Top stories of the year

Happy New Year greetings to all our friends and readers. May the New Year bring a better life for all especially jobs for the poor, good health, good luck and God bless you!

The following stories made the headlines:

1. The impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

2. Filing of a plunder case and arrest of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

3. Typhoon Pablo and extensive casualties and damage.

4. The occupation by China of the West Philippine Sea.

5. The signing of the Framework Peace Agreement with the MILF.

6. The approval of the RH bill despite all-out opposition by the CBCP.

7. The appointment of Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.

8. The death of DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo.

9. The disqualification of about 100 party-list groups from participating in the election of May 2013.

10. The knockout loss of Manny Paquiao to Juan Manuel Marquez.

11. Suspension of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

12. Passage of the Sin Tax Law.

13. Appointment of Marvic Leonen to the Supreme Court.

14. The death of Dolphy.

15. The appointment of Mar Roxas as DILG Secretary.

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CEBU STAND OFF . . The PNP thru Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo plans to physically remove Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia from her office at the Provincial Capitol.

Vice President Jejomar Binay has warned the PNP that the action cannot be done without court order or a warrant of arrest.

Binay  said the plan if carried out would be a “provocative act” that could heighten political tensions in Cebu and invite counter-actions that could have political consequences beyond Garbo’s control.

VP Binay suggested that judicial courtesy be extended to the Court of Appeals where Garcia filed a petition for TRO.

Amado Doronila, Inquirer columnist expressed the view that the President “stands under heavy political fall-out” with the suspension of Gov. Gwen Garcia.

He also said that “the suspension order plunged the central government into war with the Cebu government.”

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2013 WISHES . .

1. That all senior citizens receive monthly allowance of at least P1,400 each.

2. That the campaign against corruption succeeds at all levels.

3. That NAIA 3 will be fully operational at last.

4. That NAIA be upgraded by FAA to category one.

5. That the power crisis in Mindanao be solved.

6. That the Freedom of Information Bill will be passed into Law.

7. That the amendments to the Cybercrime prevention Act be approved.

8. That the 3 million jobs be created for the unemployed.

9. That we achieve self sufficiency in rice and all importation and smuggling be stopped.

10. That the VAT on gasoline and oil products be removed.

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IN DARKNESS . . President Aquino signed the RH bill into law without ceremony on December 21 and will take effect 15 days after publication.

CBCP Bishops said that it was signed under cover of darkness.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged those against the law to pursue their case before the Supreme Court.

The implementing rules and regulations will be passed within 60 days from effectivity of the law.

Melinda Gates, wife of American Philanthropist Bill Gates congratulated President Aquino on the passage of the RH Law. “Congratulations @Noynoy Aquino for providing women in the Philippines information about and access to lifesaving contraceptive,” Gates said.

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BINAY CUP . . Vice President Jejomar Binay was the guest of honor at the 26th Alay sa Kawal Ceremonies at the San Lazaro racetrack at Carmona, Cavite.

It marked the running of a special race for the Binay Cup. Among the VIPs present were Cris Nelson of PMFTC, Ramon Pedrosa, Cesar Sarino, Atty. Boy Reyno, chairman of the Board and Atty. King Reyno, president and Panama Ambassador Roberto Vallerino.

A 3rd racetrack owned by a group led by Norberto Quisumbing is opening soon in Malvar, Batangas.

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TIDBITS . . . An explosion hits a bus in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, 5 passengers hurt; 2 blasts also hit Tacurong City.

Former Mayor Mary Jane Ortega told us that La Union province has the highest longevity record of 70.9 years. She attributes to the simple diet of Ilocanos who usually eat diningdeng, pinakbet fresh seafood including maritangtang and seaweeds.

The municipality of Santol, La Union placed no. 3 in the ranking of towns nationwide in terms of good governance. San Gabriel, La Union placed no. 10. Vice Governor  Pearl Pacada of Tarlac was chosen outstanding Vice Governor for region I.

New Year’s greetings to avid readers Vice Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr. of Santa, Ilocos Sur, Chief Inspector Greg Guerero and PO2 Jennifer Abad of Santa, Mrs. Yolly Reyno, Atty. King Reyno, Zaldy Marasigan, Mayor Boying and Melanie Valdez of San Nicolas, GMA-7 reporter Hadji Rieta, Mayor Zuriel Zaragoza, Vice Mayor Charito Zaragoza of Narvacan, Mayor Joy Pinzon Merin and husband John Merin of Bangar, La Union, Board Member Reynaldo Mosuela, former Mayor George Pinzon, Atty. Reggie Moreno, Mayor Edgar Florendo of Sta. Maria, Cong. Victor Ortega and his wife Mary Jane. Gov. Manoling Ortega, Vice Gov. Aureo Nisce, Mayor Pablo Ortega, Board Members Pepe Ortega and Kit Ortega, Councilors of San Fernando. Also to Ver Gomez, Donet Canasa of Capas, Tarlac, Alma Ebdane of Zambales and Melba D’Bayan.