Briones: Friendly reminder

ALMOST everyone is talking about the acquittal of former senator Bong Revilla of plunder charges. That’s why I won’t.

The more I think about it, the more it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. To make matters worse, a Cebuana penned the decision.

Can you then blame Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg for immediately hiding behind legality to justify letting the apparently still popular actor off?

“Yes, I know it’s unpopular. I would have loved to be a heroine that convicted him. But at the end of the day, I’m bound to rule based on evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense,” she said.

Well, Econg had her chance.

Then again, this issue will probably go the way of the dodo before the end of the year and everyone will go about their daily lives as if nothing had happened. Because, unfortunately, it has happened before. People raise a great outcry against something only to forget what that something is later on.

You don’t believe me? One word: Marcos.

Anyway, that’s why I’d rather talk about the Department of Education’s (DepEd) gentle reminder to teachers and parents not to overdo the children’s Christmas parties.

I know. They’re adults. They shouldn’t have to be told. But then I keep forgetting where we are. We live in a culture where showing off trumps being practical.

Can’t afford a lavish wedding? Then by all means, mortgage the family land and while you’re at it, the house, too. That way, guests can gorge themselves until they puke. God forbid they’d think the bride and groom were scrimping on the celebration. Meanwhile, the hosts will spend the next few months or years trying to recoup their losses. Go figure.

So I know where Dr. Danilo Gudelosao is coming from. “The party doesn’t have to be ostentatious. The important thing is the children will know why Christmas is celebrated,” said the DepEd Cebu City assistant schools division superintendent in Cebuano.

Yes, children. Despite what you think, Christmas is not about sales at the mall. Or exchanging gifts. Or getting presents. And no, there’s no Santa Claus. The big guy would probably die of a heat stroke if he ever found himself in this part of the world.

So what is the “true spirit of Christmas?” Why are you looking at me? Go ask Gudelosao.

In fairness to the guy, he understands the parents’ propensity to sometimes go beyond their budget when pledging for meals or decorations for their children’s party. Hence, the advice to be practical.

OMG! I’m being such a party pooper.

I told you that Revilla fiasco has left a bad taste in my mouth.

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