The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
This month of May has a good chance of being the most eventful month this year.
It all began, of course with May 1, being Labor Day. All the other days of the year are capital days, ha ha.
That is the reason why the increase in minimum wage does not become a reality since May 2 up to April 30 of the following year are days of the capitalists. Thus, minimum wage earners have to tighten their belts for the foreseeable future.
May 6 used to be commemorated as Fall of Corregidor day, remember? Until it was absorbed by the observation of Linggo ng Kagitingan which has April 9 as its focal point – the Fall of Bataan. Thus, we no longer remember May 6 for its remembrance of Corregidor. This is significant. If you observe the dates I just mentioned, it encompasses almost a full month of fighting between the Fall of Bataan up to the Fall of Corregidor, a testament to the bravery and tenacity of the defending Filipino and American armies during the bloody fight against Japanese invading forces in 1942. This period of struggle for our soldiers bought the necessary time for the delayed southward expansion of the World War II down to Singapore and towards Australia. In short, our heroes both Filipino and American bore the brunt of delaying the Japanese war timetable.
May 11 in the Philippine Senate was an eventful day too. It could have been an ordinary day at the office for then Senate President Tito Sotto until Senator Allan Peter Cayetano stood up to state that he has the numbers for wresting the Senate Presidency from Senator Sotto. Senator Joel Villanueva dutifully moved to declare the leadership seats vacant, which was promptly approved by 13 senators, enough to unseat the incumbent. Surprise guest was formerly absent for 6 months Senator Bato de la Rosa who delivered the fatal blow of 13 votes to unseat Tito Sen.
And now, the news carries the flight away from the Senate of the former fugitive Senator “Bato” back to the unknown forests of the Philippines. The days to follow will bear much watching. Indeed, there is more fun, in the Philippines. Abangan!