Yeah, dude, bummer on my 3-day trip. I fly out with my boss Friday aftenoon. But if I do get some time off (from work and my girlfriend) I’ll let you know if I can fly in and hang out with you and Migz (y las bonitas senoritas, yeah!).

Until Friday only? And when do you fly out? You oughtta spend at least Saturday evening in Miami, fly out Sunday. Lotsa nice spots in Lincoln road, have Cuban espresso,

I was actually planning to drive down to Miami this weekend and just chill with my homeys in Ft Lauderdale, until something came up for Sat evening and we opted to head for Margaritaville in Universal Orlando’s City Walk.

Kung nagkataon, one of the homeyz is in charge of a yacht – and is allowed to accept guests when the boss is not around – dang. San Mig light and some guests from Miami Beach – como esta señorita; dispensame por yo hablo un poquito español

***

Unicameralism also makes sense considering the frequent political gridlocks in the PI

Disregard my post, below, BongV. I posted on the wrong box.

Sweet! The Pinoy in me can’t get enough of the sun. I’ll be in Miami Beach for work (near the botanical garden) until Friday so I won’t be able to enjoy it much. But I will cross the I-195 for some Puetro Rican pollo frito!

Yeah, a 2-senator-per-region-senate might save us some money, but I’m more for a drastic cut in our budget. Also, I’m thinking that making senate seats regional does not remedy the problem of idiocy and non-performance in the senate. To my mind, if the Filipinos traditionally vote idiots into government anyway, the solution to your thesis above maybe to limit the size (and power) of government.

If you find yourself in the Bay Area, let me know and we’ll get some San Mig lights and ponder some more about the state of our nation.

I’m also for Parliamentary.. For one thing, it’ll keep the majority of idiots from voting. Yun nga lang, we’ll have to keep score on who will make-up our Parliamentary system, and how they perform their duties.

Critics of the Senate will bring up the blockage of the envelope during the 2001 trial of Erap. In fact, the word “fiscalize” seems to be the same as “blocking” to me. Probably the Senate more for blocking than passing purposes. Not good.

If not abolish the Senate (and thus go parliamentary), at least remove the popular vote for them. The two senators per region sounds like a better deal; it may help each region in the Philippines get more representation, instead the government becoming centralized. De-centralization of the government can help improve things, I was told. It’s time the highest offices of the land be removed from the votes of the people, who don’t even know how to use their voting powers properly.

Hey Uncle,

Weather is a-okay. It was in the low 60s this morning and it got to 72 around noon. Absolutely gorgeous. Oh Miami – the de facto capital of South America You headed for South Beach?

Or, we can go back to the previous 2 senators per region voted within the region only. Budgets will be slashed since the constituencies are more limited in size.

I’m for the abolition of the Senate. We do not have real political subdivisions (states) to justify the Senate (unlike in the US), nor are our Senators endowed with superior intellect and wisdom to temper a “fickle” lower house. But of all the arguments for unicameralism, the most compelling for me is the savings of Php 5 Billion-plus on senatorial pork barrels and cost of running their staff (and stature). The savings from having a smaller government can be translated to tax cuts for businesses, which in turn create jobs.

(How’s the weather in Florida? I’ll in Miami on Wednesday and looking forward to a warmer climate.)

Oo nga,

Btw, the voting at large provision is a change from the original format of two senators from each of the 12 regions (1920s).

Great and informative piece, BongV, as always.

And if I may add, the Senate is apparently hereditary property. Consider:

Agapito Aquino 1987–1995
Benigno Aquino, Sr. 1928–1934
Benigno Aquino, Jr. 1967–1972
Benigno Aquino III 2007-Present

Jose Maria P. Arroyo 1919–1928
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 1992–1998

Alan Peter Cayetano 2007–Present
Pia Cayetano 2004–Present
Renato L. Cayetano 1998–2003

Jinggoy Estrada 2004–Present
Joseph Estrada 1987–1992
Loi Estrada 2001–2007

Teofisto Guingona 1920–1925
Teofisto Guingona, Jr. 1987–1993, 1998–2001

Jamby Madrigal 2004–Present
Pacita Madrigal-Gonzales 1955-1961
Vicente Madrigal 1941-1952

Claro M. Recto 1931-1935, 1941-1946, 1949-1960
Ralph Recto 2001-2007

Ramon Revilla 1992-2004
Ramon Revilla, Jr. 2004–Present

Gerardo Roxas 1963-1972
Mar Roxas 2004–Present

Vicente Sotto 1946-1950
Tito Sotto 1992–2004

Lorenzo Tañada 1947–1971
Wigberto E. Tañada 1987–1995