NO LESS than Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and friend since three decades ago, denied having been angered nor saddened by the sudden unavailability of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte.
This is a far cry from the impassioned claim of a radio commentator Mike Abe of Sonshine Radio in the national capital that the pastor was “galit na galit” because of the apparent brush-off.
"I just want to clarify that I am not disappointed, it is the wrong word," Quiboloy said in a press conference at the KJC Compound Monday morning.
But we can understand the dilemma of the pastor. Being a close friend of Duterte, he must have been parrying off many requests to see, set a date, recommend someone, or forward a resume.
That is the life of many people here who have close associations with Duterte as the mayor. But, we have to remember, that was then. As mayor, his concern was the city of 1.6-million people. He was busy then at the time. But we can still squeeze in and whisper a word or two.
"In fact si Mayor ay napaka-busy 24 hours, mag-collapse na nga siya halos nung isang beses kaya alam natin ang kinalalagyan niya ngayon, ang influx ng mga tao at sa lahat ng gustong makipagkita sa kanya (He is very busy, almost collapsing one time due to the influx of people wanting to see him)," Quiboloy explained.
As President, Duterte’s concern is the 98-million Filipinos and the whole government under him. For anyone to expect that things will remain the same is asking too much of one man.
We had a glimpse of this in Sun.Star’s schedule with him last May 17, a schedule that was moved till 3 a.m. and still many more were waiting, including business tycoon Tonyboy Cojuangco and partner Gretchen Barreto.
They were waiting as several others did. Stand back, give your support by abiding by the laws, and rejoice if ever we get the chance to mingle with him. Suffice it to say that he takes extra effort to meet as many people as possible and talk to as many journalists as possible.
But that is not his job once he sits down as President. Let’s not expect him to be as approachable as before.
Asked when he intends to go around the country as President during the interview with Sun.Star executives, he said, “No.”
I have a very limited period of time in the presidency. Six years. And fixing government and corruption will take most of my time. Eh tutal naman nakita naman nia ako sa kampanya,” he said.
Yes, he will try. But work and protocols will tie him down. This is not about a man becoming unapproachable after becoming President, this is a man trying to buckle down to work.