Pangan: Under scrutiny

ALMOST all candidates for the national (as wells as local) elections are undergoing screening and minute screening by those assigned to vet them.

One prominent candidate aiming for the presidency is Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao from General Santos City and Saranggani.

His fiercest critic is Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of Davao City. Another is columnist Rigoberto Tiglao of the Manila Times.

In a television program "Powerline" aired over SMNI, Pastor Quiboloy raised the issue of Pacquiao being a liar and a corrupt politician.

Quiboloy noted that Pacquaio was once close to President Duterte who belongs to the same party as Pacquiao, the PDP-Laban, founded by the late Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Sr. He lambasted the pambansang kamao as a demagogue who aims to sow disinformation against the President and his lack of honesty, especially Pacquiao's academic background.

Allegedly, Pacquiao obtained his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Makati (UMak) for only three months when the course requires four years to finish it. Quiboloy intimated that the act of giving Pacquiao the degree in only three months was not sanctioned by CHED and DepEd. UMak, reportedly, is not accredited by the CHED, according to the Pastor!

Basic honesty is critically required of a top executive of the country.

Columnist Tiglao likewise scored Pacquiao's lying ways and he writes this actuation is not worthy for a person seeking the highest post in the land to be assailed on his credentials.

And, this ambitious senator does not have the preparations to meet with international leaders and engage them in deep conversations about global finance, security, peace and strategy. Admittedly, Pacquiao lacks the finesse and knowledge of the astute presidency as his predecessors were.

***

Sara Duterte-Carpio is another issue. Initially posturing with her urong-sulong attitude, she has hinted salivating for the post.

Mayor Sara, in previous interviews, played hard to get and said she heeds her father's advice not to run. But now, she is singing a different tune. Would she be a good president? Knowing her to be short-tempered, I doubt she will.

And Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go's name continues to crop up in talks about the probable candidates for the presidency.

In a recent interview, he said he is not interested in this thankless job and added that his focus is on the fight against Covid-19. He makes it a point to visit hospitals to see first-hand the needs of Filipinos.

In a self-effacing fashion, he even pleaded to be considered last if the selectors cannot find one suitable candidate. If possible, he adds, don’t consider him at all.

***

Meanwhile, the tandem of Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson are off on a consultation tour, first in Luzon then to the rest of the Philippines.

Good, because we Filipinos have a tolerance for clowns and the short-tempered!