Maniolas

Youth activists burn a mock U.S. flag during a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Friday, denouncing the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. The APEC meeting, which will be attended by 21 world leaders, will be hosted by the Philippines in November. (MNS photo) MACTAN (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is strong enough to weather any spillover from the China economic slowdown and other external headwinds, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The Philippine economy will be less affected by the slowdown in the Chinese economy,” IMF Deputy Managing Director Mitsuhiro Furusawa told reporters while the finance ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are meeting here on Friday. “The current economy’s performance is quite good compared with its neighboring countries. Its trade relation with China is less than that what other countries have,” the IMF official noted. The Philippines is also better positioned to weather shifts in the international financial markets, Odd Per Brekk, director of the IMF Asia-Pacific office, said during the same press briefing. “The Philippine economy is quite robust to withstand developments in the world economy at this point. It has fiscal space and monetary policy to respond to spillovers,” Brekk added. (MNS)

Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr MANILA (Mabuhay) – With a month to go before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs), Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that he will soon announce whether he will run for the national elections. The senator said that he continues to iron out plans with several political parties and personalities. “We are still deciding. Lahat ng tao, lahat ng partido, kausap kami. Hindi naman kami nagtatago, sinisikreto yung mga bagay na ganyan pero hindi pa tapos ang usapan,” the namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos said. He also assured that, “The moment I know, I will tell you… Malapit na, bago mag-filing [ng certificate of candidacy].” The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scheduled the filing of COCs from October 12 to 16. Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier confirmed that he is considering Marcos as a possible running mate in the 2016 elections. The lawmaker thanked his supporters, who were also present in the celebration of the 98th birthday of his late father. Just like the previous years, the Marcoses offered Mass for the deceased president at Batac Church in Ilocos. The commemoration was capped off with the musical play “Rock and Roll” which featured the late strongman’s favorite songs from the 1970s and 80s. At the end of the show, the younger Marcos climbed the stage and tearfully expressed his gratitude to the youth performers. “Naiyak ako, natawa ako, napasayaw ako – hanggang ngayon naiiyak ako. But anyway, what a wonderful thing [it Read More …

Traffic on EDSA near the Kamuning Avenue flyover is heavy again on Tuesday after the long, 5-day holiday amid the visit of Pope Francis. Despite some roads being closed for motorcades during the papal visit, the holidays kept traffic light in the metropolis. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – “Isang buwan lang.” Former traffic czar Romeo Maganto on Saturday said he can solve the worsening traffic situation on EDSA and other roads in Metro Manila within a month. Maganto, a retired police general, was appointed traffic czar during the Ramos administration. He said he can ease the plight of motorists and commuters, who have been complaining of congested roads and inefficient transport systems. That is, he said, if he is appointed traffic manager by Malacañang. “Ito’y medyo may konting kayabangan pero kaya ko namang gawin eh… Kung may magagawa tayo sa ating mga kababayan at nakikita nating makakaya naman natin, why not do it?” Maganto said. “I am challenging Malacañang, assign me as your traffic manager… I will solve the traffic problem within a month’s time. Isang buwan lang. Pag hindi ko nagawa I will resign the following day.” Maganto managed the traffic during the construction of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) along EDSA in 1995 as well as during the papal visit of Saint Pope John Paul II that same year. He was also the first to implement the color coding traffic scheme. Since Monday, traffic management duties on EDSA have been handled by the Philippine National Police – Highway Read More …