Playing with Fire

By November 14, 2017Archives, Opinion

The making of a real statesman

 

By Gonzalo Duque

AS the whole world watches at the ASEAN summit in the country, one is privileged to take another look at our leaders who are involved in foreign affairs.

The basic question arises: how does our President fit into our definition or idea of a statesman?

This subject is tough because it requires us to really find out what should constitute a true statesman.

0ffhand, the common idea of a statesman is one with a dapper suit, clean cut, oozing with stellar confidence, wearing well polished shoes and exuding a suave persona with a burnished table in a shiny office.

This old-school image of diplomat requires him to be avant garde in speech and always non-committal on controversial issues, a middle of the roader, and always unruffled.

It’s sad that what we just gave you is the exact caricature of a statesman.

We are plain lucky to inform that our President is the exact opposite of the suave, backslapping “statesman” which yes, our Digong abhors and condemns.

No wonder then that as the true and real leader of our country, he, Digong, does not hesitate to call anyone by the name that he deserves, walang bolahan, walang sugar coating, he calls a spade a spade.

Maraming nasasaktan, maraming nalalabosan, a Pangasinan word for na-e-exposed nang husto.

But in the name of the truth, fairness and statesmanship, tama si Pangulo.

       This, today, is the crowning glory of Philippine foreign relations, truthful, honest and, therefore, fair.

Mabuhay ang Pangulo!

       Mabuhay ang Katotohanan!

       Mabuhay ang Pinas!

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Our attention was called about the seemingly problematic affair between the bloggers and newly appointed Spokesman Harry Roque.

       Sayang naman. Tunay na journalist at makabayan si Harry.

       Masalimoot na daiset yan lambangan agagui, kasi ambabangil ya personas so banggaan ditan, kanya kanyang “pride chicken,” talagang bruising ya, agagui, but in the long run, united ang mga yan, kasi tunay na makabayan, at loyal kay Pangulo.

       Mocha, the wonder girl of Philippine media, should listen to Harry, who is well meaning. You are both ace supporters of the President. I see no reason for a discord.

       But anyway, the seeming rough sailing of Harry to the President’s media stable goes to highlight the value of media in governance. It’s sine qua non to effectiveness and success.

       Mabuhay ang media!

       Mabuhay Pangulo Digong!

*                *                *                *

Bible Notes: Why should we always turn to God? – 1 Peter 5:8: “Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”

Matthew 24:42: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”

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