Nick Ferrer, new Comelec commissioner

By Gonzalo Duque

THE appointment of former Justice Nick Ferrer as a new member of the Commission on Elections is well deserved.

The small man (he is less than five feet tall) is known for his probity, integrity, industry and loyalty to the rule of law. The Comelec post is surely another feather in his cap and a new challenge to his leadership. I believe he is the man for the job.

He used to take pride in the fact that he was once a member of my late father’s think tank. Kuya Nick once made me laugh hard when he narrated to me an incident when as a candidate for mayor in Binmaley, Pangasinan, a temperamental opponent was incensed by his brickbats and gave the small man a chase.

       Fearing the determined opponent was going to harm him, the little man climbed what looked like a mango tree.  He climbed so fast the chaser lost track and was left scratching his head.

One time I wrote about him, and was I glad having done so?  The grateful man framed my comment and displayed it in his office. When someone inquired why of all the fine pieces of commentaries my piece was displayed in his sala, he said, “The comment came straight from my friend Gonzalo’s heart. There was no string attached.”

Kuya Nick was also a political hot shot before he shifted to a life in the judiciary. But the guy never won in electoral contests.  He was too honest for the politics that we all know. But he is now a distinguished leader of the country.  He was   not lucky in politics, but he was successful in other areas of endeavor. His life affirms the truism that God works in mysterious ways.

Congrats, Kuya Nick. I will pray for your success in your new challenging job.

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I was reading a handbook on disaster preparedness published by the Regional Development Council and the National Economic Development Authority. One item attracted my attention: containing anger.

It says:  if you can’t control your anger, it is imperative that you consult a psychiatrist. Maybe I should recommend the manual to some members of the city council.

Joking aside, the prescription for containing anger is tailor-fit for some councilors. I am sure if they read it, they will become wiser, more composed, and more open to all points of view and naturally will welcome all kinds of ideas. That is a sure step in improving relationships.    

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 The RDC handbook’s prescription on disasters is a must reading for all especially government agencies. There is an item which guides people on how to deal with earthquakes, typhoons, floods which are now in season, or how to prepare for any disaster.

I am endorsing the manual to all government agencies which costs only Pl00.00. It’s worth it.

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 At long last, local radio station DZRH will finally reopen on Tuesday, June 20 coinciding with Dagupan City’s Founding Day. Its new manager is veteran newsman Ging Cardinoza who, I was informed, had to leave a high-paying job for his new assignment. 

Knowing Ging to be a thoughtful person, his decision must have been arrived at after a long and hard analysis. Well, I know that he is obsessed with broadcast work, having been a print journalist   all   these years. Maybe he wants to try a new challenge.

     I hope Ging will do something about the old clamor of several quarters to professionalize the broadcast industry in Pangasinan. I know Ging can do it, and I wish him good luck.   

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