“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.”—Arnold H. Glasow WE appeal to politicians anywhere in the Philippines (not just in Iloilo and Bacolod) to stop quarreling over the Badjaos, or any ethnic group hankering for human
June 27, 2023
“It is a fraud to borrow what we are unable to pay.”—Publilius Syrus INITIAL investigation conducted by the Iloilo City legal office tasked by Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas reportedly pointed to City Beautification Program officer-in-charge Ninda Atinado as among those alleged “loan sharks” operating in the city hall. “The
June 26, 2023
By Alex P. Vidal “Ghosts are all around us. Look for them, and you will find them.”—Ruskin Bond ACCORDING to our ancient folklore in the Philippines, there are “good” and “bad” spirits. And that they sometimes stray or stay in the places where their bodies had died—especially if their death was gruesome or attended by
June 24, 2023
“Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn’t misuse it.”—Pope John Paul II I AM not a billionaire but if ever I become one, I will never do the stupid thing of wasting my $250,000 (P13.750 million) for an idiotic expedition (sea, air, land) and get killed as a
June 23, 2023
“Either move or be moved.”—Ezra Pound THE surge of turncoats or those who quickly discard their political party for the ruling party once a new administration takes over, has been a normal occurrence or aberration in Philippine politics, especially after the EDSA uprising. The balimbings (star fruit) are always quick to
June 22, 2023
He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” –Luke 20:25 “CAESAR and Christ” is Part III of Dr. Will Durant’s monumental survey of world history. I found the hardbound copy of this book in a book sale inside a Presbyterian Church
June 21, 2023
“Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you.” —Walter Winchell MANY Ilonggos have viewed the conflict between Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” P. Treñas and former City Civil Registrar Romeo Caesar “Juncae” Manikan Jr. to be “unnecessary” and a “waste of talent and friendship.” For many astute observers, they should
June 20, 2023
“National security always matters, obviously. But the reality is that if you have an open door in your software for the good guys, the bad guys get in there, too.”—Tim Cook THE Marcos Jr. administration should give Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio the benefit of the doubt when she recently opposed
June 19, 2023
“I hate tests. It’s a really lousy way to judge a person’s ability.”—Bill Paxton WEEKS ago, we lamented the deplorable and embarrassing actuations of some senators and representatives participating in the most recent legislative committee investigations in the Philippines. Either these senators verbally harassed the invited resource persons if they didn’t
June 17, 2023
“I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.”—Alexander the Great THE best father is one who continues to adore and love his wife even if she has gained weight, wrinkles, and is “no longer sexually attractive.” He is best who, despite having cavorted with
June 16, 2023
By Alex P. Vidal “A brainy person does not abuse copyright; instead they respect it and uphold it.”— Maximillian Degenerez IN June 1988 or 35 years ago, the late publisher Inocencio “Pops” Malones decided to temporarily change the name of our Iloilo weekly publication from News Express to Fortune News because of a conflict in
June 15, 2023
“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder.”—John F. Kennedy MOST recent global catastrophic events: Mayon volcano spewing lava in the Philippines; flash floods in the
June 14, 2023