Atenean flying too high

The raging debate on mining may have been temporarily placed in the backburner owing to North Korea’s missile experiments and the Scarborough Shoal standoff, but the issue continues to be divisive even within the Ateneo community. Sources informed us that a particularly discordant note was the position taken by Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) president Fr. Joel Tabora who had virtually declared ADDU to be “anti-mining” – much to the dismay of alumni who feel it was thoroughly inappropriate of the good father to unilaterally impose his personal position on the whole community.

Besides, this position is contrary to the earlier pronouncement of Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Jett Villarin who said he believes that “responsible mining is not an oxymoron” and that the Ateneo community will assist in crafting policy and governance conditions that would promote responsible mining, as well as encourage dialog among various parties – pro-mining advocates included. After all, Ateneans would like to believe that their alma mater is a bastion of freedom – academic freedom as well as freedom of speech and thought – with divergent views all having a place under the same Ateneo sun.

But then again, those who are familiar with Fr. Tabora say they are not really surprised that the Davao campus has been practically declared as “off-limits” to pro-mining advocates. One of Fr. Tabora’s first acts as ADDU president was to reportedly display a huge streamer at the university façade with the words “Ateneo Anti Mining” – perhaps believing he had the right to impose his personal advocacy on the whole university community, critics said.

According to observers, perception that the ADDU head may have lost his grounding since he seems to be “flying too high” is probably one of the reasons why the Ateneo Alumni Association has seen it fit to come out with its official statement saying it supports responsible mining. The statement – a copy of which was personally addressed to Philex Mining chairman Manny Pangilinan – also called on people especially Ateneo alumni to “offer their talents and expertise” in promulgating responsible mining policies in the hope that this would help bring about “much-needed benefits to our people and the future generation of Filipinos.” 

According to the Chamber of Mines, over P10 billion foreign direct investment opportunities were lost because of government decision to suspend the issuance of mining permits, with investors deciding to explore elsewhere. The delay in the issuance of an executive order has also made mining industry players apprehensive, saying they cannot move forward with future plans since they have to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

Spain’s elephant king

Instead of sympathy over news that he broke his hip during an elephant hunting expedition in Botswana, subjects of Spanish King Juan Carlos expressed outrage at their 74-year-old monarch, even calling for his abdication in favor of 44-year-old Prince Felipe. Apparently, the dead elephant (inclusive of all arrangements for the exotic royal holiday) cost $57,850 or thereabouts – more than twice the average annual salary of ordinary Spanish employees. Worse, the King happens to be the honorary chairman of the World Wildlife Fund’s Spanish office. Spain – which has been described as the “weakest link” in the European Union – is headed towards an economic depression with unemployment rising to an unprecedented 23 percent.

A longtime Spanish resident in the Philippines however told us that this display of “double standard” – in this case expecting people to tighten their belts while one does the exact opposite – is not really surprising, even describing the attitude as something familiar with a “national infirmity” that the Spaniards may have passed on to Filipinos especially during the 350 years of Spanish colonial rule.

Prostate but not prostrate

He may have been diagnosed with Stage I prostate cancer, but the world’s third richest man is not about to lie prostrate with fear or apprehension. Instead, Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett even said he felt great, with his energy level at 100 percent. Experts say there is no reason not to believe the billionaire’s statement considering that the five-year survival rate for Stage 1 is at 99 percent.

Besides, 70 percent of people diagnosed with prostate cancer don’t die from it – and this is particularly true with people like the 81-year-old Buffett. While surgery may be an option, the consensus is that it is not necessary given the business magnate’s age; the cancer is in its earliest stage, plus the fact that prostate tumors are typically slow growing and may not even manifest any symptoms.

Even “Love Story” actor Ryan O Neal is not unduly bothered by his Stage 2 prostate cancer, sharing doctors’ prognosis for a “full recovery.” This is the second time that the 70-year-old actor has faced the Big C, having previously suffered from leukemia sometime in the 1990s.

Spy tidbit

It looks like this neophyte legislator has developed a taste for power and wealth, having previously displayed a disturbing kind of arrogance with potentially fatal consequences. Sources allege that the newbie lawmaker is reaching lofty heights with the reported purchase of two condominium units located in one of the busier sections of the Metropolis. According to insiders, the units cost P7 million each, making people wonder how on earth he could have afforded it with his government salary. Naughty observers also speculate that perhaps the twin units offer an attractive view of nature, since his honor is said to have a penchant for oak trees.

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