Tag Archives: Spain

Economy, International, Politics

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT AQUINO TOUTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN A SPEECH IN MADRID, CITES WORSENING TRAFFIC

1 Comment

imageMadrid, Spain (The Adobo Chronicles) – Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino, who is visiting Spain, took time to speak before the Filipino community in Madrid, touting the accomplishments of his administration.

Aquino took credit for his country’s improved economy, the successful war against government corruption, massive upgrading of airports, and even the impressive showing of the Philippine basketball team at the ongoing World Cup.

“We have also seen a change in the nightmarish traffic situation in Metro Manila and other urban cities,” Aquino said, “it has gotten worse.”  Aquino received a standing ovation after he made this statement.

Meanwhile, hours after boasting of the country’s economy, the Philippine peso lost 0.5 percent at 44.130 pesos to the U.S. dollar, the weakest rate since August 8.

Back in the Philippines, Aquino’s critics said the president needs a new eyeglass prescription. “His bifocals seem to let him see two different things at any given time: his imaginary reality and the real plight of the country outside of the presidential palace,” they said.

Politics

OBAMA VOWS TO REDUCE PORK BARREL SPENDING

Leave a comment

obamaWashington, D.C. – Facing criticism for the country’s turtle-paced recovery from the recession and continued budget woes that put him in a never-ending fierce battle with Republican legislators, President Barack Obama today vowed to use all available powers bestowed upon the presidency to significantly reduce pork barrel spending.  U.S. legislators have consistently used pet projects in their constituent areas as a negotiating tool in federal budget battles.  The most memorable pork barrel projects were Alaska’s “Bridge to Nowhere,” and Boston’s Big Dig (Central Artery/Tunnel Project).

Asked by members  of the White House Press Corps about specifics of his plan, President Obama said he will propose to Congress a new legislation that would limit the U.S. government’s importation of Ibérico pork.  The Ibérico pig is an indigenous species that is only found in the Iberian peninsula.  The superb quality of the meat from the Ibérico pig is brought about by the climate, its freedom to roam outdoors and its diet.  It is often fed on acorns which gives the meat its wonderful nutty flavor.  The price of Ibérico pork commands a very high price in the world market, costing as much as $100 per pound, or approximately $20,000 per barrel.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not return calls from The Adobo Chronicles seeking information on how many barrels of the pork the country imports each year from Spain.

porkApparently, only Ibérico pork is served in the basement cafeterias of the Senate and House of Representatives Buildings on Capitol Hill, as well as during state banquets hosted by the White House. President Obama urged Congress to swiftly pass his proposed legislation cutting down on pork barrel importation.  “I am confident we can pass this legislation in a bi-partisan manner,” the President added.