Opinion

BY RONQUILLO C. TOLENTINO   I HAVE never believed much less used the quotation, Varium et mutabile semper femina. Literally, it means that “Woman is a thing that is always changing, shifting like the wind.” The reason why I do not believe it is because the quotation is insulting to women and an act of sex discrimination. Moreover, there are individuals in both sexes who are fickle and capricious. *** President Benigno Aquino III now appears to be criticized on his changing pronouncement of running again. Of course, the President is aware that he can only run for second term if Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution is amended either through one of the three methods provided for in Sections 1, 2 and 3 of Article XVII of the said Constitution and subject further to a ratification process through a plebiscite not later than 90 days after the approval of such amendment or revision. That Sept. 12, 2014 agenda-setting meeting with top leaders of the ruling Liberal Party at Malacañang when his statement on the possible choice of a new candidate drew laughter is still considered as equivocal when he said: “I hope it isn’t me.” Also, consider what he said in Spain. As I see it, there no definite end yet to the issue. He may clarify this as he had clarified before but changed his previous position. *** The Chinese government’s Sept. 12, 2014 travel advisory warning its citizens not to travel to the Philippines had affected losses to the tourism industry in Boracay estimated at P500 million by the Department of Tourism. This was learned from Department of Tourism regional director, lawyer Helen Catalbas The People’s Republic of China’s travel advisory stemmed from the alleged kidnapping of a Chinese teenager in the victim’s family store. The advisory also alleged that “the safety situation is deteriorating.” While the travel advisory is asking Chinese nationals not to travel to the Philippines for the time being, it may not be lifted sooner than expected and shall continue to affect adversely the tourism industry in Boracay. As I write this, the Department of Tourism has designed measures to curb Boracay’s losses. We can only hope that the measures shall succeed. *** In Aklan, it is definite that incumbent Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores and Rep. Teodorico T. Haresco shall seek reelection in 2016. There is no name being mentioned yet as of this date who shall oppose them. The opposition has yet to be formed although it is evident in some provinces that political parties or groupings have been organized. *** Jokes: On July 15, 2014 while preparing for my cataract surgery at Medicus  in Iloilo City, the next day and while passing at the Starbucks, I heard a group of young men joking. First joke: “The bald eagle of Malacañang prefers a bald budget secretary.” Second joke: President Aquino’s preference for Secretary Abad is a bad decision.”/PN

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