Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Speak Out: In defence of Mr. “Po” wearing a black shirt By Winifredo P. Eribal Cebu
I DON’T know Mr. “Po, 28 years old” personally, the guy who sparked tension when he remarked that the forum at the USC gymnasium during the visit of Mr. Jun Lozada here in Cebu City last March 17 was biased. Regardless of whether he is invited or uninvited, he is a participant at the open forum.
Everyone in attendance was considered a participant. I highly commend him for his courageous act when he asked Mr. Lozada the question, “Why the issue on the national broadband network (NBN) deal has not been brought to the courts.” The NBN-ZTE deal is but addition to the present administration’s heap of scandals and atrocities that Filipinos have to put up with all these years.
The gathering at the USC gym was an open forum sponsored by the supporters of Mr. Lozada. An open forum is a vehicle for comment and discussion, and it is open for questions from the participants after the speaker delivered his speech. Anything goes within the bounds of courtesy and common sense and the libel laws as long it has to do with the subject matter being discussed.
It is a form of debate for anyone concerned about the national and political issues. Additional issues can be forwarded to the moderators. The moderator may restrict repetition of views during the discussion.
Participants are limited to two minutes with the possibility of additional time in case moderators engage the speakers with follow-up questions or remarks.
So why were the organizers and moderators of the open forum irked when Mr. “Po” a legitimate participant, asked Mr. Lozada why he didn’t file cases in court instead of appearing in the Senate inquiry “like a crying lady?” The Senate was created to legislation and not for prosecution. The Senate is not a court, but they are using it like a court.
Mr. Lozada is like a traditional politician campaigning for senator every time he toured the province. He is suffering from tremendous ego, and it is clear power has gone to his head. Unsolicited advice: people handling Lozada should tell him to remain modest and calm during speaking engagement in order to gain some respect from his detractors.
