***

A very knowledgeable source told me that there is a move among the leaders of the majority coalition to get rid of Speaker Jose De Venecia right in his own turf, the 4th district of Pangasinan, which he has been representing for many years. The anti-De Venecia forces, which include many congressmen belonging to Kampi, are planning to support Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim against De Venecia. They told me the name of the replacement of JDV but I cannot mention it here.

***

The initial moves to oust De Venecia from the speakership include the strengthening of the Kampi, the President’s party which is now in coalition with Lakas-CMD and under whose banner the President ran and won in 2004. You will note that lately, more and more Lakas-CMD leaders have transferred to the Kampi.

***

After all the AFP may have a reason for deploying some 250 troops in the Metro Manila area. Pro-administration men say that the deployment of military soldiers will drive out militants and suspected NPAs. Even only for this, the soldiers could be allowed to operate in the Metro Manila area. The presence of AFP soldiers in school campuses is justified even if militants denounce it. The AFP said the military soldiers may visit school campuses every now and then. There was a TV film footage which showed that soldiers conducting teach-in or lectures on the "evils" of communism. In the same manner, the NPA conducts its own propaganda campaign in the rural areas. In short, the AFP is giving the NPA a dose of its own medicine.

***

Of course, Kampi leaders led by DILG secretary Ronaldo Puno, the new president of the party, will deny there is a rift between the Lakas-CMD and Kampi. But developing events indicate otherwise. One example is the province of Batangas where the Lakas is supporting Mayor Vilma Santos for governor and the Kampi is backing incumbent Mayor Armando Sanchez. Ricky Recto is running under the Genuine Opposition slate.

***

Makulit tayo kasi. Yan tuloy ang nangyari. A high-level task force, composed of a congressman and other top ranking nursing authorities led by Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentevella, was flatly rejected by the US Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS). The CGFNS earlier rendered the decision that it would not agree to employ Filipino nurses who participated on the June 2006 nursing licensure exam, and that they would not be granted visas to work in US unless they re-take the exams and pass. Sinabi ng final ng CGFNS, kinulit pa rin. Ano bang akala nila, nasa Pilipinas sila?

***

President Arroyo left the achievement of victory for the Team Unity ticket in the hands of the provincial governors, city and provincial mayors, majority of whom belong to the majority coalition Lakas-CMD, Kampi and NPC. That’s why the GO senatorial ticket should fight harder and tougher if they want to win. Unless the people are disenchanted with the Arroyo administration, it is impossible for the opposition to sweep the senatorial elections.

***

The choice of the venue for the debate on the May 14 elections is still uncertain. Team Unity (TU) wants Manila Hotel while the GO wants Plaza Miranda, La Salle gym, the Araneta Coliseum or Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The candidates cannot even define the issues to be debated. The TU wants the debates to be focused on the Philippine economy, but the GO suggested that the no holds-barred debates should be on national issues. Enough of the talks. Let’s do it.

***

Almost all ranking government officials, elective or appointive, have urged the filing of criminal charges on the killings of political activists and journalists. But how and where will they get the evidence to support their accusations?

***

Former President Fidel V. Ramos said the senatorial candidates in the May elections are not focused on issues important to the people. They would rather talk about their personal qualifications, exploits and sing their jingles and perform other antics that will attract the voters.

***

College education? For several years now, the Centro Escolar has been pioneering a Library Science program for special youths. But the problem of hiring graduates surfaces as all companies, public and private, have standards for hiring able applicants eliminating the chances of special youths to be hired.

***

There is therefore the need to give flesh to the Magna Carta Law for Disabled Persons by providing itemized positions in the public and private sectors which can be filed up only by the handicapped. The Rotary, Lions and the Jaycees can also help as their members are in business.