Politics and economic issues jointly take center stage

POLITICS and economic issues have jointly taken center stage. The political season returns while the economy faces doldrums.

*** The filing of Certificates of Candidacy for senator and other posts brought old and new faces to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Here they come, both serious and clowns, for political intramurals and some fun.

*** Former senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Mar Roxas, Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, and Lito Lapid are trying a comeback to the Senate, while incumbent senators Bam Aquino, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, and JV Ejercito are seeking reelection.

The Senate is grander and more exciting the second time around.

*** Those seeking a Senate seat for the first time include Presidential Assistant Bong Go, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, De La Salle Law Dean Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, Quezon Congressman Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, and Human Rights lawyer Neri Colmenares

Go stole the limelight by being escorted by Pres. Du30 himself while former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque quietly filed by himself.

*** Enrile said he is again running to help the country and join in the fun, Roxas to push for programs against high prices of prime commodities, and Jinggoy to pursue unfinished business.

To each his own reason, folks. And expect to hear more.

*** Pres. Duterte immediately urged the police and the military not to engage in partisan politics.

They are prohibited from doing so under the Constitution, the Punisher said.

*** In a speech during the change-ofcommand ceremony of the Philippine Army, the President said that government forces should not show support for any candidate.

“There will be an election and it will be an honest one,” DU30 vowed.

*** Meanwhile, several opposition senators filed a resolution calling for the suspension of the fuel tax hike under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Let’s ease the economic burden of Filipinos and stop “sagasang TRAIN,” the solons urged.

*** Malacanang had earlier said it was considering the suspension of the additional 12 levy on fuel in January, 2019, under the TRAIN law, even at the risk of losing 140 billion in revenues, if the three-month average of Dubai crude hits $80 per barrel, as the law provides.

Careful, careful…Inflation and high prices loom as a midterm election issues.

*** Agriculture Sec. Manny Pinol also said that for the first time, the government now allows grains retailers to directly import rice

This could effectively reduce the price of rice to be sold in local markets, he said.

*** “You have to understand that the President has directed us to have a 60day buffer stock. If the imported supply enters the country, let it be. We will not forget about the farmers. We will still buy their produce. We have the budget for it,” Piñol assured.

Yes to more cheaper rice for our consumers! Yes to more assistance to our farmers, too!