Category Archives: International

International, Law Enforcement, Politics, The Media

THE CURIOUS CASE OF TWO FILIPINO WOMEN

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Arroyo, left, and Napoles
Arroyo, left, and Napoles

Manila, Philippines – It’s like a story out of Hollywood. Like “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button” starring Brad Pitt.  Only more serious. And more complicated.

The cast of characters: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former president of the Philippines and currently a member of the House of Representatives, accused of plunder and election fraud; and Janet Lim-Napoles, businesswoman, accused of masterminding the pork barrel scam that siphoned 10 Billion pesos of taxpayer money into fake nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the pockets of politicians.  Both had petitioned for bail and both were denied.

Arroyo is under hospital arrest in a government hospital in Manila while Napoles is detained in a high-security bungalow in Santa Rosa, Laguna, just south of Manila.

Jealousy ensues. Arroyo complains that she has been denied furlough for her birthday to be at her home in Pampanga while Napoles is living with special treatment in a bungalow. Napoles envies Arroyo because the latter is in a hospital. Napoles’s previous request to be in a hospital has been denied.

Enter Miriam Defensor-Santiago, feisty member of the Philippine Senate.  She demands that Napoles be billed 150,000 pesos per month as reimbursement of taxpayer money being spent for her  bungalow arrest and double security measures.

Enter the lawyers for Arroyo who demand that the government pay not only for her stay and food at the hospital but also all of her medical and treatment expenses.

Finally, enter Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto who proposes that both women become roommates at the bungalow in Santa Rosa. “Equal treatment for equal evil deeds,” Sotto says.

And who’s footing the bill? Sotto says that both crimes the women are charged with involve misuse and, presumably hoarding of stacks and stacks of money. Arroyo and Napoles should have no problem paying for their detention, even if it means for life.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of this curious case indeed.

Human Interest, International, Law Enforcement, Politics, Science and Environment, The Media

CROCODILE, PIG ARE FILIPINOS’ TOP CHOICES TO REPLACE THEIR NATIONAL SYMBOL

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Buwaya (crocodile), left; pig a.k.a. pork barrel
Buwaya (crocodile), left; pig a.k.a. pork barrel

Manila, Philippines – Last month, The Adobo Chronicles reported that Philippine Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III proposed to replace the country’s national symbol from the Philippine Eagle to the Tiger, consistent with economic forecasts that the Philippines is now considered the new “Asian Tiger.” Well, it turned out that Sotto’s proposal received lukewarm reception among his colleagues in the Senate as well as from the Filipino people.

Consequently, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chair of the Senate’s Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to send out a survey to all registered voters in the Philippines to find out what their preference is for the country’s new national symbol.  Santiago said that she wanted input from the Filipinos on the most appropriate symbol that would represent the country and its system of government.

The Philippine Eagle, left, and the tiger
The Philippine Eagle, left, and the tiger

Here are the results of the survey, with 98% of  registered voters accounted for:

1. Pig – 48%

2. Crocodile – 46%

3. Tiger – 3%

4. Philippine Eagle – 2%

5. Mermaid – 1%

Dyesebel (mermaid) Photo credit: markednicdao
Dyesebel (mermaid)
Photo credit: markednicdao

In reporting the survey results, the COMELEC noted that Filipinos who suggested the pig were convinced that it best represents the pork barrel scam that has rocked the country and the political system in recent years. The crocodile, according to its proponents, represents the greed that seems to be a consistent characteristic of most politicians and government officials.   As far as the mermaid is concerned, the COMELEC said Filipinos thought it best represents the marine and fisheries industry that is the prime source of livelihood for majority of the population. Observers, however, think that the choice of the mermaid was prompted by a new television series on the mythical creature that is about to make its debut in the Philippines. The TV series is titled “Dyesebel.”

Business, Human Interest, International, Politics, Religion

BATTLE OF THE CROSSWALKS IN SAN FRANCISCO’S GAY CASTRO DISTRICT

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The winning crosswalk design for 18th and Castro streets
The winning crosswalk design for 18th and Castro streets

San Francisco, California – There will be plenty of rainbows at the intersection of 18th and Castro streets in the heart of San Francisco’s gay neighborhood, reports the Bay Area Reporter.

On Thursday, March 13, District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener announced the winning design and location for rainbow crosswalks that will be paid for by the Castro Upper Market Community Benefit District. The crosswalks are being incorporated with a sidewalk widening project that will begin construction this month.

Upon hearing of the news, the Westboro Baptist Church sent a proposal to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to repaint the crosswalk at the intersection of Market and Castro Streets. The Topeka, Kansas-based church headed by Fred Phelps offered to fully fund the crosswalk makeover “in the spirit of equality.”  “If the City of San Francisco allowed the re-painting of the crosswalk at 18th and Castro streets, then there is no compelling reason for it to deny our offer, especially because we are paying for it,” Phelps said.

The Westboro Baptist Church is known for its anti-gay agenda, traveling the country to picket parades, festivals and even funerals with signs like “God Hates Fags” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.”

Crosswalk design proposed by Westboro Baptist Church
Crosswalk design proposed by Westboro Baptist Church

The Board of Supes has not yet met to consider the church’s offer, but circulated the proposed crosswalk design to its members and the media.  The design is in stark contrast to the rainbow design, featuring black and white crosses painted next to each other.