Earthquake Hits Luzon

Many of us may not have noticed, but a magnitude 5.9 earthquake has hit Luzon at past 1 am today, July 26, 2011.

The center, according to Phivolcs, was at 21 Kilometers soutwest of Iba, Zambales.

Aftershocks were also reported in nearby provinces in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, including Metro Manila and the Greater Manila Area (GMA).

Manny Many Prizes, Manny Many Absents

Is Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao giving a disservice to his constituents?

Let's do the math.

In a recent record gathered from the Congress of the Philippines, Pacquiao placed 4th among congressmen with the most number of absences in the 15th Congress. Pacquiao had 26 absences out of the 70 regular sessions. (The list also revealed that Ang Galing Party-list Representative Mikey Arroyo has the most number of absences with 32-but that's another story).

It may be perceived that Pacquiao may have been absent due to his training for his bouts abroad (the latest with Mosley). However, it must also be noticed that aside from defending his boxing titles, Pacquiao is also busy with his commitments in showbiz.

Just last Saturday, July 16, Manny Pacquiao spearheaded GMA's newest Game Show entitled Manny Many Prizes where it is perceived by many that this must be GMA Network's shot to rival ABC 5 controversial host Willie Revillame's game show.

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Being your area's Representative in Congress doesn't only mean you distribute goods and do projects for your constituents. As the term implies, a Congressman should represent his domain on issues and discussion in Congress.

Catch Me If You Can

It's now a year since Noynoy Aquino resumed office as President of the Republic, and so far, the most significant accomplishment he made is to run after the misdeeds of former president Gloria Arroyo and her administration.

This is the same sentiment shared by ex-budget secretary Benjamin Diokno who said that PNOY's “Daang Matuwid” campaign has made him too concerned about cleaning up after the previous administration that he ends up not doing enough to improve the economy.

Though the battlecry of Noy's electoral campaign in 2010 is actually to minimize corruption in the Philippines (kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap), I hope that the President will still heed to the other side of governance, which is to ensure that his constituents will be taken cared of, specifically with their basic needs.

It is really quite appalling to note that within a year of his administration, we have witnessed how the cost of living has significantly increased. What's more, PNOY can only say that he is not in control of the rising prices in basic commodities.

Mr. President, there is really nothing wrong with running after the previous administration. But there should be specific government agencies whom you can direct to run after the misdeeds of the previous organization. You have already impressed among the people of your seriousness in battling graft and corruption.

It is about time that the Filipino people witness a President who shows concern, not only on things of the past, but on things that matter more to the common filipino- jobs, education, health, peace and order.