All posts by Pol Pinoy

Government, LGBT, Politics

Philippine Government Officials Deny Plan To Round Up Gay Men

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Photo: inquirer.net

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Government officials in Cotabato and other cites in the Philippines have categorically denied rumors that gay men will be rounded up following the May 9 presidential elections.

The rumors started spreading on social media after Cotabato City local officials announced they were conducting ‘Oplan Baklas.’ (Operation Gay Men)

It turns out that indeed, the plan did round up and rid the city not of gay men but of campaign posters and paraphernalia.  It was part of a city-wide clean-up drive after the elections.  Similar clean-up campaigns were launched in many parts of the country.

‘Baklas’ which is plural for gay men also means to “remove” or “dismantle.”

All’s well that ends well.

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Government, Politics

It’s Official: Filipinos Have Elected Two Vice Presidents

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Robredo, left, and Marcos

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Filipinos have spoken.  They have elected Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as their next president.  As for vice president?  They have elected TWO:  Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos.

This unprecedented mandate became clear yesterday as both candidates claimed victory, apparently after being enlightened by Divine Providence.  Robredo claimed victory after attending mass at the Ateneo University while Marcos made his own claim after attending services at Baclaran Church.

The vice presidential contest has been a nailbiter.  It started with Marcos leading by almost 1,000 votes in the partial, unofficial canvassing of votes.  Then, Robredo took over the lead and continues to be ahead by over 200,000 votes with 96% of precints reporting.  It was clear that Marcos won the vote in his bailiwicks and Robredo did the same in hers.  Marcos overwhelmingly won among overseas Filipino voters.

Because Filipinos are a peace-loving people constantly seeking for unity, they accepted both claims for victory, making the Philippines the only country in the world with two vice presidents.

It’s more fun in the Philippines!

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Awards, Government, International, Politics

Philippines’ Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman Receives Prestigious Award

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Soliman (Photo source:  metrocebu.com.ph)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – Philippine Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and six other leaders from government, civil society and the private sector worldwide were recognized today for their work in promoting social accountability as a means to eradicate poverty and promote inclusive growth in their respective countries.

The awards were presented in an official ceremony held at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., by the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA).

In recognizing Soliman, World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi said that the secretary  “walks the talk: she translates the practice of social accountability and transparency into concrete strategic activities, which she implements with great commitment and passion.”

Specifically, Konishi cited Soliman for her efforts to hide Manila’s street children and homeless families from visiting dignitaries like Pope Francis and world leaders who attended the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila last year.

“She showed utmost compassion by rounding up homeless families and bringing them to a first-class resort just outside of Metro Manila, for an all-paid holiday.  By doing so, Soliman also helped project a wonderful image for the Philippines — that of a country where there are no poor or homeless people.”

The Adobo Chronicles congratulates Madam Secretary of her award and the honor she has brought to our country.

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