US President Barack Obama praised PGMA for her efforts in counter-terrorism, pressing peace in Mindanao, stand on human rights violations in Burma and against the proliferation of nuclear power. He also cited a small country that “punches beyond its weight.’’

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You heard it first in these pages… a bantamweight counter-punching heavyweight her critics.

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Senator Lito Lapid’s only wish was photo-op with Barack Obama. Sorry, Sir, US presidents don’t do action stunts. Try Spiderman.

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“President Barack Obama has designated the Philippines as its regional coordinator in firming up US ties with ASEAN…” – Washington datelined story. Actually, it just happens to be RP’s turn to take over from Singapore as ASEAN coordinator with USA. Not that Washington orchestrates the ASEAN musical chairs and favored RP for the role.

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Some spoil-sport says that the Washington invitation was a sop to PGMA because Obama’s Southeast Asia swing will bypass Manila. In any case, 4’11” came out of the White House 6 feet tall.

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Public Estates Authority Tollway Corporation hiked fees on the 6.6 km Manila-Cavite Expressway, including raising from R5 to R8 the charge for the Kabihasnan road built by former Parañaque Mayor Pablo Olivares. Fees for its use, if any, should go to Parañaque City.

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Si Meyor naghain, PEATC kumain! PEATC has two makeshift huts collecting fees at Kabihasnan and issues dubious cash register chits instead of receipts.

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Cue artists at Manny Villar Cup in Iloilo SM City, watch out! Four-time Southeast Asian Games Billiards gold medalist Lee Van Corteza hopes to become the first back-to-back champion.

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An anonymous donor gave Wowowee host Wily Revillame R2 million cash to distribute to his good works. Wily is not saying who. You want a cue?

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Sen. Biazon visited Sen. Antonio Trillanes at Camp Crame to sign two committee reports on bills authored by the detained senator… the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2007 (S.B. 1419) and the Maritime Safety Act of 2009 (S.B. 3029).

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Biazon wants more Senate work for Trillanes. Senate correspondence course is not enough. Our political process is more sophisticated than many democracies. We allow legislators to serve from jail.

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Actually, it could be the other way around for some legislators… who should go to jail after their term.

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The Colombia naval ship “Gloria” on a three-day goodwill visit just missed its namesake who is on goodwill mission in USA. Consul General Jorge Araneta and his wife Colombia Chargé d’Affaires former Miss Universe Stella Marquez Araneta invited the rich and famous onboard.

But there were no takers to a cruise where one must work-a-way two years before the mast.

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Is the brouhaha over 4 nominations of national artists becoming 3 + 4 an indication of what happens to JBC nominations to the Supreme Court? If nominated, Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera is a shoo-in for Malacañang.

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Not a peep from Dolphy who was not included as national artists. How could he be, when he campaigned for Fernando Poe Jr.?

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Dolphy had the good sense not to run for public office himself. Eh kung manalo ako, panapo?

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Like Groucho Marx, he won’t join a club that would accept him as member.

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Feedback: jaz@mb.com.ph