What if Dolphy had agreed?

What kind of president would the late inimitable Philippine comedian Dolphy have made? We will never know, because the guy had the good sense to know his limitations. Prodded to run for the office after several of his fellow movie personalities had joined politics, with some making good at it, the lovable master of laughter, quipped with a straight face: “And what if I win?”

***

Who knows? He may have lifted the spirits of his people by filling their days with laughter and bonhomie. He never thought to follow the likes of Joseph Estrada, the Revillas, and so many other movie actors who threw their hats into the political ring. Alas, some of them are now unhappy in detention, apparently not able to resist the temptations offered by the job. As for Dolphy, he must now be looking down and thinking how he could cheer up his former colleagues who are in danger of ending up in jail.

***

I remembered Dolphy, he with the deadpan humor and wit, when I saw an item in yesterday's papers that in Guatamela, a comedian is leading the race for the country's presidency. Noted comedian Jimmy Morales is now leading the count of votes over his two opponents, a former first lady of Guatemala, and a millionaire businessman. By this time, perhaps the counting is over, and the Guamalans are laughing over the way they pushed away two contenders who may be referred to as tradpols.

***

Among the wannabes for president of our country this time, who could be as lucky as Guatemala's Morales? Seems to me all the ones being mentioned in the media are too serious, and none have displayed any sense of humor in their recent public statements. Unfortunately, we no longer have comedians of Dolphy's caliber, so we cannot tell. Don't you wish that Dolphy had not been so sober and hard on himself when he was being prodded to try?

***

The Philippines is among the countries that have agreed to take in refugees from Syria. That's a truly humanitarian act of our government. Actually, as small and as poor as we are, we are known for being hospitable to the homeless and the oppressed. Until now the Jewish people remember and are grateful to our late President Manuel Quezon, who agreed to let in their people fleeing from Nazi oppression. Remember also the refugees of the Vietnam war? The Philippine government set them up in an island until they could return to their country, or move elsewhere.

***

Don't be surprised if you hear about a lot of people in Metro Manila suffering from nervous breakdowns. They say this can all be traced to the terrible stress they suffer from the atrocious traffic situation there. The assigning of the Highway Patrol Group supposed to comb out the messes on the roads, are said to have done little so far. Wasn't there a prediction that it would take 15 years for this problem to be solved? Meanwhile, let us just hope and pray that motorists keep their wits around them and not get into traffic induced altercations or even shootings.

***

A news item published recently said that there are now 26,820 vacancies in the Philippine National Police. Why, therefore, is that agency not working to fill those up? Many of our towns and cities are complaining about the lack of policemen to deal, both with the peace and order situation, and especially against the proliferation of illegal drugs. Or has this administration not prioritized the police aspect of governance?

***

It rained and it poured. Suddenly the prices of oil products zoomed to unimaginable heights, stunning motorists and transportation operators. For sure a hike in fares can be expected. And then there's the Philippine peso sinking against the dollar, after a few months of a better rate. Now it is P47 to $1, and maybe the only ones happy over that are the overseas Pinoy workers in the U.S.A.*

back to top