Tag Archives: Philippines

REALITY CHECK: PRESIDENT AQUINO’S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS IN PICTURES

July 29, 2014 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – As a public service to our readers and followers, The Adobo Chronicles is highlighting key points of President NoyNoy Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday. We are quoting Aquino’s message in its official English translation and have decided to interpret them through photographs:

On Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Capture “Your government wasted no time in responding. We immediately cleared the airport, which is why, within 24 hours after the storm, three C130s were able to bring in aid. On that same day, we were also able to set up a communications hub to hasten the flow of information. On the second day, the Department of Health’s Rapid Health Assessment teams arrived, as well as additional soldiers, policemen, and BFP personnel from other provinces. Likewise, workers from DSWD lead relief operations—in the distribution centers in Eastern Visayas or in repacking centers all around the country.”

On Poverty

“We are investing in our most valuable resource: The Filipino people. Data from the National Economic Development Authority attests to our success. According to them, the 27.9 percent poverty rate during the first semester of 2012 went down to 24.9 percent for the same period in 2013. These three percentage points are equivalent to 2.5 million Filipinos who have crossed the poverty line.”

On Classroom Shortage: “The inherited backlog in books, chairs, and classrooms: erased; while we are working to fulfill the new needs brought about by the implementation of K to 12.” Students “no longer have to study in overcrowded classrooms.”

On Government Spending of Taxpayer Money: “In addition to the national integrity we have restored is the world’s recognition of a new Philippines. The nation’s coffers, which come from the sweat of our citizens, are being spent only for their benefit.”

On Disaster Preparedness and Modern Forecasting System: “Let us remember: God proposes, but man disposes. This is likewise the idea behind our efforts for disaster preparedness. We are strengthening the capabilities of our LGUs, (Local Government Units) who are the frontliners in times of disasters, through a modern and comprehensive forecasting system. “

Film and TV, International, Politics, The Media, Travel

ANDERSON COOPER TO TESTIFY AT AQUINO IMPEACHMENT HEARING

July 29, 2014 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Cooper reporting on typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) - file photo — Cooper reporting on typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) – file photo

Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – In less than 24 hours since NoyNoy Aquino delivered his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), the beleaguered Philippine president is facing yet another impeachment complaint. This time it is from the Philippine Senate.

The new complaint is based on what senators called “presidential lies” in connection with Aquino’s claim during his televised speech that in less than 24 hours, the government and the Aquino administration were on the ground in Leyte and other Cental Philippine cities and towns, providing assistance and relief to victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The strongest typhoon ever to hit landfall left thousands dead and homeless and resulted in billions of pesos in damage to public and private property and infrastructure.

“Aquino violated his presidential oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth to the Filipino people, and that is an impeachable offense,” the senators said.

A senate hearing on this new impeachment complaint is scheduled later this week. The first witness to testify will be CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper who was among the first among international journalists to report on Haiyan from ground zero. Cooper’s reports and first-hand accounts pointed to the exact opposite of what Aquino said in his SONA.

Here is one of CNN’s broadcasts in which Cooper describes what he saw on the ground in Tacloban, Cebu and other cities.

Economy, Film and TV, Human Interest, International, Politics, The Media

IN STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS, AQUINO ENDORSES SISTER KRIS FOR PRESIDENT IN 2016

July 28, 2014 Pol Pinoy 1 Comment

Kris Aquino's emotional moment during SONA (television capture) — Kris Aquino’s emotional moment during SONA (television capture)

Quezon City, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – President Aquino, in a highly-emotional SONA (State of the Nation Address) , challenged the Filipino people to begin looking beyond his administration and decide who will continue – or stop – his reform and transformation agenda in 2016.

After listing achievements made possible by continuing reforms of his administration in the past four years, Aquino concluded his speech with a challenge to the people to make sure they continue to reap the fruits of these reforms by choosing the right leader to succeed him.

“We know who is going to a stop my reforms,” Aquino said as he looked directly into the eyes of Vice President Jejomar Binay. “And we know who will continue my reforms,” he said, this time looking directly into the eyes of his sister, television host Kris Aquino who was seated at the VIP gallery. At that point, television cameras caught the presidential sister bursting into tears, while the Vice President excused himself for a bathroom break.

Interviewed by The Adobo Chronicles after the SONA, Kris said she could not hold back her tears. “They were tears of joy — joy over the great confidence that my brother has put on me to continue his daang matuwid (the right path), this administration’s rallying cry and mantra.”

In a lighter moment during the interview, Kris was asked what nickname she would like to be called when she becomes president. “In the family tradition where my dad was called Ninoy and my brother NoyNoy, I would love to be called KringKring,” she said, this time with a big smile on her face.