MANILA, Philippines - Church leaders and concerned groups ask President Aquino III and impeached Chief Justice Renato C. Corona to stop publicly quarrelling while the impeachment trial is going on.
Translation: Quiet, boys! The Court is in session.
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But the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, should just treat the continuing ''word war'' between the two top public officials of the country as part of the democratic process, says Sen. Gregorio Honasan.
Freedom of speech or freedom to growl, Your honors!
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''For practical reasons, How can we impose discipline on the two, short of contempt? Can somebody order them to stop?, asks Honasan.
A sense of statesmanship on both sides will do the trick. Hello!
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''It behooves the two officials to exhibit statesman-like behavior, commitment to the strengthening of our institutions, and allegiance to the Constitution,'' Sen. Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. stresses.
Don't rock the boat, don't rock us, says the gentleman from Ilocos.
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But the President insists that the Chief Justice considers resigning in the face of allegations of graft, unethical practices, and uncovered bank deposits. The Chief Magistrate counters though that P-Noy should instead open his bank accounts and his psychological records.
No gag but a dragging battle can be expected. Tsk-tsk...
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To support its prosecution team, the House of Representatives sends an additional delegation of 40 congressmen to the Senate impeachment trial.
News extra: Congressmen go on a gig or picnic. He-he!
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Meanwhile, oil companies raise anew local petroleum prices, causing motorists and consumers to growl.
They did it again when everybody was busy and nobody was looking. Whew!
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The President approves another relief package for the public transport sector by allowing 100,000 beneficiaries of last year's fuel subsidy program to reload their ''Pantawid Pasada'' fuel subsidy cards with R1,200.
Here comes another blow. Tawid uli tayo! Hu-hu!
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Two winners get the R300-million jackpot of the February 15 draw of Grand Lotto 6/55, announces the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Yes, give us hope! More hope!
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