Living in the City

US Ambassador Thomas meets VP Binay As I was watching the video clip showing the courtesy call of  the US Ambassador Harry Thomas to VP Binay on television,  I wonder  if this is customary? Does all  U.S. Ambassadors call on newly elected VP's? VP Binay said that the US Ambassador, during the call,  expressed concern on human trafficking in the Philippines. Along with countries like Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan , Syria,  Saudi Arabia,  Kuwait, and the Philippines are among the 52 countries on  the US Watchlist. Recently Poor implementation of  trafficking laws has resulted to a surge in human trafficking crimes.

Selecting  the next CSAFP and SND Gen Delfin Bangit has retired from the AFP. According to rumors some members of the PMA Class 77 will soon assume office ath AFP GHQ - Gen David's name is being mentioned as "incoming" CS AFP. Also retired PSG Chief Gen Gazmin (time of Pres Cory) is said to assume the SND's portfolio. The buzz circulated after P Noy attended the reunion of ex PSG personnel, recently.

Rubber Boats for Rescue Ops It's good to hear that the PNP Maritime Group recently bought inflatable rubber boats at the cost of Php1.7 million each. Twenty one units will be deployed in Luzon while 51 will go to Mindanao. These boats were acquired in preparation for rescue operations during flooding and typhoon situations. I hope they don't forget to conduct the corresponding training on the utilization of these boats for maximum benefit.

And now they ask God to intervene Looks like no solution is in sight for the Florida oil spill problem over there in the United States. They are now asking the people to ask for God's help in resolving this earth damaging issue. As Al Gore noted during his recent visit to the Philippines, the BP oil spill is really a moral issue. It is not economic nor big business concern alone. Catastrophic effects have been seen around the area affecting the locality's birds,  plant and sea creatures. Are they still trying to hide the sad truth there? "Gather round people" now do what needs to be done.

Absolutely critical that we have a disaster management or recovery plan I hope the incoming government will make sure that the Philippines have a   ready, workable  disaster management/recovery plan. This plan should be designed in such a way that it  could be put into motion a few minutes or  immediately before a disaster strikes  its full impact. I hope we have learned from Ondoy and Pepeng, knowing or realizing that stronger typhoons and more devastating floods are to be expected due mainly to climate change. Note that a  compounding reason would be that  our   waste management system  simply sucks. We don't have much time. Let us remind ourselves with these images, please.

 Take it from Winnie Monsod I heard  this statement from  Professor Winnnie Monsod on television,  about how Pres. Noy should recruit his people. 1. Imitate President Obama. Introduce his would be cabinet members to the people. Tell us their credentials and state why he is appointing that person to the position. 2. Ask his cabinet members to sign a waiver on the Bank Secrecy Law. This should provide a deterrent to corruption while in government. 3. Ask a commitment from each and every recruited cabinet member to NOT entertain anyone presenting or sponsoring a government project  from any of his relatives, classmates and friends. If these were the requirements PNoy may not be able to recruit anyone.

When I get depressed I turn to things that help me drive the sadness away. You Should Learn French C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up... What Language Should You Learn? Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!