MacArthur's advice to the Americans

What’s this I read that GMA’s allies in the House are blaming the World Bank whose rules have spawned corruption in our government? My reading is, corruption is confirmed.

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I also read in the papers that the Philippines is facing foreign aid cut due to corruption. Some lawmakers are blaming the foreign lenders, including the WB, for virtually causing this corruption. “Lisud man gud ang ilang rules, so mangurakot na lang mi,” mocked Teddy H., my good friend.

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Many are against the return of Spanish in our schools. Me, my stand is: The more languages our youths know the better for their search for a better life after school.

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I read in a Hong Kong newspaper that there are many good-paying jobs in Spain for those foreigners who can speak Spanish. That’s why crash courses in Spanish are being taught in many language schools in the former Crown Colony.

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The same Hong Kong newspaper reports that in China more and more young people are studying foreign languages, especially Spanish, French and, of course, English.

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In the Philippines, we seem to be content with Pinoy English, Tagalog and our local dialects. By Pinoy English I mean the kind of English Manny Pacquiao speaks when interviewed by English-speaking foreign journalists.

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My friend Teddy H. (here he comes again) says: “Barack Obama should not snub the Philippines ... Gen. Douglas MacArthur once said to the American people: “Let us not forget the Philippines for in our time of need the Filipinos did not fail us.” He was referring to World War II during which millions of Filipinos, soldiers and civilians, died for the American flag.

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E-mail from Ros Naldo in Manila: “Ang pagdumili ni Barack Obama sa pagpakigkita ni Presidente Arroyo, nga gusto gyud unta makig-meet kaniya, is a clear manifestation of what kind of human being he is. It shows his arrogance. His ill breeding. Pila ra gud ang pag-ingon ‘Hi’ o ba kaha paglamano sa iyang co-President. Bahala nag gikontrahan si Gloria sa daghan Pinoy at home. Tungod kay guest siya ug si Obama ang host, dapat lang iyang abi-abihon ang iyang guest.”

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Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. “Happy Valentine’s,” I said to a kumpadre and his reply was: “Suloha lang, Pre.” He had splitup with his wife and the reason I would rather not reveal.

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