“Today marks a historic moment for all Filipinos. We have taken the first step in terminating an agreement that was executed in 1947 during the days of lingering US colonialism. This morning’s action of the Philippine panel signals to the nation a resolve to chart a new and truly independent course in which all dealings with foreign governments shall uphold the dignity and sovereignty of the Philippines. All Filipinos must bear in mind that ours is one nation, with one future. We must continue to build a nation which is peaceful, prosperous and proud — a nation for ourselves and for our children.”
— The Philippine Government, represented by the Philippine Panel on the US Bases Exploratory Talks, issuing a Notice of Termination of the 1947 Military Bases Agreement on May 15, 1990, a day after both countries formally held exploratory talks about the matter at the Central Bank (now Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) building in Manila. The announcement above was read by panel spokesperson and then Tourism Undersecretary Rafael Alunan (who would later become Local Govt. Secretary) and cited in the book, A Matter of Honor: The Story of the 1990-91 RP-US Bases Treaty written by ex-Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Alfredo R. A. Bengzon, who was vice-chair of the Philippine panel
[Blogger's note: This is a post from Alan Robles' Facebook page. See: Alan Robles]
One so-called argument from Marcos loyalists or fuggedabout it Filipinos is that “Marcos was no worse than other presidents.” WRONG. Marcos was the WORST president the country ever had, for the following reasons.
- Politics has always has been a musical chair for the elite, but Marcos froze the game and refused to get up from the chair. He had absolutely no intention of stepping down – he destroyed whatever democracy there was and turned the country into an dynastic autocracy. He planned to appoint Imelda as his successor.
- He helped himself to a huge chunk of powers that violated the constitution, and put him beyond accountability. He fashioned the constitution to his liking and gave himself decree making powers that completely rubbished any notion of democracy. He used these powers to kill, torture, and steal for the benefit of his family and friends. Read the human rights reports of the US and Amnesty International during Martial Law. The word “salvage” originated from Martial Law. His regime killed thousands and tortured thousands more.
- He ruined and pissed on institutions such as the judiciary, legislative, military, finance and civil service. If many citizens now have little or no trust in these institutions, blame Marcos. He packed them with his flunkies and relatives, and those institutions rushed to perform his every bidding. There is a famous photo of a supreme court justice cravenly held an umbrella over Imelda’s head, real independent eh?
- He divided the country’s economy — the people’s taxes, the country’s wealth, the national bank — between himself, his family and cronies. Imelda used OUR money to buy condos abroad and scores of million-dollar shopping sprees. The receipts exist. The Marcos’ stolen wealth is estimated to be at least US$ 10 billion
- Aside from being a murderer and thief and torturer he was a colossal liar. He fabricated a war record which insulted the country’s real war heroes. His regime lied regularly and non-stop: lied about human rights; lied about economic indicators; lied about the dictator’s health
Imagine a creature combining Arroyo and Ampatuan. Multiply the malevolence a hundredfold. You get Marcos.
Cuba Libre: RFGV is best served with lots of ice. Interesting female companions optional.
Lucio Tan had nothing to do with this of course.
Save for the fact that Tan — one of the Philippines’ richest persons — controls Tanduay Holdings Inc., a company whose affiliate happens to manufacture two of three products which, mixed and measured properly, would produce a tasty and refreshing drink. [See: Lucio Tan]
It’s called Cuba Libre: The Regular Filipino Guy’s Version, a serving of which costs less than a bottle of beer. [See: Cuba Libre]
Ingredients of Cuba Libre: RFGV are as follows:
Tanduay Superior Rhum 12 years old (approximately P155 per 70 cL bottle)
Jamaica Lime Juice Cordial (approximately P40 per 350 ml bottle)
A bottle of Coca Cola
(approximately P22 per 500 ml bottle)
Put three jiggers of Tanduay, six jiggers of Coke, and three-fourths to one jigger of Jamaica Lime Juice Cordial in a tumbler. Mix vigorously for a minute or so. Load it up with lots of ice, wait for another minute until it’s cold enough, and enjoy thoroughly yet responsibly.
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Disclaimer: No promotional consideration has been received by this blog from Tanduay Distillers Inc., its parent, affiliates, executives, or employees. Yep, not even a poster. Or face time with models featured on the company’s website. [See: Tanduay]
