IN THE latest presidential debate organized by CNN, the mediocre was hesitant whether or not Senator Manny Pacquiao was labeling “income” and “revenue” as the same cow. Not minding if it is the total amount of income or the total earnings.
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In the same setting, the same applicants were asked for a singular government agency that should be investigated as corrupt, some of them lost patience and answered plural.
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President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to hand over his Cabinet to the next administration as if the successor can bear the predecessor’s choice.
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When Ukraine President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy cried for help, none of the suitor-powerful nations nor a bunch of nations manifested commitment against the superpower. Until they saw Zelenskyy in camouflage, like David who fought Goliath, left alone to fight Russia that the world pours-in lavish support from gears, ordnance, and all implements of war including the vital economic sanction.
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Putin torched his ass when he ordered total devastation of Ukrainian military installations and facilities and occupied Kyiv, the Capital of Ukraine. He underestimated the kindness, compassion, intellectual and emotional allegiance of the peace-loving neighbors who retaliated via economic sanctions against Russia.
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Ukraine is 8,980 kilometers from Manila. Russia also is 5,565 kilometers away, passing through the air lanes of Mongolia and China. Far, but both are rich in natural resources and giant exporters of agricultural products to fuel and feed the world. So, whenever the elephants quarrel, our grounds will be shaken, and our economy is disturbed.
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Ukraine is in winter and the temperature is below zero. Seeking refuge in Poland and evacuation of women and children to friendly borders is an extra challenge for Ukrainian. They need the absolute basics like food, clean water, and clothes to warm their bodies.
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While the negotiating table is turning between Russia and Ukraine, the body-bags are piling and speedily counting; let us pause and offer a minute of prayer. abrigodann@gmail.com