Random events, sundry comments
THERE was a rhythmic transition of the week that was unavoidably buffeted by high-level events and controversial commentaries all of which did not escape being underscored by media. Here are some choice news episodes, interspersed with my light annotations:
MISSED OUT. Some Filipinos who have achieved international acclaim were given prominent roles during the recent APEC four-day meeting. But there were a few whose deeds are also globally enshrined but were missed out or simply disregarded by the conference’s organizing committee.
Foremost of those well-known universal achievers who were sidelined was world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. He would have been perfect as a member of the welcoming committee at the airport.
US President Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto are friends and fans of the legislator-boxing icon.
What happened to Lea Salonga? She was never seen at the stage or at the reception area during the formal dinner hosted by the President at the MOA Arena Wednesday evening.
The UST Singers which has won virtually every available Hall-of-Fame awards in major European and South American chorale competitions would have easily captured the admiration of the 9,000 delegates. As well as the 4,000 foreign media representatives who covered the four-day conference.
LAWTON BAHAY – Last Sunday Bulletin ran a front-page photo that showed a woman street dweller casually cooking her meal at Liwasang Bonifacio (its former name: Plaza Lawton) surrounded by what appeared to be her decrepit worldly “possessions.” Its caption was titled LAWTON HOUSE.
My belated suggestion for the caption title that would have pictured a more figurative description of someone who is doing some cooking – Lawton Bahay.
“OLD BOYS’ CLUB.” The vote of the five senators who dissented in the disqualification case against Senator Grace is seen by many as having no legal basis. It was more of a compassionate vote.
As the old lingo says, “Atin-atin lang!”
THE MSMEs TO BE GIVEN BOOST. In the aftermath of the APEC meeting last week, one of its beneficiaries in terms of financial assistance are the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The PNoy administration will no longer treat those “tiny ventures” as Lilliputians in the local business.
They were the focus and were highlighted by the President, to the applause of the region’s economic leaders. And with some P20 billion as loan facility, pretty soon these miniscule undertakings will metamorphse from small to massive enterprises.
THREE PIECES OF LEGISLATION. Members of both Houses of Congress are on their toes speeding up their work on the SSL (Salary Standardization Law) and the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law)) and apply the finishing touches before they adjourn for Christmas vacation on December 19.
But the STL (Small Town Lottery) is the one that is giving them more headache.
SAMAR LOAN. Righteous Samarenos (Western) are enticing some 600,000 signatories to block the P800-million loan of their provincial government for some development projects with the DBP. The natives are squeamish the huge amount may be used during the local election next year,
Many prospective signatories who are skeptical are simply worried the provincial government will default on the loan.
“Babayaran naton it utang ngada han aton katapusan nga kinabuhi,” said the Warays. (We will be paying the loan up to the very end of our life.)
THE SUNTAN OF KRIS. The presidential sister bewailed that her outdoor role as tourist guide last week to the wives and female staff of APEC delegates gave her a suntan, although temporary. But her guests wished they had more of the tannish epidermis while making the most of their limited stay in Manila.