FACES OF THE NEWS
Archie Gamboa
Barely four days after officially being named chief of the Philippine National Police, Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered the sacking of three senior officers caught playing golf during office hours. Gamboa’s message? Well, he’s dead serious in his vow to wage an internal cleansing of the PNP, alongside the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign. His latest promotion marks another chapter in Gamboa’s storied career, which was preceded by President Duterte expressing displeasure over the state of the police force while Gamboa was acting chief. Now, as full-fledged PNP chief, Gamboa faces the challenge of boosting the image of the 205,000-strong police force, which has been enjoying a string of perks from the government, but with low morale, following the “ninja cops” scandal. Is Gamboa up to the job? He has nine months to prove his worth before he retires.
Renato Solidum
His is the voice of authority that officials and residents of Batangas towns affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption listened to, especially in those critical hours when nature proved unpredictable. As officer in charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Undersecretary Renato Solidum dispensed expert advice and explained exhaustively what to expect from the volcano that remains on alert level 4, or imminent eruption, two weeks after coming to life. Though criticized roundly by some local officials and several lawmakers who accused him of not giving enough warning to townfolk about the volcanic activity, Solidum said he was ready to face any probe on his previous actions. The guy remains confident and composed, despite irate comments on his “opinion” about mandatory evacuation from the 14-kilometer permanent danger zone.
Harry and Meghan
Even after they left the United Kingdom to seek a private life in Canada, public interest in Harry Mountbatten-windsor and his wife Meghan Markle has not waned the slightest, with the couple proving that the Sussex brand will likely stay strong with North American companies paying close attention. Already, US entertainment giant, the Walt Disney Company, has signed up Markle for work on an undisclosed project with an unannounced payout. The online streaming service Netflix has also expressed interest in working with the couple. Even mainstream news organizations, like ABC News, is set to cash in on the Sussex brand with a primetime special on the tumult that erupted after the Sussexes decided to quit Buckingham Palace. Other news services continue to pique public interest with articles on the “renegade” royals who “fled” the United Kingdom for North America.
Jo Koy
After 38 years, Filipino-american standup comic Jo Koy returned to the Philippines this month and finally got the chance to perform in front of his people in “the motherland.” In his ongoing “Just Kidding” world tour, Jo Koy, whose real name is Joseph Glenn Herbert, sold out the SM Mall Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Pacific Grand Ballroom in Cebu City, where he poked fun at uniquely Filipino quirks, and related riotous anecdotes about being raised by a Filipino mother in the United States—the backbone of his routines, which helped catapult him to fame. During his recent stay in the country, Jo Koy received a star in the Eastwood City Walk of Fame. He also donated $30,000 to the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, a nonprofit industry development organization.
Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa disclosed last week that the long rumored cancellation of his US visa was true, and that he got the official confirmation from the US Embassy itself. No reason was given for the cancellation, but Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, said it could be related to his role in the administration’s bloody war on drugs. Dela Rosa confessed to feeling disheartened, having worked well previously with his US counterparts. But felt especially loved by President Duterte when the Chief Executive on Thursday unexpectedly announced that he was scrapping the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) following his visa cancellation. Wow, he didn’t realize he was that important to the President, Dela Rosa said. But the VFA threat didn’t sit well with some people who said a foreign policy shouldn’t be crafted out of spite.