Category Archives: International

President Aquino Rumored To Have Left Malacañang For Exile In Hawaii

April 12, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The rumor mill has been running nonstop in the last week or so in the Philippines, fueled by the eerie silence of President NoyNoy Aquino over two significant national developments in his country — the massacre of farmers in Kidapawan seeking food from the government and the tragedy in Basilan where 18 soldiers were killed in an encounter with the rebel forces.

The latest rumor is that Aquino has left Malacañang (the presidential palace) and is enroute to Hawaii for a self-imposed exile. It seems like a repeat of the Marcos family exile to Honolulu after the late president was deposed by the People Power revolution.

Aquino may himself have given the clue about his exile when he told a group of women in media last week, after a state luncheon for visiting Prince Albert II of Monaco, that he has “started packing.”

Aquino’s 6-year-term ends at noon on June 30 when the new president to be elected on May 9, takes office.

Pundits have speculated that Aquino chose exile to escape possible charges and imprisonment for plunder, graft and corruption resulting from fund scandals during his administration.

Ironically, Aquino is will reportedly stay in the same house on Makiki Heights Drive in Honolulu, occupied by the Marcoses during their Hawaii exile.

International, Politics

If Elected Philippine President, Duterte Will Auction Off Spratly Islands To China

April 12, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – If elected next president of the Philippines, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will auction off the disputed Spratly islands to China in exchange for trains.

Speaking at a press conference in Palawan, Duterte suggested he is willing to keep quiet on the Philippines’ claim to the islands as long as China builds a train around Mindanao, build a train from Manila to Bicol, and build a train going to Batangas.

The Spratlys, a group of islands located in the South China Sea, have been the subject of fierce dispute between China and the Philippines, as well as other Southeast Asian countries that also lay claim to the oil-rich territories.

Duterte acknowledged that for the Philippines to engage in a war with China over the Spratlys is a losing proposition, comparing the military capabilities of both countries.

However, if worse comes to worse, Duterte said he will board a boat headed for the disputed islands, wave the Filipino flag and wait for the Chinese to shoot him dead.

“It’s been my ambition to become the first Filipino national hero from Mindanao,” he said.

International, Politics, Sports

Manny Pacquiao Ends Senatorial Bid With A Decisive Win Over Timothy Bradley

April 9, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (The Adobo Chronicles, San Francisco Bureau) – Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao ended his legendary political career with a decisive win over American Timothy Bradley in their third encounter in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 9 (Sunday, April 10 in Manila). Pacquiao won by a unanimous decision.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao, a congressman in the Philippines who is running for a senatorial seat in his country’s May elections, announced he was quitting the Senate race.

Like most people who decide to voluntarily retire from their chosen careers, Pacquiao said he wanted to quit on a high note, and quit as a winner. He didn’t want a loss in the elections to taint his victorious final bout in the ring.

We can’t blame him. It’s good for him. It’s great for the Filipino people.