President Duterte’s success in getting former President Fidel Ramos as Philippine Ambassador to deal with, and help settle our territorial dispute with China, many now think it is now logically possible for him to tap former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Philippine Mission Ambassador to the United Nations. With her stature, qualifications and experiences, GMA is indeed ideal for the post.
This prospect becomes even more appealing since Hilary Clinton, wife of former US president Bill Clinton, GMA’s classmate at Georgetown University, could win the US presidency shortly.
When that happens and with GMA’s goodwill, our country could enjoy more beneficial access to international affairs.
An FVR-GMA diplomatic tandem could indeed help greatly promote Philippine interest in global affairs.
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Veteran Spanish journalist Pepe Rodriguez, who has taken Filipino citizenship, shares our observation about FVR and GMA, Don Pepe, my fellow former president of the Manila Overseas Press Club, is married to former Lulu Coching, a portrait artist and daughter of National Artist Francisco V. Coching. He is quite upbeat about GMA’s potential engagement under Duterte’s administration.
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Ariel Abriam, a retired US Navy officer, who operates Ariel’s Point, the internationally known tourist complex in Buruanga, Aklan, is against the proposed 2-kilometer bridge to connect mainland Panay with Boracay, the world renown Pacific tourist island paradise.
Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, which operates the adjacent Caticlan airport, has proposed his company will construct the bridge. Aklan Congressman Lito Marquez and the Boracay Foundation Inc. have expressed opposition to the plan. Aklan Gov. Joeben Miraflores said he is also against it but will keep an open mind to the idea.
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PDP-Laban’s supermajority in both chambers of Congress assures President Duterte can deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitments. To ensure they are delivered in their best desired quantity, quality and timeliness, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda proposes the reactivation of the Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor agencies under Malacañang.
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There surely is a need for Charter change, preferably via a Constitutional Convention. My apprehension about a Constituent Assembly, is the conflict of interest among many members of Congress on the issue of political dynasty, aside from the likely possibility they may tinker with their own terms of office to favor themselves. The issues of expanse and lengthy process via Concon must be accepted. (Johnny Dayang)