This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, which is today, applies to all of us. “Be bold for change;” forget gender – man or women, young or old. Bystanders should be shaken if they are not in the thick of the struggle for the betterment of humankind. More than ever, a call to action is …
OPINION
Amazing Iloilo City hosts the ASEAN Summit
“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” –Henry Ford The decision to hold the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Iloilo City, from March 6 to 16, is laudable. Delegates and other visitors will surely enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Ilonggos. Force and resources for …
Switching parties no longer guarantees unlimited immunity
“Ang gobyernong ito ay walang kinikilingan kahit ka-partido ka man o hindi.” –Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte-Naguiat In most countries around the world, political parties represent an identity and belief system in how a government should be run. Typically, there is a left-wing side, advocating more government intervention and control; and a right-wing, one that …
After inheriting House post, Judy Syjuco faces jail term
“We inherit nothing truly, but what our actions make us worthy of.” –George Chapman Was it a case of “Ako ang bahala, ikaw ang kawawa (I’ll be in charge, you face the consequences)?” If she did not “inherit” the congressional post from her husband, former Iloilo second district Rep. Judy Syjuco would have been enjoying …
Observations on the massive lack of ‘gym etiquette’
Visiting the gym five days a week, many of the regular annoyances have been locked away as expected behaviors from fellow gym-goers. However, there are many instances when some of those behaviors spring up and generate those same pangs of annoyance from when they were first noticed. The way some choose attire, such as mesh …
Why Iloilo mayor is unfazed by Ombudsman case
“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” –Mary Tyler Moore Public officials facing a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman normally refuse to speak with the media out of fear of the oft-repeated adage, “More talk, more mistakes.” …
A day without jeepneys: A relief for Bacolod City roads
The Monday morning drive to the gym was like none other. Circumferential Road, in Barangay Bata, with the exception of the overflowing taxis parked in the middle of the road, obstructing the street every day, it was clear and smooth sailing all the way down to Bangga Pepsi. No jeepneys making random u-turns in the …
Senator Leila De Lima and her allies continue to feign infallibility (Part 2)
“These efforts to smear Senator de Lima are a strong indication that the charges against her arise from a political agenda.” –Vice President Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo In a 2014 column for The Manila Times, Yen Makabenta wrote, “If Hacienda Luisita was indeed a major factor behind Aquino’s push to impeach [Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato …
Islamophobia: An unwarranted fear
The term Islamophobia has its origins in the early 20th century, which later reemerged in the 1970s and wasn’t accepted in mainstream language then. The word Islamophobia went on to become a trend over the succeeding years with many people developing a sense of fear of the religion of Islam, their culture, and people. Is …