Great artist

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., popularly known as Dolphy or Pidol, passed away at age 83. Public opinion is unanimous that he was a great artist as movie actor, stage and TV entertainer, comedian, dancer and singer. He won FAMAS and Brussels Film Festival Best Actor Awards. He was a complete performer.

His biggest achievement — he made people laugh. He brought happiness to every Filipino home for 6 decades.

He rose from chorus dancer to be the highest paid actor. It’s a dramatic rag to riches success story. He made 60 big hits at Sampaguita pictures where he was a favorite of the late Dr. Jose Perez.

Humble and walang yabang, Dolphy refused to run for a sure senatorial berth saying “Its easy to win but what will I do if I win.”

Better late than never, Dolphy deserves to be declared a National Artist. President Joseph Estrada said no award is enough to measure up to Dolphy’s lifetime achievement.

To Zsa Zsa Padilla and his 18 children, our sincerest condolences.

May he rest in peace. 

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TOO EARLY . . With Presidential elections 4 years away, it is puzzling why the Philippine Daily Inquirer headlined “Jojo-Jinggoy tandem shaping up for 2016.” It also reported that Mar-Chiz team for LP is being worked out.

While a Binay-Jinggoy team up is a big probability, anything can happen in 4 years. A Binay-Chiz and Binay-Bong Revilla team up cannot be ruled out. Bongbong Marcos is also available as NP candidate for President or Vice President.

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AGAINST PRIVATIZATION . . Mindanao Women Leaders have organized to oppose the privatization of the Agus Pulangi Hydroelectric Power plants. They formed Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) with Margie Moran Floirendo as chairperson, Irene Santiago as CEO and Patricia Mae Ruivivar as project officer. 

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LONG WAIT . . It took 9 months to issue Executive Order no. 79 on mining policy.

Clearly it was a compromise between the demands of environmentalists and mining companies but left other new provisions for Congress to legislate, particularly the tax rate on mining operations.

In the meantime, environmentalists have scored a major victory with the suspension of issuance of new mining agreements and the expanded ban on mining of agricultural and eco-tourism areas.

Congress must act fast. We need the additional revenue.

We need thousands of jobs created by mining investments. 

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POST SCRIPT . . After President Aquino heaped praises on BJMP, 11 inmates led by notorious bandit Datukan Samad alias Lastikman bolted the Cotabato City jail.

A previous rescue attempt of 50 heavily armed men was foiled. This should have put BJMP Cotabato jailguards on notice and extra precautions taken.

The nagging question: was there a payoff to allow Lastikman to escape?

Prisoners bolting jails have become a common occurrence.

Do something DILG Sec. Robredo.

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NO CHA-CHA . . DBM Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad said that Cha-cha is not on the list of President Aquino’s priorities.

This controverts Presidential Adviser on political affairs Ronald Llamas’ statement that the Aquino administration is now open to Charter Change.

Surveys have shown that there is no widespread public support for Cha-cha. Focus should be on the RH bill, the Freedom of Information bill and sin taxes.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. have scheduled a meeting to discuss Cha-cha.

Members of the House of Representatives and local government officials want removal of term limits and extending their term from 3 to 4 years.

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SAVE WATER . . With the rainy season in full swing, there is need to remind DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson of the need to construct rainwater saving devices on public and private buildings.

Angat Dam released water last week. Why can’t we save that, too? Again, lets remind the authorities, including DA Sec. Proceso Alcala, to build water impounding dams.

Diarrhea outbreaks happen frequently due to contaminated water and bottled water is costly and adds to the burden of poor families.

The ADB has warned that Metro Manila needs a new water source. Lets revive proposals to tap Laguna de Bay as a water source.

The DOH must do regular checking of the quality of bottled water produced by retailers. 

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TIDBITS . . . Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino of Tanauan Batangas is 70 years old not 80 years old as earlier reported. Sorry Mam. Thank you to her husband Nani Aquino for calling our attention.

The Barangay chairman of Bucana, Davao City is Roberto Olanolan.

Governor ER Ejercito is holding nightly rallies. Last Tuesday, it was held at San Benito, Alaminos. He raffled off 10 electric fans, 3 washing machines and 1 TV set. It was a happy affair.

The Philippine Military Academy is now accepting gay cadets.

Akyat bahay gang burglars robbed ABS-CBN reporter Jay Ruiz’ house at Barangay Holy Spirit, QC.

Filipinos are living longer. Dolphy was 83. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is 88. President Erap Estrada is 75. Senators Joker Arroyo and Edgardo Angara are 84 and 70 respectively. Speaker Sonny Belmonte is 70. Advances in medicine have prolonged the longevity of Filipinos.

Jessica Uy, daughter of the late Cong. Reynaldo Uy is running for Governor of Samar against Gov. Sharee Ann Tan.

Birthday greetings to Mayor Jun Jun Binay of Makati.

Greetings to Gov. Sol Matugas of Surigao del Norte, Bong Manankil, president of the Salawag Federation of Homeowners Dasmariñas, Cavite, Barangay Chairman Dodong Monares of Kalunasan, Cebu City, Patricia Mae Ruivivar of the MCW, Joven and Maryann Gamba of Tapsilogan sa Tagaytay, Fr. Joebert Villasis of Kalibo and Wenceslao Vinzons Tan of San Juan.

Listen to Mr. Expose radio program over DZRJ-AM, 810 AM KHZ every Sunday from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.

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