This is the #NeverForget Diary, (originally) a weekly summary of what’s happening in the Philippines under Marcos II. In a time of mangled histories and fragile memories, it’s crucial never to forget. (Note: this post may be clipped in your email inbox. Photos from Rappler, AP.)
Apologies for the radio silence in the past 2 months! I was overtaken by events in my career and personal life. Most notably, I got busy launching and promoting my first book, False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them, published by Ateneo Press on 24 February 2023. Get your copy now from Lazada, Shopee, Fully Booked, and Solidaridad Bookshop!
In this roundup, I grouped together events and issues under major headings. Apparently tweets cannot be embedded on Substack anymore. But I hope you find this format useful.
INFLATION
Inflation is coming down, but core inflation is still rising, so the fight against inflation isn’t over.
Also, Marcos Jr. failed to do anything substantial about it.
Filipinos affected by inflation are still ok with Marcos. Unfortunately, they can’t link policymakers and their bad actions/inaction.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1642739321630498817?s=20
https://twitter.com/PJACaytonPhD/status/1646330178866651136?s=20
A Pulse Asia survey showed that a majority of people are dissatisfied with Marcos Jr.’s inflation response.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1645957435184812035
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1646105914729017345?s=20
https://twitter.com/loraabaje/status/1646335189927493633
The same survey showed that VP Duterte’s net satisfaction rating was higher than Marcos’s.Onions become a symbol of inflation.
Imee distributed garlands of onion and garlic on the Senate floor.
The BSP continues to raise interest rates to fight inflation.
Sen. President Zubiri announced P50,000 inflation “ayuda” for Senate staff.
Since August 2022, Finance Sec. Diokno said inflation already peaked, when it fact it didn’t peak until Feb 2023.
He also said gov’t is planning to give out P500 “ayuda” for 2 months to 9.3 million households. This may further stoke inflation.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1632994568038936576?s=20
By April, the DSWD said there’s still no money for this large scale ayuda.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1647451681695891457?s=20
Rep. Stella Quimbo proposed the use of tax revenues arising from inflation for social redistribution programs.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1630749157278482432?s=20
Marcos Jr. expressed a wish to eliminate hunger, even as inflation reached a 14-year high.
Marcos created an “Inter-agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook,” but this is several months late.
Elevated inflation might pull down growth, said Moody’s.
Marcos acknowledged that rising prices is the Pinoy’s biggest problem.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1641672061667131392?s=20
Diokno said they will use satellite tech to inform the president regarding agri production and inflation. Will this really help?
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1643346975096717312?s=20
Media reports that some families are borrowing money just to buy food.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1646901664375504896?s=20
AGRICULTURE
Imee Marcos “criticized” the gov’t for not planning well for the importation of onions. https://twitter.com/mightymagulang/status/1628693725231849472?s=20
Sugar fiasco 2.0: A wave of sugar imports arrived in the country even before the effectivity of the government’s new sugar order.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1631806707499413506?s=20
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1637668014396182528?s=20
3 sugar importers were apparently handpicked by an agri undersecretary.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1636619711059468290?s=20
In a separate occurrence, tons of sugar were smuggled in Subic in mid-March.
Amid the chaotic sugar importation, Sugar Regulatory Administration chief David Alba resigned. He’s the 2nd to do so under the Marcos admin.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1639122127327731712
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1643531789871484929?s=20
The Palace green-lit the sale of smuggled sugar in Kadiwa outlets—and at P70/kg to boot!
https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar/status/1637967256779890688
BSP Governor Felipe Medalla warned against agri cartels. “Yung mga kaibigan lang ang bibigyan ng quota. So mas madaling mag-organize ng cartel,” he said in response to Rep. Stella Quimbo.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1632373183625203713?s=20
Economists suggest tariffication of sugar as well.
Rice prices are rising, working against the president’s “aspiration” of P20/kg of rice.
https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1635946439690813446 https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1636630951903076352?s=20
https://twitter.com/TVPatrol/status/1635976686482104325?s=20
https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1643476161211797504
This, even as Marcos claimed in a speech that his government is close to achieving its goal of lowering price prices. Gaslighting!
https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1636253372465680384
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1636331365959602176?s=20
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1636704564790579206?s=20
Even in Kadiwa stores, rice is not being sold at P25/kg, the price indicated by Marcos.
The NFA proposes rice importation to beef up their buffer stock. But this goes against the 2019 Rice Tariffication Law.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1646865577183690753?s=20
The NFA walked back on this proposal.
https://twitter.com/JervisManahan/status/1647941151037571073
The president and DA wish for rice self-sufficiency by 2027. They’re also reportedly implementing a Masagana Rice Program 2023-2028 that includes Masagana 150 and Masagana 200.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648461099652743175?s=20
There’s also an uptick of pork, chicken prices.
https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar/status/1641209871424163840
CHARTER CHANGE
Some lawmakers were busy conducting public consultations for the proposed charter change.
https://twitter.com/newsdwight/status/1623911534513778688
In one of these events, Sen. Robin Padilla said the 1987 Constitution was an obstacle to economic growth. Wrong. https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1631125272442597376
Padilla also blurted out that if cha-cha had happened earlier, Rodrigo Duterte would be the president still. “Sayang.”
https://twitter.com/MalacananEvents/status/1636284166349176833
Padilla said that if we had a modern constitution, we could’ve avoided the Mindoro oil spill.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1638109982175686658?s=20
Rep. Stella Quimbo, an economist, throws her support behind cha-cha.
Lawmakers railroaded a bill to accompany Resolution of Both Houses 6, calling for a constitutional convention.
https://twitter.com/newsdwight/status/1630101053592186881
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/163014952989384704
A record 301 lawmakers supported this. Only 6 disagreed.
Speaker Romualdez said cha-cha will benefit the economy.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1632777205393793024?s=20
https://twitter.com/inquirerdotnet/status/1635946086614302721
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said cha-cha is an “investment for the future.”
https://twitter.com/iMPACTPH2019/status/1633024995952844801
Charter change was thumbed down by a civil society group in Cagayan de Oro, Rodriguez’s turf.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1635237949037244416?s=20
In an act of desperation, actors-turned-lawmakers (Robin Padilla and Richard Gomez) are capitalizing on their leftover fame to promote cha-cha.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1639045340430225410?s=20
A Pulse Asia survey in March showed a dramatic increase in the % of Filipinos favoring cha-cha. But the public is still quite divided.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1643133817610436608?s=20
WEST PH SEA
Chinese coast guard vessels shone powerful lasers in the direction of Philippine Coast Guard vessel.
https://twitter.com/xtian_mano/status/1624929128863633409
As expected, the Chinese foreign ministry gaslighted people about this incident.
More Chinese vessels were seen off Pag-asa Island.
The Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines issued a not-so-veiled threat toward Filipinos in Taiwan, amid the PH-US military exercises.
It took Marcos some time to respond.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1647019405535236097?s=20
The Chinese Embassy said the statement was taken out of context.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1647910309074444290
Marcos belatedly spoke on the issue, and chalked it up to misinterpretation. What?
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648568860268974080?s=20
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario died. He fought for our rights in the West Philippine Sea.
https://twitter.com/JervisManahan/status/1647941151037571073
US and Philippine troops engaged in large-scale military exercises. Senator Imee Marcos questions the decision to set up EDCA sites in Northern Luzon.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648622222389706754?s=20
MAHARLIKA INVESTMENT FUND
More economists oppose Maharlika. Calixto Chikiamco in a Senate hearing, arguing that state banks must be removed as funding sources.
In the wake of bank collapses abroad, the Bankers Association of the Philippines assured the public that the PH banking system is strong and stable.
https://twitter.com/lanceyu_/status/163554521324572672
But will this hold if Maharlika still gets P75 billion off the capital of LBP and DBP, as originally envisioned?
In the latest Senate version of the Maharlika bill, pushed by Sen. Mark Villar, LBP and DBP aren’t off the hook.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1638515574685982727?s=20
Speaking of LBP and DBP, Sec. Diokno said Marcos approved the merger LBP and DBP into a superbank.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1640644678612660224
This was an old measure by ex-president Aquino, and something Marcos Jr. originally opposed.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1640650614417006593?s=20
In the same presser, Diokno also laid bare plans to reform military pensions.
FOREIGN TRAVELS
Marcos Jr. flew outside of the country 9 times within his first 8 months in office.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1629318156559982592?s=20
Here’s a handy map of his trips. https://twitter.com/GerryCacanindin/status/162401660986525696
He was greeted warmly by Filipino fans abroad.
Marcos likes flowers on airplane ladders. He also likes to bring his relatives.
https://twitter.com/anjo_bagaoisan/status/162472964559668019
https://twitter.com/raf_ignacio/status/1624968282447937536?s=20
In his trips, Marcos keeps saying everything is okay back at home. For example, he once said, “Nakakaahon na ang Pilipinas.”
In January, FDIs dropped by 45.7%.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1645682800539078657?s=20
Apologists in gov’t justify the trips by saying Marcos Jr. brought home trillions of pesos of investment deals. They’re just pledges. https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1624548472191078402?s=20
Marcos’s trips gained international notoriety, and was even featured in Jeopardy!
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1628394882963480576?s=20
Marcos Jr. met with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, who was quite critical of the Marcoses before.
Marcos will attend the coronation of King Charles on May 5.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1642867094789267456
MINDORO OIL SPILL
A major oil spill off Pola, Oriental Mindoro rocked the country.
https://twitter.com/josiahvantonio/status/1631605573543419905
https://twitter.com/josiahvantonio/status/1631885710189002752
https://twitter.com/barnabychuck/status/1632208922911309824
The oil spill already reached Palawan.
It already reached Verde Island Passage, the “center of the center” of global marine biodiversity.
https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1635584051888394241
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1636510188822822914?s=20
https://twitter.com/gpph/status/1637652929296633858
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1641322255585083392
The oil tanker didn’t get proper permits to operate.
https://twitter.com/indayevarona/status/1635495292727595008?s=20
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1635545154957328385?s=20
Did San Miguel Corp. charter the sunken MT Princess Empress?
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1636164159422468096?s=20
https://twitter.com/krishnariola/status/1642501904407367681?s=20
Puerto Galera’s mayor blamed the UP Marine Science Institute for tourist cancellations.
https://twitter.com/savedeocean/status/1638514156927352839
Its waters are now unsafe, based on successive tests. What will the local government do now?
https://twitter.com/_katrinadomingo/status/1647102847539118086
Tourism Secretary Frasco posted photos showing that she dived at Puerto Galera just days before the water tests said the waters are polluted.
https://twitter.com/DetectiveMask/status/1647187018018095105
Despite alarming tests, Department of Health OIC Maria Rosario Vergere says that the tests aren’t yet conclusive, and that they won’t recommend banning water activities at Puerto Galera.
President Marcos rode on a helicopter to inspect the oil spill areas.
Many people are looking for Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, who seems to be quiet amid the massive oil spill.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648450248304635905?s=20
SLOGANEERING/GIMMICKS/EMPTY WORDS
In an ASEAN event, Tourism Secretary Frasco handed out plastic bags of cookies with her and her husband’s faces on it. Cheap!
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1624166165504466948?s=20
Marcos Jr. inaugurated an urban farming program called HAPAG KAY BBM, an acronym that’s so weird and long.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1630709758192934912?s=20
https://twitter.com/MalacananEvents/status/1630885602517196800
Gov’t launched a free Wi-Fi program called BBM: Broadband ng Masa.
https://twitter.com/josiahvantonio/status/1631605573543419905
Marcos Jr. rode a fighter jet.
https://twitter.com/MalacananEvents/status/1633290378362212353?s=20
Marcos said in a speech to local officials that the must “never surrender to any form of temptation that will taint your integrity.”
DND officials held an earthquake drill wrongly.
https://twitter.com/michael_delizo/status/1633710792695742464
Marcos Jr. will launch a campaign against disinformation and fake news. What?
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1634929795644682249?s=20
The new Press Secretary said the Presidential Communications Office won’t tolerate fake news. Really?
Marcos welcomed at the Palace executives of Philip Morris.
https://twitter.com/verafiles/status/1639552811754205184?s=20
Cebu’s governor Gwen Garcia downplayed the spread of African swine fever in her province by eating lechon before the press. https://twitter.com/dumidyeypee/status/1641587689127579649?s=20
The Palace will hold “Konsyerto sa Palasyo,” amid hunger and inflation. This is planned to happen every 3 months.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1647062927332220928?s=20
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1646901664375504896?s=20
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1649334811801300992?s=20
LTO will issue temporary paper driver’s licenses because of a shortage of plastic cards.
The president showed a graph on Twitter showing supposedly that the PH has the highest growth in Asia. It was taken down after drawing flak.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1649434776343040000?s=20
TAXES
Marcos Jr. implores the public to pay their taxes on time—even if he has refused to pay P200+ billion worth of estate taxes for decades.
https://twitter.com/_mo4d_/status/1624205961845153792?s=20
https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1509111944740950017
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1646045882830458881?s=20
A news snippet from 1999 regarding the Marcoses’ unpaid taxes.
Gov’t hailed top taxpayers, but ignores the Marcoses’ huge tax liability.
ICC PROBE
ICC will pursue its investigations into Duterte’s drug war.
https://twitter.com/jairojourno/status/1626795687315935232
Duterte’s allies—like some lawmakers headed by ex-president Gloria Arroyo—are ganging up to protect him.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada called the ICC “white monkeys.”
The lawmakers say there’s no link between Duterte and the EJKs.
But tons of videos say otherwise.
https://twitter.com/lianbuan/status/1627611374829416449
https://twitter.com/nuelleduterte/status/1639341264050225152
The gov’t has appealed the ICC’s decision, saying it will encroach on PH sovereignty.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1635669839082831872
This appeal was rejected.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1640491575888465920
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan insisted on the link between Duterte and the drug war.
https://twitter.com/verafiles/status/1646021397607489536?s=20
Marcos says he “can’t cooperate” because the ICC has no jurisdiction.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1626826940438175750
He also said rule of law prevails in the country. Really?
https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar/status/1641579809024376832
Rejecting the ICC probe could have economic impacts.
https://twitter.com/bworldph/status/1645260311023460352?s=20
The ICC has ordered the arrest of Vladimir Putin. Who’s next?
Cagayan de Oro made Duterte their “adopted son.” This drew flak in some sectors, given the reputation of Duterte and his drug war.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1639401793317928960?s=20
Sen. Francis Tolentino said he’ll be the legal counsel of Sen. Bato dela Rosa when push comes to shove.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1640932334701780994
SolGen Menardo Guevarra said the Duterte war on drugs wasn’t a crime against humanity.
Police officers were sacked after being implicated in a P6.7-billion shabu controversy. Evidence that Duterte’s drug war failed miserably.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1646648709156073472?s=20
JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION
Marcos extended the deadline for jeepney consolidation to Dec 30 from June 30.
Groups call for a “just transition.”
https://twitter.com/cartoonistzach/status/1631147954320052226
Gov’t offered up its vehicles in preparation for the weeklong strike, which really lasted just 2 days after jeepney org leaders talked to some Palace officials.
Some of the public buses bore the names of Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Romualdez (the president’s cousin).
https://twitter.com/MalacananEvents/status/1632569186252886016
VP Sara Duterte, in official DepEd statements, lambasted the Alliance of Concerned Teachers for supporting the transport strike.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1632198690999013376
https://twitter.com/DepEd_PH/status/1632203233451212802
There was a back-and-forth between the VP and ACT/PISTON. Duterte red-tagged the groups nonstop. One time she even used the word “cavorting.”
In 2017, Sara Duterte herself had sensible things to say about jeepney modernization.
People recalled the sensible stance of ex-VP Leni Robredo about jeepney modernization. https://twitter.com/ibanaginthecity/status/163256499688961638
DEPED/EDUCATION
VP Sara Duterte red-tagged the ACT for its suggestion to hire 30,000 teachers—something the DepEd claimed it cannot do so easily. https://twitter.com/DepEd_PH/status/164024800280276992
And again, she attacked ACT Rep. France Castro.
In April, another red-tagging statement at the end of a press release on performance-based bonus. https://twitter.com/DepEd_PH/status/1648224776568340480
People in Davao still are okay with Duterte—even if they rate DepEd’s performance poorly. https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1641426028160745472?s=20
Our children are failing in new math and science tests. https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1635742106705854465?s=20
DepEd is seeking foreign funds/private donors for classrooms—even as it enjoys confidential/intelligence funds lobbied by VP Duterte.
https://twitter.com/znsuzara/status/1636564248863330304?s=20
VP and Educ Secretary Sara Duterte spews more nonsense during public events.
https://twitter.com/ibanaginthecity/status/1625550176076066817?s=20
New estimate of the cost of illiteracy in the PH: P258 billion/year. Only?
There’s a proposal to reduce the days in the school calendar. Another proposal is to move classes back online due to the intense summer heat.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1645470861443616768?s=20
A Pulse Asia survey of adults shows that nearly 8 in 10 of respondents agree with mandatory ROTC. But the framing of the question was quite loaded.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1645647866273353729
The CHR came out with a report on the abysmal lack of job readiness of our graduates.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1646298675184824325
There’s a new proposed curriculum for K-12, up for public consultation now.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1649613662469095425?s=20
NEVER FORGET
The Sandiganbayan junked another ill-gotten case against the Marcoses.
https://twitter.com/jairojourno/status/1628337831939801091
Meanwhile, it convicted a mayor for graft (specifically, the procurement of a P1.2 million Mitsubishi sports crossover). Small fry compared to what the Marcoses stole.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1634113148067147776
Marcos Jr. declared the eve of the first EDSA commemoration a surprise non-working holiday.
https://twitter.com/eufems/status/1628715688075595777
https://twitter.com/kblstgn/status/162872747386835763 https://twitter.com/_mo4d_/status/1628970765134487553
Marcos Jr. weirdly sent a commemorative wreath at the EDSA People Power Monument, and offered a “hand of reconciliation.”
https://twitter.com/mongster/status/1629281900518055936
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1629324812270338049?s=20
Is there a real rift between Marcos Jr. and his sister Imee?
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1629408316903309312
More lies about the Marcos regime was mentioned in an NTF-ELCAC/DILG event at Caraga State University.
Juan Ponce Enrile said that we needed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant so we can develop nuclear weapons. What?
https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/status/1638387635885309955
Why is Juan Ponce Enrile especially visible in NEDA events?
Marcos admitted he didn’t finish an economics “special diploma course” at UA&P.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1635176211470225408?s=20
https://twitter.com/matabangpogi4vr/status/1635800643180044290
The BSP issues an official memo debunking the Tallano gold myth once and for all.
https://twitter.com/AkoSiTitoMarco/status/1526390048337170432
On Holy Week, Marcos called on Filipinos to be “purveyors of truth.” What?
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1642696411128147969?s=20
According to one myth debunked by Rappler, the Marcoses have $3 decillion worth of deposits in the WB/IMF. Wow.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1642822933801304065
Marcos Jr. thanked GMA for her “guidance” on the latter’s 76th bday. GMA joined the anti-Marcos protests in 1985.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1643533367856754688?s=20
Amid the release of the bar exam results, fake news circulated that Marcos Sr. got 98% in the bar exams of 1939.
On Earth Day, some people remembered the massive deforestation that happened during the Marcos dictatorship.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1649734821332291584?s=20
OTHERS
Lawmakers spewed toxic amounts of disinformation re SOGIE.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1624611768822530048?s=20
Ateneo entered into a controversial research collaboration with the House of Representatives.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1624937735458004992?s=20
BuCor says it will use the Masungi Geoserve for its HQ, drawing backlash from environmental groups.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1626452409227571200
Rep. Arnie Teves flees abroad as he’s implicated in the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1638405268664115201
The PH officially joined RCEP, following Senate ratification.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1628177551544950784?s=20
A whopping 44 million doses of COVID vaccines got wasted.
https://twitter.com/mightymagulang/status/1628693725231849472?s=20
https://twitter.com/SocialWeatherPH/status/1636331462466371585
The UNICEF also says many Filipino children were not given basic vaccines during the pandemic.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1648877069529493505
Congress likely violated the constitution by allocating more budget for public works rather than education.
https://twitter.com/znsuzara/status/1633360171220062213?s=20
Duterte attended ex-Build, Build, Build chair Anna Mae Lamentillo’s book relaunch.
Finance Sec. Diokno likes to comment on monetary issues—something that he doesn’t really have to do.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1639959032806113281?s=20
Telcos report they’re nowhere near registering 100% of their clients before deadline of SIM registration on April 26, 2023.
https://twitter.com/inquirerdotnet/status/1636308827405443074
Dito, the 3rd telco company owned by Duterte’s crony Dennis Uy, faces more financial troubles.
https://twitter.com/RalfRivas/status/1648536845280763906?s=20
Now there’s a black market for registered SIM cards.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648175738695327746?s=20
Another massive data breach at some government institutions.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648875727314644995?s=20
Senator Cynthia Villar’s outrage against a private security guard and barriers goes viral.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648555855632007169?s=20
Exactly 3 years have passed since the first COVID lockdowns on March 15, 2020.
A passenger at NAIA was asked for her graduation yearbook by an immigration officer.
https://twitter.com/jacquemanabat/status/1636353929486434304
Issues that Marcos Jr. is not really focusing on:
Education (esp. learning losses)
Edcom 2 is on it, though. But will it be successful?
Climate change
Traffic congestion
Marcos Jr. inaugurated a segment of the NLEX-SLEX Connector, a project greenlit by ex-president Aquino.
Sen. Mark Villar is amazed by Japanese trains. Yet during his time as DPWH chief, he pushed for more roads and grabbed credit for previous admins’ projects.
https://twitter.com/jay_beltran/status/1643809966208475137
https://twitter.com/goodkidbikecity/status/1643859714462355458
Reclamation in Manila Bay and Bulacan and its effects on the environment
https://twitter.com/centurygotham/status/1637384598551408640
https://twitter.com/jamzbonifacio/status/1638386233696198657
Duterte’s dolomite beach keeps on giving…trash.
Looming energy crisis
Sec. Diokno and the econ team proposed 7 AM-4 PM gov’t working hours.
https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar/status/1633259987517714432
There are many constraints to the greater use of green energy in the country.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1638165575313571843?s=20
https://twitter.com/elyssalopz/status/1638346852126068736?s=20
Constraints to the use of solar panels nationwide. https://twitter.com/PCIJdotOrg/status/1647167881229090816
The many impacts of LNG facilities to be constructed in Batangas.
People are asking why Marcos has failed to follow through promises to fix Occidental Mindoro’s power shortages.
https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/1649256159671468037?s=20
A turning point in the PH’s population pyramid.
https://twitter.com/PJACaytonPhD/status/1647081714982993920
By the way, India is now the world’s largest country.
https://twitter.com/scienceisstrat1/status/1648996300359192576
India is also experiencing a massive heat wave.
Bad loans hit China’s Belt and Road initiative.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1648098337068056577?s=20
In an anti-science and anti-biotech move, the Supreme Court issues a “writ of kalikasan” against GMO rice and eggplants.
https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1649179713552945153?s=20
My Philippines Travel Level becomes viral.
https://www.my-philippines-travel-level.com/
There’s an inflation version of this map.
https://twitter.com/MalacananEvents/status/1646777040530731009
Many brands rode on this fad. Camella did so as well, but their stunt drew flak.
https://twitter.com/MangingisdaSays/status/1647453698644402181
GPT-4 vastly exceeds the capabilities of ChatGPT. Regulators everywhere are grappling with the exponential rate of progress.
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