An international reputation

It must be true that politics is an addiction. Note that Congresswoman Imee Marcos, who had announced that she was laying off politics this time, has obviously had a change of mind. The latest report we heard from Ilocos is that she and her brother, Ferdinand Jr., a.k.a. Bongbong, are just swapping posts. Bongbong is running for Congress, while Imee is going for the gubernatorial position he is leaving. So it will all still be in the family.

***

I could not decide whether to be indignant or amused upon seeing photos of some of my friends at the Daily Inquirer after they were hauled to the police station when the cops arrested them. The charges had been filed by no less than the presidential spouse, who is asking for P22 million in damages from the paper. And it was not only the Inquirer, nor even just the writer of the article that their accuser found offensive, who were charged - and arrested. Several others were also counted in.

***

Among those I saw in the photos was my friend Isagani Yambot, publisher of the paper. Now, we have always been kidding Gani during our Philippine Press Institute board meetings that he was the "best-dressed" among us all because he always had many "suits". But we all knew we were talking about libel suits, not sartorial elegance. But I'm sure this is the first time he and the rest had actually been taken to the station, and, in fact, detained.

***

Just imagine, the publisher and all seven editors were picked up, among them Jun Bandayrel, nation editor, and Juan Sarmiento, senior desk editor, who was my classmate at the Asian Institute of Management. And they were all there, because of a column written by Ramon Tulfo, who, lucky fellow, was not there when the others were rounded up. Now I'm sure all the others also charged by the first gentleman must be awaiting their turn, but I know they will not be quaking in their boots. I think they will even look at it as a status symbol.

***

It's a strange, but while her spouse has been filing cases left and right against journalists right in the country, the President herself is also being slammed by human rights and other groups abroad for alleged violations. Just think, the United Nations has even sent a representative here to look into the so-called extra-judicial killings.

Then the U.S. Senate also stuck its finger into the pie and held a special hearing with human rights advocates from here. Yesterday, both print and broadcast media were full of stories about another foreign body looking into our human rights records and this time the sessions are being held in The Hague! Think of that. We're getting an international reputation. The group, by the way is called the "Permanent People's Tribunal" and it is reportedly trying President Arroyo for human rights violations. I understand the "witnesses" and complainants are already in the Netherlands. Guess who could be providing them comfort and advice there.

***

It looks as if all the justifications and denials about the alleged overpricing of the ornamental lampposts that were installed on the roads leading to the site of the January 2007 conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cebu, didn't work. Charges for plunder have already been filed against those involved in their purchase and installation, and among them were officials of the Regional Department of Public Works and Highways, and the City Mayor of Mandaue. No bigger fish?

***

Curiouser and curiouser. That is what most people say about the alleged assassination plot against a town official when it was first reported. Later, however, they also began to think it was funnier and funnier. If, as some claim, it was scripted, then the one who did it was an amateur. Imagine a hitman coming out to reveal his own trade, and then saying he didn't proceed because he couldn't see a valid cause for doing it. Apparently P100,000 was not valid? He also must be a very smart operator, arranging for a hit, with video camera and tape recorder on the ready! He should give an award to the camera man as well a prize for the one in charge of sound effects.*

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