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They have not made categorical statements so far. But
from their recent activities and body language, it would seem that
Senator Richard Gordon and Makati Mayor Jejomar are preparing for
2010. For the sake of wider choice, we should welcome their entry.
Gordon is very busy these days.
At one time, I noticed he was in Panay, supervising the activities
of the Philippine National Red Cross of which he is the chairman. In
another time, he is in Mindanao, holding dialogues with officials on
how to alleviate the effects of natural disaster.
The articulate Gordon now
believes that action makes propaganda. Gordon does not have to say
that he is running. But people are attaching significance to his
moves. Many people I have talked to say Gordon is preparing. After
all, about two years ago, Gordon made an announcement that he wants
to start a dialogue with the Filipino on reforms. What else does
that mean, except that he wants to run?
If Gordon runs, what would be his
slogan and identity positioning? From his activities—not only here
but also in Myanmar—it would be “service to the people.” For
that is the essence of his activities—humanitarian work. Forget
the old slogan that sounds like this: “Today Olongapo, tomorrow
the Philippines.”
Now comes Makati Mayor Jejomar
Binay, the president of the United Nationalist Opposition (UNO)
which is the core of the opposition to the Arroyo government. We
observed two of his activities that show his interest in a position
higher than managing the premier city of the country.
If you see Binay going the rounds
of the archipelago, he is invariably forging sister-city accords
with Makati. Sometimes, he is in Pangasinan, broadening his
alliances for the future. Even small towns are not spared by his
kind of charm offensive. I learned that the little town of Sta.
Maria in Romblon is a recipient of the generosity of Makati.
Binay, through his foundation, is
sponsoring a conference on leadership on July 29. He will be
featuring Mr. Rudy Giuliani who will speak on “leadership in times
of crisis.” I suppose Giuliani will focus his speech on his
experience in the handling of 9/11 which happened in his city of New
York.
The underlying message of the
forum is that leadership is not only national, but also local. In a
country which has not considered a mayor for the presidency (Manila
mayors Arsenio Lacson and Alfredo Lim tried their luck but failed),
the Giuliani speech may just change the rules of the game in
selecting presidential standard bearers.
If you remember, Gordon tried to
run for the highest position on the basis of excellence in managing
Olongapo City where he was mayor for several terms. But he failed.
The reason probably was that, in the minds of the voters, Olongapo
was too small to become a model for governance. This time, Gordon is
banking on wider national constituency.
By choice, Binay has never
assumed a national post. But his leadership over Makati has made his
name a byword all over the country. He can count on that name, along
with his leadership over the core of the opposition. The only
question for Binay would be his winning the nominations where there
are strong contenders.
United Nations team goes to
Sibuyan
We are glad that a team of
experts from the United Nations is going to Sibuyan to solve the
problem of the sunken Princess of the Stars. The people in the area
want the ship to be refloated because of the toxic materials inside
the boat. There is an existing ban on fishing in the waters of San,
Fernando, Romblon.
They better do it fast.
Department of Health Chief Francisco Duque describes the sunken boat
as a time bomb. If the chemicals underneath mixes with water, then a
wider fishing area will be affected, including the Tablas Straits
and the waters fronting the Bicol region.
We should go to the root of the
problem of this tragedy. Speaker Prospero Nograles has already
called for investigation. But alongside those investigations should
be a resolve by the government and the owners of Sulpicio to move
ASAP for the sake of the people of Romblon and for the protection of
the environment.
BRIEF NOTES. Expect a continuing
debate on the appointment of Ms. Zenaida Ducut as chairman of the
Energy Regulatory Commission. Already, there are derogatory reports
about the connections of Ducut, a two-term congresswoman from
Pampanga . . . Expect the giant electric firm to make its presence
felt in this debate . . . Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is sure to go
to Beijing to carry the RP banner in the parade of athletes . . .
The three-hour dress rehearsal for the opening ceremonies in the
Beijing Olympics is finished. The only problem is when the rains
come during the event . . . French President Sarkozy has backtracked
from his plan to boycott the Olympics. He is now joining US
President Bush in the opening ceremonies. By the way, President GMA
will also be there.
jules42na@yahoo.com
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