Think about it
Pingcoy runs DOH like he was a candidate!
By Jun Velasco
OUR friend in the media, former publisher and senator wannabe Prospero “Butch” Pichay, is a versatile and hardworking member of congress, but lacks the charm that would ensnare Ilocanos who want to be mystified like the charisma of Bung Ferdinand, the masculinity of Ping Lacson and the oozing beauty of Loren Legarda.
But Butch has a stick-to-it attitude and a missionary zeal, pursuing causes that are sometimes unpopular but good for the majority.
He is at his best in untangling the legislative rigmarole so that tough tasks are simplified and delivered with dispatch. After an anemic campaign that started last January, Butch, according to SWS, is “the highest gainer” lately and within striking distance of the magic l2.
Butch, once publisher of Remate and Ang Bagong Pinoy, wants to thank Pangasinenses by way of a May l Tour of Pangasinan cycling race billed ‘Pichay’ Dayat.
Go for it, Butch!
* * *
Another friend-cumpadre, Facundo “Boying” Palafox Jr, confidant of the late Jake Clave, is running for mayor of Bani town, hometown of Oscar Orbos. A deadringer for Robert Redford, Boying has a bag of surprises to “dazzle to oblivion” his opponents.
He vows to modernize the town without soiling his hands with grease of corruption. His foes are retired General Marcelo Navarro and former Fiscal Ireneo Orlino.
* * *
Speaker Joe de V is besieged daily by national and local candidates about worrisome problems germane to elections.
Our local man who almost became president were it not for a super popular opponent, Erap Estrada, is facing a marketing wizard, Dagupan Mayor Benjie Lim, and is burdened by the whines and groans of politicians from Batanes to Jolo. What a life!
Most observers couldn’t see the logic of why youthful Benjie will unleash a personal grudge thrashing a friendship and harmonious relationship built through the years. Amidst bloody brickbats and ugly fireworks oozing from hate, a few self-seeking wolves are making things worse that make reconciliation difficult.
Let’s heed the cooler heads’ appeal for sobriety and reason. After all, after the elections, we will all be back in the usual warm embrace of friendship.
* * *
Among President Arroyo’s cabinet secretaries, Dr. Francisico T. Duque cuts a persona above the rest. He works like the world is about to end.
If you didn’t know his health regimen, you’d think the guy would collapse from a go, go, go work schedule that starts at 5 in the morning and ends late at night, all for country and Ate Glo. His working staff and personnel are in the same mode. Small wonder, performance evaluators can’t help but rank him “most outstanding.”
What’s uncommon is that he runs lean and mean staff/personnel like a management guru, no manpower duplication, no verbiage in firing directives, and yet he is able to make technical speeches here and there urging civic leaders, Jaycees, Rotarians and even motorists outside Metro Manila to get into the help-the-government bandwagon.
His infectious work ethic has made every human entity in his DOH organization work-driven, always, says information officer Ed Hilario, catching up with the boss’ clockwork pace.
How come he was not a candidate in the May l4 elections? His name was always Number l in performance and anti graft campaigns. Older brod Gonzalo says “He is still in a ripening process.”
* * *
Over lunch, we saw Oca Lambino in high spirit last Monday. Perceptions that he is a tailender in the gubernatorial race are suddenly disappearing, thanks to his balikbayan cousin, Efren Mamaril who is giving his campaign a new tack.
We first met this guy, Efren, in Los Angeles when he was a confidant of the late Mayor Bradley.
Let’s see how he makes things unfold because Oscar’s posters are invisible in many places.
Oscar is only an arm away from the governor’s chair, but Cong. Amado Espino and Dr. Jamie Agbayani won’t allow it. Killjoy.
* * *
A dear high school classmate, Virgilio Zulueta, succumbed to a lingering illness last week, shrouding us with a pall of gloom, leaving behind pretty wife, former Norma Hortaleza of DCNHS class 69 and three kids, all boys who will forever treasure their happy memories with him. In our class Vir was a seat-mate because of our surnames. There never was a dull moment with Vir, a disposition he inherited from his friendly detailman father and older brod Dick. Bye, Vir, we’ll miss you.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/)
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