Cabaero: Speaker without a microphone

PLANS to develop infrastructure in the provinces did not figure in the latest presidential address to the nation.

The only mention of Cebu by President Rodrigo Duterte in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) Monday was made in passing, in relation to the establishment of Malasakit Centers in cities including Cebu. President Duterte devoted time and words for Mindanao in its quest for self-determination through the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Does it mean that the provinces are not in his line of sight?

Not necessarily, but there was little mention of provinces in this last Sona. One thing is sure. Out of his three Sonas, the last one made Monday was most vague about plans to develop provinces.

In his address last year, Duterte mentioned projects for Mindanao and some road development in other provinces, including in Metro Cebu. He said then he was giving orders to local officials to work on decongesting roads, such as removing obstructions.

In 2016, in his first address to the nation, Duterte mentioned Cebu when he announced the Cebu rail project that will have an estimated length of 21 kilometers. He also spoke of solving transportation problems by buying more trains and pursuing inter-island connection. He mentioned the Panay rail project in the Visayas.

In last Monday’s Sona, there was no mention of infrastructure projects in the provinces.

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Drama marked Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s ascendance to Speaker of the House of Representative, replacing Pantaleon Alvarez.

House members for or against Alvarez tried to grab control of the session before President Duterte’s address to the joint session of Congress. There were those who wanted to keep Alvarez as Speaker and those who wanted Arroyo to take his place.

News reports on the turbulent House session cited how lawmakers allied with Alvarez, upon learning of the ouster plan, moved to adjourn the session.

Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya later questioned the decision to adjourn but, while talking, his microphone was suddenly turned off. He continued to speak without a microphone.

As the anti-Alvarez lawmakers gathered around Arroyo, the roll was called, then Arroyo was escorted to the podium where she took her oath as the new Speaker. A television report of the incident showed Arroyo trying to give a brief speech by cupping her hands to be heard in the chamber.

Ironic that a Speaker was without a microphone.

Arroyo’s rise to Speaker placed her third in the line of succession. The Constitution outlines who will succeed the President upon incapacity, death, resignation or removal from office. The line of presidential succession follows the order of Vice President, President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

During the President’s address, Alvarez sat on the Speaker’s chair and Duterte acknowledge him as House Speaker. Whatever change happened at the House’s leadership Monday would only be clarified the next day, post-Sona.

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