An Invisible Threat

The proposed bill of "Right of Reply" by both houses of Congress is a clear threat poses against the Media.

I am not a media personnel but, I can rely on media rather than the government today and for the future maybe. This proposed bill of Right of Reply can dictate the media outlets such as: radio, newspaper, television and maybe here in the web to have a space for "their" reply on the issue.

In a free society you cannot dictate the media of such acts.

Discussion continued in The Political Agenda.

Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel announces her bid

That's right the good-looking and brave solon of the Prty-List Akbayan has announced her plans to run for senator this 2010 national elections.

In a press conference, Hontiveros said she has decided with her party-list to "take a calculated risk" in 2010 to help usher in a new brand of politics.

"We are running for the Senate in 2010," said Hontiveros, who began her career as a legislator during the 13th Congress.

The lawmaker said she first made her announcement during her birthday dinner last Monday night. Among those who attended were Akbayan members, Liberal Party members, and Senators Manuel Villar and Alan Peter Cayetano.

With this...Belated Happy Birthday to you madame.

Please I hope there soon to be more candidates-to-be from the roster of the Opposition.

Philippine veterans awaits the package

Our dear Philippine veterans from World War II awaits the benefits of being pensioners as the stimulus act of the United States is being approved.

It was said that in the Obama administration "no one should be left behind". He indeed stood up in his promise, by signing the economic stimulus bill ($787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) thus making it a law. Tucked in the legislation is a provision appropriating $198 million for the Filipino veterans who fought alongside the U.S. forces during the WWII. This act could pay the long-overdue debt to the Philippine war veterans of the second world war.

They were promised payments in fighting against Japanese but never were paid. A blessing indeed for the remaining 18,000 survivors who really needs the money here and overseas.

With the bill signed, how soon can we see the release of these benefits?
Ret. Major Gen. Delfin Lorenzana, head of the Veterans Affairs office of the Philippine Embassy said: “It takes about 90 days for them to set up the mechanism. The target is to start immediately so they can start processing the papers immediately. They expect, maybe an estimate within three months there will be some benefits.”