BUT first, people are talking about...
* WHETHER HABAL-HABAL AND ANGKAS would be temporarily allowed to operate legally until Congress amends the law: the question still hangs. It's the Department of Transportation that is supposed to decide on an interim solution to appease motorcycle drivers for hire and their families until after the elections. It's Operation Vote, along with Operation Legalize.
* SANDIGANBAYAN ASSOCIATE JUSTICES who voted against Representative Gwen Garcia's motion for reconsideration on the Balili refilling complaint: Lorifel Pahimna, Oscar Herrera and Efren de la Cruz stuck to their original ruling that there was no "inordinate delay" in the disposition of the case. Associate Justices Michael Frederick and Cebu's Geraldine Faith Econg dissented, as they did in the ruling appealed from. The new rejection repeats the November ruling. Usually MRs are rejected. The case now shifts to the appellate court.
Elective, appointive
Businessman Glenn Soco represents the private sector in the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC). And apparently, he still does, from the absence of a categorical ruling of the council that he lost his seat when he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for board member from Cebu's sixth district.
A Bzzzzz source said there was some debate on Soco's status within the council. Someone cited a provision in the RDC manual of operations that considers the holder of a position in the council resigned when he runs for public office.
It seemed the consensus was to allow Soco to retain his post until after the elections. If he wins, he can no longer represent the private sector. There also was some talk about amending the manual of operations, which until it is done the manual should govern conduct of RDC affairs.
The general rule that a person holding a government appointive position should lose his seat upon the filing of a COC should apply to Soco. It is not material that he comes from the private sector. The same reason that supports the resignation of Cabinet members, department heads, and the like should apply to any other appointed official in government.
The RDC manual of operations reportedly provides that a candidate for public office loses his seat in the council, which seems to follow the general rule.
Angered, disappointed
While past presidents also had their share of acts of terrorism from rebels and bandits in Jolo, the twin explosions last Sunday (January 27) angered and disappointed President Duterte.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1784884/Manila/Local-News/Duterte-angry-disappointed-over-Jolo-blasts
He believes he has done more to seek peace and bring progress in Mindanao than any of his predecessors. The terrorists may even be more threatened by the inroads into the region's development. Or it is just part of a global agenda.
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