MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicls, Manila Bureau) – There may be a short supply of inexpensive finger chiles (sili), galunggong (mackerel scad) and high quality rice in the Philippines, but the country welcomes the new year 2020 with some encouraging economic news.

The National Economic Developmnt Authority, along with Agriculture and Fisheries officials have announed that the Philippines is now a net exporter of crabs and bitter gourd (ampalaya).

In a joint statement, the top officials said that the country is now experiencing an oversupply of Filipinos who are helplessly bitter and who constantly display crab mentality.

Citing data, NEDA said that that the country’s oversuply of crabs and ampalaya has reached an  estimated 5% of the total population.  The numbers are consistent with the latest Pulse Asia survey showig that 5% of Filipinos do not approve of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Many Filipinos welcomed the great economic news by saying that never have Philippine exports been seen as “good riddance.”

Here’s to a prosperous New Year for the Philippines!

Nakakabahala.

I am deeply concerned about the continued decline in the Philippines’ inflation rate.

I read on Facebook as well as on Rappler’s Twitter account that the country’s inflation rate for the month of June is down to 2.7%. That’s the lowest in the last 22-month period.

Nakakabahala.

I challenge the Duterte Administration to immediately institute all measures possible to reverse the declining trend for the greater good of the Filipino people.

Our economy should improve upwards, not downwards.

Nakakabahala talaga.

MARIA LEONORA ROBREDO