Points of View & Perspectives

July, 2015

  • 26 July

    Today in Philippine history and my own

    Still exhilarated, a feeling innate in being freed from foreign rule, Spain and then the United States, in this case, Filipinos 69 years ago today, welcomed back with mourning, the “mortal remains” of Manuel Luis Quezon, who fought for and won the Philippines’ independence with sheer stature and brilliance. 

  • 26 July

    Will INC retain powerful political clout?

    The week prior to the celebration of its 101st anniversary, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) was able to remind the public that it wields vast political influence while going through what could be a major test of unity among its members.

  • 26 July

    Despite sea feud, Beijing says ties with Manila can flourish

    By Jim Gomez / The Associated Press The Chinese ambassador in Manila has said trade between China and the Philippines grew last year despite their protracted territorial conflicts, providing hope their relations could flourish even as tensions remain. 

  • 19 July

    Personifying birds

    They waken ears deadened in winter from heavy, water-infused cold air. Spring, though it coaxes vegetation to rise again through summer’s full blooms, rouses that life with bird songs.

  • 19 July

    GOP against Iran deal, with or without reading it

    By David Espo / The Associated Press Washington—Republicans fall into two camps when it comes to United States President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. 

  • 19 July

    Hillary Clinton spends $18 million, hires hundreds

    Washington—Hillary Rodham Clinton spent more than $18 million hiring hundreds of employees in the first three months of her presidential campaign, creating a national operation that vastly outpaces her rivals in both parties. She has the money for it, having raised more than $46 million for the Democratic primary contest.

  • 19 July

    WHO salutes Phl for ‘sin tax’ success, but rues failure of other countries

    By Teresa Cerojano / The Associated Press Taxing cigarettes up to 75 percent of their retail price is among the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, but too few governments levy high enough taxes, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) global report. The WHO’s 2015 report on the global tobacco epidemic was released in Manila to salute the …

  • 12 July

    The Filipino ‘bobotante’

    For some, the fact that we picked Benigno Aquino III over Joseph Estrada, an actor and convicted—albeit pardoned—plunderer, in 2010 is indicative of our growing political maturity. If we consider it mature to pick white or black. Indeed, both political personas are miles apart, the difference, then akin to day versus night.

  • 12 July

    A slumbering rain god

    Drought in British Columbia and other parts of Canada, but especially in Vancouver, which Filipinos have given the moniker “Vanc-ulan,” with obvious reference to its being rainy, in the past few weeks, has blazed the headlines.

  • 12 July

    Will Bongbong run for president?

    The only son and namesake of former President Ferdinand Marcos is being mentioned as a possible alternative candidate in next year’s presidential elections. He is up for reelection as senator and is perceived as a sure winner.