By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Since the film “Maid in Malacanang” was released in cinemas, Marcos loyalists have celebrated what they deem as the coming out of their side of the story after 36 years.
But many Filipinos who know their history have been so riled up, decrying the gala premiere and block screenings as an epitome of historical revisionism through film.
I say both sides better chill out. It’s just pulp fiction.
* * *
Rumors have been passed around that Senator Imee Marcos allegedly tapped business groups to buy millions worth of tickets to the movie for distribution to schools.
Again, this is bothersome for concerned citizens who claim students would be exposed to a distorted portrayal of actual atrocities during the “ML” years.
I’m worried kids these days will continue to think “ML” is short for Mobile Legends.
* * *
“Allowing the destructive Vape Law to be passed as the administration’s inaugural legislation is beyond incredulous,” says Teresita Ang-See.
I used to be a smoker and I agree. Quitting was the most challenging thing on earth for me.
* * *
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree that President Marcos should veto the Vape Law.
They claim that state regulation of vapes and other heated tobacco products (HTPs) should remain under their jurisdiction and not with the Department of Trade and Industry.
What’s this really about, public health or millions of other reasons concerning a multi-billion industry?
* * *
I have to admit that in the SONA of President Marcos, I nearly clapped when he said: “I will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”
The other day, presidential spokesperson Trixie Cruz-Angeles said her boss will not be interfering with the Sultanate heirs’ claim to Sabah since it is “a private claim.”
Saba diha!
* * *
On Monday, the MMDA countered motorist complaints against countdown timers deactivated from stop-and-go signal lights at many intersections in the capital region, saying these have been upgraded to the Advance Traffic Control System, which switches from red to green and vice-versa, depending on the detected volume of traffic.
So, this new technology can count cars along four lanes meeting at an intersection and decide which lanes should be “green” or “red”; but it can’t make a countdown as an early warning to motorists to avoid accidents.
Genius! I’m betting this system would lead to a spike in “non-contact apprehension” tickets.
* * *
SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com
