In the wake of all these distractions—the transition of power in Congress, for instance, with Rep. Gloria Arroyo being named Speaker of the House—Filipinos would still want to know: What about gut issues?
These are the high prices of goods and services, the scarcity of jobs, and low wages.
And then you have an environment of lawlessness and violence that is bound to get worse with the elections in May 2019.
Plus, let us not forget what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his Sona last week—that he would pursue his war on drugs with its “chilling effect.” Even now, the Philippine National Police is gearing up for a “recalibrated” campaign against drugs, whatever that means.
In the pursuit of Charter change to pave the way for federalism, can most Filipinos expect the gut issues to be addressed? I have serious doubts. I’ve been a journalist for almost 70 years, and I have seen enough, both the best and the worst.
I would go as far to say that Charter change at this point seems to be the road to perdition. It will only derail projects that cry out for immediate attention.
I even doubt that Congress has time for this, given that in a few months its members will be focused on their respective campaigns.
Along this line, I am happy that former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and his idea of a no-election scenario are out.
At the end of the day, it is up to President Duterte to set his priorities straight. It’s his third year in office and he still has a great opportunity to change the lives of millions of Filipinos for the better.
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With the emergence of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as kingmaker—queenmaker would be more accurate— I think sooner or later splinted groups of the ruling PDP-Laban and even other parties will gravitate to her Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party. In turn, this will make her regional party become national in character.
When this happens, will Sara insist on running for a local position? I am sure she can easily make it to the Senate, along with Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.
Other strong names for the Senate race are those of Senators Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay and former senator Pia Cayetano.
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The terror attack in Basilan which killed at least 13 is a reminder to the President and to the Armed Forces that IS-inspired groups are very much around despite martial law in Mindanao.
They are just biding their time to strike back after their failure to make Marawi City a caliphate.
Because of this I strongly object to President Duterte’s plan to reach out to and talk peace with the Abu Sayyaf.
My gulay, you do not talk to people whose only agenda is to sow terror!
As sure as night follows day, terrorists will strike.
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The objection of Muslim leaders like the Moro National Liberation Front’s Nur Misuari, and other groups, to the Bangsamoro Organic Law springs from the fact that the BOL was conceived by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
We know only too well that Moroland is controlled by tribes. Muslims from Lanao and Maguindanao cannot coexist with Tausugs from Sulu, and those from central Mindanao regard Tausugs as pirates.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guini has also expressed concerns about the BOL, the same sentiment as that of Zamboanga City residents who do not want to be part of the Bangsamoro.
President Duterte needs to talk to all stakeholders.
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I am saddened by the death of Chitang Guerrero Nakpil, a true literary and press icon. She was a good friend.
Chitang used to join us at the 365 Club at Hotel Intercontinental and discuss the issues of the day with the regulars. She was a literary giant in many ways. She authored 10 books and was chairwoman of the Philippine Historical Commission.
She was a cut above us all.
I saw Chitang at a party sometime ago at the Manila Polo Club. She was with her daughter, Gemma Cruz Araneta. I asked if we could talk and she just smiled. I knew then she was not herself.
We will sorely miss her.
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The so-called parking fees for pending cases, resorted to by prosecutors, is well known in the industry.
This is the reason so many corruption cases are inordinately delayed. I am told that sometimes the bribes go by the millions, depending on how important the case is.
The practice also clogs court dockets.
In law, both the lawyer who pays the “parking fee” and the prosecutor are both guilty of bribery. This must stop.
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