Opinion 12/3/15 (Philippines, presidential elections, Duterte, Poe, Cebu, budget, air force)

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Inquirer about Duterte and presidential elections
Log on to Facebook and chances are one would come across a number of posts from defenders of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos waxing eloquent about “the golden era, the prosperity, the peace and order”  of the martial law years. Given the bad grammar, the flawed logic and the rampant name-calling, one would be tempted to dismiss such posts as the work of trolls and hacks intended to advance the political stock of the dictator’s son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is running for vice-president. Except that the recent ascendancy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, whom one recent survey pronounced No. 1 among the presidential aspirants, gives one serious pause. [full text]

Sun.Star Cebu on Cebu councilors and budget
This has become a ritual in the Cebu City Council in the past six weeks: a member identified with Team Rama delivering a privilege speech during the regular session asking the majority Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) councilors to release the P2.8-billion Supplemental Budget (SB) 1 from limbo, and the BOPK councilors refusing to do it. Yesterday's regular session was no different. [full text]


Manila Bulletin about Philippines Air Force and jets
Ten years ago, in 2005, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) retired its F-5 jet fighters which it had acquired from the United States. In  this age of jets and other means of  modern warfare, the PAF had to manage with its old propeller-driven planes which it used in reconnaissance flights and in bombing missions against insurgents  in the south. [...] Last Saturday, two FA-50  jet fighters arrived at Clark in Pampanga, the first of 12 which the Philippines has acquired from South Korea. [full text]

Philippine Star on Grace Poe and presidential elections
Grace Poe has lost the initial round in her attempt to run for president next year. Near the close of office hours the other day, the Second Division of the Commission on Elections ruled to disqualify Poe from the presidential race, citing her failure to meet residency and citizenship requirements. [...] Poe is appealing the case to the full Comelec [...] This battle is expected to be elevated to the SC, where appeals can further prolong the wait for a final, binding ruling. [full text]

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