P20 Rice Project Unveiled at Manila Central Post Office: A Dramatic Turn Toward Food Security and Economic Hope

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In an unprecedented move to confront food insecurity head-on, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are shaking the foundations of hunger and poverty by launching the highly anticipated Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative — right at the heart of Manila.

Starting May 16, 2025, the historic Manila Central Post Office Annex II compound in Liwasang Bonifacio (formerly Lawton) will be transformed into more than just a landmark — it becomes a beacon of relief and resilience. The spotlight shines on one of the most groundbreaking features of the initiative: the P20 Rice Project.

A Dream Once Doubted, Now Delivered

For years, the idea of P20 per kilo rice was scoffed at by critics, written off as political fantasy. But tomorrow, the vision becomes reality. The Kadiwa store at the Post Office will offer high-quality rice for only Php 20.00 per kilogram, exclusively for indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities.

It’s more than rice — it’s dignity, empowerment, and an act of faith in a government’s ability to serve its people when it matters most.

A Limit, But Not to Hope

Each qualified beneficiary is allowed up to 30 kilos of rice per month — a lifeline that could very well mean the difference between survival and despair for many. The rice, carefully procured by Food Terminal Inc. from the National Food Authority (NFA), ensures not just affordability but quality.

Kadiwa: Not Just a Market — A Movement

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is not a one-time stunt. It’s a full-fledged initiative that will run every Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, bringing with it a selection of fresh produce, essential food items, and agricultural goods.

Through this visionary partnership, PHLPost offers its vast logistics and e-commerce infrastructure to the cause, while the DA guarantees a consistent supply sourced from the very heartland of our agricultural economy.

More Than A Postal Office

Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos encapsulated the deeper meaning of the movement:

“Through this initiative, we are not just distributing agricultural products; we are empowering our farmers and supporting the welfare of our fellow Filipinos by making their lives easier and more sustainable.”

Indeed, the role of PHLPost transcends mail delivery — it becomes a lifeline, a conduit through which food, hope, and justice flow directly into the hands of the people.

A United Front for the Filipino Family

The DA emphasized that true food security requires unity among government agencies. This collaboration is a bold step in bridging the chasm between farmer and consumer, town and city, producer and need.

With the post office’s reach and the DA’s resources, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo emerges as a flagship of purposeful governance — where action, not promise, takes center stage.

Looking Forward

In the long shadow of rising food prices and economic anxiety, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative at the Manila Central Post Office stands defiantly — a powerful symbol that change is possible when institutions unite with the people in mind.

As the Kadiwa doors open, so too does a chapter of shared responsibility, restored trust, and renewed hope.

Because this is not just about rice.

This is about justice on every plate and dignity in every grain.

A Swift Swing of Justice or Political Vendetta? Duterte-Appointed Justices Reverse De Lima Acquittal a Day After She Joins VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Panel

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation's political and judicial circles, the Court of Appeals (CA) Eighth Division—stacked with appointees of former president Rodrigo Duterte—has overturned the 2023 acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in one of her high-profile drug cases. The dramatic twist came barely 24 hours after De Lima accepted an invitation to join the House panel that will prosecute Vice President Sara Duterte in her looming impeachment trial.

The timing, as critics and observers are quick to point out, could not be more damning—or deliberate.

A Sudden Turn in a Long Ordeal

De Lima, a staunch critic of the Duterte regime and a former justice secretary known for her vocal opposition to the bloody "War on Drugs," had spent over six years in detention on what she and her supporters call trumped-up charges designed to silence her dissent. In 2023, the lower court finally acquitted her in one of the remaining drug cases, seen as a major step in restoring her civil liberties and political career.

But in an eyebrow-raising twist, the CA’s Eighth Division granted a petition for certiorari filed by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra—himself Duterte’s former justice secretary—effectively undoing her acquittal and reviving the specter of legal limbo.

The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Eleuterio Bathan, a Duterte appointee, and concurred with by fellow Duterte appointee Justice Florencio Mamauag Jr., alongside Division Chair Justice Nina Antonio-Valenzuela, who was named to the bench by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a Duterte ally.

The Shadow of Political Retaliation

The reversal has not gone unnoticed for its uncanny timing: it was made public just a day after House Speaker Martin Romualdez formally announced De Lima’s participation in the prosecution panel tasked with building the impeachment case against no less than the sitting Vice President—and Duterte’s daughter—Sara Duterte.

While the justices involved have yet to issue a statement addressing the political implications, legal experts and political commentators alike are reading the situation as more than mere coincidence.

"Such timing strains credulity," said a former Supreme Court justice who declined to be named. “It risks undermining the public’s already fragile faith in the independence of the judiciary.”

On social media, outrage has erupted. The hashtags #DeLima and #PoliticalPersecution began trending within hours of the decision’s release, with many users pointing to a pattern of judicial weaponization under the Duterte administration and its residual influence.

De Lima: Free—for Now

Despite the CA’s reversal, De Lima remains free—for now. Her legal team has vowed to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the High Tribunal will correct what they call a “grave injustice.”

"Former Senator De Lima has endured unimaginable suffering because of politically motivated charges," said her lawyer in a brief press statement. "We will not allow the clock to be turned back."

De Lima is also on track to assume her role as a party-list representative under the ML banner—a return to public service many see as long overdue.

But with the legal tide turning once more against her, questions linger: Will she be able to participate fully in the high-stakes impeachment trial of the Vice President? Or is this court reversal merely the opening salvo in a broader campaign to suppress her political resurgence?

A Nation on Edge

The developments mark yet another flashpoint in the escalating power struggle between camps aligned with former president Duterte and those positioning themselves as reformists in the post-Duterte era. With the Vice President facing her own impeachment battle and De Lima being drawn back into a legal quagmire, the battle lines are clearly being drawn—not just in Congress, but in courtrooms across the land.

More than a legal setback, the CA’s decision has ignited a firestorm of speculation about the enduring grip of Duterte-era influence, even as the country ostensibly turns a new page.

The question now is not just whether justice is being served—but whose justice, and at what cost to democracy?

For continuous updates and fearless analysis, stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas—the voice of the people, by the people, and for the truth.

When Cuisine Blooms: Sheraton Manila Bay’s Petals and Palates 2 Unfolds an Enchanting Floral Feast on May 29

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In a night where gastronomy meets garden elegance, and visual art intertwines with indulgent bites, Sheraton Manila Bay once again sets the stage for a multi-sensory journey unlike any other. Back by popular demand, the “Discovery Moment: Petals and Palates Part 2” returns on May 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM—and this time, it’s bolder, more vibrant, and dripping in fragrant, floral sophistication.

Set within the refined interiors of &More by Sheraton, the hotel’s signature café will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland where edible flowers dance on porcelain plates and art spills from canvases into cocktails. After the undeniable success of its first edition, Sheraton’s second act in this floral-gastronomic series promises an elevated immersion into beauty, taste, and creative expression.

A Symphony of Blooms and Bites

At the heart of Petals and Palates 2 is an intricately curated four-course floral menu, each dish a masterpiece that embodies both flavor and floral elegance. It’s not just a dinner—it’s a narrative told in textures, colors, aromas, and taste.

Mini Salad Bouquets – Not your ordinary greens. These garden-fresh arrangements, styled like tiny handheld flower bundles, offer both a feast for the palate and a snapshot-worthy start to the evening. Vibrant vegetables and lush greens are plated with couture precision.

Chawan Mushi with Tako and Edible Blooms – A refined Japanese classic reimagined. The silky-smooth custard cradles tender octopus and earthy mushrooms, gently kissed by the delicate petals of edible flowers. A dish that whispers luxury in every spoonful.

Pearls and Petals Mini Chirashi – The main act. A dazzling rice ensemble layered with treasures from the sea—fresh tuna, salmon, kani, shrimp, unagi, and tamago—crowned with floral accents, creating a visual mosaic that tastes as divine as it looks.

Each course is artfully paired with bespoke cocktails, meticulously mixed to heighten the dining experience, teasing the tastebuds and weaving in fragrant floral notes that echo the dishes they accompany.

Art Beyond the Plate

The enchantment doesn’t end at the table. Fili Artists Manila, known for their bold and contemporary Filipino expressions, will unveil an art exhibit that stretches across the space, bringing every corner of &More to life. The walls will bloom with colors, textures, and stories—further enhancing the magical atmosphere of the evening.

The exhibit transforms Sheraton Manila Bay into more than a dining venue—it becomes a living canvas, marrying the culinary with the creative in a celebration of Filipino culture and artistry.

More Than a Meal, It’s a Moment

For the discerning diner, the art enthusiast, or anyone in pursuit of an unforgettable night out, Petals and Palates Part 2 is an invitation to momentary escape—a place where petals fall gently onto palates, and every detail is touched by beauty.

Seats are limited, ensuring an intimate experience for each guest. Whether you're sipping on a floral-infused cocktail, admiring the bold strokes of local art, or tasting a petal-laced chirashi for the first time, this Discovery Moment is one that promises to linger long after the final course.

Event Details

Where: &More by Sheraton, Sheraton Manila Bay

When: May 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Investment in an unforgettable evening: Php 1,999 net per person

Club Marriott Exclusive: Php 1,800 net

For inquiries and reservations:

Facebook & Instagram: @sheratonmanilabay

Email: reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com

Call: (02) 5318 0788

Let your senses blossom. Step into a world where food is art, and art is flavor.

Because at Sheraton Manila Bay, every bite blooms.