All posts by Pol Pinoy

Government, Politics

Duterte To Robredo: “Gotcha!”

1 Comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Nobody ever imagined that President Rodrigo Duterte would endorse the candidacy of his one time opponent for  the Presidency, Mar Roxas, but he did exactly that today.

Duterte said that people should vote for Roxas in the 2019 Senatorial Elections.  The former presidential candidate and Cabinet Member under the NoyNoy Aquino administration is running under the Opposition Coalition.

Upon hearing the news, Vice President Leni Robredo was elated.

“Masayang balita iyan. Masayang balita na in-endorse ni Pangulong Duterte si Secretary Mar for the Senate. Affirmation iyon na very much qualified, walang duda iyong qualifications, dapat talagang tulungan,” Robredo said in Capiz Friday. (That’s happy news. It’s happy news that President Duterte endorsed Secretary Mar for the Senate.  It is an affirmation that he is very much qualified, no doubt about his qualifications, he really needs help.)

But when Duterte was informed of Robredo’s comments, the President said — addressing Leni directly — “Gotcha!”

Duterte is known for his sarcasm and for making public statements that are meant to be a bluff or joke.

Is this a case of Leni’s naiveté?

Diversity, Government, Language

Baguio City May Soon Ban ‘Swardspeak’

4 Comments

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Baguio City) – Pretty soon, you may not be able to say ‘anech itits’ (what’s this), ‘chaka’ (cheap) or even ‘beki’ (gay) if you live in or visit Baguio City.  These are words and phrases that are part of the unique and colorful language of gay men and women called ‘swardspeak’ or ‘gayspeak.’

Encouraged by the signing of her proposed ordinance banning profanity in schools and businesses frequented by young people, City Councilor Lilia Fariñas is mulling a new proposal that would totally ban the use of swardspeak. Mayor Mauricio Domogan is reportedly prepared to sign such new proposal if it comes to his desk.

”It is time to bring morality back to our beloved city,” Fariñas said, “so in addition to banning cuss or curse words, I am proposing to ban gay words as well.  They’re as disgusting  and painful to the ear. Besides, it’s only members of the gay community that understand this weird language, to the detriment of straight people.”

The Baguio City Government has been criticized for the Anti-Profanity Ordinance for being in violation of the Constitutional Right to Free Speech.  No less than Malacañang and Senator Miguel Zubiri have said that the Ordinance may not pass the Constitutional test if challenged in Court.

Business, Government, Politics

Duterte To Business People: You Can Give Government Officials A Pat On The Back

Leave a comment

0396C2EE-5C0D-44A6-9A23-15DAD68A1500MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) –  President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night repeated his call for businessmen to slap and humiliate corrupt government officials and personnel in his presence.

Speaking at the brand launch of Guangzhou Automobile Corporation Motor Philippines in Pasig City, Duterte assured businessmen that he’d be available 24 hours to meet them should they wish to air their concerns against corrupt officials.

“And I assure you that if it is indeed something which amounts to corruption or graft, I’ll give you the privilege of slapping that person a dozen times in front of me,” Duterte said.

The Adobo Chronicles asked President Spokesperson Salvador Panelo this question: But what if it turns out that the government officials are proven to be honest and doing an excellent job?

”Then,” Panelo said, “ the businessmen and women can give the government officials a pat on the back.

Fair enough!