News and Views - Latest

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s choices for National Artists are still questioned by critics with ongoing protests for the removal of the four out of the seven announced names. The seven choices were Magno Jose “Carlo” J. Caparas (National Artist for Visual Arts and Film), Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (National Artist for Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media), Manuel Urbano (goes by the name Manuel Conde) (National Artist for Film and Broadcast), Lazaro Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa (National Artist for Literature), Cecil-Guidote Alvarez (National Artist for Theater) and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno (National Artist for Fashion Design), recommended by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).

The four personalities in question are Francisco Manosa, Cecil Guidote-Alvarez, Carlo J. Caparas and Jose Moreno. A move was made to ask the Supreme Court to halt the awarding of the title of Order of National Artist to those mentioned because of varying reasons. Some of those who were against the conferment were National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera, Napoleon Abueva and a few others.

The argument was that President Arroyo has gone against proper proceedings by inserting the names of Caparas, Alvarez, Manosa and Moreno. Most especially, Alvarez was pointed out as unqualified to be on the list as she is part of the NCCA as an executive director – the sector that basically chooses those who should be recommended as a National Artist together with another organization.

The petition stated that from the original 87 nominees, discussions were conducted by the NCCA together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) trimming the list down to 13. The final deliberation produced four names that excluded Caparas, Alvarez, Moreno and Manosa. However, when the announcement was made for the roster of new National Artists, the four names have appeared and one name from those recommended was removed.

News and Views - Latest

Palawan – The “Final Frontier” undergoes some problems as supposed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) took over a small village in Balabac, Palawan. The group composed of more or less 30 individuals has occupied the small of village of Matangguli in Balabac. The event has forced hundreds of Matangguli residents to flee the community, evacuating to the town center of Balabac wherein in they were given food and shelter while the problem was being taken care of by the proper authorities.

A close range fight ensued with the MNLF troop suffering seven deaths from clashes between with the government forces on Wednesday. However, confirmation as to whether or not the group is really composed of MNLF members is still in question. According to Western Command, some of the casualties include Guru Abdurajak and his two sons, Saib and Abdul Majid Abdurajak. The original estimate of the MNLF troop was about 30, after the fight it is believed that a few more members of the troop have fled to nearby locations. The government forces are persistently tracking down the rebels to avoid further problems that may be caused by their takeover.

The MNLF has signed a peace agreement with the government about 14 years ago and has since then been quite dormant in their activities. Prior to that, they have been involved in bloodstained campaigns in support of an Islamic state in Mindanao. The peace agreement was achieved through the grant of a Moro National Liberation Front dominated independent area.

More information is expected to come as the government tries to resolve the problems, however, as of now, the residents are thankful that their village is now somewhat safe and they can now lead their normal lives again free from strife.

News and Views - Latest

The president’s plan for a presidential jet has been jettisoned as a number of people have expressed disapproval over the purchase. After reports that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyou and her cohorts have spent up to $20, 000 for one dinner at Le Cirque followed by a release of another $ 15, 000 worth of dinner at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, it seems that the idea of a jet would be pushing the public’s outrage too far.

The $ 35,000 tab however was said to be a “treat” by two different people in celebration of the Arroyo’s anniversary. The amount in pesos would roughly translate to 1,700,000 worth. A staggering amount when viewed in light of the millions of Filipinos going hungry everyday all over the country.

The president’s spokesman Cerge Remonde announced the cancellation of Mrs. Arroyo’s order for the jet, alluding to the fact that the Palace wants no more of the “criticisms about her (Mrs. Arroyo’s) spending.

“I’m formally announcing that the Presidents has ordered the cancellation of the purchase of a presidential jet.” He said on the government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

The president has previously been criticized for her frequent travels abroad. The cost of commuting has probably been too much, prompting the government to shop for a presidential jet that could cost billions depending on the make. The financing of the jet was expected to come out of the 2009 budget. The cancelled order was originally for a “twin-engine, pressurized aircraft” and must be conforming to the International Civil Aviation Organization and Federal Aviation Administration standards.

Remonde has also mentioned that this was the second time a jet order was cancelled even though it has been recommended a number of times.

Reports are now being asked from the Palace regarding the president and her entourages stay in the United States during Mrs. Arroyo’s working-visit to US President Barack Obama. Remonde confirmed that the reports are being prepared and are underway.