NAIA gang modus operandi

Another balikbayan became a victim of the notorious airport gang at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport the other day. According to some people we spoke with, there seems to be a clear pattern on how this criminal syndicate operates. It allegedly starts at the airport with X-ray machines revealing which of the balikbayan boxes contain valuables. Supposedly some insiders working in cahoots with the criminals would tip-off their contacts at the passenger loading area, who would in turn follow the balikbayan and his group. At an opportune time, the criminals would bump the balikbayan’s car and proceed to carjack it with all the valuables inside. Last month, former First Daughter Luli Arroyo’s balikbayan brother-in-law George Bernas was a victim. He made the mistake of fighting these criminals and was shot, leaving him on the road to die. Luckily, he was brought to the hospital in time by a Good Samaritan. However, to this day no one has been arrested. Apparently this “airport gang” has been operating for several years now with most cases going unreported. Can you imagine? This gang continues to operate right in our front door – the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Solicitor General Andy Bautista?

We have it on good authority that lawyer Andy Bautista is being considered for the position of Solicitor General. Andy recently resigned as President of The Shangri-La Group reportedly because of differences with Kuok close friend and business associate Bobby Ongpin. In the Philippines, Bobby Ongpin is considered the kingpin of the Kuok group. What he usually says, goes. So it was not a surprise when Andy hastily turned in his resignation allegedly due to differences with the management style of Bobby.

If Atty. Andy Bautista joins government, he would make a good Solicitor General complementing President Noy’s style of governance. Andy Bautista has impeccable integrity and likes working quietly and independently. On the other hand, PNoy likes to surround himself with young, energetic people and leaves them alone to do a no-nonsense job. Andy would make a perfect fit.

Say it like it is

Bangko Sentral Governor Say Tetangco says he will make sure that no printing error will occur this time when the Central Bank starts printing the new Noynoy bills. He wants to make sure that the infamous “Arrovo” bills, which instantly became hot collector items, will not happen again. President Aquino is said to have been practicing his signature for the new crisp redesigned bills which will have the picture of both his parents. The new peso bills are slated to come out in about two months time.

By the way, Say Tetangco will be retiring in July next year and he will be leaving the bank with about $65 to $70 billion in foreign reserves, effectively making the country a net borrower. All that money is mainly due to the continued remittances of the real saviors of this country, the Overseas Filipino Workers. Technically the Philippines can pay off its total debt of about $55 billion and become a debt-free country.

Manila’s Power 100

At the Dusit Hotel recently, one would think there was a big meeting of Manila’s “Power 100.” Seen coming out of the Japanese restaurant was “First Uncle” Peping Cojuangco then followed by “First Cousin” Tony Boy Cojuangco. Shortly after was former Cory economic adviser and Aquino Foundation president Cesar Buenaventura; then “First Uncle-in-law” Tony Lopa. As it turns out, all of them coincidentally had either separate meetings or were just out for dinner with their respective families. Apparently, the Dusit Hotel’s Japanese restaurant Umu has become very popular with the rich and famous and the not-so-famous.

Frat Brod Erap

At the wake of Ener Cerilles (brother of former Zamboanga del Sur Congressman and now governor Antonio Cerilles), former president Joseph Estrada, an honorary member of the Beta Sigma fraternity, attended the “last rites” for their brod. One portion of the rites was a roll call of members present, underscoring the loss of the brod who could no longer answer. When it was Estrada’s turn, the emcee deferentially referred to him as “president.” The solemn occasion was broken with muted laughter from an appreciative audience when Erap reacted in a booming voice, “Wag na president – brod lang ako ngayon.” Everyone present was charmed by the former President’s seeming humility, turning all of them into instant Erap fans.

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