FROM the looks of it, nothing, not especially old age will deter Kong Tarzan from snatching Barangay Balibago and annex it to his political record. Our cabalen are intensely interested in the outcome of his contest with Tess Mamac, darling wife of the outgoing Datu who is considered a mayoral timber.
It has never been known that Tony Mamac has refused every wish of the spouse like his going to a monthly pilgrimage to the Lady of Manaog for her special intentions.
If that was her vow, supporters of the Kong will now encourage their candidate to grow his beard and not shave it till the last ballot from the chief of all “mamasan” has been counted.
A Mamac supporter, as a gesture of goodwill, suggested that with Madam Mamac as “Kapitana,” she will provide free examinations on Lazatin campaigners at the rapid treatment center founded by her husband.
On my part, “Sama mo akong sampu, Kong.”
*****
Our people are still divided on three issues—same sex marriage, divorce, and President Duterte.
Beyond our shores I know of only three issues that had divided the American people: slavery, abortion, and now, same sex marriage.
US churches are split on the last concern. In the Philippines the answer to the controversy is not basically in the Bible but in semantics.
The chief objection by the oppositors is the use of the word “marriage” which is a legal civil covenant and a sacrament, at least to Catholics.
People do not mind if the members of the LGBT cohabit between and among themselves. Our cabalen are no longer scandalized by “pompiang” sex in the word of Bong Lacson nor by “bulditan” That is their human rights and an exercise in equality.
If a lesbian wants to bed a transgender, a gay likes to partner with a bisexual, or any two the gender combined for whatever purpose that is their privilege. They deserve utmost privacy.
The beef is when certain parties insist in making the special union assume the form and substance of a marriage.
Any marriage grants privilege, rights, mutual protection, and sanctity to the traditional husband-and-wife tandem. That is the form.
Substance is determined by the quality of the couple’s relationship. Human rights stipulate that everyone can be free, happy and “gay.”
We almost adhere to the saying that it is better to have love without marriage than marriage without love. I think both straight and gay will agree to that.
If our scientists had discovered splitting the atom to make nuclear weapons, it is not beyond the ken of man’s wisdom to invent a wedding and not call the union a “marriage”. Then the debate for same sex marriage will stop.
This wise, no sector, church or individuals, can demonize gay unions who, without the necessity of marriage, civil or otherwise, can exercise their rights unmolested. As it is, many misogynists, heterosexuals, and bible-preachers will say the nastiest and dirtiest things about homosexuality.
Can gay people live in peace and harmony, without undergoing marriage? Yes they can. Will they go to hell? Susmariosep! Only Apung Cetu can tell.
I hope my favorite ex-lawmaker, Kong Tarzan who is quite experienced in this aspect help his congressman-son JonJon craft a law to this effect. It would revolutionize our concept and the human relationship outside of sacramental marriage.
Marriages conducted by the Hukbalahap during the occupation have lasted to this day. Love and fidelity can be coerced by the barrel of the gun.
Now the general idea is to create a law which recognizes a gay wedding and not classify it as marriage. It is something similar to the practice of some local officials who contend they do not conduct (illegal) quarrying but only desilting or the denial by PCSO that Small Town Lottery and jueteng can co-exist peacefully.