Below the Line
Costly Laiban water project
Speaker Prospero Nograles: “We will synchronize our agenda with that of the President’s to hasten national economic recovery and sustained growth amid the economic crunch.” Translation: “Cha-cha.”
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Former President Fidel V. Ramos, quoting the first Filipino climbers of Mt. Everest, said, “Going up to the summit is optional, but coming down is mandatory.” Exit plan for PGMA.
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Why was Erap not invited to the Ramos Peace Development (RP-DEV) debate among presidential wannabees? FVR said it was because Erap has not yet declared his intention to run. He also said that his mobile phone is Globe, because he is not Smart.
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Appointing Dr. Raul Sunico artistic director is the best thing that happened to CCP. Mathematician, pianist, philosopher, with prodigious memory to play concertos without notes. But he can’t remember names, so he assigns numbers to remember acquaintances.
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MWSS set to finalize $1-B deal with SMC on Laiban water project after Swiss challenge had lapsed. Swiss side or suicide? Oscar Violago claims nearby Wawa dam waters are cheaper, less technically challenging, and more immediately doable. If we don’t look at this, ka Wawa naman tayo.
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At Sofitel Bulong Pulongan Juan Ponce Enrile said the future in our country is in tourism: “If we could get 10% of the tourist flow from China, we’re made.” But God did not make enough Philippine beaches to accommodate that horde, Mr. Senate President.
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NBI is investigating Dr. Francis Decangchon, a former doctor of Belo Medical Group who performed cosmetic surgery on Josefina Norcio. She wanted a sexier rump; now she’s the butt of jokes.
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Parañaque Congressmen Eduardo Zialcita and Roilo Golez urge the Toll Regulatory Board TRB to discount 50% SLEX toll rates and to make Skyway regular rates while the second phase of the Skyway project is under construction.
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UK lifts travel ban in parts of Mindanao.
Include Sarangani, Ambassador Peter Beckhingham, so you can watch Manny Pacquiao climb the ring vs Roy Chiongbian for the congressional seat.
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Ricky Hatton hospitalized due to stomach cramps, not swine flu. Maybe, just slow-motion effect of Pacquiao power punch?
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If Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Health Secretary Francisco Duque knew that generic medicine is the available cheaper alternative for branded medicine, would they oblige pharmaceuticals to slash prices and drive them out of the country?
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Many gov’t workers underemployed – Ibon report. Some 1.3 million government-created jobs are “non-earning, poorly earning, or otherwise insecure jobs, including part-time work.” It’s election time, so expect more Gloria Oyster workers.
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By definition, government offices are overstaffed and undermanned. The French define civil servants as privileged creatures who arrive late to relieve those who leave early.
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Coach and part-time Vice Governor Yeng Guiao will run for Pampanga governor. Fast-break or slow break? If elected governor, he will be part-time coach.
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Philippine Retirement Authority Chairman Edgar Aglipay wants to bring in 1 million retirees. That’s a load to bequeath inheritance to their DI’s or caregivers.
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Ginebra San Miguel income soared 75.6% to R425 million in first half. But in the second half, they lost the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup …. to sister company San Miguel Beer.
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Last Friday, 17 July 09, was International Justice Day. That leaves us with 364 regular crime days.



