JBolinas
31 Jan 2011

Re: Punchline

The comment of Ermin is in order. It is not based on hearsay but culled from the actual reports obtained from the August body. Hearsay comes into play when such statement proceeds from the mouth of other people, not from the declarant or speaker and used as part of evidence or to write an article as in the case of the column of Ermin.

Putting aside the legal semantics, the column dwelt on what’s transpired or happened in the city hall and in the SP. If a writer writes about the truth and being critical to the actions and words of the Mayor and his son emanating from what has been said and discussed in the SP or other venue, the words fall within the ambit of fair comment. Ermin did not stray with the intent to vilify nor put the objects of his criticism to shame.

Politicians must be used to media’s magnifying lens of scrutiny. If they can’t bear the brunt of such criticisms, they need to put up a face that is worth the vote, work honestly, obey the law, serve the people well, and not take advantage of their power. Although it’s pretty hard to please everyone, at least they should do their utmost best. Public servants should always bear in mind that they are completely accountable to every word they utter as well as their action.

There’s nothing wrong being called trapo or traditional politician. The word doesn’t necessarily give a bad connotation. In one article that I have read, Trapo is one who is a leader, being a servant of all. He can play any role, not just a legislator.

If Brian is criticized for being the mouthpiece of her mayor-father and branded as trapo, it is even expected. He, as an obedient son does what his father will say. Both can work together and make Dagupan better than we ever had before.

Mrs Lim’s rhetoric is plain and simple vain. She is stoking more coal to the ember so to speak with her emotional defense of her loved ones. She’s free to speak her mind just like anybody else. She is also free to criticize just like what he did in her letter. In fact, she even lambasted, threw insults and spiced her words with Jamaican hot chili to hurt Ermin too.

I hope Mrs. Lim can tolerate and swallow even the harshest criticism. And she should be contented, now that she had thrown the full weight of her anger to the critic. She should know that without opposition or critic in a democracy, politics is meaningless and dull. We must encourage it with decency and fairness. The media can serve as a guardian of truth if opposition can’t do it or become a lackey of the Mayor.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments