Sabah liberation

Manila, Philippines – Many seaons ago, I set a meeting with Jamalul Kiram III, then Senate candidate. Present were his niece and gracious wife. In our discussion on the liberation of Sabah, I queried him why he did not include said issue as a “Battle cry” for his candidacy or why the GMA Administration failed espouse such platform in the national campaign? The curt reply... 

Aquino berates opposition in Cebu

By GENALYN D. KABILING Manila, Philippines – While tropical depression “Crising” was pummeling Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III was busy campaigning for the administration slate in the upcoming polls and bad-mouthing the opposition bloc in Cebu last Tuesday night. Incoming search terms:komiks kantutan ng ina at anak (2)aquino in cebu (1)istorya ng kantutan ng ina at... 

Own party calls Koko ‘confused’

Manila, Philippines – Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has “insensitive and confused politics,” his own political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) said yesterday. PDP-Laban Executive Director JV Bautista issued the statement after Pimentel together with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV voted to oust Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile last Monday.  Read More »

$1.03-B investments sealed in London

By JC BELLO RUIZ London (Via PLDT) – The good news that never came. President Benigno S. Aquino III got too busy bashing his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former Chief Justice Renato Corona that he forgot about the biggest “good news” of the day that he wanted to share with some 300 members of the Filipino community here who met him and his... 

Decision points

Manila, Philippines – WHILE peace negotiations with the Left have stalled, bright lights have lit up the horizon on the government’s peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Last week, the government panel chaired by Dean Marvic Leonen signed a document with the MILF panel on decision points based on principles that shall now guide the two panels and all... 

PNoy powers for power shortage?

Manila, Philippines – Senator Antonio “Sonny“ F. Trillanes IV has filed a bill seeking to grant emergency powers to President Benigno S. Aquino III to address the power shortage in Mindanao. Trillanes cited the need to extend emergency powers, saying the negligence of the previous administration to the looming problem of energy in Mindanao has worsened the situation in Mindanao. Under... 

P90 wage hike bid deferred

By MADEL R. SABATER Manila, Philippines – Malacañang on Friday deferred to the regional wage board for the petition for a P90 wage hike. “We will let the DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment) and the wage boards deal with the petitions first,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing yesterday. “We will have to defer to the wage boards... 

Playing lucky

Manila, Philippines – In my next life, I think I would like to be either a casino operator or a high roller with a perennial winning streak. These are the guys who do not walk into a casino because what they do is swagger. Can you imagine Stanley Ho or Steve Wynn meekly entering their casinos, without flair, flash and flamboyance? The world of casinos is wholesale hypnotism laced... 

RP press freedom index up

By MADEL R. SABATER Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said that the country’s improved ranking in the Press Freedom Index is an indication that there is more free space for journalists to move in the Aquino administration. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ricky Carandang said there has been less violence and intimidation... 

My conscience is clear – Alcover

Manila, Philippines – Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) party-list Rep. Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. is ready to face the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges probe in connection with his statement that his pro-impeachment colleagues in the Lower Chamber have been purportedly “bribed” by President Benigno Aquino III. He made the statement after the House majority...