The announced claim of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. that he was approached by someone who offered to kill the President is not only a queer incident, but also indicates that former VP Guingona must have considered the threat against the President as frivolous. Either that or the former Veep is irresponsible.

If Guingona considered the offer frivolous, he probably should not have taken pains to write about it in his memoirs. But he must have considered it serious enough to record it for the whole world to know. The point, however, is it was irresponsible on the part of Mr. Guingona, even if he did not entertain the offer, when he never took steps to have the would-be assassin arrested and investigated. The fact is, the man had directly proposed to Mr. Guingona the dastardly act of assassinating the President, and that alone is serious enough. It would have been a patriotic act for the former vice president to sound the alarm bells and reported the matter to the police and have the man arrested and investigated.

I am sorry to say, but in effect, Mr.Guingona covered up the matter and protected the would-be assassin from being uncovered and prosecuted.

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The President was correctly advised in not ordering the takeover of Sulpicio Lines, even assuming that that would have been justified. In an emergency situation as we have just witnessed, the Constitution contemplates two  kinds of takeover: 1) Section 17 of Article 12 of the Constitution, which refers to temporary takeover; and 2) Section 18 of Article 12, which refers to permanent takeover upon payment of just compensation. However the Supreme Court ruled that even in Section 17, there is still a need for a congressional authority. I disagree with the Supreme Court interpretation, but in the meantime, we should respect it. We must also consider the Domestic Shipping Act of 2004 (RA 9295) which is a reiteration of Section 17, in giving authority to the President to take over shipping companies in times of emergency. We discussed this lengthily during the Cabinet meeting in Iloilo yesterday, July 1. 

The President has taken the view that we can test RA 9295 and let those who fight it go back to the Supreme Court. At any rate, the Cabinet decided that the ships of Sulpicio Lines may resume their operations, using the crew of Sulpicio but under the supervision of Marina and/or the Coast Guard, whose officers will be onboard the ships. However, the vessels will be limited to cargo ships, the rationale being that the Philippines is short of vessels and suspending Sulpicio Lines totally would adversely affect the supply of goods and deprive people of access to basic commodities. 

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Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, became the first Asian on Sunday, June 29, to hold four different world titles: flyweight, super-bantamweight, super-featherweight and the first Filipino lightweight champion of the world. It is a ray of sunshine after the tragedy and devastation brought about by Typhoon Frank and one which Manny, the “Pambansang Kamao,” deserved most. 

We join the nation in congratulating Pacquiao for making the Filipino prouder than ever. His feat is certainly a crowning moment for Philippine sports and the republic. Once again, through his victory, the Filipino has proved himself above the rest. Mabuhay ka, Manny Pacquiao!

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Typhoon Frank has left the country, but its ill effects are still very much with us. Which is why we Filipinos need to remain resilient and strong; we also must help uplift the morale of those hit hard by the typhoon. Let me just say that those who wish to get a free ride on the pains of others: Let’s not inject politics into the rehabilitation process. It is important to remind unscrupulous people who take advantage of the situation at the expense of the suffering of the public that such display of pretentious concern always leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Editorial: A chair, a sweater—for the world?

THE situation of Cebu’s furniture industry, which has thrived for decades as a class unto itself in the global market, is one worth reviewing by those who make economic policy at the national and local government levels, and those who want to stay in business in these challenging times.

Outside the Box: The coming commodity-price collapse

The indirect consequence of the oil-price rise and the dollar-value drop is the largest increase in commodity prices since 1973. Commodities finished their best first-half year in 35 years. And what is unique about 1973?

About Town: Making every drop count

‘Water is not like oil. There is no substitute. If we continue to take it for granted, much of the earth is going to run short of water or food—or both.” This insight comes from a recent study made by the International Food Policy Research Institute and the International Water Management Institute entitled “Global Water Outlook to 2025: Averting an Impending Crisis.”

Tax Law for Business: More teeth in the administration of justice

Republic Act 9503, or “An Act enlarging the organizational structure of the Court of Tax Appeals, amending for the purpose certain sections of the law creating the Court of Tax Appeals and for other purposes,” was signed into law by the President on June 11.

Alálaong bagá: Learning from the meek and humble

He came riding a donkey, distinguished and victorious; he came to proclaim peace, offering a universal hope to the nations (Zechariah 9:9-10). He called those who are weary and burdened in life, and promised them solace and rest (Matthew11:25-30).

Inter Press Service: George W. Bush deserves Nobel Peace Prize

ROME—With Barack Obama likely to win the White House this November, George W. Bush has become more of a lame duck than other US presidents at the end of their terms. The unusually high turnout in the primary elections demonstrated the desire of the American populace to free itself from an administration that is already considered the worst in American history.

Reflections from the Mirror: Assassination threat ignored?

The announced claim of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. that he was approached by someone who offered to kill the President is not only a queer incident, but also indicates that former VP Guingona must have considered the threat against the President as frivolous. Either that or the former Veep is irresponsible.