No Asean support

Malacañang made known its disappoinment over the failure of the recent Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Asean to come out with a joint statement on China’s activities on the West Philippine Sea. Earlier DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario also lamented the failure of Asean Foreign Ministers to support the Philippine position.

Clearly there is a failure of Philippine diplomatic efforts to get support of the 9 other members of Asean.

“In this modern day and age of interdependence, the dictum that “might is right” should have no place in the community of States. Instead, the principle that “right is might” should be the given relations among peace-leaving nations,” Del Rosario said. 

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ANGARA JOINS . . Despite President Aquino’s explicit announcement that he is not in favor of Cha-cha, Senator Edgardo Angara, whose son Sonny is in the prospective senatorial slate of the Liberal Party, has announced he is supporting the move to amend the Constitution, not only its economic provisions, but also the form of government.

Angara said “now is the perfect time for Charter change” because President Aquino has no plans to extend his term.

Angara encouraged political parties and candidates for Congress to take a stand on the issue in the 2013 elections.

We disagree with Senator Angara. Cha-cha debates will be an unnecessary distraction to ongoing government efforts to uplift the economy and reduce poverty.

The big number of investors coming in belies previous propositions that they want a change in the economic provisions of the Constitution.

We agree with President Aquino’s opposition to Cha-cha.

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REMEMBRANCES . . Marichu Vera Perez Maceda, eldest daughter of Dr. Jose Perez and Nene Vera Perez detailed the 10-year career of Dolphy at Sampaguita pictures from 1952-1961.

Marichu reported Dolphy made 65 movies for Sampaguita and earned the respect and affection of Sampaguita stars and employees.

Dolphy was introduced to Dr. Jose Perez by Pancho Magalona and was cast in the Pancho-Tita film “Isang Sulyap mo Tita.” He achieved stardom in “Jack and Jill” with Susan Roces.

Marichu revealed that Dolphy was more popular with the girls than Eddie Gutierrez. He was an excellent dancer and became an accomplished singer. Sampaguita’s big hit was “The Big Broadcast” starring Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Dolphy and Panchito.

Thousands attended the burial of Dolphy at Heritage Memorial Park.

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EXCELLENT IDEA . . Rep. Mel Sarmiento (Samar) proposed that the government acquire a hospital ship with at least 100 beds to serve poor island communities which have no hospitals. This is especially true in Samar, Masbate, Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

In 1967, as PACD Secretary, we did send a hospital ship with the cooperation of the Philippine Navy and the University of Santo Tomas medical mission. Thousands were treated at every stop. Note that there are now many mobile clinics on land. A sea going clinic and hospital is an excellent idea.

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POLITICAL UPDATE . . A four-cornered contest for the Mayorship of Zamboanga City is emerging. Former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romy Jalosjos announced his candidacy for Mayor against Deputy Speaker Isabelle “Beng” Climaco, Cong. Erico Fabian and Educator Cris Cajucom. Ret. Commodore Cris “Jun” Cobarrubias is running for Congress vs incumbent Mayor Celso Lobregat who may run for Congressman in the 1st District or for Vice Mayor. Former Vice Mayor Maximo Dalipe is running for Congressman in the 2nd District against Lilia Zuño and Joemar Lobregat.

The campaign of Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito is in full swing against Cong. Egay San Luis.

Gov. E.R. is holding “Governors’ Nights” with showing of his film Asiong Salonga and a big raffle of electric fans, washing machines and TV sets. We joined two such “nights” in Alaminos and saw a good crowd of 2,000 Barangay folk who enjoyed themselves with the live show and raffle.

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COCO LEVY FUND . . The government lacks funds. In fact it is borrowing heavily with foreign and domestic loans reaching P5 trillion.

It is therefore puzzling why the P130 billion Coco Levy Fund is not being tapped by government to finance its programs, especially in agriculture.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile proposes to liquidate the fund and put it in a trust fund and start using the interest for coconut farmers.

The same question arises in the Malampaya fund. How is it being spent? 

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POLICEMEN IN THE NEWS . . PO1 Manuel Garcia, 43, was gunned down while on his motorcycle at around 4 p.m. at the corner of Pedro Gil and Purisima Street in Manila by 4 men riding a Ford Everest with no plate number.

He was the 7th policeman slain this year. It is suspected that drug syndicates are behind the killings.

On Friday morning, PO2 Jesus Lapuz of the MPD traffic bureau was shot dead in front of the Japanese Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.

PO3 Arsenio Gardon of the Makati Police shot and killed his common law wife.

Pugo, La Union Police Chief Senior Inspector Jessie Quisada and nine cops were charged with the gang rape of a female prisoner.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old registrant was shot dead inside the Comelec office in Lumbak, Unayan, Lanao del Sur. 

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TIDBITS . . . Sen. Bongbong Marcos admitted in a DZMM interview that he has dreams of becoming president.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes prayed that the Lord appoint Dolphy as a court jester to give heaven a merrier state.

Taiwan needs 5,000 -8,000 fishermen for its fishing companies. Taiwan fishermen usually fish in Philippine waters. 

Greetings to avid readers: ExMayor Paquito Lirio of Tanauan, Barangay Chairman Samuel Bueser and Eddie Briz of Alaminos, Laguna.

Happy 90th birthday to Col. Frisco San Juan, NPC president.

Birthday greetings also to Mayor Lenlen Almonte of Biñan City and Henry Antonio.