I ADMIT it. I'm an addict. True. A social media addict. I go for Facebook -- and sometimes -- Twit, using Twitter, of course.
I'm trying hard to cure to read or post my Facebook account. During the early morning, I go to the dining room to get away from my laptop or smartphone. Oh tukso layuan mo ako. I want to focus on my Sacred Half Hour when I read and reflect on scriptural passages.
I catch up on developing news in Hong Kong if only because my brother Ramón and his family live there as expats. Then I got worried when several million of Hong Kongers spilled out the streets to protest against China's unpopular extradition legislation.
Now lately, Twitter and Facebook have taken steps to block what they described as a state-backed Chinese misinformation campaign.
Twitter said it removed 936 accounts it said were being used to "sow political discord in Hong Kong."
Facebook said it had, after being tipped off by Twitter, removed "seven Pages, three Groups and five Facebook accounts." Talk rival cooperation. Said Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, "Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government."
Then in the home front, I switch to local news. What amused no end are the travails of Duterte Youth chair Ronald Cardema who wants to intimidate Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.
Boy, Cardema has a problem. He doesn't have an idea who he is tangling with. Here in Negros, Rowena is known for her "taray" (fierce or bratty).
This time, taking after President Donald Trump, her weapon of choice is her Twitter account. Here are some choice examples.
The trying hard congressman accused the mataray Comelec commissioner of demanding money and political favors from him, in exchange for voting favorably on his case.
To which the lawyer commissioner wryly replied, "Why will I extort money from him or anyone? I don't need it. I am richer than Cardema for sure."
Then another Twit: "Cardema said I demanded 2Million from him. I don't (sic) think he even has P500K in his bank account. Aber, show us, you overaged trying hard name dropper." The Guanzons are known in Negros as old rich.
Cardema, at 34 years old, is simply too old to represent the youth sector in Congress, so the poll body's 1st Division canceled his nomination.
My strong advice to Mr Cardema if you can understand Hiligaynon. "Toto Ronald, untati na. Batuna na indi ka pwede mangin kongregista sini inga tinion."
bqsanc@yahoomail.com