Monday, February 05, 2007
Maxey: Politics, Pinoy style
By Ram Maxey
Bar None
WE THOUGHT all along that nothing about Philippine politics surprises us anymore. Wrong thought. In Zamboanga City (population 3/4 Christian, 1/4 Muslim), Monsignor Crisanto de la Cruz has announced that he will run for mayor against defending champion Celso Lobregat.
He says he will run on the platform of transparency (as in see-through?), peace and order (of course), more livelihood projects for the poor (barter trade, maybe?) and a 50-year road map. Whatever that last one means, he won't be around where and when that road ends.
Is it a coincidence that the Monsignor's name has a significant ring to it? Cris or Kris (Muslim), Santo (Catholic). Is he destined to unite them, at least in Zambo City? We suggest he make a slogan out of that curiosity.
Well, we hope the Monsignor makes a difference by daring to jump into the whirlpool of dirty politics for a chance to serve his people as a public servant. We know of one other member of the Catholic Church who has been trying to make a difference, kuno, by joining the communists under Joma Sison. Luis Jalandoni certainly has made a difference. Look where this benighted republic is today. Albeit, no thanks to certain politicians, either.
Overworked
Actor-Senator Bong Revilla defends his lackluster stint in the Senate, saying: "I know what I have done and what I am doing (in the Senate). I know there is still a lot more to learn and do." It's also called on-the-job training. And what else has he learned, pray tell? He adds: "The other day we just sponsored eight local bills for renaming roads." Isn't he a genius? Reminds us of our own City Council. Deal or no deal?
You have to pity these actor-senators in the Senate. And don't give me that funny stuff about their P200-million a year pork barrel. Can't you see they are overworked? Have a heart.
Double-talk
Senator Rodolfo Biazon says he sees nothing wrong with entertainers being in the Senate, but in the same breath adds: "But I certainly oppose concentration of one sector (showbiz) in the Senate." Wait until the 2010 elections. There will be more showbiz people in the Senate than politicians. Don't forget the power of the masa.
The concentration is bound to thicken as this republic lurches on. Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid are already there. Soon there will be more -- matinee idols Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano (the guy who speaks six dialects), Edu Manzano and God knows who else, are probably on their way there.
Make way, tradpols. Thank your lucky stars Kris is not in the mix, otherwise she'll top you all, and James Yap will be grinning from ear to ear.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (February 5, 2007 issue)
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