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.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Hot Seat

The political issues in the Philippines is unending. You can hear and see in the news various issues not just from our trapos or traditonal politicians but even in other branches of government specially the judiciary.

The Highest Court is again tested for its credibility and impartiality. It started with the allegations of a businessman named Biraogo who accused the Chief Justice of meddling in a election related case. The man said that Chief Justice Reynato Puno ignored a previous decision of the justices about the "Limkaichong Case". The decision states that Rep. Limkaichong is not a filipino citizen, a chinese therefore is not entitled to hold a public position.

Others would say that it is not about the Limkaichong Case but they are after the ouster of the Chief Justice. This is in connection with the alledge extension of the term of the President. If the Chief Justice would be out of the Highest Court of the land, it would be easier for the GMA allies to put a puppet in the Supreme Court.

It would be easier for them to manipulate the supreme court which is also against any move to amend the Constitution and the extension of the term of the current President.

In connection with these issues, the Chief Justice calls on the administration and the religious leaders to take an active role in "redirecting the destiny" of the country as it as suffering from moral decadence. Malacañang and CBCP welcomed this call by the Chief Justice.

Ping Lacson, who is also eyeing for the Presidency next election urges the Chief Justice to run for the Presidency. Lacson told reporters that he is willing to sacrifice his bid for the Top Position if Puno would be interested to run as President. This would help the country unite and achieve the necessary changes needed by the country.

As of this moment we still don't know what will be the ending of this story, would it be for the person who is for the truth or those people who are trying to ruin the justice system of the Philippines.

The "Alabang Boys" Issue: Who's Telling the Truth?, Whos the Victor?

Its been a week now and still the frontpage of every newspaper and tabloid features the case of the "Alabang Boys". Its actually a high profile case since it involves wealthy families. From a simple buy bust operation of the PDEA, it has now exploded to various issues and concerns.

It started in the bribery issue where the PDEA agents and its head were allegedly bribed by some fillers of the family of the accused. It also involves some unethical works by the suspects' lawyers, wherein right now they are also facing a disbarment case in the Supreme Court filed by Jimenes of VACC or Volunteer Against Crime and Corruption. The lawyers of the suspects even prepared the release order for these "Alabang Boys" and sent it to DOJ.

An undersecretary was also involved in the alleged immediate release of the drug suspects.

With these issues, a congressional hearing was conducted to know more of the alledge bribery, illegal release order and so on.... Righ ranking officials of the government were called to share light on the issue. Again people were hook up on the TV's for the long debates and interrogations that usually last for hours.

Again, another spice that came up with this in aid of legislation proceedings is the testimony of the Brodetts brother who claimed that the son of his brother is really a user and a pusher of illegal drugs for the wealthy people. they even accused her mother as a user too.

Now it becomes a family feud. The accused Brodetts told reporters that it was because of money matters why his brother gave a testimony against them.

Another government agency enters into the picture, the NBI. They were asking the PDEA to submit evidences for the alledge bribery and additional proof for the case.

It seems that the story of the Alabang Boys will continue as more players as coming in to the scene. Its just like another telenovela that will make filipinos crave for more action, suspense, and twists.

But the reality here is the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country. According to researches there a lot of filipinos who are using illegal drugs, and the trade of these illegal drugs are still raking millions of profit for the sale and distribution.

These should be the main issue that the government should look into. Arrest drug traffickers, jail them. If there will be no sources ofthese illgeal drugs there will be no users and pushers, they may be rich or poor but it doesnt matter.