PEOPLE are talking about...
* THE STINK IN SITIO BAHO. How the violation of law and the assault by a San Fernando, Cebu piggery on its sea waters had gone on unchecked for decades is not a mystery. It was apparently tolerated by DENR and local officials: from the barangay to the munisipyo and even the Capitol. Surely, the stink and reputation of Sitio Baho (with "maragsa" or circumflex accent on "ho") must have reached those officials. Some sitio residents may also be blamed. They consented to the offense because they allegedly received pork meat ration on a regular and continuous basis.
* BONG GO'S JOKE ABOUT KRIS'S EX. Philip Salvador, former lover of movie-TV celebrity Kris Aquino, is an adopted son of Davao City. Why? "Epi" left four children there, quipped Bong Go, adding "Totoo naman eh." The stage campaign joke reportedly angered Kris. Her fury may even increase public awareness of the senatorial bet.
Defending family honor
The Abad family may have shifted its aim in filing a complaint for homicide against Nel Spencer Tiu, boyfriend of Ashley Abad, the 19-year-old nursing student who died of party drug overdose after a pre-Sinulog party last January 19.
An uncle of Ashley disclosed the family's plan in an interview with Leo Lastimosa on dyAB radio Friday (February 22).
Instead of seeking justice, it is now more about defending family honor, Ashley's uncle said. He probably means they will pursue justice by protecting Ashley's memory. He deplored that some people are even accusing her of drug peddling.
The uncle urged friends and others who knew what happened or about the activities of Ashley and her group to come out to shed light on the incident. Good or bad, he said, it will help resolve the issue.
Police joined or endorsed the complaint of homicide but regional police chief Debold Sinas said they did so "to appease" the family, citing that the evidence is "only circumstantial." Sinas said police already closed the case.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in a speech, earlier said that from "forensics" on her cell-phone, it was learned that Ashley texted her friend they'd share one Ecstasy pill as the other was reserved for her boyfriend Nel Spencer. Which suggested she was the one making the decision but it was also "not inconsistent with" the theory that the drugs were left in her care. It indicated though that her taking of the drug was with her consent, not by deception.
Lapu opposition still split?
To Junard "Ahong" Chan, Pajo barangay captain who's running for Lapu-Lapu City mayor the second time (the last was in 2010), this could be his chance to end the 18-year control of the Radazas in that city.
Ahong is the standard bearer of Team Libre (aka Tribu Kusgano) and PDP-Laban. His vice mayor is Celedonio "Celsi" Sitoy, brother of Presidential Legislative Liaison Adelino Sitoy. Their bet for congressman is Eugene Espedido.
Opposing Chan is Arturo "Boy" Radaza, former mayor and former congressman, while running against Espedido is incumbent Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza, who is serving her third term. The Radazas' local party is Team Derecho (inspired by the opposition senators slate Ocho Derecho?)
The Radazas aim to continue their almost two-decade rule of Lapu-Lapu. The opposition though may be split again with Rolando Patalinjug, who ran for mayor and lost in 2016, also running for the same position. The situation in the last election, with two opposition bets running for mayor, may be happening again.
Scramble for photo-op
The jockeying for "photo op" with President Duterte in last Sunday's (February 24) PDP-Laban proclamation rally in Cebu City is being used as ammunition by rival candidates. It seems that some PDP-Laban local bets who didn't get their hand-raising photo on stage sought and managed to have it elsewhere, one allegedly near a portable toilet. (The candidate's camp denied it but the attack got some laughs.)
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