Who’s protecting oil smuggling?

On Target

By Ramon Tulfo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
02/03/2009

Two big oil companies hired a private investigation agency to look into the rampant smuggling of fuel at the Subic Freeport and the unloading of smuggled fuel off Bataan.

They backed off after they were told who is protecting the oil smugglers.

Who do you think is behind the oil smuggling?

* * *

“Nobody would dare smuggle fuel oil in big quantities without the blessing of the Godfather,” said a source at the Subic Freeport.

Who’s the “Godfather” being referred to?

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President Arroyo has urged US President Barack Obama at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to take steps to address the worsening world economic crisis.
But do you think Obama will listen to our President?

He probably told himself, “Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?”
Obama snubbed President Arroyo when she sought an audience with him during the US presidential election campaign.

He didn’t talk to her over the phone either when she called to congratulate him after the announcement of his victory.

Why?

The answer probably lies in his inaugural speech, part of which is being quoted in text messages and in coffee shop talks:

“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we’ll extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

Is President Arroyo on Obama’s “wrong side of history”?

* * *

Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo should shy away from gambling for the sake of delicadeza.
On Race No. 6 Sunday at the Lazaro Racing Club, Mikey’s horse Defiant was an outstanding favorite.

But in the tight race, Boot Legs won by a length against Defiant.

A protest was lodged with the Board of Stewards.

The Board of Stewards’ decision: Defiant won.

* * *

It’s true, Defiant is not in the name of the First Couple’s eldest child.

Defiant’s owner – on paper – is a guy named Jun Molina.

But everyone in the racing circuit knows that Defiant is owned by Mikey Arroyo.

* * *

Billionaire Jose “Pepito” Alvarez feels alluded to in Saturday’s column about a billionaire entertaining plans to run for governor of Palawan.He vehemently denies destroying forests in the province during his logging days as stated in Saturday’s column.

Alvarez says he’s not planning to run for governor, but that 21 of the 23 town mayors in the province are prodding him.

“Setting humility aside,” the billionaire says in his letter, “ the best forest cover in the entire province is the area that was once my logging concession.”