Never ending power play

In 1978, Imee Marcos called Malacañang Palace “a snake pit.” Not much has changed since then. Despite repeated denials, the power play within the Malacañang grounds continues to intensify with a lot of deadly venom being spewed incessantly between two powerful factions. The two factions are identified as the “old-timers” – or those who have been with Noynoy Aquino from the very start of his mother’s term, and the “new group” composed mainly of people who only recently joined him in the campaign.

As pointed out by maverick Senator Joker Arroyo, the quality of P-Noy’s inner circle leaves much to be desired. Some people close to PNoy disclosed that in front of the President, these two groups behave like docile pet dogs but the minute he turns his back, they start rattling like poisonous snakes. Observers point out that unless the President steps in, they’re afraid his administration may start to crumble due to the continued squabbling between the two powerful factions within his inner circle.

PLDT’s new aircraft acquisition

PLDT will soon be taking delivery of a multimillion dollar, brand-new Agusta Westland 139 helicopter early next year – but nope, Manny Pangilinan is not going into the airline business. At least, not yet. We are told the brand new 12-seater chopper by the Italian manufacturer Finmeccanica is a medium-sized, twin-engine aircraft suitable for VIP/corporate transport featuring a spacious cabin with an ergonomic cockpit and low vibration levels that lessen pilot fatigue and definitely enhance passenger comfort.

The multi-role capability chopper (which is also a favorite among law enforcement agencies and search and rescue crews for its greater cruise speed) will be economical since it will mainly be for the use of top executives of MVP companies such as the Metro Pacific Group, PLDT, Smart Communications, Philex Mining, Meralco, Metro Pacific Tollways, Maynilad and other future acquisitions.

Potential presidential appointments

 A willing candidate for Ambassador to the United Nations is former Speaker Jose de Venecia. According to Joe, if asked by the President he will gladly accept the appointment. After all, JDV was a peace envoy during the time of FVR, and has a lot of experience in international politics with the ability to convene international leaders for a proposed “Asian Parliament.” Another potential presidential appointee is BPI president Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola. With Governor Amando “Say” Tetangco retiring next year as Bangko Sentral governor, our sources tell us Gigi is a shoo-in for the much-coveted Central Bank post.

Spy tidbit

 –– At a time when the RH Bill controversy has recalled the role of Spanish friars during colonial times, the Spanish galleon “Andalucia” arrives – but not to take up the cudgels for the Catholic Church however. The ship is simply here to contribute to the “Dia del Galeon” festival set tomorrow, Oct. 8, as well as to pay tribute to the Philippines’ role in the galleon trade. The “Andalucia,” which is a faithful reproduction of the original 17th century galleon by the “Nao Victoria” Foundation, will be docked in Manila until Oct.9 after which it will sail to Cebu and Bohol where it will remain docked for 10 days. Our hermano, Señor Don Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero, hosted a reception last night on board the galleon ship where he invited a number of caballeros and caballeras to take a private tour of the exact replica of the Spanish galleon ship.

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