More hardship

The LTFRB approved a fare increase of P.50 for jeepney fares. That translates to P60 / a month for husband and wife and as much as P120 for 4 family members commuting to work or school.

This has a big effect on daily wage workers who receive only P426 a day. Prices of commodities will also go up.

The LTFRB finally approved the fare increase after all the oil companies increased prices for the 10th time this year.

Have a heart, Mr. President, at least suspend the 12% VAT in petroleum production. A reasonable wage increase is in order.

Malaysia subsidizes oil prices by $20 billion a year, Indonesia subsidizes by $15 billion a year. US and China also subsidizes oil prices.

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IMPEACHMENT TRIAL . . Day 31, saw the defense presenting 4 witnesses namely Mario Badillo, City Assessor of Makati; Carlo Alcantara, Register of Deeds of Quezon City; Randy Rutaquio, Register of Deeds of Taguig, and Benz Lim, property manager of the Columns Condominium of the Ayala Group.

The defense presented the 4 witnesses to prove that Chief Justice Corona did not omit declaration in his SALN as the properties were already sold and therefore no longer owned by Corona.

In the case of the Columns Condo, the defense explained it was declared only in 2010 because there were problems in the condition of the unit. The defense emphasized there was no intention on the part of CJ Corona to misdeclare any property. Even Senator Lacson pointed out that CJ Corona himself corrected his deficiency by including it in his 2010 SALN, way before the impeachment complaint was filed.

On the whole, the defense was able to explain the property issues raised by the prosecution against the Chief Justice.

Even President Aquino issued a statement that the main issue is CJ Corona’s bank deposits and not the properties.

Day 32, saw the presentation of LRA Administrator Eulalio Diaz III who was berated by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joker Arroyo for submitting a list of 45 properties allegedly owned by the Coronas. He admitted that 17 of the titles have been cancelled. The prosecution admitted that only 21 belonged to Corona. Corona admits only 5 properties belong to him.

Carmina Cruz, client relations officer of the Alveo/Ayala Land Group testified that Cristina Corona was deemed to have accepted the Columns Condominium unit only on August 12, 2009 due to repair and rectification of the unit.

Senator Miriam D. Santiago cited a Supreme Court decision which said that failure to declare properties in a SALN is not a crime unless an intent to deceive is proven. If not it is simple negligence.

Meanwhile, the Senators disregarded a Pulse Asia survey which found 47% of Filipinos consider CJ Corona guilty with 43% undecided and 5% saying he is not guilty.

Pulse Asia admitted the survey was taken after the prosecution had finished presenting its case and before the defense started. Of the 47%, only 15% said he is definitely guilty. Senate President Enrile and most Senators said they will not be influenced by the survey and will make their decision only after the defense has finished presenting the evidence.

Senate Pres. Enrile pointed out the case of Jesus Christ who was condemned to death because of a survey when people voted in favor of Barabas.

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OBJECTIVE OBSERVATION . . There is continuing debate about President Aquino’s performance after almost 2 years.

In its latest report released last Monday, the World Bank said, the “slow growth was due to weaker public spending and external demand.” Further it described the growth and investment pointed out by the Aquino Administration as “artificial.”

The World Bank projected the GDP growth of the Philippines for 2012 to be 4.2%, much lower than 5-6% GDP forecast by the Administration.

The World Bank pointed to high power rates, as the main reason foreign investors were going to other Asian countries. Will the administration take the necessary steps to reduce power rates?

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MORE ABDUCTIONS . . Two teachers were abducted on their way to work in Iligan City. They are Rene Samagong and Keno Sanchez. A P4-million ransom has been demanded.

Rosalinda Kiram, 44, and 5 other health workers were kidnapped in Patikul, Sulu.

PO1 Christopher Estor was shot dead by a lone gunman in Navotas. Also in Navotas, Ariel Osilada was shot dead while watching a basketball game by 3 men riding a motorcycle.

Eric Cristobal was stabbed dead over a dispute over a computer game in Las Piñas. A land dispute triggered a shooting and stabbing incident in Cawayan, Masbate that left 3 persons dead and one wounded. Killed were Juanillo Noynay, 39, Rodeto Andriano, 62 and Lolito Noynay, 59.

Four policemen of the Southern Police District, Senior Inspector Aurelio Domingo, PO3 Ruel Cubian, PO2 Ernie Reyes Jr. and PO1 Rajamie Cayabyab were charged with kidnapping Amina Mangudadatu-Tion who was released after paying P500,000 ransom. Another sad case of policemen engaged in crime.

A man was shot dead at the Baseco Compound in Manila. Makati Barangay Captain Armando Padilla’s Toyota Fortuner was carjacked in Quezon City.

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TIDBITS . . . President Aquino has given the go signal to buy 2 bullet proof, bomb proof cars at an estimated price of $12 million each. Expect some resistance from the general public.

The Bureau of Fire Protection admitted that 60% of business establishments do not comply with the Fire Code. Well, inspect them and penalize them and force them to comply.

MRT had another breakdown yesterday. What’s the problem Sec. Mar Roxas?

Greetings to avid readers Justice Roberto Abad, Dr. Jesus Y. Perez, Jiamil Dianalan, Mayor Clarence de Guzman of Bauang, Mayor Noemi Balloguing of Pugo, Mayor Marietta Carbonell of Sto. Tomas. All in La Union.