Elinando B Cinco
THIS week, media has a field day quoting its favorite news sources on diverse issues of the day. The remarks were not only arresting and provocative but laden with double meanings and insinuations, thus, inviting repartees.
The compilation:
"Quezon City is the best governed city in the world today." – House Speaker Jose de Venecia
When not a single resident in two barangays near City Hall dared not sign the People’s Initiative endorsement form, even Davao City Mayor Rod Duterte will contest the exaggerated label.
Cebu Customs Collector Lourdes V. Mangaoang "consistently demonstrated desirable office decorum which are fair and square, sterling personal traits and institutes discipline among Customs servants which not only earned our highest esteem and admiration but that which likewise command our respect." – Cebu Customs brokers associations
The press announcement has a tone of a despedida statement.
"The MILF is not aiming to take over the ARMM leadership but we are pushing for the establishment of new regional set-up that would primarily address the problems of Muslim communities in Mindanao." – MILF Spokesman Eid Kabalu.
Mindanaoans know one of the two entities is a problem, but the question is which one is the solution!
"There is nothing wrong to have mining operations in the countryside as long as mining operators follow all the requirements of the law to safeguard environment and protect lives of the people." – Rep. Abdullah "Bobby" Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
You can count the fingers of your right hand mining companies that adhere to environmental laws.
On samples of Nescafe First Pick coffee given to businessmen and opinion leaders: "We got an overwhelming response from them. It is also a unique gift to share to the rest of the world." – Bruno Olierhoek, executive manager, coffee business unit, Nestle Philippines.
A Pinoy product going global.
"We wish to announce that the government has accepted Meralco’s unconditional offer contained in a letter (signed by chairman Manuel M. Lopez) addressed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to give its large industrial and commercial customers with demand volume of at least 1.0MW the choice of determining their own suppliers." Energy Secretary Raphael Lottila.
Now, who says the government is best on taking over Meralco?
"If the Comelec shall be cited in contempt, the government is ready to provide them legal assistance." – Solicitor General Antonio Nachura.
Buhay na naman ang The Firm!
"Cha-cha is being used by the politicians for their own selfish purposes. That is not right." – Lipa City Archbishop Ramon Arguelles
What is not wrong is the People’s Initiative.
"Never in our history has our nation been so divided. Yet, there is a plan to shift from presidential to a parliamentary form of government. This is NOT the solution to our problems." – Industrialist Raul T. Concepcion, in his Consumer and Oil Price Watch advertisement.
The reported 10 million who affixed their signatures, including Lambino and Aumentado, will not agree with you, sir!
"The National Anti-Crime Task Force is just waiting for the dissolution order." – An unidentified Nactaf officer.
Wala ng silbi.
"This election is very important for the direction of the country because there is a split right now. Voting is the responsibility of everyone who loves democracy."
Ominously, that remark was uttered by somebody in Thailand, not someone in Manila.
CONGRESSWOMAN ON THE SPOT. Many are of the opinion that it is incumbent upon Quezon City Rep. Nanette Castelo Daza to answer the allegations aired by ABS-CBN Channel 2 last March 25. It does not sit well for her to ignore the reported improprieties that benefited some employees of her private firms. The telecast has put her on the spot, considering that the documented expose was on primetime viewed by nationwide audiences.
Those who watched the program and heard the follow-up commentaries over the radio the following Sunday said that what Congresswoman Daza has allegedly done as narrated in the supposed expose has put the House of Representatives in an uncomfortable predicament as an institution already saddled with more than its share of charges of misconduct over the recent years.
Quezon City residents, especially her third district constituents, expect Daza to refute the allegations, a move that will just be proper.
The young lady lawmaker is one of the favorite political leaders of Mayor Sonny Belmonte.
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