Senate President Enrile viewed closely

By Gonzalo Duque

POLITICAL circles are locked in their conflicting interpretations of the sudden replacement of Senate President Manny Villar by senior Senator Johnny Ponce Enrile who, they say, is the most experienced and probably most astute political tactician we have nowadays. .

Many say that Villar, who is the most visible presidential hopeful, has got the goat of his colleagues for being just that, ambitious and for using every square inch of his time and media mileage to gain an edge in the presidential equation.

But let’s give it to him for getting ousted “gracefully,” unlike then Speaker Joe de Venecia, who got out of the House kicking chairs.

In my opinion, the unceremonious exit of JdV was, to us, least expected knowing him to be a tried and tested statesman, a win-win solution guru and always cool in demeanor.

Others interpret the fall of Villar as one in keeping the times because there is a global economic turmoil, and the nation needs a steady hand from a veteran like Senator Enrile. True, Enrile is a known Gloria Arroyo sympathizer, but not that deep, not like one labeled “GMA man.” To our mind, he is his own man, and no one — except God — can dictate on Enrile.

Look at him. He is already in his 80’s but still looking good, smart and a ladies’ man. Kwidaw kayong mga chicks, palpalran kayo no siber siber kayod arap to, ompiano napaktak so panty yo, ay, lasi yo.

But in fairness to Lakay Johnny, he is a good man and has the interest of the nation at heart. He may be a sharp mouth, but he is profound and a brilliant strategist. Was he only used by Ping Lacson and Jamby Madrigal to depose Manny Villar? Again, we don’t think so. It was, to us, a political act that nobody knew where it was going exactly. But Enrile saw to it that it was he who got what fell from heaven. Matinik yay lakim. Even the late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos, feared him, and you all knew it, what he did to Marcos. The rest is history. It was he and a certain Fidel Ramos who engineered the fall of Marcos.

As to Manny Villar, he will have to quickly mend his fences. He is being bludgeoned by the C 5 controversy, and as Ping would say, marami pang bomba ang darating. But does his fall from grace mean sira na ang presidential plans niya? Of course not. The way he is handling his troubles shows a mature and thinking man. Only time will tell, but if you ask us, as of now, he is on track. And so far, we are impressed. We’ll keep you posted on the presidential race, Philippine style.

***

The grapevine says the impeachment complaint filed by the father and son De Venecia would be given due course. Ay siempre met a, ta, former speaker la tay mansasalita.

But if you ask us,we really doubt how it would land on first base. As we said almost always, the 2010 elections are just around the corner. In our random survey, those who are aching to remove the President are already pointing to the next elections.

In the meantime, our little dainty Pangulo is doing her utmost best to keep the ship of state sailing, yes, against all odds, in these perilous times, amidst the economic meltdown and the manipulative political opposition. Mapalar tayo ta walay onyan presidente, maanos, pikon paminsan minsan, siopa met so andi ey, bii tan ay, masanting tan magana, cute, maimis, maanos and babaeng matapang. Ay sikayo ran sogsog, makataway kayoy tami ya agyo nalingwanan, singa kayo apataay botayong.

Let’s allow our Presidentita to finish her term na lang, ha, mga agagui?

Advance Merry Christmas!

(Readers may reach columnist at punch.sunday@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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