State of Calamity Would Stay Up to 2010

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared Metro Manila and nearby provinces under a state of calamity when it was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy last September 26. The president extend its coverage nationwide when Typhoon Peping entered into the country. Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a press conference that the declaration of state of calamity is aimed at allowing the government and the public to immediately respond to weather disturbances that have become increasingly deadly and destructive in the last few years.

The damages to properties and infrastructure could reach more than 9 billion pesos including the damages of Typhoon Pepeng. Rehabilitation efforts could also extend to more than a year according to some experts. The food supply will be affected and the effect will be felt next year. Rice and corn will definitely the most affected commodity and price increase is also expected.

The government is implementing price control on basic commodities especially in areas affected by the typhoon. The DTI is continuously monitoring establishments if they are complying with the directive.

Golez said the calamity fund of the national government is P2 billion while the the LGUs have access to P20 billion. We just hope that this will not be used for corruption. Our government officials should prioritize the needs of those who are greatly affected by the disaster and should not get commissions from the purchases and delivery of other services. Some people fear that this situation could be used by the administration to fund their campaign in the 2010 national election.

1 Million Dinner by the President vs. 30 Million Hungry Filipinos

Secretary Remonde scolded the media for sensationalizing the issue of 1 million worth of dinner of the President in New York during her visit and meeting with President Barack Obama. He emphasized that poverty and hunger is the main priority of President GMA. But I just have one question.

For almost a decade of Presidency, was she able to eradicate or at least reduced the incidence of poverty in the Philippines?

If there are almost 30 million of filipinos who can't even eat 3 times a day, then 1 million dinner would not be appropriate even if it was shouldered by a congressman.

President GMA is Eyeing A Position in Pampanga

With the frequent visit of President Gloria to her hometown in Pampanga, many believes that it is in preparation for her plans to run as a Congresswoman in the province after her terms ends.

Although her spokesperson already denied indirectly her plans of running again for any position but what they assure the public is President Gloria Arroyo will step down as President next year. She is not planning to extend her term. However, there are allies of the President who are also confirming that she will be running for a position in Pampanga on 2010 national election just like the former DOJ Secretary Gonzalez.

In an interview with the Speaker of the House Congressman Prospero Nograles, he said that he is not in favor for the President to run for another position. He said the President already reached its peak of political career for becoming the President of the Philippines.

But one thing is clear right now,,, the congress (lower house) is railroading the approval of Con-Ass. Once this happens, it is now easy to change provisions in the Constitution especially the form of government. We all know that they want to have a Parliament. So, If President Gloria wins a spot in Pampanga, and became a Congresswoman, it would be easy for her to become the next Prime Minister. In this way she would be extending her term the legal way.

That's is why the people were not buying the idea of these congressmen that they are after Con-Ass to just change the economic provisions of the constitution

Latest Headlines in the Philippines

-The search for the Red Cross personnel who were abducted by the Abbu Sayyaf still continues. Red Cross officials said that they have already contacts with their personnel but silent if there is a demand for ransom. Spy planes of US are also noted in JOlo where the alleged kidnappers are currently hiding.

- A cabinet revamp was recently made by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She only reshuffled the same people in his cabinet.

- Intel Philippines is the latest casualty in the global financial crisis. They are shutting off their operation in the Philippines. Thousands of filipino workers will be loosing jobs. Texas instrument also announced that it is currently downsizing its manpower.

- The Alabang Boys saga continues. An anonymous letter was sent to the DOJ claiming that bribery really took place and an amount of 800 thousand was deposited to the account of the prosecutor handling the case. DOJ created a special investigation committee to look at the issue.

- Manny Pacqiao finally agreed to fight Hatton on a 50 - 50 share.