Editorial 4/12/16 (Philippines, Abu Sayyaf, Islamism, Cebu, suspension, local government, Pacquiao, election, Marcos)

Philippine Star "A foothold for ISIS?"

Relatives and friends mourned the soldiers who died from gunfire and improvised explosive devices set off by the Abu Sayyaf in clashes that started Saturday morning in Basilan. The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday reported killing 13 more bandits, but the AFP’s own death toll of 18 is among the highest ever in its decades-old battle with the terrorist group. Among the enemy casualties was Ubalda Hapilon, identified as a son of top terrorist Isnilon Hapilon, who has a $5-million prize on his head. An intriguing casualty was Mohammad Khattab, described by military intelligence as a Moroccan instructor in producing IEDs and a preacher of Islamic jihad. [full text]

Sun.Star Cebu "Suspension as political weapon"

THAT the Office of the President would order the suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama isn't totally unexpected. The Aquino administration has been accused of using the suspension of officials as a political weapon before.
Former governor Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended for six months in December 2012, allowing Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who was with the then opposition Liberal Party (LP), to take over the reins of the province during the campaign period for the 2013 elections. The tandem of LP gubernatorial bet Hilario Davide III and Magpale eventually won the elections, taking over Capitol's reins. But the suspension order against Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 city councilors, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, takes the cake for its supposed brazenness. For some, it betrays the desperation of whoever is behind it. [full text]

Mindanao Times "It’s time"

A 20-YEAR boxing career should be enough for a man like Manny Pacquiao.  The days leading up to the match against Tim Bradley yesterday, for example, led to a very little fanfare, unlike in the past when in the country as if time would seem to stop. Why? Perhaps the fans no longer thought there could be someone else for Pacman to share the ring with. But yesterday’s match against Bradley proved two things: the Pacman still has it in him and that it is time he hangs up his gloves That the Pacman was still able to knock down Bradley twice during the match proved his worth as a boxing legend and that he has cemented his place in the boxing history books including the Hall of Fame. [full text]

Manila Bulletin "The final 30 days"

The final 30 days to the election begins today, with all presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their leaders seemingly confident of victory. Two of the presidential candidates are claming they are ahead in poll surveys, while two others are steadily moving with their nationwide organizations and resources. Shortly after next month’s election, we will know which is the more decisive factor in our election this year — popularity or steady face-to-face groundwork. In recent days, there have been charges about fake surveys released for publication in an effort to create a “trend” in favor of one candidate. Unfortunately, there are still many people who just want to be on the winning side in an election and, therefore, vote for a candidate perceived to be ahead. [full text]

Inquirer "Martial law: unfinished business"

CAN IT be that the more prepared and reasonable candidates in the national elections are not in the race for No. 1 but in the race for No. 2?
That’s an impression one could get from the first and only vice-presidential debate organized by the Commission on Elections and hosted by CNN Philippines last Sunday-an affair that proved largely free of the name-calling and brawling that characterized the last presidential face-off. For the most part, the six candidates for VP managed to flesh out their respective policy programs and to clearly explain their positions on the burning issues, with the personal attacks kept to a minimum. There were fireworks, of course, and at best they gave the audience a glimpse of the candidates’ ability to marshal argument and counterargument on their feet without flubbing their message or their composure. [full page]