Oca Orbos on the spot

By Jun Velasco

OUR friend, Oca Orbos, is all over the headlines for his alleged role in an elaborate conspiracy that seeks to topple President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from power. The news accounts contain lurid details one would not easily believe were Oca Orbos’ handiwork because we know him to be a man of the law and moral probity.

There’s something sinister about how the plot was hatched and how the alleged complicity of key leaders, former and incumbent government officials was firmed up. Punch’s deadline wouldn’t allow us the time to check the veracity of the reports which had a dash of a James Bond suspense thriller, “How to Oust a President.”

We think we know enough where the former executive secretary’s heart is. Hence, our  shock by how  the news accounts could  profile him as a key-man or the leader of  the oust-GMA plot straight from former Ambassador Roy Seneres’ expose  linking the principal, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, who declared (he was caught on tape) withdrawal from the Arroyo government, to our friend.

 Of course, the grand plan against Gloria did not happen, but the elaborate plot is so hair-raising. Could Oca Orbos be behind it? We doubt it.

We thought Oscar Orbos  being linked with the plot could have been sparked by flying objects from the usually untrammeled discussions pregnant with fantasies amidst steaming brewed coffee at Hizon’s or Casino Espano.

If this is a case of irresponsible reporting, we urge the publishers to scotch it pronto to protect innocent lives and stop misleading the public.

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There was something in Secretary Jun Ebdane’s speech before Mindanao journalists that should ring the bells for media practitioners as a back-to-basics primer when he urged them to be “journalist-builders, rather than journalist-destroyers.”

Here are some quotables from his speech: “You have in your hands the power to build and destroy, and deep within you dwells a certain passion for nobility. Mobilize that passion for service.”

    “You should be the envy of the professions because you have a covenant with the public interest, which is selfless, heroic and noble role.”

   “In man’s search for lasting peace and progress, the forces of evil and destruction will always try to frustrate him, but the good forces that illumine men’s minds about truth, peace, freedom and global progress including the journalists are always around to ensure the triumph of the good.”

“The reported killings of journalists reflect this ‘evil-versus-good phenomenon,’ but the good will prevail because we have more good men, more good people, more good forces, and on top of this, God is on our side.  Be good in fighting the bad by being strong, united and not fall in the corrupting ways of evil.”

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  We met a group of highly competent cosmetic surgeons led by Dr. James Joaquino, a diplomate in plastic surgery, who have launched a new tack, “international medical tourism,” with the growing popularity of the Philippines as a haven for tourists.

First in James’ plan is to make  the country a world show-window of  topnotch plastic surgeons  who can compete with if not beat their counterparts in Asia such as those  in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Part of the strategy is to professionalize the plastic surgery industry which brings with it the weeding out of charlatans who are giving the industry and, for that matter, the country a black eye.

James told us a story about his client, a Mindanao mayor who after surgery became 20 years younger in looks. When he returned home, his wife looked much older and she immediately sought the surgeon’s services “to get even” with the hubby. In case you want to meet Dr. James, reach him at his clinic Tel. 02-6870795.

James’ group is an active member of a world movement called “Operation Smile.”

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