Monday, March 31, 2008 Mercado: Jun Lozada in Pampanga By Ram Mercado First Person
I UNDERSTAND the handlers of NBN-ZTE whistleblower Jun Lozada are being given a hard time in Pampanga for a planned Road Show Presentation in the President's home province.
His handlers, which include Benedictine nuns and the idle rich, are reportedly disappointed after learning that Archbishop Paciano Aniceto has doused cold water on the proposed trip of Lozada and his troupe to Pampanga, capped by a Mass cum prayer rally.
It is not that Apu Cetu is curtailing freedom of speech, but he simply would not want to involve any of his priests in the quest of truth, that is, Lozada's version. The Visitation might unduly politicize the local clergy to the point where some of them would be running for elective office. Who knows, one of them may be a surprise opponent of Governor Eddie Panlilio?
Knowing some of the local priests with kindred spirit, Jun Lozada would not lack in a bold sympathizer who would celebrate Mass for him, except that Apu Cetu's discreet admonition to his ministers seemed to have struck holy fear into their hearts.
I hear Governor Ed is receptive to the Lozada road show which can break box office records, including the Cabalantian rallyists of the Golden Girl...Even a man of radical and progressive leanings like the Gov is not expected to go against the Archbishop's caveat against a Mass-rally for the whistler turned siren blower. Will the Among don his mothballed "habitu" of old, and, disregarding his suspended status, officiate at a Mass for auld lang syne?
It is not impossible at all to commission the services of an out-of-town priest like, say, SVD Fr. Resty Lumanlan, the governor's trusted friend and adviser. Fr. Resty, a native of quarry town Porac, is not under the archdiocese of San Fernando, qualifying him to celebrate Mass, given the circumstance.
I can imagine myself as part of the Welcome Committee for the Lozada visit in Pampanga. I am thus submitting an unsolicited proposal called Oplan Doble Bukol for consideration.
Programme
6 a.m. -- Arrival of Lozada and party at the City Central Transport Terminal (San Fernando). Terminal fee for group is waived, courtesy of City Mayor Oca Rodriguez.
Field Demonstration. By Flagellants from San Pedro Cutud-Sta. Lucia-San Juan led by their respective barangay leaders in a display of fraternal solidarity for the search of truth and self-inflictment. This is communal action live.
6:30–7:30 a.m. -- Breakfast of the Party at nearby EDquarters with special tocino, ham, and sausages, preferably donated by Mrs. Lolita Hizon of Pampanga's Best.
8 a.m. – Wreath-laying at the Capitol, led by Mr. Lozada. The 1st at the foot of the Ninoy Aquino statue, with special prayers for his widow; the 2nd at the statue of Sen. Jamby Madrigal's grand father, with prayers for her political success.
The wreaths (corona with stand) will be furnished by former Sto. Tomas Mayor Lucas Arceo from his St. Louis funeral parlor in San Matias.
8:30 a.m. -- 1. Welcome Remarks (at Capitol lobby) . . . Atty. Vivian Dabu, Provincial Administrator. 2. Special Musical Number by Totoy Bato (Pulosa). 3. Preliminary Hearing. A case presentation on the purpose of the visit. By the Black and White Movement, assisted by a Benedictine nun. 4. The Holy Mass, officiated by Rev. Resty Lumanlan SVD, with acolytes from the Kapampangan Coalition Inc assisting. 5. Devotional Hymn, by Former Seminarians of Mater Boni Consilii Seminary, also to serve as the Mass Choir a) lst Reading -- By Sen. Jamby Madrigal "Deal or No Deal!" b) 2nd Reading -- By Joey de Venecia III "The Parable of the Prodigal Father". 6. Speech by Guest of Honor - "Bukol Makes Money". 7. Conferment of Citation Award to Lozada, presented by the Among Ed Crusade and members of BALAS to be led by Chief of Staff Archie Reyes, Governor's Office. a) Acceptance remarks/Crying Time b) Collections of alms. By volunteers members of mass media. Gift offerings accepted. 8. Closing Speech -- Gov. Eddie Panlilio "To Forgive is Divine".
12 noon -- Luncheon at the Guiao Convention Center, catered by Mesdames Tess Guanzon and Aurora Limjoco without pre-audit. Intermission number by Totoy Bato (O Jun Kaluguran Daka).
1 p.m. -- Autograph Signing and Photo Op with Mr. Lozada.
2 p.m. -- City-wide Motorcade, with brief courtesy stopover at the Chancellery. Bishop Ambo David in a balcony appearance escorted by the other Men of Light...
Motorcade, led by Prof. Randy David and Among Ed in Big Bikes. Suggested Emcees: Ms. Rochelle Aguilar of KCI and Atty. Eliza Velez.
