MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – On the occasion of his birthday, Senator Bam Aquino was hailed as the youngest, most competent , productive and hardworking Senator of the Philippines.

No, this was neither an award given to him by the Senate and some local or international organization, nor the result of any public opinion poll.

Rather, the accolade came in a note from Senator Leila De Lima, written on Senate stationery — from inside her jail cell.

Congratulations, Mr. Bam.