Good Morning Judge: The Train Law effects

AS WE write this column we take note of the surging prices of basic commodities as a consequence of the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Television and print media reports are that Filipinos along all economic classes have identified raising workers’ pay and curbing inflation as their most urgent concern per survey of Pulse Asia. The poll also reportedly showed that changing the Constitution, a priority of the Duterte administration which is pushing for a federal form of government, is the least of their priority. In plain language what the Filipinos need are more job opportunities, higher wages for those who already have and lower and affordable prices of basic commodities. We are also happy to note that the Supreme Court has sustained the legality of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ appointment for a seven-year term in 2011 as the country’s primary graft buster. Two private lawyers have claimed that Morales merely served the unexpired term of her predecessor Merceditas Gutierrez and should have stepped down on November 20, 2012. It may be recalled that Ombudsman Morales served as Regional Trial Court Judge in the capital town of Pili this province before her appointment as Ombudsman. The recent controversy (“bangayan’} between Congressmen Rolando Andaya, Jr. and Raymund Villafuerte over the proposed Pili Airport redevelopment project is purely unnecessary and lamentable. Video footages went viral with 1st District Camarines Sur Congressman Andaya challenging 3rd District Camarines Sur Congressman Villafuerte to a fist fight. To think that two honorable members of Congress would go that low is beyond us. As the Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay electionsare coming to a close, the campaign among the aspirants are becoming more hectic and heated. Let’s just hope that the elections would be clean and peaceful. TRIVIA: As we welcome our friend Rene (my batchmate of AdeNU high school class ‘54) and Lily Villegas from their recent six-month vacation in New Jersey, USA, we also bid adieu to a dear friend Olive Estipona-Badong who recently passed away. Olive was the widow of the late RTC Judge Martin “Bags” Badong, Jr. Hi and Hello to Rev. Fr. Fajardo who is now assigned in Barangay Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur in Partido district. We had a chance meeting the other day at SM Naga after a long while. He said that he is a constant reader of this column. The USI high school batch 55 is scheduled to have their lunch and fellowship meeting at the residence of their batchmate Remy Armendi in Magarao, Camarines Sur this Friday, April 27. The REBAP, Naga City and Camarines Sur Chapter, is also scheduled to have their regular monthly meeting this coming Saturday, April 28 at the Aljosh Café. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “”THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN THIS WORLD CANNOT BE SEEN NOR TOUCHED. THEY MUST BE FELT IN THE HEART.” HELEN KELLER FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “I AM THE LORD. YOUR GOD. WHO GRASP YOUR RIGHT HAND; IT IS I WHO SAY TO YOU, FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU.” ISAIAG 2:13