Whether you like it or else

Our diplomatic Spy-ring and several complainants reported that the consular office of this South Asian country is compelling visa applicants to fly using only the South Asian country’s flag carrier. Those who have flown this country’s flag carrier had commented that its services, both on domestic and international routes leave much to be desired. The staff is reportedly often rude and inefficient. Passengers had also complained of cramped space and cold food served. A pity because the airline reportedly used to be a good carrier. Readers applying for a visa to this country are naturally wondering if it is legal for countries to compel them to fly the flag carrier. If that were the case, the complainants suggested that perhaps the Philippines should also compel visa applicants from that country to use our flag carrier PAL if they want to enter or leave the Philippines. And to think this country’s coup-installed president was just here a month ago to pitch for investors to consider his land as an investment haven. This certainly is for Ripley’s Believe it or Else!

Roberto R. Romulo: Having his cake and eating it too

With the controversy raised by Vic del Rosario’s appointment as Presidential Consultant on the Entertainment Industry last week, Press Secretary Bunye explained that there is a big difference between being a consultant and an adviser. "For a presidential adviser, since that is a Cabinet-level position, the requirements are more stringent. There are certain documentary requirements, even some procedures that have to be observed to the point that divestment in possible areas of conflict of interest should be made," he stressed. No less than GMA herself pitched in as she clearly explained, "The conflict had to be addressed. A presidential adviser has the rank of Cabinet member and must therefore divest, and must submit a statement of assets and liabilities." Now it is clear that Presidential Adviser Roberto R. Romulo has Cabinet rank, which constitutes a conflict of interest with his long list of corporate, lobby and management consultancies, non-government affiliations, and numerous foundations. He denies he is a presidential adviser when it is convenient and uses it when it is expedient. This is a prime example of a man who loves to have his cake and eat it, too. Eating a lot of cake can be a burden to the body and, worse, to the body politic of this country. Just ask Marie Antoinette. We rest our case.

Small call zone

In its newspaper ads and billboards, this telco claimed that its landline network has turned the whole archipelago into a single toll-free NDD call zone. As a result, the May promo assures subscribers that they can call anyone as often as they want. Our telecom regulatory Spy-ring, however, cannot see how this is feasible considering that the telco operates in only 12 areas: Makati, Taguig, Alabang, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Ortigas, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cavite, Batangas, and Iligan. Somehow, the DTI and advertising regulators should look into another case where truth in advertising has been conveniently overlooked again.

Tale of the Sea Bear

This is not a story about Jack Nicklaus‚ yacht that goes by the name Sea Bear. Rather, it is an account by our Northern Spy-ring about a riverine character‚s latest caper. Our Ivatan Ear-spies informed us that the governor of a northernmost province was working for more than a year to secure the rights to deep sea fishing in our territorial waters fronting Taiwan. A Taiwanese fish refining firm was all set to go into business with the province already. The Ivatans prefer this industry to the tourism industry because they want to protect their culture and their way of life. When the governor was just about to conclude negotiations, he found out that a rather hefty creature had muscled in on the action and secured the rights for himself. As Spongebob Squarepants fans would warn, it takes more than a magic circle to protect yourself from a SeaBear. Sometimes, you need the magical underwear to protect yourself from the SeaRhino, too.

Traffic hazards from PNCC-Skyway Corp

Several Spybiz readers wrote to complain about the SLEX tollway exit going to C5. They think there is a deliberate effort to trap motorists into committing a "costly" mistake because without sufficient warning, the road leading to the tollbooths abruptly get divided by red-orange traffic cones. Aside from this posing a potential hazard, unsuspecting drivers who then choose to take the left side get surprised to find out that this leads only to the E-pass and exact change lanes, so if you don‚t have both, be prepared to shell out more than the toll fee amount. And if your smallest bill is P500, tough luck. But what’s really suspicious is the sudden wide gap between the traffic cones several meters before the tollbooths, making it possible for cars to shift to the right side where the regular lanes are located. One reader who did just that was accosted by a self-important and smug female supervisor who even accused him of lying when he replied that he did not notice any sign saying only those with E-pass or exact change should take the left side. Fortunately, the PNCC police whom the arrogant supervisor called was more reasonable. The reader pointed out the possibility that others like him must have been trapped into committing the same mistake because of the gap provided. But the lame and unbelievable excuse given was that the rope connecting the cones were removed by hardheaded motorists - as if motorists would be crazy enough to go through all that trouble to get down from the car and risk life and limb to remove the obstruction just so they could get to the correct toll booth. Fortunately, the PNCC Skyway Corp. has apparently looked into the nature of these complaints because we have received reports that directional signs now have suddenly sprouted in the said area. First the jeers, then the cheers.

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