“The more social media we have, the more we think we’re connecting, yet we are really disconnecting from each other.” –John Arthur Social media platforms like Facebook appear to be the most used by candidates in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections. Much like in 2016, candidates are relying heavily on social media to introduce …
OPINION
Poverty of reason
Looking for an honest politician in the contemporary Philippines is like searching for an imaginary flower in a garden of contradiction. Candidates in the upcoming midterm elections are displaying their messianic qualities to the public – carrying torches to shed light on societal problems and the unending promises of genuine change. Amid the height of …
Biron vs. Defensor, an icy rivalry
“The rivalry is with ourselves. I try to be better than is possible. I fight against myself, not against the other.” –Luciano Pavarotti This is the first time in recent memory that two candidates for Iloilo governor have refrained to mudslinging (so far). While both Iloilo fourth district Rep. Ferjenel ‘Ferj’ Biron and Iloilo …
Hope I don’t ‘disappear’ like Jamal Khashoggi
“If we believe that murder is wrong and not admissible in our society, then it has to be wrong for everyone, not just individuals but governments as well.” –Sister Helen Prejean Despite being in the United States, I hope I don’t “disappear” after writing a story critical of the Philippine government. Journalists around the …
SSS will collect over P1.39M from convicted employers
Social Security System (SSS) will collect over P1.39 million in unpaid contributions and penalties after two delinquent employers were convicted by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC). This is a wake-up call for employers who are incompliant with the requirement of making SSS contributions for their employees. SSS means business and offending employers can …
Be ready for the debate
“I love argument, I love debate. I don’t expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that’s not their job.” –Margaret Thatcher Ilonggo senatorial candidate Mel Carreon, who has been the object of ridicule in previous elections, is a good speaker – a trait unknown to many observers. According to his erstwhile …
The message conveyed from infighting among political families
“…If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand…” –Mark 3:24-25 The conflict between half-brothers incumbent Senator JV Ejercito and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, along with the clash between full-blooded siblings incumbent Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay and former Makati …
Choose the lesser evil
“It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health.” –Joyce Meyer The “nabutang kami sa tunga (we are caught in the middle)” excuse does not hold water in politics. Friends and allies …
Inaugurating the Stonehill Suites
The inauguration and blessing of the Stonehill Suites last Wednesday was packed with VIPs, including politicians, socialites, and members of the business community. The newly-minted Bacolod City hotel is contributing to the growing tourism industry in Negros Occidental and is ready to serve local and foreign tourists in town for the ongoing MassKara Festival. The …
After being ousted as spokesperson, Roque is now seen as a ‘threat’
“…The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers…” –Isaiah 10:17 Word is former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. was removed from his post because those close to President Rodrigo Duterte feared the former Kabayan partylist …