Reduce rice price

One of the black marks of the first 12 months of President Aquino is the high prices of prime commodities. But the administration has only itself to blame because it increased the price of NFA rice 50 percent from P18 to P27/kilo.

The President proudly declared that rice imports which is highly overpriced has been reduced to 860,000 metric tons this year, to drop further in 2012. NFA Administrator Lito Banayo reported that NFA recorded a combined profit and savings of about P2.6 billion.

The price of NFA rice should now be rolled back to about P22-24/kilo. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) has been budgeted at P50 billion for 2012 and will benefit three million beneficiaries.

While the rollback of rice prices will cost billions, its impact will be felt by all poor Filipinos, let’s say 10.8 million families, and will help stop our rising inflation. It will also bring down commercial rice prices now at P32-34/kilo.

Consider it, Mr. President, it’s a sensible move, a good complimentary step to the CCT, better than rice subsidy schemes. It has no administrative cost.

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SONA SIDELIGHTS. . .While the media reported that President Noynoy Aquino’s 53 minute speech was applauded 51 times, most of it was started from the gallery and not from the floor and was not enthusiastic except for one. The loudest applause came when President Aquino declared the Spratlys was ours and we are ready to defend it. Loud applause also greeted the announcement of the appointment of Justice Conchita Carpio Morales as Ombudsman.

The President used the word “wang-wang” 20 times. He stopped to cough three times.

President Erap was the most sought after personality to be interviewed by media. Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and Sen. Miriam Santiago were also popular interviewees.

The best dressed were Reps. Imelda Marcos, Lucy Gomez, Gina de Venecia and Ana York Bondoc and Senators Loren Legarda and Pia Cayetano. Also Helen Gamboa Sotto and Baby Arenas.

At Commonwealth Avenue, 5,000 protesters burned President Aquino’s effigy.

The Batasan Compound looked like a luxury car exchange with so many Mercedez Benzes, BMWs, Audis, Cadillac Escalades Chrysler 300S sporting No. 8 plates.

Former DBM Sec. Ben Diokno disputes P-Noy’s claim of 4 rating upgrades. He said there is only one.

We will not call the speech dull but, certainly it was uninspiring and did not give reason to feel good.    

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GOOD APPOINTMENT. . .Justice Conchita Carpio Morales is a good choice for Ombudsman, certainly overqualified. The only objection raised was her age of 70.

These days, people live to 90 or longer due to advances in medicine. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is 86, Manila Mayor Fred Lim is 82, Contractor David Consunji is still active at 87. Justice Jose Melo performed satisfactorily at age 74. I am certain Justice Morales is healthy and fit for the job. Good luck, Madam!

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P700 MILLION COFFEE MONEY!. . .When gamblers say “coffee money”, it means a few pesos won just good for a coffee break. But to former Chairman Ephraim Genuino, coffee money means P1.7 billion, and if estimates are correct, the lucky concessionaire made a tremendous profit of at least P700 million, as the cost charged to Pagcor was 70 percent more than what is charged outside the 12 casinos.

But who is the lucky concessionaire? On paper it is a certain lady named Lot Manalo who represented her company as a SEC registered firm. A check of SEC records showed no registration. What was found was a Department of Trade registration by Carlota Cristie Manalo Tan, the wife of Johnny Tan, an official and the second nominee of Party list BIDA foundation which is headed by Sheryl Genuino See. “Talagang piniga”, P500 million from a coffee contract. As Noynoy said “Naman!!!” How much for a Pagcor Casino license? Much more? Probably.

How about the consumption of cigarettes and liquor which are not strictly accounted for?

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INFLUENTIAL. . .After one year, the following non-Cabinet Members have emerged as close to President Aquino and have ready access to him:

1. Cristino “Bong “Naguiat, close friend

2. Romy Mercado, classmate, businessman, King Air leader

3. Alex Lopez, classmate, contractor

4. Manolo Abellada, brother-in-law

5. Jun Delantar, long time Senate Assistant and lawyer

6. Tony Boy Cojuangco, cousin, major financial contributor

7. Salvador “Buddy” Zamora, mining magnate, major campaign contributor

8. Rafa Lopa, cousin

9. Eldon Cruz, brother-in-law

10. Joseph Juico, QC Councilor, campaign aide

11. Rachel Ahorro, private secretary

12. Gerry Acuzar, major contributor, real estate magnate

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IT’S NOW HISTORY. . . The Aquino Administration recorded a historical footnote that its first act, Executive Order No. 1 creating the Truth Commission was junked as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. That’s what you call starting on the wrong foot. The person who principally drafted the Executive Order, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide should no longer be appointed to any government position. Like Garci, he has the unenviable record of installing GMA as President in 2001.

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TIDBITS. . . PPCRV Chair Tita de Villa called us to relay Bishop Nereo Odchimar’s denial that he received a vehicle from President Gloria Arroyo. He said he bought a 2nd hand Pajero with his personal funds.

Condolences to the Cojuangco family on the shocking death of Josephine Cojuangco Reyes while delivering her eulogy during the wake for brother Don Pedro Cojuangco.

Condolences also to the family of Romeo Villongco, a very good friend of Nene Vera Perez. He was a very decent, Christian gentleman.

Condolences too, to Gov. Joey Salceda on the untimely death of his mother who slipped in their bathroom.

Greetings to our readers Toto Ong, Snow Tago, Mayor Recom Echiverri, Law Dean Charlie Espero and OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon.