Abu Sayyaf and BIFF (?)

Three bombings have occurred in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Midsayap, and Datu Piang towns, making a total of 5 bombings in less than 2 weeks time.

In an interview in Davao City, President Aquino said “three threat groups” were behind the bombings citing the possibility that Abu Sayyaf  Groups (ASG) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were behind the bombings.

He warned that the 3 threat groups would “feel the full brunt, depth and might of the State’s response”.

People are waiting for the details and the final report of the AFP and PNP’s investigations. 17 people have been killed and 84 wounded in the bombings. The government must give a full explanation.

Meanwhile, government forces raided an Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan, killing 6 rebels while one soldier died.

The President said the bombings were part of an effort to derail the peace process with the MILF in Mindanao.

The AFP announced it is not sending additional troops to Mindanao.

*   *   *

Stem cell bill

Congressman Eufranio Eriguel (La Union, 2nd District) has filed House Bill 212 entitled the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act of 2013.

The bill seeks to establish a government agency tasked to handle the accreditation and licensing of stem cell therapy practitioners and private research in the field.

Representative Eriguel said that with proper government intervention, stem cell therapy might be enhanced and made accessible to the public while also regulating the persons and the institutions involved in the practice.

Stem cell therapy is offered in Metro Manila hospital at a cost of around P2.5 million for treatment. It is offered in Germany at a cost of 12,000 Euros or about P700,000.

It has allegedly been effective in treating diseases such as strokes, autism, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, spinal injuries, and a host of other ailments.

*   *   *

Poor planning

The South Terminal opened at the Coastal Road Mall in Parañaque has produced confusion and thousands of complaints.

There were no rope lines, no signs, not enough MMDA personnel to guide pedestrians. The bottom line, there were not enough preparation and planning. Now, they even have to rush a roof over the pedestrian areas and the overpass.

This is similar to the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental where passengers complain about the lack of facilities including security equipment.

There is lack of concern for the riding public.

*   *   *

Sanctions lifted

Manila Cultural and Economic Office (MECO) Chairman Amadeo Perez, Jr. flew to Taiwan to deliver a personal apology on behalf of President Aquino to the Hung family, the Taiwanese fisherman who was shot dead by Philippine Coast Guard personnel.

Taiwan announced the lifting of sanctions against the Philippine government including the ban on hiring Filipino workers.

This is an embarrassing incident but at least it has ended well.

The NBI recommended the filing of homicide charges against 8 PCG personnel.

Taiwan prosecutors are also filing charges against the PCG personnel in Taiwan.

*   *   *

Lim resignation accepted

President Aquino announced in Davao that General Danny Lim (retired) will be given a new post outside of the Bureau of Customs.

It looks like Deputy Commissioner Juan Lorenzo Tañada will be retained upon request of Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon.

Lim has reportedly asked for the Immigration Bureau Commissioner post but was turned down.

President Aquino refused to tell reporters what he intends to do with Customs collectors who have submitted their resignations.

*   *   *

Miriam in sick leave

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is on extended sick leave. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said it is up to Senate President Franklin Drilon to decide whether she will continue to receive her salaries, allowances and her P200 million pork barrel.

Senator Santiago must also explain whether she will still report to the International Criminal Court at the Hague, Netherlands. It’s an international commitment.

Then Senate President Enrile cut off the salaries of Senator Ping Lacson when he went into hiding abroad.

*   *   *

Presidential pork barrel

Representative Neri Colmenares, Bayan Party-List has revealed that President Aquino was allocated P102 billion in discretionary funds for 2012-2013.

Colmenares revealed that the practice started during President Arroyo’s time but was continued under President Aquino. In addition, there are more than P200 billion in public works lumpsum funds which can be released only upon approval of the President.

The President has constitutional authority to realign any savings from one department to another.

There must be an accounting of these discretionary funds.

*   *   *

Tidbits. Five million children in the Philippines are working, with 3 million of them in hazardous jobs, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). The implication, the parents have no choice because they are not earning enough.

An oil spill happened in Rosario, Cavite. The fish catch has been affected as the oil spill reached 9 barangays. Mayor Nonong Ricafrente has asked the Philippine Coast Guard to clean up the mess.

Jollibee’s income increased by 32% to P1.2 billion for the  2nd quarter.

Five media men have been put in jail in Dipolog by PNP Provincial Commander Supt. Reynaldo Maclang of Zamboanga Del Norte.

Complaints sent to DILG Sec. Mar Roxas have not been acted upon.

Congratulations to newly-elected Congressmen Henry Oaminal (Misamis Occidental, 2nd District), Eric Olivarez (Parañaque, 1st District), Gavini Pancho (Bulacan, 2nd district), Marie Anne Pernes (Siquijor, Lone District), Maria Leonor Robredo (Camarines Sur, 3rd District), Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Camiguin, Lone District), Rogelio Neil Roque (Bukidnon, 4th District), Ruby Sahali (Tawi-Tawi (Lone District), Josephine Sato (Occidental Mindoro, Lone District), Estrellita Suansing (Nueva Ecija, 1st District), Gustavo S. Tambunting (Parañaque, 2nd District), Abraham Tolentino (Cavite, 7th District), Juliette Uy (Misamis Oriental, 2nd District), Alfred Vargas (Quezon City, 5th District), and Noel Villanueva (Tarlac, 3rd District), Evelio Leonardia (Bacolod City), Zajid Mangudadatu (Maguindanao, 2nd District), Damian Mercado (Southern Leyte, Lone District), Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava (Guimaras, Lone District), Josseller Guiao (Pampanga, 1st District), Gerald Anthony Gullas (Cebu, 1st District), Ferdinand Hernandez (South Cotabato, 2nd District), Jeffrey Khonghun (Zambales, 1st District), Scott Davies Lañete (Masbate, 3rd District),  Paulo Salvador Leachon (Mindoro, 1st District), Lilia Nuño (Zamboanga City, 2nd District).