MANILA, Philippines - Comelec warns candidates in barangay and Sangunian elections against overspending. The same candidates who will run in the national elections and commit the same crime. *** Speaker Sonny Belmonte says the congressmen have voted to give themselves extra pork of P50 million but they are not calling it pork. All right, let's call it a bonus and forget all about it. *** DILG Undersecretary Puno claims that five cliques in Malacañang are out to get him. He is some lucky guy because the President continues to protect him. *** Businessmen are giving President Noynoy high marks in his first 100 days in office. He'll be okay as long as he has good advisers. *** Remittances by OFWs, averaging about P20 billion a year, are helping to sustain the country's 7 percent annual GDP growth. Let's think of a nice gesture to honor them - a monument perhaps? *** We congratulate journalist Erick San Juan for carrying on a media forum noted for its balanced, fair, and enlightening treatment of the day's issues. Erick is the host of the Friday Balitaan sa Rembrandt. He is also featured in an afternoon daily radio program as commentator and analyst. *** Muntinlupa City and Lagawe town in Ifugao are in the forefront of a growing movement to ban the use of plastics in residential and commercial establishments. We foresee a tidal wave of support for this movement in the very near future. *** Our friend Joey G. de Guzman has been appointed vice president for corporate communications of Philippine Airlines. It's an auspicious appointment because Joey has very solid connections with the media, being a naturally friendly and approachable man. He will make more friends for PAL. *** Former Mayor Mel Lopez is the unsung hero of our time. During his term as Manila mayor for seven years, Mel figured in ll hostage situations and succeeded in rescuing the victims without any loss of lives. Mel's friendly nature and sincerity in dealing with people always carried the day for him in those hostage situations. *** Congressmen promised not to increase their pork barrel but vowed not to give up the R50-million funding for their infrastructure projects. They are coming to their senses, thank God. *** D.Y. Caparas, a veteran reporter in the diplomatic beat, has been publishing a yearly Diplomatic and Consular Directory which makes for valuable reading by journalist, students, and teachers.
The directory is the only printed reference of its kind in the country and carries a comprehensive listing of the various foreign embassies and consulates, Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide with their address, e-mail, and other contact numbers, as well as a listing of other international organizations, capitals, and populations of all nations in the world. This year's directory is now off the press and limited copies are available at 224 F. Cruz St., Malibay, Pasay City
