There are many reactions and interpretations on the decline of the people’s trust in and satisfaction with the President.
Some say it was caused by the war on illegal drugs, especially the killing of minors. Others say it was the result of Mr. Duterte’s frequent outbursts.
SWS president Mahar Mangahas said that the decline was faster than average. I think it’s a confluence of events.
I do believe that the decision to focus on eradicating crime, corruption and illegal drugs is a good one. Moreover, President Duterte is seen as a strong leader.
But when six months passed and the President asked for an extension, people started realizing there were other problems that have emerged.
I am on record as saying that the more important issue here is the rehabilitation of drug users. Drugs can never be entirely eradicated; for as long as there is demand, there will always be supply.
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Transport officials of the Aquino administration should be held accountable for the almost-daily glitches of the MRT3. It’s a recipe for disaster!
Mass transport here is a joke—but I don’t think the commuters are laughing.
Read this and weep: Although a total of P526 million has been paid by government to Dalian Corp. of China, out of the 48 light rail vehicles that have been delivered, only 29 have a signaling system. All 48 LRVs weigh above the required 46,300 kilograms. No wonder the MRT3 has frequent glitches.
There is no other way to go about it but cancel the contract and ensure that those responsible are indicted. They made money at our expense!
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The recommendation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that a lifestyle check be done on the family of President Duterte, particularly his son Paolo and son-in-law Manases Carpio, is a good thing. This is an opportunity for the family to clear their name.
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There are news reports that European parliamentarians are warning is we could lose preferential trade deals if drug killings and the persecution of administration critics do not stop. But former Senator Edgardo Angara, Duterte’s special envoy to the EU, claimed the warning was a gross misrepresentation.
Angara said that the representatives of the European Commission were very frank. They appreciated President Duterte’s idea to set up a monitoring center.
So who is telling the truth, now?
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Many of the reports about business icon Washington Sycip say he was an American, not a Filipino, because of force of circumstance, having been hired by the US Army to decipher Japanese codes. But he was Manila-born.
Just to set the record straight. Wash obtained dual citizenship three years ago. This is attested to by Bobby Ongpin, the youngest managing partner of SGV at age 26.
To say that Wash was an American is to belittle his contributions to the country. He was a Filipino through and through.
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Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista was right to resign. His continued stay at Comelec just compromises the institution.
He showed delicadeza, a trait not common among public officials.
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I condole with the family of my good friend Eric San Juan. He was a regular at the 365 club and was well-respected. May he rest in peace.