Negotiators Bared

Written on Friday, June 20th, 2008 at 6:54 pm | by Patricio Mangubat

Loren Legarda, the presidentiable, is in deep s..h..i..t.

Now that PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. revealed that money changed hands for the release of ABS-CBN Anchor Ces Drilon, Loren has a lot of explaining to do. Remember that she’s the one who said that Ces was released “unconditionally”. Now, Madame Senator, what can you say about this?

Nick is right when he lambasted Loren for publicly telling the world that she’s one of the instrumental negotiators that helped in the release of Ces. Loren is not a trained negotiator. She’s a politician. And politics should not intervene with police matters such as this kidnapping.

I hate to say this, but Loren should not have allowed herself to be embroiled in this kind of situation. How can she extricate herself from this? My sources say, Loren reportedly even offered a part of her pork barrel funds to the “backers” of the kidnappers for the release. A highly reliable source even revealed that this tactic was used when Loren interceded in the release of Arlyn dela Cruz and all other hostages, including those kidnapped by communist guerillas.

This is a highly explosive and controversial issue. Imagine, a senator of the Republic involved in this scandal! The Blue Ribbon Committee or even the Senate Ethics Committee should investigate the extent of the senator’s involvement in this traversy of justice.

One, the Senate should investigate Loren if she, indeed, used her pork barrel funds in exchange for the release of Ces.

Two, how much did Loren committed to these thugs. And lastly, did Loren gave a few millions in the P5 million ransom payment given to the Vice Governor and Indanan Mayor Isnaji?

As of presstime, the PNP and the DOJ has charged Mayor Isnaji and his son Haider of four counts of kidnapping. The PNP said that they are principal players in this kidnapping charade.

Question—will government charge Loren for violating government policy against ransom payments?

I take my hat to Razon and his men for investigating this incident. Truly, sir, you have redeemed yourself in this.

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About The Author: Patricio Mangubat is a pseudonym. It means "country fight". Yet, the one behind this name is real. He can be briefly described as a long-time activist as well as a communication strategist. He blogs at The New Philippine Revolution.

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2 Responses to “Negotiators Bared”

  1. Manuel L. Quezon III: The Daily Dose » Blog Archive » Since Iraq, a hard place to be on June 21st, 2008 12:24 pm

    […] for details on this SMS message, the aspersions of which Edgardo Espiritu publicly denies; though Patricio Mangubat thinks Legarda’s not quite off the […]

  2. redpill on June 22nd, 2008 11:27 am

    If this is true, then Loren directly funded the Abu Sayyaf!
    Thank you, “negotiator”!

    If it is not true, she should have just stayed away from this issue in the first place, and leave the work to the REAL NEGOTIATORS: people who try to do their job and don’t make their negotiations a publicity stunt to try to get them into office.

    your christian duty ma’am senator…
    what the hell are you talking about?
    hypocrite.

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