By Atty. Farah G. Decano

 

TWO days before stepping down for retirement, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon stood in front of the church and disclosed to the media what may be a conspiracy in the Comelec to derail any decision that may be unfavorable to presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  She bellowed that she was not “patay-gutom” as she accused some officials of probably being on the take.  She later continued her discourse that she can afford to be sued anywhere because she was the daughter of hacienderos in the province of Negros.

She sounded like an arrogant matapobre.  Her statement may have sounded that the poor are corruptible and the wealthy are not.  Of course, we know that this kind of binary thinking is illogical.

In reality, there are those who are poor but could easily deny themselves the luxuries of life in favor of a greater good, and there are those who, despite their billions, remain greedy beyond our imagination.  I hope when she roared that she was not “patay-gutom,” she meant that she was not impoverished with virtues especially those that pertain to temperance and courage.

“Patay-gutom” should refer to those wanting in values.  They are individuals who develop insatiable appetite for riches and power.  I choose to believe this was what Atty. Guanzon meant.  After all, I prefer to listen to her message rather than her manner of delivery.  Her explosive statements may have been brought about by disgust and frustration.  Atty. Guanzon was willing to give up her hard-earned pension in order to prove her point.  A retiring commissioner’s accusation of her own institution should not be taken lightly and must be heard in a proper forum.

A legislative investigation, perhaps?

*          *          *          *

Last week, I evaluated one presidential candidate.  Now, let us take a look at one who donned the humble hat.  I cannot help but think that this seemingly naive politician has astute advisers.  They knew when to strike when the iron is hot.  During his rise as a boxer, he published his autobiography and later produced a movie about his life.  He must have earned big bucks during those times.  He was still very popular when the book and the movie were released.  When age caught up with him which made him less marketable for more ring combats, he ran for congress.  He ran under the same platform as the Duterte Wannabe – that his candidacy was for the poor. 

Strike while the iron is hot policy remains.   He eventually made his wife run, then his brother, and then also initiated the 1PACMAN partylist.  It is interesting that 1-PACMAN nominee, Eric Pineda, was alleged to be this presidential candidate’s business partner. 

Ano ito?  What is the motivation of this boxer and his advisers for striking when the iron is hot?

Do we have to take advantage of every opportunity whenever it presents itself?  This sporty contender says his intention cannot be questioned because he had housing projects for the poor even before he became a politician.   However, intention is not enough.  The highest post of the land requires not just cursory knowledge of complex issues like taxation, foreign policies, international disputes, terrorism and its variations.  His knowledge of these issues should not be that of a cutie-patootie during serious interviews.  He cannot invoke and hide behind the name of God all the time.  This candidate must know that whatever he says as president shall be policy.   

It takes humility to accept one’s limitations.  This presidential candidate maintains his meekness but is of the belief that he is capable.  Ah, I am reminded of a popular term in Facebook now.  Humblebrag.  

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments