In Talisay, the
torch is passed

Life is like a relay. Each of us carries a torch. On making a round we pass the torch to the next runner.

Talisay City Mayor Anthony V. Lizares has made a lap. He has passed the torch to now Mayor Eric Saratan who must carry it high to bring light to all.

That famous Roman writer Lucretius said it well when he wrote saying in everything renewal is the foundation. And that mortals depend upon one another. In a short space, he adds, the generations of living creatures change and "like runners pass on the torch of life."

Mayor Anthony Lizares can just recite an old high school poem "In Flanders Field" by John McCrae when he wrote, and this can now be addressed to Mayor Saratan, "To you from strong hands we throw,/ The torch be yours to hold it high…"

Hold it high, Eric. Your father Tito was my fellow teacher at La Salle and teaching English. This must have been one of his favorite poems.

I haven't met the new mayor and don't know him much. But if he is as good as his father, then Talisay is in good hands.

* * *

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra was quoted as saying the Bishops will not support the Constituent Assembly.

The Bishops may have their own reasons for opposing the Constituent Assembly. They are not against amending the Constitution. That is clear. They are against the Constituent Assembly. This means the Senate and the House meet together to constitute the Constituent Assembly.

The common opposition is the perception that these lawmakers who will compose the Constituent Assembly will work only for their own interests and not the interest of the country.

* * *

This is prejudging the issue. That Senators will fight hard in order that the Senate will not be abolished. And the Congressmen will work so that their perks and power will not be diminished.

In short, the Bishops do not trust people who will constitute the Constituent Assembly.

Problem is if we elect delegates to the Constitutional Convention these politicians, with all their money, will romp away with the election putting up members of their family.

So, where do we go? Why these problems?

* * *

At the bottom of these problems is the credibility of President Arroyo, then Speaker Jose de Venecia, and the Congressmen themselves.

This is difficult and serious. They may craft a very good Constitution. But, lacking the credibility, the Constitution will always be under question.

But, the main accusing finger points to Speaker Jose de Venecia who has been accused of orchestrating everything in his overpowering desire to be Prime Minister.

But he is honest enough to admit he has been nurturing the ambition.

Credibility is very important to every person, whether a leader or an ordinary citizen. When people don't have their confidence in you, then it's bad. Everything that you do will be wrong.

And credibility is not made overnight. Credibility is like integrity. Integrity is derived from the word, integer. Or the whole. Integrity is about the whole person.

* * *

When we talk of the world's or history's greatest leader, it is Moses. Moses led the Jews from Egypt to the Promise Land. And thousands of them followed him without question.

They suffered hunger, pain, illnesses and wandered in the desert for 40 years but still followed Moses because they believed in him.

They saw in Moses a true leader who was for the people. Speaker de Venecia has created an impression he is a traditional politician, one reason why he lost heavily to an actor in 1998.

As a politician, people perceive him to be just interested in himself. And that he holds the Congressmen and can make them dance at the palm of his hands because he pampers them with favors.

This is where the problem is with the Constituent Assembly. People doubt the sincerity of our leaders, particularly Speaker Jose de Venecia.

It's difficult to get that trust any more. But probably they can steamroll Congress to pass it.

* * *

I have a friend who was very vocal against the picture in the billboard at Mandalagan bridge of Kris Aquino in quite a questionable pose.

The other day, he texted me, "Amazing how fate unfolds. My architect daughter and Kris have become friends. All of a sudden lumambot ang loob ko. (My heart softened.)."

Sometimes as we grow old our perception change. That's why, once in a while, we must listen to the young.

* * *

Our Sunshine Channel managing director Amado Villacarlos and NPC vice-president celebrates his birthday yesterday.

I am happy when I first took up the idea of investments in Sunshine Channel so many wanted to join us. But the first money that came Tuesday and yesterday were from abroad, Romy Niere and Bing Ramos.*

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