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| Lambert Parong |
ON MY WATCH
By MANUEL L. CABALLERO
SENATOR HONTIVEROS MEETS FILAM MEDIA GROUP IN NEW YORK; NJ FILAMS ALSO GAVE THE SENATOR WARM WELCOME
New York City - PH Sen. Risa Hontiveros, fresh from her committee's investigation of the now suspended Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, and the scamming POGO operations in Guo's town, answered questions for over an hour from members and officers of FilAm Press Club of New York. The press con was held in an uptown restaurant in the east side of Manhattan.
In a separate meeting at lunch, the lady senator also met with other Fil Ams from NY.
The press con was a free-wheeling Qs & As dominated by the POGO issue which has become a popular topic with FilAms because of the Hontiveros hearing.
Other pending issues in Congress, like divorce and perceived corruption during the Duterte years in office, were also discussed.
The press con was moderated by Asian Journal Executive Editor Momar G. Visaya, president of FilAm Press Club. Other attendees aside from this writer were Don Tagala, Lambert Parong, Marivir Montebon, Richie Rillera, Marilyn Abalos, Cesar Loverita, Lindy Rosales, Dave Llavanes, and Alex Vidal.
Another meeting between some NJ FilAms and the senator is scheduled in Jersey City after the NY meetings. This was learned from Roberto Ticzon.
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After the two New York meetings, some New Jerseyan and D.C. FilAms treated the lady official to dinner at a restaurant in Jersey City.
The lively dinner was followed by an open forum where PH-related questions were thrown to the lady senator. Some of the subjects raised were possible fraud during the 2022 elections; the danger that POGO corruption and criminal activities could have already penetrated some government offices; accountability of former President Duterte to possible acts/decisions inimical to the interests of the Philippines and Pilipinos during and even after his presidency; West PH Sea issue.
Senator Risa answered every question that came from the attendees.
Seemingly endless picture-taking with the senator followed the question hour.
Note: Acclaimed Author Loida Nicolas Lewis made the initial arrangements for the NY luncheon and press conference before she left for her European talks.
contributedmlc240610
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