SHOOTING THE MESSENGER

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The recent national and local elections have indeed divided the Philippines and its people. Hence, having a soft spokesperson, non-political image and unargumentative spokesman would be ideal.

Yes, I agree and very well aware that Atty. Vic Rodriguez is a lawyer with an outstanding background in court trials. But I also thought that the incoming leadership is calling for unity, and that the presumptive president Bongbong Marcos wants the people regardless of political color and belief to rally behind one flag and government.

Thus, the incoming administration this early must start finding ways to pacify  political tensions, social division and not to further stir critical observations for our country to move forward peacefully.

Undeniably, the presumptive BBM-Sarah administration may have the backing of 31-million Filipinos as reflected in the recent election results but this is only a chunk of the 109, 035, 343 Filipino population. As such, the welfare of the general public must at all times be given utmost considerations. 

Therefore, while I don't challenge the credentials of Atty. Rodriguez as a lawyer but as a spokesman, I believe he is not helping the cause of the incoming president. As a former journalist and a malacanang reporter at that, in my one cent opinion, Vic Rodriguez is not fit for a spokesperson position. A "Presidential Spokesman" does not only relay and communicate to the public the official position of the president and the chief executive office, he or she must also help in the political image and in shaping and building the public's confidence in the government. 

Atty. Rodriguez word-tussle against former Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) Commissioner Andy Bautista is not helping the cause of the Marcoses versus the alleged 'missing painting amounting to P8-billion.'  

The camp of the presidential frontliner at this early must take into account the consequences of Atty. Rodriguez who is always on the frontline would retain as the mouthpiece of BBM, because it is tantamount to always launching a missile. Many stories from the past has been told saying the comedy shows and stageplays in the post-war era thrive because it helped divert the attention of the public from the distractions brought by armed conflict.

Maybe, the presumptive president would also want to ask his committee to review the profile of Sec. Martin Andanar, spokesman of outgoing President Duterte, as well as the other  spokesperson who served at the presidential palace such as Atty. Michael "Mike" Toledo, Press Sec. Ignacio Bunye, and the late Sec. Rod Reyes, among others, to help them find a more suitable candidate for the job, if indeed the next administration wants to forge peace and unity against its critics and opposing political camps.

 

REALITY vs INSTINCT

 

Photo credit to @Iram0524

With less than 99% of the partial and unofficial votes being counted against the 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur that will have to cast their votes following election related violence, I would say Filipinos whether pro or anti BBM-Sarah supporters must start moving forward. 

Indeed, the democratic process in the Philippines is still very much alive, however, it doesn't mean not recognizing the flaws of the election and the commission managing it. The electoral exercise in the country is far from perfect, but the important thing is we can still cry foul and unfair if one sees there is injustice or uneven treatment.

To this day, I am still a VP Leni fan. In fact, I still watch her do the unpacking and unwrapping of the gifts she received during the campaign, and her thanks giving rally. But my admiration for VP Leni must not block my hope for a better nation. I may be old but I also have the right to a productive nation. Of course, I am also equally terrified as any *Kakampinks" that the BBM-Sarah government may bring us to hell like what the outgoing Pres. Duterte told his supporters. 

But while this is my sentiments, we could not live in fear and chaos. As a nation, we all must help and contribute in pushing and pulling our economy forward, or else all of us will also suffer. This must be the reason why I have been dreaming of mice, and rats more frequently, as I fear them. Nonetheless, it will do no good for anyone if you will allow fear to take over your life, judgement and decision. For now, we have the option to swim and to float and allow the calm waters to relax. And as part of moving there should be trust, respect and love. So  at least for now, for the time being shun what is not yet happening and live for the moment.

BREAKING THE DAWN

An early morning rise at Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales

With less than 99% of the partial and unofficial votes being counted against the 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur that will have to cast their votes following election related violence, I would say Filipinos whether pro or anti BBM-Sarah must start moving forward.

Acknowledging that the democratic process of a country such as the Philippines is still alive doesn't mean not recognizing the flaws of the election and the commission managing it. The electoral exercise in the Philippines is far from perfect, but the important thing is we can still cry foul and unfair if one sees there is injustice or uneven treatment.

To this day, I am still a VP Leni fan. In fact, I still watch her do the unpacking and unwrapping of the gifts she received during the campaign. But my admiration for VP Leni must not block my hope for a better nation. I may be old but I also have the right to a productive nation. Of course, I am also terrified that the BBM-Sarah government may bring us to hell like what the outgoing Pres. Duterte told his supporters. 

However, we could not live in fear and chaos. As a nation, we all must help and contribute in pushing and pulling our economy or else all of us will also suffer. This must be the reason why I have been dreaming of mice more frequently, as I fear rats and mice. It will do no good for anyone if you will allow your fear to take over your life, judgement and decision. For now, we have the option to swim and to float and allow the calm waters to relax. At least for now, for the time being shun what is not yet happening and live for the moment.