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Friday, August 12, 2005
Wenceslao: Clavel is Clavel
By Bong O. Wenceslao
In one game between the original US Dream Team and a lowly opponent (was it Angola?) in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, NBA star Charles Barkley got physical against a player, sparking some criticisms. When reporters sought a reaction from Barkley's more popular teammate, Michael Jordan, his answer was: "Charles is Charles."
The House committee on good governments held in Manila the other day a hearing on the three bills seeking to create new provinces in Cebu. The pros and the antis clashed: Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez, proponent of the bill creating a Cebu del Norte, and Rep. Antonio Cuenco. Then Martinez and Gov. Gwen Garcia. Well, Clavel is Clavel.
I mean, Martinez is not called feisty for nothing. Feisty, meaning aggressive--or even worse than that. Just look at the close-up photo of Clavel that came out on page 1 of another paper and you'll know why.
Gwen is feisty, too, while Cuenco can be combative. But they don’t have the bossiness of political-feudal lords. Thus, Clavel is Clavel.
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With witnesses of dubious reputations saying one thing and after a while saying another thing, I find it amazing how Sen. Manuel Villar and his Senate committee could put up with the farce and continue conducting those supposed "hearings in aid of legislation." And why are the major television networks playing to the witnesses' tune?
Here's my take. It is apparent the opposition is building its case against President Arroyo on fact mixed with half-truths and lies. In response, the Arroyo administration is building its defense also on fact with a good helping of half-truths and lies. And there is confusion because reports don't bother to sift the fact from these half-truths and lies.
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Archbishop Oscar Cruz, the priest who has been shepherding witnesses to the Senate probe on jueteng, accused the Arroyo administration of buying off his people so they would recant their testimony. In fairness to Cruz, many in the political opposition are echoing that line. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, for example, said the same thing.
I am amused, however, when I hear Lacson complain. This is the same Lacson who was Philippine National Police chief before and during the impeachment trial of then president Joseph Estrada. You know what happened to some potential informants against Erap? An example: Bubby Dacer was abducted, killed and his body burned.
TEXTREAX. From Joseph L., former USJ-R varsity football mate of my cousin Nigel Wenceslao: “Just wanna say keep up the good shooting.
Unmask the deceiving gospels of wolves in sheep’s signature jeans.”
Philip Uy texted this one from Matthew 26:11: “For you have the poor always with you.”
(khanwens@yahoo.com/0927-2055064)
(August 12, 2005 issue)
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