Republic of Davao

“HIPON” CONTROVERSY — Being a celebrity or a public figure  has its rigor. Take the case of that comedian chap Ramon Bautista. Truth to tell, I am not that updated with show biz so when his controversy calling Dabawenyas   as “hipon” surfaced, I had to ask around. The guy evidently did not expect the storm that followed. So he had to re-appear back on stage to apologize publicly.

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PERSONA NON GRATA?–  While I agree with the public outcry against the antics of the comedian,   I think the city council resolution declaring him persona non grata in Davao City is an official overeaction or “OA”.  Those who even suggested  that he could  be arrested if he enters Davao from now on exhibit  ignorance  of the law.  That declaration is only an official expression of non-welcome to him but there’s no sanction if he violates it by visiting again.  Much less can he be subjected to arrest on that basis alone. The last time I checked, our constitutional right or freedom to travel is still there and effective. Unless of course we have already our own Republic of Davao!

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NO VIPS PLS — When Pope Francis visits Leyte, there will be no VIPS (very important pigs? ) who are invited to join. He’d prefer to meet with the poor victims and dine with them. I even predict that instead of a bullet-proof popemobile, he may clamber on board a jeepney for his local ride. Sorry, VIPs. Stay on your benches. This is not your ball game.

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CHA -CHA — I have been consistent on asking for charter change. Our Constitution needs to adjust to the times.  For example, we need to shift to a federal system. Also,  we need to open up some restrictive economic-related provisions to preposition the country with the on-going ASEAN integration, otherwise we will be left behind by our neighboring countries. Perhaps, our bangsamoro agreement needs a constitutional amendment to implement it.  There are several other amendments to push.

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IDIOTIC — Yes to charter change but definitely NO  to amend the constitution just to accommodate a second term for President Aquino. Mayor Duterte described this move by Malacanang as “IDIOTIC”.

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TERRORISTS — There are disturbing reports that some local Muslim armed groups have publicly aligned themselves with a foreign terror organization called ISIS, which had been slaughtering non-muslims who refused to convert to Islam  in Iraq. Pope Francis had to issue a call to calm everyone down. There is no need to exacerbate  this religious divide.   Social cohesion is the call for everyone to accept each other’s differences and uniqueness and be able to live in harmony.