Windows26: Weekend Roundup: World’s first eye transplant, House leadership shake-up, holiday concerts and plays

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Weekend Roundup
November 11, 2023

Hello, reader! How's your November so far? This is your #WeekendRoundup, where everything and everywhere is bound up.

At a glance:

Major happenings: This week's top stories include the leadership shake-up in the House of Representatives, the murder of a broadcaster in Misamis Occidental, and the key developments of Sara Duterte's confidential funds.
Might be interesting: The world's first eye transplant is part of this lineup, which also includes Rivermaya's reunion concert and a list of theater plays leading up to Christmas.

FILE PHOTO: Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

House shake-up

After tirades of former president Rodrigo Duterte against the House of Representatives, political parties and key lawmakers of the lower chamber have reiterated their support for Speaker Martin Romualdez.

A House resolution was adopted in support of Romualdez's efforts amid attacks against the chamber, stating that he has steered the legislative body to unprecedented levels.

This resolution caused a significant shake-up in the House leadership after some deemed allies of Duterte did not sign the support, including Deputy Speaker Gloria Arroyo. She was replaced by Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano.

Arroyo, however, clarified that "[i]f some intriguers were able to convince Speaker Romualdez that I do not support his leadership in the House, then there is nothing that I can do."

Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro said the removal of Arroyo only highlighted the growing cracks of the Marcos-Duterte alliance.

Sara's confidential funds

The seeming rift between the Dutertes and Romualdez, and by extension, the House, is rooted from the removal of secret funds of Vice President Sara Duterte, who oversees two civilian offices, including the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Sara has since withdrawn her requests for confidential funds in the 2024 budget, amounting to P500 million for OVP and an additional P150 million for DepEd, following opposition from activists and many lawmakers.
Legal experts and former government officials lodged a petition asking the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional the transfer of P125 million to her office as a confidential fund in 2022.

By the numbers

Moving forward from the unpredictable world of politics, let's take a look at some numbers detailing the state of the nation today.

5.9% - The Philippine economy grew 5.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, faster than the 4.3-percent expansion recorded in the second quarter.
4.9% - The inflation rate slowed to 4.9 percent year-on-year in October, from 6.1 percent in September.
4.5% - The unemployment rate inched up to 4.5 percent in September from 4.4 percent in August

Jumalon murder

To stay updated about the murder of Misamis Occidental broadcaster Juan Jumalon, here are three stories you must read to stay in the loop.

Jumalon, known to his listeners as DJ Johnny Walker, was reading their greetings on air at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday when a man wearing a cap entered the announcer's booth. The assailant shot him in the mouth, seized the 57-year-old victim's gold necklace, and quickly fled the scene.

Interesting spotlight

Surgeons in New York announce world's first eye transplant: NYU Langone Health surgeons in New York have performed the first-ever whole-eye transplant in a human, an accomplishment being hailed as a breakthrough even though the patient has not regained sight in the eye.

The original line-up of Rivermaya, pictured above from left: Rico Blanco, Marc Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, and Bamboo Manalac (not in photo: Perfecto de Castro). Photo from www.reocities.com

Check this out

Are you into concerts or theater plays? You might be interested to watch a reunion concert of a famous band or go to theater plays for the holidays.

Rivermaya, one of the country's most iconic bands, has announced their reunion concert scheduled on February 17, 2024 in Manila. Rico Blanco has expressed his anticipation for reuniting with the original members, Bamboo Mañalac, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon.

If you're looking for more things to do this holiday season or considering a thoughtful gift for your drama-loving friends, here are 9 shows worth checking out. From Tabing-Ilog to Hamilton, these theater plays will run from November to December, providing a perfect recreational activity to close out 2023.