Fred M. Lobo
THE lifting of the state of national emergency by President GMA should pave the way for a return to normalcy and speed action on national priorities.
Time to move on – with a firmer resolve and clearer direction.
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After the "emergency," PGMA has vowed to focus on governance both in Manila and in the provinces.
She’s back – from warring president to working president.
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As Commander-inChief, PGMA has also promised to dialogue with disgruntled military men to avert another coup attempt.
Time to speak and spank.
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But the President won’t drop her guard vs detractors and enemies, says Press Secretary Toting Bunye.
Give her a sign pen on one hand and hammer on the other.
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Former President FVR says "all hands must now endeavor in unity, solidarity, and teamwork to keep the Philippines ahead of its problems with greater dedication than ever before."
Yes, the tasks ahead are great and numerous. No more fooling around!
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The movement for the resignation of PGMA is still "headless and scattered," notes FVR.
It’s calling for him but – lucky for PGMA – FVR does not answer.
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Palace boys say that failing to provide a strong or acceptable leadership alternative, PGMA’s detractors and enemies better abandon their plot to unseat her as they would just be wasting the country’s precious time, resources, and opportunities.
Better plant kamote, they say.
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But Senate President Frank Drilon has asked the Supreme Court to still rule on the validity of the acts committed by government officials in implementing Proclamation 1017 in the wake of claims of constitutional violations.
He is not mute and academic.
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But as the tension subsides, ten Meralco posts are toppled in Makati.
Mayor Jojo Binay and the opposition could be suspected again of rehearsing something vs the President.
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A tropical depression is also spotted in the South.
Thank God it looks less harmful though than the recent political depression in Luzon.
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As an aftermath of the national emergency, the LP presidency is being contested and claimed by both Senate President Frank Drilon and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, enemy and friend, respectively, of PGMA.
Now showing: War of the Liberals.
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But serious matters like rice production should be given much attention to attain self-sufficiency as during the Masagana 99 years, says Agriculture secretary Ding Panganiban.
Participatory approach and production support needed, he says.
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With better varieties now, rice self-sufficiency can still be achieved if focus is diverted away from importation, adds former Food Czar Jess Tanchanco.
But bubuwit says there’s more money in rice importation, Sir!
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Efforts at collecting R675 billion in taxes this year are now being intensified by field offices, says BIR Commissioner Jose Mario Bunag, with some top earning districts like Caloocan given 50 percent increase in collection targets.
It’s do a tough job or lose your job this time at BIR.
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The war vs illegal drugs rolls on with police busting another shabu den in Sampaloc, Manila, and arresting 19 suspects and users.
Yes, go on a roll and bust ‘em all!
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