Finished in May

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile announced he intends to finish the impeachment trial before the end of May by holding daily sessions up to 12 midnight if necessary.

He said there is no need for submission of final memoranda by the parties and he will immediately put the case to a vote after the defense finishes its presentation and the prosecution terminates its rebuttal.

He said he will be last to vote. Observers at this point are of the opinion that it is not clear who will win the case, especially since the prosecution needs to secure 16 votes to convict.

On another matter, Sen. Pres. Enrile said the Philippines has a strong case to support its claim of ownership over the Scarborough shoal.

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ADB WARNING . . In a report entitled Food Security and Poverty in Asia and The Pacific, ADB predicted rising food prices and worsening poverty.

Xian Bin Yao, ADB’s Pacific Director General predicted that rising global population, with Asia accounting for more than half will increase demand for food, animal feed and biofuel.

Yao urged governments to reduce food wastage and storage losses, encourage rural development and provide well targeted safety nets to protect the poor from hunger.

Meanwhile, the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that the inflation rate for April rose to 3% from 2.6% in March due to higher fuel, food and utility prices.

BSP Governor Amado Tetangco predicted a 3-5% inflation rate for 2012-2013.

The Filipino must brace himself for higher prices without relief the next few years unless the President agrees to reduce taxes on oil products.

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GOOD JOB. . ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda lauded the Philippines for its successful hosting of the 45th Annual ADB Governors meeting which was attended by close to 5,000 delegates. He also praised the Aquino government’s reform agenda and the CCT program.

Significant was the fact that no delegate was harmed or held up during the 4-day meeting.

Congratulations are in order for Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima, BSP Gov. Amado Tetangco, Trade Secretary Gregorio Domingo, Gen. Nick Bartolome and hundreds of convention committee assistants.

Ann Quon, ADB communication department head credited the Philippine government for the big number of participants.

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BIAZON BLAMES ALCALA . . Hog raisers and poultry producers are now planning a 5-day pork holiday to escalate its protest against the continued smuggling of meat and chicken.

In the Customs zone, customs officials know who the players who specialize on products are. They know who are involved. They know the major food importers. And as usual the consignees are fake.

It is difficult to accept that Commissioner Ruffy Biazon now blames the Department of Agriculture for the smuggling. There have been cases in the past when shipments of meat products come in even without permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Biazon has formed a task force against meat smuggling. Let us see what results they will produce.

The corruption in the Bureau of Customs are continuing.

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POLITICAL UPDATE . . Sec. Mar Roxas inducted 12 Mayors of Negros Occidental into the LP in the presence of President Aquino.

Former Congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr., uncle of President Aquino has been named Secretary-General of PDP-Laban replacing Joey de Venecia who assumed the post of Executive Vice President. Sen. Koko Pimentel, PDP-Laban President said Cojuangco will manage the party preparation for the 2013 elections.

Former Sen. Dick Gordon may join the UNA ticket. Former Sen. Jamby Madrigal is being considered by the LP for its senatorial ticket.

Former Mayor Lito Atienza is being urged by UNA leaders to run for Congress in the 5th District of Manila against Cong. Amado Bagatsing.

ExCong. Benny Abante wants to run for Senator.

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UNSTOPPABLE CRIME WAVE . . Shipping Executive, Vicente Cordero III, 27, a resident of Rockwell, Makati was abducted by 6 men in police uniform while biking with friends at Daang Hari Road, Las Piñas.

A grenade explosion rocked an Iligan City Resto-bar Saturday, killing 3 persons and wounding 25.

Vice Mayor Abel Martinez, 81, was shot dead outside his house in Barangay Poblacion Proper in Mambusao, Capiz.

Three men were found dead with bullet wounds to the head inside their pick up truck in Asingan, Pangasinan.

Jun Amores, 39, a burger joint owner was shot in the head while inspecting his store at Barangay Bagong Ilog, Pasig.

Alfredo “Bading” Mendiola principal witness against the Dominguez brothers was shot dead together with two companions at Imus, Cavite.

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RICHEST CONGRESSMEN . . Rep. Manny Pacquiao (Sarangani) is the richest Congressman with a declared net worth of P1.35 billion.

Coming 2nd is Congw. Imelda R. Marcos with a declared net worth of P932.6 million. Third richest is Speaker Feliciano Belmonte with P726.2 million net worth. Fourth richest is Cong. Albee Benitez (Negros Occidental 2nd District) with P686.1 million. In 5th place is Cong. Jules Ledesma (Negros Occidental 1st District) with P555 million followed by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez with P474.1 million and Iloilo Rep. Augusto “Buboy” Syjuco with P302 million.

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TIDBITS . . . In ADB sideline interview, DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson said “We have to improve our airport. We are ready to host bigger events.”

DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro wrote us to say that under his watch, the unit cost of textbooks has gone down from P53 to P39.

President Erap is transferring to his Manga Avenue, Sta. Mesa, Manila house tomorrow.

Happy Fiesta to Parokya San Miguel Arkanghel, Lobo, Batangas today. Congratulations to Kristel Ann Cureg Concepcion, Ms. Mutya Ng Parokya San Miguel Arkanghel, Kate Allyson Manalo Lawas, 2nd runner-up and Pia Guia Francisco, 3rd runner-up.