“Clearly… while it is the President who proposes the national budget, it is the Congress that prescribes the form, content and manner of budget preparation albeit subject to the limitations found in the Constitution. Hence, as the ‘power of the sword’ belongs to the President, the ‘power of the purse’ resides in Congress.” “While its constitutional conferment is… Read More »
In late June this year, four of those accused of having exploited for their personal advantage funds from the Congress ‘pork barrel’ have, one by one and separately, voluntarily presented themselves to agencies executing the decisions made by of the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan for their arrest and arraignment. To me, this was an ok… Read More »
The name Cusipag is synonymous to Fil-Canadian journalism. Ruben Cusipag, founder and first publisher/editor of Balita, pioneered the news business about the Philippines in Canada. This was remarkable because starting a newspaper in the early days was a thankless and unprofitable enterprise. It was really for the love of the written word that pioneers like Ruben dared to… Read More »
CHICAGO (JGL) – I have been hearing rumors that the Philippine Supreme Court is in the cusp of deposing my friend, former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, and have him replaced by defeated Mayor Alfredo S. Lim. But I cannot find the right reason that could complete the trifecta and totally humiliate the brewing Estrada… Read More »
~ The fancy celebrations, the posh parties, the preposterous claims to fame – they all come together to lull Toronto’s Filipino community into a world of make-believe. One such event has winded up a bash with no president in attendance, and another is coming up with a promise to save millions worldwide. Toronto’s 200,000-strong community members must be… Read More »
We could have heaved a sigh of relief after reading reports that the Ombudsman has finally filed graft and plunder charges against businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, at least four senators, a few congressmen and some government and private individuals in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam that has haunted the country for almost a year now. Finally,… Read More »
The Philippine Congress is composed of millionaires, according to recent news. They’re there either to make big bucks or to protect what they already have. And add to it. It’s no surprise to the people that many members of both houses of Congress here are rich beyond any ordinary man or woman’s wildest dreams. Even though the ethos… Read More »
~ The unfolding summer activities in Toronto would surely give way to the most ostentatious claims again. Numbers would be inflated like soaring balloons. It’s the season of the superlative events. No longer would it be a surprise to see one bash after another being labeled as “the most glamourous . . . “, “the greatest . .… Read More »
The international community continues to be impressed with how the Philippine economy has been standing its ground in the face of global economic malaise. In May President Aquino and his economic managers were on center stage and had the chance to highlight the country’s continued growth. International big shots were in town for the World Economic Forum… Read More »
“In thy foul throat thou liest.” ― William Shakespeare, Richard III LONDON, England – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, “Noynoy” to the Filipino masses, appeared to have sneaked out of Manila, flew across the Pacific Ocean, soared over the United States and landed in Toronto, Canada. The trip by commercial airlines spanning two continents normally take 16… Read More »