7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THIS WEEK

What people will talk or ask about

1-2 THE TRANSGENDER WOMAN SEX CRIME in Olangapo City and its effects on Philippine and U.S. relations. Familiarity with transgender terms will help. Issue of jurisdiction over crimes committed by visiting American soldiers will be talked to death.

3-4 WILL BINAY TESTIFY OR WON’T HE? The question continues with the new invitation of the Senate for Vice President Jejomar Binay to appear before Blue Ribbon committee, even as NBI starts the probe on Binay, his family and friends on allegations of corruption. Related question is WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE TIES BETWEEN BINAY AND PINOY? A three-hour meeting between two “odd friends,” the leader of the opposition party and the leader of the administration party, appeared to have averted a breakup between the two.

5 ROXAS’S SCOLDING OF BOHOL MAYORS. More than a wrinkle in an administrative problem, there’s the implication of a would-be president who seems to have a problem getting along with local government leaders.

6 RAMA- CORTES SQUABBLE. It started with Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama criticizing Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes about Jonas’s handling of settlers along the Mandaue side of Mahiga creek. Then it spread to other combustible points like Cebu City’s abattoir located in Mandaue and alleged tax obligations of Cebu to Mandaue (for the abattoir and the north bus terminal).

7 SHOOTOUTS IN POLICE RAIDS in Alcoy and Dalaguete. Cebu, which killed three and arrested 10 crime suspects.