I smell the scent of rain.
The sun shone for a while but it is getting dark again. A low pressure area is forming in the north that might bring more rain to Metro Manila. We always dread monsoon rains here because of flash flooding. The coming months of August and September are usually the heavy rain months that extend sometime to the month of October and some strong typhoons still happen until December. Gosh I always have that hidden fear during the rainy months. I am actually afraid when it rains non-stop and I am alone in the house. I am praying there won’t be flooding here this season.
Senate and Congress are presently on interpellations on the merits of extending Martial Law in Mindanao for another five months as desired by Duterte. The 1987 Constitution states that a president is only given 60 days to have Martial law in any place and beyond that, it needs the approval of Congress and the Senate. This is a critical issue that they have to vote on. Knowing that there are mostly pro-Duterte groups both in the Senate and Congress, they might vote for an extension although opposition groups are questioning the proposed rules of the special joint session. My gosh, they can’t even assure if they will be able to contain the rebellious groups in Mindanao after five months. Will Martial Law extension ends the conflict there or would it just be one of Duterte’s means to stay in control as they rightly believe? There are thousands of civilians who have fled their homes in Marawi City because of the conflict and some of the evacuees died of various diseases like dehydration. Talk of human rights violation and extra judicial killing and there you’ll see how this government works. Do we really need to extend Martial Law? So sad.
The Philippine peso is now at its weakest performance this year. Prices of basic commodities have significantly gone up. Even those we buy at the wet market are sky-high.
I am not really looking forward to the State of the Nation Address come Monday. I don’t want to hear more lies and cursing. Where are we going?
P. S. 5:25pm
This came an hour ago. Breaking news: Joint House-Senate vote: 261 affirmative, 18 negative. Martial Law extension wins.
Gosh, I don’t know what to say of our lawmakers.
It sounds like you are having a day of too many worries, Arlene. We’ve had flash flooding in our state, too, this month, although our immediate area has so far been spared. I hope you will be, too!
The devaluation of currency makes shopping and budgeting tricky, doesn’t it? I always enjoy reading of your gatherings, where everyone brings something to the feast. That seems both economical and more communal, a way to stretch the budget and feed the spirit, too. 🙂
As for politics…just ugh. Sad and dangerous times, as we endure the lies and hang on to the truth. I wish you relief, comfort, love, and joy…Will hold these things in my heart and prayers for you.
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Thank you ever so much Kitty. I do appreciate your prayers and concerns. Yes, a lot of thing are happening here in our country. politics for one really sucks. I was was listening on the radio a while ago. My goodness, as usual everyone is divided in their opinions. We are going to the dogs.
I am doing okay. Finally done on the gardening job, just resting while reading a few pages.
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Thanks for writing about what your country is going through. My local paper has very little global news.
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You’re welcome Anne. Thanks again for the visit.
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May the rains be kind and the conflict leave you in peace
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Thank you Derrick. It rained last night but the sun is up again now.
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The situation here is nearly as crazy. Our President is spending all his time attacking people. He seems to be the only person who thinks that Putin is a “great guy.” Peace to you.
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I think they have the same mindset Elizabeth. So clearly disappointed with the turn of events here.
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Sad situation indeed! I hope for the best for you and your country. We have a very sad situation here as well. May the good people prevail!
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You can count on your fingers the good people in politics. it seems, their priority is self interest. Thank Sabine!
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Very true! Unfortunately! 😢
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