NEWS STORIES in the Philippines today resemble a “chopsuey” of events, unfolding even amid an oil-driven economic crisis.
Wikipedia describes chopsuey as a Chinese-American dish that originated in the United States, created by Chinese immigrants in the mid-to-late 19th century, particularly during the California Gold Rush. It later became a staple of American Chinese cuisine.
In simpler, local terms, it is “ginsamu-samo nga utan” — a mix of broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and quail eggs. That is perhaps the best way to describe the news landscape in the Philippines this week. From local to national developments, all stories — whether trivial or serious – carry weight, collectively complicating the lives of Filipinos.
CAUGHT OR UNCAUGHT
Let us begin with the news involving former AKO Bicol Party-list congressman Zaldy Co. The nation was stunned when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., on April 16, personally announced that Co had been arrested in Prague, Czech Republic.
Many expected his immediate deportation, along with explosive revelations regarding the controversial flood control projects. Yet the irony is striking: Malacañang now appears uncertain of Co’s whereabouts. The lingering question remains — was he truly caught, or is he somehow still beyond reach?
‘STARTING OVER AGAIN’
At the House of Representatives, an impeachment hearing against Vice President Sara Duterte on April 29 took an unexpectedly comedic turn. Proceedings before the Committee on Justice briefly became “showbiz-like” and laughable.
This followed an unintentional blunder by SAGIP Party-list Representative Paolo Marcoleta, who attempted to quote a famous movie line but attributed it to the wrong actor. His intention was to underscore a point before the opening of a box containing the income tax returns of the Vice President and her husband, Mans Carpio.
Marcoleta quoted the line, “I deserve an explanation. I deserve an acceptable reason,” believing it came from the character Popoy, portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz in the film “One More Chance.” However, Akbayan Party-list Representative Percival “Perci” Cendaña quickly corrected him, pointing out that the line was actually delivered by Marco, portrayed by Piolo Pascual, in the 2014 film “Starting Over Again.”
The chamber erupted in laughter.
‘FORTHWITH’
Also on April 29, the Supreme Court issued a 14-0-1 ruling that redefined the term “forthwith” in the context of impeachment trials. Fourteen of the 15 magistrates clarified that the term should not be interpreted strictly as “immediate” or “agad-agad.”
Instead, it should be understood as “within a reasonable time,” in accordance with Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution. The ruling allows flexibility depending on prevailing circumstances.
In hindsight, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s earlier stance gains validation — this interpretation that “forthwith” does not necessarily mean “immediate” now stands on solid legal ground.
‘CORNED BEEF’
In Negros Occidental, the term “corned beef” has taken on a disturbing connotation following the April 19 Toboso killings, now referred to as the “Negros 19.”
The term has been used in a manner that trivializes and dehumanizes the 19 fatalities. It suggests a grotesque imagery — that the victims were treated as if shredded and processed like canned meat.
Debate continues on social media over whether labeling the incident as “corned beef,” and referring to the military as the “processor,” is appropriate or deeply insensitive.
‘LAMOD’
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned during a Senate hearing on April 29 that rice prices could surge to P60 to P62 per kilo by September.
This projection comes amid the uncontrolled rise in fertilizer costs. As a mitigation measure, the agriculture chief suggested mixing rice with well-milled white corn.
In Hiligaynon, this practice is referred to as “lamod.”
‘LOVE IS NEVER GONE’
In the entertainment scene, excitement is building over the upcoming film “Love Is Never Gone,” starring Ivana Alawi and Joshua Garcia. The movie is set to premiere nationwide on May 8.
What draws attention? Unsurprisingly, the much-talked-about “perfect” kissing scenes between the lead stars, as highlighted in promotional materials. Even now, many fans are already swooning.
‘BUHAY PINOY’
Let us be candid. The stories mentioned above range from humorous to deeply serious. Some provoke laughter, others frustration.
But this is “buhay Pinoy.”
Amid challenges, Filipinos display a remarkable tendency to adapt — even to the point of complacency. We sit back, scroll through Facebook, read the news, watch television, or catch a movie. Problems? “Chicken.”
Yet beneath this resilience lies a more troubling reality. Economic insecurity persists. Poverty incidence remains high. Precarious employment is widespread.
Filipinos do not want to remain mere spectators — or worse, victims — of “kinenkoy” realities. While the public grapples with hardship, there is a growing perception that leadership lacks the seriousness required to address the country’s pressing issues.
Still, these “chopsuey” stories reflect something uniquely Filipino: the ability to endure, adapt, and survive, even amid absurdity. Despite the chaos, stress, and occasional illogic of everyday life, Filipinos remain playful — stubborn, yet resilient.
In times like these, navigating “kinenkoy” or even outright absurd realities becomes a surreal experience — exhausting, yet strangely empowering.
After all, that is life./PN
