Check points to remember when you are in checkpoints

Photo grabbed from here

The Philippine National Police released some guidelines so you will know your rights when you are confronted with a checkpoint. I don't know if this will also be applicable with motorcycle drivers. But still. If you know your rights, you can save a life.

1. Checkpoints must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.
2. Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. NEVER STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
3. Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed.
4. DO NOT SUBMIT TO A PHYSICAL OR BODY SEARCH.
5. You are not obliged to open glove compartment, trunk or bags.
6. Ordinary/Routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.
7. Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.
8. Keep your driver's license and car registration handy and within reach.
9. Be ready to use your cellphone at anytime. Keep a speed dial emergency number.
10. Report violations immediately. Your actions may save others.

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The Academy is no longer a bastion of integrity and honesty

What happened between the years when the academy was viewed with awe and respect, and today when it is perceived as a producer of adventurers and of big-time crooks? Sad. ~Gualberto B. Lumauig, former member of the House of Representatives and former governor of Ifugao

I admit I was smitten whenever the words Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are mentioned. Was. Infact, I was an eager visitor to that academy many years back and was proud I had a first degree cousin who graduated from there.

Now whenever the word PMA is mentioned I cringed, the hairs at the back of my neck standing like there was a ghost pouring ice water in my neck. Not that I believe in ghosts. No wonder my cousin hastily left from the military after a few years of service and pursued his flying career overseas.

My biased mentality always focus on the generals and officials claiming they were a graduate (mistah, I supposed they were called) from that prestigious academy. Now that prestige is being tarnished because that academy was producing, after the hype and all, corrupt generals and officials of the Philippine military. 

Nothing, not even the suicide of its known graduate, the former AFP chief Angelo Reyes, could erase the case of plundering people's money by these high and mighty officials. Angelo Reyes was given a hero's burial.

If they could deceive the people of the Philippines into believing that they were taught honesty, integrity, gallantry and obedience to duty in that academy while secretly pocketing millions of our money during their terms, what is the use of PMA's presence?

I am sure the city of Baguio are no longer proud of that Academy.

Read some more here-

Commentary: PMA: An image gone from posh to pot
News: DoJ eyes wider probe of military corruption

Pic from cityofpines.com

The real man is a woman: Heidi Mendoza

In the midst of all these, [Ombudsman Merceditas] Gutierrez still insisted their evidence against Garcia is weak. It only shows that those who don’t want to look, will never see.

[Heidi] Mendoza said her appearance in the House investigation was not to convict [AFP ex-comptroller Carlos] Garcia. But she said she felt that she has no right to demand good governance from the government if she did not get out and tell the public what she knows.

She said she wants to assure the public that not all in government are corrupt. (Ellen Tordesillas, We salute Heidi Mendoza)

Risking herself and her family, Heidi Mendoza, a former government auditor and a daughter of a policeman, exposed the irregularities within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Like a real man, she stood her ground and showed glaring evidences of several questionable transactions by then AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia and the AFP.

Only, the office of Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez could not see the importance of those evidences.

Let us support Heidi Mendoza in her plight to send erring officials, some of them pocketing millions of pesos, to jail. Let us share her fight “to give honor to the soldiers who risk their lives in defense of the country.”

Enough is enough.

More to read-

Ellen Tordesillas: We salute Heidi Mendoza

Inquirer: Why Heidi Mendoza came out with all guns blazing
ABS-CBN: Miriam loves Heidi Mendoza

ABS-CBN: Who is Heidi Mendoza

Pic grabbed from Inquirer.net

A News That Completed My Day

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