Why is the usually confrontational Rodrigo Duterte unusually quiet about Chinese build, build, build of military installations in disputed parts of the South China Sea? Could it be because his own ambitious build, build, build infrastructure project is being bankrolled and matched by China? Duterte took home some $24 billion in grants, loans and financial aid after his last visit to Beijing.
The news about China’s frenzied military buildup up in the Spratlys appeared in the front page of the Philippine Star. It is comforting to see another major newspaper raising questions on the matter and not being intimidated by the President’s use of the bully pulpit.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has not been able to meet its collection target. The Bureau of Customs cannot be depended on as smuggling and undervaluation of imported goods are only making certain BOC officials richer. So, where will the money come from considering the President’s promised salary increases for military and police personnel? Duterte has also vowed to restore Marawi to its former economic state after the Mautes laid siege to it. This would require a massive infusion of funds to accomplish.
The government capital outlay for the build, build, build projects already approved by Malacanang amounts to a staggering P305 billion in the next five years remaining in Digong’s term. He has rejected financial assistance from the United State and the European Union claiming these grants have strings attached. Duterte has been outspoken on the alleged meddling of the US and EU in its domestic and internal affairs, particularly its bloody war on drugs wherein extrajudicial killings of suspects have been raised. But how can the Philippines claim other countries cannot interfere in our domestic affairs? The Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations convention on human rights. The Philippines, therefore has an obligation to observe the rules in the UN convention it signed. We belong to an international community and the last time I checked, we have not isolated the country as an island without global connection.
Supreme Court upholds martial law in Mindanao
The Supreme Court this week upheld by a vote of 11 -3 and one abstention the imposition of martial law in Mindanao which was triggered by the ISIS aligned Maute group’s siege of Marawi City. But it is not as some Duterte supporters say is the final word on the matter. The issue is far from over. Petitioners , including Akbayan Party-List Rep. Tim Villarin, said they are watching whether the President will extend martial law in Mindanao after its 60-day constitutional limit. Concerned citizens and leaders of the opposition like Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay are wary President Duterte may extend military rule owing to the intransigent resistance of the Mautes in Marawi and possibly opening new fronts in Lanao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao. The bigger fear is that Digong may declare martial law nationwide using rebellion and lawless violence as excuse. There are many who believe the government with its vast resources in military manpower and arsenal can cope with any emergency situation without having to declare martial law. Otherwise, the government is going to be perceived as weak and unable to cope with challenges confronting it.
Anti-distracted driving law in effect
The anti-distracted driving law took effect yesterday. The Land Transportation Office and traffic enforcers will now arrest drivers who are using gadgets such as cell phones and GPS while their vehicles are in motion. The fines range from P3 thousand to P5 thousand, depending on the number of times one is apprehended.
But there are other weapons of mass distraction. These are the moving ones in skimpy shorts and low cut T-shirts and blouses. Both drivers and passengers cannot help themselves from being distracted. The best part is there are no laws against ogling these most arresting and moving distractions as they sashay on the sidewalks or cross the streets.
Post mortem on Pacquiao-Horn
I was one of those who predicted Manny Pacquiao would beat Jeff Horn. But I was wrong . The Australian hornet stung Manny with stinging left jabs and sledge hammer rights in at least four of the first five rounds. It was only in the last five rounds that Manny had a wake- up call and started getting more aggressive nearly knocking down Horn with a two fisted attack to the head. But then it was too late. Horn managed to stay on his feet to eke out a points victory. But a unanimous decision? That may be too hard to take even for the most impartial observer. One judge even scored a lop-sided 117-111 . A majority decision or a majority draw either way may have been more acceptable to many.
Obviously , Manny fought six men in the Battle of Brisbane. First was Jeff Horn and then the Australian referee who failed to warn Horn against head locking and head butting Pacquiao. The three others were the judges who were all Aussies. The sixth and most formidable foe of the Filipino world champion was Father Time who caught up with Manny and exposed him as no longer his former flashy self.