Tag Archives: Homeless

Economy, Government, International

APEC SUMMIT: PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE RESORT VACATION TO MANILA’S HOMELESS

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imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – It worked during the visit of Pope Francis to Manila last January, so it must work just as well during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit later this month.

We’re talking about the Aquino administration’s plan to round up Metro Manila’s homeless population and hide them from view of visiting international dignitaries including U.S. President Barack Obama and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

The plan is to provide the street population with paid vacation at first-class resorts outside of Metro Manila, just like what happened during the Pope’s visit. “We want to look our best during the APEC Meeting, ” Aquino said. (The government earlier announced the closure of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as major thoroughfares and reserve them exclusively for use of APEC delegates.  It has also declared school  closures as well as non-working holidays for government and private employees.)

Alternatively, those who could not be accommodated at resorts will be given P4,000  (approximately $100) each to rent a home for the duration of the meeting.

Soon after the announcement of the government plan, law enforcement agencies have noticed an unusual increase of people sleeping in sidewalks and street medians hoping that they will be bused away to the resorts or handed P4,000.

There are reports that many of the people are not even homeless. They just want a paid resort vacation or some shopping money for the coming holidays.

It’s more fun in the Philippines!

Politics, Religion

WHY JOHN BOEHNER SHED A TEAR DURING POPE’S VISIT TO THE CAPITOL

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CaptureWASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles®) – We now know why House Speaker John Boehner shed a tear or two during Pope Francis’ visit to the Capitol this morning.

Millions of television viewers noticed the Republican leader crying and pulling out a white handkerchief to wipe his tears as the Pope delivered his speech before the joint session of congress, and again as the Holy Father greeted and blessed the crowd that gathered outside the Capitol.

Journalists and pundits speculated that Boehner, a devout Catholic, was overwhelmed by the rare opportunity to be with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

But sources close to both Boehner and Pope Francis said that the real reason for the speaker’s tears was because the Pontiff had rejected his invitation to dine with him and other leaders of Congress, namely, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid.

Francis told Boehner that  he didn’t have the time because he already had confirmed an appointment to dine with the homeless at St. Patrick’s Church in Washington, D.C.

During his lunch date with the homeless, Francis was expected not only to eat with his guests but also to serve them.

Boehner said he cried not out of sadness for the botched invitation but more of disappointment.  He said he had looked forward to spending a more intimate and quality time with the Pope.

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