.S. says: Yes, on Thursday, 29 May 2008. I'm supposedly covered from "10/15/07 and will end on 10/15/08".

3. Is it okay with you to be deducted 20 points from your SMAC balance without your knowledge and be automatically enrolled in the insurance coverage? Why or why not?

K.S. says: I feel that they should have informed us earlier and given us the choice.

A.S. says: No, not without my prior knowledge… as another person already shared, I have too many other insurances already and I don't need another one. While it's only P20, it's still something I can use to add in my purchasing power whenever I do grocery at SM.

I.A. says: I was deducted 40 points! Because I am prestige member. It is also unfair because they took the liberty to use my prestige membership over my SM Advantage membership which took out double points instead. Of course it is not ok without my prior approval!

J.C. says: No, this is not okay. As SM shoppers, we take great pains to earn those points (which compared to other point-earning cards much like it, take FOREVER to accumulate!). And so no matter how small the amount, we should be informed of ANY automatic deduction, even in the guise of something that will supposedly "benefit" us.

4. What are your general thoughts about being automatically insured without being informed about it personally? Do you think you can even file a claim when you meet any accident?

K.S. says: I would have rather that they called us up because not everyone checks their email so often. I welcomed the insurance however wish I could have been given a choice first. It is such a hassle to have to un-enroll yourself from th program.

I.A. says: Precisely! And to make matters worse, I recently went on a trip abroad and purchased travel insurance in US dollars. Had I known that I had this coverage from Philam, I could have used my USD for pocket money instead!

J.C. says: At minimum, I expect to be informed of a deduction, even just as a matter of courtesy. And I expect to be informed PERSONALLY as through an e-mail or snail mail message. SM cannot expect that every one of their 4 Million cardholders would be aware of this so-called "added benefit" only through the media. They have to remember that these are their LOYAL customers and should therefore be accorded the simple service of TIMELY, PERSONAL advice ... And not just be told when their coverage is about to expire. This smacks of foul play and of SM not acting in good faith to the very customers who keep them in business! Once again (and believe me, there were many, many, many times!), SM has made me very, very, very disappointed. I really should re-think my loyalty to this store.

As you’ve read blog readers, more and more people are taking a stand against this injustice. We would appreciate it if you can share with us your thoughts (and indignation!) as well. Thank you!

Shocking Numbers!

2008-06-10T02:59:00.004+08:00

I've just discovered Marou Sarne's post (dated June 5) in her multiply blog and I was staggered at the sheer numbers she wrote there:

"if you have accumulated 50 POINTS in your SM ADVANTAGE CARD, chances are, you have already been enrolled in the accident insurance program of philam without your prior knowledge.

this is what i gathered from TRADE AND INDUSTRY UNDERSECRETARY ZENAIDA MAGLAYA after my interview with her in the program, BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS this noon in DWIZ 882 khz am (monday to friday 12-1 pm).

according to usec maglaya, she talked to MR. REY MACLANG who is apparently the head of the promo department of the sm advantage card, and mr. maclang admitted that they have enrolled more or less 700, 000 card holders to this program. there are 4 million sm advantage card holders. 700, 000 qualified for the promo. this means P 14 million worth of accident insurance through the deducted rewards points (mathematical explanation: 20 points which is equivalent to P 20 is paid to the accident insurance of every qualified card holder, in this case, 700,000 card holders.)

i asked usec maglaya if sm has violated any law regarding this pre-enrollment and the late announcement / information dissemination through email. she said that they have to investigate deeper and collect evidences before they could conclude that the sm-philam collaboration is punishable by consumer laws.

what does dti need?

1. they need the formal complaints of the cardholders who have been irked / affected by this insurance promo

2. they are asking for the flyers, print ads, emails and text messages that sm supposedly published / disseminated before the promo started

3. they need the contract which the card holders signed before they became members (to check if there was an agreement regarding this automatic insurance program)"

Now at least one of my questions was answered. P14 million pesos!!!! Wow, I wonder WHO got richer because of that?!

Calling All SM Advantage Club members!

2008-06-09T20:34:00.000+08:00

Help, Please!

Are you an SM Advantage Club member? If yes, are you aware of the SMAC-Philam Plans coverage tie-up wherein SMAC members are automatically enrolled in the insurance program and deducted 20 points from their card balances for this so-called “privilege”?

Please help us find out how many of us are there who were only informed about our coverage with just a few months remaining before the insurance was about to expire. Our concern is, they didn’t ask if we’d like to be covered and if it is okay to deduct points without our knowledge. Yes, 20 points per member is not much. But imagine if 10,000 members (ergo, worth P200,000) were not informed and no one filed any claims, who benefits from the money???

We’d like to prove that SM purposely sent notification emails late so that nobody will have time to file any insurance claims, if any. Complaints were already filed to the DTI but they are not doing any further investigations unless supporting documents are given. In line with this, please voice your indignation against this deceitful way of doing business so that they will finally realize that loyal customers should be respected and looked after, instead of being considered money-makers for the company.

To know if you are covered by the insurance plan, call SMAC’s hotline at 833-8888 and verify your account. You might even be surprised to know that you have been covered and being deducted points for 2 years already without your knowledge like some members have found out! In case you have an email from SMAC in your archives about the insurance plan, please search for it and see when it was sent and when your coverage was.

To become an advocate too against this scheme, please fill out the form below and email to pinoy.advocacy@gmail.com PLEASE ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY YOU KNOW WHO ARE ALSO SMAC MEMBERS TO VISIT THIS SITE AND FILL OUT THE FORM TOO.

Are you aware of the automatic insurance coverage for SMAC members? If yes, how did you find out about this and when?
Have you received any email informing you about your personal coverage? If yes, when was the email sent and what are the dates of your coverage?
Is it okay with you to be deducted 20 points from your SMAC balance without your knowledge and be automatically enrolled in the insurance coverage? Why or why not?
What are your general thoughts about being automatically insured without being informed about it personally? Do you think you can even file a claim when you meet any accident?
Please indicate your name and SMAC number found on your card.

Thank you very, very much! Let us not be apathetic to issues such as these. If we won’t work together to make a difference, how then will the lives of Filipinos like us become better?

We would also appreciate if you can leave your comments for this post so that those who need to and should hear about this become aware that we are making a valid point.

Latest SMAC developments

2008-06-09T19:23:00.001+08:00

I received emails (again) last Friday from SMAC. The first was from Mr. Maclang (again):

Dear Ms. ******,

Thank you for your email and your comments concerning the SM Advantage - Philam Personal Accident Insurance Program. Rest assured that we have noted your comments and will take them into consideration as we endeavor to further improve on the program.

Meanwhile, as you have expressed your desire not to be included into the program, we have credited back your 20 points to your SM Advantage account. Unless you inform us otherwise, we will consider you permanently opted out of the SM Advantage - Philam Personal Accident Insurance Program.

Kind regards,

REY T. MACLANG
Asst. Vice President - Marketing
Marketing Convergence, Inc.

Bldg. D, SM Corporate Office, J. W. Diokno Boulevard
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300

Philippines

Phone: +63 (2) 831-8000 local 4979
FAX: +63 (2) 831-6600

Mobile: +63 (0917) 868-3943

Email: RTM@sm-shoemart.com

===

To which I can't help but retort:

Dear Mr. Maclang,

How about the other 20 points you also automatically deducted from me that was supposed to be for my coverage from August 2006 to 2007? The insurance plan that you instigated and which eventually expired without my knowledge? I know about that because the CS rep I spoke to via your hotline told me about it.

Again, any insurance is good insurance, IF the insured knows about it. Sadly, that is not the case with so many of your customers. Know that I have received emails from other friends of mine who received the same email from you and who were also outraged at SM Advantage's audacity to inform them about it months after the insurance coverage took effect.

Too, you still haven't answered the questions I've been asking you since my first email. Why only now? What is the reason why you are informing us about our so-called privilege so many months after you enrolled us there? If you can send these kinds of emails now, why haven't you sent it to us earlier, immediately after we were enrolled? I really want to understand why. Perhaps then, I won't feel this much contempt at the way you are treating your customers -- loyal ones at that. What you are doing, evading the real issues at hand, only shows that you care more about your profits than your customers' welfare.

I remain in the dark about your true intentions.

Disappointed,
******

==

I'd guess he gave up on me (naubusan ng Ingles?) because the next email was sent by somebody else who said the same thing Mr. Maclang been saying in his previous emails. First was this:

Dear Ms ********,

This is to confirm that we will opt you out from Philam with this e-mail request and we will credit back your 20 points.

The SM Advantage – PHILAM Insurance program was announced in three major dailies namely, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the Manila Bulletin one month before the start of the program. The information campaign is and will be sustained through PHILAM insurance flyers displayed and distributed at the customer service counters of all SM Department Stores nationwide to ensure that SM Advantage (SMAC) members are continuously informed of the program mechanics.

For further inquiries, you may send us an email at help@sm-advantage.com or call at 8338888 or 1-800-1888-SMAC (7622) outside Metro Manila

Best regards,
Maricris Arroco
SM Advantage Helpdesk
Phone: +63 (2) 833-8888
Fax: +63 (2) 833-8888 loc 5
E-mail: opns-support.mci.ho@sm-shoemart.com

==

And then, I got another one. Still without answers to the questions I've been asking since time immemorial:

Dear Ma'am,

Greetings from SM Advantage!

In our effort to continuously provide SM Advantage members with new and valuable privileges, we have recently launched the SM Advantage – Philam Insurance Program. The program gives SM Advantage members the opportunity to avail of Php 100,000 personal accident insurance coverage for one year, for only 20 points.
The Philam accident insurance coverage is awarded to all SM Advantage members with 70 points and above. As token payment for the coverage, twenty (20) points are automatically deducted from every qualified member’s points balance.
The automatic nature of the scheme ensures that the Cardholder can immediately enjoy the insurance coverage benefit without any lapse of time.

Furthermore, the SM Advantage – PHILAM Insurance program was announced in three major dailies namely, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the Manila Bulletin one month before the start of the program. The information campaign is and will be sustained through PHILAM insurance flyers displayed and distributed at the customer service counters of all SM Department Stores nationwide to ensure that SM Advantage (SMAC) members are continuously informed of the program mechanics.
Last July 13, 2006 we started enrolling qualified members into this program. As such these people are now covered with the Php 100,000 PHILAM personal accident insurance.

Thank you for your email and for forwarding your discussion to us, if you know anyone who has concerns about Philam or their account they may send us an email at help@sm-advantage.com or call at 833-8888 and we will be glad to assist them.

Best regards,
Maricris Arroco
SM Advantage Helpdesk
Phone: +63 (2) 833-8888
Fax: +63 (2) 833-8888 loc 5
E-mail: opns-support.mci.ho@sm-shoemart.com

==
So I replied again, this time in a language that hopefully, they could finally understand:

Ms. Arroco,

I have received several emails already from your office. Time and again you have repeatedly tried to tell me about the so-called privileges for SM Advantage members such as I. But since you seem not to understand what I was getting at, (or perhaps you didn't even take the time to read my emails thoroughly) let me write my concerns in Tagalog. Siguro naman this time, magkakaintindihan tayo.

Una, hindi ko sinasabing masama ang intention ng SMA at Philam sa pagbibigay ng insurance sa mga miyembro nyo. PERO ang minamasama ko, ay KUNG PAANO ninyo ito ipinatupad. Kahit pa sabihin niyo ng paulit-ulit na na-publish ang announcements sa major newspapers at may mga fliers na ipinakakalat, sabi mo nga to ensure that SM Advantage (SMAC) members are continuously informed of the program mechanics THE FACT REMAINS, maraming members ninyo ang hindi pa rin nakakaalam tungkol dito HANGGANG NGAYON!

So ibig sabihin KULANG ang efforts na ginagawa ninyo! Biruin mo ang gulat ko nang pagtawag ko sa hotline ninyo, bigla kong nalaman na covered na pala ako ng insurance na yan since 2006?! Tapos HINDI KO MAN LANG NALAMAN eh nag-expire na at lahat yung una at nai-enroll niyo na naman ako sa panibagong coverage NA HINDI KO PA RIN ALAM at ngayon nagkaroon kayo ng time na mag-email sa akin para sabihan ako tungkol dito 3 MONTHS BAGO ITO MAGE-EXPIRE na naman!

Noong nag-renew ako ng card last October 2007, bakit wala man lang sulat (o yang sinasabi ninyong flier) ang ibinigay kasama nung mga coupons (na hindi ko rin naman nagamit dahil 2 months na lang mage-expire na rin agad) na binibigay ninyo para i-inform ako na nasa second year of coverage na pala ako?

KUNG MAY TIME KAYONG MAG-EMAIL SA AKIN NGAYON NG PAULIT-ULIT PARA IPAMUKHA SA AKIN NA NAGCO-COMMUNICATE KAYO VIA NEWSPAPERS AND FLIERS SA MGA MEMBERS NINYO, BAKIT HINDI NINYO NAGAWANG I-EMAIL AKO NUNG UMPISA PA LAMANG NA IN-ENROLL NINYO AKO AUTOMATICALLY SA INSURANCE PROGRAM NA YAN?

Ang punto ko, kung marami kaming ganito ang experience, kanino napunta ang mga 20 points na pinagkakaltas ninyo sa amin kung wala na rin naman kaming naging chance mag-claim ng kahit ano dahil HINDI NGA NAMIN ALAM?! BAKIT NAGHUHUGAS KAMAY KAYO NA PARANG WALA KAYONG KASALANAN EH NAPAKALINAW NAMANG MAY PAGKUKULANG KAYO??????

Yan ang mga tanong ko noon pa na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ninyo sinasagot. Paano ko ire-respeto ang mga sinasabi ninyong pagmamalasakit sa mga members ninyo ngayong hindi ko naman nakita yan based na rin sa mga past emails ninyo sa akin?

Rest assured na marami pang members ang magsasalita tungkol dito. Sinisiguro ko yan sa inyo. Napakahirap na ng buhay sa Pilipinas ngayon, huwag na ninyong dagdagan ang panloloko sa kapwa ninyo Pilipino.

Ay naku, pagod na ako! Ang labo nilang kausap!!!

Continuation of the SM Advantage Saga

2008-06-03T18:09:00.000+08:00

Ack, this seems like a teleserye already. But, as there are new developments in my "battle" against SM's rotten insurance program, let's carry on ...

Yesterday, Ms. Marou Sarne of DWIZ 882, interviewed me around 12:45 pm during their program about the issues I took up with SM Advantage. She gave a backgrounder about the topic and confirmed that there are also other people who posted the same complaints in an internet forum. We discussed about SM's dubious process of automatically enrolling SMA members without our knowledge and consent among other things. I was glad I was given the opportunity to speak out for many who, I'm sure, would also like to air out their concerns but couldn't find the proper venues to do so.

Marou told me that they will be trying to contact DTI, SM and perhaps Philam so they can speak their side in today's program. So do tune in to their show using the AM frequency from 12-1 pm Mondays to Fridays or look for their website where, I was told, live feeds can be heard.

I just hope we can get some clearer answers soon. Hmmm, if only someone from SM could honestly admit: "Eh kaya nga late kami nagpapadala ng notices, para wala na kayong time mag-claim at amin na lang ang pera nyo!" After all, that is what's been happening. *sigh* Wishful thinking.

Also, I received another email from Atty. Asis of DTI this afternoon in response to my last letter to them (please see my previous blog post). Here it is

Dear Ms. *****,

Thanks for the update, I accidentally touched a key on my computers which prompted the sending of my incomplete email reply to you which was my first email letter and I aplogies for that incident. I sent the said SM letter to help clarify concerns between you and SM as an initial measure of action taken by our offcice on your complaint considering a similar case on the matter. However If you are not satisfied with the explanations stated in the said letter you might consider waiting for an answer from SM. Again we are doing this as an initial measure/action to assiat disputing parties resolve their concerns within their level..

In case you are still not satisfied with their response, you can formally file a complaint in our office. Your formal complaint should be duly signed stating therein your name, address; contact numbers, the name and address of the establishment you are complaining; and the circumstances regarding the complaint including names, emails, dates places etc. Also enclosed supporting documents such as official receipts, deed of sale and the likes manifesting proof of sales/transaction. We need the said information so that we can properly evaluate and act on your complaint; and determine whether your omplaint has legal basis or cause action; or it is within the ambit of the consumer act. Please comply with the above requirements as prescribed by the law.

Very truly yours,

Mario Asis

Head, Legal Affairs Center

National Capital Region

Department of Trade and Industry

12th Floor Trafalgar Plaza Bldg.,

105 H.V. dela Costa st. Salcedo Village Makati

Tel. No. 811-8231 local 218

To which, again, my Gabriela Silang side couldn't just let pass. So I composed another reply:

Dear Atty Asis,

I hope SM can come up with a specific response with regards to the issues I'm complaining about and not send some general letter to shut up the customers simply because they answered regardless of the content or message within.

*Sigh* So I'm supposed to go through all the legal hoops just so DTI will act on the issues I raised? I was hoping that since more and more SM Advantage customers are complaining about this particular program, your agency can at least start investigating this further. After all, we did send you our complaints already. Frankly, it seems that even DTI is making it harder for ordinary people like us to find justice when the cases involve big corporations like SM and Philam.

If you search the net, you'll find several forums where people are also posting their disgust at the so-called insurance privilege because they, too, only got to know about it a few months before their coverage expires. In my case, I only found out about being already on my 2nd year of coverage because I called their hotline! What kind of professionalism is that on their part?!

Kindly consider compiling too the list of complaints you've been getting from dissatisfied SM Advantage customers instead of asking each one of us to yet again file another set of formal complaints individually before you take some concrete actions.

Respectfully,
*****

==

Once more, I was disappointed because he wants me to file a formal complaint (hindi pa pala considered formal yung ginawa kong pag-email!) with supporting documents etc. Haven't I mapped out already the important points they need to look into? To think that even with the similarly-mannered complaints they already received, they still won't investigate the matter thoroughly unless someone would go through all the "red tape". What I observed is that DTI only forwards to email senders the standard letter that SM gave them and (I think) hopes for the best that everyone who received that will no longer pursue the matter because it would be too much of a hassle by then.

Given the numerous complaints already being aired by so many SMA customers (whether through formal writing or calls to DTI, SM and Philam; posts in the internet and emails to one's network of contacts) who are dissatisfied with the process, why can't DTI at least exert some effort to take this thing more seriously? I hope when they are contacted by Marou's program, somebody can finally provide coherent answers that will directly address the issues raised.

Updates on the SM Advantage story

2008-05-31T16:41:00.000+08:00

Just so you guys are updated, I filed a formal complaint to DTI via email yesterday morning:

==

Dear Sir/Madam,

Kindly read the email exchanges below [see previous post] as backgrounder. I am very much irritated and disgusted at the deceitful way SM Advantage has been doing business. I received the original email about the Philam Accident insurance just two days ago and was shocked that they can blatantly assume their members' wishes.

As of this writing, my last email to them is still unanswered. I called their hotline this morning and, again, was shocked when I was informed that they have been deducting points from me for the stupid insurance since 2006! The CS rep even had the gall to repeatedly tell me "Mam, kasi program ng Philam yan" as if SMAC had nothing to do with it.

My goodness, imagine the millions of pesos this company has been earning all these years from how many thousands of members whom, I'm sure, many of which wouldn't bother to complain about a measly 20 points. But if you think about it, P20 x say, 10,000 members already gives them P200,000 in profit!

I really hope you can take immediate action against this. Thank you very, very much! I await your speedy response.

Also, I'd like to commend DTI on the prompt and polite service I got when I called your hotline a while ago. I'm glad you have well-trained CS reps who really know how to talk to callers.

Sincerely,

****

==

The DTI replied to me and CC'd SMA:

Dear Ms. ****,

This has reference to your complaint against SM SM Advantage Card, please find below a letter sent to us by SM in response to an earlier complaint with a similar subject and we placed in anonimity the name of the complainant in this SM letter we are forwarding to you. Since the subject of this letter is of a similar nature and the said complainant was clarified on her issues agaisnt SM, we are looking forward that said letter will clarify your issues and concern on the said SM card.

Letter sent to us by SM

Dear Atty. Asis,

This is in response to the letter from Ms.______ regarding the opt-out insurance scheme offered by the SM Advantage Card program.

At the onset, we would like to assure Ms. _______. and the Department of Trade and Industry that the SM Advantage Insurance Program was developed with the best of intentions. It intends to offer cardholders an option of insurance protection at affordable cost conveniently.

The mechanics of the SM Advantage Card Insurance Program is such that when an SM Advantage Cardholder has accumulated 70 points, he is automatically awarded a Php 100,000.00 Accidental Death or Permanent Disability cover for only 20 points (equivalent to 20 Pesos). This program is automatic but not compulsory. Any Cardholder has the option to decline this privilege anytime through SM Department Store's Customer Service Counters, by fax or through the Philam hotline. Once the Cardholder declines this privilege, the 20 points used for his or her enrollment in the Program are promptly credited back to his account. The automatic nature of the scheme ensures that the Cardholder can immediately enjoy the insurance coverage benefit without any lapse of time.

Recognizing the importance of insurance for every individual, SM and its partner, Philam Insurance, have created one of the most convenient and affordable programs in the market to ensure that its Cardholders can acquire basic financial protection against accidental death or permanent disability. With this modest motivation in mind for the Program, we continue to proudly extend this privilege to our Cardholders by providing them the following advantages:

Extremely accessible and convenient insurance coverage simply by being an SM Advantage Cardholder.

The Cardholder is provided with an opportunity to have an insurance coverage without any cash layout. If the Cardholder would try to acquire an Accident Insurance outside the Program, it would cost approximately 500 Pesos. With this Program, a Cardholder has access to a substantial amount of insurance for only 20 points. The proceeds of this insurance can be claimed on top of any other existing life or accident insurance plan that the Cardholder may have for death or permanent disability due to accident. In short, it will never be a duplication of any other insurance coverage.

We have regular communications with our Cardholders about this membership privilege through flyers and full page advertisements in the most prominent daily broadsheets (Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin). Moreover, we will be continuously exploring new communications channels to help enhance the awareness of our Cardholders and their understanding for this Program. This is a genuine effort formed through the partnership of two highly respected and stable companies that ensure all legitimate and admissible claims under the Program are paid to the rightful beneficiaries at all times.

Most Sincerely,

REY T. MACLANG
Asst. Vice President - Marketing
Marketing Convergence, Inc.
Bldg. D, SM Corporate Office, Bay Boulevard
SM Central Business Park, 1300 Pasay City
Philippines

Phone: +63 (2) 831-8000 local 4979
FAX: +63 (2) 831-6600
Mobile: +63 (0918) 948-9754
Email: RTM@sm-shoemart.com

===

Did that email answer my main concerns on their so-called process of "communicating" with their customers? Definitely not! So I composed another reply:

Mr. Maclang,

I will concede that the program you are implementing MAY be beneficial to your members IF we knew about it in the first place. Heck, I might even be happy to be enrolled if I was informed BEFORE you deducted any points from me. As it is, you sent me an email regarding MY insurance 3 MONTHS BEFORE it expires. And as of this morning when I called your hotline, imagine my shock when I was told that I have been being deducted points for this "benefit" since 2006! What if I met an accident last year or the year before that? Would I have been able to claim anything from Philam when I didn't even know that I was insured?!

When you said "We have regular communications with our Cardholders about this membership privilege through flyers and full page advertisements in the most prominent daily broadsheets (Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin)" that is not the proper way to communicate! Because then, you are wrongfully assuming that all your members will read those announcements. Just to let you know, I'm one of those who haven't. Is SMA that lazy to send snail mails or emails directly to your members so that we would be informed firsthand about your so-called program? Or will that cut your earnings from this Philam tie-up huh?

You further said so yourself that "Moreover, we will be continuously exploring new communications channels to help enhance the awareness of our Cardholders and their understanding for this Program." Based on this statement, anybody sane enough would immediately understand that you RECOGNIZE your shortcomings of falling short in terms of proper information dissemination with regards to your cardholders' awareness about the program.

WHY HAVEN'T YOU INFORMED YOUR MEMBERS BEFORE ENROLLING US IN THAT INSURANCE PROGRAM? That is my main complaint! Perhaps if you did that, you won't be receiving these kinds of complaints. Or haven't you thought about that?

So don't go placating me with standard letters that don't mean anything to me!

I am very, very disappointed at your attempt to explain away the matter without addressing my main concern.

==

After sending that, I got the same email from DTI but this time, there was a signature of the person who sent it:

Dear Ms. *****,

This has reference to your complaint against SM for its SM Advantage Card, please find below a letter sent to us by SM in response to an earlier complaint with a similar subject and we placed in anonimity the name of the complainant in this SM letter we are forwarding to you. Since the subject of this letter is of a similar nature and the said complainant was clarified on her issues against SM, we are looking forward that said letter will clarify your issues and concern on the said SM card.

For your guidance,

Mario Asis
Head, Legal Affairs Center
National Capital Region

Department of Trade and Industry

12th Floor Trafalgar Plaza Bldg.,
105 H.V. dela Costa st. Salcedo Village Makati

Tel. No. 811-8231 local 218

==

So I wrote another email for him:

Dear Atty. Asis,

As the first email I got from this address had none of your name on it, I mistakenly assumed it came from SM thus my response was addressed to Mr. Maclang. Since I'm sure you've already read my response to that other email, kindly address on your end my main complaint: That of personally receiving a letter from them about the insurance program three months' short of its expiration.

I have just received messages from two friends of mine who received similar emails and were as initially bewildered as I was. It became obvious to me that SM is sending out the emails late so that nobody can file any claims and they simply rake in the payments. Too, their reasoning of having good intentions doesn't erase the fact that they enroll their members in the insurance program WITHOUT our knowledge. Imagine, I was in the dark about it for two years! And they have the audacity to tell us that we have a choice to opt out by filling out a form at their customer service counters. That is so inconvenient! Why couldn't they have ASKED us first BEFORE we were AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED so that we won't have to be bothered with going through the motions of opting out?!

I hope you got my point.

Sincerely,

*****

==

Well, I got no more replies after that. I don't know if they DID get my point. Ganun ba kalabo yung pagkasulat ko???? O ayaw lang talaga nilang intindihin?

Yesterday afternoon, I was in Makati when my hubby texted that we need dog food pellets. I dropped by SM Supermarket and told the cashier to use all the points on my card. How much was the balance? A measly P133 after the P60+ I used in 2006. Imagine, after all those purchases after 2 1/2 years of membership (including one renewal), hindi man lang umabot ng P200 ang na-rebate ko?! I tell you, SM is not worthy of my loyalty! I won't renew my membership anymore when my current membership expires. And until it does, I won't let my points reach 70 so they won't be able to deduct any points ever again!

To SMAC holders, realize that to get 20 points on your card, you should spend P4000 worth of SM department store items or P8000 worth of SM Supermarket groceries. If you use a credit or even a debit card, your points are cut in half. Ergo, instead of 1 point for a P400 purchase, you'll get 0.5 points. How's that for strategy on their part?

To those who are saying I'm overreacting, no I'm not. I am just standing up for my rights as a consumer who ought to be respected in return by the establishments I patronize. If nobody speaks up when atrocities like these happen, what kind of Philippines will our children have when they grow up? A more corrupt nation? I would hate to see that happen. And I hope this time, at least YOU (the reader) got my point. Stop being apathetic to these kinds of issues. Let's all start fighting for what is right. Cliche as it may sound, I still believe that, together, we can make a difference.

SM Takes Advantage

2008-05-29T23:44:00.000+08:00

I need to vent and I'm sure other SM Advantage members here will be interested to know about this.
Yesterday, I got this email from sm-advantage@smtp-sm-advantage.com

Greetings!

We are pleased to inform you that you have qualified, and have been enrolled, into the SM Advantage - Philam Personal Accident Insurance Program. Your coverage started last 08/15/07 and will end on 08/15/08. As token payment for this special benefit, we have deducted 20 points from your SM Advantage Card balance.

For only 20 points, the program provides qualified members with the following benefits:

Php 100,000 personal accident insurance coverage, 24 hours a day for 365 days, anywhere in the world.

Up to a maximum of Php 100,000 for permanent disability due to accident.

Also covers members while traveling on public/private transportation by air, sea and land (except motorcycle).

Death due to drowning, dog bites, snake bites, murder and assault also covered.

Accidental Burial Expense Reimbursement

If you feel that this Program is not for you, and that you would rather not be covered, you may Opt-out through either of the following:

by calling the Philam Insurance Hotline at (02) 528-5202, or

by filling up an Opt-out form at Costumer Service Counter of any SM Department Store, SM Hypermarket and SM Supermarket.

Your 20 points will be promptly credited back to your account should you choose to Opt-out from this Program.

For questions regarding your SM Advantage - Philam Personal Accident Insurance Program you may call the Philam Insurance Hotline at (02) 528-5202 or log-on to www.sm-advantage.com.

Thank you,

Rey T. Maclang

SM Advantage

I was like, "Whaaat? I have a personal accident insurance I don't know about and I'm just being informed about it three months before it expires?!" Filled with indignation, I answered the email with:

What kind of stupid promo is this?! You enrolled me into something without my permission and now had the audacity to inform me about it three months before the darned insurance is about to expire????? What's more, you're telling me that I have a choice to opt-out by obliging me to go to one of your branches so I can fill out a form?!

My goodness! I am staggered at the level of unprofessionalism you have just exhibited!

I felt better after sending that. BUT, imagine my surprise when they replied earlier today:

Greetings from SM Advantage!

Thank you for your email and we apologize for the inconvenience and confusion this caused you. If you wish not to be enrolled in the program you may just send us a request and we will forward your concern.

Best regards,
Maricris Arroco
SM Advantage Helpdesk
Phone: +63 (2) 833-8888
Fax: +63 (2) 833-8888 loc 5
E-mail: opns-support.mci.ho@sm-shoemart.com

Wow, how obtuse can they get?! Being one not to back down until I am able to prove my point, I replied again:

Is it not yet obvious from my previous email that I am not interested in your program?

YES, I DO NOT WISH TO BE ENROLLED IN YOUR INSURANCE PROGRAM. SO PLEASE REMOVE MY NAME IN YOUR LIST OF "VICTIMS".

May I just ask, how come you people audaciously assume that all your customers want this and enroll us automatically without our knowledge? I have a mind to report you to the DTI and file a complaint!

Who knows how many SM Advantage Members you've pulled this stunt onto. Yes, to think that 20 points is not much, but if as little as 1,000 members are automatically enrolled, that is already a P20,000 profit on your part! That can already be considered as a scam.

Plus, it is very clear how informing the "enrollees" about our supposed to be "privilege" three months before the one-year coverage expires ensures we don't make any claims. What a sneaky way to do business.

As of this writing, I haven't received any replies from them. I don't know if they still will after my scathing messages. I shared my frustration with several friends and they all agreed that it was an underhanded thing for SM Advantage to inflict upon its members. One even told me that she too got the same email and protested too about the lack of professionalism on the part of the membership program.

I'd also like to share something I sent to my friends who reacted to my SMAC story. This is to prove how deceitful and unfair I am finding SM to be.

Yun nga kaya bwisit na bwisit ako. Siguro kung ininform nila ako at the time na inactivate yang insurance na yan, mas maganda ang magiging reaction ko, mas malamang matuwa pa ako kasi ang mura nga naman nung bayad. Pero as it is, para naman silang tanga na sasabihin sa akin, malapit na mag-expire eh di ba sobrang obvious tuloy na technique nila yung para sure na wala ka ng maki-claim! Pano pala kung na-aksidente ako last year tapos di ko man lang alam na may coverage pala ako against that at kung sakali eh may maki-claim ako di ba?

Saka grabeng tuso ng SM talaga. Biro mo sa points system pa lang, para ka magka-1 point (na piso lang naman!) kelangan mo mag-purchase ng worth P200 sa department store or P400 sa supermarket! Tapos yung green bag na yan, bibigyan ka lang ng additional 2 pts pag gumamit ka pero bawal mag-exceed ng 3 bags per transaction! Duh. Di ko nga magets yung sinasabi nilang double points eh hindi naman.

Kasi sa Shopwise, pag ginamit mo yung canvas bag nila, lahat ng mailalaman doon ng bagger, double points. For example, kung ang worth ng binili mo eh P2000, may P40 na agad papasok sa Wise Card mo. As in ang laki! Kasi last October, nag-claim ako ng rebates, naka P400 ako. After that, bumili na kami nung canvas bag. By March, nagulat ako pag-claim ko ulit ng rebates, P1200 ang nasa card ko! San mo mapupulot yun di ba?!

Also, super tibay nung bag sa Shopwise, saka malaki kaya kahit about 5-10 kg ang ilaman mo, kayang buhatin. Eh yung green bag ng SM, sows, isang lata ng pediasure, ilang canned goods at isang bote ng ketchup lang binili namin ni hubby, nawakwak ang ilalim! As in bumuka yung tahi! Muntik na kamo bumagsak yung bote ng ketchup kung di ko nakita agad (kasi nakasabit sa balikat ni hubby at naglalakad ako sa side nya). Eh di complain kami sa customer service. Pinalitan nila yung bag pero after that, magagaan na lang nilalagay namin.

Admittedly, 'di naman kasi lahat ng products sa Shopwise mura. May mabibili ka sa Savemore na cheaper. Kaya hati ang pag-grocery ko minsan kung saan makakatipid. Pero yun nga, sobrang disappointed ako sa SM kasi obvious na obvious na habol lang nila sa customers eh pera :(

To other SMAC members, I'd appreciate your comments and reactions. I'm also interested to know if you have been "victimized" by them with this kind of money-making activity.